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Macintosh Moving to Intel Processors [Updated]
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Here's what bothers me...
It's akin to saying "our current chips suck".
And we have a 2 year wait for the 'new' chips.
So, how does Steve tell us the G5 is better than an Intel chip for the next 2 years?
Not happy. Own goal.
After the PC iPod crowd and who gives one about the traditional hardcore die hards...
It's akin to saying "our current chips suck".
And we have a 2 year wait for the 'new' chips.
So, how does Steve tell us the G5 is better than an Intel chip for the next 2 years?
Not happy. Own goal.
After the PC iPod crowd and who gives one about the traditional hardcore die hards...
STOPDr.Gargoyle said:
ROSETTA DOESN'T EMULATE X86 for PPC. That's the bottom line. Microsoft and Adobe had confirmed that they will still support PPC. Adobe updates their software every year, with no real improvement (I currently have no reasons to buy CS2) and Microsoft waits almost 3 years before updating theirs. Why are you panicing? Your system wouldn't be able to support high end software in 4 years flawlessly anyway...
davetrow1997 said:
I agree with you to a certain extent. I am a hardware guy myself and even though it is solely OSX that makes a mac a mac I am dissapointed that we are loosing the only other real factor that differentiates a Mac from a PC. It was the both the Mac OS and the exotic hardware that made me appreciate Apple. When I say exotic I don't mean nice aluminum enclosures!
We all have to wait to see if Apple will keep OSX running only on Apple built X86 machines and how easily feasible it could be for a PC user to hack OSX to boot on his home built machine. (I can almost guarantee it will be done) If OSX can run on any X86 machine then Apple could very well be dead in the hardware Desktop PC and maybe even the Laptop markets. Sure Apple will be able to provide Cheaper computers with Intel Chips but they will still be more expensive than a Dell or home built PC. Remember Dell still has buying power on it's hands and can get all it's components for cheaper than Apple can even with it's switch to Intel.
Really it leaves me wondering why I should by anything from Apple besides a copy of OSX. I sure hope Apple can survive off of that. On the other hand if I am still forced to buy Apple Hardware to run OSX I will be pissed as well because that would mean the Apple Hardware is just crippled run of the mill PC parts in a well designed case. At least with PowerPC Apple had an excuse for charging a premium. Sure with X86 Intel Chips macs could be much cheaper but the bottom line is I can always still build one for cheaper and other manufacturers can still undercut Apple in price.
47% of Apples profit come (or rather came) from Hardware sales... ComputersSiliconAddict said:
I'm Buyin'
I understand why people are upset, but I've been planning on switching for a long time now, and it's not because of the chip.
I'm going to buy a refurb 2.0 PM. If there's ever a time where we won't get hit with a revised update, it's this next year, which makes the decision much easier. We already know when the next major step is.
Please, tell me if I'm wrong, as I'm relatively new to the mac world, and massively ignorant in the computer world. Am I missing something here?
This seems like a giant step in the evolution of macs. I'm excited.
PS. Does this mean no more Powerbook G5 threads? I hope not. Those were great. I will always look back on those with fondness, reserving a place in my heart.
I understand why people are upset, but I've been planning on switching for a long time now, and it's not because of the chip.
I'm going to buy a refurb 2.0 PM. If there's ever a time where we won't get hit with a revised update, it's this next year, which makes the decision much easier. We already know when the next major step is.
Please, tell me if I'm wrong, as I'm relatively new to the mac world, and massively ignorant in the computer world. Am I missing something here?
This seems like a giant step in the evolution of macs. I'm excited.
PS. Does this mean no more Powerbook G5 threads? I hope not. Those were great. I will always look back on those with fondness, reserving a place in my heart.
Someone's probably already replied to this but here goes...
Very little, in real terms
No. New software will either run natively on x86 and PPC or it'll run under Rosetta (which will be in your OS) with very little performance reduction.
It's too early to say, as my crystal ball is a bit foggy, but it looks like the transition will happen over 2 years. The first for consumer models like the iMac, iBook and Mac Mini lines and the second for the pro models, such as the PowerMacs, PowerBooks and XServes. After 2 years the whole range is planned to be be Intel based.
This, however, will not affect your PPC Macs' ability to run old software or New. Eventually, though, your current Macs will become obselete, but that was always going to happen and I don't believe it'll happen any quicker because of today's announcement.
d.perel said:
Very little, in real terms
d.perel said:
No. New software will either run natively on x86 and PPC or it'll run under Rosetta (which will be in your OS) with very little performance reduction.
d.perel said:
It's too early to say, as my crystal ball is a bit foggy, but it looks like the transition will happen over 2 years. The first for consumer models like the iMac, iBook and Mac Mini lines and the second for the pro models, such as the PowerMacs, PowerBooks and XServes. After 2 years the whole range is planned to be be Intel based.
This, however, will not affect your PPC Macs' ability to run old software or New. Eventually, though, your current Macs will become obselete, but that was always going to happen and I don't believe it'll happen any quicker because of today's announcement.
Ok, so the order I made yesterday to Apple is getting canceled. Just ordered a 15" PB + SuperDrive, maxed Video RAM and HD options, and now I know that this PB next year will not even be worth $500 out of the $2500 I paid for it. Very bad move to me Apple 
xli_ne said:
Get a x86 computer and do some heavy math stuff like MPEG2 work.
Its DOG SLOW.
My old AMD 1.5gzh: 90min MPEG 2 encoding 15 hours
On my old Powerbook 667mhz same file MPEG2 encoding 90 minutes.
There is a reason why workstations use
Sparc, HPUX and other non X86.
