Apple Launches Its Own CPU, the 1GHz A4
More than meets the eye.
Today's unveiling of what seemed to be a dull product, also introduced something else even more significant from Apple--its first real CPU, the 1GHz Apple A4 processor.
Apple's purchase of PA Semiconductor not too long ago, yielded its first product today, but it's not the fact that it was used in the iPad that makes it special. What's special is that Apple now has a real processor on its hands. And in case you're wondering whether or not Apple's own CPU can compete with the likes of ARM's Cortex or Qualcomm's Snapdragon CPUs, the A4 has potential to kick the living shnizzles out of those CPUs.
First, the A4 runs at a 1GHz frequency, which by mobile CPU standards, is quite high. Considering that Qualcomm's 1GHz Snapdragon powers Google's Nexus One, the Apple A4 could power the next wave of super-smartphones. In fact, at its current spec and frequency, the Apple A4 can play back HD video for 10 hours before requiring a full battery charge.
As of currently, other specs about Apple's A4 CPU are scant, but we're sure things will be more clear in the next coming weeks. We can see from the iPad's capabilities that the A4 is potent, but things are still fresh and we'll have to wait and see what software developers can come up with.
What the iPad showcases today and what it's an indication of, is a lot more interesting than the iPad itself.
More on the Apple iPad here.

I don't see this, I just see it powering the next wave of APPLE branded devices, not any other brands.
you are forgetting one major thing... Its Apple. The term "lower prices" is not in their dictionary. Since this obviously is not going to be priced for the mainstream, it will not much affect other processors which are already priced decently.
I don't see this, I just see it powering the next wave of APPLE branded devices, not any other brands.
you are forgetting one major thing... Its Apple. The term "lower prices" is not in their dictionary. Since this obviously is not going to be priced for the mainstream, it will not much affect other processors which are already priced decently.
$499 is pretty good for something with as much capability as a netbook.
^ This.
It's not like Intel releasing Atom (which could be put in anything). Apple's new chip will only be used by Apple for Apple products. In fact, other ARM chips might go up in price, since Apple won't be putting them in millions of iPhones and iPods anymore.
They've got the cash, but now they're getting into the AMD/Intel arms race. It feels like the equvilent of the Cold War buildup for the US and the USSR and China saying, "Hey I want in too! Point some missles my way!"
I don't consider this comparable to a netbook if I can't install the applications I want, only the ones Apple approves. Besides, $499 is WAY too much to pay for a netbook. That much will get me a 2.2GHz laptop with tons more screen, storage, and RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220693
I'm not normally against everything Apple does, but $500 to read the NYT while listening to music is ridiculous. If Apple wants to push their new CPU out to third parties and allow some competition to the iPhone and netbook market I'd be happy, but that wasn't part of today's over-hyped press event.