Apple advertising the Macbook (iBook)? [Archive]

MacRumors

Mar 15, 2006, 01:43 PM

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

Melablog.it (http://www.melablog.it/post/1620/su-google-tracce-di-un-macbook-a-999e) notices that Apple appears to be advertising under the keyword "MacBook" in Google.it's search results.

The top result returns a link to the Italy Apple Store, which is not necessarily interesting in itself, but it describes the Macbook as starting at 999€.

No MacBook Pro starts that low, and the current iBook starts at 1049€ in the Italy Apple Store.

(Of note, the Google ad has now been changed.)

Macnoviz

Mar 15, 2006, 01:53 PM

Was there macbook or macbook pro? in the second case, I guess it's a typo:o
Otherwise, I hope we can expect the iBook within a few weeks:)

Rocketman

Mar 15, 2006, 01:53 PM

It seems the process of preparing for a web centric product release is so complicated that even a company as sophisticated as Apple cannot keep track of every little detail prior to the official release.

Someone should write some software or something :)

Rocketman

plinden

Mar 15, 2006, 01:59 PM

Was there macbook or macbook pro? in the second case, I guess it's a typo:o
Otherwise, I hope we can expect the iBook within a few weeks:)
Except that a price of 999Euros would imply a nonpro system. The MacBook Pro starts at 2159Euros at the Italian store, so it's not due to missing or transposed digits. 1259Euros would make me think it's a typo.

tom_s

Mar 15, 2006, 02:03 PM

If it is real then we probably will see the Macbooks at the April 1st event.
The slightly lower price would be very welcome, too (I always thought the intel chips were at least 100 $ more, that would lower Apples Margin a lot).

plinden

Mar 15, 2006, 02:04 PM

ScottB

Mar 15, 2006, 02:04 PM

That's quite cheap, and like plinden says, it's less likely to be a typo if it's nothing like the macbook pro price.
1259Euros would make me think it's a typo.
I reckon this is a real leak, I don't see anything that says otherwise. (Edit: Unless the web site itself has just fed me a photoshopped image)
Integrated graphics would keep the price lower ...
With a price this low, I hope it's not a Pentium M.
The google translated (poor) article is here: http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http://www.melablog.it/post/1620/su-google-tracce-di-un-macbook-a-999e

lonepilgrim

Mar 15, 2006, 02:13 PM

Just in case anyone hasn't looked, the current 12" iBook is selling on the Apple Italy store for €1049.

Edit: Sorry - the translated page makes that quite clear. Didn't see that.

Ja Di ksw

Mar 15, 2006, 02:16 PM

Yet another slip up. Most items seem to be "announced" before they actually are, anymore. Here's to hoping Apple releases something unexpectedly that most of us like (of course there will always be someone to complain about something, like I am doing in this post :))

Kingsly

Mar 15, 2006, 02:17 PM

jared_kipe

Mar 15, 2006, 02:19 PM

Sweet, good find. Its amazing what people will find in random places.

jared_kipe

Mar 15, 2006, 02:21 PM

That's quite cheap, and like plinden says, it's less likely to be a typo if it's nothing like the macbook pro price.

I reckon this is a real leak, I don't see anything that says otherwise. (Edit: Unless the web site itself has just fed me a photoshopped image)

With a price this low, I hope it's not a Pentium M.
The google translated (poor) article is here: http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http://www.melablog.it/post/1620/su-google-tracce-di-un-macbook-a-999e
Probably a Core Solo, Pentium M doesn't have SSE3 which is a requirement for OSx86. (there are ways around it, but I doubt Apple would do it.

rockthecasbah

Mar 15, 2006, 02:23 PM

Interesting, it looks like we may see MacBooks soon after all...;)

~Shard~

Mar 15, 2006, 02:25 PM

Interesting, yet not surprising. We all know it's only a matter of time before the new iBooks are released - it should be any week now. Interesting about the price though, I wonder if that will indeed be accurate, and if so, what kind of specs that machine will have. I'm guessing the new iBooks will mirror the new Mac mini confgurations pretty closely (i.e. Solo/Duo, IIG :( ).

Shaker

Mar 15, 2006, 02:25 PM

Integrated graphics would keep the price lower ...

I would rather pay an extra $100 for a dedicated graphics card. I hope they don't mangle the much anticipated MacBooks with an integrated card.

Kingsly

Mar 15, 2006, 02:28 PM

I would rather pay an extra $100 for a dedicated graphics card. I hope they don't mangle the much anticipated MacBooks with an integrated card.
The mini's are performing surprisingly well on integrated cards.
I was pleasantly surprised when I tested one @ the Apple store.

ChrisA

Mar 15, 2006, 02:29 PM

Why can't an Intel based iBook replacement start at (say) US$800? If other companies can sell notebook computers in tis price range then why not Apple? A 13" wide screen has about the same surface area as a 12" 3:4 format screen and should cost the same to make.

All they need is the lowest spec'd machine that can run iLife

Why do those old G3 based iBooks retain so much value. Buy all rights they should be seling used for under $100 but it turns out that for many, that is all they need.
Use a 40GB 5400rpm drive, 512MB RAM and integrated graphics and a low enough pric and they will sell.

Linksgolfer84

Mar 15, 2006, 02:33 PM

I would rather pay an extra $100 for a dedicated graphics card. I hope they don't mangle the much anticipated MacBooks with an integrated card.

In order to avoid extreme dissapointment, I suggest that you (and all of us) open ourselves up to the real possibility of the MacBooks shipping with integrated graphics.

Shaker

Mar 15, 2006, 02:35 PM

The mini's are performing surprisingly well on integrated cards.
I was pleasantly surprised when I tested one @ the Apple store.

Do you know if the new Intel Mini's RAM is user upgradeable or do you have to buy it from Apple like with the G4 Mini?

