MacWorld Tokyo Rumor Roundup

[arn]

MacWorld Tokyo is upon us... and Steve Jobs will deliver (http://www.idg.co.jp/expo/macworld2002/en/20020304.html) the MacWorld Tokyo Keynote on March 21 at 9:30am Tokyo time. (no webcast available (http://www.macrumors.com/viewstory.php3/sid/20020317230237/))

So... What to expect from this Expo?

Well... not much (http://www.macrumors.com/viewstory.php3/sid/20020211100310/)., according to Apple's Senior of Hardware Product Marketing, Greg Joswiak.. who early on squelched much speculation by stating in Feb: "We're not planning to introduce any new CPUs at Macworld Tokyo, as a matter of fact, we're set for some months now"

However, never satisfied, Apple fans were painfully aware (http://www.macrumors.com/viewstory.php3/sid/20020116133751/) of Toshiba's new 10gig and 20gig 1.8" drives announced in Jan... and subsequent 10gig iPod Rumors surfaced (here (http://www.macrumors.com/viewstory.php3/sid/20020222211024/), and here (http://www.macrumors.com/viewstory.php3/sid/20020222015709/)) as well as the mysterious iPod screenshots (http://www.macrumors.com/viewstory.php3/sid/20020314232907/) hinting at a possible software upgrade in store.

More nebulous hints were provided by MacEdition (http://www.macrumors.com/viewstory.php3/sid/20020313115343/) as well as RailheadDesign (http://www.macrumors.com/viewstory.php3/sid/20020315043006/) for something... maybe coming... a Digital Camera? (here (http://www.macrumors.com/viewstory.php3/sid/20020312190426/) and here (http://www.macrumors.com/viewstory.php3/sid/20020225071435/)), or a buyout (http://www.macrumors.com/viewstory.php3/sid/20020315042114/) perhaps?

We'll see...

...and don't forget to watch the Oscars on the 24th (http://www.macrumors.com/viewstory.php3/sid/20020307161851/) for the latest Apple ad.

Flashback Link: MacWorld SF 2002 Rumor Roundup (http://www.macrumors.com/viewstory.php3/sid/20020106151501/)

[dantec]

I really hope that we do see some new CPU's coming at Tokyo. If we don't we better at least see an iPad (don't start flaming me about PDA's. But an iPad doesn't necessarily have to be "only" a PDA. It could incorporate CD-burning, and litterally be a thin portable computer!

[dantec]

Another question: Why won't Apple make this Macworld Tokyo televised?

[arn]

Originally posted by dantec
I really hope that we do see some new CPU's coming at Tokyo.


Do you really think that Apple would release new CPU's (iMac/PowerMac) at this time? They have barely started shipping the iMac and the PowerMac.

Originally posted by dantec
Another question: Why won't Apple make this Macworld Tokyo televised?


Maybe because nothing's going to happen? :) Seriously, though... I don't know what's involved in setting up a stream of this magnitude... but for whatever reason, Apple decided it wasn't worth it last year... and at that time they released the patterned iMacs...

arn

[Mr. Anderson]

It won't happen. But there are quite a few other things that leave Steve Jobs plenty to talk about.

Anyone know where to find the transcript or quicktime of the keynote after its delivered?

[teabgs]

Originally posted by arn

last year... they released the patterned iMacs...

arn

Those were soooooo bad. I was ashamed. :( "Why would they do that?" was all I could think.

[lordsinforge]

Anyone know where to find the transcript or quicktime of the keynote after its delivered? [/B][/QUOTE]

Generally there will be a video up on apple's web site a day or so after the keynote, but I have no way of knowing if they will have it this time arround.

[kidtronix]

Originally posted by arn
Do you really think that Apple would release new CPU's (iMac/PowerMac) at this time? They have barely started shipping the iMac and the PowerMac.

how about powerbook cpu's? or gfx cards? can't say they haven't started shipping those, not only to mention lowering the prices drastically.

[chibianh]

I ordering a powerbook this weekend and I would prefer to buy a speedbumped one. Would a speedbumped powerbook w/ new gfx card be considered "new" hardware?

