Did Apple sell out?

[Lone_Wolf_Moderate]

Poll question: Did Apple sell out?

This is of course referring to Apple's decision to replaced their existing PowerPC xhips, with Intel chips. The PowerPC Chips haven't been selling.

[LSdemocrat]

1. No, now they finally get to kick Microsoft's ass on a level playing field

[expatriot]

2. Hmm... MAYBE a Mac with an Intel chip will no longer be a Mac ......

because MAYBE with an Intel chip they'll WORK!

[Deja Q]

6. They already work...

They're using FreeBSD that they modified.

Trouble is, they'll still fleece their customers at every opportunity. They're a business. Not a hippie paradise. :-(

[B3Nut]

8. I wish they worked a little better these days...

I used to run OS9, and kept a reasonably solid system. I'm mainly a PC guy now, but I have to support the 4 or 5 Macs in the ad department where I work, and I cannot for the life of me figure our why Jaguar and Panther randomly lose their printers.

And why can't Apple put a "Print Test Page" button in the printer setup like Windows has? Microsoft gets a lot wrong but the one stellar thing about the Windows OS (at least 2K and XP) is the seamless and solid printing subsystem. The background printing on even a 98SE box is, IME, far nicer than OS X's. I'd have an easier time if Mac printing was easier and more straightforward than Windows printing, but such is not the case. OS X's printing system has the same cobbled feel as the printing subsystem in my Fedora Core 2 Linux install...I can make it print, but it's a pain in the rear.

Todd in Beerbratistan

[Lone_Wolf_Moderate]

9. Tell me, you didn't just say that.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

3. No, because the IBM chip wasn't delivering the goods

[Awsi Dooger]

4. Sort of, but it's Jobs ahead of the curve per usual

Apple wants to get the jump on digital movies like it did with the iPod. Supposedly Intel has a new D (dual core) chip that includes a hardware copy protection scheme that prevents unauthorized copying and distribution of copyrighted materials from the motherboard.

Jobs envisions an Intel D, or whatever the chip is called, to secure an online movie store that will allow consumers to buy or rent new movies on demand, over the internet. A movie version of the the success Apple has had with music and the iPod.

One analysis I read today made the most sense: Apple lost the productivity and office war years ago to Microsoft, but it wants to make sure it stays ahead in the entertainment aspect of computers and personal electronic devices. Movies were the obvious Next step, so to speak (if you're familiar with Jobs' career).

There's also a new universal emulator called Quick Transit that purportedly allows software to run on any platform with little to no hit in performance or speed. That was a key to Apple's decision.

What I'm interested to see is the reaction of Windows users when another operating system is running on Intel processors but without the malware and spyware and viruses. Intel has always quietly insisted those have been flaws in Windows, not anything with their chips. This move will verify. Hysterical if Windows users can instantly eliminate worry about spyware simply by booting into a version of Mac OS X, via something like Rosetta, on the same Pentium chip.

The next major Mac operating system is Leopard, maybe 2 years away. This move comes early enough for Leopard to be developed with the Intel chips in mind. Apple's problem is to maintain its sales and market share in the time being, when everyone knows the processor is essentially lame duck. The low cost of the MacMini should help somewhat in that regard. I think the Mini is the first target to include the Intel chips.

[REP]

5. Not Quite

IBM and Motorola simply don't have the money to put into chip development that Intel does, and the trend is to smaller, portable devices that can run longer between charges.

Among other things. I'd tell you, but then I'd be kiiled.

[Awsi Dooger]

12. Go ahead, be brave

You wrote not quite then didn't contest a single thing I wrote, regarding the movie aspect. If you don't think that was a primary reason behind the switch then you're dead wrong. I read rumors about it months ago. It makes complete sense. Steve Jobs developed Pixar and you don't think the movie aspect of computers usage is forefront on his mind? Brilliant.

Regardless, posters like HypnoToad will continue to rip Apple and I'll continue to use the company to make gobs of cash. Twice since '96 the stock has plummeted to $13 or less and I've jumped in full blast. I just vacationed in Alaska and two golfing months away from this Vegas heat begin in early July. Thank you, Mr. Jobs.

[Deja Q]

7. Other OSes on Intel processors.

Linux (any varient)
FreeBSD (which is OS X)

Both of these exist for Intel (and AMD) and, unlike OS X, are free or at a lower cost to obtain per .x release.

[Kellanved]

10. I fail to see the problem.

Why is this any different than the move to the IBM PowerPC?

[eyesroll]

11. Eh, it's a for-profit business.

I'm reluctant to say any for-profit business "sold out," as the purpose of a for-profit business is to make money. If Jobs & Co. believe this will make them money, then that's what they're going to do.

[AlCzervik]

13. the g5 chip puts off the heat as of a 130 watt light bulb, some units had

up to 7 fans in them that was one the reasons they switched, the intel chips produce about 60 percent less heat.