In order to avoid extreme dissapointment, I suggest that you (and all of us) open ourselves up to the real possibility of the MacBooks shipping with integrated graphics.

Alas, I know. but I can hope...:D

Why can't an Intel based iBook replacement start at (say) US$800?

Because Apple has not yet adopted the Japanese way of "flood the market with underpriced good to gain marketshare" mentality.

By all rights you're right it should be possible for Apple to do it.

p0intblank

Mar 15, 2006, 02:48 PM

Even though it was already changed, we all know the iBook is going to be called the MacBook. It's obvious to us Mac heads. :)

combatcolin

Mar 15, 2006, 02:49 PM

Dosn't make it a good name though eh?

:rolleyes:

justflie

Mar 15, 2006, 02:53 PM

The mini's are performing surprisingly well on integrated cards.
I was pleasantly surprised when I tested one @ the Apple store.

agreed! A friend just purchased a 1.5 ghz solo and, even with integrated graphics/512mb of RAM, puts my 1.42ghz g4 mini to shame! very impressive, and that was only with the solo too!

iDirk

Mar 15, 2006, 02:58 PM

Can anyone translate Italian? I tried but it ended up like google's translation. :o
Oh well, Im only half way through my lessons...
I would really like to read their commentary. If this is real I will be happy.
I'm Italian.
In the commentary someone is talking about an old photo which is widely considered to be a fake: http://xoomer.virgilio.it/alexsz
And someone confirms that some hours ago it was possible to get macbook price at 999 € simply tipying macboog in google search form (as it is said in the article).
And I have personally read in other forums about it: it's not a fake, it's sure.
Many people have been able to see that page, before it was changed by google... too bad i wasn't home this afternoon! :(

amac4me

Mar 15, 2006, 03:01 PM

Apple is messing up these days as much Amazon.com did in the past :eek:

arn

Mar 15, 2006, 03:02 PM

Many people have been able to see that page, before it was changed by google... too bad i wasn't home this afternoon! :(

I saw the same page on google.it. The screenshot on the blog is accurate. It was like that earlier today.

arn

richardthomas78

Mar 15, 2006, 03:02 PM

I think it's a bit dodgy... In the screenshot the ad has a capital A:

www.Apple.com/it rather than apple.com

Just a thought, Rich

Gasu E.

Mar 15, 2006, 03:03 PM

Lasciate ogni speranza, voi ch'entrate.

emaja

Mar 15, 2006, 03:06 PM

Apple would aslo not advertise a less powerful notebook on the right side of the page. Their convention always goes from "good" to "better" to "best" from left to right.

1984

Mar 15, 2006, 03:10 PM

I would rather pay an extra $100 for a dedicated graphics card. I hope they don't mangle the much anticipated MacBooks with an integrated card.

So would I but it's not going to happen. It's going to have integrated graphics. :(

AtHomeBoy_2000

Mar 15, 2006, 03:13 PM

maestro55

Mar 15, 2006, 03:15 PM

My theory.... just a mistake. It was probably supposed to be MacBook Pro, but some person who knowns nothing about Macs left off the pro.

So they made the mistake on the price, plus leaving off the pro? I think something slipped and that is the MacBook and the price will be around that range.

justflie

Mar 15, 2006, 03:23 PM

nah, this was def. a slip from someone at apple. I don't believe in coincidences! This has been happening a lot, as someone else has mentioned. Remember when iWeb showed up on a Garageband page? this is more of the same I think. It's getting close to April 1st and they're gearing up for an iBook replacement announcement and someone jumped the gun on the posting. I know a lot of college friends that (while currently PC users) are anxiously waiting for the Macbook. A lot of new Mac users are on they're way...

kaeptn

Mar 15, 2006, 03:27 PM

Hi folks,
I hope this will get real (at least at this price!!). What do you think: will there be a integrated iSight cam AND a front row remote? Would be great. If not, i couldn't decide what to take. But I definetivly WILL buy one, since MBP is a little bit _too_ expensive for me.
And I hope, uncle Steve will make another great keynote, which will be downloadable afterwards, I love watching his presentations :)

And finally, I hope, the Apple stock is going to increase again. Foolish I bought stocks two weeks ago, before the Mac mini annoucements. The went down by 10% last week :(

Bye,
Fritz

Huin

Mar 15, 2006, 03:31 PM

MacBook (http://www.powerpage.org/archives/images/mockups/iMacBook.jpg)

tom_s

Mar 15, 2006, 03:35 PM

Hi folks,
I hope this will get real (at least at this price!!). What do you think: will there be a integrated iSight cam AND a front row remote? Would be great. If not, i couldn't decide what to take. But I definetivly WILL buy one, since MBP is a little bit _too_ expensive for me.
And I hope, uncle Steve will make another great keynote, which will be downloadable afterwards, I love watching his presentations :)

I'd take the iSight. A remote for Front Row on a 13" or 12" screen seems a bit odd to me.

I love watching the keynotes, too.

kalisphoenix

Mar 15, 2006, 03:44 PM

If the specs in the fake photo end up being true, I might just have to cancel my wife's MBP.

MrCommunistGen

Mar 15, 2006, 03:46 PM

J/K :p
Somewhat interested in one of these. Completely bummed that it'll probably be integrated graphics. Guess I'll have to work twice as hard over the summer and get a MacBook Pro...:rolleyes:

-mcg

JasonElise1983

Mar 15, 2006, 03:48 PM

Ok, has anyone searched for this since it was posted? It's still there for me. I just went to Google.it and searched for MacBook and it was the first thing on the list. pretty strange since it says it's been taken down. it's 2:30 here in Arkansas, so...I don't know, you decide. Anyway,

richardthomas78 I think it's a bit dodgy... In the screenshot the ad has a capital A:

www.Apple.com/it rather than apple.com

Just a thought, Rich

That is why i went there to see if i would see a capital A, which i did.

bluebomberman

Mar 15, 2006, 03:52 PM

Probably a preliminary page for the MacBook went up but was not directly linked to. But Google tends to find stuff that people don't want to be found. Like when my social security # was posted online by my employer and then subsequently discovered in a Google search... (oops)

Marky_Mark

Mar 15, 2006, 03:54 PM

Ok, has anyone searched for this since it was posted? It's still there for me. I just went to Google.it and searched for MacBook and it was the first thing on the list. pretty strange since it says it's been taken down. it's 2:30 here in Arkansas, so...I don't know, you decide. Anyway, That is why i went there to see if i would see a capital A, which i did.

