Sign in Subscribe
Computer industry

Apple's PowerMacs: A New Era for Risc-Based Personal Computers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Apple's entry into the Risc-based personal computer market with the launch of PowerMacs has sent shockwaves through the industry. With their ability to run Macintosh applications quicker than before, these machines are good news for Apple. However, their impact on the face of personal computing, dominated by IBM PC-compatibles, is unlikely to be significant. The PowerMacs, which start at a slimline Quadra 610 desktop case with a 60MHz PowerPC 601 processor, eight megabytes of memory, and a 160 megabyte hard drive, will be sold alongside ordinary Macintoshes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PowerMacs will run native applications two to four times faster than Macs with a 33MHz Motorola 68040 processor, with the 8100/80 model able to run native applications twice as fast again.
  • Apple expects the PowerMacs to take over as more 'native' PowerPC programs become available, with the 8100/80 model sporting a 256K cache memory.
  • The PowerMacs will be able to run DOS and Windows programs using Insignia Solution's SoftWindows software emulator, though running programs under an emulator is rarely anyone's first choice.
  • Apple believes it is leading users into the future by moving to Risc, but Intel is skeptical, with Intel's general manager of microprocessor products stating that when it is all said and done, Apple will be left with only 5 to 10 percent of the market.
  • The PowerPC design is based on the Power architecture used in IBM's RS/6000 Unix range, and while it may be faster than a Pentium, most people will not risk incompatibility for a marginal difference in price or performance.

Statistics:

  • The PowerMacs start at about pounds 1,500 and go up to pounds 4,200, with the 6100/60 model costing about pounds 1,500, the 7100/66 model costing about pounds 2,300, and the 8100/80 model costing about pounds 4,200.
  • The 8100/80 PowerMac has a 256K cache memory and can run native applications twice as fast again compared to the 8100/66 model.
  • Intel says it will launch a new version of the Pentium (586) processor, the P54C, that is faster than the PowerPC 601.
  • The 150MHz DEC Alpha AXP scores 81.0 and 110.2 in SPECint92 and SPECfp92, respectively, while the 100MHz HP-PA 7100 scores 109.1 and 167.9.

Sources:

  • "The New York Times"
  • "Apple Insider"
  • "PC Magazine"
  • "The Risc Business"

Read more