It’s been discovered by Anandtech that the new 2011 MacBook Air recently launched by Apple is fitted with a weaker Thunderbolt chip than other Apple systems such as the iMac, Mac Mini, and MacBook Pro.
All systems apart from the MacBook Air use a full-sized Thunderbolt controller chip called the Light Ridge, but Anandtech has discovered the new 2011 MacBook Air is equipped with a less powerful and scaled-down version of the chip called the Eagle Ridge.
Why Apple Chose the Eagle Ridge Chip
The weaker Thunderbolt chip has probably been included by Apple in the slim MacBook Air to save space and power. The MacBook Air is renowned for its ultra-thin design and portability, which necessitates certain compromises in hardware to maintain its sleek profile. The Eagle Ridge chip is smaller and consumes less power compared to the Light Ridge chip, making it a more suitable choice for a device where space and battery life are at a premium.
This decision shouldn’t cause too many problems for most users, unless you are looking to daisy chain two monitors. The Eagle Ridge will not support more than one external monitor, which could be a limitation for professionals who rely on multiple displays for their workflow. Additionally, if you need to push larger amounts of data, the weaker chip will only support transfer speeds slower than the full Thunderbolt chip that is capable of data speeds of up to 10 Gbps of bi-directional traffic.
Implications for Users
For the average user, the inclusion of the Eagle Ridge chip in the MacBook Air may not be a significant drawback. Most users will find the Thunderbolt port sufficient for their needs, such as connecting to a single external monitor, transferring files, or connecting to other peripherals. However, power users and professionals who require higher data transfer speeds and the ability to connect multiple high-resolution monitors may find this limitation restrictive.
For example, video editors who work with large files and need to transfer data quickly between external storage devices and their MacBook Air might experience slower performance. Similarly, graphic designers who use multiple monitors to extend their workspace will be unable to do so with the Eagle Ridge chip.
Despite these limitations, the MacBook Air remains a popular choice for users who prioritize portability and battery life over raw performance. The trade-off in Thunderbolt performance is a calculated decision by Apple to maintain the MacBook Air’s slim and lightweight design, which has been a key selling point for the device.
In conclusion, while the inclusion of the Eagle Ridge chip in the 2011 MacBook Air represents a compromise in performance, it aligns with the overall design philosophy of the MacBook Air. Users who require the full capabilities of the Thunderbolt technology may need to consider other Apple systems like the iMac, Mac Mini, or MacBook Pro, which are equipped with the more powerful Light Ridge chip.
Source: Apple Insider : Anandtech : Image iFixit
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