14 DAY TRIAL // Apparently, Apple considers launching a new line of notebooks. That line would be based on AMD processors it seems, as passive component makers say that they are witnessing an aggressive increase in orders for high-capacitance multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), with most of the MLCCs having a capacitance of 22?F, and being for use in an AMD-based Apple notebook.
For this new notebook, about 70 22?F MLCCs will be required, with Japan-based Murata Manufacturing, Taiyo Yuden and TDK being the three major suppliers, DigiTimes say.
Passive component makers are generally optimistic about the growth catalyst that the new AMD-base Mac notebooks could bring. Already, demand for Intel-based dual-core Apple notebook models that require about 80 22? MLCCs has caused supply to tighten for the high-capacitance MLCCs, with notebook makers having to adjust their MLCC mixture, DigiTimes say.
Although AMD Taiwan declined to comment on the report and this AMD-Apple team up is still in the rumor/speculation zone, it is a well known fact that AMD wanted to work with apple since quite a while. In September, AMD CEO Hector Ruiz noted that the two companies will eventually do business together. The merger between AMD and ATI also helped make the speculation more convincing, as ATI delivers graphics solutions that are specialized for Apple G5 PCs, DigiTimes write.
Many are doubtful about any AMD and Apple partnership as Intel has got the performance advantage to enjoy over AMD. In the present, Intel's Core 2 Duo presents a huge performance advantage over AMD's current CPU lineup. Motherboard makers also consider that AMD hasn't got sufficient capacity for such a collaboration.
Sources at Taiwan server makers, though, indicated that Apple may apply AMD's x86 socket CPUs to its servers. In light of the fact AMD's market share in the server segment is likely to reach 20%, a partnership between the two companies seems reasonable, DigiTimes say.
Meanwhile, an editor's note at AppleInsider reads: DigiTimes has not been particularly accurate in its predictions of future Apple product directions and technologies.