Hmm... I go away for the long weekend and look what happens...
So, why Apple shouldn't switch to Intel...
* Apple would have to make Mac OS X work on Intel (not as much of a
problem now with Darwin as it used to be). Once they've done that,
it's likely that it will then be hacked by 3rd parties so that it can
run on regular Intel PC's. So, there go Apple's hardware profits, and
where does the majority of Apple's income come from? Hardware. Not to
mention, all the developers would have to recompile and fix their
applications (but hey, a great chance to sell upgrades :)
* According to Mac Weekly Journal (<http://www.macjournals.com/>)
When Apple announced the 2GHz G5, Intel announced the 3.2GHz P4. 23
months later, IBM has 2.75GHz PowerPC's and Intel has 3.8GHz P4 670.
So Intel has only shown *half* as much improvement over that
timeframe as the PowerPC has. Why should Apple switch to the
processor that's improving more slowly? Really, the Intel processor
is hampered by its 8 bit heritage and CISC compatibility. It's also
more expensive, less energy efficient and runs hotter than the
PowerPC.
* Why would Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, who want the fastest
processors available for their game consoles switch to using PowerPC
if Intel was offering them better price/performance? Now that there
is much more momentum behind the PowerPC, any improvements for Sony
or Nintendo or Microsoft will flow onto the PowerPC design, as used
by Apple.
* Security. Currently the Mac enjoys immunity from many viruses and
rootkits because it uses PowerPC instead of Intel. So throwing away
that advantage when security is such a great concern would be really
stupid.
But hey, Apple buys a lot of chips for a lot of devices from a lot of
manufacturers. It wouldn't be surprising if they decided to buy some
of them from Intel and the Press got all confused.
Have fun,
Shay
--
=========================== Shay Telfer ================================
Perth, Western Australia Technomancer Join Team Sungroper in the
Opinions for hire [POQ] 2005 World Solar Challenge
http://public.xdi.org/=Shay fnord <http://sungroper.asn.au/>
