" Is the microprocessor for the X-box more similar to a processor for a PDA, or a processor for a PC?"
It is not as highly integrated as a typical PDA processor, if that is what you mean. It does have a similar degree of integration as some of the other processors used in the embedded world, however. Do those count? There is a flock of MIPs processors that are at a similar integration level as the PIII. What about PowerPC? Is your criteria for the market degree of integration? Instruction set? Process technology? Or is it what the processors are used in? I'm getting the impression your criteria is "whatever makes Intel look good"...
" Since AMD doesn't make an XScale or DragonBall type processor, they were not even considered for the X-box business, right?"
Wrong. AMD actually makes several processors that fall into the same class as the DragonBalls, i.e. the SC400 and the SC500 processors. I personally don't care for them much, but if you want low-power and x86, they are all right, I guess.
As you are no doubt aware, AMD was the chosen processor for XBox until the very last moment. Remember that many of the materials at that initial presentation had the specifications of the Duron on them? I dunno what the deal that Intel made, but from statements that were made, Intel low-balled the price. If the result of winning the bid was to lose money on the deal, then it is better that Intel gets that honor. But, who knows? Maybe they can make it up on volume... |
