PowerMac G5s in Stores?

[Freg3000]

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/18/technology/18NECO.html

The New York Times is saying that Apple has 100,000 G5 orders and that the machines will start appearing in stores today, with the Adobe plugin available tuesday.

:)

[couch potato]

well i hope so, because i can't wait much loonger:eek: :)

[adamfilip]

here is the entire article

PPLE COMPUTER has recently received much applause for its iTunes music service. But its new Power Mac G5 computers, set to arrive in stores today, will probably have a much larger impact on the world of personal computing.

Apple already has 100,000 orders for its G5 machines, which are priced at $2,000 to $3,000, depending on the configuration. The breakthrough is that the computers use 64-bit microprocessors, a significant step beyond the 32-bit processors on current Apple machines and most Windows-based PC's.

Apple is not alone. In the Windows world, Advanced Micro Devices plans next month to roll out a 64-bit processor, the Athlon 64 FX. And Intel's Itanium chips, introduced in 2001, are already 64-bit processors — although in contrast to the Apple and Advance Micro products, the Itanium is not a processor to which users of lesser chips can easily switch.

The arrival of 64-bit desktop processors signifies a new era of computing — initially for professionals who are bumping up against the memory limits of existing PC's. Soon afterward the new chips will affect everyday computer users, for whom a new generation of media machines should offer remarkable improvements in audio and visual effects.

"I think we're dropping a snowball down the hill," said Rich Heye, vice president and general manager of Advanced Micro's microprocessor business unit. "Sixty-four-bit computing will take off faster than people think."

Why do 64 bits matter?

Microprocessors are generally defined by the number of pieces of information they can manipulate at once. A 32-bit microprocessor, for example, can move, add, subtract or multiply numbers that are 32 zeros and ones long. A 64-bit processor is capable of handling binary numbers consisting of a string of 64 zeros and ones.

It is the length of the information string that determines the amount of random-access memory, or RAM, a processor can make use of during a task. The more RAM per task, the greater the computing power.

Thirty-two bit processors are limited to a theoretical maximum of handling 4 billion bytes of RAM per task. (A byte equals eight bits.) But by the magic of exponential math, a 64-bit processor can theoretically handle 16 quintillion (or 16 billion billion) bytes of RAM. For all current practical purposes, that is an infinite amount.

Until recently, such numbers were largely meaningless, because of the cost of a RAM chip (technically known as a D-RAM, or dynamic random access memory, chip). But now that the cost of a billion bytes, or a gigabyte, of RAM has fallen below $400 (from thousands of dollars several years ago), it becomes economically feasible to have personal computers that are not bound by the four-gigabyte limit of 32-bit chips.

"Memory has become cheap enough that it doesn't matter for professional PC users," said Steven P. Jobs, Apple's chief executive and co-founder. "The killer app is breaking through the four-gigabyte barrier."

People who recall the shift from 8-bit to 16-bit computing in the early 1980's, and the shift from 16-bit to 32-bit processors in the late 80's, say the move to 64 bits will again make the personal computer a significantly different kind of information tool.

"The graphics performance offered by 64-bit computing will be a big step up," said Richard Doherty, a computer designer who is president of Envisioneering, a consulting firm in Seaford, N.Y. "It will put a tremendous amount of power into the hands of scientific researchers and engineers first, and to a secondary degree to some artists who want to express themselves in three-dimensional design."

If the shift happens quickly, it will also put tremendous pressure on Intel. Apple and Advanced Micro Devices have chosen to offer personal computer users a fairly seamless transition from 32-bit to 64-bit desktop computing, by making it possible for the new chips to work with the existing software of 32-bit users.

But Intel has gambled that users in search of higher performance will be willing to uproot and move to Itanium computers, which require a new library of software, including special versions of the Windows or Linux operating systems.

So far, despite investing several billions of dollars along with Hewlett-Packard to develop Itanium hardware and reportedly spending as much as $700 million to try luring software developers into the fold, Intel has not had much market momentum from the Itanium.

Advanced Micro is counting on its 64-bit chips to take the fullest advantage of Microsoft's next version of Windows, now code-named Longhorn and scheduled for a 2005 introduction.

Sixty-four bit computing has already long been the norm in scientific and corporate computing and more recently in video game machines. The question of how much RAM is needed by PC users has long been a subject of debate in the personal computer industry. As PC's have evolved from 8 to 16 and then to 32 bits, hardware engineers and software designers have at first scratched their heads over what users might do with all of that RAM.

Now it is becoming increasingly clear that if bigger chunks of computer memory are available and affordable, users will gobble them up.

Hollywood digital animation studios already require at least two gigabytes of RAM to render a single frame in a movie like Pixar's "Monsters, Inc." Adding even more realism will require expanding the amount of data in images, and their RAM demands, exponentially.

And for graphics software like Adobe Photoshop, 64-bit processing is expected to greatly enhance the computer's ability to move large image files in the computer's memory. Adobe, in fact, is planning to make software available on Tuesday that it says will improve Photoshop's performance on Apple's G5 computers by 75 to 200 percent, depending on the operation.

For all kinds of databases, meanwhile, retrieving information can be remarkably faster in the 64-bit world, because vast amounts of data can reside in RAM, where it is more directly accessible than if it must be stored on disk.

But beyond the predictable costs and performance benefits, if 64-bit computing follows the PC's historical patterns, this migration may bring a surprise or two.

