Apple Mac in Intel switch?

Apple has been in talks that could lead to it using Intel chips in its Macintosh computers.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, Apple is expected to agree to use Intel chips, but talks could break down or could be a tactic to gain negotiating leverage with Apple`s current chip supplier, IBM.

At stake for Apple is a more predictable and consistent supply of microprocessors, as well as potentially lower prices for Apple Macintosh computers, which historically have cost more than PCs running Windows, Reuters reports.

Intel spokesman Chuck Mulloy and Apple spokesman Steve Dowling declined to comment on the report, which they termed "rumour and speculation".

Some analysts on Monday doubted Apple would soon drop IBM`s PowerPC processor for Intel`s Pentium chips, which power more than 80% of the world`s PCs, noting the momentous task of porting, or rewriting, Apple`s OS X operating system and all the software programs that run on PowerPC chips.

IBM announced yesterday that it is working with Infineon Technologies and Macronix International to develop memory technology that could in the future replace flash memory chips in computers and portable storage devices.

According to PCWorld, Phase-Change Memory (PCM) technology uses a special material to store memory data. It can change its structure from an amorphous to a crystalline state by using electrons to pass energy through the material.

Computer memory stores data in the form of zeros and ones. With PCM technology, the material`s state represents this information, with an amorphous form, or indefinite structure, representing zero and a crystalline, or definite, structure representing one.

PCM offers numerous advantages over flash memory technology, including greater reliability. It does not use floating gates, which flash memory chips use to store information, making PCM faster and more reliable.

A group of academic publishers have called Google`s plan to scan millions of library books into its Internet search engine index a troubling financial threat to its membership, WashingtonPost reports.

The Association of American University Presses said in a letter that was to be sent to Google yesterday that the online search engine`s "Libraries for Print" project "appears to involve systematic infringement of copyright on a massive scale".

The association, which represents 125 non-profit publishers of academic journals and scholarly books, asked Google to respond to a list of 16 questions seeking more information about how the company plans to protect copyrights.

The association of non-profit publishers is upset because Google has indicated it will scan copyright-protected books from three university libraries: Harvard, Michigan and Stanford.

The university presses depend on books sales and other licensing agreements for most of their revenue, making copyright protections essential to their survival.

Apple has recalled 128 000 batteries that are considered to be fire hazardous, reports CoolTechZone.

The batteries are being retailed with 12-inch iBooks and 12- and 15-inch PowerBooks. Apple said users with models A1061, A1078 and A1079 should visit the company`s Web site for information on getting the batteries replaced. The notebook computers with serial numbers beginning with HQ441 to HQ507 and 3X446 to 3X510 should also do the same.

Apple said users would have to enter the system`s serial number and serial numbers for up to three affected batteries in order to get replacements.

Neither Apple nor the US Product Safety Commission have received news of serious threats, but are aware of six incidents relating to battery malfunction due to short circuitry, which could lead to a potential fire.