Tualatin is a dynamite server chip. One of the reasons (Intel) decided not to go forward with the Foster-based Xeon chip was because Tualatin, with its larger cache, had better performance in server environments.

As I look at Intel's product lineup versus AMD, it's clear that Intel is weakest in servers and strongest in notebooks. So from that standpoint I can see why Intel would want to create an impression that says they are closing that gap.

Intel wants to get them out in a hurry. I would assume they have a longer-term plan, probably around 45-nanometer technology, to provide a more comprehensively designed quad-core.

AMD is not just being an Intel clone but an actual chip leader, ... This is the most competitive that AMD has ever been.

Apple knows that even with this Intel chip switch, it's not going to go around talking about chips and what's inside the box. The company builds on the differentiation it's already found from its software, which combines with the design of the machine.

AMD will face tougher competition once Intel moves to the new architecture. But it's far too soon to be able to predict who's going to be ahead 18 months from now.