Mr. Heye predicts: "There are two 22-year-olds in a garage somewhere creating some piece of software with a 64-bit computer that we are all going to want."

[alset]

I'll believe it when I see it.

Dan

[mvc]

w00t! Shake that aluminium booty baby! Now how long before they get to the bottom of the world so I can get one! :)

[howard]

100,000 G5's on order?? holy crap...if that was for just 2000 an order that would be $200,000,000....right? wonder exactly how much profit they make on each machine.

[coolsoldier]

I wouldn't be suprised if they started shipping preorders on monday, but I don't expect them on store shelves for a while still.

[iJon]

uh huh sure. i have a feeling apple will ship 1 of every model to some store, just to say they kept their promise.

iJon

[chetwilliams]

Originally posted by howard
100,000 G5's on order?? holy crap...if that was for just 2000 an order that would be $200,000,000....right? wonder exactly how much profit they make on each machine.

I heard Apple has a 30+% margin on the pro machines. That would be $60+ million. Not bad for a machine that hasn't been released yet.

Now if they would just stop running the darn guy hitting the tree advertisements. It makes me want to check my order status every time I see one.

[cb911]

well it's lunch time here in Australia now... I just went to a Apple reseller and they didn't have any G5's. now that I come to think of it... i don't even remember seeing any G5 posters or anything?:confused:

could this mean anything for the rumors of PowerBook updates on the 19th? would Apple release them now and have both the new PowerMacs and PowerBooks in the news?

[Waluigi]

If this is true, I can finally see what I spent so much money on (it is such a wierd feeling buying something you haven't seen or used). I'll be going to my local apple store tomorrow, to see if it is true.

--Waluigi

[Powerbook G5]

So now that the PowerMacs are shipping, I'm going to expect pre-orders for the G5 PowerBooks on Tuesday!

[Vlade]

I might have to drive up to my local best buy to test one of these things out :)

[thegeek187]

awsome!

[Macette]

oh i want it i just want it soooo much please apple be shipping now pleeeaasssseeeee.

[although my reliable local apple reseller said to me today that while the two lower models are expected in Australian stores by the end of August, the 2ghzs probably won't see the light of day here until the END OF SEPTEMBER. it might just be the death of me.

[SeaFox]

Originally posted by iJon
uh huh sure. i have a feeling apple will ship 1 of every model to some store, just to say they kept their promise.
iJon

Duh. They aren't going to have the machine in stock to buy at the stores. Everyone who had a preorder in after the keynote will be pissed that you could get the G5 at the stores first.

They're going to ship demo units to every store so folks can put in orders like everyone else. Once the preorders are on their way, then they'll make it available to buy at the Apple Stores.

[mxpiazza]

i have a BTO dual preordered, and i'm still shipping on or before 8/29.... how about other people? anyone order a 1.6 or 1.8? what does yours say? i want mine now!

[Pinto]

Originally posted by mvc
w00t! Shake that aluminium booty baby! Now how long before they get to the bottom of the world so I can get one! :)

If by bottom of the world you mean "Down Under" then the official word today is 3rd or 4th week of August, in VERY limited quantities.

[iJon]

Originally posted by SeaFox
Duh. They aren't going to have the machine in stock to buy at the stores. Everyone who had a preorder in after the keynote will be pissed that you could get the G5 at the stores first.

They're going to ship demo units to every store so folks can put in orders like everyone else. Once the preorders are on their way, then they'll make it available to buy at the Apple Stores.
this month most stores will have some to sell, even if you didnt preorder, so people still do have a chance. demo models will usually come along with the first shipment. it all depends on how many apple ships and how many people put their name on a list at a reseller or whatever. but i have this tingly feeling inside apple is gonna pull a 17" powerbook move on us.

iJon

[wizard]

I don't know about you guys, but I think the writer was a bit optimistic about the 22 year olds. More likely some 15 year old wil spit out some app next year and we will all say "why didn't I think of that".

To be honest though I really want to see one of these machines up close. I might be able to convince myself to orde one as is instead of waiting for the improved models.

DAve

[yosoyjay]

iJon-
I think you should cite people when they are quoted.

[Mav451]

a lil bit OT, but i was just in the Compusa store in my area and for the VERY first time i saw an Apple Representative at Compusa, donned in a black "vintage" cap with the classic rainbow colored apple insignia on the front. Oh and an apple shirt of course.

I was just laughin to myself b/c the old man that the Apple rep was talking to really didn't care about the architectural differences or the manufacturing problems with motorola...

all the old man wanted to know was if he coudl move his old picture over from the G3, but the guy kept on talkin about the G5 and how it would be the fastest computer.

In the end, the old man settled on a 1ghz IMac (it's a beautiful screen - he said).

None, the less i remember wanting to ask him when Compusa would be getting the G5's, but when i turned around (usually end up playing around with stuff in the store) he had disappeared. They gotta be coming soon though--if the apple rep is an indication of things to come :)

[photohead]

this is some exciting news/? but who thinks I should wait untill the second round of G5's come out?? That has been the the word in the past....but now people are saying that it might be safe to buy one now?? comments ?? advice??

N

[Waluigi]

Originally posted by photohead
this is some exciting news/? but who thinks I should wait untill the second round of G5's come out?? That has been the the word in the past....but now people are saying that it might be safe to buy one now?? comments ?? advice??

N

I was going to wait til Rev. B, until my boss (who has worked with computers for 30 years, and knows everything about computers) decided to get one. If someone like him though it was safe to get a Rev. A, that was good enough for me.

