Report: AMD-based Apple notebook in the works
A report published by the always intriguing DigiTimes on Thursday claims that Apple Computer is teaming up with chipmaker AMD to deliver a new notebook that will employ AMD chips rather than those from Intel.
The publication cites Taiwan-based sources in the passive component industry as witnessing an aggressive increase in orders for high-capacitance multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) supposedly en-route for an AMD-based Apple notebook.
"For this new notebook, about 70 22µF MLCCs will be required, with Japan-based Murata Manufacturing, Taiyo Yuden and TDK being the three major suppliers," DigiTimes sources reportedly said.
In supporting its claims, the publication cites statements by AMD chief executive Hector Ruiz, who in September said Apple would eventually become one of AMD's customers. It also notes the recent merger between AMD and ATI Technologies as making the "speculation more convincing," because the graphics solutions specialist has been a longtime partner of Apple's.
However, DigiTimes hedges its bets by noting that "some motherboard makers are doubtful about any AMD and Apple partnership, with the makers noting the performance advantage Intel currently enjoys over AMD, especially for the Core 2 Duo processor compared with AMD's present CPU lineup."
"AMD is also considered to have insufficient capacity," those motherboard makers reportedly said.
DigiTimes goes on to say that sources at Taiwan server makers suggested that Apple could alternatively apply AMD's x86 socket chips to its Xserve line.
"In light of the fact AMD's market share in the server segment is likely to reach 20 percent, a partnership between the two companies seems reasonable," the report states.
Editor's note: DigiTimes has not been particularly accurate in its predictions of future Apple product directions and technologies.
The publication cites Taiwan-based sources in the passive component industry as witnessing an aggressive increase in orders for high-capacitance multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) supposedly en-route for an AMD-based Apple notebook.
"For this new notebook, about 70 22µF MLCCs will be required, with Japan-based Murata Manufacturing, Taiyo Yuden and TDK being the three major suppliers," DigiTimes sources reportedly said.
In supporting its claims, the publication cites statements by AMD chief executive Hector Ruiz, who in September said Apple would eventually become one of AMD's customers. It also notes the recent merger between AMD and ATI Technologies as making the "speculation more convincing," because the graphics solutions specialist has been a longtime partner of Apple's.
However, DigiTimes hedges its bets by noting that "some motherboard makers are doubtful about any AMD and Apple partnership, with the makers noting the performance advantage Intel currently enjoys over AMD, especially for the Core 2 Duo processor compared with AMD's present CPU lineup."
"AMD is also considered to have insufficient capacity," those motherboard makers reportedly said.
DigiTimes goes on to say that sources at Taiwan server makers suggested that Apple could alternatively apply AMD's x86 socket chips to its Xserve line.
"In light of the fact AMD's market share in the server segment is likely to reach 20 percent, a partnership between the two companies seems reasonable," the report states.
Editor's note: DigiTimes has not been particularly accurate in its predictions of future Apple product directions and technologies.
Comments
However, in the long run, yes - I believe it will happen. 3-5 years time. And by then we won't be needing any new software for it.
Let me be the first to say: Bullshit.
However, in the long run, yes - I believe it will happen. 3-5 years time. And by then we won't be needing any new software for it.
Yeah it will happen after we see a G5 PowerBook.
if it isn't complete BS, I would think that it might be possible that Apple will use the AMD chip in their ultra-portable, if they release one at Macworld in Jan.
Why wouldnt they use one of Intel's Ultra Low Voltage Core chips:
U1400 65 nm 2 MB L2 1.20 GHz 533 MHz 5.5W
or
U1300 65 nm 2 MB L2 1.06 GHz 533 MHz 5.5W
Yeah, I call BS on this one too. I can't see Apple diluting their volume discounts from Intel to pursue lesser AMD mobile chips.
Vinea
The reason Apple went with Intel in the first place is so that they could have one-place shopping with world-class products (and no shortages). Intel currently delivers on all counts.
Also I have a feeling Apple is currently Intel's "best buddy" -- they seem to get all the high-end chips they need or want, while others have a hard time getting enough 2.33 GHz Meroms, for example. Some people say that Dell is going AMD because they don't feel as loved by Intel as they once were (before Apple came along) anymore...
Be nice if Apple would use chip sets like the Nforce and Crossfire. By doing this Apple could compete better and make the Macs look more attractive.
I still don't understand why Apple does not have an SLI or Crossfire solution. Apple needs more hardware options. PC hardware is driving tech so why not use it?
Not going to happen, I don't think.
The reason Apple went with Intel in the first place is so that they could have one-place shopping with world-class products (and no shortages). Intel currently delivers on all counts.
Also I have a feeling Apple is currently Intel's "best buddy" -- they seem to get all the high-end chips they need or want, while others have a hard time getting enough 2.33 GHz Meroms, for example. Some people say that Dell is going AMD because they don't feel as loved by Intel as they once were (before Apple came along) anymore...
Fully agree.
The ONLY thing AMD have over Intel at the moment is the PROSPECT of tight graphics integration thanks to their RECENT purchase of ATI, SOMEDAY out in the future. Sure, I'd love to see CPU level fabrication applied to the GPU as well, especially if they follow the multicore trend and share the same die. But when is this going to happen? 2007 I think not. Eventually it's a given though, but Intel are in a fine position to bring it about for themselves given their own in house graphics and whatever nVidia decide to do long term.
Before my Mac days I used to really like AMD. Their brand new Athlon came from nowhere and was kicking ass. These days I respect Intel because they deliver, and keep an eye on AMD because of what they're surely up to with ATI. But my "rootin' for the small guy" allegiance is begining to the drift to nVidia. I wonder how they're going to ride the single die wave.
Anyway, Apple would be mad to remain Intel exclusive forever if AMD came back into advantage. But they'd be just as mad right now to bust their karma with Otellini and rush for the second rate processors AMD currently supply in decidedly shaky batches. So this particular story is indeed supreme BS.
Total BS
How is this any different from the initial reactions to the rumors of Apple's Intel switch, which later proved to be true?
Or Apple making video iPods?
In the consumer market? AMD in laptops? No sense at all.
Maybe in five years, but definitely not now.
I listened to a TWiT podcast the other day that played an old show where Leo Laporte was saying the change to Intel will be the end of Apple and Dvorak was saying the opposite.
Editor's note: DigiTimes has not been particularly accurate in its predictions of future Apple product directions and technologies.
Understatement of the year!
http://forums.appleinsider.com/showt...threadid=67001
There were a lot of comments on this before, its amazing how this keeps coming back again and again..
This news has surfaced before also but from a different angel:
http://forums.appleinsider.com/showt...threadid=67001
There were a lot of comments on this before, its amazing how this keeps coming back again and again..
So, during a dinner speech Hector Ruiz said "Everybody wants choice. Knowing Apple, why would they want to be held hostage like everyone else has been?"
Apple could use AMD x86 processors eventually, if they see fit, and Hector Ruiz says he doesn't have a problem with that, but at the moment there is nothing tangible about this claim.
XServe will be cool if they offer in Quad Xeon and Opetron, let the Enterprise choose what they want. With AMD XServer Opetrons will be good for Performace for price.