[Dunepilot]

I'd be very surprised if we didn't see an 800MHz and 667MHz powerbook lineup released at Tokyo.

With the speed of Wintel laptops rapidly increasing (if not the quality!), the PBs need a bit of a shot in the arm to stay competitive.

I also think Apple wouldn't be happy with the iMacs being faster than their flagship portable.

If this doesn't happen at Tokyo (and God knows, the Japanese love their portables...), expect to see a 'special event' sometime soon.

Just some thoughts. We'll soon see if I'm right.
;)

[eyelikeart]

everyone is talking about new PowerBooks.....G5s......I don't think it's going to happen either.....at most a speed bump on the current PowerBook...

the idea of an iPod upgrade to 10 & 20 gig hard drives seems more plausible....it would make complete sense....

but if u do think about it....if it isn't even going to be televised....I seriously doubt Jobs is going to have anything really significant going on.....just remember MWSF and all the hype surrounding it....we saw the new iMac!

as for March 24....as much as seeing 10.2 with a speed increase would bring great joy to everyone....how important is it to primetime viewers to have to be aware of it? just a thought...

[mcrain]

Um, well, how bout firewire 2 as a big announcement in conjunction with a new OS 10.2 that makes use of it?

[kidtronix]

it's granted, no new imacs, ibooks and definitely no new powermacs (G5... what a hell is G5?:mad: -), but the powerbook chip hasn't been revisited since last summer! i can buy a 1800mhz pc laptop with ddr memory and what not now in the stores for a grand less than the cheapest powerbook. no i'm c:cool: :cool: l i know that the pc numbers are miss leading, but there is no doubt that in pure speed, the powerbook needs a boost. if not the speed of the chip then a fast gfx card or ddr memory or something, it DOES need a boost, there is no doubt about it. and i'm not saying this because i'm getting one.

ipod, yah sure 10gb, possible.

os x update? possibly, os x.1.4 or something, i suspect we won't see x.2 for quite some time, it's not apple to make big jumps (:eek:-)

i'm gonna get mad if i have to wait until mwny before i see a new powerbook, one year for a chip update is WAY too long!

[eyelikeart]

Originally posted by mcrain
Um, well, how bout firewire 2 as a big announcement in conjunction with a new OS 10.2 that makes use of it?

granted....FireWire 2.0 would be a big deal...but it's not for the rest of the country watching the awards... :rolleyes:

again, I could definitely foresee a speed bump to the PowerBook...whether it be a new chip or a further tweaked version of what we have already....it wouldn't be enough, I feel, to make a whole lot of noise throughout the Mac community...I know many of u would be thrilled....but it really wouldn't be that big of a deal...

[Rower_CPU]

For those interested, I found out that http://www.yourmaclife.com/ will be posting audio/video and commentary from the expo.
No word as to when/how they will have keynote coverage, but it might be better than nothing.

[Vanilla]

I understand the desire for a speed bumped powerbook and that would be nice. But my main wish would be to have an Apple Display Connector installed so that I could connect directly to one of the Apple display, preferably through an updated docking station.

My work involves presentations so portability is important, hence my desire for a TiBook. However in the office I want to be able to use a full sized keyboard and a 17" studio display preferably attached to a docking station.

When I researched the TiBook I found it unbelievable that it couldnt directly connect digitally to Apples own displays. This surely has to be addressed soon.

[Skandranon]

Please let us get new PowerBooks. :( It's sad to see such a cutting edge portable fall behind to new Pentium laptops. Let's get a 1 Ghz TiBook and once again reclaim the title of Best Portable out there. :D

[Pelorus]

What part of "no new hardware at MWT" are people having trouble understanding?

[Vanilla]

Originally posted by Pelorus
What part of "no new hardware at MWT" are people having trouble understanding?

Well I understood it a little differently. The head of this thread talks about there being "no new CPU's" at MWT. So, no G5 or 1.2Ghz G4 etc.

However, placing an existing G4 into a powerbook, say the 800Mhz would not go against the statement would it? Nor would my wish for an existing ADC to be added to the powerbooks list of connections.

May not happen of course, but I think the statement left scope for enhancements.

