Apple's Shift to Intel Chips: A New Era for the Mac?

Apple's decision to switch to Intel chips in 2007 has been met with a mix of acceptance and enthusiasm from Mac loyalists. Gone are the days of being an iconoclast, as the company's unique approach to computing has given way to a more pragmatic approach. Apple CEO Steve Jobs' charisma has played a significant role in convincing many fans that this change is for the better. Despite concerns about losing what made Macs special, many enthusiasts believe that the Intel chip switch is a savvy business move that will ultimately benefit the company and its consumers.

Key Takeaways:

• Apple's decision to switch to Intel chips in 2007 marks a significant shift in the company's approach to computing, ending its reliance on PowerPC chips.
• Many Mac loyalists, including author Bob LeVitus and salesman John Engler, have accepted and even embraced the change, crediting Steve Jobs' charisma for convincing them of its merits.
• Theories abound as to why this change has been accepted, including the prospect of lower prices due to Intel's massive scale and the potential for faster performance.
• Mac owners like Kramer Wetzel believe that what makes Macs special is their sleek design and user-friendly software, and that the engine (chip) doesn't make that much difference.
• John Booher, owner of the Wizard of Austin, a computer training and support outfit, thinks that Jobs pulled the plug on PowerPC due to its failure to deliver the goods, specifically the superfast 3-gigahertz chip promised two years ago.
• Booher also believes that being in bed with Intel, which provides more than 80 percent of the world's desktop PC chips, will lead to lower prices and ultimately benefit Apple and its consumers.

Statistics:

• Apple plans to switch to Intel chips by 2007 (Source: Apple)
• Motorola Inc (now Freescale Semiconductor Inc.) and IBM Corp. chips have been losing ground to Intel for years (Source: Industry reports)
• Intel provides more than 80 percent of the world's desktop PC chips (Source: Industry reports)
• Steve Jobs' charisma is a significant factor in convincing fans of the Intel chip switch (Source: Quotes from Mac enthusiasts)
• The first few years of the transition will likely be rough, but once completed, Apple fans expect to receive many benefits, including faster performance (Source: Quote from Bob LeVitus)

Sources:

• Apple Computer Inc. statement announcing the switch to Intel chips in 2007
• Industry reports on Motorola Inc. (now Freescale Semiconductor Inc.) and IBM Corp. chips losing ground to Intel
• Quotes from Bob LeVitus, John Engler, Kramer Wetzel, and John Booher
• Industry reports on Intel's market share of desktop PC chips