PowerMacs in August? Video iPod and Intel iBook April? [Archive]

MacRumors

Mar 13, 2006, 02:11 PM

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Citigroup analysts (http://www.thestreet.com/_mktwrm/tech/hardware/10273196.html) are upgrading their stock recommendation for Apple from hold to buy based on expectations that Apple will complete the Intel transition in August.

According to their research, they expect Apple to release new Dual-Core PowerMacs in August. This would correlate with Apple pushing WWDC back to August (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/03/20060307132013.shtml) this year.

Meanwhile, Citi also expects Intel iBooks "as early as April" along with a new Video iPod in April.

There are expectations that Apple will hold another Media event (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/03/20060310210152.shtml) around their 30th anniversary on April 1, 2006.

freeny

Mar 13, 2006, 02:14 PM

Of course they are getting this information from the same rumor sites we do:rolleyes:

Ill take the 4% stock jump anyway.:D

iGary

Mar 13, 2006, 02:15 PM

Ugh. I will miss the PowerPC.

:(

risc

Mar 13, 2006, 02:18 PM

August? Which processor? Aren't the Conroe/Woodcrest scheduled to ship later than that?

dornoforpyros

Mar 13, 2006, 02:19 PM

Ugh. I will miss the PowerPC.

:(

buy while you still can!

boncellis

Mar 13, 2006, 02:19 PM

Ugh. I will miss the PowerPC.

:(

Not that I disagree, but why?

Some people may call me a sucker because I grabbed one of the last G4 Powerbooks instead of the then rumored Intel Powerbook (because school was starting and I couldn't wait), but I haven't been happier with any other computer. The FSB might be slow, but I still love it.

Come to think of it, that's what my wife says about me.

iGary

Mar 13, 2006, 02:19 PM

buy while you still can!

I should get a Quad...hmmm.

risc

Mar 13, 2006, 02:21 PM

I should get a Quad...hmmm.

I've been thinking about doing the same thing. Until all the apps I use are universal I'm sticking with PPC.

bazzakite

Mar 13, 2006, 02:23 PM

~Shard~

Mar 13, 2006, 02:23 PM

This certainly would be good news. The iBooks are a no-brainer, and I would argue the video iPods are as well, due to the flurry of pics, movies, and rumors in general surrounding them. As for the PowerMacs, I don't think Conroe will be quite ready by August, so I think what will likely happen is Apple will unveil the new PowerMacs at WWDC, however have shipping dates on them out a couple months.

It will be interesting to see what Conroe setup Apple incorporates into the top-end Intel PowerMac to compete with the quad. :cool: Or will it be Woodcrest?:eek:

carve

Mar 13, 2006, 02:26 PM

Isn't that april fool's day???:confused:

risc

Mar 13, 2006, 02:26 PM

Or will it be Woodcrest?:eek:

That is what I'm hoping... PLEASE LET IT BE TRUE!!!

~Shard~

Mar 13, 2006, 02:26 PM

I've been thinking about doing the same thing. Until all the apps I use are universal I'm sticking with PPC.

Luckily, I am in this position myself. My current iMac will suit me just fine for the next couple of years, so by the time I am in the market for my Conroe iMac everything should have transitioned just fine. :cool:

mdavey

Mar 13, 2006, 02:26 PM

[Citigroup] expect Apple to release new Dual-Core PowerMacs in August. This would correlate with Apple pushing WWDC back to August (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/03/20060307132013.shtml) this year.

Meanwhile, Citi also expects Intel iBooks "as early as April"

Pretty much a no-brainer. I think most people expected the iBook replacement in April to co-incide with Academia orders and the flagship Mac Pro to be unveiled at WWDC.

boncellis

Mar 13, 2006, 02:27 PM

I tend to agree with whomever the Citi analyst is that expects an Intel "iBook" next month. As far as the video iPod goes, what is Citi really basing such a prediction on? The article says nothing about the oft rumored feature length films in the iTMS--did the article just neglect to mention it?

If a new "video iPod" is introduced, I believe it will accompany a significant increase in the content available in the iTMS.

freeny

Mar 13, 2006, 02:28 PM

Isn't that april fool's day???:confused:
Yes, but oddly enough, also Apples 30th anniversary.

Bubbasteve

Mar 13, 2006, 02:28 PM

Isn't that april fool's day???:confused:

It's also the 30th birthday of Apple Computers.

I personally can't wait to see what the i/Macbook has to offer and the video iPod

[EDIT] Ah, freeny you beat me to it

dernhelm

Mar 13, 2006, 02:28 PM

I think Apple used up some of their good will with the last "fun" announcements. Many in the "tech reporting" industry were a lot disappointed with the offerings, most felt should simply have been announced via a press release. I must say that I agree - the mini going intel is cool, but the rest of it was probably not worthy of a town hall meeting.

if they have another event in just a little over a month later, it had really better be worth people's trouble, or you are really looking at some negative press.

jacobj

Mar 13, 2006, 02:29 PM

Of course they are getting this information from the same rumor sites we do:rolleyes:

Ill take the 4% stock jump anyway.:D

I think you are over estimating the amount of information we have. Apple may like a secret, but they love a decent share price and although the MBP temporarily inflated the price of the stock, its overall impact has been non-existent. Steve Jobs did not do that thransition early for us, but for the stock price. If Apple feels that they need to bolster the stock they will leak information in a manner that makes the analyst confident enough to change his/her reccomendatiion. It's all business and politics.

~Shard~

Mar 13, 2006, 02:29 PM

Isn't that april fool's day???:confused:

Yep - Apple's 30th birthday. :cool:

That is what I'm hoping... PLEASE LET IT BE TRUE!!!