Google cache pages so it may be a while before it stops showing up. ~Secondly, it's quite obvious the pic is a fake, because the dock is strreeeettchhed! :)

dcv

Mar 15, 2006, 04:11 PM

On a related note - if you go to Google Spain and type "macbook" then you get a sponsored link for www.Apple.es with prices from €1559 (which is the same price as the 12" PowerBook)

Josh396

Mar 15, 2006, 04:19 PM

If the specs in the fake photo end up being true, I might just have to cancel my wife's MBP.
I will be ordering the Duo version as soon as the store comes up if they are true. I highly doubt they will be but that would be nice for sure.

MacSA

Mar 15, 2006, 04:28 PM

Shouldnt the invitations to Apple's 30th Birthday start going out soon....... especially if they have the event on the earlier date - 28/29th March.

yoak

Mar 15, 2006, 04:45 PM

Shouldnt the invitations to Apple's 30th Birthday start going out soon....... especially if they have the event on the earlier date - 28/29th March.

You mean you haven´t got yours;)

Macnoviz

Mar 15, 2006, 04:50 PM

Mac Fly (film)

Mar 15, 2006, 05:02 PM

I just don't buy this it just seems a bit fishy.:confused:

I will be very surprised to see MacBooks under €1000 (even €999).

Just had a thought what if they introduced a 13", then it's little brother the 11", would be perfect to schools!:)

Also not sure if schools will want iSights in their notebooks, maybe apple might have a school edition with the option for no web cam, just a thought.

bigandy

Mar 15, 2006, 05:02 PM

In the commentary someone is talking about an old photo which is widely considered to be a fake: http://xoomer.virgilio.it/alexsz

while looking like a fake, that would be one nice piece of kit. :)

Anonymous Freak

Mar 15, 2006, 05:07 PM

With a price this low, I hope it's not a Pentium M.

Well, Intel has essentially abandoned the Pentium M as obsolete in favor of the Core Solo and Core Duo. So it would more than likely be a Core Solo on the low end. (The only other option would be a Celeron M, which is the low-cost version of the Pentium M, and hasn't been updated to use Core Solo/Core Duo technology yet.)

But, since Pentium M and Celeron M don't have SSE3, and that has been one of the 'requirements' for getting OS X to run on x86, it seems EXTREMELY unlikely that we'd see anything other than a 'Core' based MacBook. But, I do fully expect it to have integrated graphics, just like the mini. (In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if it has the exact same specs as the mini, only in an iBook-style case.)

On another note, anyone can create an ad for Google's AdWords system. This doesn't mean that Apple themselves created the ad. I have a business that uses AdWords advertising, and if I really felt like it, I could create one that advertises a MacBook, and points to Apple's website instead of my own.

Ghibli

Mar 15, 2006, 05:07 PM

Can anyone translate Italian? I tried but it ended up like google's translation. :o
Oh well, Im only half way through my lessons...
I would really like to read their commentary. If this is real I will be happy.

You asked for it, so here it is:

From Melablog.it :

<-----Translation Start --------->

Where can you find the Macbook, that is the heir of the new iBook? Easy, in the same place where you can find everithing, Google. Marcello did a search in Google for MacBook and what did he find? A sponsored link from Apple where a Macbook starting from 999€ is introduced. And it absolutely doesn't refer to the MacBook Pro, which starts at 2159€. And it cannot refer to the lower limit for free shipping, which is 100€. Reality is that, at present time, no Apple product starts at 999€, the nearest is the iBook (1049€).

And the link points to? To the Apple Store home page. An odd thing: if you look for other products, such as the iMac, the sponsored link brings you directly to the product. Are we facing a real clue or a simple Adsense error?

Update: if you try to search for MacBook, now you find a new sponsored link that, instead of bringing you to the Apple Store home page, links to the MacBook Pro page. This change, just few minutes after our news, can suggest that something is real?

<----------- Translation End ------------>

Personally I think that this is true...

Deepdale

Mar 15, 2006, 05:09 PM

while looking like a fake, that would be one nice piece of kit. :)

There are reasons to be doubtful, but I would snap one of those up in a flash. Please let this be true ... I have been patiently waiting a long time already and I want to go shopping for new goodies soon.

ordin12

Mar 15, 2006, 05:18 PM

adamcz

Mar 15, 2006, 05:22 PM

Why are people hoping that it comes with a remote? Who sits on the other side of the room from their laptop?

Spanky Deluxe

Mar 15, 2006, 05:26 PM

This is cool news, I can't wait to see what its like!!

Rocketman

Mar 15, 2006, 05:41 PM

Integrated graphics would keep the price lower ...

Has integrated graphics performance improved to such a degree it is no longer an obvious and silly burden?

I question that.

Rocketman

iDirk

Mar 15, 2006, 05:42 PM

They have probably corrected it now. It now lists € 2159, which is about US$ 2600. Sales tax is high in europe, and in Italy is about 20%. So the price with no sales tax (if you are a non EU resident visitor or a EU business outside Italy) you will get it for about €1730, or US$ 2080 (approximate figures). So the US are still more convenient with their systems starting at about $2000. Apple maintains a fair exchange rate between USA and EU on their hardware, but price differences usually reflect crazy high EU sales taxes. Unlike in the US, EU stores usually list prices inclusive of sales tax.

