The new T310 processor will facilitate a more efficient 'Power Nap' mode than the Intel CPU can provide. In this connected sleep mode the Mac retrieves e-mails, installs software updates, and synchronizes calendar appointments, while it is otherwise 'off'. Thus the ARM-based T310 will have to connect to computer storage and wireless components to get its tasks done. Computers often spend a long time napping, between usage sessions, so any savings in efficiency in this mode are welcome.
Apple accounts for 7.5 per cent of the worldwide computer market, according to latest quarterly figures from IDC. Bloomberg notes that Intel shares were down slightly and Apple shares rose over 6 per cent yesterday in the wake of the above ARM T310 chip news. However, Apple's shares could be just continuing the rally following its better than expected results two days ago.
It will be interesting to watch the speed of Apple's progress in shifting away from Intel processors in its computers. By summer we will likely see quite a few examples of Microsoft's Qualcomm-powered 'Cellular PCs', which might point the way for Apple.
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