Well, they could always split the line and have Conroe in the lower 2 models, with a Woodcrest beast as the top end. :cool:

risc

Mar 13, 2006, 02:32 PM

Well, they could always split the line and have Conroe in the lower 2 models, with a Woodcrest beast as the top end. :cool:

That is the only way I can see it happening. The Conroe isn't SMP is it? So 2 dual core models, and 1 dual CPU dual core model.

freeny

Mar 13, 2006, 02:33 PM

I think you are over estimating the amount of information we have. Apple may like a secret, but they love a decent share price and although the MBP temporarily inflated the price of the stock, its overall impact has been non-existent. Steve Jobs did not do that thransition early for us, but for the stock price. If Apple feels that they need to bolster the stock they will leak information in a manner that makes the analyst confident enough to change his/her reccomendatiion. It's all business and politics.
So are you suggesting Apple leaked this info based on the stock jump?

Just curious...

jacobj

Mar 13, 2006, 02:34 PM

So are you suggesting Apple leaked this info?

Yes

Edit: you changed your question. The stock jump is as a result of information leaked by Apple, plain and simple.

themacman

Mar 13, 2006, 02:34 PM

That is the only way I can see it happening. The Conroe isn't SMP is it? So 2 dual core models, and 1 dual CPU dual core model.
i thought intel was moving toward a quad processor system. By this time would that be out?

dernhelm

Mar 13, 2006, 02:35 PM

Yes, but oddly enough, also Apples 30th anniversary.

Yeah, I remember when i first heard Woz talking about that years ago. They really did it as a bit of a joke (the same reason they proposed that their first computer be priced at $666.66). It really drove home how a company's management can drive the feel of the entire company.

risc

Mar 13, 2006, 02:36 PM

i thought intel was moving toward a quad processor system. By this time would that be out?

I think you are off by at least 1 year. ;)

jacobj

Mar 13, 2006, 02:38 PM

Look at the company: Citigroup is a giant in the field and much less prone to the whims or rumors. Certain companies come with a pedigree, Citicgroup, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs spring to mind. I am not saying any rules are being broken, only that secrecy has been let to slip a little and the end of the pipe is Citigroup ;)

robotx21

Mar 13, 2006, 02:39 PM

When Steve Jobs introduces the NEW Video iPod, he'll say "Here is the new Video iPod! Video displays on the whole width and height of the iPod! But since we want to keep the iPod (not video iPod) in circulation, this NEW Video iPod will NOT have music capabilities nor view pictures. It will only show video, hence the name, Video iPod!"

The Crowd goes silent...horror clouds the minds of the witnesses...

Moments later...Steve Jobs says "April fools! Do you really think we are that stupid? We're not Microsoft...sheesh...I gave most of you guys a heart attack, Ha Ha!"

Boingy

Mar 13, 2006, 02:41 PM

When Steve Jobs introduces the NEW Video iPod, he'll say..."April fools! Do you really think we are that stupid? We're not Microsoft...sheesh...I gave most of you guys a heart attack, Ha Ha!"

I would laugh my butt off if that happened.

~V

risc

Mar 13, 2006, 02:41 PM

Do you really think we are that stupid? We're not Microsoft

Yeah that is why Microsoft own 2% of the market and Apple own 90%+... no wait a minute... :rolleyes:

robotx21

Mar 13, 2006, 02:41 PM

Yeah, and I would be a psychic if it did too :-P!

freeny

Mar 13, 2006, 02:43 PM

Yes

Edit: you changed your question.
Sorry, wasnt quick enough. But I do get your answer.

And pertaining to your more recent post, I never believed there was any wrong doing either.

Apple chooses to be secretive. They can leak whatever they want about upcoming products.

Boingy

Mar 13, 2006, 02:44 PM

Yeah that is why Microsoft own 2% of the market and Apple own 90%+... no wait a minute... :rolleyes:

We're not talking OS; we're talking portable devices. What market share does Microsoft (or WMP compatible devises) have? How about Origami? What market share does that look like it will get?

~V

sishaw

Mar 13, 2006, 02:47 PM

boncellis

Mar 13, 2006, 02:48 PM

Yeah that is why Microsoft own 2% of the market and Apple own 90%+... no wait a minute... :rolleyes:

You are absolutely right about the lopsided nature of the OS marketshare, but did you catch the reference in the article to Vista "closing the gap" to OS X? I thought that was poignant.

Shadow

Mar 13, 2006, 02:56 PM

If Apple dont release the intelBook in April I am going to scream.

Motley

Mar 13, 2006, 02:56 PM

Ah good, surely all the amazing things people were expecting from the previous announcement will be released this time :p

I only have one prediction and it's never been wrong:D
I predict that whatever comes out will not be powerful enough/ be at the price point people want/ or in some way be lacking from what people expected and there will be much complaining shortly after the announcement.

hvfsl

Mar 13, 2006, 03:01 PM

Anyone think RevB of Macbook Pros might come in August??

I'm keen on purchasing a MBP but don't have any urgent need (except desire). I'd like to see if Apple has something more in store.

Any tips when the next Rev might come and what it might offer??

The next MacBook Pro revision will come around October (when Memom is ready). Although it remains to be seen if Apple will release 12 and 17inch models before that or wait until Memom.

Shadow

Mar 13, 2006, 03:01 PM

I predict that whatever comes out will not be powerful enough/ be at the price point people want/ or in some way be lacking from what people expected and there will be much complaining shortly after the announcement.
Damn right! Just like the answer to every question is "who cares?"!

:p

j26

Mar 13, 2006, 03:02 PM

The MacBook is here!!!

MacRumors has pictures of it in the buyers guide

:D :D :D

freeny

Mar 13, 2006, 03:04 PM

The next MacBook Pro revision will come around October (when Memom is ready). Although it remains to be seen if Apple will release 12 and 17inch models before that or wait until Memom.
Memom? http://www.memom.org/ :confused:

blakbyrd

Mar 13, 2006, 03:18 PM

Memom? http://www.memom.org/ :confused:
Merom. :)

jdechko

Mar 13, 2006, 03:20 PM

I wouldn't doubt it. Just to point out some facts: sales have increased a lot with the switch over to intel... why not release the computers if they're ready. A lot of the apple pro apps are universal, and more 3rd party apps are becoming universal daily. Also, Adobe has decided to speed up CS3 (possibly hinting that there's some pressure from Apple- "Do whatever you need to in order to get CS3 ready, let us know if you guys need anything...")

thogs_cave

Mar 13, 2006, 03:21 PM

I should get a Quad...hmmm.

