Let's look at this logically. The Pentium-M is designed and aimed for the mobile market. Intel portrays Pentium-M as part of a technology platform called Centrino. (alongside Intel-brand chipset and wireless solution)

Intel has said in the past 3 Intel Developer Forums (IDF) that a derivative of the Pentium-M will be the basis for their future CPU lines to replace the P4 architecture. And that transition is expected to be completed by 2007. (NOT in 2006, as they want to gradually phase P4 out).

So if you're expecting an official Pentium-M based desktop from Intel in 2006, you're gonna be dissappointed.

With Apple, the deployment of the first x86 based Apple system will very likely be the Mac Mini, as this is marketed as the "affordable Mac". Apple has publically stated they will start off the transition to x86 in a bottom-up manner, with their top line "PowerMac" being the last to change-over by 2007. (This is to perfectly co-incide with Intel's Pentium-M solutions).

Look at the environment of the Mac Mini. This, in a modern day desktop CPU's view, is a nightmare to work in. You're in a crowded elevator and you'll be the one in their producing the most heat. ie : Its not advisable to put a current P4 in such a small enclosed space.

This is where the Pentium-M comes in. Its low thermal characteristics while still delivering good desktop performance, makes it a perfect candidate for the role in the Mac Mini. (in fact, its the only candidate for the role).

Now, being Apple, as they are...They're gonna be wanting to produce a "superior" product. As a result, Yonah and Sossaman are gonna be the candidates for the Mac Mini (x86 Edition) or some other "budget Mac" platform. Don't be surprised if these two will be on a Apple platform first.

Non-Apple systems will get their Pentium-M lovin' in 2007. (Which is likely when Pentium-Ms get EMT64 capability).

So basically, its no rush for the normal x86 desktop market to get the Pentium-M. (There is no EMT64 anyway, how do you justify to the customer that the replacement doesn't have a capability that the current CPU has?)

The P4 is gonna be around for a while...Be patient, and one day, you'll understand why its worth the wait.

Now, in regards to Sossaman. This is a SMP capable variant of the Yonah.



Its intended to be a Xeon replacement in the low power markets. In fact, its gonna replace Low Voltage (LV) and Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) Xeons in the near future.

If Yonah and Sossaman end up in a Mac first, its not the end of the world.

People can still get the CPUs and mobos or specialised adapter like that ASUS CT-479 and build their own setups.

OT : Its quite interesting to note that Intel doesn't mind that people and manufacturers are using and building Pentium-M solutions for the desktop. They know the change is inevitable...Why fight it?