I'd say GO FOR IT!

--Waluigi

[adamfilip]

id be pretty pissed if i ordered a g5 in june and then the apple store started selling units off the rack..

it just wouldnt seem fair..

[scem0]

if compUSA gets G5s I will be there in an instant to determine if I want a 1.8, 2Ghz, or wait for a rev b.

scem0

[mim]

I'm with mxpiazza...has anybody actually ordered a 1.6Ghz G5?

All I hear are people saying "my dual 2Ghz G5" etc etc.

Has anyone ordered a single proc box?

[adamfilip]

i ordered the 1.6

and there is norhing wrong with the 1.6

just imagine the g4 tower now with a 1.6 g5 and cool case and better IO..

its not as good as the 1.8 or dual 2.. but still a kick A$$ system

[arn]

macrumors article updated.

"Update: Our own reports indicate that PowerMacs were shipped out to stores on Saturday and are expected at most stores by mid-week. Stores will have limited supplies."

arn

[Waluigi]

Originally posted by arn
macrumors article updated.

"Update: Our own reports indicate that PowerMacs were shipped out to stores on Saturday and are expected at most stores by mid-week. Stores will have limited supplies."

arn

Any chance your sources know if any of the PowerMacs shipped to the stores were Dual 2GHz, or only 1.6's at 1.8's?

--Waluigi

[adamfilip]

Cool

wish there were Apple stores in Canada!

[Duff-Man]

Duff-Man says....I was in one of the local dealers stores (CompuSmart) last week and when I glanced by the Apple section the tag for the G5's said "available Aug 19" - we shall see...oh yeah!

[bobindashadows]

Originally posted by wizard
I don't know about you guys, but I think the writer was a bit optimistic about the 22 year olds. More likely some 15 year old wil spit out some app next year and we will all say "why didn't I think of that".

To be honest though I really want to see one of these machines up close. I might be able to convince myself to orde one as is instead of waiting for the improved models.

DAve
Sure, I'd love to, but what kind of app are we talking about? :lol: I didn't bother reading much of the article, but what kind of app are they talking about? Just some app which will actually use the 64 bits?

[SeaFox]

Originally posted by iJon
this month most stores will have some to sell, even if you didnt preorder, so people still do have a chance. demo models will usually come along with the first shipment. it all depends on how many apple ships and how many people put their name on a list at a reseller or whatever. but i have this tingly feeling inside apple is gonna pull a 17" powerbook move on us.
iJon

Heck, I'm expecting a 17, 15 and 12" move tomorrow. :D

Really, though. Why would Apple make the G5 available at (its own) stores before the preorders have all shipped (note that preorders taken now don't ship til Oct). If you can get a G5 first by simply showing up at the Apple Store the day they're released why would anyone bother preordering. I know sometimes stuff like this happens with third party resellers because of demand/shipment reasons. But to give store visitors the goods ahead of people who ordered months in advance certainly goes against the whole first come, first served deal.

[mxpiazza]

Originally posted by adamfilip
i ordered the 1.6

and there is norhing wrong with the 1.6

just imagine the g4 tower now with a 1.6 g5 and cool case and better IO..

its not as good as the 1.8 or dual 2.. but still a kick A$$ system
no one is dissin on your machine, all we want to know is if you ordered it from the apple store, when you ordered it, and what your shipping date is... help us out!

[arn]

[please no politically slanted comments, comments like that only degrade into pointless political debate]

[chetwilliams]

Originally posted by SeaFox
Heck, I'm expecting a 17, 15 and 12" move tomorrow. :D

If you can get a G5 first by simply showing up at the Apple Store the day they're released why would anyone bother preordering.
Every Apple Store has a waiting list for announced but non-shipped products. I would imagine that any G5 shipped to the stores was claimed many weeks ago. This happened with the 1Ghz PB when store pre-orders were fulfilled based on waiting lists (and before my Apple Developer Connection order by the way).

Personally, I think that if the stores are getting them this week then everything else is delayed. Why? Because stores should be getting pre-release or early-release to drive sales. Actual delivery would have to be a bit later.

[mxpiazza]

so it's basically a definite that some will be heading into stores this week. all i am saying, is that if someone can walk into microcenter or compusa and buy a dual g5 when i have been waiting for mine since 6/24, i am going to crap a brick, because that's just not fair, and it's not good buisness. i'll be the first one at the store to demo, but if i see someone walking out with a dual when the status of mine is still 'open', i'm going to be one rotten apple...

at least the browns picked holcomb.

[Aciddan]

Originally posted by cb911
well it's lunch time here in Australia now... I just went to a Apple reseller and they didn't have any G5's. now that I come to think of it... i don't even remember seeing any G5 posters or anything?:confused:

could this mean anything for the rumors of PowerBook updates on the 19th? would Apple release them now and have both the new PowerMacs and PowerBooks in the news?

d00d,

Infinite Systems has a G5 'Showing' on tonight - I.S. is on Charlotte Street - It's bookings only but you might be able to contact them to book a spot...

-- Dan, who is installing YDL tonight for father-in-law so can't go... :D

[chetwilliams]

Originally posted by mxpiazza
so it's basically a definite that some will be heading into stores this week. all i am saying, is that if someone can walk into microcenter or compusa and buy a dual g5 when i have been waiting for mine since 6/24, i am going to crap a brick, because that's just not fair, and it's not good buisness. i'll be the first one at the store to demo, but if i see someone walking out with a dual when the status of mine is still 'open', i'm going to be one rotten apple...

at least the browns picked holcomb.