I've batted that around a bit, and I keep coming back to the realization that my 1st-gen dual 2.0 is still plenty fast wnough, and has had 0 problems in the 2.5 years (has it been that long already?) that I've owned it. It's actully the most reliable Mac I've ever purchased since I started buying them 20 years ago.

My guess is that I'll probably get a few more years out of it at this point. Heck, we have people at work still happily using dual-500MHz G4s for software development. If you're not a gamer (I'm not), and you're really not heavily into media (I'm not), then the current G5s will be useful for some time to come.

Plus, I finally have it working the way I like.... :D

freeny

Mar 13, 2006, 03:23 PM

Merom. :)
Thanks.:)

Whew!

dlastmango

Mar 13, 2006, 03:24 PM

Isn't that april fool's day???
Yes, but oddly enough, also Apples 30th anniversary.

ITS MY B-DAY TOOO!!! Maybe I'll get myslef a present.

ScottB

Mar 13, 2006, 03:29 PM

If Apple dont release the intelBook in April I am going to scream.
:) same here! uggh, I need a laptop and have my eye on a few but I dont want to buy until I see what apple offer. There painfully overdue, and if the reviews I've read are anything to do buy the are in need of a processor upgrade.

rockthecasbah

Mar 13, 2006, 03:46 PM

[Power] Mac updates seem certain, why else would Apple have any reason to move back the date with that kind of release info, it is a Pro event ;)

Video iPod, eh. The more i see this picture over and over and over the less i am impressed or interested. Sure it'd be cool for a while, but i mean ugh i don't know. Perhaps after the "surprise" has set in, it seems like no big deal, not even an interest. Capacity and battery life would be intriguing to see however, i must admit. And as far the durability, this thing better be pretty solid. How many more "my iPod already is scratched" threads must we be tortured with?!?! :mad:

m-dogg

Mar 13, 2006, 04:02 PM

Yeah, I wonder what Apple will eventually release to replace the Quad G5, becasue that's one bada$$ machine! It will have to be more powerfull than that, which will be impressive...

.Andy

Mar 13, 2006, 04:06 PM

According to their research, they expect Apple to release new Dual-Core PowerMacs in August.
Damn I'd love that research job. Just cruising the Mac rumour sites all day long reading message boards....;)

m-dogg

Mar 13, 2006, 04:09 PM

Video iPod, eh. The more i see this picture over and over and over the less i am impressed or interested. Sure it'd be cool for a while, but i mean ugh i don't know. Perhaps after the "surprise" has set in, it seems like no big deal, not even an interest. Capacity and battery life would be intriguing to see however, i must admit. And as far the durability, this thing better be pretty solid. How many more "my iPod already is scratched" threads must we be tortured with?!?! :mad:

That's what I'm thinking - People are going to be bugging out that their screen is ruined - Just think how many threads there will be! Ugh!

Shadow

Mar 13, 2006, 04:16 PM

:) same here! uggh, I need a laptop and have my eye on a few but I dont want to buy until I see what apple offer. There painfully overdue, and if the reviews I've read are anything to do buy the are in need of a processor upgrade.
Finally, someone who agrees with me. Anyway, I already have a "decent-ish" non-Mac :mad: but am ready to take the plunge into Mac. Every review I have read has been good (so far)! I was going to get an iBook G4, but I always check up on the subject, see if theres any new products coming out. I saw the Core Duo intelBook (or read about it) and fell in love (not literally:p )! I only want a laptop cos...well...I do really. Do the math: Mac=no viruses, Laptop=portable! What would be betteR?

localghost

Mar 13, 2006, 04:17 PM

Still nobody speculating about the PowerMac configs? :mad:

What about

2,33 GHz Conroe (same price as 2 GHz PPC)
2,66 GHz Conroe (same price as 2,3 GHz PPC)
3,xy GHz ConroeEE (same price as 2,5 GHz PPC)
xy GHz 2x Woodcrest (more expensive than the Quad)

Would the ConroeEE (Dual Core) be able to beat/match the current Quad, at least in Apples Benchmarks? Quad owners are not allowed to answer this question. ;)

There have been times Apple offered 4 PowerMac configs, the last one could be min. spec. for the new FinalCutExtreme. :D

boncellis

Mar 13, 2006, 04:19 PM

Yeah, I wonder what Apple will eventually release to replace the Quad G5, becasue that's one bada$$ machine! It will have to be more powerfull than that, which will be impressive...

Not to rehash speculation from previous threads, but I think Conroe is in the PowerMac's future. Early reports are that it's impressive, moreso than some of the other processors in the pipeline, but I'm not sure what that translates into. The question I have is what else will change about the PowerMac? Will it get a Blu-ray drive, have a redesigned case, be pin-compatible? It's loaded the way it is now so I'm having a hard time imagining any upgrades besides the Intel architecture.

I might be the only one, by the way, who enjoys reading the threads about scratched iPod screens...they're usually ripe with hilarity.

nataku

Mar 13, 2006, 04:40 PM

http://www.intel.com/technology/architecture/coremicro/
Conroe is targeted for introduction in the third quarter of 2006.

Well as you can see, Intel says that Conroe is scheduled for intoduction Q3 of this year. August falls perfectly on that given timeline. I'd say we'd get new PowerMacs. WOohooo!:D

I also cant wait for OS 10.5 announcements

iSee

Mar 13, 2006, 04:56 PM

freeny

Mar 13, 2006, 05:06 PM

Um, I think it was actually people on rumor sites that were disappointed. ;)

The press coverage of the event that I saw seemed pretty positive.
I second that.

