iMac Updates by Next Week?

[MacRumors]

MacBidouille reports (http://www.macbidouille.com/niouzcontenu.php?date=2003-01-14#4398) that one source is reporting that iMac updates are coming by next week, at the latest -- with a possible release this week.

iMac updates were widely expected at MacWorld San Francisco.

iMac 15" LCD was last updated in Jan 2002, while the iMac 17" was introduced in July 2002.

[trilogic]

I'd rather see faster PowerMacs.

[pgwalsh]

How accurate has MacBidouille been?

[MrMacMan]

Wow, updated by next week cool.

I'd like them to be updated but I'll be slightly pissed since I just got one, bah.
I hope thses new ones don't kill there PowerMac sales.

[Performfreak]

I sure hope that this is true, cause I've told my parents to hold off on a new computer purchase till the new imacs come out. I mean, I find it rather absurd that it's been a year since the last across the board updates to the imac, to a compter that's already behind in the race technology-wise. The Powerbooks and ibooks are great, but the desktops need something goin for them too

[MacKid]

Originally posted by Performfreak
I sure hope that this is true, cause I've told my parents to hold off on a new computer purchase till the new imacs come out. I mean, I find it rather absurd that it's been a year since the last across the board updates to the imac, to a compter that's already behind in the race technology-wise. The Powerbooks and ibooks are great, but the desktops need something goin for them too

Didn't Steve last say something along the lines of "we've got some surprises in the desktop area , too"?:D :D :D :D

[Ramsaid]

I understand that Apple may have wanted retail inventories to dwindle before they announced new desktop models but this date seems awfully close to MacWorld.

Why wouldn't they just announce at MWSF? Its not like they would have stolen the thunder from the other hardware announcements.

I'm betting on January 24th to February 7th for the announcements.

[pgwalsh]

Originally posted by Ramsaid
I understand that Apple may have wanted retail inventories to dwindle before they announced new desktop models but this date seems awfully close to MacWorld.

Why wouldn't they just announce at MWSF? Its not like they would have stolen the thunder from the other hardware announcements.

I'm betting on January 24th to February 7th for the announcements. Maybe they figured some people were holding out and when they saw no new PowerMacs they bought one anyway. Then SJ giggled all the way to the bank.

[MacKid]

Originally posted by Ramsaid
I understand that Apple may have wanted retail inventories to dwindle before they announced new desktop models but this date seems awfully close to MacWorld.

Why wouldn't they just announce at MWSF? Its not like they would have stolen the thunder from the other hardware announcements.

I'm betting on January 24th to February 7th for the announcements.

Also, I remember reading on another thread something that I believe to be very possibly true. It was suggested that Apple is really trying to turn heads, and keep the momentum going. First, the PowerBooks, and once the excitement wears off, iMacs. Then, (maybe) a few weeks later, PowerMacs, and, so on. This way, Apple can carry on for months, keeping them on the forefront of technology news.;)

[Chaszmyr]

Originally posted by MacKid


Didn't Steve last say something along the lines of "we've got some surprises in the desktop area , too"?:D :D :D :D

I am hoping that refers to G5s a few months down the road :-P

[ChicagoMac]

Next week would be awesome for me! I have to give up the company laptop to one of my co-workers by the end of the month and I'm really hoping to have a new Imac at home by then. Of course, as Apple usually does, announcements and availability dates are not the same. I'm one of the few on here that is hoping for the rumored 19" screen. I guess I'll just be glad to have a machine that can burn a 60 minute dvd in less time than the 17" 800mhz imac in my office. It takes forever!


By the way, who translates this info from MacBidoodle anyway?

[MacKid]

Originally posted by Chaszmyr


I am hoping that refers to G5s a few months down the road :-P

You'll be lucky for 6-8!:cool:

[blackpeter]

I can see this happening. The iMac and the PowerMac both appeal to two completely different types of Apple customers. I see lot's of good reasons to showcase the completely refreshed PowerBook line at MWSF and save the iMac update for a month or two.

What about this for the iMac?:
- Good (15" 700MHz, Combo Drive, 128)
- Better (17" 800Mhz, Super Drive, 128)
- Best (17" 933Mhz, Super Drive, 256)

[ChicagoMac]

They've got to do better than 933 mhz! And we need a faster dvd burner! Maybe I should just wait for the mew powermacs and get an older 1ghz dual processor. Then I could afford it and a display. What do you think?

[MacKid]

Originally posted by ChicagoMac
They've got to do better than 933 mhz! And we need a faster dvd burner! Maybe I should just wait for the mew powermacs and get an older 1ghz dual processor. Then I could afford it and a display. What do you think?

Trust me, no faster DVD Burner before it appears in the PowerMacs.:( ;)

[ibjoshua]

Originally posted by MacKid


Didn't Steve last say something along the lines of "we've got some surprises in the desktop area , too"?:D :D :D :D

and don't forget:

In an interview with NEWSWEEK after the speech, Jobs was ebullient, promising that this was only the opening salvo in a year of new-product introductions.

i_b_joshua

[JW Pepper]

Well I hoipe that there is a 17" cdrw FP iMac. I use them for workstations and I don't need to spend the $350 extra per machine for superdrives. But I do want the fastest processor 1.25ghz please with DDR, Bluetooth, not bothered about FW800, FW400 is good enough for me.