I still prefer buying my Apple stuff when I travel to the US.
You're right. Here in Italy taxes are at 20%.
But a part from that Apple's rate policy is something... how can i say... strange?
In my bank I can buy 1,2 $ with 1 €. But Apple? No way...
I guess to market a product in Europe can be expensive, but why do I have to pay Eur 1.379,00 for a 17 iMac while in US you pay $1,299.00? WTF?!

freeny

Mar 15, 2006, 05:43 PM

Cant believe there is a thread 55 posts long about a typo:confused:

yac_moda

Mar 15, 2006, 05:44 PM

Has anybody noticed that iMacs are at Costco now :eek: :rolleyes: :D

yac_moda

Mar 15, 2006, 05:52 PM

Cant believe there is a thread 55 posts long about a typo:confused:

Hey Freeny, nice set of iPods !!! :eek: :p :cool:

mcdermd

Mar 15, 2006, 05:53 PM

Even though it was already changed, we all know the iBook is going to be called the MacBook. It's obvious to us Mac heads. :)

Then why isn't the iMac now simply called a "Mac"?

Rocketman

Mar 15, 2006, 05:56 PM

Why are people hoping that it comes with a remote? Who sits on the other side of the room from their laptop?

This is precisely what Apple Computer is trying to train consumers to learn. Mainly so you can manipulate content they have SOLD you better.

Rocketman

yac_moda

Mar 15, 2006, 06:04 PM

Why are people hoping that it comes with a remote? Who sits on the other side of the room from their laptop?

Anyone that plugs their laptop into their TV with a media cord, the cords are generally expensive and not very long.

stefan15

Mar 15, 2006, 06:06 PM

I know a lot of college friends that (while currently PC users) are anxiously waiting for the Macbook. A lot of new Mac users are on they're way...

That about sums me up. I'm going to university, and there's a 99% chance I will pick one up when it comes out.. especially at that price!!

yac_moda

Mar 15, 2006, 06:06 PM

Then why isn't the iMac now simply called a "Mac"?

The Powerbook name did not have an "i", the new name does NOT affect iMacs. My guess is the "i" will remain and be used for anything that resembles an all in one product.

Macnoviz

Mar 15, 2006, 06:13 PM

The Powerbook name did not have an "i", the new name does NOT affect iMacs. My guess is the "i" will remain and be used for anything that resembles an all in one product.

anywho, I think the old system was much clearer
iBook - Power Book
iMac - Power Mac

Now they want to have "Mac" in their names, but who would doubt the apple-factor of "iBook"?

I don't know where Mac Mini should be placed, but hey, nobody's perfect

baddaddy

Mar 15, 2006, 06:14 PM

That comes out to about 849 in U.S. $$$$$$, cheaper is good!!!! By the way, 14'' screen cost abt $250, so $250 + Mac Mini ($599) = $849!

revjay

Mar 15, 2006, 06:16 PM

I'd take the iSight. A remote for Front Row on a 13" or 12" screen seems a bit odd to me.

I love watching the keynotes, too.

Ditto on Steve's keynote...

Perhaps someone with a MacBook Pro could answer this for me...Does the Front Row remote work to change slides in Keynote (the program)?

dongmin

Mar 15, 2006, 06:42 PM

I'd take the iSight. A remote for Front Row on a 13" or 12" screen seems a bit odd to me.Why not? I'd love to control my iTunes from across the room with a remote. I don't know if you've played around with Front Row much but it's a pretty slick, useful interface for accessing your media.

As for all the bitching about integrated graphics, keep in mind that the graphics on iBooks have never been that great. The current graphics chip is a Radeon Mobility 9550 with 32MB of RAM. The Intel GMA950 is definitely an improvement.

I'd jump on a dual core 1.66 ghz Mac Book with a 13" widescreen for $1199 in a heartbeat, integrated graphics or not.

MacMosher

Mar 15, 2006, 07:08 PM

Sweet, good find. Its amazing what people will find in random places.
Very true..

Whats the currency exchange on this thing.. hopefully thats not to much more expensive then before... or too cheap that it will have no power.

beatle888

Mar 15, 2006, 07:09 PM

The mini's are performing surprisingly well on integrated cards.
I was pleasantly surprised when I tested one @ the Apple store.

no doubt. very speedy, i was surprised.

NicP

Mar 15, 2006, 07:16 PM

Why are people hoping that it comes with a remote? Who sits on the other side of the room from their laptop?

People who plug their laptop into their TV to watch movies and videos

d_and_n5000

Mar 15, 2006, 07:17 PM

Then why isn't the iMac now simply called a "Mac"?
(a) iMac is a well known brand(so is the iBook, but iMac is a bit more known), it would mess a lot of people up.
(b) Some people(like a lot of people I know) would confuse it with the original (http://www.lowendmac.com/compact/128k.shtml).

Dark Horse

Mar 15, 2006, 07:25 PM

That comes out to about 849 in U.S. $$$$$$, cheaper is good!!!! By the way, 14'' screen cost abt $250, so $250 + Mac Mini ($599) = $849!

I would definitely buy a MacBook at this price. Hell I'd pay my $200 upgrade to get dual core. MMMMmmm Aprilly goodness.

Dark Horse

Mar 15, 2006, 07:27 PM

They have probably corrected it now. It now lists € 2159, which is about US$ 2600. Sales tax is high in europe, and in Italy is about 20%. So the price with no sales tax (if you are a non EU resident visitor or a EU business outside Italy) you will get it for about €1730, or US$ 2080 (approximate figures). So the US are still more convenient with their systems starting at about $2000. Apple maintains a fair exchange rate between USA and EU on their hardware, but price differences usually reflect crazy high EU sales taxes. Unlike in the US, EU stores usually list prices inclusive of sales tax.