If you ordered on the 24th who knows. The 23rd orders will get super precedence. I can see a situation where the 23rd orders go out 2 weeks before the 24th. Oh well. All we can do is hope for the best.

A little message for Apple:
" Please take my cash.
Spend it like Jobs at a vegetarian convention.
I want a G5.
So all the nerdy girls will love me. "

(Rhymes withheld at the behest of Steven P. Jobs)

[Wonder Boy]

Originally posted by photohead
this is some exciting news/? but who thinks I should wait untill the second round of G5's come out?? That has been the the word in the past....but now people are saying that it might be safe to buy one now?? comments ?? advice??

N

i say wait. ive had rev a imacs, and have had troouble, but my rev b ibook has worked great (knock on wood). with the implemention of a brand new processor, id let them worked the kinx out, no matter how suttle they are.

[sonicsessions]

I ordered a G5 the day of WWDC using an apple instant loan... and now when I go to check my Order Status @ Apple.com, I have a little message that says they had some problems with "credit card" and for me to check with my bank (ie, MBNA, the folks that handle Apple Loans). Long story short, they tried to charge my Apple Loan (and for some strange reason it didn't go through) as they will be shipping my G5 soon (assuming I can get this whole payment issue under control... whee... I know what I get to do tomorrow morning...)

[Lori]

Originally posted by Mav451
a lil bit OT, but i was just in the Compusa store in my area and for the VERY first time i saw an Apple Representative at Compusa, donned in a black "vintage" cap with the classic rainbow colored apple insignia on the front. Oh and an apple shirt of course.

I was just laughin to myself b/c the old man that the Apple rep was talking to really didn't care about the architectural differences or the manufacturing problems with motorola...

all the old man wanted to know was if he coudl move his old picture over from the G3, but the guy kept on talkin about the G5 and how it would be the fastest computer.

In the end, the old man settled on a 1ghz IMac (it's a beautiful screen - he said).

None, the less i remember wanting to ask him when Compusa would be getting the G5's, but when i turned around (usually end up playing around with stuff in the store) he had disappeared. They gotta be coming soon though--if the apple rep is an indication of things to come :)

CompUsa stores are fun for finding out info. I was standing around earlier talking w/some guys who were selling the Apples and some guy who was looking to buy one. Our lttl group all walked over to look at the g4 Powermac. The display looked like it was slowly being broken down.

So of course the question of, hey, why's it like this? came up. The Apple guys were like, oh, we're gonna be getting a g5 in soon.

They said that it's just as a display. They're not gonna have any to buy off the shelf...

I dunno how accurate or not that is, but seeing as there's tons of pre-orders that should prolly get served first, I'd say chances are it is.

So preorder ppl, don't worry...you'll be fine and have yours first :)

[fpnc]

One of my contacts at the local Apple store said that they expect to have their first demo G5 machines this week. She also said she didn't know whether they would have any they could actually sell. So, I think the demo machines will definitely show up this week, but machines for sale seem to still be questionable.

As far as the Apple Store pre-orders, while many of those will be the first to ship not all of the machines will go to the online Apple Store. To be fair to all of its retailers Apple must also ship some units to places like CompUSA. I suspect that the same goes for the walk-in Apple Stores, they will get an allotment of the first machines, even before all of the online orders ship. That's really the only fair way to do it, since the online store is really just another one of Apple's retailers (well, not really, but they have to appear to be fair to all of their channels).

[ITMediaCo]

The 19th should hopefully be a big day... Any word on new displays :-/

[BrandonRP0123]

The Apple Store nearest me (Valley Fair/Santa Clara, CA) was having props and various other retail display items being carted in today. When I asked a store clerk about it he just said ``it's for our up and coming product releases this week'' and wouldn't say any more.

When I inquired about G5 availability, he told me that the dual 2 wouldn't be in for awhile, but they would sell base-model only (for starters) G5 1.6s and 1.8s this week or next. When I asked for the definition of ``base model'' he said the base configurations only - ie they can't get their hands on the 400Mhz DDR RAM, and the parts to add on serial ATA drives, etc to sell machines with more RAM and drive than what Apple offers on the online apple store until the demand for pre-ordered G5s have been met.

Don't know how accurate this is. Take it with a grain of salt.

[esheep2001]

My guess is that the stores and resellers are going to get the 1.6 G5's to sell immediately. All the rest will have to be ordered.

If you think about it it makes a lot of sense as the 1.6's are probably the worst sellers from a pre-order point of view but may well sell better in an outlet for newcommers to apple.

Anyway, there's some good evidence for this at the dabs.com web site where the 1.6's are 3-4 days (none available immediately) but the rest are order only.

Check it out:

http://www.dabs.com/products/prod-search.asp?action=search&tid=242&mid=336&ob=manufacturer&obd=asc&stab=ref

e.

[negrito]

i preordered my g5 not at the online store but at the apple store around the corner. so it would be fair that apple ships the preorders to the respective stores and at the same time ship the preorders from the online store. in addition the stores get a demo machine but there won't be g5 that can be bought by people who didn't preorder.

i think this makes sense as the online delivery status says 'on or before 29.8.2003'...so 18th -21th to get the order out and about 3 to 7 days for delivery to your house or apple store. that would point to the 28th in worst case.