:D

[MacKid]

Originally posted by JW Pepper
Well I hoipe that there is a 17" cdrw FP iMac. I use them for workstations and I don't need to spend the $350 extra per machine for superdrives. But I do want the fastest processor 1.25ghz please with DDR, Bluetooth, not bothered about FW800, FW400 is good enough for me.

:D

Actually (just my thoughts, but), I think that unless Apple gets rid of all but maybe one of the 15" iMacs, we won't see a 17" CD-RW anytime soon. I just think that because Apple seems to be conforming to the 3 and 4 product variation system; keeping it simple, while allowing choice and variety.

[xcoff]

Originally posted by ChicagoMac

By the way, who translates this info from MacBidoodle anyway?


Translation from macbidouille.com

A (apparently) well-informed source announced us that the iMac will be updated this week or at least next week.
Wait And see


Now just to add some translation facts:
"Une source semblant trés bien informée" would mean that the information should be reliable but not 100%...anyway usually macbidouille doesn't post that much rumors and tends to be accurate enough when they do...

[Centris 650]

Kinda in the same vein-Looprumors.com is saying that OS X 10.2.4 will be out this week.

http://looprumors.com/

[MacKid]

Originally posted by xcoff



Translation from macbidouille.com

A (apparently) well-informed source announced us that the iMac will be updated this week or at least next week.
Wait And see


Now just to add some translation facts:
"Une source semblant trés bien informée" would mean that the information should be reliable but not 100%...anyway usually macbidouille doesn't post that much rumors and tends to be accurate enough when they do...

Let's hope. . .:D

[scem0]

Originally posted by Centris 650
Kinda in the same vein-Looprumors.com is saying that OS X 10.2.4 will be out this week.

http://looprumors.com/

10.2.4 released the same day as the iMacs. Makes sense to me.

[MacKid]

Originally posted by scem0


10.2.4 released the same day as the iMacs. Makes sense to me.

Maybe, just maybe, we'll see Rendezvous-iTunes support in this version!:D :D

[pantagruel]

yeah it will be interesting to see what changes with the iMacs, faster superdrive perhaps?

[shadowfax]

i wonder, it's been so long, maybe they have something pseudo-revolutionary up their sleeves for the iMacs too. i don't guess "it's about time," but certainly it would be cool. i'd really like to see an apple revolution. how cool would it be for them to redesign everything within about 1-2 months? not going to happen, sure, but... well, i'll put my bet there. i have better odds than anything ThinkSecret posts :p ;)

[MacKid]

Originally posted by Shadowfax
i wonder, it's been so long, maybe they have something pseudo-revolutionary up their sleeves for the iMacs too. i don't guess "it's about time," but certainly it would be cool. i'd really like to see an apple revolution. how cool would it be for them to redesign everything within about 1-2 months? not going to happen, sure, but... well, i'll put my bet there. i have better odds than anything ThinkSecret posts :p ;)

I also think it's unlikely, but neither the iBook nor the PowerMac (and come to think of it, the Xserve) have seen a new form-function, like the new PowerBooks, so a totally new redesign couldn't hurt!:D

[scem0]

ThinkSecret actually has one of the best track record out of all
the rumor sites. So, I'm sorry, but u most probably won't get
your revolution :( ;).

[dickrichie]

Just a guess but i think the Superbowl would b e the perfect time to refresh the computers and get plenty of exposure.

[BenRoethig]

Originally posted by MacKid


Trust me, no faster DVD Burner before it appears in the PowerMacs.:( ;)

Some of the 17" iMacs have LG DVD burners which are faster than the Pioneer A04s that are in the current G4s.

[shadowfax]

Originally posted by scem0
ThinkSecret actually has one of the best track record out of all
the rumor sites. So, I'm sorry, but u most probably won't get
your revolution :( ;).

LOL. they just told us there was NO CHANCE of new powerbooks and 100% chance of a charge for the new iApps. i dunno. to say crap like "we don't post unreliable data," and do that... that's shady. whatever though. certainly, if they tell me i won't get my revolution, that means very little. on the other hand, i am only speculating, myself. still, my chances are at least as good as theirs, considering that reliable sources, at least the ones they use, aren't 100%, or even close to that, reliable. meh.

[Centris 650]

Originally posted by dickrichie
Just a guess but i think the Superbowl would b e the perfect time to refresh the computers and get plenty of exposure.

Doh! Why didn't anyone think of that earlier?!

[sweetaction]

they will have airport extreme and bluetooth.

the new powermacs will come out at the same time as the new protools is released. people will freak.

[orthodoc]

Originally posted by Shadowfax
i wonder, it's been so long, maybe they have something pseudo-revolutionary up their sleeves for the iMacs too. i don't guess "it's about time," but certainly it would be cool. i'd really like to see an apple revolution. how cool would it be for them to redesign everything within about 1-2 months? not going to happen, sure, but... well, i'll put my bet there. i have better odds than anything ThinkSecret posts :p ;)

And why is that? ThinkSecret has a pretty damn good track record. :confused:

[scem0]

Originally posted by Shadowfax


LOL. they just told us there was NO CHANCE of new powerbooks and 100% chance of a charge for the new iApps. i dunno. to say crap like "we don't post unreliable data," and do that... that's shady. whatever though. certainly, if they tell me i won't get my revolution, that means very little. on the other hand, i am only speculating, myself. still, my chances are at least as good as theirs, considering that reliable sources, at least the ones they use, aren't 100%, or even close to that, reliable. meh.

