While announcing the switch to Intel, Apple also released some tools for developers such as xCode 2.1 [1] that includes a new version of WebObjects as well, a guide to Universal Binary and a kit that bundles all of these with an Intel-based Pentium 4 based Mac running at 3.6Ghz.
As the first developers could see these systems running and read the universal binary guidelines [2] that Apple provides on its Apple Developer Connection [3] web site, some details are emerging on the architecture Apple is planning to embrace.
Firstly, I recommend you to read John Siracusa's (Arstechnica) opinion [4] on Apple's switch to Intel. He provides some technical guesses in a Q/A form. Most importantly, he notes on an update of his article that Phil Schiller himself told that Apple wouldn't prevent users from running Windows on their Macs, although Mac OS will run only on Apple's hardware. As you guess, it will obviously be possible to develop a Virtual PC kind application that will run Windows in a Mac OS X window with native speed.
Rosetta, which is similar (or based on?) Transitive's QuickTransit [5] technology, is actually simulating something like a G3 processor. MacSlash [6] notes that on page 67 of the guide to universal binaries, Rosetta won't support the following things:
- Applications built for Mac OS 8 or 9
- Code written specifically for AltiVec
- Code that inserts preferences in the System Preferences pane
- Applications that require a G4 or G5 processor
- Applications that depend on one or more kernel extensions
- Kernel extensions
- Bundled Java applications or Java applications with JNI libraries that can't be translated
Although it is not allowed by Apple's agreement, some developers have already posted xBench benchmarks [7] of Apple's Intel development box on their blog [8]. Of course these benchmarks are just for fun, they have no sense as xBench is run through Rosetta at the moment and is widely optimized for PowerPC processors. We can also read on the comments that the development box has a SIIG PCI video card.
Finally, in a rather humorous than technical point of view, The Joy of Tech [9] shows us the transition to the Intel architecture for developers, in five phases.
UPDATE: XLR8yourmac [10] provides further information on the Intel transition development kit while PowerPage [11] posted some pictures. Additionally, CNET News [12] confirms that Rosetta is based on Transitive's QuickTransit technology.