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Intel launches vPro brand for business computing
Intel has gone public with its latest platform, the vPro, which the company says is optimized to provide features such as security, performance and remote access functions for businesses. Like Viiv, vPro includes processor technologies, a software platform and more than a little bit of hype. In the case of vPro, the chip is the "next-generation dual-core processor," the software is Windows Vista and the hype -- well, you get the idea. More specifically, vPro is designed around Intel's Conroe desktop processor, along with a networking chipset and extensive features for remote management of PCs along with built-in virtualization technology to allow IT managers to create secure partitions on networked PCs (and, yes, it'll work with XP, though it's got features designed to "simplify" Vista upgrades). Intel expects to begin shipping at least some demo vPro systems this quarter, and factory workers are presumably already applying vPro stickers to cases, just so you can scrape them off when they arrive in your office.
Apple and Intel thinking differently together
Intel sounds excited about their relationship with Apple, as Deborah Conrad, vice president and director of Team Apple at Intel, spoke positively to a group of CNET editors yesterday about how things are going so far. Deborah was doubtful that an Intel chip would be powering the iPod anytime soon, but she mentioned the company was enthusiastic about the potential for their chips to show up in other future Apple gadgets. Thanks Deborah - I'm sure in the coming weeks the rumors sites will crank out all sorts of fantastic nonsense from that statement.The article isn't very long, but you can check out some more bits from CNET's meeting with Intel's Team Apple here. My favorite quote from Deborah, however, reinforces one of the big fundamental reasons why everyone knew Intel was happy to take on a partnership with Apple: "It's nice to have a customer that pushes us on a technology front." I know there was a time when this relationship was one of the last things on any Apple fan's predictions list, but it's really starting to sound like these two companies are going to make a great couple.
iMacs cost $898 to make?
MacSlash has come across a report from analyst firm iSuppli that claims the materials used to build the latest Intel iMac cost Apple roughly $898. This includes an estimated price of $265/Intel Dual Core chip, which is based on prices from Intel's site that are $294/chip in orders of 1000. The estimate, however, does not include other elements such as the mouse, keyboard or advertising. I won't regurgitate the rest of the price breakdown though, so check it out for yourself.While I'm no professional analyst, most of the pricing in that report sounds just a little bit high to me. I'm sure Apple is *probably* buying Dual Core chips in batches that are slightly larger than 1000, and $265/chip sounds nuts. Heck, a computer that costs $898 in mere parts (nevermind designing, building, advertising, shipping, etc) that sells for only $1299 sounds pretty nuts to me too, even for a company like Apple who could probably benefit from news like this hitting the streets.Just in case this report is right, though: that is one expensive computer, and one heck of an expensive chip. Here's hoping this big transition is ultimately worth it.
