[Dr. Bobsky]

Yeah... Intel has lost the race with AMD on this (and other) fronts. I think they've misplaced their research investments too far forward, failed, and have had little to bank on when 'things-that-should-have-worked' didn't. Next year's processor releases will be telling as AMD is primed for doubling core counts on the same architecture and Intel is groaning with age. This has left AMD with more space to incorporate improved throughput technology.

It would be interesting if Apple can get out of the apparent exclusivity contract with Intel to provide more consistent, perhaps back and forth, upgrades on their pro-hardware.