40-bit addressing is probably enough for a lot of applications that Intel isn't a significant player in yet, also -- like console gaming, streaming video, and t

40-bit addressing is probably enough for a lot of applications that Intel isn't a significant player in yet, also -- like console gaming, streaming video, and that sort of thing. That would also explain the target 2.5 GHz clock speed, 8 cores, and media and vector instructions. I'd also guess that limiting the addressing to 40 bits is partly for power consumption, as mentioned elsewhere. You're probably right about not wanting to start an open fight with Intel, but it's hard to not see this as a shot across the bow, especially compared to Atom. If nothing else, it should make the competition between Atom and Bobcat more interesting :)