It is better. Works, and faster.
The G4 / G5 had the same edge.
But no...
Jobs whants to run the new Dell to make more money.
shompa said:
Too bad the G5 has only made it into the PowerMac and iMac. What about the portable users? They are left out in the cold. Laptops are where the real money is, and Apple had no growth path for their books.
Hickman
What software is Apple going to be selling that will get the dough rolling in? OSX? iLife? FCP Studio? They make most of their money (in the Mac arena ... not counting iTunes or iPod) from their hardware, not software. Apple does not stand to benefit financially from software from this change that I am aware of, though I am open to hearing your thoughts on just what software titles or gonna have the cash rolling into Apple's coffers.shompa said:
I'm no techie, but G3-->G4-->G5 were all PowerPC. Intel is a whole different architecture and different chip. Software that ran on a G4 may run just as well on a G5. Software that runs on a G5 will not run on Intel unless it is re-written.ruud said:
afsammie said:
I don't know! I feel the same way. The only thing I am wishing is that the change could happen now! But, all of us, running Mac OS, will always be better off than those running Windows.
What about games and software in the future? Will games and software available two years from now still work on my Powermac G5?
And will these Intel processors be 64 bit still?
And will these Intel processors be 64 bit still?
Dr.Gargoyle said:
Yes 47%. What about 53%. We aren't talking about keeping Apple going forever. iPod sales would be a life vest. Enough to keep them going until the trans to x86 is done. Once that happens watch out.
I somehow knew you would put your money where your mouth is...lolSiliconAddict said:
Ok, we will see a couple of Mac heads buying. I might too. But I would never fork up with 3k for a PM.... that would be insane
I think this is ultimately good business providing Apple with options for many years.
However (and I'm sure this will already have been said many times) I WILL NOT buy an Apple machine with any Intel (or anything else) stickers on it.
However (and I'm sure this will already have been said many times) I WILL NOT buy an Apple machine with any Intel (or anything else) stickers on it.
ruud said:
i don't think Apple is going to "abandon" the PPC, but if you're a developer, you've now got to focus on The Transistion. i don't know squat about software development, but if you're a developer, wouldn't you look a year down the road & develop your next major release for the Mactel machine & dump your efforts for PPC?
also, who's going to plunk down for large (or small) orders of PPC machines when you KNOW they're already outdated hardware? it's not to say that my G5 sitting under my desk is old & crappy, but i'm certainly not going to rush out & upgrade it this year knowing that there's a new wave of computers w/ a new chipset on the horizon. i know the arguement is that there's ALWAYS new technology on the horizon & you eventually just have to bite the bullet & purchase a machine, but this is different. it's not just going to be a FASTER G5, it's going to be a totally different machine. if there's a new rev of the G5 later this year, it's going to collect dust on the shelves. i can't see Apple's hardware sales doing $#!+ the rest of this year....
Alright, let's clear something out right now: Any company that gets the biggest userbase share is a Microsoft. That's a very common thing. If you practicly have no competition, you don't need to improve anything... Apple is currently in that position with iTunes and iPods, but not with their computer market...shompa said:
Intel promised faster and cooler chips. That's it. And if the DRM embeded in those can deliver Apple the somehow exclusive digital distribution network of Holywood movies, than it's the logical choice for them.
I will always use the computer I am the most comfortable to use, and for now, that computer is a Macintosh.
This morning I thought:
"Will I be able to cope with all the pathetic whining about the lack of G5 Powerbook announcements after the Keynote speech?"
The comments on here are a whole lot worse.
You're all acting like 5 year olds.
I think the moaners out there need to ask themselves one thing:
Do you think Steve Jobs is a moron?
If he hadn't come back to Apple it wouldn't be around today.
I for one trust his vision for Apple.
"Will I be able to cope with all the pathetic whining about the lack of G5 Powerbook announcements after the Keynote speech?"
The comments on here are a whole lot worse.
You're all acting like 5 year olds.
I think the moaners out there need to ask themselves one thing:
Do you think Steve Jobs is a moron?
If he hadn't come back to Apple it wouldn't be around today.
I for one trust his vision for Apple.
That's it. I'm buying a PC this summer. I know there's nothing wrong with buying a Power Mac or PowerBook like I was going to, but I'd just rather it not be obsolete in a couple of years. My PC will be able to run Longhorn when it comes out and be faster/cheaper than the Mac I would buy. Goodbye, temporarily, Apple. I'll see you when I go to college...;(
I know there's nothing wrong with buying a Power Mac or PowerBook like I was going to, but I'd just rather it not be obsolete in a couple of years. My PC will be able to run Longhorn when it comes out and be faster/cheaper than the Mac I would buy. Goodbye, temporarily, Apple. I'll see you when I go to college...;(
I'm VERY happy this is coming true! And PERFECT timing, too because I plan to upgrade sometime in 2006-2007. Beautiful!
Just one concern - I think Rosetta is brilliant, and will help the transition brilliantly (not to mention keep the resale value of our Macs up, for awhile at least). But one thing I'm wondering about; the performance reduction. I wonder if it'll become the Carbon vs. Cocoa of today (how we prefer Cocoa over Carbon, and look at Carbon as lazy coding). Will this become "x86-native vs. Rosetta"?
Just one concern - I think Rosetta is brilliant, and will help the transition brilliantly (not to mention keep the resale value of our Macs up, for awhile at least). But one thing I'm wondering about; the performance reduction. I wonder if it'll become the Carbon vs. Cocoa of today (how we prefer Cocoa over Carbon, and look at Carbon as lazy coding). Will this become "x86-native vs. Rosetta"?
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