[Dahl]

I'm just happy they are shipping!

[adamfilip]

i ordered my 1.6 from the Apple Developer program in Canada, which is handeled by a special reseller. ordered it about a month ago.. last i called i was #40 in the Queue.. (when i started i was 200) but last i called last week. none had shipped

[tazznb]

Originally posted by alset
I'll believe it when I see it.

Dan


My sentiments exactly. No sense in getting my boxer shorts tied in a knot.

[PieMac]

At Amazon.com it says (in the check out process) that they are shipping 8/18 - TODAY!

[Ambrose Chapel]

from macminute:

August 18 - 08:45 EDT Apple today announced that it has begun shipping the two single processor models of its Power Mac G5, the world's fastest personal computer featuring the first 64-bit desktop processor and the industry's first 1 GHz front-side bus. The dual 2.0 GHz Power Mac G5 will ship late this month, as planned. Apple also announced that it has received orders for over 100,000 Power Mac G5s since its introduction on June 23.

[pdickins]

Apple have posted officially to say the G5 is shipping now.

http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2003/aug/18pmg5.html

[3-22]

They are shipping now! (but to who?)

[yoshi1013]

Let the mass flocking to Apple Stores begin!!! Mmmmm...

[jrv3034]

Gotta love the box it's shipping in. ;)

Drool, drool... :eek:

[Ambrose Chapel]

Originally posted by jrv3034
Gotta love the box it's shipping in.

heh apple probably spends more on box design than the wintel companies spend on their comp design. :D ;) :D

[Captnroger]

Originally posted by SeaFox
Duh. They aren't going to have the machine in stock to buy at the stores. Everyone who had a preorder in after the keynote will be pissed that you could get the G5 at the stores first.

That's silly, let's see:

I ordered a 15" iMac the minute they were available to order on Apple.com. I was able to pickup at my local apple store before my order even shipped.

I ordered a 17" iMac the minute they were available to order on Apple.com. Ditto - my apple store got them before my order shipped so I picked one up there.

Same story with the 17" Powerbook.

I suspect I'll have my new G5 this week! :D
They're going to ship demo units to every store so folks can put in orders like everyone else. Once the preorders are on their way, then they'll make it available to buy at the Apple Stores.

[Tim Flynn]

:) says it all

[macmax]

Originally posted by ITMediaCo
The 19th should hopefully be a big day... Any word on new displays :-/

it is a big day, it is my birthday!!!:D

[redcalx]

I wasnt as impressed with the box. I thought the box for the latest G4 was a lot nicer. It's hard sometimes to pull off a black background, especially when you're marketing somethingas modern looking as the G5..

Just me .02

Originally posted by jrv3034
Gotta love the box it's shipping in. ;)

Drool, drool... :eek:

[Lokii]

I just returned from the local Apple Store in Huntington, Long Island.

No G5s are in yet but they are expected within the next 24-36 hours. They will not be demo units only. These boxes will be on sale immediately.

[jrv3034]

Originally posted by redcalx
I wasnt as impressed with the box. I thought the box for the latest G4 was a lot nicer. It's hard sometimes to pull off a black background, especially when you're marketing somethingas modern looking as the G5...

I agree that the G4 MDD box was very stunning, probably more so than this one, but you can't help getting goosebumps just seeing the "G5" on the side...

[pbrennen]

i just configged a dual 2ghz, and the shipping date is 7-10 weeks.

[themadchemist]

Originally posted by howard
100,000 G5's on order?? holy crap...if that was for just 2000 an order that would be $200,000,000....right? wonder exactly how much profit they make on each machine.

I can't wait to see the quarterly earnings report.

[beware_phog]

Has anyone done a real-world comparison of the three different configuations? Essentially how much faster are each processor and video card??

[soggywulf]

Originally posted by Lokii
No G5s are in yet but they are expected within the next 24-36 hours. They will not be demo units only. These boxes will be on sale immediately.

Nice. Thanks for the update! I wonder if they will be able to custom-configure them right there at the store.

[Rocketman]

Originally posted by howard
100,000 G5's on order?? holy crap...if that was for just 2000 an order that would be $200,000,000....right? wonder exactly how much profit they make on each machine.

22-28% gross margin. Probably on the higher end at introduction.

Apple loves to whoard cash :)

Rocketman

[Rocketman]

Originally posted by adamfilip
id be pretty pissed if i ordered a g5 in june and then the apple store started selling units off the rack..

it just wouldnt seem fair..

You ordered a dual 2.0 and they will be displaying a very, very small number of dual 2's and single 1.8's and 1.6's and have a stack of 1.6's to deliver since almost everybody ordered 2.0's in advance.

Rocketman

[adamfilip]

wheres the box

i wanna see a pic or a link!!

[Dahl]

Go to Apples site. :)

[ZeppelinArmada]

I just returned from the Willow Bend Apple Store in Dallas(Plano), Tx. for personal confirmation and I discovered two things:
one: they have no G5s ( when I asked the clerk he through his hands in the air and said the he wished he knew when they were getting them and he hoped it was sooner rather than later)

two: the carmel sticky bun served at Stickybun is my pancreas's worst nightmare. I am serious, if you ever wanted to be Godzilla, eat one of these and go around breathing on diabetics, they will run in terror.

Excuse any typos the sugar is making me vibrate.