[grrr223]

Originally posted by Pelorus
What part of "no new hardware at MWT" are people having trouble understanding?

...the definition of "hardware" if you hadn't noticed...

[Pelorus]

Originally posted by Vanilla


Well I understood it a little differently. The head of this thread talks about there being "no new CPU's" at MWT. So, no G5 or 1.2Ghz G4 etc.

However, placing an existing G4 into a powerbook, say the 800Mhz would not go against the statement would it? Nor would my wish for an existing ADC to be added to the powerbooks list of connections.

May not happen of course, but I think the statement left scope for enhancements.

From what he said I'd believe in the possibility of a new monitor but not a new machine altogether which is what upgrading the CPU or even adding an ADC connection would require.

God, we're desperate...

[mcrain]

This is what a heroin addict must feel when he/she needs a hit. I need (badly want) a tibook, and with this mac world coming up, I want a better hit, a faster tibook.

Give me my tibook fix!

[round2]

Sorry to burst the bubble, but the iPod dosen't have room enought for the new Toshiba 10 or 20 GB Drives. I was on the C'bit yesterday and saw the 10 GB drive and it is twice as thick as the 5 GB drive. So Apple might add features to the iPod such as extended funktions and a remote control but unless they make it biger no 10 or 20 GB drive is going to fit. Sorry.:(

[King Cobra]

I think the Apple will probably come out with new Powerbooks. According to rumors and other sources, I think that:

(1) Apple will use the low-powered Apollo G4 chip in their new Powerbooks. The slower of the two models will have up to a 733MHz G4, and the top model will have up to 867MHz. Apple does not want to push the envelope so far on processor speeds, because Apple does not want to kill PowerMac sales.

(2) According to some very reasonable rumors, the new Powerbook will have a higher resolution screen, of 1536 by 1024 pixels. The screen size will not change.

(3) Apple will keep the 133MHz system bus and plain old Firewire 1. I find this logical because Apple usually focuses on PowerMac sales, where they can get big bucks. So Apple usually puts any new and impressive features (Firewire 2, USB 2, 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet) in the PowerMac first, before Apple descends these features into the iMac and the Powerbook.

(4) Apple may add some sort of darker, more metallic color-coating on the Titanium skin of the Powerbook, according to popular rumors.

(5) Apple usually updates their line of products every so often, and the current 667MHz version is starting to "age".

Now, that is the Powerbook. As for the iPod:

Apple is most likely to announce an update to the iPod as such:

Apple will continue to use the 1.8 inch Hard Drive in their iPod lineup. Also Apple will probably use the 10GB version of their portable player and sell that for $400, while the 5GB version drops to $300.

As for software, I expect Apple to unveil DVD Studio Pro 2, since the latest (version 1.2) works natively under OS 9.

Finally, Apple may unveil new monitors, with cheaper prices and larger displays, maybe a 19 inch.

What is not likely for Tokyo:
(1) No G5
(2) No new iMacs
(3) No new PowerMacs
(4) Probably no new iBooks
__________________

It does not take a genius to figure it out . . . just someone who uses a Mac.

[adelaney]

Hey, does anyone remember last year or the year before? Everyone is going insane, this is just MWT. Not a big deal. No one used to pay attention to Tokyo before and, in fact, if you hadn't noticed following the huge letdown in the mac community following last year's MWNY Apple has been obviously trying to move away from an everything at MacWorld model because the hype was too big and Steve Jobs obviously thinks sales will be helped if less pressure is put on MacWorld. It released iPods between MacWorlds and more recently bumped the G4 tower between MacWorlds. You will not see any change of any kind to the Powerbook line, I'm sorry but you just won't and that's the way it is. That will be at MWNY. I know everyone gets bored two days before MacWorld at any mention of software, but that's what should be talked about. If you are buying a Powerbook and you need it before July you should buy it today. Me, I'm going to hold off.

