CUPERTINO, Calif., May 23 (UPI) -- Apple Computer Inc. of California is considering using Intel Corp. microprocessors in its Macintosh line of PCs.
Apple has long used chips jointly developed by IBM and Motorola Inc. and now primarily sold by IBM. Apple has also charted an independent path by creating and refining its critically acclaimed OS X operating system.
The Wall Street Journal said Monday industry sources, which it did not name, indicate Apple and Intel leaders have essentially decided on the move.
Using Intel chips could help ensure future Macintosh systems meet the price and performance of products from rivals like Dell Inc.
Macintosh users, for example, could benefit by getting access to Intel's power-saving chips for laptop computers and other new chips that offer the equivalent of two electronic brains on a single microprocessor. Apple's pricing could also fall, if Intel subsidizes Apple purchases of its chips.