Every rumor site has slip ups. THey were the only site that said
no powermac updates at the MW when everyone was expecting
new powermacs. Forgot which one it was. They have gotten a
lot of stuff right, but I never claimed that they have hit the nail
on the head every time, or that they will never slip up, but they
do maintain a good track record. That's all I'm saying.

and btw, your smart for not trusting in a rumors site.... ;)

[see even the person above me agrees :D]

[ibjoshua]

A reminder. (This has been said a million times before. )
All the evidence suggests that there will be at least one or two revisions to the PowerMac before the 970 and they're very unlikely to reach 1.5Ghz (1.43 was the prediction wasn't it?).
All we're likely to see is an I/O standards catch up with the new PowerBooks and a light speed bump.

i_b_joshua

[pyrotoaster]

We know iMac updates are coming, although "when?" is interesting...
Originally posted by Ramsaid

I'm betting on January 24th to February 7th for the announcements.
January 24 is next week...

Originally posted by dickrichie

Just a guess but i think the Superbowl would b e the perfect time to refresh the computers and get plenty of exposure.
That's a very good point! Apple has a history of knock-out Superbowl ads.

Originally posted by Chaszmyr

I am hoping that refers to G5s a few months down the road :-P
Think PowerPC 970, not Motorola G5...

[tjgallan]

Originally posted by trilogic
I'd rather see faster PowerMacs.

I'd rather see quieter PowerMacs.

[Shrek]

This is very good news. As I've stated in a previous thread of mine, I think the new iMacs will be released on the 17th (this Friday), exactly 6 months after the introduction of the 17" iMac. :)

[arn]

Originally posted by i_b_joshua
(1.43 was the prediction wasn't it?).

small point...

1.43 was the rumor... not prediction.

Prediction implies that it was an educated guess, while rumor actually comes from a someone's knowledge of it.


arn

[dabirdwell]

and Superbowl Advertising...

[Fender2112]

Originally posted by tfaz1
What about this for the iMac?:
- Good (15" 700MHz, Combo Drive, 128)
- Better (17" 800Mhz, Super Drive, 128)
- Best (17" 933Mhz, Super Drive, 256)

I suspect the iMacs will all be more like:

Good - 17" 800 Mhz, Combo Drive, 128, 40GB
Better - 17" 933 Mhz, Super Drive. 256, 60GB
Best - 17" 1.0 Ghz, Super Drive, 256, 80GB

All will include Bluetooth, Airport Extreme ready, Firewire800

[DakotaGuy]

Good 933Mhz
Better 1Ghz
Best 1.25Ghz

It is time to get these puppies rocking a bit!

PowerMacs will still be duallies and in a few weeks I would expect that the lowest priced PowerMac will be running no less then 1Ghz dual, so lets put a little punch in the consumer line.

eMac specs should match the iMac just with a lower price and CRT.

Oh yeah and 133Mhz bus speed and better graphics, they will sell better then the first generation FP iMacs did. Consumers may not base everything on Mhz, but anymore it is expected that a machine at least has a Ghz behind the speed rating.

[Shrek]

Yes, I too would like to see 1GHz and 1.25GHz iMacs. :)

15" 1GHz, 256MB, 80GB
17" 1GHz, 256MB, 80GB
17" 1.25GHz, 512MB, 120GB
19" 1.25GHz, 512MB, 120GB

* All with Superdrives

[Centris 650]

Originally posted by Abercrombieboy
Good 933Mhz
Better 1Ghz
Best 1.25Ghz

It is time to get these puppies rocking a bit!


Dream The Impossible Dream! :D ;)
That would be sweet wouldn't it? Doubtful but sweet.

[kmac]

My guess:

Cheap - 15", 700Mhz, CD/RW
Good - 15", 800Mhz, Superdrive
Better - 17" 867Mhz (faster bus, DDR-Ram), CD/RW
Best - 17" 1.0Ghz (also faster bus, DDR-Ram), Superdrive


They still need to sell the PRO lines so:

NO - Airport Extreme
NO - FW800
No - 19"

[bbarnhart]

17" Display
60 HD
256 RAM
167 Bus (would accept 133)
Next to top of the line graphics card
Combo Drive

for $1299

However, I think it will cost more.

[MasterX (OSiX)]

I would be shocked and amazed to see Apple bump the iMac/eMac above 800/900/1.0Ghz before a Powermac update. Now if things go as rumors have said I can see this happening:

iMacs/eMacs updated to reach 1GHz
Powermacs soon updated to 1.4GHz

Digital Lifestyle launch (or iPod 2, whichever rumor you swear by)

Xserve970 (I still stand by this as my personal speculation)

PowerMac970

iMacs/eMacs are now free to use WHATEVER G4 they want, as a Dual 1.5Ghz won't hold a candle to a Dual 1.8Ghz 970 with DDR 900Mhz bus, oh boy. Hold me back....

Oh yeah. Wishing for the iMac to be faster isn't gonna help, look at the PowerMac 1.25Ghz machines, they're not called wind-tunnel cases because they run COOL!!! (That and Motorolla still doesnt have a 1.25Ghz chip listed on their site, so the odds of a CPU being FASTER than that is non existant).

[ibjoshua]

Originally posted by arn


small point...

1.43 was the rumor... not prediction.

