IBM had no idea Apple would ditch them

Posted on Sunday, June 12 2005 @ 0:10 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck

Some more details about Apple's switch to Intel have appeared. The New York Times reports that Big Blue was only informed by Jobs at the very last moment.

Several executives close to the last-minute dealings between Apple and I.B.M. said that Mr. Jobs waited until the last moment - 3 p.m. on Friday, June 4 - to inform Big Blue [IBM]. Those executives said that I.B.M. had learned about Apple's negotiations with Intel from news reports and that Apple had not returned phone calls in recent weeks.

IBM says pricing was the major reason why Apple made the switch. Apple however claims that performance delivery was the main problem with IBM's PowerPC processors.

Besides Intel's x86 processors Apple also investigated other processors but none could please them. One of these was the Sony Cell processor but it is said that Steve Jobs is disappointed with the Cell design, which he believes will be even less effective than IBM's PowerPC.

Source: MacRumors

About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.

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Re: IBM had no idea Apple would ditch them
by Anonymous on Sunday, June 12 2005 @ 1:05 CEST

This is a smart move by Apple that allows them to increase marketshare in the desktop OS market. When porting is complete, anyone with a new apple os should be able to run Windows based games and applications.

Reply by Anonymous on Sunday, June 12 2005 @ 2:13 CEST

Yeah, but on the other hand, you're an idiot.

Running on a different processor won't suddenly make OS X compatible with Windows programs. Do you honestly think that the two OSes are just different interface styles? ***** no. They have different ABIs and different APIs, which make a world of difference. Don't expect to suddenly have the best of both worlds (the huge technical merits OS X has over Windows + tons of crappy WIndows programs) just because the hardware has the same instruction set as IBM-compatible PCs.
Reply by Anonymous on Sunday, June 12 2005 @ 2:14 CEST

If it will be possible to boot both Windows and MacOS X on Apple hardware, so that we can run Windows apps natively, I will definitely buy a Mac.
- Reply by Anonymous on Sunday, June 12 2005 @ 2:54 CEST
  
  Yes, Apple said you will be able to install Windows on Mac systems.
  
  But it will not be possible to install Mac OS on non-Mac hardware. Unless someone cracks it of course..

Re: IBM had no idea Apple would ditch them
by Anonymous on Sunday, June 12 2005 @ 2:53 CEST

Like other commentators I will consider buying a Mac when it can run Windows. Then I can see what I think of Apple OS and consider moving over at my own pace. This is great move for all users. Its going to kepp pressure on Microsoft because at any time apple could let OS X be used on PC's in general. Steve Jobs is going to deny he will do that because he need Microsoft to help now - but he could change his mind any time! That will hang over Microsoft and encourage them to make Windows better.

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