Apple finally announced that they are moving to Intel chips. I have read about the possibility since OS X was released. Unfortunately, Steve Jobs has already said that the consumer will not be able to get OS X without buying Mac hardware. I would happily plunk down the $129 for OS X to run on my current box.
The one thing that I'm hoping for with the switch to Intel is a cheaper Mac. Since OS X came out I have been yearning for a Mac. When I was having computer troubles I priced out a Mac Mini, but the cost was still more than what I wanted to spend. I'm hoping that an Intel Mac will be competitively priced against a Dell with a similar configuration.
All I want is a useful Mac Mini under $500. The base Mini needs a couple upgrades to make is useful to me. The Mini needs to have a minimum of 512 RAM and Wi-Fi. If you price these options out on a Mini you are in the $630 range. My current computer system (computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse) cost around that. I've always been a value shopper and the Apple premium is too much.
Apple is missing a huge segment of consumer because of their premium. They are missing people like me, the value consumer. They already have a better operating system. If they came in with a value computer that could compete with Windows machine they could grab market share. I think many people are interested in the Mac OS but the start up cost is prohibitive.
The minute I can buy the Mac I want for under $500, I'll be the first to place that order. Better yet, let me buy OS X and dual boot my current machine.