[yanges]

just go to the Apple site....

they have it on the front page....:D

[yanges]

here you go:

[zarrick]

Can anyone read or does anyone know what the bold white text says on the box that is just to the right of "Power Mac G5"

Zach

[yanges]

sorry

Apple has it in pieces

[Chealion]

Here's the picture together.

http://a772.g.akamai.net/7/772/51/0b8d71b2a319a7/www.apple.com/home/images/2003/08/G5shippingboxleft08172003.jpghttp://a1104.g.akamai.net/7/1104/51/cd44cf19b8c377/www.apple.com/home/images/2003/08/G5shippingboxright08172003.jpg (http://www.apple.com/powermac/)

[aikomhoch]

I too just returned from the Apple Store in Huntington, NY. I spoke with three different salesmen and got three different answers. What I did learn is as follows: 1) They definitely do not have any G5s in the store. The doorbell rang for the backdoor (receiving door) and two went running only to come back saying "nope, not yet." 2) they did not know the shipping date was today since one of them went on the website this morning to see if there were any updates, and was plesently surprised. 3) one of the salesman said that he believes that the 1.6 will be shipping this week and the 1.8s next week, but never said why he believes that. 4) One of the tech guys said that he thinks they'll be getting demos in first, then units for sale later in a week or so, and when I reminded him that they told me to get on their list because I'd get my unit the same time as website pre-orders, he said, yes, you'll get yours right away. Items 3 and 4 seem like speculation on the part of the employees, so a time of delivery is unknown, unfortunately.

I tend to think I'll have my 1.8 next week, but who knows? I do know that at this store I am the first on their list for a 1.8, and they confirmed that the procedure is a phone call, then I must go in with a credit card to pay in full, finalize my customizations, and leave the unit with them to do the work. With buying apple care, they'll install memory, upgrades, and all software I buy at the time, and I would come back two hours later to pick it up. I'm guessing that's SOP, but since someone asked above, I thought I'd add that.

[edenwaith]

Originally posted by howard
100,000 G5's on order?? holy crap...if that was for just 2000 an order that would be $200,000,000....right? wonder exactly how much profit they make on each machine.

I've read, that it can be as extreme as 75% of the total cost is profit for them. $500 to make the machine, $1500 for profit. However, take that with a huge grain of salt...that seems a little too over blown. Since I don't know what the true expenses and profits are, that is just what I read once. I'm repeating what I saw, not claiming as fact.

I just saw Apple's web site and noticed that the new PMs are now shipping. Kind of makes me wish I had ordered a new Mac, but I'm trying to keep it smart and not make totally unnecessary expenditures until I have everything and everyone paid off, THEN I can get a new Mac. Plus, I'm waiting for Panther to come out, so if I can get a PM w/ Panther, then I'll save myself a bit of money. Sorry, Apple, but I don't like this scheme of paying $130 for each .1 upgrade. Now, if there was a better upgrading scheme, then perhaps. I've purchased Mac OS X beta, 10.0, 10.1, and 10.2, it would be nice if I could get 10.3 at a reduced price.

[adamfilip]

thanks for posting the pic.. i went to apples site

called the canadian distributer for the Apple developer connection for hardware

they said they should have some in by end of month. but didnt know how many..

[Dahl]

Originally posted by aikomhoch
I too just returned from the Apple Store in Huntington, NY. I spoke with three different salesmen and got three different answers.
I wonder how smart or how much of a Machead you have to be to work in their stores, I have told them stuff, that they didn't know and I'm not really a nerd or anything ( but a Mac fan :D ). Maybe they are only allowed to say certain things, it sounds like it sometimes. Perhaps the guys in the genuis bars are the Mac gurus, I need to ask questions ?

[soggywulf]

Originally posted by aikomhoch
...then I must go in with a credit card to pay in full, finalize my customizations, and leave the unit with them to do the work. With buying apple care, they'll install memory, upgrades, and all software I buy at the time, and I would come back two hours later to pick it up. I'm guessing that's SOP, but since someone asked above, I thought I'd add that.

Thanks. That is indeed good news, as I don't want to wait two months while somebody in Liberia installs a 9800 video card in my 1.8. Can I ask what kind of upgrades you are getting in your machine?

[aikomhoch]

When I originally went to get on the list, they had me go through the ordering process on the apple store site, then print the specs that they then stapled to the list. I asked today if I could make changes, and they assured me that when I went in to pay, they would go over all of the upgrades again.

My plan is to upgrade the RAM to a gig, to add the airport card, the bluetooth card, and to upgrade the graphics card to the 9600 (I like to play games, but have no time, so I don't want to go overboard with a graphics card). Again, this is all for a 1.8.

[soggywulf]

Originally posted by aikomhoch
My plan is to upgrade the RAM to a gig, to add the airport card, the bluetooth card, and to upgrade the graphics card to the 9600 (I like to play games, but have no time, so I don't want to go overboard with a graphics card). Again, this is all for a 1.8.

Cool. That's pretty close to what I want with mine. I'll have to visit the local Apple Store and make sure they are getting those 9800s in stock at the same time. :)

[BrandonRP0123]

The average price between the three machines is 2499 (and this is ``base'' models only).

Multiply that by 100,000 and you've got 249 million. Now multiply that by 0.25 (assuming they're taking a 25% profit margin on the G5) and you've got yourself $62,475,000. That figure alone is more than Apple's earnings the past few quarters...

