Apple using Intel the end of the world?

I have to say, I think Neil is spot on here. Architecture does matter, especially after the HP secure infrastructure announcement last week. I'd rather have a hamster, quite frankly, than a Pentium-D. But as long as we're talking about chips and security, Apple: how about a crypto chip?

Does this mean we have to hear that dumb Intel chime during Apple commercials now? Fishes, narco.

Honestly, I think if it happens, it could potentially be the best thing that Apple ever did, or their biggest failure. Consider that, in the OS battle, Apple's main weakness is that they make software that only runs on their proprietary hardware, which also happens to be more expensive. This creates a skewed playing area for them, only allowing them to market to target audiences that are willing to purchase new software AND new hardware. It's no secret that Appple's relationship with IBM has been rocky for a while, both over IBM's failure to meet promised performance specifications, as well as their lack of production output. Couple this with the fact that SJ is crazy like a fox, and I can see a pretty big argument for going ahead, biting the bullet, and making the architecture switch. I think that, if the rumors are true, most everybody is going to predict Apple's failure. I, however, believe that Jobs can pull it off.

The history of the last decade of computing is littered with the carcasses of alternative operating systems for Intel-powered machines. Solaris, OS/2, BeOS, NeXTSTEP/OpenSTEP, etc... If Apple releases OS X secured to run only on Apple-made Intel hardware, *somebody* will hack it to run on non-Apple Intel hardware... and then- game over. Thanks for playing. Your favorite fruit-named computing company will join the ranks of the names above...

Smoke and Mirrors, people. I still think it's all smoke and mirrors.......where does Apple NOT want you to look right now......

"I don't really care if my Powerbook is powered by a PowerPC, a Xeon, or a hamster, as long as I can surf the web..." AMEN!

I think the switch to x86 is a bull**** rumor. It makes no sense. Apple switching to x86 when IBM proves it is capable of cranking out a 3.2Ghz multi-core G5 based processor for the Xbox360? No way. Too much hassle. So this is what it is: A.) If it is true that Apple will use Intel assembled microprocessors, they will be Intel manufactured G5s. IBM has been very open about "opening up" the PowerPC chips to other manufacturers. Maybe Intel can work around IBM considering how many patents Apple has on PPC technology along with a possible licensing agreement with Sony and Toshiba over the Cell processors. or B.) Apple will be using Intel StrongARM chips for the rumored Apple Tablet. or C.) None of the above. Its a partnership over Intel's WiMAX technology (which Apple is interested in) and/or the adoption of PCI Express in new Mac models. Whatever the announcement, it put my iBook purchase on hold... :)

I don't know about this. I will tell you what, if the new macs run on intel and OSX 10.5 runs only on these I will be mighty upset. So upset in fact, that I would run out and buy a new friggin mac. I am so hooked...

Intel powered pocket/tablet pc?

If Apple is going to ditch IBM/Motorola they should start using AMD chips... That would make more sense than using Intel chips! As for the Intel stickers, I always remove them from my machines. Maybe Apple will annouce a device that uses an Intel chip, instead of a full switch to Intel.