Prediction implies that it was an educated guess, while rumor actually comes from a someone's knowledge of it.


arn

thanks arn
;)

I couldn't stand the thought that we'd have a big flurry of anticiption (again!) about new PowerMacs only to be blown down by what many would consider lacklustre improvements.

i_b_joshua

[shadowfax]

OMG YES! SUPERBOWL ANNOUNCEMENT! i forgot about the advertisement stuff. good call, guys. we need that. i want a LMAO apple ad.

He doesn't need PCs! he's got iMacs coming out the wazoo!

[robguz]

Originally posted by Shadowfax
OMG YES! SUPERBOWL ANNOUNCEMENT! i forgot about the advertisement stuff. good call, guys.

I didn't think Apple has released Superbowl ads in years. Personally I think it's a crappy time to introduce a new product. So many first run ads debut during the superbowl that they all get lost in the attention. The rates are ridiculously overpriced. Do drunk people watching football games sit up and pay attention during the commercials or do they go get more snacks and booze? I don't think Apple has actually EVER had a superbowl announcement. I think you're all barking up the wrong tree.

[Centris 650]

Originally posted by kmac
My guess:
They still need to sell the PRO lines so:

NO - Airport Extreme
NO - FW800
No - 19"

I still think that the iMac (at least the top of the line if not all of them) will come with FW800 and almost no doubt APEx. (It would be crazy to come out with a machine that didn't have APEx after all that hype!!)

19" iMac? Who knows? No one would have thought Apple would release a 17" PB especially so soon after an update! No bets on this one!

Bluetooth: I don't think the iMac will have BT. (If it does it I'm guessing it will be the top of the line version. BT devices are fairly cheap if you have to have one. Plus it's not a "consumer" technology just yet.)


EDIT: Just checked the Apple website to see the specs of the 12" PB and I just realized it DOES have BT built in. For some reason I didn't think it did. Weelllll...Then maybe the iMac line WILL have BT on each one.

[CybrCyfr]

Maybe everyone will think I am nuts, but I would like to see colored iMacs again. I always thought that was a great idea, I am so sick of my white iMac, and don't have the gull to powder coat it.

Anyone else like the idea?

[000111one111000]

Oh, wait. Yes they did. Just one of the most frickin popular SuperBowl ads ever.

In case you forget, Apple unveiled the Mac on SuperBowl Sunday in 1984 (well, at least the commercial for it.)

:)

enoch

[MacsRgr8]

Originally posted by pgwalsh
Maybe they figured some people were holding out and when they saw no new PowerMacs they bought one anyway. Then SJ giggled all the way to the bank.

I don't get it. So these people bought the "old" PowerMacs. What's really good about that? These people won't buy a "new" PowerMac for a couple of years, so the sales of a "new" PowerMac will be lessend (correct word? :confused: ) by the amount of sold "old" PowerMacs

[shiro-hagen]

I think that (if) the iMac is updated, it will only be to include Bluetooth and possibly Airport Extreme....

Just hope if it's going to be updated it's done soon - itching to swap my DVSE for a new 17".....

[QuiteSure]

Originally posted by kmac
They still need to sell the PRO lines so:

NO - Airport Extreme


I disagree. I see Airport Extreme as being very attractive to the consumer user who is lucky enough to have a cable modem and wants to optimize the wireless browsing experience.

[noelmac75]

I hope the powermacs come out the week after, I think holding off the imacs and powermacs was a sly move, it was a great marketing technique to get rid of all the old stock before the new stuff comes out.

I'am betting on new powermacs to have:

Up to Dual 1.4ghz
Bluetooth
ATI Graphics 9700
512mb
Firewire 800
Faster System Bus
Faster Superdrive
Slight changes to enclousre
Apple pro speakers inc. with all models
Quieter Fans

Who knows what else

Maybe I'am just dreaming, its good to dream.

[noelmac75]

Originally posted by Shrek
This is very good news. As I've stated in a previous thread of mine, I think the new iMacs will be released on the 17th (this Friday), exactly 6 months after the introduction of the 17" iMac. :)


So does that mean that the powermacs will get updated 6 months later as well??

[BenRoethig]

Originally posted by QuiteSure


I disagree. I see Airport Extreme as being very attractive to the consumer user who is lucky enough to have a cable modem and wants to optimize the wireless browsing experience.

I agree with you. Apple wants Airport Extreme to replace Airport. That means the next revision for every mac will include Airport extreme (and Bluetooth). There's a 50/50 chance FW800 will appear in the next iMac/eMac revisions.

[pyrotoaster]

Originally posted by robguz

I didn't think Apple has released Superbowl ads in years. Personally I think it's a crappy time to introduce a new product. So many first run ads debut during the superbowl that they all get lost in the attention. The rates are ridiculously overpriced. Do drunk people watching football games sit up and pay attention during the commercials or do they go get more snacks and booze? I don't think Apple has actually EVER had a superbowl announcement. I think you're all barking up the wrong tree.

True, Apple hasn't used the Superbowl to launch anything, but the company does have a history of amazing Superbowl ads.
From the obscure and groundbreaking "1984" to "HAL" talking about how Macs are impervious to the Y2K bug, Apple has always valued big Superbowl ads, often ones that are never run again.
If Apple doesn't use the Superbowl for a product launch, they'll still run a great commercial.


Originally posted by CybrCyfr

Maybe everyone will think I am nuts, but I would like to see colored iMacs again. I always thought that was a great idea, I am so sick of my white iMac, and don't have the gull to powder coat it.

