Had Apple not switched from PPC to Intel...

[heatmiser]

Also, the point about consumers not caring is a tad untrue. I remember that during the PPC days, many people would look at the CPU speed and think that Macs were "twice as slow." This was usually because a G4 @ 1.33GHZ seemed to be slower than an Intel/AMD @ 2.6+GHZ. Even though this wasn't accurate, it created a mental block for a lot of people. Intel gives people a level comparison, which makes Macs look much more competitive.

Yeah, this is true. Remember how much time Apple used to campaign about the "megahertz myth?" It was a staple in their argument when trying to get people to switch. When's the last time you heard Jobs (or anyone) mention the MM these days? Let's face it. They're grateful for the leveled playing field.

 

[lofight]

To know that your computer does both Windows and Mac OS X when you buy it, is fantastic..

 

[twoodcc]

i think they would have been just as successful, or at least close. they would have found a way...

 

[chewietobbacca]

i think they would have been just as successful, or at least close. they would have found a way...

With the way Intel has been rolling lately, they probably would have been left in the dust. Intel is just too huge and has too many resources and know-how now.

 

[Eric Lewis]

they would suck and be slower

 

[xUKHCx]

Look at the PPC line that exists today, not much has changed, there have been some improvements but the core duos destroyed them when they first came out and now we are on SR core 2 duos moving on up. There would be no contest.

 

[sonictruth]

xUKHCx Look at the PPC line that exists today, not much has changed, there have been some improvements but the core duos destroyed them when they first came out and now we are on SR core 2 duos moving on up. There would be no contest.

Not to ask a dumb question, but is there any personal computer PowerPC chip used anymore? Or did IBM stop development after Apple ditched them? I know they are now common in game systems and cars, but PCs?

 

[LizKat]

Dual core, do more.

True, but not that many consumers really need the more to do more with.

I mean email and reading the sports stats or stock market prices are the big workouts for probably half the planet's computers. Could still do that stuff with a 12MHz machine and a 300bps dialup connection if it weren't for the flash ads trying to sell you a car before lunch. And of course all those swell pics of s/b-in-rehab celebs.

Of course I'm gonna shell out for Apple's next great book (the ultralight?) but I'm just sayin'... some days I could still be running a powerbook 170. In fact I do use mine out in the backyard during summer (great screen in sunlight).