The last "fun" announcements presented exactly what Steve had preluded to and what I expected as well.

sam10685

Mar 13, 2006, 05:07 PM

i think the new power mac will be the first "super-computer for the home".

dongmin

Mar 13, 2006, 05:20 PM

Yes

Edit: you changed your question. The stock jump is as a result of information leaked by Apple, plain and simple.You're joking right? These rumors have been making the rounds for the last couple of months. You'd be an idiot not to bet on a major announcement at Apple's anniversary and WWDC.

iSee

Mar 13, 2006, 05:38 PM

I'm sure it won't end up like this, but it seems like we need to watch out for a PowerMac downgrade. I guess it depends on the chip used for the PowerMacs.

Despite all the Duo Core hype, the Intel chips we've seen so far are not as powerful as a G5, clock-for-clock, core-for-core. I've got a Rev A. Dual G5 2.0 on my desk, right next to an iMac Core Duo 1.83 (both with 1GB RAM), and, while both are fast, the G5 is more than 30% faster than the iMac for processor intensive stuff (well, the only things i've timed are H.264 and mpg4 exports from QT Pro).

So let's say the Intel PowerMacs get Conroe (last I heard, available September-close enough to August). I read somewhere that Merom is claimed to be about 20% faster than Yonah, which is what's in the iMac (although I can't find that reference anywhere). I'm not sure if that just means clock speed bumps, or the chip is just faster at the same clock speed or what. And I guess a desktop version of Merom must be even faster. Let's say another 20% (?) because there are no power constaints.

With all that, Conroe should be a bit faster than a G5, clock-for-clock, core-for-core. And if Apple sticks two Conroes in the top end PowerMac, and Conroe is available at clock speeds at or faster than 2.5 GHz, then a top of the line Conroe-PowerMac should edge out the current top of the line G5-PowerMac--on universal apps.

Hmmm.... I don't know. It seems possible that Conroe-Macs may not be faster than G5 PowerMacs. And if you use Adobe/Macromedia products, forget it, because they won't be Universal for a while.

Does anyone have insight into this? I can't believe Apple would release slower or equal PowerMacs, but maybe they've got Intel fever, and will do it whether or not it makes sense, speed-wise...

DoktorFaust

Mar 13, 2006, 05:51 PM

IMO pushing back the WWDC has little to do with PowerMacs. While WWDC could certainly be a venue for launching new machines, it's not a reason to push back the whole conference. The sessions are >90% cpu agnostic, the cpu has no bearing on most developers work.

The one reason I *can* think of for pushing back the conference would be to to give the folks in Apple another few months to develop 10.5. The next generation OS has a lot more bearing on most developers work.

DF

boncellis

Mar 13, 2006, 06:02 PM

I'm sure it won't end up like this, but it seems like we need to watch out for a PowerMac downgrade. I guess it depends on the chip used for the PowerMacs...

...Hmmm.... I don't know. It seems possible that Conroe-Macs may not be faster than G5 PowerMacs. And if you use Adobe/Macromedia products, forget it, because they won't be Universal for a while.

Does anyone have insight into this? I can't believe Apple would release slower or equal PowerMacs, but maybe they've got Intel fever, and will do it whether or not it makes sense, speed-wise...

I'm not an engineer, so I can't offer perhaps the insight you're looking for. I do think you're on to something though--for whatever my non-engineer opinion is worth. I agree that Apple wants to finish the transition to Intel as quickly as possible, but I wouldn't necessarily call it a "downgrade" if the PowerMac line were to include a Merom processor at a lower price than the currently least expensive G5. With the switch to the new architecture, Apple could label it a lateral move, at worst, with the average consumer seeing it as progress. If this does end up happening, watch for a clever marketing move on Apple's part as to narrow the divide between Merom and Conroe. It wouldn't be as quaint as G6, but you get what I mean...

Another possibility is a discrete product line between the entry-level Mac Mini and the high end PowerMac--other than the iMac. Whether such a machine is viable will depend, like everything else, on the price point. I have thought for a while that I would take a hard look at a desktop without the built-in monitor for around $999.

localghost

Mar 13, 2006, 08:05 PM

It seems possible that Conroe-Macs may not be faster than G5 PowerMacs.

If the benchmarks (http://www.anandtech.com/tradeshows/showdoc.aspx?i=2716) from IDF are not completely fake there is a VERY good chance that the performance boost is a LOT better than the last PowerMac revisions. Apple will do anything (well, except lower margins) to show that Intel also delivers for the desktop market + they have a well established watercooling system if they decided to use the CPUs at higher speeds. The only caveat could be that woodcrest is too expensive and conroe can only be used as a single CPU (dual core). Still a (even more expensive) QuadCore woodcrest would have the G5 for breakfast.

It will not be the same boost like G4->CoreDuo but it’s a whole new architecture that looks extremely promising so far.

ITASOR

Mar 13, 2006, 08:12 PM

I need to buy stock, and I need to buy it soon.

localghost

Mar 13, 2006, 08:17 PM

I need to buy stock, and I need to buy it soon.

that's so true, but damn it i can only get stock OR a powermac :mad:

iHeartTheApple

Mar 13, 2006, 08:39 PM

Some people may call me a sucker because I grabbed one of the last G4 Powerbooks instead of the then rumored Intel Powerbook (because school was starting and I couldn't wait), but I haven't been happier with any other computer. The FSB might be slow, but I still love it.

Come to think of it, that's what my wife says about me.

