Coming Soon: 64-Bit Desktop Computers

” The dawn of 64-bit Windows desktop computing is upon us. So say the likes of Advanced Micro Devices, Intel, and Microsoft. And this time, they really, really mean it.

It’s about time.

Ever since AMD launched its Athlon 64 desktop processor in September 2003, it seems we’ve been on the cusp of the edge of the beginning of the front portion of the eagerly anticipated transition from 32-bit to 64-bit computing. And so we geeks have waited, with baited breath, only to be denied time and again.

Sure, AMD has been pushing hard for a 64-bit Windows operating system–and maybe a few apps to run on it–for years. However, each time a launch date for Microsoft’s Windows XP Professional x64 Edition neared, the company pushed it back.

First it was delayed so Microsoft could work on security issues; then the company pushed it back again to work on Windows XP SP2. Then Bill decided his golf game needed work, so he commissioned 1000 of his best x64 Edition engineers to crunch numbers on why he couldn’t hit the green from the tee box on the short par 3 in his backyard. (Okay, I made up that last part.)

Regardless of the reasons for the delay, Intel used this lack of a mainstream OS to justify the nonexistence of its own 64-bit desktop processor. (Yes, I know there is a 64-bit version of Linux, as well as a 64-bit Apple desktop and OS. I said mainstream, so there’s no need to write to me.)

Actually, let me take that back. First Intel suggested it wasn’t rushing out a 64-bit desktop because such it didn’t see a need for such a chip until the end of the decade. Later, the company blamed the lack of a required infrastructure (OS and drivers) for its slow move to 64 bits.”