Although I was initially surprised to see Apple switch to the Intel platform, the reasoning soon became clear to me. Although I never had heard of a full, believable explanation in recent reports of why the hardware switch was made from Motorola to Intel, I believe the answer can be found in examining Apple's History. If you take the time and review all of Apple's past announcements, I believe the big picture reason is right in front of you.
Apple's critical thinking is best personified in an excerpt from Steve Jobs in an Apple event from the 1990's. ( I cant remember exactly which event, and if anyone knows, please feel free to post the event.) There is no doubt that Microsoft and it's Operating System dominate in the computing market. Steve Jobs once stated that the Windows OS plus the Mac OS equals 100% of the computing market. I think this is one of the principles that still holds true, and that this simple concept help persuade the hardware move. [ note: I think in 2007 the Equation is almost the same, with the modification that you include LINUX and possible long-term UNIX growth into the mix. ]
How can Apple grab more market share? Instead of pulling users from one side to to another, work from both sides instead. Why not make an Apple OS that can run Windows? Apple still holds overall control via Apple hardware; they have nothing to loose and all to gain. (Think about it - How many Apple users will fall in love with Windows and make their next computer a Windows based PC? Not many.)
By making the Apple OS available to users who would not have to give up their old Operating environments, the Mac OS becomes much more attractive - Especially when users don't have to (or can't) make a solitary commitment to a platform change. Apple now has afforded itself a new possibility to gain market share by offering the safe bet - A machine that will give you options of any (and ALL) operating systems and eliminating the necessity of making the "all or nothing" choice. An Apple hardware choice also allows for long term growth with easier Linux and Unix compatibility. It's a smart move by Apple to make the OS jump easier for computer users, and gain more market share in the process.
Apple's critical thinking is best personified in an excerpt from Steve Jobs in an Apple event from the 1990's. ( I cant remember exactly which event, and if anyone knows, please feel free to post the event.) There is no doubt that Microsoft and it's Operating System dominate in the computing market. Steve Jobs once stated that the Windows OS plus the Mac OS equals 100% of the computing market. I think this is one of the principles that still holds true, and that this simple concept help persuade the hardware move. [ note: I think in 2007 the Equation is almost the same, with the modification that you include LINUX and possible long-term UNIX growth into the mix. ]
How can Apple grab more market share? Instead of pulling users from one side to to another, work from both sides instead. Why not make an Apple OS that can run Windows? Apple still holds overall control via Apple hardware; they have nothing to loose and all to gain. (Think about it - How many Apple users will fall in love with Windows and make their next computer a Windows based PC? Not many.)
By making the Apple OS available to users who would not have to give up their old Operating environments, the Mac OS becomes much more attractive - Especially when users don't have to (or can't) make a solitary commitment to a platform change. Apple now has afforded itself a new possibility to gain market share by offering the safe bet - A machine that will give you options of any (and ALL) operating systems and eliminating the necessity of making the "all or nothing" choice. An Apple hardware choice also allows for long term growth with easier Linux and Unix compatibility. It's a smart move by Apple to make the OS jump easier for computer users, and gain more market share in the process.
