“WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) is Apple?s most important annual event for hardware and software developers to receive in-depth information and instruction from Apple’s technical architects and engineers.”
Just finished watching Steve Job’s keynote address from the WWDC 2005. Worth the time to check it out.
Most notable is Apples switch from PowerPC to Intel (and it is about time) and more details on the next revision of iTunes that will sport podcast client technology.. Watching Job’s demo cool new stuff on a 4.2ghz Intel powered mac certainly made me smile.
I’ve read the odd synopsis where a little shock or even thinly veiled dismay seems to be the common theme, but ultimately if one steps back for a moment, it’s the logical and only real option left for Apple.
The PowerPC architecture had a lot going for it - hell 3 next gen gaming consoles are going to run on PowerPC based technology, however IBM never stepped up to the plate with the G4 and G5 series. Chronic chip shortages, massive delays, over hyped and under delivered promises to name but a few.. With big blue scoring massive deals for the next gen gaming consoles for Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, it’s pretty evident where IBM’s focus is.
Despite derogatory comments about the X86 architecture by ardent PowerPC fans, the move by Apple was a smart one. It’s not the death knoll for Apple, it’s not all doom and gloom. Intel has a huge manufacturing footprint that truly dwarfs current IBM output.
It’s the smart move - it may not sit well with ardent fans, but I have this gut feeling that tells me that in 12-18 months time, with Intel 4.5ghz+ powered Mac’s and beasty Intel M Powerbooks shipping with OSX Tiger all will be forgiven. :)
The Apple PowerPC versus Intel debate will rage on for a while I suspect, but ultimately what really sells the Mac, is OSX. Sure, the PowerPC made the Mac different and that was and is a good thing, but the G series has never really lived up to expectations - where Intel (and AMD) are going with the x86 architecture, not to mention the insane clock speeds and performance the latest crop of chips are beginning to reach, particularly in the mobile market, in my mind it’s the best move forward for Apple.
≡ This is a journal entry relating to the topics of design, geek.
Brendan Borlase is a Systems and Network Administrator living in Adelaide, Australia, having lived, worked and breathed Information Technology for over 12 years. Learn more.
Feedback is encouraged. If you would like to read more, consider subscribing to the regularly updated RSS Feed.