Same situation, all around. :) I probably could have waited a few months more for the MBP but I really wanted a 17" lappy and didn't know if there was one in the cards for the MBP line. My 17" PB is doing just fine...now I'm just not sure if I should buy an iMac now (to replace my PC desktop) or wait until they go 64-bit (Merom, etc.). :confused: Does anyone have an idea whether we'll be seeing a Rev. B iMac this year with the merom or conroe?

iHeartTheApple

Mar 13, 2006, 08:46 PM

Memom? http://www.memom.org/ :confused:

Haha, nice! :D BTW, Freeny...what is the clip in your avatar from? Is it a Japanese gameshow or something? I just realized I'd been staring at it for the past 10 minutes trying to figure it out. :o :)

localghost

Mar 13, 2006, 08:49 PM

Does anyone have an idea whether we'll be seeing a Rev. B iMac this year with the merom or conroe?

probably after the 'Books are complete and after the T/PowerMac - end 06, beginning 07 i guess.

finchna

Mar 13, 2006, 09:14 PM

I should get a Quad...hmmm.

The quad is a great machine!

Plecky

Mar 13, 2006, 09:44 PM

Same situation, all around. :) I probably could have waited a few months more for the MBP but I really wanted a 17" lappy and didn't know if there was one in the cards for the MBP line. My 17" PB is doing just fine...now I'm just not sure if I should buy an iMac now (to replace my PC desktop) or wait until they go 64-bit (Merom, etc.). :confused: Does anyone have an idea whether we'll be seeing a Rev. B iMac this year with the merom or conroe?

I'm with you, although I'll either see how the first intel PowerMacs look, or look to get a nice refurb. last-gen G5 one. That is of course, if I'm racking and rolling in such dough at the time, the way my apple stock is looking right now - I was losing and after today's surge barely breaking even. Another move past 80, and definitely if it ever hits that 100 mark some analyst place it at, then I think everything should be just fine... I'm more hopeful for this April 1st announcement just for their stock more so then what products they roll out, but both go hand-in-hand so I'm pulling for everyone that Apple releases what they want or something they didn't even know they needed, and really REALLY want. But from the sounds of it, some iPod update and updated iBooks/MacBooks may be enough. Although 13/17" MBP's and/or iTablet and/or other suprises couldn't hurt... ;)

evilbert420

Mar 13, 2006, 10:14 PM

So what are the chances that the new high-end i/MacBook (assuming it's dual 1.66 like the mac mini) will perform better than a PowerBook G4?

I can't remember a time where an iBook model came out that was more powerful than the previous generation's PowerBooks, but with the PowerBook G4 being so far behind the tech curve I'm thinking that PBG4 > MacBook might actually be a good step up.

In particular, with audio apps (Garageband, Live). I assume it'll have a slower HD but that can be addressed by me through an external FW400 drive.

sfwalter

Mar 13, 2006, 10:24 PM

I have to chuckle when I hear "According to their research, they expect Apple to release new Dual-Core PowerMacs in August.". So what research did the Citigroup Analysts do?

Well they read macrumors.com and Apple Insider. They also learned that 1+1 = 2. Of course Apple is coming out with new PowerMacs in August, that's when new Intel chips will be available. In terms of the iBooks, I believe that Apple Insider broke this rumor months ago.

I sure hope that macrumors and Apple Insider are getting good money for doing the leg work for the citibank analysts.:D

youngcapitalist

Mar 13, 2006, 10:28 PM

AidenShaw

Mar 13, 2006, 11:01 PM

Does anyone have an idea whether we'll be seeing a Rev. B iMac this year with the merom or conroe?

probably after the 'Books are complete and after the T/PowerMac - end 06, beginning 07 i guess.
No, Apple will be forced to upgrade the MBP and iMac to Merom as soon as it's available.

All the other generic Intel vendors will have Merom kit on the shelf - you really think Apple will stick with 32-bit when everyone else is selling 64-bit for the same price? (Except, of course, everyone else also has a 64-bit operating system to run on the chips - Apple is pure 32-bit.)

iHeartTheApple

Mar 14, 2006, 01:56 AM

No, Apple will be forced to upgrade the MBP and iMac to Merom as soon as it's available.

All the other generic Intel vendors will have Merom kit on the shelf - you really think Apple will stick with 32-bit when everyone else is selling 64-bit for the same price? (Except, of course, everyone else also has a 64-bit operating system to run on the chips - Apple is pure 32-bit.)

Wow!:eek: Well, then if this is true, the Yonahs really were all about holding us over and getting the transition out of the way ASAP... If Apple is really going to hit the merom as soon as it's launched, then maybe I should wait for the iMacs/MBPs to switch to merom before buying anything else (since technically i don't *need* them right now, but want them). :D

shrimpdesign

Mar 14, 2006, 02:20 AM

So what are the chances that the new high-end i/MacBook (assuming it's dual 1.66 like the mac mini) will perform better than a PowerBook G4?
If it's a Core Duo, it'll probably perform better than the G4, even in Rosetta, assuming you have at least 1GB RAM in it.

atomwork

Mar 14, 2006, 06:01 AM

Not that I disagree, but why?

Some people may call me a sucker because I grabbed one of the last G4 Powerbooks instead of the then rumored Intel Powerbook (because school was starting and I couldn't wait), but I haven't been happier with any other computer. The FSB might be slow, but I still love it.

Come to think of it, that's what my wife says about me.

Weird decision. Why grabbing something old and slow if it's available in the same package, just on steroids?

thunng8

Mar 14, 2006, 06:53 AM

If it's a Core Duo, it'll probably perform better than the G4, even in Rosetta, assuming you have at least 1GB RAM in it.

Where did you get that from? All tests so far in Rosetta applications (Photoshop, MS Word and others) on a core duo (even with 1GB ram) show that it is significantly slower than G4 powerbooks.

eg.
http://www.macworld.com/2006/02/reviews/mbpromain/index.php

atomwork

Mar 14, 2006, 07:01 AM

Where did you get that from? All tests so far in Rosetta applications (Photoshop, MS Word and others) on a core duo (even with 1GB ram) show that it is significantly slower than G4 powerbooks.

eg.
http://www.macworld.com/2006/02/reviews/mbpromain/index.php

Don't know what the test show, just can say that I only feel a slight performance drop between the G5 and the MacBookPro. Forsure some of those hard core retouching works must still be done on the G5 but we are talking about a G4 pb.. Never had one and cannot speak about it. However Cinema 4d on Intel is forsure 100% faster and also faster then my G5 dual 2GHZ.

