The Transition to Intel Processors - 1,000 Questions & 100 Answers
In May 2005 Steve Jobs announced at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference that Apple would be transitioning to Intel microprocessors starting in 2006, with the entire line of computers running on the new silicon by the end of 2007.
Besides being a landmark event for software developers, the announcement also set off a non-stop series of opinions and speculation in columns, news stories, editorials, blogs, forums and other forms of expression. Some of the writing stated the obvious ("big change"), while others went further afield (Apple buy-out by Intel).
But no matter the opinion, one thing is clear: the change is coming to an Apple retail store near you, and customers are going to be asking lots of questions. To help the Retail team, I've prepared a briefing/training paper that includes some of the most obvious store visitor questions they might be asked.
You be sure that Apple's Retail team has already been working on this situation, preparing a similar list of official questions and answers that Mac Specialists can use when queried by store visitors. Let me know if you have other questions and answers, and I'll post them here.
The MacCentral Web site has a good list of general questions and answers about the transition to Intel, including some questions that might be raised by retail store customers. Apple has also distributed a meager list of talking points for its retail store staff.
Intel Transition Q & A
Visitors to the Retail stores may ask you questions or make remarks about the recently announced transition to Intel microprocessors by the end of 2007. The questions may relate to an intended purchase, a Macintosh model they've already purchased, or just curiosity questions about Apple's future plans. In conversations with customers, you should impart and emphasize the following information:
- The change is being made so Apple can continue providing superior products for the next 10 years
- The change will occur over two years, following a well-developed transition plan
- An existing customer's PowerPC Macintosh computer will continue to be useful and productive even after the transition
- A potential customer need not delay his/her Macintosh purchase, because current Macs will continue to be fully supported and useful to the customer even after the transition is complete
The following questions and answers provide some guidance on handling Retail store customer inquiries related to the transition to Intel microprocessors. These questions do not apply to business and education customers who may contact you.
I heard that Apple is updating all its computers.
You're referring to the transition to Intel microprocessors? Well, you know that Apple is continuously updating its hardware and software. This is just one more improvement, starting this time next year and then phased over the next year, finishing in 2007. It's just one of the many upgrades that Apple is always making to improve the computing experience.
I heard Apple is bringing out all new computers.
You're referring to the transition to Intel microprocessors? The announcement Steve Jobs made was about switching from the PowerPC microprocessor to chips made by Intel. That will begin next year, and be phased in through 2007. It's just one of the many upgrades that Apple is always making to improve its hardware and software.
Why is Apple making the switch?
I watched the video of Steve Jobs' announcement, and he said that Intel has the strongest processor roadmap looking into the future, and that those chips will help Apple create the best personal computer for the next 10 years. Some the considerations include power consumption and chip speed for all the products that Apple wants to bring to market.
Will Apple's new computers have new features?
Apple doesn't talk about the features of future products, but certainly lower power consumption, less heat and faster speeds will be part of the many benefits of transitioning to Intel microprocessors.
Should I wait to buy a new computer until the new models come out?
If you need a computer now, then now is the time to buy one. Buying a computer now will give you its benefits right away, and the computer you buy will continue to be supported and useful to you even after the transition to Intel microprocessors.
If I buy a computer now, will it be compatible with the new software when it comes out?
The software we include with each new computer, and all of the software you purchase now will continue to work on your Macintosh. If and when you purchase an Intel Macintosh, and will also run on the new Intel microprocessor computers when they're introduced. Here, let me draw you a picture....
Are the new computers going to be less expensive?
Apple doesn't talk about the features or prices of future products, but you can expect prices of the Intel Macintosh computers to be competitive.
Will my computer be obsolete when the new models come out?
What computer do you have? (OS 9 or OS X?) Apple has officially moved to OS X, and any computer running that version of the operating system is and will continue to be supported and useful to you.
How will I update my computer when the new models come out?
The transition to Intel microprocessors will be for new computer models that Apple introduces starting in 2006. There won't be a hardware upgrade for existing Macintosh models.
Will I have to buy all-new software when the new Intel models come out?
What computer do you have? (OS 9 or OS X?) Apple is not changing any fundamental software--it's a hardware change only in future Macintosh models. If you're running OS X, all of your software will continue to be compatible on your existing computer.
What's the advantage of waiting for the new models?
There's really no reason to wait for the Intel model computers unless you don't need for a computer now. A computer you buy today will be compatible with future versions of the OS X operating system, and software from Apple and other companies.
I don't want to buy something now that's going to be obsolete within a year.
A computer you buy today won't be made obsolete by the transition to Intel microprocessors. It will continue to run future versions of the OS X operating system and software from Apple and other companies.
Which models will be first to convert?
Steve Jobs just recently made the announcement about transitioning to Intel processors, and there are lots of variables for Apple to consider. We haven't announced which existing computer models might be first to make the switch to Intel microprocessors.
I just bought a (G5, iMac, etc.). Should I have waited?
Absolutely not. The computer you bought is useful today, doing creative or productive things for you. And your (G5, iMac, etc.) won't become obsolete by the transition to the Intel microprocessors starting next year.
I have a Windows computer--should I wait until the Intel computers come out to switch to a Macintosh?
Buying a Mac now will immediately provide you the benefits of Apple's hardware and software, and you your Mac will continue to be supported and useful to you even after the transition to Intel microprocessors starting next year.
I figure that by next year, the old Macintosh computers will be selling for less just before the change to Intel. Should I wait to buy a Macintosh?
There's no way to know if the price of Macintosh computers will go down before the first Intel models are introduced. But in the meantime, if you need a computer, there's no reason to wait--any purchase you make today will be fully supported and productive even after the transition.
