Submission + - 32-bit Intel on Mac dead before PowerPC?
Z0D14( writes: "With the release of the Core 2 Duo Macbook, it's only a matter of time before Apple releases a 64-bit version of the Mac Mini. This makes the lifespan of the 32bit Core Duo processor on Mac OSX about a year or less — if the new Mini hits the shelves before January.
Those with PowerPC chips will most likely enjoy support for years to come. Obviously, with 64-bit computing here to stay, and no rumors of 128-bit around the corner, those with the Intel Core 2 Duo and above will also see the same, if not markedly improved, support. It just seems like the 32-bit Intel Mac experience was something of a red-headed step child Apple picked up along the way, used, and unceremoniously discarded along the side of the road.
So my question is, will those with the now lowly Core Duo chips soon be left behind by developers? with "Universal Binaries" support PPC and Intel 64-bit only? What real advantage will there be for vendors to keep the 32-bit code in place when, in two or so years, it will be a minority among users?"
Those with PowerPC chips will most likely enjoy support for years to come. Obviously, with 64-bit computing here to stay, and no rumors of 128-bit around the corner, those with the Intel Core 2 Duo and above will also see the same, if not markedly improved, support. It just seems like the 32-bit Intel Mac experience was something of a red-headed step child Apple picked up along the way, used, and unceremoniously discarded along the side of the road.
So my question is, will those with the now lowly Core Duo chips soon be left behind by developers? with "Universal Binaries" support PPC and Intel 64-bit only? What real advantage will there be for vendors to keep the 32-bit code in place when, in two or so years, it will be a minority among users?"