[two_tail]

Originally posted by aikomhoch
My plan is to upgrade the RAM to a gig, to add the airport card, the bluetooth card, and to upgrade the graphics card to the 9600

You'll have to make a small change to your idea. Bluetooth on the G5s takes the form of a chip directly attached to the motherboard. In order to add bluetooth after the computer is configured, you'll need to get an external bluetooth dongle.

Of course, you could get your hands on a bluetooth chip and put it in yourself, but you would probably void the warranty. At least it's easy enough to upgrade the AirPort card (be sure to get the external antenna attachment) and the RAM (don't forget to upgrade in pairs!). Have fun!

[ZeppelinArmada]

Does the little white text on the box say:
Power Mac G5: Kevlar bishop airplane
or is it just me?

[aikomhoch]

Originally posted by two_tail
You'll have to make a small change to your idea. Bluetooth on the G5s takes the form of a chip directly attached to the motherboard.

Thank you for your advice and corrections. What I meant was apple will be installing all of those items for me at the time of purchase, so I need not worry about the details so much. I thought the bluetooth was a card, but nonetheless, all I will say to them is "apple guy, please give this machine bluetooth."

As for the airport antennae, I have not seen that mentioned, though it makes sense given the antannae port in the back. Is that for sale by Apple? I will definitely want that.

[PieMac]

I thought I had read somewhere that the airport antenna, as well as the bluetooth antenna, was included.

[soggywulf]

Originally posted by two_tail
You'll have to make a small change to your idea. Bluetooth on the G5s takes the form of a chip directly attached to the motherboard.

Are you sure about this? Where did you get this information? Seems like this would be an unfortunate and needlessy limiting development, if true.

[soggywulf]

Originally posted by aikomhoch
As for the airport antennae, I have not seen that mentioned, though it makes sense given the antannae port in the back. Is that for sale by Apple? I will definitely want that.

Never fear. I am sure that the external antenna will be included if you order airport, since airport will basically not work at all inside that aluminum case.

[Captnroger]

two: the carmel sticky bun served at Stickybun is my pancreas's worst nightmare. I am serious, if you ever wanted to be Godzilla, eat one of these and go around breathing on diabetics, they will run in terror.

Excuse any typos the sugar is making me vibrate.That was seriously funny dude! :D

[SeaFox]

Originally posted by zarrick
Can anyone read or does anyone know what the bold white text says on the box that is just to the right of "Power Mac G5"

Zach

I bet it's all those little pictoral handling instructions. Ya kow, the this-end-up icon, fragile, do not stack more than X high, keep out of moisture, ect. That's where they are on many cartons.

Edit: Whoops, I thought you meant the BIG G5.

[two_tail]

Originally posted by soggywulf
Are you sure about this? Where did you get this information? Seems like this would be an unfortunate and needlessy limiting development, if true.

Here the reference: "THE POWER MAC G5: AN INSIDE LOOK". Macworld. September 2003. Page 63. It is not currently available on the web.

(G) AIRPORT'S HANGAR The G5's optional $99 AirPort Extreme card goes in this slot. If you don't want to buy one right away, you can install it yourself later-unlike the G5's Bluetooth module, which is attached to the motherboard and can't be added after purchase. For both AirPort and Bluetooth to function, you'll also need to attach the included external antennas to the back of the tower.

As for the restriction, it doesn't suprise me. If I remember correctly, every time Apple has offered Bluetooth as an internal option, it was never available as an add-later option, like AirPort.

Of course, I don't have proof of this, but I do have this: Apple provides AirPort as a build-to-order option on systems that can support it. In addition, Apple provides AirPort cards for those systems as an individual item that you can purchase and install yourself. In addition, you do not see third-party 802.11b/a/g cards offered for sale on Apples site.

Now look at Bluetooth. Apple provides Bluetooth as a build-to-order option on systems that can support it. However, Apple does not provide this as an individual item that you can purchase yourself. Instead, Apple offers a third-party USB Bluetooth device for sale on their site.

With this information, I would guess that, for whatever reason, Apple's Bluetooth build-to-order option installs equipment that can not be installed by a user (and by that I mean a home user).

[themadchemist]

When I heard this news here, the first thing I did was call the Southpoint, NC, store. I was ready to make the 2.5 hour drive to go check these babies out.

Alas, Southpoint said it didn't have 'em yet...Later this week, as Macrumors said (contrary to NY Times reports, but why should we be surprised?). I'm going to go Friday instead. Hopefully, the G5s will be there.

[themadchemist]

Originally posted by edenwaith
I've read, that it can be as extreme as 75% of the total cost is profit for them. $500 to make the machine, $1500 for profit. However, take that with a huge grain of salt...that seems a little too over blown. Since I don't know what the true expenses and profits are, that is just what I read once. I'm repeating what I saw, not claiming as fact.

I just saw Apple's web site and noticed that the new PMs are now shipping. Kind of makes me wish I had ordered a new Mac, but I'm trying to keep it smart and not make totally unnecessary expenditures until I have everything and everyone paid off, THEN I can get a new Mac. Plus, I'm waiting for Panther to come out, so if I can get a PM w/ Panther, then I'll save myself a bit of money. Sorry, Apple, but I don't like this scheme of paying $130 for each .1 upgrade. Now, if there was a better upgrading scheme, then perhaps. I've purchased Mac OS X beta, 10.0, 10.1, and 10.2, it would be nice if I could get 10.3 at a reduced price.

You're right when you guess that this is overblown. Apple's profit margins have come down significantly in the past several years, but even at their most bloated stage, I am positive that they were never at 75%.

