> Even if the T5s only operate at 1.8-2.0 GHz (when introduced),
> they'll have a solid 50% lead over Applied Micro's best.

True, and even a much bigger lead if we regard not only the clock frequency but also the per-clock performance of the e6500 core vs. the PPC465 core. This should amount to an overall performance lead per core of at least 150%.

> It makes picking a favorite manufacturer a no brainer.

I wonder what ACube will do for the successor to the 1.15 GHz Sam460ex, if there'll be one that is. Let's see if they'll stay with Applied Micro and opt for the 1.2 GHz Mamba and maybe overclock it like they did with the PPC440EP and PPC460EX chips on the previous Sam boards so they can get it to some 1.4 GHz, or turn to another CPU vendor.