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Apple, Intel, and PA Semiconductor: Part 2

In part one of this series we looked at a few reasons why Apple may have purchased PA Semiconductor, and debunked a few possible reasons as to why they didn't.

And in doing so, we were left with two valuable concepts that need further exploration: how to differentiate Apple's platform from all of the other generic beige boxes out there, and how to protect OS X from thieves and pirates.

But if the answer isn't in moving the Mac platform back to a proprietary processor design, then what gives?

What can PA Semi do for the Mac?

Apple, Intel, and PA Semiconductor

There's been a lot of speculation regarding Apple's recent $278 million dollar acquisition of PA Semiconductor.

Some believe that Apple did it simply to regain technical expertise in chip design for its its consumer electronics divisions (iPods, iPhones) and others simply for the companies' patent portfolio. A few misguided souls even believe that Apple did it in preparation for an eventual move to its own custom processor designs.

Personally, I think the primary reason lies elsewhere.

Watch The MacWorld Keynote: LIVE

Several web sites are live-blogging Steve Jobs' keynote at Macworld, but Internet technology channel CunningTV has announced that it will be providing live video footage of the event.

* * *Sorry about this one, as it appears that CunningTV's servers have melted down from the traffic.

However, you can now stream the keynote directly from Apple's web site.

"Glass Houses" Feedback

Ah, the Mac audience. Sing hosannas and they adore you. Express a little criticism, however, and the bugs scurry out of the woodwork.

On email I received said I was totally off-base (actually, his phrasing was a little more colorful).

Another reader, instead of refuting the article, resorted to the shotgun approach. "When was the last time you came out with a world class operating system? Developing an OS is closer to art than science. How many software project[s] hit their deadline[s]?"

This was echoed by another reader who said I was making much ado about nothing, as according to my article Leopard was "only" 119 days late.

Those Who Live In Glass Houses...

In a way, the iPhone was a godsend for Apple.

Not just because its revolutionary multi-touch technology boosted Apple's already stratospheric cool factor. Because it did.

And not because it gave Apple an important step into yet another major market. Because it did that too.

But because back in April 2007, the iPhone's upcoming June 29th release date gave Apple a much-needed excuse for delaying OS X Leopard.

Need Cables For Your Holiday Gadgets?

We've all done it. You've just unpacked that new high-definition television and, in hooking things up, realize that you're missing a cable.

So you grab your credit cards, checkbook, and (just in case) a mortgage refinancing agreement. Then everyone piles into the car and you all head out to your nearby big-box retailer.

But check your local Apple store first. Seriously.

Because Apple carries 6-foot XtremeMac HDMI, component, and those really expensive Toslink fiber-optical audio cables, all for just $19.95 each.

So unless you like paying $40 or $50 or more for a few strands of wire or glass, try Apple. And then sit back and enjoy that new TV.

Apple Warns Holiday Deadlines Approaching Fast

Apple reminds us to remind you that if you're planning on ordering from their online store for that perfect holiday gift you'll need to do so soon.

Order deadlines are approaching rapidly for US ground-based deliveries, and are in fact here for delivery of custom Macs and engraved iPods shipping to Canada.

Lead times are longest for iPhones and iPods, shorter for standard non-systems, and as mentioned shortest for custom Macs and engraved iPods.

See the Shipping Deadlines page on the Apple Store, or check out the list of products and final order dates following the jump.

Great Bargains On Apple Refurbished Hardware

As you probably know, finding significant discounts on Apple's iMacs, iPods, and other hardware can be next to impossible, primarily because Apple has MSRP agreements in place with anyone that sells their products.

But what you may not know is that Apple has their own store where you can buy products at significant discounts. All of these "refurbished" products are tested and certified by Apple to be as good as new, and all are backed by Apple's full one-year warranty.

How good are the deals? How does anywhere from 15% to 60% off the retail price sound?

Apple has even just listed several items not usually seen, from new Aluminum iMacs (save $250) to Apple TVs (save 24%), and even XServes for you super-power-user types (save $700).

Some previous generation iPods and aluminum "skinny" nano's can be also had for nearly half off.

So do your holiday pocketbook a favor, and check them out.

Is Apple's New Store Experience Really An Upgrade?

The Associated Press is running a story on Apple's latest improvements to their retail stores.

Over the last year Apple has introduced concierges that greet you when you walk in, added appointments for personalized shopping and training, and, in a odd move for a retail establishment, eliminated checkout counters completely.

There's no doubt that the Apple store is a major success. In fact, a Piper Jay analyst noted recently that the stores have an almost magnetic pull, in several malls drawing in an abnormal 27 percent of those who passed within 25 feet of a store.

But is that success because of these changes, or in spite of them?

Save Big On Microsoft Office 2008 - Black Friday

Apple's Online store is running their own one-day-only "Black Friday" sales event. Notable are savings of up to $101 dollars on MacBooks and iMacs, up to $31 off an iPod Classic, and $22 off a pair of V-Moda Vibe Duo earbuds for the iPhone (recommended).

You can also get a $100 rebate on Microsoft Office 2004, and get a full version of Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac Special Media Edition when it’s released for only $6.99.

So, Office 2004 Student/Teacher for $149.95, minus a $100 rebate, plus $6.99, equals the newest version of Office for just $56.94.