PEOPLE vote with your wallet !! Don't buy an Apple made Computer until 2008

[AppleinJapan]

After the WWDC keynote address, who in their right mind would go out and spend money an an Apple now ??? I was going to buy a NEW G5 but Steve - Im waiting until 2008 man - I went through the last transition OS 9 to OS X 10.0.1 to now and thats it no more....

[edesignuk]

For god sake, get a grip. OS X will still be OS X. It will still only run on Apple produced boxes. If they didn't tell you what was running inside them YOU would never even know :rolleyes:

[James Philp]

OS X will still be OS X. It will still only run on Apple produced boxes.
Is this true?
Surely there'll be a workaround?

[buryyourbrideau]

i most likely will buy the next MAJOR update on the PB's

i doubt we will see any difference besides speed.

[edesignuk]

Is this true?
Surely there'll be a workaround?I will admit now, up front, before this goes any further that honestly I don't know that, but it is what I am 99.99999999% sure of. Hope I'm right :o

[Savage Henry]

i doubt we will see any difference besides speed. But that is where the money is. The broad consumer market is simple enough to see one number is larger than the other and choose.

If laptops are more expensive, they choose cheaper.
If they are faster, they choose them.

For many consumers Apple have been the wrong end of the numbers for too long.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

I need to take very good care of my iBook G4@800, yes... I'm NOT getting a Rev. A (or even B) 'Book with x86 inside, if ever... :eek:

Cannot see myself buying anything new until christmas 2006, now... if only my iBook doesn't die on me...

All I wanted was a Cell based laptop... :(

[thedoc1111]

Is this true?
Surely there'll be a workaround?

The only way there will NOT be a work around is if Apple use the DRM integrated on Pentium 4 Chips to lock the OS down. If they do, that will be the last Apple product I buy, seriously...

Otherwise, it will be easy - at worst you will just virtualise the computer using something like Xen...

[Chimera]

If I was a high end user I would be annoyed as G5s are much better imo than Pentium 4's but for laptop owners this is great news, no more reliance on freescale and faster chips than G4's.

[wordmunger]

The big question is, will my old software work on the new Intel machines? If not, there's a VERY high likelihood that my next computer will be running Linux.

[DXoverDY]

The big question is, will my old software work on the new Intel machines? If not, there's a VERY high likelihood that my next computer will be running Linux.

through emulation. yes. Rosetta is the name of it. it does the emulating of PPC -> x86. however the product maker can probably recompile and have it work with very few changes to the code, if any.

[usclaneyj]

we will be skating along on dual 4ghz Pentiums in no time. apple in japan, you say 2008 like that's when the first intel Mac will debut.. but it's really only a year away.. that's not so long.


however, i will definitely hold off on buying a mac until fall of '06!

[DXoverDY]

yea i see apple losing a lot of money through this transition. i for one will not be buying a powermac like i was going to do. and i won't buy a first revision of anything, so i'm looking at like 2008 or so before i purchase another mac.

[Jaffa Cake]

This thread does highlight a potential problem though...how will this announcement affect Apple's sales over the next few years? A computer system is a pretty big investment, and people may think twice about buying a PPC based Mac if they believe (rightly or wrongly) it'll become obsolete in a relatively short space of time.

Personally, I don't have any major concerns about the technical aspects of the switch (Apple wouldn't make such a move if they weren't confident it would be successful – surely?), but they're going to have to make sure it's properly marketed so potential Mac buyers know exactly what's going on.

Just my two-penneth worth.

[iGary]

Is this X86 version of OSX as vulnerable to viruses as DOS?

I'm lost.

[Cooknn]

Is this X86 version of OSX as vulnerable to viruses as DOS?

I'm lost.Linux and BSD Unix both run on x86 without the virus problems that plague Windows. It's the OS that makes Windows so vulnerable. I've read of buffer overflows being exploited, but I'm hoping these issues will be addressed proactively.

