Mac's Faith-Based Initiative

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There is reason to believe that the new "Macintel" hardware -- along with the ever-growing iPod franchise and the new, personalized software tools for both home and work -- may pose a threat to the PC for one key reason: an evangelical love of Apple products by Apple users. This year, roughly 40,000 enthusiasts packed into the expo shopping for iPod add-ons, testing Apple's new computers and software upgrades, and attending iLife software tutorials. There were even children dressed as iPod nanos and the video iPods. More than 300 exhibitors displayed items ranging from video iPod goggles and solar-powered battery chargers to paisley-patterned laptop bags and pastel iPod skins. And, knowing that plenty of people browse the hall with their laptops in tow, massage therapists were among the vendors (one dollar per minute).

Amidst the festivities, however, the main theme of Macworld 2006 was clear: Apple's shift to an Intel-centered infrastructure. In his presentation, Jobs made Intel-ization appear seamless, by announcing the MacBook Pro earlier than anticipated.

But such a sweeping change will not trivial. Over the next year, there will be plenty of hurdles to overcome in hardware as well as software -- with Mac loyalists watching every step.