Recently Apple announced a partnership with Intel. Apple has started using Intel chips in its Macintosh computers, and by 2007 all Apple computers will utilize them.
Since the announcement, Intel has revised its sales outlook, and many speculations have been made about the partnership between the two companies.
Intel needs to have demand driven for more processing power, and Microsoft hasn’t done this with Windows. Longhorn still sits about 18 months away from a real release. But by purchasing Apple, Intel gets an operating system that will compel more new computer purchases. And that in turn drives the OEMs to buy more new Intel chips.
That would explain why Apple seems to be completely ignoring Hector Ruiz and AMD. According to Mr. Cringely, AMD chips match Intel on power consumption, exceeds their performance, and do so at a lower price point. Of course, Steve Jobs never did say Intel would be an exclusive provider. A merger would definitely change that, though.
Apple claims that the announcement was made just to give developers a head start at porting applications. Some people just don’t buy this because Apple could have been more discreet in letting them know.
Many are considering Apple’s switching of processors to be a risky decision. There is the question of when the processors will become obsolete. It will be about a year before the new Intel models come out.
“It’s going to be a difficult transition, but if anyone can do it, Apple can,” said Microprocessor report editor in chief, Kevin Krewell. “But there still are risks. Will people stop buying Apples for the next two years waiting for the new ones to come out? And will developers stop developing for the PowerPC while waiting for the Intel chips?”
Chris is a staff writer for Murdok. Visit Murdok for the latest ebusiness news.
