Macs to run on x86 (Intel)

BlueSkyJaunte · 06-06-2005, 11:48 AM

Wow, not sure how I feel about this (for many reasons).

http://www4.macnn.com/macnn/wwdc/05/

Maybe the performance of my next PowerBook will be a little "snappier", though.

jyl · jyl's Garage

Intel has got its CPU roadmap back on track, with efficient and powerful dual-core desktop and notebook chips on the way if not already here. PowerPC in the G5 form was still holding its own (based on some testing I've seen comparing G5, AMD, and Intel-based machines), but who knows how much longer it would have kept up. And the G5 was nowhere to be seen in notebooks. I think the Intel chips will mean fast Macs with long battery lives. As long as the operating system is Mac OS, and the same applications run, and Apple makes sure everything continues to "just work", I'm fine with the switch.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 06-06-2005, 06:41 PM

As a Mac guy from the start, I can see why this may not look great on the surface. But the GUI of an OS is just a wrapper, I can't imagine there'll be any difference in how you use your Mac, or me mine.

The G5 is a phenomenal chip, but runs way to hot to be in a notebook. I'm looking forward to good speed and long battery life.

mikester · 06-07-2005, 07:28 AM

At this point in the MAC's evolution they have been using PC hardware for years, pci cards, Serial ATA and IDE ATA drives and the like...I think even memory was the same. The only difference was the outside form and the motherboard and CPU. This is not very "technilogically" significant but it is a bit "socially" significant.

I just want to know when I can buy the OS alone for my PC at home. There have been indications that this would not be possible but man o man do I want it to be. I love the new OS X (I'm a unix guy) and while XP is pretty good if I could run OS X instead I would be very happy.

OS X on my T41...that'd be great too.

jyl · jyl's Garage

Why not OS X on your x86 PowerBook?

I mean, Apple hardware is some of the nicest around, a PowerBook is nicer than my T42 (love that backlit keyboard). When they add a way-fast dual-core Pentium M to the PowerBook . . .

I'm more interested in dual-booting Windows on a Mac, so that I can finally use a PowerBook for work. Mac OS for me, Win OS for the company, and I'll finally be able to video-conf home to the kids using iSight.

dd74 · 06-07-2005, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jyl

I'm more interested in dual-booting Windows on a Mac, so that I can finally use a PowerBook for work. Mac OS for me, Win OS for the company, and I'll finally be able to video-conf home to the kids using iSight.

There is Virtual PC, or is that not strong enough?

BlueSkyJaunte · 06-07-2005, 10:19 AM

I have heard (though not seen hard evidence) that VirtPC gives you about 15% the performance of a similarly-priced Winbox.

dd74 · 06-07-2005, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BlueSkyJaunte
I have heard (though not seen hard evidence) that VirtPC gives you about 15% the performance of a similarly-priced Winbox.

Well, similarly-priced would be one old-assed PII winbox. But yes, VPC is not for the hardcore Windows user. Mac-related reviews always suggests, when the chips are down (no puns, please), one should simply buy a Wintel machine instead of using the VPC software.

stevepaa · 06-07-2005, 10:41 AM

VPC works well for office applications and mail. Anything of speed get a wintel box.