AppleInsider confirmed that the new generation of MacBooks will replace the Intel's integrated graphics chipsets with those part of NVIDIA's new mobile platform, despite problems that occurred earlier this year.

This past summer, Nvidia admitted that a packaging defect had led to a graphics chip problem that affected some notebook computers, including those made by Dell and Hewlett-Packard. In a post about the problem, Apple said that back in July "Nvidia assured Apple that Mac computers with these graphics processors were not affected." But after an investigation led by Apple, the computer maker said it determined that some MacBook Pro models with the GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor may be affected, Apple said in the notice.

Moreover customers have complained on Web message boards about how the companies have responded to the problem, especially PC makers' refusal to replace the chip in a laptop unless it fails. But Apple on the other hand said it will repair at no charge MacBook Pros where the Nvidia GPU has failed, or fails within two years from the purchase date.

Models that might be affected are 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pros with Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics processors. The computers were made between May 2007 and September 2008 with either a 2.2-GHz or 2.4-GHz CPU.

Signs that the Nvidia GPU is failing include distorted or scrambled video as well as a blank screen.

The NVIDIA definitely has its advantages. From a design perspective, NVIDIA's consolidation of the entire controller features into a single chip rather than the two necessary for Intel's current architecture. NVIDIA also has several features such as DriveCache, which uses flash storage to speed up loading times, and Hybrid SLI, which switches from discrete to integrated graphics to increase battery life in low-demand situations.

However Apple is expected to make the full extent of NVIDIA's role clear at its notebook event next week.