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Posted on 05/25/2005 7:57:54 AM PDT by Swordmaker
Talks between chipmaker Intel Corp. and Apple Computer have been speculated on for many years – probably as much as the recurring Apple/Sony, Apple/Disney merger/buyout scenario. But with Apple’s move into new markets like the iPod, analysts are not so quick to dismiss the rumored talks this time.
“While nobody can predict what Apple would do, it wouldn’t surprise me if discussions are going on between the two companies for something other than computers,” Jupiter Analyst, Joe Wilcox, told MacCentral.
Technology Business Research analyst, Tim Deal agrees. “I am skeptical. But if there are [talks], then it is likely for reasons much more innocuous than many are presuming.”
It is these new markets that analysts are looking to when talking about an Apple/Intel partnership. After all, Intel does more than just make PC processors, it also makes processors for graphics, networking, wireless, flash memory and others.
“I think it is unlikely that it’s for a Mac processor, unless Apple is considering integrating Intel-based processors in its Mac Mini line,” said Deal. “Is it possible that future iPods will feature PDA functionality?”
Having the Mac OS run on an Intel-based processor would take more time and resources than Apple may be willing to give, not to mention the transition developers would have to make.
If the speculation were true, what would these talks mean for Apple’s longtime relationship with IBM, the maker of its new Power PC G5 chip? Not much, according to both analysts.
“Companies often use multiple chip providers for different products,” said Wilcox. “Microsoft, for example, supports Intel processors in computers, but turned to IBM processors to power the Xbox.”
“I think the core of Apple's Mac line will always be the IBM PowerPC processor,” said Deal. “I think there is little threat to this longstanding relationship.”
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Perhaps some technology sharing or discussions on compatibility.
Might be licensing talks - most Intel motherboards don't have FireWire on them, and USB2 isn't going much of anywhere in terms of adoption by video equipment makers.
Wholeheartedly agree. My guess is, these talks pertain to some kind of future cooperation regarding (or disagreements over) streaming and/or downloadable media files.
That sounds likely too. The latest codec for Apple's newest quicktime is supposed to be really good.
It would be a real shocker if Intel started optimizing their chips for quicktime acceleration instead of Microsoft's player.
Should be an interesting next couple of years, no matter what. :')
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