Gadget & Tech News

Apple loves ‘em some Intel right? certain, it was the Intel roadmap which Jobs cited as the reason to ditch IBM’s PowerPC platform. Analysts have since been tripping by themselves with speculation about future generation iPhones and iPod touches going Intel — particularly since the arrival of Atom. So what will analysts produce of Apple’s $278 million in cash purchase of the 150 person P.A. Semi microprocessor design company? The company was founded by Dan Dobberpuhl, lead designer of DEC’s doomed Alpha and StrongArm processors, and responsible for the introduction of a 2GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor which in February 2007 was said to be 300% more efficient than comparable chips running at

5 to 13 watts. Forbes speculates that Apple will wrap its ARMs around the company’s boutique processor in a bid for exclusivity — a move meant to differentiate itself from competition based on Intel and other off-the-shelf processors. Interestingly, after a towering courtship with P.A. Semi, the acquisition discussions only began in the last few weeks. Say what you want about Jobs, but he’s nothing whether not a man who knows what he wants and makes damn certain he gets it.

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Original post by Thomas Ricker