Apple and IBM Working Together on 64-bit CPUs

Currawong writes "eWeek reports that IBM Microelectronics is working with Apple on a 64-bit PowerPC processor called the GigaProcessor Ultralite (GPUL). Unlike previous reports, eWeek now reports that Apple is testing the chip for use with future hardware. IBM apparently also plans to use the processor in linux-based servers. It's believed IBM will disclose some details of the processor in October at the upcoming Microprocessor Forum in San Jose, California. While this story is similar to recent stories about Apple using Power4-based IBM chips in future Macs, the GPUL, unlike the Power4, is smaller, runs cooler and consumes far less power, making it suitable for desktop machines and small servers. The processor is described as having the same 8-way superscalar design fully supporting Symmetric MultiProcessing." We had a previous story about these new chips.

Comments

This could be good.

[stagmeister]

Or, wait, let me think, the people have been brainwashed to use windows. Oops. It might be really nice for us, but unfortunately I don't think it'll really take off with the major consumer market for a looong time...

Re:I don't see the landscape changing too much...

[Billly Gates]

Yes it just may be the WIndows killer.

What will drive windoze users to apple? Its called palladium, drm, and compulsive licensing.

If bob can not use his future copy of MS OFFICE.NET that he purchased for his wife's computer on his palladium computer, then he will be very pissed and be open to more alternatives. ALso Apple admits they are now targetting linux/unix users. Linux is hugely popular in the hobbiest and software professional markets. If we can't run linux on palladium computers then we can do it on macs or use MACOSX. I read here that linux installs are now ahead of macosx installs! Apple could almost double their marketshare!

Also in Japan and China, everything is pirated. BIll Gates said in 1998 that he will allow them to be hooked on their software. Then sometime in the next decade MS will find a solution to make them pay! Hmm I wonder what that solution could be? Its likely the asains will keep their older pc's and look at alternative platforms for future purchasing. Apple would fit this quite nicely here.

Last but not least apple is hurting in the retail sector recently because consumers only look at mhz ratings for performance. I hope the newer macs are going to be clocked competively with wintel's so a consumer won't look at apple's as lemons like they do today.

First mover advantage

[noelwelsh]

There was a time that Apple was an innovator. Now, unfortunately, they follow Microsoft and in this case they're chasing Intel. Intel's Merced will be better positioned when the 64-bit market takes off simply because they'll have been out longer and so will have better tool support.