Is it still a Mac if it uses an Intel chip?
IntroductionThe term Mac is a shorthand version of the word Macintosh, a brand name promoted by Apple Inc. that covers a series of personal computers produced by the company.[1] A computer consists of both hardware and software, but these do not factor into our definition of a Mac. By explaining why these issues are of no significance to us, you will realize what a Mac really is and how to tell if a Mac is still a Mac no matter what the case. Apple Inc. designs and manufactures Desktops, Laptops, and Servers. We are only interested in Desktops and Laptops, because that is what is referred to as a personal computer and belongs to the brand name Macintosh. .jpg)
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...by studentsIs it still a Mac if it uses an Intel Chip? I found myself asking more questions when trying to answer this particular question.
I personally have never owned a Mac personal computer or even used one for quite a few years. Perhaps if you are a Mac owner/user this is a trivial question and you may have easily known the answer. For those of you (me included) who lack knowledge on Macs you'll come to realize not much separates computers except for brand names. We can knit pick about hardware and software but at the end of the day, all that makes a Mac is the name. |
Apple Inc.
Apple Inc. is an American corporation that designs and manufactures consumer electronics and software. The company's best known product is their Macintosh line of personal computers they produce. The company was established on April 1, 1976 and continues to prosper today.[2]
On June 6, 2005, Steve Jobs (Apple CEO) announced that Apple would begin producing Intel-based Mac computers in 2006. On January 10, 2006, two lines of the Macintosh computers became the first Apple computers to incorporate Intel's Core Duo CPU. By August 7, 2006 Apple had transitioned the entire Macintosh product line to Intel chips.[3]
Software
Various software applications can be found on personal computers, Apple Inc. produces many of their own software applications as well as operating system. More detailed information on software can be found at System Software.
The most important software a computer has installed is the operating system, it basically controls the hardware and allows people to interface with their computer. Although it is possible to run other operating systems on a Mac, it is not recommended and it can be very difficult to get functioning properly. The same can be said about using a Mac operating system on a non-Mac personal computer. This means that both Mac and non-Mac personal computers can have the same software installed on them.
It is for this reason that software does not factor into our definition of a Mac. A Mac isn't a Mac because of what software is installed on it. The fact that Macintosh computers use Apple software is of no significance to us when deciding if it is a Mac or not. Computer software may be designed for a specific brand of personal computer or hardware, but can be made to function regardless. As long as the software is compatible with the hardware or modifications are made to make it compatible, a variety of identical software can be found on Mac and non-Mac computers.
Hardware
Various hardware components working together make a personal computer and are often compatible and interchangeable across many brands of personal computers. More detailed information on hardware components can be found at Hardware.
A CPU (Central Processing Unit) is one of the most important hardware components in a computer and is basically just a hardware chip that can execute computer programs. There are several different companies that produce CPU chips but only a handful are used in the majority of personal computers. We are only concerned about compatibility issues when interchanging hardware and Apple Inc. was able to successfully integrate Intel CPU chips into their Macintosh products. This means that both Mac and non-Mac personal computers can have Intel CPU chips, or any other chip for that matter.
It is for this reason that hardware does not factor into our definition of a Mac. A Mac isn't a Mac because of what CPU chip is inside of it. The fact that Macintosh computers use Intel CPU chips is of no significance to us when deciding if it is Mac or not. Computer hardware is often interchangeable, meaning hardware components can often be substituted for other hardware components. As long as the hardware components are compatible, or modifications can be made to make them compatible, a variety of identical hardware can be found in Mac and non-Mac computers.
Summary
Is it still a mac if it uses an Intel chip? Yes!
A simple answer to a simple question. Since we are not concerned with what hardware or software a computer has we can easily determine if it is a Mac. If the company Apple Inc. designed and produced the computer than it is indeed a Mac. All personal computers produced by Apple Inc. belong to the Macintosh lineup and as a result fit our definition of a Mac.
Further Reading
- Apple Computer
- Macintosh
- Apple Inc.
- Apple Inc. Mac
- Apple Press Release Library
- Macintosh 20 years later
References
- ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macintosh
- ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Computer
- ↑ http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2005/jun/06intel.html
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