[dongmin]

Not to be overanalyzing here, but I think some of us are missing the point of what this Joswiak guy was saying:

"We're not planning to introduce any new CPUs at Macworld Tokyo, as a matter of fact, we're set for some months now. Having just updated all four product quadrants, it's really nonsensical to think we're about to update the quadrants again at Macworld Tokyo." maccentral article (http://maccentral.macworld.com/news/0202/11.applehardware.php)

He's definitely not trying to be tricky and evasive when he says no "new CPUs." The four product quadrants are not going to be updated at MW-Tokyo, and that includes Powerbooks. It is possible that it'll be updated sometime soon after, at a generic press event, but definitely not at Tokyo. I'm willing to put some money on that.

Also, regarding the iPod, I just checked the Toshiba website, and the physical dimensions and the power requirements for the 10GB version of the 1.8-inch drive is practically identical to the 5GB version. So it shouldn't require a design change to fit in the new mechanism.

[Quark]

Originally posted by dongmin
Not to be overanalyzing here, but I think some of us are missing the point of what this Joswiak guy was saying:

"We're not planning to introduce any new CPUs at Macworld Tokyo, as a matter of fact, we're set for some months now. Having just updated all four product quadrants, it's really nonsensical to think we're about to update the quadrants again at Macworld Tokyo." maccentral article (http://maccentral.macworld.com/news/0202/11.applehardware.php)

He's definitely not trying to be tricky and evasive when he says no "new CPUs." The four product quadrants are not going to be updated at MW-Tokyo, and that includes Powerbooks. It is possible that it'll be updated sometime soon after, at a generic press event, but definitely not at Tokyo. I'm willing to put some money on that.

AMEN!! FINALLY, someone that says almost exactly what I said shortly after Joswiak was quoted.

No new CPUs -- that also means, that there will not be any speed-bumps... why?

BECAUSE it would be a new CPU! duh!:rolleyes:

[arn]

Originally posted by King Cobra
I think the Apple will probably come out with new Powerbooks. According to rumors and other sources, I think that:

(2) According to some very reasonable rumors, the new Powerbook will have a higher resolution screen, of 1536 by 1024 pixels. The screen size will not change.

(4) Apple may add some sort of darker, more metallic color-coating on the Titanium skin of the Powerbook, according to popular rumors.



Can you point to any of these "rumors"? Now... I know the credibility of something posted by any of the rumors sites is pretty poor... but it's still an order of magnitude more credible than people posting "This is what Apple should do..."

I think you need to distinguish between the two... you are mistaking people posting their _desires_ for real "rumors"

It's a subtle point... but one that makes a world of difference...

arn

[dongmin]

Originally posted by arn


I think you need to distinguish between the two... you are mistaking people posting their _desires_ for real "rumors"



Actually, I don't know if there is a whole lot of difference between rumors and people's desires, considering the accuracy of these so-called rumors. The whole SpyMac iWalk fiasco, for example--it was pure fantasy. But then it appeared on a few of rumor sites and hundres of well-meaning people wasted minutes/hours arguing the merits of the rumor. I think a lot of rumors start as "wouldn't it be cool if..." discussions that get blown out of context.

[arn]

Originally posted by dongmin


Actually, I don't know if there is a whole lot of difference between rumors and people's desires, considering the accuracy of these so-called rumors. The whole SpyMac iWalk fiasco, for example--it was pure fantasy. But then it appeared on a few of rumor sites and hundres of well-meaning people wasted minutes/hours arguing the merits of the rumor. I think a lot of rumors start as "wouldn't it be cool if..." discussions that get blown out of context.

Sure... but still - you should not accept random posts of "I think Apple should do this..." as something to base your thoughts on what is actually coming out.... as King Cobra is doing in the previous thread..

As I said... "real" rumor sites aren't necessarily accurate either.... but at least it filters out a lot of the crap. And if you pay attention and use some common sense... you can get an idea of what is coming... which is why we all enjoy the rumors-scene so much... :)

arn

[j763]

I think that the iPod's price needs to come down by a lot... whether that means a 10gb model, so be it... but i certaintly can't afford $A895 (445.00 USD) for an iPod... 399 US is expensive enough, but here we've got to fork over another 50 US for the different power voltage or something...


the iPod is way too expensive. sure, i understand it's only a little bit more expensive (or in some cases the same) as other 5gb firewire drives and looks a lot cooler, has iTunes intergration, automatically mounts itself on your desktop etc.etc.etc.etc.

