Apple to Use Intel Chips: Is it the end of an Era?

[maverickrohan]

Well it looks like i'll be the first one to post here

Actually I read about this in The Times Of India a few days back but here r some Web Links to This Topic:
:::: 1 ::::
:::: 2 ::::
:::: 3 ::::
:::: 4 ::::

I guess this is the most exiting news article which can start of this Forum, cos of the enormity n repercussions this decision might have on the computing World............

It'l be good to have a discussion on this by forum members about what they think about this especially Mac Lovers!!!

Originally Posted by Computer World

Apple Computer Inc. has been in talks that could lead to a decision soon to use Intel Corp. chips in its Macintosh computer line, The Wall Street Journal reported today.

The report, citing two industry executives with knowledge of recent discussions between the companies, said Apple was expected to agree to use Intel chips. But it said the talks could break down or could be a tactic to gain negotiating leverage with Apple's current chip supplier, IBM.


Intel spokesman Chuck Mulloy declined to comment. An Apple spokesman did not return a call for comment, though a spokeswoman for the computer maker characterized the Journal report as "rumor and speculation."


Adopting Intel chips would help ensure that future Macintosh systems could meet the price and performance of products from tough rivals such as Dell Inc.


Apple's pricing, which has often been higher than rivals, could become more competitive if Intel were to provide the kind of marketing subsidies it has given to other computer makers, the newspaper said.


For Intel, winning over Apple would be a prestigious endorsement from one of technology's most influential trend-setters and could associate the chipmaker with Apple's hugely popular iPod music player.


Shares of Apple rose $1.28, or 3.4%, to $38.83 in morning trade on Nasdaq, while shares of Intel fell 6 cents to $26.29.


Though Apple has only a tiny share of the PC market, its embrace of Intel chips would mark a fundamental change to the computer industry's historic alliances and rivalries. Apple has long blazed its own path by avoiding chips from Intel or rival processor maker Advanced Micro Devices Inc., which together power virtually all of the world's PCs.


"It's like Ferrari going to BMW for an engine," said Richard Doherty, the research director for technology consulting and research firm Envisioneering. "This is seen as a whole changing of church."


Doherty, however, said some form of a partnership between the two Silicon Valley companies is all but inevitable. Intel's server chips would be well suited for some of Apple's Xserve, he said.


"I think it's a matter of time," Doherty said. "IBM has not delivered perhaps as many processors and as fast as Apple has wanted."


It was unclear whether such a move would signal a large-scale shift away from chips made by IBM, Apple's longtime supplier, the report said.


Apple could choose to add some Intel-based models to its product line or make a complete shift to Intel's chip technology in what would be seen as a serious blow to IBM's microprocessor business, the newspaper said.


Apple sells only about 3 million computers a year -- a small portion of the estimated 200 million sold globally. But the company's shares have nearly quadrupled since the iPod was introduced in October 2001.

[Sourabh]

Well nice way to start the Latest News Section, but this has already been discussed here

[rajas]

Very good news for Intel as they are having good competition from AMD releasing better processers.

[escape7]

about time also, after the switchover apple can shift the focus on their OS & softwares.

[borg]

I think Apple sold its soul by shifting to Intel. Macintoshes have always been different from PCs on the software & the OS level. By switching to a standard architecture, Apple has given away one of the key things that makes a Mac different. It might be a good decision business wise, but I can't help wondering if they didn't have any other alternative other than going to intel.

[theKonqueror]

Apple with intel????????????????

It's like having a McLaren with a tata 409 engine....

[QwertyManiac]

All kinds of processors must be in the market for a wide choice to the buyer, though intel is good, maybe powerpc could ' ve been better, apple cant be shifting things cording to recent developments...

[escape7]

Originally Posted by theKonqueror

It's like having a McLaren with a tata 409 engine....

Intel ain't bad dude...

[FilledVoid]

By switching to a standard architecture, Apple has given away one of the key things that makes a Mac different

Interesting point. However Id really be interested to see how the performace varies between the current ones and the oens based on the Intel chip. Personally, I would have preferred if they didnt sacrifice performance over price .

[AGENT_SMITH]

Apple with AMD would have been a lot better

[srijit]

does this mean that OSX will run on higher end non-Mac PCs?

[cryptid]

Well i just hope this dosent spoil the relationship between microsoft and intel

[kkeng]

Originally Posted by theKonqueror

Apple with intel????????????????

It's like having a McLaren with a tata 409 engine....

it is another way around now.....tata 409 with mclaren engine

[Who]

Just look at date....bumping an old thread, shame on you.

[goobimama]

Yeah. Didn't realise our forums had threads so old still in the running. Still, it shows a little insight into what the pre-intel apple opinion was at the time

[alsiladka]

bumping into a 3 year old thread, havent you got anything better to do!! Mann

[kkeng]

felt bored..hence replied

btw you 3 deserve to come under my category

[aryayush]

No, you were the only one who bumped it.

The rest of us just posted in a thread where the last reply was posted today.

Guess who is going in the wrong lane!

But it's no big deal. Chalta hai. Enjoy!

_______________________________________

Oh wait. I hadn't read the reply you bumped it with. You revived a three year old thread to post that!

Shame on you!