[leekohler]

yea i see apple losing a lot of money through this transition. i for one will not be buying a powermac like i was going to do. and i won't buy a first revision of anything, so i'm looking at like 2008 or so before i purchase another mac.

I agree. I won't get another Apple computer until around that time. I think it was foolish to announce this so far in advance.

[MhzDoesMatter]

Relatively confused...what would you really gain by switching to linux?

[brap]

They had to. Developers need to recompile code, so if they'd sprung it upon us -- nothing would run.

I thought I might lust for a new form factor Powerbook next time around, but now TBH -- 2008 is looking good for my next laptop. Maybe something based on an ARM.

[Phatpat]

Guys, calm down. We're all [I think..] Apple fans here. We don't want the company to die. Holding off buying computers will not help the situation. Go about your normal habits, continue encouraging others to buy a mac. It's all about OS X, and as long as it runs well, I am happy.

[leekohler]

They had to. Developers need to recompile code, so if they'd sprung it upon us -- nothing would run.

I thought I might lust for a new form factor Powerbook next time around, but now TBH -- 2008 is looking good for my next laptop. Maybe something based on an ARM.

Then I wonder how they plan to keep selling computers until then? Anyone bitten by the OS 9/OS X transition won't go near a new Mac until they've switched to Intel. I got burned in that deal too, and I won't do it again. They better do some good PR spins- and fast.

[wordmunger]

Relatively confused...what would you really gain by switching to linux?

I would gain free apps, instead of having to buy new apps AGAIN, like I already did once with the upgrade to OS X. I would also gain cheaper computers, and the same virus/spyware-free goodness that Macs have.

[wordmunger]

Guys, calm down. We're all [I think..] Apple fans here. We don't want the company to die. Holding off buying computers will not help the situation. Go about your normal habits, continue encouraging others to buy a mac. It's all about OS X, and as long as it runs well, I am happy.

"not letting Apple die" is not my problem, it's the company's problem. I will continue to buy Apple products only if they continue to function for my needs, not to support some abstract entity. If Apple doesn't make the products I want, why should I support them?

[leekohler]

"not letting Apple die" is not my problem, it's the company's problem. I will continue to buy Apple products only if they continue to function for my needs, not to support some abstract entity. If Apple doesn't make the products I want, why should I support them?

Exactly- I like Apple products too. But they've pulled this major thing again and it's getting discouraging. I can't honestly recommend a new Mac to anyone right now and feel good about it.

[Fredstar]

I definately won't be getting a new Powerbook till after the update, looks like Ebay till then...
Apple have got to anticipate a huge drop in sales till 2006.
Btw i am all for the transition, just wish it happened sooner!!

[AppleinJapan]

I definately won't be getting a new Powerbook till after the update, looks like Ebay till then...
Apple have got to anticipate a huge drop in sales till 2006.
Btw i am all for the transition, just wish it happened sooner!!

Buying A computer is a major step.....Its expensive so I'm waiting (for along time or until myibook G4 dies)

[stubeeef]

I'm going to have to wait.

Not cause I'm angry, or torqued at apple, cause I need to spend wisely.

If, and a big IF, they can convince me that I will have the ability to run the new and old on a G5, I may reconsider.

I was thinking 20" iMac in the fall. Not now.

[amac4me]

It doesn't look good based on the comments posted here ... it looks as though Apple sales will see a slowdown. I think the Keynote was very short. I think it's going to take a while for the world to digest the transition and I think it's going to hit the bottom line.

[drison]

I definately won't be getting a new Powerbook till after the update, looks like Ebay till then...
Apple have got to anticipate a huge drop in sales till 2006.
Btw i am all for the transition, just wish it happened sooner!!


Speaking of ebay, how long before the resale value drops? Should I get my new pm 2.0 on ebay soon to preserve the equity?
-Dave

[mduser63]

I had sort of been planning to buy iMac G5 this fall. Not planning to anymore unless Apple can explain how my PPC based iMac is going to be able to continue running new software 2 years after I buy it. Maybe Leopard will include Rosetta in both the PPC and x86 versions, so older PPC machines will be able to run newer x86 software, at least until 10.6 comes out and by then, most people who care about new software will have upgraded their machines anyway.

