mac 64bit v. Intel 64bit software support

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bikko100

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Trying to decide between the two. I know most of the intel software won't be optimized for the 64bit architecture, atleast not right away. So basically i'm looking at alteast 1.5 years before anything comes down the pike.

How about on the MAC?
 
I'm more of a Windows person than a Mac person, but honestly I have more faith in Apple and their developer community rolling out 64 bit apps before x86 developers (that includes 64 bit software for AMD's Opteron).

Between "Smeagol" (10.2.7) and Panther Apple is already shipping 64 bit libraries to take advantage of the G5's 64 bitness, even though the OS itself is not 64 bit entirely. On the otherside, Microsoft seems to keep delaying Windows 64 bit, I think it's backed up till 2004 now.

So Apple has a little headstart but it's an important race and I think both sides will take just about as much time as the other.

Are you looking at this as an end user or a developer?
 
Windows 64 bit as in Longhorn? That won't be out until at the earliest 2005, possibly even 2006, knowing Microsoft. The Mac will see a lot more 64 bit software as soon as the G5 and Panther start shipping because these are both 64 bit.
 
I remember the one line from the one dude on stage:

(I'm paraphrasing) ' It took us what? 15 minutes to port (the app). So don't worry. '

Now, I think the 64 bit port is going to be almost seamless.
 
Apparently, all it takes is recompilation.

Most of that 15 minutes (12 of them) was retrieving the files from the main server, I believe. Now that's an easy port!
 
Recompiling a program for 64 bits can sometimes do more harm than good. For example, do we really need a 64 bit email or plain text editor? Well if the platform was 64 bit only then yes, but G5 can run 32 bit apps.

64 bit software carry double the baggage of 32 bit apps, the only real benefit is you can address more memory. Doubling the bitness doesn't mean double the performance.
 
Originally posted by Lycander
Recompiling a program for 64 bits can sometimes do more harm than good. For example, do we really need a 64 bit email or plain text editor? Well if the platform was 64 bit only then yes, but G5 can run 32 bit apps.

64 bit software carry double the baggage of 32 bit apps, the only real benefit is you can address more memory. Doubling the bitness doesn't mean double the performance.
Click to expand...

of course, it's not good for everything however for multimedia intensive programs etc., i would hope the gains are worth the baggage.

Now it's just the waiting game.....7-10 week shipping time. I gotta wait till i can drive to the local mac store and get it. HOpefully prices will fall by then as well.
 
Keep hoping my friend, Apple isn't going to drop prices on a product they just released :) Not until something better comes along, that's the way the game works.
 
Just a little more information for you:

- Apple's 64-bit optimised OS will be out in about 2 months.
- A 64-bit optimised version of Windows is planned for release in about April next year.
- It may be some time before 64-bit optimised software starts appearing for either platform. But Apple has the compilers and tools out already ;-)
- The Intel 64-bit chips due to be released soon run 32 bit software in a software emulation mode; The AMD chip due for release soon, as well as the systems from IBM and Apple's G5 both can run 32-bit software natively, without needing an emulation layer.
 
Well take a look at the flat panel iMacs as a history lesson. When it first debuted it was in high demand, much higher than the supply. But when the supply finally grew, the demand was no long as high. Apple cut prices on those iMacs to move inventory, not because they were selling so well. There will be an even bigger demand for G5 systems.
 
Originally posted by symphonix
... The AMD chip due for release soon ...
Click to expand...
Correction, the AMD 64 bit chip has been out for quite some time now. There are a few Linux distros available to run in 64 bit mode but indeed the compiler tools still need to be improved and I haven't seen them publicly available unless I'm just blind :)
 
Originally posted by symphonix
Just a little more information for you:

- A 64-bit optimised version of Windows is planned for release in about April next year.
Click to expand...


correction
The 64-bit version of Windows is already out. But you can only get it with the purchase of a new workstation using the Itanium processor.

But's also pretty much useless for the home user, that's why it's not too exciting.
 
Yes, Lycander, it's the age-old story of supply and demand all over again. When the G5 is old news, and the chip has been integrated into a couple of the other lines, Apple will start lowering the prices. But while they're rarer than a liberal in the current White House, Apple will be charging a premium for them (although it's a moderate premium).
 
Wow. So basically, the only features of Windows XP that are 64-bit supported are Notepad and Paint, right?
 
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