Anyone else like the idea?

It's about time we saw colorful Macs, again. The trend really stopped when the Flower Power and Blue Dalmatian iMacs failed to catch on.
I'm just speculating wildly here, but "Dynamic Ornamental Apperance, anyone?"

[Eric_Z]

About those new G4's do the estimates (1.4-1.5) include factory overclocking or not?

Remember the currently used G4's are really 1Ghz 7455 that have been factory overclocked by 25%, thats the reason that they are so hot.

Last time I checked the the rumormill the next speedbump (7457) was intended at 1.3 Ghz (1.55- 1.6 Ghz with the same overclocking as the 7455). And to add to that there are rumors of a 4Mb L3 cache and a 233 Mhz fsb, though if you're going to belive the last rumors that would be 266 - 333 Mhz DDR fsb instead.

[QuiteSure]

Originally posted by pyrotoaster
I'm just speculating wildly here, but "Dynamic Ornamental Apperance, anyone?"

Unfortunately, the acronym for Dynamic Ornamental Appearance is DOA, not an especially promising harbinger for future product lines.

[BenRoethig]

Originally posted by Eric_Z
About those new G4's do the estimates (1.4-1.5) include factory overclocking or not?

Remember the currently used G4's are really 1Ghz 7455 that have been factory overclocked by 25%, thats the reason that they are so hot.

Last time I checked the the rumormill the next speedbump (7457) was intended at 1.3 Ghz (1.55- 1.6 Ghz with the same overclocking as the 7455). And to add to that there are rumors of a 4Mb L3 cache and a 233 Mhz fsb, though if you're going to belive the last rumors that would be 266 - 333 Mhz DDR fsb instead.

It'd have to be either a 200mhz (2x100), 266mhz (2x133) or 333mhz (2x167). 233 (2x116) is impossible.

[Eric_Z]

Ooops I meant 1x233, 233 Mhz SDR fsb.
Not that it matters though, 200 Mhz SDR fsb or perhaps 266- 333 DDR fsb is what it should be.

[Hattig]

Originally posted by BenRoethig
It'd have to be either a 200mhz (2x100), 266mhz (2x133) or 333mhz (2x167). 233 (2x116) is impossible.
I think he was talking about a 233MHz SDR bus.

I think it will be a 200MHz SDR bus on the 7457.

As for the iMacs, I would like to see the processor speed increased, so the top of the line iMac would share the clock speed of the top of the line PowerMac, but with only one processor, and of course limited expansion. I wonder if the iMac2 case can cool the 1.25GHz G4 though ... maybe a 1.066GHz or 1.133GHz G4 though.

As for features - APEx ready is a given, and if the logic for Firewire 800 is in the chipset, then I don't see why they wouldn't use it. Bluetooth is a USB device integrated onto the motherboard of the latest Al powerbooks, if it is a cheap chip then it will be there, otherwise it won't.

[Eric_Z]

@Hattig

You beat me to it.:)

[bbarnhart]

Originally posted by QuiteSure


I disagree. I see Airport Extreme as being very attractive to the consumer user who is lucky enough to have a cable modem and wants to optimize the wireless browsing experience.

Previous generation of AirPort BaseStations is 11 Mbps. Cable modems probably do not offer anything faster than 1 or 2 Mbps so a new AirPort BaseStation Extreame will not offer them a faster online experiance. However, ABSE can make for faster transfers between two computer using same ABSE. Transfers will be 54 Mbps.

Note that 11 Mbps or 54 Mbps is the theoretical top speed for these base stations

[Le Big Mac]

Originally posted by Centris 650


Doh! Why didn't anyone think of that earlier?!

Have they bought advertising time? Usually those lists are pretty public, but I haven't seen any mention.

I have to admit, though, it would be cool to introduce some new product with another 1984 ad. Even better would be to do it next year, on the 20th anniversary: what revolutionary stuff could Apple come up with in a year? "20 years ago, Apple started a revolution . . . today, Apple starts another one . . . "

[snahabed]

Originally posted by bbarnhart


Previous generation of AirPort BaseStations is 11 Mbps. Cable modems probably do not offer anything faster than 1 or 2 Mbps so a new AirPort BaseStation Extreame will not offer them a faster online experiance. However, ABSE can make for faster transfers between two computer using same ABSE. Transfers will be 54 Mbps.

Awww you beat me to it :)

I am not so sad that I bought an 11Mbps Airport base station recently, because (1) the day I actually achieve 11Mbps - or hell 1Mbps on my DSL connection is the day Al Sharpton wins the presidency, and (2) none of my computers have an Airport Extreme slot. So who cares!

Obviously Apple will substitute 802.11g for b in all future product revisions.

As far as iMac revisions go, I can only see speed bumps, Airport Extreme slots, hopefully Bluetooth standard, and I've always thought Apple should increase the base RAM included with any and all models (128? 256? How do these computers even run on such little RAM??). Honestly, the rest of the iMac is a great deal, not much room for improvement that would not increase prices a lot.

And I think a Superbowl ad would be amazing! However, it would make sense for it to be for a digital lifestyle device, something all viewers could think is cool, rather than a computer, which many will just write off because they are already Windows users and inertia prevents them from changing.

