Apple killing Intel Atom support with next OS release?

[Chris]

I've covered the story about a potential Apple netbook in the past on multiple occasions here, and we all still keep holding out hope that one day we'll finally have an Apple netbook. Meanwhile, for those of us that didn't want to wait their have been plenty of resources on the web providing information on [...]

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In addition to Atom, Apple killed their own PPC support also. Apple doesn't grow those delights in the walled garden any more. I haven't bought any Apple products since February '08. Bought my netbook in March '09. I'm good.

[ThisIsNot]

I guess that means that the much rumored Apple tablet/netbook won't be packing an Intel Atom processor. I do understand why they stopped supporting the PowerPC architecture. Apple announced the transition to Intel 4 years ago with everything being finalized 3 years ago. The first OS from Apple to not support the PowerPC architecture was released three years after the transition was complete.

That is more than enough time for people to upgrade from the aged PowerPC architecture (The G5 chip was power hungry while the G4 was efficient yet greatly outperformed by the Intel Pentium M at the time). Keeping around a PowerPC Apple computer is like holding onto an old 486 and then complaining that Windows 2000 didn't support the processor.

I am not surprised that Apple won't be supporting the Atom. None of their current computer use it and this is more of a ploy to stop the Hacintoshes out there.

Originally Posted by ThisIsNot

I do understand why they stopped supporting the PowerPC architecture. Apple announced the transition to Intel 4 years ago with everything being finalized 3 years ago. The first OS from Apple to not support the PowerPC architecture was released three years after the transition was complete.

Well,yes, but my comment was facetious. I still have three PPC Macs and all three run fine using the software that came with them. I had coffee with a friend last week who told me he is still using his iBook. PPC lives. No complaints. And, no reason to buy upgrades to hardware or OS without a need, PC or Mac.

I am not surprised that Apple won't be supporting the Atom. None of their current computer use it and this is more of a ploy to stop the Hacintoshes out there.

That, as we both know, will not work thanks to hacker skills.

[ThisIsNot]

Originally Posted by netbooking

Well,yes, but my comment was facetious.

Why? Apple did kill off support for the older PowerPC architectures with the latest Mac OS X release. Nothing facetious about that.

Originally Posted by netbooking

PPC lives.

Yes and so do older Pentium 4, Pentium M, Pentium D, Celeron, Centrino, 486, Pentium III, Pentium II, etc. processors but that does not mean that they are living full lives.

Originally Posted by ThisIsNot

Why? Apple did kill off support for the older PowerPC architectures with the latest Mac OS X release. Nothing facetious about that.

It's a slight quibble with terms but while Snow Leopard may not operate on PPC, in fact, PPC is alive and well with Tiger. I have personally seen and used PPCs all around the Pacific Rim. They are still being used in graphics work stations by professionals and as low cost computers in recreational locations. For one thing, the cost of updating to new Macs keeps older computers going.

Yes and so do older Pentium 4, Pentium M, Pentium D, Celeron, Centrino, 486, Pentium III, Pentium II, etc. processors but that does not mean that they are living full lives.

All of the older computers were purchased to meet a need which, if that need is still being fulfilled, are full uses of the computers. To be sure, newer computers can meet different needs. There are quantitative measurements of differences. The XP loaded, single core, limited graphics netbook is meeting the needs of a lot of people. No reason, IMO, to push for stouter hardware or new colors of software at additional cost.

If needs change, buy what meets the need. If no change is needed, use what works.

[ThisIsNot]

Looks like this was short lived as the alpha/developer version of Snow Leopard adds Atom support.