Apple Sticks with Freescale Chips Through 2008

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Freescale Semiconductor will be required to supply microprocessors to Apple Computer through 2008, according a regulatory filing issued late Friday.

Apple Computer Inc., which said in June that it would shift the design of its personal computers from the PowerPC to an Intel-designed X86 microprocessor beginning in 2006, currently uses the Freescale chips to power its notebook computers and the Mac mini desktop.

/zimages/3/28571.gifTo read more about what may have motivated Apples switch to Intel processors, click here.

Apple also said in June that it would complete its switch by the end of 2007, a year earlier than the new Freescale contract Apple signed.

/zimages/3/28571.gifClick here to read about the effect so far of Apples Intel switch on consumer purchases.

The agreement was dated August 22, according to a terse filing Apple filed Friday.

“On August 22, 2005, Apple Computer, Inc. (“Apple”) and Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. (“Freescale”) entered into a Purchase Agreement,” the filing states.

“Under the terms of the agreement, subject to certain conditions, Freescale is obligated to supply its microprocessors for orders placed by Apple through December 31, 2008.

“Apple is under no obligation to purchase Freescale microprocessors other than work in progress that was in place at the time the agreement was executed.”

/zimages/3/28571.gifRead the full story on ExtremeTech: Freescale To Ship Processors To Apple Through 2008