I still prefer buying my Apple stuff when I travel to the US.

Mmm now i'm sure there's a way round this, so feel free to inform me...but I'm a UK citizen on temporary assignment to the US, and the San Francisco Apple Store still charges me the California 8.5% sales tax. Sure it's less than the UK VAT, but can I avoid it all together?

Someone told me that if you buy from a website based in a different state you don't have to pay tax...but if I'm in California (where Apple is based) that doesn't help me...

pyrophite

Mar 15, 2006, 07:35 PM

Mmm now i'm sure there's a way round this, so feel free to inform me...but I'm a UK citizen on temporary assignment to the US, and the San Francisco Apple Store still charges me the California 8.5% sales tax. Sure it's less than the UK VAT, but can I avoid it all together?

Someone told me that if you buy from a website based in a different state you don't have to pay tax...but if I'm in California (where Apple is based) that doesn't help me...

Only if you're either physically in another state with no sales tax (such as Oregon), or are buying it online and having it shipped to a state like that. If a state has a physical presence in that state then they have to charge sales tax. I'm in california too, and it's hard to find a place that has no presence here. I know i can order from like Tiger Direct and they dont charge sales tax.

Agurri

Mar 15, 2006, 07:43 PM

My guess is there is a one (1) missing in fron of the $999 which would make sense... a MacBook Pro for $1999 .... maybe a 12'' one ?

just my 2 cents ..

mrichmon

Mar 15, 2006, 07:44 PM

Someone told me that if you buy from a website based in a different state you don't have to pay tax...but if I'm in California (where Apple is based) that doesn't help me...

If the online retailer has a physical place of in your state then you will be charged sales tax. Since Apple has stores across the country the only way to order from Apple and not be charged sales tax is to have the order shipped to a state that has no sales tax.

If you can order the computer from an online retailer that does not do business in California then you can avoid paying the sales tax. However, technically the law states that you are obligated to pay any sales tax owed on out of state purchases if the retailer does not collect the California sales tax.

I'm not a lawyer, etc, etc.

Dark Horse

Mar 15, 2006, 07:51 PM

Only if you're either physically in another state with no sales tax (such as Oregon), or are buying it online and having it shipped to a state like that. If a state has a physical presence in that state then they have to charge sales tax. I'm in california too, and it's hard to find a place that has no presence here. I know i can order from like Tiger Direct and they dont charge sales tax.

that's a shame. what about if i choose the half of my personality which is a UK tourist rather than a US resident (that makes me sound a bit schizophrenic). Still have to pay dirty tax? (My guess from the answer is 'yes stop being a tax dodging weasel')

gammamonk

Mar 15, 2006, 08:01 PM

I tried the same thing with google japan:

ezekielrage_99

Mar 15, 2006, 08:28 PM

agreed! A friend just purchased a 1.5 ghz solo and, even with integrated graphics/512mb of RAM, puts my 1.42ghz g4 mini to shame! very impressive, and that was only with the solo too!

Yeah I saw a new Intel Core Duo running WoW in Sydney about a week ago, and yes it does put the G4 Mac Mini to shame with the performance gained from the Intel Processor. I wasn't expecting much from the new Intel Mac Mini however seeing them in action I'm impressed.

That's why I'm not too fussed if Apple releases an Intel iBook (MacBook?) with an Intel Core Solo/Duo and intergrated graphics.

ppnkg

Mar 15, 2006, 08:37 PM

Just had a thought what if they introduced a 13", then it's little brother the 11", would be perfect to schools!:)

Who would buy a 11'' laptop?

QCassidy352

Mar 15, 2006, 08:38 PM

As for all the bitching about integrated graphics, keep in mind that the graphics on iBooks have never been that great. The current graphics chip is a Radeon Mobility 9550 with 32MB of RAM. The Intel GMA950 is definitely an improvement.

no, actually, the GMA950 would be about 2 steps back from the 9550.

I'm quite happy with my ibook, but if that picture and those specs are real, I'd go for the new high end macbook. I really think it's a fake though.

I'm also very interested in the battery life and screen resolution/brightness of the macbooks. And whether or not it can do DVI.

Shaker

Mar 15, 2006, 09:16 PM

no, actually, the GMA950 would be about 2 steps back from the 9550.

I'm quite happy with my ibook, but if that picture and those specs are real, I'd go for the new high end macbook. I really think it's a fake though.

I'm also very interested in the battery life and screen resolution/brightness of the macbooks. And whether or not it can do DVI.

I agree. The specs on the GMA950 are very dissappointing. It is encouraging to read the few posts talking about the surprisingly good performance of the Intel Mac Mini. Maybe the Macbook with integrated graphics still holds promise.

Shamus

Mar 15, 2006, 09:24 PM

I saw the same page on google.it. The screenshot on the blog is accurate. It was like that earlier today.

arn

If that is the new Macbook, im glad i have my PPC iBook.
Link: http://xoomer.virgilio.it/alexsz/

Shamus

Mar 15, 2006, 09:34 PM

Ok, has anyone searched for this since it was posted? It's still there for me. I just went to Google.it and searched for MacBook and it was the first thing on the list. pretty strange since it says it's been taken down. it's 2:30 here in Arkansas, so...I don't know, you decide. Anyway, That is why i went there to see if i would see a capital A, which i did.

I did a search in Google Australia, which shows at the top:

Macbook
www.apple.com.au

When you click the link, it takes you to the Macbook Pro buying page.

Rocketman

Mar 15, 2006, 09:34 PM

However, technically the law states that you are obligated to pay any sales tax owed on out of state purchases if the retailer does not collect the California sales tax.

I'm not a lawyer, etc, etc.

Aren't onlone transactions specifically exempt from that still?

