May 06, 2011, 3:24 PM — Online speculation is starting to pick up speed that Apple is looking to ditch Intel chips and move to ARM-based processors for its Mac line of laptops.
While this rumor has surfaced before, if there's actual fire behind the smoke, it could mean trouble and a real loss of face for Intel , which is increasingly confronted with a burgeoning ARM effort.
"An Apple defection from the Intel processor would be more of a slap to Intel 's rep than to their bottom line," said Dan Olds, an analyst with The Gabriel Consulting Group. " Apple is selling a lot of systems, but Windows-based PCs still account for 90% or more of the total market."
The Web site SemiAccurate started the latest round of rumors Thursday, reporting that "Apple is going to show Intel the door, at least as far as laptops are concerned." The Web site added that this won't happen for two to three years, but that it is a "done deal."
And Apple, the story reports, is moving straight to ARM-based processors.
Intel would not comment on the report, and Apple could not be reached.
Meanwhile, Intel announced this week that it has developed 3D transistor technology that should position the chip maker to better take on ARM in the lucrative tablet and smartphone markets.
Tablets have been cannibalizing the PC market, with consumers and some enterprises so enthralled with the smaller gadgets that they're not as inclined to buy laptops and desktops. Intel hasn't been able to get solid footing in the tablet market, where ARM-based processors are gobbling up the lion's share of it.
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