BUT NO ONE HERE CAN AFFORD IT!!

[j763]

oh yeah, but at least i'll be able to get the news (macminute & yml) from tokyo at a reasonable hour this time.

11:30 AM instead of 4:00 AM suits me just a bit better :)

[MacAztec]

I dont expect much. I am like 80 percent sure of an iPod revision, knowing its been out what...a year now?
Apple did say now CPU upgrades, so when will they upgrade those PowerBooks. I dont care to see a G5 anytime soon, the G4 is wickedly fast, and an awesome CPU.

One last thing, we all know there is no digital crap device, so no more specualtion on that please! Apple did say, we are not bringing back the newton, and they mean it (i hope)

[buffsldr]

I really don't expect any hardware updates of any kind in the next 24 hours. If there are any updates to hardware I would expect to see a modest speed bump to the PowerBooks. I really hope there is as this will drive prices down on the older powerbooks and put one in my price range (my trust fund is running out.... or I would buy two, really).

[nathany]

I held off buying the iPod when it came out, mostly because I had just bought an iBook. But I decided to wait until April - which will be the 2 year anniversary for my Rio 500 purchase. Which, btw cost about $450 CDN ($300 US) at the time and gets 12 or 15 songs in my pocket. Based on current rumors, the 5GB model will drop to that price, which is still pretty expensive - but quite reasonable when you think about it.

The only part that isn't so reasonable is the 90 day warranty vs. the 1 year for my Rio. And I paid a bit more than $450 to get a 3 year warranty. Apparently compusa offers an extended warranty, but there is no AppleCare option for iPod.

Lots of iPod rumors, which leads me to believe it is real to at least some extent. 10GB drive, sure. A new shuffle mode and EQ in some screen shots, rumors of an in-line remote in the high end model. Also read-only PDA type functionality like iPod Organizer bundled, and Windows support too. A free firmware update for existing users of course.

I wonder if they will have a special Windows package with a powered Firewire card and the Windows software - costing more than a Mac iPod. Then maybe only have it in Apple's Stores and other fine Mac retailers so people buying one at least get to look around at Macs a little. It may not be a Mac product, but still an Apple product so it should go in the Apple section/stores, no?

I expect 10.2 is coming along well enough that we can get a sneek peak at some of its new features, just like we did for 10.1 - but that it won't arrive until summer in time to be shipping on all the new systems. The various rumors about the next Powerbooks certainly sound good - I might have to get an Apple loan :)

Besides that, Steve was said to briefly talk about iMac shortages - likely mentioning the number of pre-orders.

For pros, DVD Studio Pro 2 sounds likely and maybe we'll get a demo of the powerful Dual Ghz G4s and GeForce4 cards - since they came out silently.

Can't wait until tomorrow!

- n8

[freedom]

I just read that the swedish applestore
is out of stock on the 667´s.
Other swedish stores have lowered their
PB 667-prices about 200 $!
That usually means that there is a
speedbump/upgrade ahead…

Has anyone seen similar activities
in other countries?

[freedom]

The pricedrop is 400 $...
And the 667 is apparently taken
out of stock…
What happens with the 550´s then?

Unfortunately the story from
www.macpressen.se
is in swedish.

Maybe this is old news?!

[kidtronix]

I'M A BELIEVER! i knew stevie wouldn't let me down!

[groov']

Originally posted by freedom
I just read that the swedish applestore
is out of stock on the 667´s.
Other swedish stores have lowered their
PB 667-prices about 200 $!
That usually means that there is a
speedbump/upgrade ahead…

Has anyone seen similar activities
in other countries?

Prices on powerbooks and ibooks are lowered by one of the biggest dutch apple-dealers (MacHouse). Unfortunately the PDF-sheet on their website is in Dutch (prices in euros, with and without taxes).

'geldig tot OP=OP' means as long as they are avalable


http://www.machouse.nl/pdf/CTO.pdf

[Dunepilot]

It would be interesting to get some info on sales of the current TiBooks. I would have thought that by now a lot of the magic has worn off.

