you can purchase the intel version of Mac OS X 10.4
Not legally you can't! Go to an Apple Store or other retailer, or even http://store.apple.com. You will find only 10.4.6 available and that the hardware requirements include quote PowerPC G5, G4 or G3 processor unquote. The first version of OS X that supports the Intel chips is 10.4.7. I think maybe Mac OS X Server v10.4 for Intel is available, but that is $500. Obviously, the Intel Macs come with bootable DVD. So, unless you buy a Mini and wipe the hard drive -- where would a legitimate copy of the Intel version of OS X 10.4.7 come from?
Does this mean that when Leopard comes in June, those of us who have Intel based Macs will not be able to purchase Leopard?
No, of course not. Mac OS X 10.5 will support G4, G5, and Intel -- but it still only be licensed for Apple branded hardware. I am not sure if G3 machines will be supported.