It seems like Apple hasn't done a great job of answering a lot of questions so far. Hopefully in the coming days we'll get a clearer picture of what's going to happen with PPC Macs.

[mersea]

I've ordered an iMac, and no, there is no way for me to wait another two years to buy a computer... Please tell me I won't have to buy all new apps when apple (and I) switch to Intel in two years...

[ZLurker]

I'm going to have to wait.

Not cause I'm angry, or torqued at apple, cause I need to spend wisely.

If, and a big IF, they can convince me that I will have the ability to run the new and old on a G5, I may reconsider.

I was thinking 20" iMac in the fall. Not now.
I really can't see what you would lose in buying a new mac this fall? What is the lifespan of an iMac? 3-4years, a PM 4-6 if you are not depending on them for a living. The transition will take 2 years, and im guessing all Apple software will be compiled for the ppc platform for atleast 5 more years after that (think about those who will buy the last week before the end of the transition, yes i bet there will be those!). This means if you buy a Mac this fall you are sett for atleast the lifespan of the hardware. Then at next update you get a x86 Mac.
Buying a new iMac PM hasnt looked better than now, since it will easily carry you effortless through the transition.

Just my opinion, and im getting a PM this fall!

[slb]

Some people are apparently worried about viruses coming to OS X now. This stems from confusion about how viruses actually spread.

Viruses are spread on Windows because Windows is insecure. It has nothing to do with the processor. For instance, Windows has a lot of default open ports for no reason. OS X leaves no open ports and doesn't run with root privileges.

OS X is a securely designed OS. Moving to x86 won't affect that or make viruses suddenly flock to Macs. It's the software running on top of the processor that makes it secure or insecure.

[skunk]

I've ordered an iMac, and no, there is no way for me to wait another two years to buy a computer... Please tell me I won't have to buy all new apps when apple (and I) switch to Intel in two years...It seems clear that all existing OSX apps will work perfectly well through the Transitive Rosetta emulation. And since the hardware will be faster, any performance hit anticipated will be offset.

[mac-er]

"The sky is falling, the sky is falling"...Get a grip people.

The end user will see no noticable changes during the transition.

[stubeeef]

I really can't see what you would lose in buying a new mac this fall? What is the lifespan of an iMac? 3-4years, a PM 4-6 if you are not depending on them for a living. The transition will take 2 years, and im guessing all Apple software will be compiled for the ppc platform for atleast 5 more years after that (think about those who will buy the last week before the end of the transition, yes i bet there will be those!). This means if you buy a Mac this fall you are sett for atleast the lifespan of the hardware. Then at next update you get a x86 Mac.
Buying a new iMac PM hasnt looked better than now, since it will easily carry you effortless through the transition.

Just my opinion, and im getting a PM this fall!

I think I can wait 1 yr to find out how it will the implemetation will take place.

[Rod Rod]

Speaking of ebay, how long before the resale value drops? Should I get my new pm 2.0 on ebay soon to preserve the equity?
-Dave
If you're not generating income with your dual 2.0 PM G5, sell it. I'm making money with my dual 1.8. If I sold it and waited around for the x86 Mac that might be 12 months away, and used my PowerBook in the meantime, I'd get significantly less work done and my earning potential would be cut dramatically. I have both my processors working full tilt at an average of about 72 hours a week. Trying to get the same work done on a lesser machine would be painful. I'm a Final Cut Studio user so a switch to Windows just isn't happening.

I'm voting with my wallet, but in the opposite manner to what the original poster suggested. I would buy a dual 2.7 as quickly as I could justify it without any fear / uncertainty / doubt about the impending x86 transition. My computers are production machines, and I use them to produce.

[neonart]

I don't know why some are freaking out? I don't remember the OS9 to OSX transition being that big of a deal.

