That’s a horrible title. Sorry! What I mean is, “RISC vs x86. Does Intel have an answer?” But I don’t like question marks in my titles.
As has been mentioned before, the RISC/X86 race is something that will be important for consumer-grade UMPCs. If the software development teams can move forward fast enough, they might reach the level of browser capability needed to satisfy people looking for Web2.0 type support. On the other hand, if someone can get the power requirements of a PC (x86-based solution) down to sub 5W drain levels in a reasonable price bracket then very little software development work will be needed. Desktop OS’ will plug straight in.
VIA and AMD have their low-power range but Intel seemed to be concentrating on a slightly different balance of low power and capability. Their ULV solutions for 2007 don’t appear to be the solution for even sub 10W UMPCs but 2008 could be different. There’s the ‘1/10th power’ CPU and the Tolapai System on Chip solution. There’s also the sub-Pentium CPU that was mentioned by Samsung
Maybe Tolapai or the ‘Sub-Pentium CPU’ is what this article is referring to. Intel’s Paul Otellini talks about a new chip (not a CPU.) CNN reports that “The chip will meet the demanding power, space and performance requirements of handheld devices and will be available later this year.”
Paul also says:
“Virtually every computer and handset manufacturer is struggling to figure out how they’re going to compete with Apple’s iPhone,” Otellini said. “If we get the power and performance [of the Intel chip] right, it’s going to be a killer combination.”
The iPhone concept of desktop OS on small device is exactly what we’re talking about in the race between low-power RISC architectures and desktop x86 architectures. If Apple have already enabled Web2.0 on RISC then everyone else has to work hard in the next 12 months to catch up with Apple. Opera 9 with Flash Mini integration could be one sticky-tape solution but tighter integration is needed for long term customer satisfaction.
Its a question I’m ready to put to Intel next week. I don’t expect a straight answer but if I ask the right questions and give it enough thought, maybe I can deduce the answer.
Via ilounge