InTheBand

Mar 14, 2006, 07:05 AM

The FSB might be slow, but I still love it.

Come to think of it, that's what my wife says about me.

I believe there are pills to make your FSB faster. :D ;)

All signs are definitely pointing to MacBook and vPod introductions in 2-3 weeks, as well as Intel Mac Pro desktop introductions in August... "shipping in September" of course, with actual units being received by MWSF '07. :eek: :mad:

All in all, it's a great time to be a Mac user though. :)

InTheBand

Mar 14, 2006, 07:14 AM

Yeah that is why Microsoft own 2% of the market and Apple own 90%+... no wait a minute... :rolleyes:

I know. I mean why else would I be witnessing 3-5 Mac users switching to miCrapsoft winBlows everyday. Obviously because Mac users are so fed up with the crappy Mac experience ... no wait a minute... :rolleyes:

MacMosher

Mar 14, 2006, 07:20 AM

InTheBand

Mar 14, 2006, 07:21 AM

...what is Citi really basing such a prediction on?

Us.

:rolleyes: @ the "analysts".

I think Apple used up some of their good will with the last "fun" announcements. Many in the "tech reporting" industry were a lot disappointed with the offerings, most felt should simply have been announced via a press release. I must say that I agree - the mini going intel is cool, but the rest of it was probably not worthy of a town hall meeting.

Am I the only person that thinks that that press conference was cut short at the last minute?!

Come on people. I don't think SJ and Apple would have scheduled that short 40-45 minute event if they knew that they were only going to introduce the iPod HiFi and the Intel Mac Mini.

I believe that the Feb. 28th event was most likely expected to be an hour with the last 15-20 minutes having been planned to introduce the vPod and Apple's accompanying movie service. That's plenty of time for SJ to have done it, and it just makes sense to intro them together. The vPod without the movie service would've been cool, but not nearly as monumental as a combo intro ala iPod and iTMS! .

The only reason that the event didn't turn out that way was because the deals with the movie studios hadn't finalized yet, as we now know.

Even if the movie studios don't jump onboard by Apple's 30th anniversary event this time though, I believe SJ will introduce the vPod and the iMovie Video Store with just Disney and Disney owned studio [Pixar, Touchstone, Castle rock, etc.] content.

Let [i]them sweat out being left behind like Madonna and others did with the iTMS. Those boneheads will come to their senses soon enough.

AidenShaw

Mar 14, 2006, 10:51 AM

Just to point out some facts: sales have increased a lot with the switch over to intel...
What are the sales figures week-over-week before and after the first MacIntels?

Since Apple doesn't even give detailed sales figures with their quarterly reports, how can you claim to have facts about the Intel transition?

Any anecdotal claims about lack of stock in shelves isn't that meaningful - it could be real demand, a supply problem, or a short term blip due to "pent-up" demand.

Adobe has decided to speed up CS3
Actually, they're on schedule - but they've said that they'll probably be on the "early" side of the range in the original estimate.

MWSF'06 wasn't "six months early" for the MacIntel intro either, but many stories claim exactly that.

notheremuch

Mar 14, 2006, 11:21 AM

I don't know where else to ask...

Based on the MacBookPro / Powermac G4 prices, is the new (entry level) iBook expected to remain at $999 upon introduction?

boncellis

Mar 14, 2006, 12:53 PM

I believe there are pills to make your FSB faster. :D ;)

All signs are definitely pointing to MacBook and vPod introductions in 2-3 weeks, as well as Intel Mac Pro desktop introductions in August... "shipping in September" of course, with actual units being received by MWSF '07. :eek: :mad:

All in all, it's a great time to be a Mac user though. :)

I guess I set myself up for that one...well done. :) Just for the record, I was referring to my mental faculties, not any loss of performance in other areas...not yet, anyway.

I agree it's a great time to be a Mac user--of course, the times have been great for awhile now.

iSee

Mar 14, 2006, 01:52 PM

If the benchmarks (http://www.anandtech.com/tradeshows/showdoc.aspx?i=2716) from IDF are not completely fake there is a VERY good chance that the performance boost is a LOT better than the last PowerMac revisions. Apple will do anything (well, except lower margins) to show that Intel also delivers for the desktop market + they have a well established watercooling system if they decided to use the CPUs at higher speeds. The only caveat could be that woodcrest is too expensive and conroe can only be used as a single CPU (dual core). Still a (even more expensive) QuadCore woodcrest would have the G5 for breakfast.

It will not be the same boost like G4->CoreDuo but it’s a whole new architecture that looks extremely promising so far.

Those benchmarks are amazing--Conroe is whipping the silicon off of an AMD Athlon 64 FX-60. Isn't that Athlon the current x86 desktop performance champ? (Er, I don't want to start some kind of Intel vs. AMD thing here, I'm just saying I heard it was a fast CPU).

If that really holds up then I guess Conroe probably will be > G5, clock-for-clock, core-for-core. And it looks like it will be available with slightly higher clock speeds, too.

~Shard~

Mar 14, 2006, 01:57 PM

Those benchmarks are amazing--Conroe is whipping the silicon off of an AMD Athlon 64 FX-60. Isn't that Athlon the current x86 desktop performance champ? (Er, I don't want to start some kind of Intel vs. AMD thing here, I'm just saying I heard it was a fast CPU).

If that really holds up then I guess Conroe probably will be > G5, clock-for-clock, core-for-core. And it looks like it will be available with slightly higher clock speeds, too.