One day I bought 10.1 and started using it. There were Apps I had in 9 that Classic handled for about a year or so. As new and better versions came out for X I bought those and stopped using 9 Apps. Eventually I didn't have to even run classic. I believe Rosetta will do just this, especially on the consumer level where the typical Apps are easy to emulate.

In the professional fields this is not as easy, but Pros do what they need to do to get the Job done. Some STILL use OS9 because of some specific software or hardware, and they're still making money with it. But eventually the vast majority upgrade both hardware and software.

In the end I don't see this as such a big deal. It's exciting to know we will have some new options. My G5 will probably last well beyond the transition, but I'd love to see what the Mac Daddy system will be like in 2007. Heck, if the Mactel Powerbooks/iBooks are tempting I'll get one of those as my 1Ghz book will be due for replacement by end of next year.

This is going to be fun!

[jsw]

I voted with my wallet as well.

Before WWDC, I bought a 12" PB for mobile use when my PMG5 wasn't accessible.

Now, I bought a Developer Transition Kit to see how using Intel works out.

My support is for OS X, not IBM or Intel. I couldn't care less who makes the CPU, as long as it works.

[Fiddytree85]

I bought my iBook G4 last June, and planned on using it until 2007-2008. Hell, guys, if I would spend some money right now, I would still be using my old Performa.

Some of you guys are taking this a little too out of proportion. I don't think that many consumers will be out of the circle in the technology developments thanks to Apple's stated commitment to the PPC during this transition.

[baummer]

It's my speculation that a lot of people are overreacting to this news. Calm down, take a breath, and re-read the transcript of the keynote. Apple is not going to hang us out to dry, and I think people who are going to WAIT a year or longer to purchase an Apple are being ridiculous. A lot can happen within that timespan. Put your faith in Apple guys.

[me_94501]

Overreacting or no, this is a major paradigm shift and it's going ton take some getting used to. Me, I'm definitely disappointed and a bit saddened, but I'm not going to stop buying Apple.

[barneygumble]

I voted with my wallet as well.

Before WWDC, I bought a 12" PB for mobile use when my PMG5 wasn't accessible.

Now, I bought a Developer Transition Kit to see how using Intel works out.

My support is for OS X, not IBM or Intel. I couldn't care less who makes the CPU, as long as it works.

Absaloutly agree!! All of you say you use apple for the software now you get a chance to prove it. I will be buying one soon and frankly i beleive they will do it right

Any money in two years all of you will be on these boards with quotes such as these,

my powerbook gets 10 hours battery life, awesome!
damn this quad core powermac is quick
etc etc

[iRachel]

Hey All, I've got a question - I'm in the market for my first mac (my laptop died a few weeks ago, so waiting until the first intel-based system comes out is not an option - I need a new lappy now). I was going to get a powerbook - but should I go with the iBook instead, given that I'll likely replace it sooner now? I need the computer primarily for word processing and presentations, though I do have some photo work to do, occasionally.

[me_94501]

Hey All, I've got a question - I'm in the market for my first mac (my laptop died a few weeks ago, so waiting until the first intel-based system comes out is not an option - I need a new lappy now). I was going to get a powerbook - but should I go with the iBook instead, given that I'll likely replace it sooner now? I need the computer primarily for word processing and presentations, though I do have some photo work to do, occasionally.
An iBook is a capable machine for that kind of stuff. Just be sure to add some extra RAM.

[me_94501]

It seems clear that all existing OSX apps will work perfectly well through the Transitive Rosetta emulation. And since the hardware will be faster, any performance hit anticipated will be offset.
Not quite.

http://macslash.org/article.pl?sid=05/06/06/1826222&mode=thread

[ZildjianKX]

Couple of things that I haven't seen anyone mention:

#1 We could possibly use Wine or some other emulator to run windows apps in real-time since they would be x86
#2 Possibility of dual-booting Win XP/Longhorn, etc
#3 All of these multi-format x86/PPC binaries are going to majorly inflate the file sizes of programs
#4 I'm not sure how much I trust Rosetta after how much I hate classic
#5 (I know this was already mentioned) There is going to have to be a way to lock the OS to the CPU, or some sort of special CPU that OS X needs to prevent it from running on a Dell box. I would expect OS X security to start getting a lot tighter in the future (serials, activation, etc)
#6 The desktop chips are going to have to be 64 bit to match the G5s in RAM capacity
#7 PPC users are going to get screwed when companies start making x86 only binaries, etc (Microsoft is already talking about improved exchange support for the x86 version of OS)

End of rant :)

[CanadaRAM]

PEOPLE vote with your wallet !! Don't buy an Apple made Computer until 2008

Most misguided post of the day, my vote.

