Linked List: June 3, 2005

Friday, 3 June 2005

CNet: Apple to Ditch IBM, Switch to Intel Chips ★

They’re reporting it as a done deal, to be announced Monday at WWDC. Assuming this is true, it’s HOLY SHIT news. I’m still skeptical — the article doesn’t offer a decent explanation for why Apple would do this.

Apple Computer plans to announce Monday that it’s scrapping its partnership with IBM and switching its computers to Intel’s microprocessors, CNET News.com has learned.

Apple has used IBM’s PowerPC processors since 1994, but will begin a phased transition to Intel’s chips, sources familiar with the situation said. Apple plans to move lower-end computers such as the Mac Mini to Intel chips in mid-2006 and higher-end models such as the Power Mac in mid-2007, sources said.

No word on who the sources are, and no explanation why higher-end models wouldn’t switch until 2007.

A Little Bit of the Ludwig Van ★

The BBC Philharmonic is performing all nine of Beethoven’s symphonies, and they’re making the performances available for download. (Via Kottke.)

Eric Blair Reviews NetNewsWire 2.0 for ATPM ★

Extensive, well-written review of a terrific app.