Apple switching to Intel processors

[Boyd]

This has nothing to do with the pines, but definitely fits the topic of "electronics insanity" Today Apple Computer announced they were beginning the transition to Intel CPU chips with the first machines available a year from now and a complete transition within two years.

According to what I've read, Apple does not plan to support MS Windows on the Mac but said there wouldn't be anything about the hardware to preclude someone else from doing this. So it looks like you'll be able to have one computer which can boot into either MS Windows of MacOS X. OTOH, they are taking steps to ensure that MacOS can only run on Apple hardware. Here's the press release:

Apple to Use Intel Microprocessors Beginning in 2006

WWDC 2005, SAN FRANCISCO—June 6, 2005—At its Worldwide Developer Conference today, Apple® announced plans to deliver models of its Macintosh® computers using Intel® microprocessors by this time next year, and to transition all of its Macs to using Intel microprocessors by the end of 2007. Apple previewed a version of its critically acclaimed operating system, Mac OS® X Tiger, running on an Intel-based Mac® to the over 3,800 developers attending CEO Steve Jobs’ keynote address. Apple also announced the availability of a Developer Transition Kit, consisting of an Intel-based Mac development system along with preview versions of Apple’s software, which will allow developers to prepare versions of their applications which will run on both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs.

“Our goal is to provide our customers with the best personal computers in the world, and looking ahead Intel has the strongest processor roadmap by far,†said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “It’s been ten years since our transition to the PowerPC, and we think Intel’s technology will help us create the best personal computers for the next ten years.â€

“We are thrilled to have the world’s most innovative personal computer company as a customer,†said Paul Otellini, president and CEO of Intel. “Apple helped found the PC industry and throughout the years has been known for fresh ideas and new approaches. We look forward to providing advanced chip technologies, and to collaborating on new initiatives, to help Apple continue to deliver innovative products for years to come.â€

“We plan to create future versions of Microsoft Office for the Mac that support both PowerPC and Intel processors,†said Roz Ho, general manager of Microsoft’s Macintosh Business Unit. “We have a strong relationship with Apple and will work closely with them to continue our long tradition of making great applications for a great platform.â€

“We think this is a really smart move on Apple’s part and plan to create future versions of our Creative Suite for Macintosh that support both PowerPC and Intel processors,†said Bruce Chizen, CEO of Adobe.

The Developer Transition Kit is available starting today for $999 to all Apple Developer Connection Select and Premier members. Further information for Apple Developer Connection members is available at developer.apple.com. Intel plans to provide industry leading development tools support for Apple later this year, including the Intel C/C++ Compiler for Apple, Intel Fortran Compiler for Apple, Intel Math Kernel Libraries for Apple and Intel Integrated Performance Primitives for Apple.

Intel (www.intel.com), the world’s largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music store.

 

[Teegate]

There are many reasons as you know why they would do this, and I think the decision was made a long time ago when Motorola had problems delivering, and Apple was late getting their new product out.

Guy

 

[Boyd]

My *guess* is that the final straw was IBM's inability to deliver a G5 that can work in a laptop. The current models all run too hot and use too much power. This has really held back Apple's laptops and is making it hard for them to get a premium price.

I edit video, do 3d modeling and other things that need a lot of CPU. My desktop machine is a dual 2.5ghz G5. The top of the line laptop only has a 1.67ghz single G4 which runs at maybe 1/3 that speed. Quite a big problem for people that need to do these things on the road.

Apple is looking to license software called "Rosetta" which reportedly can translate existing PPC code to x86 on the fly at 80% normal speed. Given a fast Intel chip this should let them make a compatible laptop faster than the current models right off the bat. Rumor is that the first model to appear will be an Intel based Mac Mini however...

 

[Teegate]

And as mentioned in the article you may find many faithful waiting to purchase one and that will cause sales reduction in the near future. With 30% of their sales in iPod sales, they still will do fine.

Guy

 

[Teegate]

Also, when they come out that may be the time for me to purchased an older model as I have always done. I can never afford a first generation computer and still am running a 450 G4 Sawtooth. Both my wife and youngest daughter have had faster computers than me for years.

Guy

 

[Ben Ruset]

I think it's great that Apple switched over to x86. The new Pentium-M core absolutely smokes the G5, and since it's a mobile chip, will work great in the new Apple laptops.

I don't think it will be long before someone figures out how to get OSX to load on a standard PC. The problem might be in hardware support - chances are you won't see too many drivers written for non-Apple certified parts. Which would make the prospects of running OSX on something like my Toshiba laptop hard.

But since I switched BACK to XP from OSX, it doesn't bother me. I'd like the ability to dual boot.

What this does do, however, is torpedo Linux on the desktop. Nobody will bother when there is a cheaper (than Windows) alternative desktop OS that is actually mature and stable.

Edit: Guy I don't know how you can stand OSX on that machine you have. It was unbearably slow on the Mini I had at work. And that had a 1.2ghz G4 with 512mb of RAM.

 

[Boyd]

Guy I don't know how you can stand OSX on that machine you have. It was unbearably slow on the Mini I had at work. And that had a 1.2ghz G4 with 512mb of RAM.

Really? I think Panther is very responsive of my 1ghz G4 Powerbook with 1.5GB RAM, and it was fine when I only had 512 MB. Of course I like it better on my dual 2.5 G5, but honestly I don't see a lot of difference for "housekeeping" tasks in the finder. I gave my friend my G4/733 desktop with 768MB RAM and Panther. It feels every bit as fast as her XP 2.4hgz laptop, especially for things like opening windows, control panels, etc.

One problem with the mini is a very slow hard drive.

 

[Teegate]

While on the Apple subject, do any of you own an iPod? If so, you have a secret game hidden in it just like they did with OS 7.5. Basically, it is the old "Breakout" or "Bricks" game. Check it out here.

http://www.eeggs.com/items/30758.html

Guy

 

[Teegate]

Edit: Guy I don't know how you can stand OSX on that machine you have. It was unbearably slow on the Mini I had at work. And that had a 1.2ghz G4 with 512mb of RAM.

Sorry for the delay in responding, but I missed this as I do so many others

The reason why I don't have much of a problem is that you would be surprised at how few programs I really use. My life on this computer revolves around the pines only. What else! So I use email, Terrabrowser, the web, and a few other minor programs. If I use a major one it just takes time.

I can't use iPhoto because it will not scroll through the over 6000 photo's I have. That is why I file my photo's by date in a folder and not in iPhoto. I then use my own memory and the search feature to find them. I plan ahead by titling my photo's using words that I will remember so that I can search, or I title them by GPS coordinate. That takes many many hours to do, but that it what I must do. It does however make a good way to have thousands of GPS coordinates easily searchable.

Guy