Intel-based Macs won't include proprietary Intel chipsets

Intel has indicated to MacFixIt that upcoming Macs based on the company's chipsets will not be proprietary. In other words, the processors and associated components used by Apple will be the same Intel products available to other PC manufacturers, not products designed specifically for Apple.

According to an Intel representative, the company " will sell Apple products that are available to other customers." The representative also noted that Intel will not have to make any modifications to its current manufacturing process in order to fulfill Apple's needs -- in terms of both volume and design.

This revelation further bolsters the notion that commercially shipping Intel-based Macs will be able to boot and run Windows XP and other x86-compatible operating systems. However, speculation remains regarding potential modifications that will be made on Apple's end. Presumably, some customization, corresponding to functionality in the OS, will be necessary to ensure that only Apple-produced Intel systems will be able to run Mac OS X .

VNUNet reports that Apple may use the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) to ensure that only Macs can run the Intel version of Mac OS X. As indicated, such a modification would take place after the chipsets leave Intel's factory.

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