Rocketman

gammamonk

Mar 15, 2006, 09:43 PM

Who would buy a 11'' laptop?
I used to have a 10.4" fujitsu laptop. I loved it! So portable.

celebrian23

Mar 15, 2006, 09:51 PM

I think a 11-13'' laptop would be great for those in academia or professionals who give presentations, to use the apple remote. Like at school, when the teachers set up the powerpoint thing and you have to manually click to go to the next slide, well even just a small computer would allow a better presentation.

AidenShaw

Mar 15, 2006, 09:51 PM

But, since Pentium M and Celeron M don't have SSE3, and that has been one of the 'requirements' for getting OS X to run on x86...
http://devworld.apple.com/documentation/Performance/Conceptual/Accelerate_sse_migration/migration_sse_overview/chapter_2_section_4.html

The Intel SIMD vector architecture was deployed over time as a series of four vector extensions to the x86 ISA. The first was MMX, followed by SSE, SSE2, and SSE3. SSE3 is the most recent, and is an optional feature of machines supported by MacOS X for Intel. The other three are guaranteed to be there, so you need only worry about SSE3. Details on each follow.

papskier

Mar 15, 2006, 09:52 PM

This is just a hoax? it's worth noting the possibility, given the low cost of buying a little space on Google. Drop $30 or $40 on the term "macbook", or better yet, "iTablet", and sit back and chuckle while forums like this go crazy.

That being said, they better release the macbook in a hurry... I must have a new laptop in hand by June 1 for travel... right now i'm chained to a desktop.

arn

Mar 15, 2006, 09:52 PM

If that is the new Macbook, im glad i have my PPC iBook.
Link: http://xoomer.virgilio.it/alexsz/

no, that's just some mock up.

arn

Brother Michael

Mar 15, 2006, 09:54 PM

If that is the new Macbook, im glad i have my PPC iBook.
Link: http://xoomer.virgilio.it/alexsz/

What are you talking about? That thing is slick.

Furthermore I would use a mac remote to control my iTunes. I mean its a nice addon, and you aren't exactly paying anything more for it.

spyderracer393

Mar 15, 2006, 09:54 PM

DPazdanISU

Mar 15, 2006, 10:07 PM

no, that's just some mock up.

arn

are you sure? if you are how do u know this? I really hope they come out with a MacBook that has a new enclosure similar to this

daysleeper

Mar 15, 2006, 10:59 PM

The name "Macbook" makes me want to puke. Sounds like it should come with fries and a coke.

emoore3

Mar 15, 2006, 11:02 PM

Aren't onlone transactions specifically exempt from that still?

Rocketman

No. Technically you still have to pay sales tax in California if you did not pay sales tax in another state. I believe its called use tax. I bought my car out of state and had to pay California taxes when I brought it back here.

m-dogg

Mar 15, 2006, 11:06 PM

In the picture that is supposedly from Apple's site, if you look closely at the MacBook, you will notice that it doesn't have spotlight, and of course you can disable this using the terminal, but Apple certainly wouldn't do that.

Also, the dock is completely stretched and it is clear that this is a photoshopped image.

Also, iWeb isn't included in the dock like the other iLife apps. Don't people think they would include that if this was real?

I for one am really hoping for something more when these get released. Built-in iSights and Front Row w/ remote are going to be included. I hope they don't just throw in an iSight and IR receiver and leave it at that. The iBook design is due for a facelift.

C'mon, Apple - Wow me!

Dark Horse

Mar 15, 2006, 11:14 PM

The iBook design is due for a facelift.

C'mon, Apple - Wow me!

++++++++

MacMosher

Mar 15, 2006, 11:20 PM

no, that's just some mock up.

arn
Deffinitily... photoshop is really good at times but really annoying at others. Im not sure if I would be completly happy with that enclosure I like the one now better then that. However I do believe it would be nice to have a new enclosure

sw1tcher

Mar 15, 2006, 11:26 PM

Has anybody noticed that iMacs are at Costco now :eek: :rolleyes: :D

Yup. Saw several 2 days ago. I think it was something like $1499 and came with AppleCare. G5 model though.

Black Monolith

Mar 15, 2006, 11:36 PM

shrimpdesign

Mar 16, 2006, 12:11 AM

Why are people hoping that it comes with a remote? Who sits on the other side of the room from their laptop?
One of the biggest markets for iBooks is college students. I work at IT at my university. Every freshman gets a laptop (choosing between PC and Mac) and mosts students have only their laptop. A remote would be insanely cool and useful for college students who use their computers to watch DVDs and videos. A remote would also be very useful for presentations.

themacman

Mar 16, 2006, 12:47 AM

One of the biggest markets for iBooks is college students. I work at IT at my university. Every freshman gets a laptop (choosing between PC and Mac) and mosts students have only their laptop. A remote would be insanely cool and useful for college students who use their computers to watch DVDs and videos. A remote would also be very useful for presentations.
i agree. A freind of mine just rescently got a macbook pro and i used it in a presentation with the remote. its amazing, and a great thing to have.

fraggle

Mar 16, 2006, 01:19 AM

I'm Italian.
In the commentary someone is talking about an old photo which is widely considered to be a fake: http://xoomer.virgilio.it/alexsz

That is easy to see: It says 1.67Ghz for the bigger model and Apple says 1.66GHz for the Mac mini... They would not be inconsistent with that number.

Cabbit

Mar 16, 2006, 02:06 AM

I'm Italian.
In the commentary someone is talking about an old photo which is widely considered to be a fake: http://xoomer.virgilio.it/alexsz
And someone confirms that some hours ago it was possible to get macbook price at 999 € simply tipying macboog in google search form (as it is said in the article).
And I have personally read in other forums about it: it's not a fake, it's sure.
Many people have been able to see that page, before it was changed by google... too bad i wasn't home this afternoon! :(

i dono that pic is pritty on the beat, the specs arnt to out there ether. if thats what its going to be or something simaler i would replace my crackintosh as soon as the funds were avaliable. crackintosh = celeron 2.66 @ 3.7. dont start i get payed $3 a day im sure most of you get payed more than that an hour. But hey a cool ibook built in isight and coreduo arround the 60,000 baht range i would save up for that, its only 36 months wage but im sure i could get a loan.

