Do we really know that the the PowerPC and the replacing X86 processor are functionally equivalent?  Allen Turing proved long ago that all processors are potentially equivalent insofar as their ability to realize an algorithm.  This does not mean that processors don’t have critically different side-effects that have nothing to do with the apparent algorithm being realized.  Let me try to be specific.

The PowerPC has a Branch processor where all program branches are executed.  This means that if the action at the branch processor is monitored, (by splicing some instructions in), it is possible to generate a reliable account of what instructions were executed in a procedure. In other words, the PowerPC’s architecture makes it an intrinsically ACCOUNTABLE to machine code audit.  A consequence of this is that in principle it is possible for software to know if it is being spied on or manipulated from a source outside the program itself.  (See, for example, “Implementing Cardinal[Time][.] on the PowerPC” at
“www.geocities.com/grok_32/v1/LanguageSpecification/Transit/Time/Processor/Procesor.htm”.)

To the best of my knowledge, this characteristic of being ACCOUNTABLE is not true of Intel processors (please correct me if I am wrong!).  This fact is consistent with Intel’s interest in hardware solutions to satisfy Copyright Interests and various features to restrict, encrypt and appropriate code.

Here is my paranoid thought:

The real reason the Mac is going Intel is because the processor has
hidden branch processes which are intrinsically undetectable.  This means,
anyone running an Intel processor can be monitored without detection. 
In other words, big Capital has decided that the general public must
have machines that can be monitored without their knowledge.  This serves
the combined interest of the “War against Terror”, and the need to
enforce Copyright.

The “newest Intel chipsets, like the 945g, support Intel Active Management Technology, which allows for on chip control of all kinds of I/O.”  Who benefits from this kind of thing?  This looks like the PERFECT eavesdropping technology.  Intel will deliver all the Computer Literati’s Intellectual Property to big Capital’s door.  Sweet… if you have stock.

If someone wants to prove me wrong, then they have to show an algorithm
which can be used to account for all machine instructions used by any
procedure on an X86 machine.

Please… PROVE ME WRONG!

Jack B.