I mean, we all know about MHz myth, but 667 MHz appears drastically slower than the 2.2GHz P4s that are now appearing in Wintel laptops.

So, anyone working in a reseller care to comment? Have you seen a slump in PB sales, and have you been offered any incentives to get more of them shifted?

If we don't see an update to the PB at Tokyo, it has to be updated in the next month, or what was an exciting product will start to look stale.

[clonenode]

It will be funny when Apple releases NOTHING new in Tokyo and everyone here will be complaining even though Apple said that was what they would do. Har Har Har.

"No new CPUs" does at least leave things open for an updated iPod; which, by the way, was announced at that October press event and was available for sale in November. That is NOT a year ago, only 5 months, but an update is still possible.

Of course, software can be updated, too. So maybe that will be all we get. Still, it will be funny reading everyone's reaction to their dashed expectations. Wah Wah Wah.

[Mr. Anderson]

So no new CPUs seems to be the way of things, there still is quite a lot to upgrade. The resolution of the Ti laptop is not exactly the best. Dell's got one with 1600x1200 which seriously beats the 1152x768 of the G4.

I don't think Firewire2 will be out in Tokyo though. Check out the article on it at
www.macuser.uk.co (http://www.macuser.co.uk)


Faster FireWire in the pipeline
A FireWire controller manufacturer has secured new funding which it intends to devote to the development of a new controller giving FireWire data transfer speeds up to 800Mbits per second, double the current 400Mbits/sec maximum.

The key word would be 'development'.

[King Cobra]

Previously posted by Yours Truly
(2) According to some very reasonable rumors, the new Powerbook will have a higher resolution screen, of 1536 by 1024 pixels. The screen size will not change.

(4) Apple may add some sort of darker, more metallic color-coating on the Titanium skin of the Powerbook, according to popular rumors.

I am actually glad you caught me, Arn, because I do not mean to plagiarize.

All right. The color coating on the Powerbooks were sent to www.macosrumors.com by an anonymous source, and was posted on their website February 19. The same site also posted about 1600 by 1024 resolution Powerbooks on January 30.

Phew, now I cannot get sued for plagiarizing!

Since so many people seem to be saying "no" to hardware updates at Tokyo, then probably AFTER Tokyo Apple will introduce a new Powerbook and iPod.
__________________

It does not take a genius to figure it out . . . just someone who uses a Mac.

[chibianh]

"Since so many people seem to be saying "no" to hardware updates at Tokyo, then probably AFTER Tokyo Apple will introduce a new Powerbook and iPod. "

If not Tokyo, then DEFINITELY after Tokyo. Question is, how long after?

*prays for an update to Powerbook at Tokyo or before this weekend*

[anthonylambert]

anyone notice a 1.1Ghz MPC7455 Processor on Motorola's site?

http://e-www.motorola.com/webapp/sps/site/prod_summary.jsp?code=MPC7455&nodeId=02M0ylfVS0lM0ypLRtk6

Look at the bottom of the page under orderable parts.

XPC7455RX1100PC REV 2.1 1.85V+/-50MV 65C PRODUCT NEWLY INTRO'D/RAMP-UP(1) -

Maybe we're getting a 1.1 upgrade to the G4s?

[King Cobra]

Originally posted by chibianh
"Since so many people seem to be saying "no" to hardware updates at Tokyo, then probably AFTER Tokyo Apple will introduce a new Powerbook and iPod. "

If not Tokyo, then DEFINITELY after Tokyo. Question is, how long after?

*prays for an update to Powerbook at Tokyo or before this weekend*

Apple came out with the Powermac around two weeks after the new G4 iMac was announced at San Fransisco. So maybe Apple will release the new Powerbooks in April (at the latest!)
__________________

It does not take a genius to figure it out . . . just someone who uses a Mac.

[Jookbox]

Originally posted by Dunepilot

I mean, we all know about MHz myth, but 667 MHz appears drastically slower than the 2.2GHz P4s that are now appearing in Wintel laptops.

[/B]

unfortunately a 667 ti book IS drastically slower. including the MHz buffer.