Shamus

Mar 16, 2006, 04:08 AM

no, that's just some mock up.

arn

I assumed so...
Apple wouldnt have that much shadowing on the enclosure in an image woud they? Their images are bright and crisp.

When I say I wouild rather have my PPC iBook, I am talking about the enclosure. To me, the currne tenclosure looks much better than the one in the photo. The specifications are very good though, especially the model for $1299.

Shamus

Mar 16, 2006, 04:15 AM

I'm not sure if anyone has pointed this out about the image of the "soon to be released Macbook", but it seems odd to me that the top fold of the laptop does not have any latches for keeping the Macbook shut. Some may quickly point out that this is because the new Macbook uses magnets more extensively than the Macbook Pro. However, what use would the release button on the bottom fold be then? It seems rather useless doesn't it?

A fantastic observation. I think this closes the idea that this is real. There is already enough evidence saying that its a mock-up.

InTheBand

Mar 16, 2006, 05:13 AM

Now they want to have "Mac" in their names, but who would doubt the apple-factor of "iBook"?

It's not about the "apple-factor".

It's about the Mac factor and advertising it.

I'm Italian.
In the commentary someone is talking about an old photo which is widely considered to be a fake: http://xoomer.virgilio.it/alexsz

It says 1.67Ghz for the bigger model and Apple says 1.66GHz for the Mac mini... They would not be inconsistent with that number.

I read through the whole thread just to see if anyone had pointed this out and almost made it to the end! I missed it by only 4 posts... and 4 1/2 hours... DAMN YOU "FRAGGLE"!!! ;)

Anyways, besides the image being stretched, the Intel Core Duo is 1.66Ghz as stated by "fraggle" :mad: :D , NOT 1.67Ghz, therefore proving this to be a fake. The faker got the G4's frontside bus speed mixed up with the Core Duo processor speed. Hopefully those specs and that pricing isn't too far off though.

C'mon Apple, give us the Duo for the same $200 price difference as the Mac Mini Solo/Duo, at $999 & $1199. Maybe offer a $100 BTO option on both, or at least the Duo model, for those that don't want IIG. :)

InTheBand

Mar 16, 2006, 05:19 AM

Mmm now i'm sure there's a way round this, so feel free to inform me...but I'm a UK citizen on temporary assignment to the US, and the San Francisco Apple Store still charges me the California 8.5% sales tax. Sure it's less than the UK VAT, but can I avoid it all together?

Someone told me that if you buy from a website based in a different state you don't have to pay tax...but if I'm in California (where Apple is based) that doesn't help me...

Since you're from the UK and on temporary assignment in California, have you thought about visiting Las Vegas in Nevada yet?

Plan a trip to Vegas, order Apple products from there, and get much, MUCH more. ;)

"What happens in Vegas, STAYS in Vegas", Dark Horse. :D

EDIT: Oops. Nevermind. As has been pointed out by several other posters in this thread, you would have to go to a state that has no physical Apple Store or no sales tax.

Oregon is nice, but it ain't no Vegas!

sintaxi

Mar 16, 2006, 05:39 AM

all you people who say you prefer your PPC iBooks to this mokups:D :p

yeah right! :p :p :p

Those specs are way to high. The $1299 model is a "pro" machine. fake.

tny

Mar 16, 2006, 06:12 AM

Lasciate ogni speranza, voi ch'entrate.

Dante on MacRumors Forums : now I've seen everything.

tny

Mar 16, 2006, 06:16 AM

No. Technically you still have to pay sales tax in California if you did not pay sales tax in another state. I believe its called use tax. I bought my car out of state and had to pay California taxes when I brought it back here.

emoore3 is correct; many states have a "sales and use tax" that permits them to charge the equivalent of the sales tax rate on tax free out of state purchases. Also, internet sales are only tax free if the seller has no bricks and mortar presence in the buyer's state. IANAL

Macnoviz

Mar 16, 2006, 07:04 AM

Anywho, I hope the fake image is wrong about the optical drives, I really don't want to end up with a combo drive:mad:

MacSA

Mar 16, 2006, 07:15 AM

Anywho, I hope the fake image is wrong about the optical drives, I really don't want to end up with a combo drive:mad:

Its pretty shocking for a computer at that price to come with a Combo drive.

dambro1978

Mar 16, 2006, 08:48 AM

GHIBLI so I'm not the only apple addict of trieste..

Andrea -
happy owner of a brand new PB 12" 1.5 SD....

zack.williams

Mar 16, 2006, 08:48 AM

i as well am hoping for the new macbook, but i live in italy and the exchange rate is around 1 dollar for 80 euro cents...could it have been an error? macbook...oops...(italian) i ment to type macbook pro? just wondering...but if it was the new macbook...good price eh?

ccool2ax

Mar 16, 2006, 09:06 AM

i know evreyone has said it (Right?), but why on Earth would apple change the iBook name to MacBook? It would cut off brand recognition. The reason that PB was changed to MBP was because of the "Power" line. Just becuase a MacBook Pro exists doesn't mean that a MacBook will ever exist. I bet you can just call MBPs MacBooks for short.

[EDIT]: And that is one of the most terrible mockups I have ever seen. Go figure. They're not chaging the iBook's name, just like they didnt change the iMac name.