[pyrotoaster]

Originally posted by Le Big Mac

I have to admit, though, it would be cool to introduce some new product with another 1984 ad. Even better would be to do it next year, on the 20th anniversary: what revolutionary stuff could Apple come up with in a year? "20 years ago, Apple started a revolution . . . today, Apple starts another one . . . "

I didn't think about that, but it is a very good point.
This year is supposed to be big, next year will be bigger.

[pgwalsh]

Originally posted by MacsRgr8


I don't get it. So these people bought the "old" PowerMacs. What's really good about that? These people won't buy a "new" PowerMac for a couple of years, so the sales of a "new" PowerMac will be lessend (correct word? :confused: ) by the amount of sold "old" PowerMacs I was referring to the current line of PowerMacs. They bought one of the current PowerMacs as they didn't see a new one released at MWSF. Some people were holding out to see if they released new ones. Since they didn't see new PM's at MWSF, they bought a current model. Then SJ may giggle all the way to the bank if they release new ones. Why? Cause they make rather large margins of the PM line. People will probably want to buy new ones, if they every appear.

[Centris 650]

Originally posted by pyrotoaster


I didn't think about that, but it is a very good point.
This year is supposed to be big, next year will be bigger.

Imagine next January MWSF
1.New IBM chipset
2.Redesigned macs (I agree that DOA could be big!)
3.More (base) units using new hardware (FW, BT, APEx) Maybe even some new hardware like USB2.


Things could be really sweet next year! (Excuse me while my optimism blinds me!:D :cool: )

[primalman]

Originally posted by robguz
I don't think Apple has actually EVER had a superbowl announcement.

What about the 1984 'Big Brother' ad that announced the coming of the Macintosh, which was polled as the most recognizable and popular Superbowl ad of all time? Just a thought.

[BOOMBA]

Originally posted by dickrichie
Just a guess but i think the Superbowl would b e the perfect time to refresh the computers and get plenty of exposure.

Not that this is a definite either way, but according to http://www.superbowl-ads.com/ Apple has NOT purchased a spot yet for the 2003 SuperBowl. They DO say there are 10 spots open though, $2 mil a piece.

[ear2ear]

Originally posted by sweetaction
they will have airport extreme and bluetooth.

the new powermacs will come out at the same time as the new protools is released. people will freak.

Official compatibility status from digidesign is usually granted long after a new generation of powermacs are released. I'm not sure about now, but as of November the MDD powermacs weren't even granted as compatible with ProTools. This is understandable due to the number of different PT systems and configurations and the professional user base. (Imagine if one of those $1200 per hour studios went down for a few days due to a new Mac that didn't agree with PT - extreme example but the reason behind Digi's seemingly lateness.)

[SwitchHitter]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the iMac update for next week. I've been waitiing for an eternity (it seems).

Anyway, onto a process question. If I live in Illinois, should I order the new iMac from a mail order/online company or purchase from the Apple store. Advantage to mail order/onliine is avoiding sales tax.

Thoughts anyone? And is there traditionally any discounting from the online shops?

I want to be prepared, so that I can order asap!

[QuiteSure]

Originally posted by SwitchHitter
If I live in Illinois, should I order the new iMac from a mail order/online company or purchase from the Apple store. Advantage to mail order/onliine is avoiding sales tax.
The balance is usually a shipping and handling charge. If the two balance out, I would buy from the Apple Store. If, as I expect, you can get free shipping and/or other throw ins (e.g., RAM upgrade), mail order/online is usually the way to go. Most of these vendors will stand behind the product if needed.

Of course, you can't put a pricetag on the instant gratification you would enjoy by carting your computer out of the Apple Store. Priceless!

[Chaszmyr]

Originally posted by SwitchHitter
If I live in Illinois, should I order the new iMac from a mail order/online company or purchase from the Apple store.

If you order it from the Apple store Apple gets more money from it. Support Apple!

(Not to mention there is that special warm fuzzy feeling that comes from actually walking into a store and buying an item)

[Centris 650]

Originally posted by SwitchHitter
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the iMac update for next week. I've been waitiing for an eternity (it seems).

Anyway, onto a process question. If I live in Illinois, should I order the new iMac from a mail order/online company or purchase from the Apple store. Advantage to mail order/onliine is avoiding sales tax.

Thoughts anyone? And is there traditionally any discounting from the online shops?

I want to be prepared, so that I can order asap!

The ballance really comes in S/H. Though there can be deals to be had. I would (and am) looking at the all the perks and costs of ordering online. You might even want to call and barter with them. I've gotten many free things (software, accessories, etc) this way.

If there was an Apple store to be had in less than 4 hours (I'm stuck right between the Durham, NC and Atlanta, GA stores) I would buy it from the Apple store. It seems Apple will fill it's orders out first then the mail order company's second.

[Frobozz]

Frankly, I don't care if the iMac line is updated. We need new powermacs. Yes, we need new iMacs, but the consumer offerings are much stronger per dollar than the pro lines right now.

[dickrichie]

Buying from the Apple Store just makes you feel great! Plus its so cool to leave the store with your new computer. I like to walk around the mall with my apple store bag. That Blue apple really turns heads.

[Frobozz]

Originally posted by Eric_Z
Remember the currently used G4's are really 1Ghz 7455 that have been factory overclocked by 25%, thats the reason that they are so hot.

That's not true. It's a common misconception.

[Centris 650]

Looprumors.com has posted possible specs for the new imacs.

They are fairly conservative (ie no 19" iMac) and they're pretty close to what we've been guessing here.

It's nice to see that, if this is true, Superdrives will be common place soon.

