[tups_]

Apple is looking ti switch to intel processors and I am looking to switch to a mac . But what will the switch mean in real terms ???

I was thinking of buying a mac mini to go along side my wintel pc which unfortunately I still need and just use a switch box to switch the monitor between the two. Then I heard about this switch to intel processors and how you might be able to run XP on a partition of your mac or even put the Mac os on to a PC!!! I don't know if any of that is true but it does open up some possible options and and many more questions for every one especially for someone thinking of making the switch.

So I just thought I would open this topic up up to any one who is interested. What do you think of intel inside (a mac) and what will it mean for mac users or the mac in general?

[budster101]

Nothing. You need a computer? Go buy it.

[The Godfather]

And if you can wait, you wait.

[OwlBoy]

Easy Stuff huh?

[RAILhead]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ManOfSteal]

Late to the party, eh? The beer is bitter.

[Earth Mk. II]

In real terms? Well, most users will probably never notice on either end until they run into an incompatibility. I'd say the likelyhood of this in the short term (3 years or less) is low.

A few points to sum up previous discussions:

1. You will still need to buy a Mac to run MacOS.
2. It's possible, though unknown, that an Intel based Mac will be able to boot Windows. (I believe the official line is that "it will not be actively prevented" or some similarly vague phrase. Take it to mean what you will.)
3. As far as end-users are concerned, waiting for the switch to Intel CPU's will have little appreciable benefit in the short term. (Though it's still good to be aware.)
4. Software incompatibilities may crop up, however, it is generally in the developers best interests to maintain compatibility with both CPU architectures.

I suggest that, if you intend on buying a lower end machine (like an iMac or Mac mini) or are on an otherwise rapid upgrade cycle (you expect to replace the computer in 3 years or less), to not worry about waiting and just buy it now. By the time software issues begin to be a hinderance, it will probably be time to replace the machine anyway.

If you intend to buy a machine and keep it for an extended period of time before replacing it (let's say, longer than 5 years), then I would suggest waiting if you can. It's an extended wait at this point, but in the long run, your computer will be sure to be supported.

[jamil5454]

In other words, this won't happen:

i bought a brand spnaking new powre MAC the dya the announcemnet was made1!!!2 its already obseolet!!

[OptimusG4]

Originally Posted by tups_

Apple is looking ti switch to intel processors and I am looking to switch to a mac . But what will the switch mean in real terms ???

I was thinking of buying a mac mini to go along side my wintel pc which unfortunately I still need and just use a switch box to switch the monitor between the two. Then I heard about this switch to intel processors and how you might be able to run XP on a partition of your mac or even put the Mac os on to a PC!!! I don't know if any of that is true but it does open up some possible options and and many more questions for every one especially for someone thinking of making the switch.

So I just thought I would open this topic up up to any one who is interested. What do you think of intel inside (a mac) and what will it mean for mac users or the mac in general?

First, do a search (please). Second, it boils down to what you want. If you want a computer now, buy it. If not, wait. It's that simple.

[ironknee]

wow...i thought mactel was...well..meh...but macintel sounds better...first time i've seen that

[MrForgetable]

Originally Posted by ironknee

wow...i thought mactel was...well..meh...but macintel sounds better...first time i've seen that

sounds like macintosh me thinks