[EDIT]: Superdirve is spelt wrong. There is no iWeb logo in the Dock. On and on. The top font isnt Apple. I keep telling you, no MacBook not-pro!

grockk

Mar 16, 2006, 09:34 AM

steve just said they wanted to use the "mac" name more. so how about the iMacBook. kinda keeps the consumer line consistent with "iMac" and the portable line with MacBook and maybe the powermacs will be just "Mac Pro" to keep the pro line naming consistent.

Macnoviz

Mar 16, 2006, 10:28 AM

Macnoviz

Mar 16, 2006, 10:30 AM

i agree. A freind of mine just rescently got a macbook pro and i used it in a presentation with the remote. its amazing, and a great thing to have.

What other programs can you use with the remote, other than Front Row?
(just asking)

reflex

Mar 16, 2006, 11:37 AM

Has integrated graphics performance improved to such a degree it is no longer an obvious and silly burden?

All graphics chips have improved. This means that integrated graphics is still worse than a dedicated card, but quite usable for a lot of things. I wouldn't imagine playing a lot of more or less recent games on it and actually enjoy the experience. But for general OS use, I see no problems.

yac_moda

Mar 16, 2006, 12:21 PM

I'm not sure if anyone has pointed this out about the image of the "soon to be released Macbook", but it seems odd to me that the top fold of the laptop does not have any latches for keeping the Macbook shut. Some may quickly point out that this is because the new Macbook uses magnets more extensively than the Macbook Pro. However, what use would the release button on the bottom fold be then? It seems rather useless doesn't it?

If the button forces internal magnets down so that they loose their power and the lid has slight upward spring motion like the old PBs then it would be functional. :rolleyes:

What's the point of the image doesn't seem to show much.

yac_moda

Mar 16, 2006, 12:25 PM

They really won't name a product an iMacBook, it's even sillier than a $99 iPod sleeve.

An iPOD sleevy that doubles as a condom, PROTECTION FOR YOUR MacLIFE, is SILLY :eek: :eek: :eek:

yac_moda

Mar 16, 2006, 12:51 PM

WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS when is Apple going to throw the Japanese a bone, and ship THE ...

... drum roll :rolleyes: drum roll :rolleyes: drum roll :rolleyes: ¡¡¡ kiBOOKi !!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

Josias

Mar 16, 2006, 01:34 PM

I did a search in Google Australia, which shows at the top:

Macbook
www.apple.com.au

When you click the link, it takes you to the Macbook Pro buying page.

You may notice, that the save $200 offer, where you buy a mac and an ipod, ends on March 31st. Coincidence?:D

JasonElise1983

Mar 16, 2006, 02:26 PM

For all of you people who think that photo is real...i'm curious as to what you are looking at. The dock is stretched out, there is no spotlight (i know people already stated this), but furthermore, why is the bevel around the screen rounded? Look at the shadows, it's like they drew a box and hit Bevel and Emboss in Photoshop for some weird reason. ALso, all the shadow and highlight lines are wavy, so not only is it rounded, it's inconsitanty rounded and uneven? I don't know...maybe it is real, but if that's the case it looks like crap.

Whistleway

Mar 16, 2006, 02:35 PM

You may notice, that the save $200 offer, where you buy a mac and an ipod, ends on March 31st. Coincidence?:D

It's a back to the school offer in AU. It is just past summer there, i think.

itcheroni

Mar 16, 2006, 03:44 PM

I don't know what's so difficult about Apple's logic in naming their new books. Jobs mentioned be wanted to begin using "Mac" in their names.

They want to stop using iNames because every idiot can put out a product with the same naming scheme to try and trick people into thinking Apple made it. ie iDog, iHome. But if anyone tried to use their trademark name, Mac, they can put a stop to it.

The obvious reason why they didn't change iMac to simply Mac is because people use the term Mac to talk about any sort of Apple computer they have. "I like going to the beach to take pictures of girlies with my new Mac." "Oh, I wish I could do that with my Mac but it's a desktop." And, of course, Mac is already in iMac.

ImAlwaysRight

Mar 17, 2006, 01:35 AM

C'mon Apple, give us the Duo for the same $200 price difference as the Mac Mini Solo/Duo, at $999 & $1199. Maybe offer a $100 BTO option on both, or at least the Duo model, for those that don't want IIG. :)
I find it hard to believe Apple would raise the price on the Intel Mac Mini by $100 and then lower the Intel iBook/MacBook price by $100. Although I would love to see a price drop, realistically I think we will either see a price increase of $100 or the price stay the same ($999/1299) for the iBook/MacBook.

Chundles

Mar 17, 2006, 04:35 AM

You may notice, that the save $200 offer, where you buy a mac and an ipod, ends on March 31st. Coincidence?:D

The last of the Unis went back about a week ago after the summer holidays. I think Apple's giving them a few weeks leeway to take up the offer. They did the same thing last year, and the year before, and before that...

Chundles

Mar 17, 2006, 04:36 AM

It's a back to the school offer in AU. It is just past summer there, i think.

What do you mean "you think"???

Surely you know that summer in the southern hemisphere = winter in the northern hemisphere. Surely you know that. You have to...

sunfast

Mar 17, 2006, 06:48 AM

If only the specs for the upper end mock up were true! That would be a serious machine - pretty much what I'd expect a 13.3" MBP to offer.

wkhahn

Mar 17, 2006, 12:49 PM

I'm not sure if anyone has pointed this out about the image of the "soon to be released Macbook", but it seems odd to me that the top fold of the laptop does not have any latches for keeping the Macbook shut. Some may quickly point out that this is because the new Macbook uses magnets more extensively than the Macbook Pro. However, what use would the release button on the bottom fold be then? It seems rather useless doesn't it?

Could be that the release button actually rolls the magnet 180deg. This roll would put 2 common poles in plane and repel each other. If the magnets are strong enough to hold shut, then this force could be enough to "spring" the lid magnet out of the field of the bottom magnet. Just a thought.