[chubakka]

Looprumors says there will be 4 models but they only have the specs for 3 of them...

what could the 4th be?

[Redhorse]

Originally posted by chubakka
what could the 4th be?

what about an imac without display?

[tcmcam]

Originally posted by Redhorse


what about an imac without display?

That's what I am hoping for. Basically it's a new form of "cube". Give me the iMac base with an ADC/DVI out. Then I can put whatever flat screen display I want attached to thing.

Benefits over a PowerMac:
- Quieter
- Small "low-heat" machine

Please give me the "imac" that is "headless"...

[Centris 650]

Originally posted by Redhorse


what about an imac without display?

I dunno. Then it really wouldn't be an iMac anymore would it?:confused:

Could the 4th machine be the low end G3 snow? It's still (technically) in the iMac family.

[chubakka]

I doubt there will be a head less iMac... if you want monitor options... get a tower.

[Redhorse]

But a iMac without display or a low cost Power Mac G4 with all the iMac software would be the right machine for switchers.

For examble I could use my new 17" TFT and all the other peripherie. In the moment there´s only the Power Mac G4 for me to choose. I little bit expensive for an home user...

[pgwalsh]

Originally posted by Centris 650


I dunno. Then it really wouldn't be an iMac anymore would it?:confused:

Could the 4th machine be the low end G3 snow? It's still (technically) in the iMac family.
The speed bumps make sense and same with the drives. However, maybe the 4th insn't linked because it has a 19" monitor. Didn't Apple order a bunch of 19" monitors not too long ago?

[Centris 650]

Originally posted by Redhorse
But a iMac without display or a low cost Power Mac G4 with all the iMac software would be the right machine for switchers.

For examble I could use my new 17" TFT and all the other peripherie. In the moment there´s only the Power Mac G4 for me to choose. I little bit expensive for an home user...

I think it's a cool idea. I'd buy one. It would ease my transition back to the towers. (I'd buy an apple lcd and this headless mac and then eventually upgrade to a tower)

The idea is that the imac is an all in one computer. I think if they went this route they'd rename the product. (instead of the Cube call it the Dome or some such nonesense.)

Neat idea just don't think it will happen under the iMac name if at all.

[MacKid]

Originally posted by chubakka
I doubt there will be a head less iMac... if you want monitor options... get a tower.

Although unlikely, it is possible. In fact, it would be a good move for Apple, considering that some people want maybe a 23" screen or whatever, without requiring dual processors.:D

[chubakka]

So you only wanna spend $800 bucks for the computer but spend $3000 on the screen? Someone needs to get their priorities straight.

[tcmcam]

Originally posted by chubakka
So you only wanna spend $800 bucks for the computer but spend $3000 on the screen? Someone needs to get their priorities straight.
I agree, you won't buy a 23" cinema display if you want an $800 computer.

BUT, I'm a switcher. I use a PowerMac MDD G4 1ghz. I already had a great 19" Viewsonic LCD with DVI. It meant I only had to buy the CPU. Grant you, I still spent $2500+, but I had a bigger budget.

For someone considering a Dell or Gateway (and they already have a decent monitor), an $800-1000 device that gets them into the Mac way of doing things would be a whole lot easier sell.

Also, I'd love a QUIET scaled down PowerMac that either comes with a 19" screen or just lets me keep my existing monitor.

They have to come up with a legitimate cube replacement someday. It was a great idea, just a somewhat weak implementation.

[MacKid]

Originally posted by chubakka
So you only wanna spend $800 bucks for the computer but spend $3000 on the screen? Someone needs to get their priorities straight.

There are some people (while I'm not one of them) who are just "couch potatoes". Some people want the computer with the biggest screen and best graphics, simply so that they can play WarCraft III and The Matrix in Widescreen.:)

[yosoyjay]

Originally posted by BenRoethig


Apple wants Airport Extreme to replace Airport. That means the next revision for every mac will include Airport extreme (and Bluetooth). There's a 50/50 chance FW800 will appear in the next iMac/eMac revisions.

I hope that you're right. Apple must include 802.11g and Bluetooth in every new product to make the new revisions attractive. If they don't, I bet people would be willing to hold off buying a new computer until 970 based desktops roll out.

[shadowfax]

Originally posted by MacKid


Although unlikely, it is possible. In fact, it would be a good move for Apple, considering that some people want maybe a 23" screen or whatever, without requiring dual processors.:D

I think one reason apple wouldn't do this, since it's wrong to say there aren't people who would easily pay 1200 for a computer and 3300 for an HDTV display, is that the GF4MX GPU in that iMac is not going to go far in driving a display of that magnitude. you'd never be able to play any games at the full resolution, i can guarantee that.

i think a little dome computer without a head and then a 23 inch display by it would look freaking hilarious, especially with those JBL creature speakers by it.

[awinn233]

I hope they come out with em soon, because I'm on the market for a new iMac (switching from PC) and i don't want to see them update the iMacs right after i buy one. I wish they would use USB 2, because I don't want to have slower USB ports. Wireless keyboards and mouses would also be nice! The thing that bothers me is that there isn't a system restore which would take your computer back to a previous time before you deleted something, or switched a setting. :D

[CybrCyfr]

I use the Logitech Cordless Freedom Pro set. And Logitech even offers a great Preferences Pane to configure them. They are USB 1.1.

