OMG...Apple Considering X86

[GT98]

Some analysts have also urged Apple to move to microchips from Intel Corp. INTC.O from those made by Motorola Inc. MOT.N and International Business Machines Corp. IBM.N to cut costs.

Asked about that possibility, Jobs said that first the company had to finish the transition to the OS X operating system, expected around the end of this year.

"Then we'll have options, and we like to have options," he said

http://www.reuters.com/news_article.jhtml?type=technologynews&StoryID=1214469

[Dr Mordrid]

Just what Micosoft needs....a fully developed consumer OS competitor on Intel/AMD platforms

IF they're smart they will offer a competitor discount. That would drive Billy-Boy nuts

Dr. Mordrid

[Jazzz]

I hope they don't go Intel, the last thing we need is for Intel to get more powerfull.

[Wombat]

If Apple does go the PC way, I really doubt you'd just be able to install OS X on any PC. They'll have proprietary hardware in there so it's still an Apple box.

[KvHagedorn]

Too bad MS is so involved with Apple..

Now if Apple were completely independent, and did their own systems with AMD Hammers exclusively.. it would be a step in the right direction.. more competition. And Apple could busy themselves writing software like MS has done rather than concentrating so much on hardware production for revenue. Then maybe they could actually make enough money to grow and take AMD with them as Intel has taken Dell...

[Indiana]

I would also recommend them to go x86, but not for cost reasons but for performance reasons (even though from a sheer technical/design point-of-view i believe Motorolas chips superior, unfortunately they're lacking in performance since quite some time and the performance-delta is getting even bigger all the time)

[Wombat]

KvH, I don't understand what you're going for? Apple makes their money off of hardware. You think that dropping that revenue stream is better for them?

[Agent31]

I can't speak for everyone else, but my problem with apples is getting software for them, expensive if you want to pay for... and I won't mention the obvious other...

Potential for volume of sales to go +
thus
Potential for revenue to go +
but
by losing exclusivity competition also goes +

it's a tough call...

[Marshmallowman]

Mac OSX running on x86-64 sounds good to me.

[KvHagedorn]

Originally posted by Wombat
KvH, I don't understand what you're going for? Apple makes their money off of hardware. You think that dropping that revenue stream is better for them?

Sorry if that was confusing.. what I meant was that to be really competitive as a PC vendor, Apple needs to put out a less expensive product, which means cutting their margins on hardware to the bone. If they do this, and consequently up their marketshare significantly, they stand to make a lot of money if they become the "Microsoft" of the Mac world, producing the vast majority of the software themselves. They would need to really get some top notch software engineers in there and put out a superior office suite and other software, but compare the profits of Microsoft to that of Dell or HPQ.. wouldn't you rather be making the software than the hardware? Both certainly isn't bad if you do it right.. Sun seems to do alright.

[GT98]

More Fuel to the Fire:

PIV System & Dual AthlonXP systems Vs Dual Processor MAC G4

http://www.digitalvideoediting.com/2002/07_jul/features/cw_macvspc2.htm

[isochar]

Even with the high price of a 2.53ghz processor, that dual G4 machine makes it look like a bargain.

[robotfunk]

nothing new?

As I recall, Apple had a x86 version of OS 8 and/or 9 on their shelves, just never released it, fearing it would destroy Macintosh sales.

[Agent31]

GT, what was it Apples are good for again? lol

[Johnny Ray]

Maybe they'll consider adding a second mouse button?

John