Apple may stop using chipsets developed by Intel Corp. and start again utilizing proprietary core-logic sets inside its Macintosh computers, according to some market rumours. So far it remains to be seen whether custom-made logic actually improves systems made by Apple, but what is clear is that usage of such devices will eventually not allow anyone to install Apple’s operating system on a non-Apple machine.
At present, Apple Macintosh computers utilize the same central processing units (CPUs), core-logic sets, memory and other components found inside systems from other vendors, such as Dell, Hewlett Packard, Lenovo or Toshiba. As a result, it is theoretically possible to install Apple Mac OS operating system (OS) onto non-Macintosh systems, something, which has been done by Psystar Corp. that sells systems capable of running Mac OS X.
Apple is strongly interested in selling Macintosh computers, even though it does sell its Mac OS X Leopard for $129 separately. Therefore, the company is working to limit possibilities of OS X installation onto non-Apple systems. One of such possibilities is to use proprietary hardware that can be detected by the OS before installation.
According to a news-story by AppleInsider web-site, Apple plans to start using non-Intel chipsets in certain forthcoming Macintosh systems. On the one hand, proprietary core-logic sets will not allow third-parties to use the company’s next-generation operating systems, on the other hand, custom chipsets may bring new capabilities to Apple Macintosh Computers, something that should be appreciated by customers. Even though Apple will continue to use Intel’s microprocessors, to create its own chipsets it will need to receive a license from Intel Corp.
Intel recently confirmed that it had issues with Intel G45 chipset that contains built-in graphics core, therefore, Apple’s intention to create own chipsets (or turn to a third-party core-logic developer like Nvidia Corp., SiS Corp. or Via Technologies) can be understood. However, it should be noted that Apple itself does not have its own graphics core, thus, it would need to acquire standalone graphics chip from a third party, which means larger size of mainboard inside notebooks as well as higher power consumption. Meanwhile, companies like Nvidia and Via have issues with receiving license to make Intel-compatible chipsets.
Apple and Intel did not comment on the news-story.
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