During WWDC 2005, Steve Jobs announced that new Macs will use Intel processors instead of PowerPC processors.
The rationale behind this is easy to understand if you know some facts:
- The PowerPC G4 is a 32-bits processor and it powers the iBooks and PowerBooks.
- The PowerPC G4 was released in 1999 and has a FSB of only 167MHz therefore the overall performance of the computer is limited.
Now,
- Intel has a very powerful mobile platform, Centrino, using the mighty Pentium-M processor which is much more efficient than the Pentium IV
- Intel is currently developing a new version of the Pentium-M called Yonah which is a dual-core design with a shared 2MB L2 cache offering SSE3 instructions and Virtualization with a 667MHz FSB.
- Yonah is 32-bits (i.e. it does not offer EM64T instructions)
- Yonah will be available around June 2006 with the third version of the Centrino platform, Napa.
Now let’s add 2 and 2 together…
- Apple laptop’s have severely underpowered 32-bits processors…
- Intel will have a very powerful 32-bits mobile processor around June 2006.
- Steve Jobs has said that the first Intel Macs will be released around June 2006.
Conclusion:
In June 2006, Apple will release its first Intel-powered computers. They will be iBooks and PowerBooks using the Intel Yonah processor!
I think I’ll wait for 9 additional months. NeXTstep, nous voila… after 17 years and 9 months :-)
PS:
Intel is currently working on its next generation microarchitecture which will feature Conroe, the replacement for the (crap) Pentium IV and which will share lots of similarities with the Pentium-M. Conroe will be 64-bits (like the PowerPC G5) and will be much more powerful than current processors. It’s mobile version is called Merom. Both will be released at the end of 2006. And I think that Apple will then release Conroe-based PowerMacs and Merom-based PowerBooks. And leave Yonah in the iBooks for some time…
I don’t think Apple will put 32-bits on its desktops. These will probably go in iBooks and Mac Minis. The 64-bit Intel processors will pro’lly go in Powerbooks, iMacs and high-end desktops.
Were you planning on buying the mac machine from the official local apple representative Leal Communications or from the internet and get it delivered over to MU??
That’s exactly what I said :-)
The 32-bits Yonah will get into the iBooks, the initial Intel-based Powerbooks (until Merom arrives) and perhaps the small Mac minis (if Intel is agreeable to that – don’t forget that Yonah is just a special Pentium-M and Intel want those only in laptops)
As soon as Conroe arrives at the end of 2006, it will be used in the new PowerMacs and Merom will surely be used in high-end PowerBooks.
To MacAddict (who are you?)
Yep, I was planning to buy the iBook from Leal, they quoted Rs. 48000+VAT for the 14″ iBook which is ok compared to the $1300 price on Apple’s website.
That’s not too bad of a price compared to overseas…
Well, as for me…i’m just a Mac Observer from afar, not really a MacAddict per se . i only own an ipod as far as apple products are concerned. But i’ve also been considering on buying an apple laptop for a while…i’ll be waiting till nex year for the mactels as well.
And i think Mauritus deserves its own apple store, unless Leal Communications is already displaying apple products in all their splendour in their showroom, are they?
The price is ok.
$1300 USD is around Rs. 40,000. Leal are selling the iBook at Rs. 48000. I believe Rs. 8000 extra is ok as Mauritius is soooooo far from everything. Leal also offer a 1 year guarantee.
Now, in addition to that, I must pay 15% VAT but I can’t do anything about that, isn’t it?
Leal has a decent Apple “store” but it is in Pailles (i.e. not easily accessible) and not “chic” enough :-)
Please forward the following message on to Nirish. I am an old friend of his and have lost all his contact details.
Thank you very much.
Regina
Hi Nirish!
Congratulations on the marriage and baby! Can’t believe I’ve finally found a link to you. I have been looking for you for such a long time – have been doing Semona and my husband’s head in looking for you! I was quite chuffed to come accross this website and see pic of you and wife and baby. I’m really glad you are well.
I have set up my own PR agency and am doing ok. My husband Amm is well too. We have bought a place in south London (away from Southampton!!!). Please get in touch, I really miss you. Hope your dad and leena are well too.
My new number is 07947 867 116 or email –