Intel Based Macs - Q/A?

-- by Paul R. Rybarczyk


Q: What is happening?

A: Apple recently announced that during 2006 through 2007, they will be migrating all new Macintosh computers to Intel X86 compatible CPU's, instead of the current PowerPC CPU's from IBM. These are the same Intel CPU's currently used in all Windows computers. Apple has been secretly preparing for this migration over the last five years, just in case it was needed.  And now it's needed.


Q: Is Apple doing a dumb thing?

A: No.  It's actually a very intelligent plan, both strategically and technically. See below.

Q: Why is this a good technical move for Apple?

A: There are several reasons why this is a very smart technical move. The number one reason is performance, especially performance per watt of power used (e.g. heat generated). IBM no longer has much interest in producing low-wattage CPUs like those used in Powerbooks, iBooks, and Minis. And so IBM is starting to fall behind Intel in that area, and they plan to fall further behind over the next five years. According to Apple, by mid 2006, Intel performance/watt will be at least 4x what PowerPC can provide. That's why you don't see a G5 processor in any Powerbooks yet, and you probably never will. That's also the main reason Apple is now switching.


Q: What does this mean to the average Mac user?

A: In a nutshell, it means that two years from now, Macs will run faster and cooler than they would if Apple stayed with IBM.  Other than that, most Mac users will not notice any difference at all.



Q: Will the PowerPC Mac software I have now work on Intel Macs?

A: Yes.  Within a year, much of the new Mac software will be designed to run on both kinds of Macs natively. But even 2005 Mac software (written for PowerPC) will run on future Intel Macs through emulation/tranlation. This is similar to how PowerPC Macs were able to run 68K software starting in 1994 ... during Apple's previous CPU transition.  This time, Apple's emulation/translation software is called "Rosetta", and it's already complete. Steve Jobs recently demonstrated Rosetta (during his 2005 WWDC Keynote Address) running  current versions of Microsoft Office and Photoshop on a prototype Intel Mac. They seemed to run fine.


Q: Will my new 2005 PowerPC Mac run new Mac software written in 2007 and beyond?

A: Yes.  Apple is encouraging all developers to produce applications with "universal binaries" that  automatically run on both PowerPC and Intel Macs, even years after Intel Macs are the only type sold. Apple is also making this relatively easy for developers to do. In short, this transition to Intel should not decrease the useful life of any PowerPC Mac you buy today.

Q: Should I avoid buying a PowerPC Mac?  Are they obsolete now?

A:  No and no. See above. As always, you should buy a new Mac based on whether you want/need to.  This migration to Intel Macs should not really affect that decision.


Q: Will Intel Macs be able to run Windows? What about Virtual PC?

A: Intel Macs should be able to boot directly into Windows or Mac OS X.  It's not clear yet if Microsoft will port Virtual PC to Intel Macs. but if they do, it should run much faster than it does today on PowerPC Macs.



Q: Will Intel Macs get viruses like Intel Windows computers?

A: No. The PowerPC to Intel switch should have no impact on this, since viruses and other malware usually attack OS vulnerabilities, independent of the CPU. So if you run Mac OS X on your Intel Mac, you should be pretty safe. However if you run Windows ... you should probably invest in some virus software.  That is also true today with Virtual PC.

Q: Will Mac OS X run on Intel machines from Dell, HP, etc?

A: No.  Although it would be very easy for Apple to offer that, it would be a bad business move, at least initially. Maybe someday Apple will convert to a software-only company, but for the next few years, hardware is still their bread and butter. So don't plan to run Mac OS X on your Dell.


Q: Is there a downside?

A:  Mostly confusion. This migration is causing some confusion/concern among Mac users, since most  don't know the answers to the questions above. Also this migration will require additional work for Mac software developers. Otherwise, there really is no downside.



Q: Why is this a good strategic move for Apple?

A: Several reason.  Apple can no longer fall behind in any CPU speed war. Likewise, they no longer need to defend the "megahertz myth". Also, Apple will have the option (if they choose) of becoming a software-only company, competing with Microsoft on their own turf. Lastly, Apple is preparing for the future of internet video.  Apple is certain that video/movie distribution will follow what happened for audio. In a few years, we will buy/rent movies on the internet, just like we can buy/rent music today. Intel processors will probably be the center of that, since Intel is working on a processor (called Pentium D) that will prevent movie piracy. Hollywood will not cooperate until that's in place, and Apple wants to be part of it. Any other CPU will probably exclude Apple from that technology.


Q: What are some other web sites saying about this?

A: Nearly every Mac/PC web site has some info/article on this subject. Of those, MacWorld has an Intel-Mac Q/A article that provides a very good overview. For a more technical article describing the hardware advantages of this switch and how they will probably affect Apple products, this Ars Technica article provides a good analysis.