The next generation of Mac is fraught with surprises

Original author: Kasper Jade
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Apple's upcoming new generation of personal computers is likely to undergo one of the most significant architectural changes since the transition from PowerPC processors to Intel.

In addition to switching to Intel chips in early 2006, the Cupertino-based company also refused to use its own motherboards that support the central processor on the Mac. Instead, she relied on modified versions of Intel chipsets, created by industry standards for a wide range of PC manufacturers involved in the development of Intel-compatible systems.

While the existing MacBook and MacBook Pro line is unique in that it supports the Mac OS X operating system, the architecture of these laptops uses the same components of the Intel Santa Rosa mobile platform, processors and chipsets, which are also used in Windows-compatible systems of such competitors. like Dell and HP.

But it seems that Apple, striving to maintain Mac sales growth at a level twice as large as the industry average, is again going to isolate the architecture of its personal computer systems with alternative technology that will give the company an advantage beyond the reach of competitors.

People familiar with these plans say that the next generation of Macs, led by a trio of laptops with a new design, will not use the Montevina chipset, announced earlier this month as part of the Intel Centrino 2 mobile platform. Moreover, these same people suggest that the chipset in the new Mac wave will have little in common with Intel in general.

What kind of alternative Apple chose is still a mystery. But it is believed that Intel, which declined to comment on this rumor, would have to grant the Mac manufacturer a license to use its processors on alternative chipsets.

Based on the fact that the chipsets are not based on Intel technology, Apple has few options. The company could go back to its Mac principle with PowerPC processors, when it also engaged in the production of its own chipsets, aimed at supporting the CPUs used.

Alternatively, Apple could make a deal with another well-known chipset manufacturer, such as AMD or VIA, which will allow the company to design next-generation systems with the cream of technology from both companies.

For example, AMD recently introduced its open platform Puma, designed for laptops, which also includes a new powerful chipset with the potential for its use with competitors from Intel. It should be noted its accelerated Radeon HD 3200 video chip, Hyperflash I / O controller and support for hybrid hard drives with flash memory, which minimizes load time.

Apple’s refusal from Intel chipsets may also be due to fear of switching to their new voracious mobile chipsets. Mac is committed to reducing the size and weight of its laptops while increasing battery life and providing new technologies that are not available to competitors.

During a recent conference call, Apple Finance Manager Peter Oppenheimer talked about how the company continues to invest in new technologies that will impact the company's revenue but leave competitors far behind.

“We have several investments in our hands - I cannot tell you about them yet - with their help we will provide new works of art that will become unique,” ​​said Oppenheimer, “as a result, I assume that our profit will be about 30% of income. ”

Since the release of new Apple laptops will not necessarily coincide with the release of competitors' products based on the standard Centrino 2 components, people familiar with the new generation systems say that we will hear the official statement of the company no earlier than in 6 or 8 weeks.

Recently, Apple stopped supplying sellers of its technology, such as Best Buy, for a period of 2 weeks, which gave rise to rumors of an imminent update. On the other hand, Apple’s actions are likely to be linked to a season of academic discounts, which usually depletes supplies in a few weeks, starting in mid-July.

AppleInsider.ru translation

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