And that's only the beginning. I see great potential when considering Woodcrest, Kentsfield and Cloverton. :cool:

Shadow

Mar 14, 2006, 03:05 PM

i think the new power mac will be the first "super-computer for the home".
That was the PowerMac G4:D

djdarlek

Mar 15, 2006, 04:13 AM

Don't know if this is real or not, but hey - worth a look!

Could this be the next iBook???

http://photobucket.com/albums/c370/djdarlek/?action=view&current=macbook.jpg

djdarlek

Mar 15, 2006, 04:14 AM

Don't know if this is real or not, but hey - worth a look!

Could this be the next iBook???

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c370/djdarlek/macbook.jpg

RedTomato

Mar 15, 2006, 06:35 AM

Expect a Oct-proc PowerMacPro coming soon.

The oct-proc will involve dual quad motherboards running in parallel, with PCI-Express interconnects.

The second motherboard will only be activated for certain actions in cartain applications such as FCP, Motion, Logic, etc which already max out the current Quad G5. One example would be rendering for HDTV.

Intel has been looking forwards to really showing off what its technology can do, and this oct-proc will be associated with rendering and SFX for all the top Hollywood films.

Luther Blisset mentions that he expects a lot of Apple fanbois to buy one too even tho they'll never use it to its full capacities.

Best wishes,

.. RedTomato ..

sunfast

Mar 15, 2006, 06:50 AM

The oct-proc will involve dual quad motherboards running in parallel, with PCI-Express interconnects.

Does that mean 8 cores? That would be quite something!

~Shard~

Mar 15, 2006, 08:55 AM

AidenShaw

Mar 15, 2006, 09:05 AM

So how exactly would this fall into Intel's roadmaps regarding Woodcrest, Kentsfield and Cloverton? :cool:
It doesn't, it's a complete fantasy that doesn't make sense :p

To wit: Luther Blissett, the alleged source (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luther_Blissett_(nom_de_plume))

~Shard~

Mar 15, 2006, 10:46 AM

It doesn't, it's a complete fantasy that doesn't make sense :p

To wit: Luther Blissett, the alleged source (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luther_Blissett_(nom_de_plume))

Thanks for finishing my thought Aiden, this is exactly what I was thinking as well... ;) :cool:

840quadra

Mar 15, 2006, 11:07 AM

Thanks for finishing my thought Aiden, this is exactly what I was thinking as well... ;) :cool:

I am lost, start over. :)

BTW.. That is one scary dude!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/1f/L_blissett.jpg/180px-L_blissett.jpg

RedTomato

Mar 17, 2006, 07:24 PM

Caught!

Well done to AidenShaw for spotting my anarcho-artisty clue...

Soz, gotta go, Kiligore Trout's on the textphone...

.. RedTomato ..

iShane

Mar 17, 2006, 07:55 PM

Intel iBooks and Video iPods are the things I want most. So I hope..and hope..and hope. Also a design change on the new iBook wouldn't hurt. :o

FarSide

Mar 18, 2006, 03:02 AM

Conroe | Woodcrest ? (No) - What chips should be used in August?

~Shard~

Mar 18, 2006, 09:52 AM

Conroe | Woodcrest ? (No) - What chips should be used in August?

If we are indeed looking at August, it will most likely be Conroe. It would be amazing to see a top-end PowerMac be outfitted with a Woodcrest, but I'm not sure if Apple would do that or not. It will be interesting to see what they do end up doing though, as they'll have to release a top-end PowerMac which can outperform that quad beast.

Look for Conroe in the PowerMacs, Woodcrest in the Xserve, and then in 2007, Kentsfield and Cloverton. :cool:

shawmanus

Mar 18, 2006, 11:20 AM

Woodcrest and Conroe should be released early Q3. Talking to some intel folks atleast one chip (probably Conroe XE) would release in July. By August most of Conroe and Woodcrest chips should be in the market. Merom around October/November. Clovertown (Quad Core) SMP enabled late Q4 or early Q1 and Kentsfield (desktop non-SMP) in Q1. I hope Apple releases dual Quad with Clovertown. That will cost several pounds of gold but will be a badass machine.

mjstew33

Mar 18, 2006, 11:40 AM

Don't know if this is real or not, but hey - worth a look!

Could this be the next iBook???

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c370/djdarlek/macbook.jpg
No. Isn't it supposed to be... a new form factor? Sleekier and more feminine?

EDIT: They probably won't have the MagSafe connector and they won't have 4 USB on one side; the MacBook Pro's only have, what, 3?

j26

Mar 18, 2006, 03:37 PM

I haven't seen anyone propose this but why wouldn't Apple scrap the 12" macbook and build up from the current 15" (ie, 17" and introduction of 19") Lots of laptop makers are introducing 19" laptops and Apple seems to be a little behind. Plus the widescreen high res display would be sick!!

Because some of us want a 12" MacBook Pro!
I don't want a massive screen to lug about - I want something small and lightweight to throw in my bag for work/college/photo trips etc. 4lbs or less would be ideal (but unlikely)

Bigger is not always better.;)

bloodycape

Mar 18, 2006, 07:00 PM

Maybe we will see the ibook be more macbook like with a 13in screen to take the place of the current 12in Powerbook/ 14in iBook? Maybe?

Surreal

Mar 20, 2006, 09:08 AM

2 weeks left and no announcement of this "event"

sunfast

Mar 20, 2006, 09:17 AM

2 weeks left and no announcement of this "event"

Yeah! It all seems a bit quiet, I was expecting the rumour mill to be going overtime for this one as the Apple 30th should be quite a big one.

Cedd

Mar 20, 2006, 09:25 AM

In the UK Apple have just launched a new interest free credit scheme for "qualifying macs" which runs until 29 April 2006. The qualifying macs include the ibooks and current powerbooks. It certainly looks as though the interest free credit is aimed at moving lines which are not selling so quickly at the moment but could this also mean that these lines will not be replaced before 29 April? :confused:

MLM

Mar 26, 2006, 10:00 AM

If an event this big were to exist, we would have seen invitations by this time...

