The Marriage Of Apple And Intel

When the rumor first arose that Apple would be putting Intel chips into their computers, I almost did not believe it. So I waited and waited, now they’re here, they’re finally here!

Intel processors were previously only found in PCs, so this is a breakthrough that it they’re now in Apple’s computers. Outputting more using less power, the revolutionary Intel Core Duo chips have two processors built into one chip. It is the first chip built using Intel’s 65-nanometer process, resulting in transistors small enough to fit 100 into a single human cell. This allows the chip to share resources and conserve power between its two processors.

Intel Core Duo has kicked the new iMac up two times faster than the previous iMac and the MacBook Pro laptop four to five times faster than the previous PowerBook. Both additions includes a built-in iSight camera video camera for video conferencing or a video Podcast, iLife ’06 (includes upgraded versions of iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand and the new iWeb program), Front Row/Apple Remote (to control your favorite cool stuff on your computer from across the room), Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) and Mac OS X version 10.4.4 Tiger.

Each new iMac comes standard with a SuperDrive (for burning DVDs and CDs), 512MB of RAM (expandable to 2GB), ATI Radeon X1600 PCI Express-based graphics with 128MB of GDDR3 memory (graphics performance), five USB ports, two FireWire ports, a Mighty Mouse and Apple Keyboard. The 17-inch version has a 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo processor and a 160GB hard drive ($1,299). The 20-inch version has a 2.0 GHz processor and a 250GB hard drive ($1,699).

The MacBook Pro features a 67% brighter 15-inch display, a lightweight one-inch thin aluminum enclosure and only weighs 5.6 pounds. It debuts Apple’s patent-pending MagSafe magnetic power connector which magnetically couples the power cord to the MacBook Pro. The connector disconnects from the notebook when there is strain on the power cord. All MacBook Pros come standard with a slot-load SuperDrive, PCI Express-based ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 256MB GDDR3 memory, a 60-watt hour lithium polymer battery and a scrolling TrackPad to control the mouse and Apple’s Sudden Motion Sensor that is designed to protect the hard drive if in case you drop it. The MacBook with the 1.67GHz processor comes with a 80GB hard drive and 512MB RAM (expandable to 2GB) ($1,999). The one with the 1.83 GHz processor includes a 100GB hard drive and 1GB of RAM (expandable to 2GB) ($2,499).

If you’re in the market for a new computer, I highly recommend one of these. I currently use a PowerBook G4 and I will definitely upgrade soon to the MacBook Pro. Check them out online at www.apple.com or at the Apple Store at Ala Moana Center.