What is the reason for Apple getting special chips? I mean, they're not a real dominant force in PC sales, why would Intel not give the treatment to the other retailers that move more product?
1. To get Apple to make the switch from the PowerPC to Intel, Apple probably got a multi-year deal of sweetness. The PowerPC->Intel switch was a big win for Intel.
2. Lower volume. Apple ships less units than major competitors and so special chips like this are easier to supply. If Dell were to try the same thing, they'd be out of stock very soon. So Apple gets the first fruits and the rest of the world gets to wait for production to ramp up.
Let's not forget that Apple just bought a boatload of IP from PA Semi and has had a bunch of graphics chip IP from an earlier acquisition that they can now license to Intel in exchange for early access to chips
In addition to Cesar Cardoso comment about Apple being 100% Intel for Macs they are ship only high-end system. The chips used are all top-tier Intel processors. This, coupled with the free press Apple get from their boutique-like machines allows Intel to also receive the associated free press associated with Apple.
This is the 3rd time Intel has introduced a chip to Apple before the rest of the industry and Apple is most likely not having to pay a dime to get this type of exclusivity.
Otellini calls up Steve Jobs in the middle of the night and says, "Please Steve, we'll do anything for you if you just keep using our processors. We'll give you first pick and highest clock speeds because you're the man. Together we can both rule the computer world and turn Windows into a thing of the past where it belongs."
Apparently all the other computer companies are heading for the toilet in a couple of years, so the Ot' wants to stay on Steve's good side as Apple's market share climbs exponentially.
Did anyone even venture to think that this really isnt an exclusive chip, but a standard 800MHz FSB mobile chip, that because of the larger casing and the ability to house a much larger cooler than a laptop, can run at the 1066FSB, and therefore, at 3.06?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jon Kit @ Apr 28th 2008 7:09PM
What is the reason for Apple getting special chips? I mean, they're not a real dominant force in PC sales, why would Intel not give the treatment to the other retailers that move more product?
yoshi @ Apr 28th 2008 7:14PM
Two reasons:
1. To get Apple to make the switch from the PowerPC to Intel, Apple probably got a multi-year deal of sweetness. The PowerPC->Intel switch was a big win for Intel.
2. Lower volume. Apple ships less units than major competitors and so special chips like this are easier to supply. If Dell were to try the same thing, they'd be out of stock very soon. So Apple gets the first fruits and the rest of the world gets to wait for production to ramp up.
John M @ Apr 28th 2008 7:18PM
Let's not forget that Apple just bought a boatload of IP from PA Semi and has had a bunch of graphics chip IP from an earlier acquisition that they can now license to Intel in exchange for early access to chips
Cesar Cardoso @ Apr 28th 2008 7:45PM
Apple is the only 100% Intel shop in the business. This helps a lot :)
Bender Bending Rodriguez @ Apr 28th 2008 8:24PM
In addition to Cesar Cardoso comment about Apple being 100% Intel for Macs they are ship only high-end system. The chips used are all top-tier Intel processors. This, coupled with the free press Apple get from their boutique-like machines allows Intel to also receive the associated free press associated with Apple.
This is the 3rd time Intel has introduced a chip to Apple before the rest of the industry and Apple is most likely not having to pay a dime to get this type of exclusivity.
Steffen Jobbs @ Apr 28th 2008 9:17PM
Otellini calls up Steve Jobs in the middle of the night and says, "Please Steve, we'll do anything for you if you just keep using our processors. We'll give you first pick and highest clock speeds because you're the man. Together we can both rule the computer world and turn Windows into a thing of the past where it belongs."
Apparently all the other computer companies are heading for the toilet in a couple of years, so the Ot' wants to stay on Steve's good side as Apple's market share climbs exponentially.
Apple and iMac FTW.
Ruben @ Apr 28th 2008 9:48PM
Did anyone even venture to think that this really isnt an exclusive chip, but a standard 800MHz FSB mobile chip, that because of the larger casing and the ability to house a much larger cooler than a laptop, can run at the 1066FSB, and therefore, at 3.06?