Pengu said:
you mean Intel x86 CPUs, right fryke? We already KNOW they use an intel chip in the xserve for LAN or something.
I can't see them dumping PPC for x86 now. PPC tackled the 64bit thing at its inception. x86 (from intel at least) has to run in emulation, to get a 64bit CPU to run 32 bit code... why dump a system that works well for one that has market share? Mercedes AMG wouldn't use Chevy engines just because they sell more, do they?
As I am named here, I'll take a few seconds to answer: Alfa moved to some obscure Autralian GM motor for their high end cars, changing their legendar 3.0 V6 for the aussie 3.2 V6. On paper its has more horse power, and it is less expensive because they sell more, but the truth is that the car doesn't really accelerate anymore and has no sound. Hopefully Apple will not make the same error.
Knowing Steve (I mean, having read about him for now more than 25 years), I expect him to do something unexpected. He is smart, but sometimes his ego is bigger than his brain and the result is... strange.
Back to number:
Apple does a good part of his income with iPod. The processor used by the iPod is absolutely irrelevant for us. If they want to change it, they can.... maybe Intel has a good low-power CPU for this application.
Apple does a good part of his income with Mac hardware. Changing is to x86 would put it in competition with lots of other hardware provider. Strange.
Apple does some income with OS-X. Porting it to x86 would significantly increase its market share. Direct competitor would be Linux on x86. This is a great move to increase market share but my kill part of the Mac hardware income.
Apple does some income with Mac only software (iLife, iWork and several pro apps). Porting these to Windows or Linux could increase the market share. Indeed porting these to x86 Linux could be a very smart move.
Apple does a limited number of Mac and PC software (QuickTime, iTunes).
And Apple does server hardware and software... here there is a possibility of extension to x86 too.
Conclusion ? Wait for tomorrow evening !