John Gruber, that Daring Fireball of a man, has entered the fray of Intel rumors with his usual combination of wit and knowledge. John thinks that while it is plausible that Apple might be moving to Intel for its computers it is highly unlikely.Why is it improbable you ask? The fact that all software that currently runs on Macs using the PowerPC chip architecture would need to be recompiled to run on Intel chips. No existing software would be able to run on the Intel Mac, and that isn't a good thing. Using WWDC to announce the move a year or so in advance to developers would give them plenty of time to get their software up and running on the new Intel Macs, but John points out who would buy a PowerPC Mac during that year? I know I wouldn't.
Finally, John points out that Apple makes more than Macs now adays and Intel makes many chips other than those processors that we see our Windows brethren using. Apple could very well be considering using Intel chips (heck, they already use Intel chips) but most likely not for Macs.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-15-2005 @ 11:55AM
Michael Leslie said...
If Apple is going to create a new extension of their OS for intel chipsets will it be possible to install that same OS any existing intel board, or only their own power pc that it is being designed for. I am a windows user who recitently has been interested in switch to mac os but I have already invested so much money for my windowsw machines that it would be practical to go out and buy a new apple machine. Also I would like to know if this possible then can a multiboot system be set up, one drive with Ntfs and the other formatted for the mac?
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6-16-2005 @ 4:19PM
Kurt said...
Is it possible that Intel could just manufacturing the PowerPC?
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6-16-2005 @ 4:19PM
Jam said...
the guy is forgetting like so many that Intel could just make the PowerPC chip like IBM does now.
Everyone always thinks just because Intel its going to be a x86 chip which is just not true.
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6-16-2005 @ 4:19PM
Vadim Lozko said...
And people just figured this out now? I knew this was going to a problem from the moment they mentioned it. Intel would have to develop a chip that's compatible to the PowerPC's instruction set. That takes quite a bit of R&D.
My guess is Apple is interested in WiMax. Apple seems to be the best at pushing out new technologies into the market. Maybe they're seeing this as a potential.
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6-16-2005 @ 4:19PM
Isidro Tribiana said...
As far as I'm concern, when Apple makes that move to Intel chips, "That will be the day I'll switch over to MacIntosh Computers".
To me Macs are the most user friendly computer there is and I always wanted one but, because of the price, I would rather have a Wintel PC even though it's hard to use.
I don't think Apple will lose customers. On the contrary, I believe, Apple will entice Wintel PC users like me.
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6-16-2005 @ 4:19PM
teksno said...
remember all those rumors of the apple tablet...what if, just a big what if...apple decides to use some version of the pentium m (low heat there) along with one of intel centrino chipsets...i know i wouldnt want a tablet that gets as hot as my power book...
not to mention that apple is rumored to maintain a x86 version of OSX...codeneamed project marklar.
so what do all these rumors amount to... NOTHING!!! but it does make for an intresting thought...
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6-16-2005 @ 4:19PM
fra said...
as no.1 said, apple + intel might just make another PowerPC since IBM arn't doing well creating G5 for iBook/Powerbook
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6-16-2005 @ 4:19PM
Chris K said...
FatBinaries! :)
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6-16-2005 @ 4:19PM
The Jeremy said...
Why the x86 speculation? Seriously, some people need to take a clue pill. The negotiations are either for Intel WiMAX chips or to use Intel StrongARM chips for the Apple iTablet. Nothing more, nothing less.
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6-16-2005 @ 4:19PM
shen said...
"As far as I'm concern, when Apple makes that move to Intel chips, "That will be the day I'll switch over to MacIntosh Computers". "
since an Apple move to X86 would not make the hardware any cheaper, would make the software (and thus the whole package) cost more, and would be slower (since what Macs do well is better handled by floating point monsters like the G4 and G5) anyone who bought just because they moved to X86, isn't very bright.
.....but then that is most windows users, isn't it?
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6-16-2005 @ 4:19PM
Scott Bryan said...
Perhaps the new Itanium based Macs will run 68K and PowerPC software in emulation mode, like they did on the switch from the 68K chips.
I'm not thrilled about it, but reckon that it won't have much impact on the user experience.
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