http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/02/technology/business-computing/02chip.html?ref=technology
For the new iPad Apple designed and implemented its own processing chip they are calling the A4. With this they are taking a leap into the world of microprocessing, something they let intel do for all previous computers. According to the article the chip was probably manufactured by Samsung and then tweaked in-house Apple.
This seems like a big risk for even Apple. The iPad is on the surface been deemed pretty underwhelming in its first week due to what it lacks including Adobe and the fact that has been compared to a large iPhone or iPod touch. Apple will be able to save on time and energy by building chips along with computers etc. but adds to engineering costs and could make for some headache-inducing delays. Apparently it is no more powerful than any new chip being produced for this generation of smartbooks and netbooks, and according to the article actually is not as functionally superior as the rest with only a 10 hour battery life compared to other chips boasting a 16 hour battery life, while watching video.
Time will only tell as to whether or not the iPad and the A4 are the next modern marvel in the Apple world. In my opinion it probably won’t stand up to awesomeness of the iPhone and the Macbooks. I think Steve Jobs needs to change his wardrobe if he wants to produce his next technological miracle.
In the world of sports: Not much to say about the Blues this week. They are as underwhelming as the iPad. Congrats to Kobe on breaking the Lakers scoring record and for not egging Artest to punch one of the Lakers many Hollywood “fans” for talking on their cell phone in the front row when they should be watching one hell of a good team (They are the best team in the NBA for Christ’s sake).
My Super Bowl predictions are New Orleans 34 Indy 31. So at 5.5 for the spread I should be able to take it.
Chicken Winner's Blog 
Hmmmm…. Jobs needs to change his wardrobe? I’ll have to pay more attention next time. But, as a group, computer geeks are not known for their clothing.
I think you bring up valid comments about the comparison to netbooks as well as to iphone and itouch. What do other industry specialists say? Why do you think Apple went forward with this? Is it a strategic move? Are they trying to get into the processor business? Why?