[iRachel]

An iBook is a capable machine for that kind of stuff. Just be sure to add some extra RAM.

Thanks - I think that's exactly what I'll do.

[CanadaRAM]

Exactly- I like Apple products too. But they've pulled this major thing again and it's getting discouraging. I can't honestly recommend a new Mac to anyone right now and feel good about it.
Why the heck not? The Mac will do exactly what it is designed to do, for the next, oh, 6 - 10 years on average (this written on an OS9 Beige G3).

The diminishing in capability of a G5 based machine only exists between your ears. :D

[psycho bob]

Rightly or wrongly I would happily recommend and indeed buy (if I didn't have a dual 2.5 already) a current G5 Powermac. I couldn't give a toss for what apple or sites may say it will paste any current Intel processor and will run OS X better than any other machine on the planet including developer x86 apple machines.

Where I do have a problem and I think many other do as well is buying a current Apple laptop. Quite frankly I could use one, I need to work so I will have to buy but us mobile users are going to get royally screwed. Not only do we pay a premium already for a slower product but the notebook line will surely be the first to get revamped and at what price to our machines? A Pentium M will leave a G4 for dust in a laptop, our machines will have a reduced resale value and will be really out of date, hell they won't play hi res H264 content properly now and Motion is a joke. I'm just starting out in business, money doesn't grow on trees and I do a damn site more than just use word, the least apple could do is either reduce the prices now or update them for one final push sooner rather than later.

I don't mind the switch to Intel, although I'd rather they had picked AMD, it is the wait that is the killer. I will be disappointed if when the new machines do appear they still carry apple's huge premium for what hardware wise can be head identically for less.

[ZildjianKX]

Rightly or wrongly I would happily recommend and indeed buy (if I didn't have a dual 2.5 already) a current G5 Powermac. I couldn't give a toss for what apple or sites may say it will paste any current Intel processor and will run OS X better than any other machine on the planet including developer x86 apple machines.

Where I do have a problem and I think many other do as well is buying a current Apple laptop. Quite frankly I could use one, I need to work so I will have to buy but us mobile users are going to get royally screwed. Not only do we pay a premium already for a slower product but the notebook line will surely be the first to get revamped and at what price to our machines? A Pentium M will leave a G4 for dust in a laptop, our machines will have a reduced resale value and will be really out of date, hell they won't play hi res H264 content properly now and Motion is a joke. I'm just starting out in business, money doesn't grow on trees and I do a damn site more than just use word, the least apple could do is either reduce the prices now or update them for one final push sooner rather than later.

I don't mind the switch to Intel, although I'd rather they had picked AMD, it is the wait that is the killer. I will be disappointed if when the new machines do appear they still carry apple's huge premium for what hardware wise can be head identically for less.

I agree with every single word of your post. Every single word.

I was planning on buying a 15" Powerbook since I'm going to law school this fall, I planned on spending $2,100 or so on it. No way in hell am I spending that much on a laptop now. In 6 - 12 months (6 months being MWSF, which I doubt) the Pentium M powerbooks will probably come out and smoke the G4s in both speed and battery life.

Right now I'm pricing up a 2 GHz Inspiron 700m with a 12" screen for $1,000 to hold me over until the real powerbooks come out next year.

This is just sad.

[GFLPraxis]

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=130681&page=1


Read it. Go ahead and buy PowerPC Macs. They will still be able to run ALL Mac apps, even AFTER the transition, thanks to fat binaries.