Apple to Acquire Chip Designer P.A. Semi for $278 Million

[shoulin333]

Well it looks like all those waiting for the next revision of macs will need to wait a bit longer (about a year) before Apple leaves intel to use it's own CPU's in it's computers...

http://www.forbes.com/technology/200...0422apple.html


Also one of the best ways for apple to get rid of the nasty osX86 scene....

[jjahshik32]

Originally Posted by shoulin333

Well it looks like all those waiting for the next revision of macs will need to wait a bit longer (about a year) before Apple leaves intel to use it's own CPU's in it's computers...

http://www.forbes.com/technology/200...0422apple.html


Also one of the best ways for apple to get rid of the nasty osX86 scene....

Isnt this just for iphone/ipods??

[Trip.Tucker]

Did you write that tongue in cheek?

[Sun Baked]

Nothing new, Apple did this before in the past with ARM.

Edit: Looks to be another half billion dollar chip tech investment though.

[semiconstructiv]

Originally Posted by shoulin333

Well it looks like all those waiting for the next revision of macs will need to wait a bit longer (about a year) before Apple leaves intel to use it's own CPU's in it's computers...

http://www.forbes.com/technology/200...0422apple.html


Also one of the best ways for apple to get rid of the nasty osX86 scene....

"new future for Apple's flagship iPhone, and possibly iPod products as well. "


.....

[canucksfan88]

i think you read it wrong?

[MacRumors]

Forbes reports that Apple has agreed to purchase chip manufacturer P.A. Semi for $278 million. The company, founded in 2003, focuses on sophisticated, low-power chips that could possibly used in future models of the iPhone.

Article Link

[NotFound]

You gett'em Steve.

Right in the wallet.

[Bambeezer]

Very interesting read. Macrumors never sleeps apparently.

[Fleetwood Mac]

Awesome.. this could mean a better product all around.

[bpa1093]

That's awesome. I wish I could just fast forward to June

[starcrossed]

a very interesting move for Apple to be taking. for the financial and business investments made, Apple must have a big plan for the future of products like the iphone.

[Macintosh Sauce]

This is a very interesting move by Apple IMO. That 2.0 GHz processor could be used in a Mac mini or even a Mac OS X-based PDA.

[mcarnes]

Impressive. Most impressive.

[Stuart in Oz]

Originally Posted by Macintosh Sauce

This is a very interesting move by Apple IMO. That 2.0 GHz processor could be used in a Mac mini or even a Mac OS X-based PDA.

Ah, that would be the iPhone then?

[rikers_mailbox]

Vertical Integration is a good thing. Look it up.

[JonasLondon]

I'm all in favour of Apple acquiring essential technologies. They've got so much cash sitting around, investors want to see this used somehow. And look where some other technology went after they got in:

- Shake (due for total Final Cut Studio integration in 2009, or killer-app Stand-Alone-Product (code name "Phenomenon") - was 15,000 USD a seat - now 499 :-) or "free" as part of simpler SmoothCam filter in Final Cut Pro
- Logic - de factor industry leader (with Pro Tools having a good seat in the Movie/Soundtrack industry) need I say more
- Color - a professional pre-Apple 25,000 USD grading application - now part of Final Cut Studio and it's fantastic

Granted, all of the above are software technologies, but still it is exciting to see they're out there hunting...

J.

[kresh]

I wonder if this is a result of the small package C2D used in the MacBook Air? Apple went to Intel and requested the package. Apple created an awesome product and Intel started shopping the chip around to different PC manufacturers to cut Apple's throat after Apple proved that it was worth something.

[Cleve]

This is what the Dual Bridges on the WWDC invite meant!!! 2 Platforms.

http://blogs.computerworld.com/wwdc_..._ways_than_one

[ikir]

This is a great news! P.A. Semi products are very interesting.

[Cheffy Dave]

Originally Posted by jjahshik32

Isnt this just for iphone/ipods??

Maybe, but I bet Steve doesn't like having to upgrade the lappies so fast, an a schedule dictated by Intel, every time a processor has an upgrade.
loosing sales $$$ on the 2.2 ,and shipping them back and selling them as refurbs, just cus the 2.4 processors come out, IMHO

[Cheffy Dave]

Originally Posted by kresh

I wonder if this is a result of the small package C2D used in the MacBook Air? Apple went to Intel and requested the package. Apple created an awesome product and Intel started shopping the chip around to different PC manufacturers to cut Apple's throat after Apple proved that it was worth something.

another plausable reason, well done!

[strikeinsilence]

I just love how Apple keeps the whole industry on their toes, if you know what I mean. There's no telling what they'll so next.

[kresh]

Originally Posted by Cheffy Dave

another plausable reason, well done!

I remember when I read the article about Intel promoting the MacBook Air chip/package combo to PC manufacturers that Steve Jobs probably blew a fuse over it.

[bluebomberman]

Hard to evaluate this maneuver. The idea of Apple buying a chip manufacturer isn't a clear win by any means - they don't have a great deal of institutional experience fabricating microprocessors and Apple's last attempt in the chip business over a decade ago didn't go well at all.

Maybe some more info of the acquired chip maker is in order?

EDIT: Okay, read the Forbes article. Apple must know something we don't about PA Semi. I'm guessing that PA Semi must have a plausible roadmap towards a powerful, energy efficient mobile chip that Apple believes will seriously outperform Intel's Atom and future ARM offerings from Marvell and their ilk.

Still not comfortable with Apple essentially making their own microprocessors, but it does make some sense.