Apple has been outperforming the computer industry for some time now. If the company wants to maintain this trend, now is the time for Apple to differentiate itself even further by integrating new and alternative technologies into its computer systems.
“For instance, while Apple’s existing line of MacBook and MacBook Pro notebooks are unique in that they run the Mac OS X operating system, they’re architecturally based on the same run-of-the-mill processors and chipsets from Intel’s Santa Rosa mobile platform also employed by Windows-supporting rivals, such as Dell and HP,” Kasper Jade reports for Apple Insider.
A complete notebook line overhaul has been expected from Apple, however specific details still remain unclear. Jade continues to explain that people familiar with these plans, confirm Apple’s plans to release a revamped notebook line that “won’t adopt the Montevina chipset announced as part of Intel’s Centrino 2 mobile platform earlier this month.” Additionally, the new chipset that will be used in this mac overhaul, may have absolutely nothing to do with Intel at all.
To clarify further: The new chipsets that will supposedly be used by Apple in an upcoming line of macs, should not be confused with the primary CPU, which will continue to be supplied by Intel.
As long as the primary CPU continues to be from Intel, this shouldn’t affect Apple’s bountiful relationship with the chip giant. Technology is a very cutting-edge industry, if Apple thinks that power consumption can be reduced by using components other than what Intel can offer, Apple should by all means research those technologies, hoping to offer them to consumers at a reasonable price.
“Exactly what alternative Apple has chosen remains unclear. However it’s believed that Intel, which declined to comment for this story, would need to grant the Mac maker a license to use its CPUs with alternative chipsets,” Jade reports.
“Assuming the chipsets are not based on Intel technology, that would leave Apple with only a handful of viable options. The company could return to a practice common during the years of PowerPC-based Macs in which it developed proprietary chipsets to support the primary processors in its systems. Another option is that Apple could forge a relationship with one of the other established chipset manufacturers, such as AMD, NVidia or Via, in a move that would allow the company to build its next-generation systems using technology cherry-picked from the best of both worlds.”
We’ve reported about confirmed Macbook Air like keyboards in the upcoming Macbook Pro, and a new case design from leaked supply chain photos has also been confirmed. Additionally, new rumors regarding a glass trackpad have also been announced today. While most of these rumors are exterior design enhancements, and perhaps some additional input methods (with the trackpads), Apple’s choice for interior components that will be used in its upcoming line of notebooks remains a mystery.
via Apple Insider
