Digitimes is reporting that Apple might use Intel’s Robson cache technology, which utilizes NAND flash memory instead of hard disk to boot-up the computer. The boot-up is much faster, and as a result also increases the battery life of the laptop.
Although Intel only demonstrated its Robson cache technology in the fourth quarter of last year, sources now claim that Apple Computer will launch a notebook computer in the middle of this month that utilizes the NAND flash based cache memory technology.
Of course something like this can create a perception of Apple laptops of being faster.
I think Apple is just hexed. They’ll be moving over to Intel just when they are going to be FSB starved with their multi-core setup. AMD’s performance later this year will make Intel look like a tortoise.
First, I’m pretty sure all computers will be booting from flash in a few years, but it can be good to be first. Second, I wonder why Apple moved away from PPC just as its increased use in game consoles (XBox360 and as part of the Cell inside PS3) should mean higher production and lower prices?