Caitlyn

Mar 26, 2006, 10:47 AM

Maybe they will release it quietly. And surprise us on their website on April 1st. I too think we would have seen an invitation by now.

zack.williams

Mar 26, 2006, 11:46 AM

Intel iBooks need to be on the 30th of March or 1st of April!

MLM

Mar 26, 2006, 12:21 PM

http://guides.macrumors.com/images/4/43/iPod_AV.jpg

SaddY

Mar 26, 2006, 01:36 PM

I want a MacPhone Pro :P I want a blackberry replacement from Apple :p I'm a Palm OS fan now but the more rumors I hear about an iPhone or iPDA the more I think about the amazing idear it is. Also I read a report the other day that Palm proffited alot from the RIM lawsuits... A while ago there were some rumors about Apple starting it's own Cell service. So I came to think it would be VERY apple like to introduce a all-in-one sollution.

I hope it includes UMTS/EDGE/WiFi/Bluetooth 2.0/touchscreen/osx lite :P (intel xscale ofcourse).

The more I think about it the more I think it's really possible.. maybe not yet.. but it's in the air :D

EDIT:
I also think the iPod video that's rumored will function as a media remote for all macs via bluetooth/ir

stephenli

Mar 26, 2006, 01:56 PM

I should get a Quad...hmmm.

yes you should:)
i am going to get a Quad next week
anyway it should be the final PowerMac, right?

Caitlyn

Mar 26, 2006, 02:01 PM

A blackberry type of Apple product would be pretty cool. Maybe if they are going to go that route though, just make it an iPDA. :)

Sirin

Mar 26, 2006, 11:48 PM

You can take away all the other PPC Macs, but please don't downgrade my 64-Bit Quad-Core PowerPC PowerMac to a 32-Bit Dual-Core "ProMac". I don't want to be limited to only 4GB of memory again like the mediocre Designed-For-Windows PC guys. :(

generik

Mar 27, 2006, 06:45 AM

jtt

Mar 27, 2006, 07:38 AM

Ugh. I will miss the PowerPC.

:(

We will be just like everyone else *inside*. Not, Different (except the OS).

SaddY

Mar 27, 2006, 08:03 AM

It has been said many times before I believe.. the Powerbook was changed to Macbook Pro because Jobs said he wanted "Mac" in the name of every computer they made.. so the PowerMac doesn't have to change name. Ofcourse it could.. According to Steve Job's himself the name was NOT changed because they no longer had a power pc but because they wanted "mac" in every computer name.

leekohler

Mar 27, 2006, 08:50 AM

As planned, I just bought a dual core G5 and I won't be selling that for an Intel for at least three or so years. My first Intel Mac will be the iBook. :) And it had better be a 13" widescreen!

monkeyandy

Mar 28, 2006, 04:39 AM

michaelconan

Mar 28, 2006, 07:29 AM

28 March has arrived, still no news on the APRIL's FOOL Event... Really hope tats a Apple Fool event to announce the MacBook... I have waited for 3 months...

baddaddy

Mar 28, 2006, 09:05 AM

No Invitations today probably means no event next Tuesday. I suppose they could just pop up the first...but that doesn't sound right. My guess is that they put things off a week or two to get all the stars in alignment, build up stockpiles of macbooks, etc...

~Shard~

Mar 28, 2006, 09:06 AM

I'm surprised their hasn't been any news on the Apple 30th Anniversary event. I spose their might not be one. I was really hoping I might be able to purchase the new intel iBook/MacBook in the next week or two. Guess I'm just gonna have to hold out!

:(

UBS reported a while back that there would be no event, so I wouldn't count on one - Apple would want to give the media mroe notice than a few days. But, you can never rule anything out when it comes to Apple, I suppose - perhaps we'll at least see some silent updates to the website?

schein

Mar 28, 2006, 01:56 PM

this might have been said and if so i'm sorry, just thought i'd give my thoughts and see what you guy's think. It seems whether or not they are having an event, they will be upgrading the ibooks regardless, my thought derives from the fact that best buy's website has sold out of their ibook's all the other times i've seen them sell out of apple hardware it was then replaced with new hardware i.e. the powerbooks sold out just before the new rev.s came out along with the macbook pro when it replaced the powerbooks etc. etc. just my thought though

~Shard~

Mar 28, 2006, 02:07 PM

dongmin

Mar 28, 2006, 02:09 PM

UBS reported a while back that there would be no event, so I wouldn't count on one - Apple would want to give the media mroe notice than a few days. But, you can never rule anything out when it comes to Apple, I suppose - perhaps we'll at least see some silent updates to the website?The introduction of MacBooks will require some fanfare, as much as for the Mini. If the rumors are to be believed (which I know is always a big if) it'll be the most significantly redesigned Mac in a while.

Maybe Steve is waiting to combine the MacBook, MacBook Pro 17", and pro software updates announcements into one bigass event?

Argh, I'm really needing to update my three-year-old iBook. If it doesn't happen soon, I'll have to settle for a $799 refurb...

~Shard~

Mar 28, 2006, 02:17 PM

The introduction of MacBooks will require some fanfare, as much as for the Mini.

Good point - The PowerMacs obviously will be showcased at WWDC, and the Xserves will no doubt be a big deal as well when the time comes, so it wouldn't make sense for Apple to not have any fanfare surrounding the iBook. It will be interesting to see the timing surrounding its release, as well as the rest of the MBP line.

dongmin

Mar 29, 2006, 07:37 PM

Good point - The PowerMacs obviously will be showcased at WWDC, and the Xserves will no doubt be a big deal as well when the time comes, so it wouldn't make sense for Apple to not have any fanfare surrounding the iBook. It will be interesting to see the timing surrounding its release, as well as the rest of the MBP line.Apple will have to get the iBooks/MacBooks out way before August for the back-to-school buying season (whenever that is).