Whether or not you’re still a PC kind of guy or a converted mobile renaissance man, there’s no denying that Intel has some work to do if it wants to remain the dominant force in consumer CPUs. The Wintel partnership that seemed unbreakable for a decade or so doesn’t look as strong anymore. Why? Blame the mobile goodness that is ARM, and it is indeed good.
Take for instance, Microsoft’s upcoming tablet, and let’s question why Microsoft decided to launch an ARM Surface first. Why not release a lower tier Surface tablet paired with an ULV Intel chip instead? Because an Intel chip costs several more bones than an ARM-based chip, and of course the battery life thing.
Cost and efficiency, two of the most important attributes when it comes to selecting any piece of hardware, both of which are qualities that ARM chips have. Sure, there are instances where an Android/iOS device overheats or has poor battery life, but the number speaks for itself. More than ninety-five percent of cellphones today currently has an ARM chip.
Look, if Microsoft is going to give you a ‘premium’ Windows RT tablet for $200, that’s just begging people to lineup in front of a sweatshop to pick one up. Microsoft is adding to the ARM wildfire, during a time when Intel is slipping in the mobile department.
ARM has managed to wrap itself around the mobile sector, and at the same time wreck the marital bliss that is Wintel.
Intel is a giant in the industry, and there’s no doubt that it will launch more campaigns to wiggle itself into the mobile market. The Intel-backed Ultrabook campaign has seen some success, but then again it’s hard to turn down a $200 Surface tablet pre-loaded with an office suite.
Who can really blame Microsoft for buying a hot and sexy ARM a drink or two, or is it the other way around. Well, it doesn’t really matter either way. ARM and Microsoft isn’t having a one night stand, and while Intel is still the first lady, ARM is the mistress that has something more to offer than just a personality.
No comments:
Post a Comment