[shadowfax]

Originally posted by CybrCyfr
I use the Logitech Cordless Freedom Pro set. And Logitech even offers a great Preferences Pane to configure them. They are USB 1.1.

my kensington studio mouse has a groovy preference pane too. i have to say, i would severely criticize apple for its mouse preferences pane. that thing is so option devoid, and the mouse isn't fast enough even at the highest speed for me. they need to add pointer acceleration severely.

[chmorley]

This is true.

They will be slot loading. I don't know why, but they will be.

I can't tell you how I know this, but I do.

Chris

[Centris 650]

Originally posted by chmorley
This is true.

They will be slot loading. I don't know why, but they will be.

I can't tell you how I know this, but I do.

Chris


Nooooooo......!!!!!!!!

[chmorley]

I'm with you. I don't know what sense it makes in this machine. It seems a bad idea. My source is good though--gave me the heads-up on the Aluminum Powerbook (though not 17"). I didn't post it here because I thought it was b/s.

Chris

[ibjoshua]

Originally posted by chmorley
This is true.

They will be slot loading. I don't know why, but they will be.

I can't tell you how I know this, but I do.

Chris
Intriguing!

i_b_joshua

[NicoMan]

Originally posted by Shadowfax


my kensington studio mouse has a groovy preference pane too. i have to say, i would severely criticize apple for its mouse preferences pane. that thing is so option devoid, and the mouse isn't fast enough even at the highest speed for me. they need to add pointer acceleration severely.
That's one of the things that I couldn't understand when I switched: where is pointer acceleration? When I got my first modern times Apple (Apple IIc doesn't count) just after 10.1 came out, I couldn't figure that one out, but I thought it was because OS X was 'in its infancy'. Jaguar comes out and still nothing...
Wtf is going on here ?

NicoMan

[NicoMan]

Originally posted by chmorley
This is true.

They will be slot loading. I don't know why, but they will be.

I can't tell you how I know this, but I do.

Chris
For me it is an odd decision, to be honest. I would have thought that slot-loading drives are more expensive and don't really bring value to the computer (I don't see them market the drive with something like 'for the same price you get a slot-loading drive'). Also I thought the loading mechanism was more complicated on a slot-loading.

Dunno, beats me.

NicoMan

[Squire]

I thought someone mentioned something on here about slot-loading iMacs about a month ago.

From what I recall, someone theorized that since the slot-loading Superdrive was going into the PowerBook, it would make more sense to throw it in the iMac, too. Apple could buy 'em bulk.

I'm just spitting out what I thought I read here a month ago.

[NicoMan]

Originally posted by Squire
I thought someone mentioned something on here about slot-loading iMacs about a month ago.

From what I recall, someone theorized that since the slot-loading Superdrive was going into the PowerBook, it would make more sense to throw it in the iMac, too. Apple could buy 'em bulk.

I'm just spitting out what I thought I read here a month ago.
That is reasonable. But I think the drive in the iMac is not a slim one (like in the PowerBooks). But then they might be both coming from the same supplier (if Apple choose a slot-loading drive in the iMac) and in that case what you are saying holds water...

NicoMan

[primalman]

Originally posted by Squire
I thought someone mentioned something on here about slot-loading iMacs about a month ago.

From what I recall, someone theorized that since the slot-loading Superdrive was going into the PowerBook, it would make more sense to throw it in the iMac, too. Apple could buy 'em bulk.

I'm just spitting out what I thought I read here a month ago.

Except that the PBG4 slot loading SuperDrive is half the speed of the desktop SuperDrives. And the iMac has a full-size optical drive mechanism in it, albeit about 1.25" shorter in front to back length.

I would not doubt though that the iMac gets a slot-loader soon, as well as the PowerMac someday, esp with two optical drives, it would be easier to load unload without all that bulk of doors and trays poking out.

[JW Pepper]

It's all about design. That's why we will get slot loaders.

[CrackedButter]

You know what would be sweet and at the same time offer some very interesting possibilites?

Having a new imac that has a similar size flatscreen monitor as it has now 15" with a very slim neck that could be folded into a base station that is about as wide and thick as a Tibook. The monitor could be adjustable just about in every way to suit the user but the clever part is the monitor which can be laid flat on the base station (again something like 1" thick. Add some "simple" handwriting recognition and guess what we have 3 times in one product?

A laptop/imac/tablet type device which would blow away anything that is out at the moment.

Actually it sounds all a bit pooh! :)

Forget i said anything...

[MacKid]

Originally posted by chmorley
This is true.

They will be slot loading. I don't know why, but they will be.

I can't tell you how I know this, but I do.

Chris

They most probably will be, considering that Apple got lots of complaints about the drive hitting the screen when lowered.:cool:

[Paul Turpin]

Oh maybe this is off topic -

but - regarding the "headless" iMac...
have you guys seen the viewsonic airpanel?
http://www.viewsonic.com/products/airpanel_airpanelv150.htm#features

imagine if it had 802.11g instead and came with a headless imac brain?

--- oh and was OSX compatible of course

Base unit w/wireless extreme + wireless display = :)

[jgp]

Apple wants to get away from depending on Macworld for announcements. They want to move to using thier stores for major press gatherings. I believe they have held off on some major things like iMac/eMac updates for the end of this month.

[SwitchHitter]

So, when's the BIG announcements around iMac?

Is it going to be Monday? - middle of next week?


And will the Apple stores have the new iMacs in stock immediately?

Let me know.