New 970 Information
Hello all,
I refuse to post this into the only other semi-relevant thread, as *that* thread is woefully offtopic and has been for some time.
While I was hoping to call attention to Hannibal's article [due before the 17th of December], I instead point to this <a href="http://www-3.ibm.com/chips/products/powerpc/newsletter/dec2002/newproductfocus2.html"; target="_blank">one</a>
Directly from the mouth of Big Blue.
The article itself isn't much on new information, but the two diagrams in the newsletter clear up a few things that were speculation. The diagram that includes the "companion chip" is especially interesting, as it shows precisely what its role would be [notice separate sending/recieving logical units]
Now discuss!
The Visigothe
[ 12-13-2002: Message edited by: visigothe ]</p>
I refuse to post this into the only other semi-relevant thread, as *that* thread is woefully offtopic and has been for some time.
While I was hoping to call attention to Hannibal's article [due before the 17th of December], I instead point to this <a href="http://www-3.ibm.com/chips/products/powerpc/newsletter/dec2002/newproductfocus2.html"; target="_blank">one</a>
Directly from the mouth of Big Blue.
The article itself isn't much on new information, but the two diagrams in the newsletter clear up a few things that were speculation. The diagram that includes the "companion chip" is especially interesting, as it shows precisely what its role would be [notice separate sending/recieving logical units]
Now discuss!
The Visigothe
[ 12-13-2002: Message edited by: visigothe ]</p>
Comments
Sampling is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2003 with production expected in the second half of 2003.
</quote>
I know we sort of knew this, but it makes me depressed each time! I want it not to be true...
<strong>My next machine will be on my desk next Christmas
Late 2003, i will change my mac at my office and it will rock
Nice catch!
Kinda confirms one or two up in the air things.
Altivec is indeed altivec. Reaffirms that Apple may use this chip or had a hand in its design. No modification of code. ie Compatible prog's. Impressive throughput AND sampling quarter two leaves us with a post New York/Seybold demo' and ship schedule. I guess I can live with that.
We've waited longer for mediocre G4 updates...
Lemon Bon Bon
<strong>What is my Dual GHz SlowSilver(tm) worth in next Christmas anyway?</strong><hr></blockquote>
on AI - $1000
on Ebay - $5900 give or take a thousand. <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" />
<strong>damn, i will be int he market for a new computer for professional work... next spring. <img src="graemlins/embarrassed.gif" border="0" alt="[Embarrassed]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>
next january for me
"At up to 1.8 GHz, the PowerPC 970 is the fastest PowerPC yet introduced."
that taken from the IBM article seems to be pretty cleary of the clock speed....
<strong>After seeing those fraud reports (shown on MacRumors, MacNN etc) on eBay I am very afraid to sell computer or buy expensive things off of that</strong><hr></blockquote>
Easy to sell, you don't ship anything until the cash is in your hands I sold my iBook and Visor Edge on ebay with no problems. Buying something on the other hand....I'm not brave enough, at least not electronics. Best bet is to only buy from people with positive feedback. Of course I sold my iBook when I only had 1 feedback.
<strong>it seems like there was some debate as too what speed the 970 would go up to on first release:
"At up to 1.8 GHz, the PowerPC 970 is the fastest PowerPC yet introduced."
that taken from the IBM article seems to be pretty cleary of the clock speed....</strong><hr></blockquote>
It's also pretty classic IBM. It's the fastest PPC "yet introduced," but it's not actually available, and it allows for the possibility that someone would announce- er, "introduce" a PPC before the 970s ship date that matched it in "speed."
So it really doesn't say much, but it sure sounds impressive. I know people really want to believe in IBM after watching Motorola collapse under the pressure of bad management, but remember: IBM invented FUD. They had the tactic mastered before Bill Gates - who's basically just been reading out of their playbook - and Andy Grove were Hershey bars in their fathers' back pockets. They still use it.
The 970 is a splendid chip by all technical indications available, but let's keep IBM at arm's length. Also, don't be quite so quick to rule out Motorola SPS. I'm not expecting miracles, but they do have some nice designs and talented engineers, they are making some clever alliances. and they are trying to turn around as an organization. It's very much in Apple's interest to keep them as a live option just to keep the fire to IBM's feet.
Thanks for posting that article, visigothe. FUD aside, it had some good information.
[ 12-13-2002: Message edited by: Amorph ]</p>
i think when apple releases this, powermac sales will be strong for the first time since the mid-90s
Suspense 0
<strong>
So it really doesn't say much, but it sure sounds impressive. I know people really want to believe in IBM after watching Motorola collapse under the pressure of bad management, but remember: IBM invented FUD. They had the tactic mastered before Bill Gates - who's basically just been reading out of their playbook - and Andy Grove were Hershey bars in their fathers' back pockets. They still use it.
The 970 is a splendid chip by all technical indications available, but let's keep IBM at arm's length. Also, don't be quite so quick to rule out Motorola SPS. I'm not expecting miracles, but they do have some nice designs and talented engineers, they are making some clever alliances. and they are trying to turn around as an organization. It's very much in Apple's interest to keep them as a live option just to keep the fire to IBM's feet.
[ 12-13-2002: Message edited by: Amorph ]</strong><hr></blockquote>
A few things about FUD... While I agree that IBM was pretty good with regard to the FUD game, what about this is FUD? Nothing that I can see. In this instance, IBM has done nothing in this article that is anti motorola, or even anti-Intel. Is it propaganda, well, that could be debated. It does contain factual information, but it does do it in an editorial "Aren't we cool" kind of way. FUD is completely different than propaganda. Don't confuse the two.
To your point though, that one should not burn bridges, yes, It can only help Apple if it has more than one supplier of goods/services. ATI and nVidia are another good example of this, and I think the powers that be understand that. Jobs is known for being "highly emotional" [a polite term], but he is *far* from stupid. After the ATI/Powermac stunt, Jobs could have screwed ATI with regard to further Macintosh integration. He didn't, because he knows that having more than one supplier is always good.
The Visigothe
...still waiting for Hannibal's next report
[quote]In addition to its support of new 64-bit solutions, the 970 retains full native support for 32-bit applications. This not only protects 32-bit software investments, but provides these 32-bit applications with the same high-performance levels that it extends to 64-bit uses. This native, nonemulated, 32-bit support is not limited to application code, which runs unmodified. 32-bit operating systems with minor updates can also take advantage of the PowerPC 970's outstanding performance.<hr></blockquote>
Jet
<strong>it seems like there was some debate as too what speed the 970 would go up to on first release</strong><hr></blockquote>
There was nothing to debate, this was clearly stated by IBM on Oct 15th. This is just another example of the FUD generated by AppleInsider and the various other rumour boards on the 'net. I wouldn't worry about IBM or Apple's FUD, I'd be more careful about getting worked up over the latest ruckus here.