Another thing to consider is the very good prospect of fast Windows emulators for Intel-based Macs (not like Virtual PC now).

A good thing, right?

Wrong.

If Intel-based Macs can run Windows software at acceptable speeds, this leaves open the very real possibility that a lot of developers will simply have their Intel Mac customers run the Windows versions and they will drop the Mac versions or let them languish.

This will save them enormous amounts of money, time, personnel and effort. It is an extremely attractive proposition to many developers of consolidating all development under one platform instead of two.

Writing the same app for two different platforms is a hassle. Many would jump at the chance of a good alternative. And running Windows software on an Intel Mac at near-PC speeds is a good alternative.

This could cause a mass exodus in the Mac software market. And if there’s no Mac software, the platform will die. We could witness the end of the Mac as an independent platform.