Geekbench? Yeah, that's nice.<p><a href="https://browser.geekbench.com/processors/2134" rel="nofollow">https://browser.geekbench.com/processors/2134</a><p>If you believe a tablet can beat a 24-core $1500 server processor in a highly threaded workload, you may be interested in my upcoming ICO!<p>Geekbench is only good as a punchline.
Benchmarks often don't tell the whole story. I remember a similar headline from a couple years ago lauding the Nexus 9 for having comparable benchmarks to a Macbook Pro:<p><a href="https://9to5google.com/2014/10/16/nexus-9-benchmark-is-comparable-to-a-2012-mac-pro/" rel="nofollow">https://9to5google.com/2014/10/16/nexus-9-benchmark-is-compa...</a><p>The device still got mixed reviews.[0][1][2]<p>[0]<a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/11/nexus-9-review-a-premium-tablet-with-a-not-so-premium-feel/" rel="nofollow">https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/11/nexus-9-review-a-pre...</a><p>[1]<a href="https://www.androidpolice.com/2014/11/03/nexus-9-review-a-little-better-on-paper-than-in-practice/" rel="nofollow">https://www.androidpolice.com/2014/11/03/nexus-9-review-a-li...</a><p>[2]<a href="https://www.engadget.com/2014/11/03/google-nexus-9-review/" rel="nofollow">https://www.engadget.com/2014/11/03/google-nexus-9-review/</a>
I honestly think they are going in the right direction and are purposely taking their time to perfect each development before over complicating iOS. They have an opportunity with iOS to start from scratch and develop new ways of using and interacting with a computer and have decided not to rush it.<p>My iPad Pro wish list:<p>- A “Proper” file system<p>- Ability to run my own code written on it (and leave it running in background, e.g. a development web server)<p>- Terminal access<p>- A detachable keyboard with touchpad (far better ergonomics than a touch screen when typing at a desk)<p>- Support for a mouse (less important)<p>Steve Jobs said they would never do a stylus, now they have one. Just wait to see what they do next.
At this point it's a good bet the next plain 'MacBook' will be an A series processor.<p>We're looking at the leading edge of an eventual transition to Apple's full hardware stack using its own IP top to bottom, though I expect a long Intel tail for 'Pro' users.
If Apple is getting this kind of performance out of their CPU/GPUs, especially the "Xbox One X level performance" they mentioned about their iPad Pro, curious if they'll turn Apple TV into a gaming console.
If only you could plug an Android phone in desktop mode (Samsung's Dex or Huawei's projection) to power such a perfect mobile touchscreen and keyboard.<p>Android chips lag behind, but they're good enough for occasional development.
Surely this has to fuel the flames on the "2019 MacPro will be ARM based" fire.<p>At this point, it seems Apple could pull it off if they wanted to, while thumping Intel in the process.
Intel's gross margins are high enough (especially on the higher end chips) that it makes sense for Apple to design their own chips for Macs. Rumors are pointing to 2020 for when it will first happen.<p>Macs could then be cheaper <i>and</i> better than the competition (or significantly more profitable).