[slightly]

Can anyone read or does anyone know what the bold white text says on the box that is just to the right of "Power Mac G5"

Zach


It's something "...desktop computer" - perhaps "Apple", "Pro" or "Power"? It *looks* like "Jar-Jar", but I hope that's not right....

Matt

[iJon]

i will confirm this for the people all wondering. on any mac where bluetooth is an option, you ahve to get it done at the time of ordering, you cna never add it in the future unless you want something goign on the outside. it is a usb bluetooth adapter that is soldered to the motherboard. ill even post the tech note about it but it isnt necessary or debatable, unless apple installed it, your gonna have to get an external.

iJon

[Dahl]

Originally posted by slightly
It's something "...desktop computer" - perhaps "Apple", "Pro" or "Power"? It *looks* like "Jar-Jar", but I hope that's not right....

Matt
I think I can make it out, it says "developers developers developers"

[GroundLoop]

looks like it says "Fastest Desktop Computer"....

Hickman

[soggywulf]

Originally posted by two_tail
With this information, I would guess that, for whatever reason, Apple's Bluetooth build-to-order option installs equipment that can not be installed by a user (and by that I mean a home user).

Yeah, you must be right. This is pretty lame. :( Yet another possible cause for delays.

[two_tail]

Originally posted by zarrick
Can anyone read or does anyone know what the bold white text says on the box that is just to the right of "Power Mac G5"


Macbidouille.com shows a picture on their site ([English (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/tr?lp=fr_en&Submit=Translate&url=http:%2F%2Fwww.macbidouille.com%2Fniouzcontenu.php?date=2003-08-18#6380) via Babelfish (http://babelfish.altavista.com/)][Français (http://www.macbidouille.com/niouzcontenu.php?date=2003-08-18#6380)])

Looking really close, I would guess that it says "64-bit personal computer" or "64-bit desktop computer".

The first word is probably 64-bit. The spacing between the two parts of the word (64 and bit) is smaller than the spacing between the other words.

Assuming that the first word is 64-bit, then the last word is probably computer, since they normally go together. The middle word would then have to be a word appropriate, probably personal or desktop.

[GroundLoop]

Originally posted by two_tail
Looking really close, I would guess that it says "64-bit personal computer" or "64-bit desktop computer".


I would have to agree. It does say "64-bit Desktop Computer"

Hickman

[iJon]

Originally posted by soggywulf
Yeah, you must be right. This is pretty lame. :( Yet another possible cause for delays.
why would that cause a delay, its been like this for about a year now with the powermacs, powerbooks, and imacs.

iJon

[tribalogical]

G5 Now Shipping!

see http://www.apple.com

at last, the wait is (almost) over....

peace,

tribalogical

[daveL]

Originally posted by tribalogical
G5 Now Shipping!

see http://www.apple.com

at last, the wait is (almost) over....

peace,

tribalogical
Thanks for the news :-!

[ITMediaCo]

Originally posted by daveL
Thanks for the news :-!

Time difference... man

[adamfilip]

wow thanks.. without your prompt news delivery i would have never found out..:rolleyes:

[soggywulf]

Originally posted by iJon
why would that cause a delay, its been like this for about a year now with the powermacs, powerbooks, and imacs.

I think this sort of thing is the reason BTO machines have later shipping dates than stock systems. If all BTO options were user-serviceable additions, then Apple could simply ship stock systems to all their dealers, and have them install all the goodies.

[ColoJohnBoy]

Damn. I might have to ditch a class or two and head to one of the Apple stores out here.

I just want to touch one. That's all.

Just a touch.

[Parikh1234]

Has anyone been to an apple store that can confirm they saw them on display?

[KCK]

Originally posted by Parikh1234
Has anyone been to an apple store that can confirm they saw them on display?

The Apple store in Walnut Creek CA didn't have any G5s as of this morning

[steveg56]

Junior Cadet

Group: Agents
Posts: 1
Location:
Joined: Aug. 2003



Posted: Aug. 19 2003,17:36



I just went to the Stanford University bookstore and they
have 30-40 G5 boxes on the floor. Both 1.6Ghz and 1.8Ghz.

[simX]

Originally posted by steveg56
Junior Cadet

Group: Agents
Posts: 1
Location:
Joined: Aug. 2003



Posted: Aug. 19 2003,17:36



I just went to the Stanford University bookstore and they
have 30-40 G5 boxes on the floor. Both 1.6Ghz and 1.8Ghz.

Ha! I would *SERIOUSLY* doubt that. The Stanford University bookstore usually gets things in late -- I decided to buy my 17" G4 iMac from the Apple Store rather than the Stanford Bookstore because of the delays.

In any case, I ride my bike right by there every day, so I'll stop in today (in about an hour or so) and I'll let you guys know. If they're in, I'm going to be seriously going nuts. ;)

[prajnaparamita]

at least their web site said
they are available..

[VIREBEL661]

Originally posted by Freg3000
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/18/technology/18NECO.html

The New York Times is saying that Apple has 100,000 G5 orders and that the machines will start appearing in stores today, with the Adobe plugin available tuesday.

:)

So $2000 (min) times 100,000 G5's is, um, $200,000,000 :eek:

SERIOUS cash - and you know a lot of those orders are for the Duals, a LOT more expensive!

[VIREBEL661]

Originally posted by howard
100,000 G5's on order?? holy crap...if that was for just 2000 an order that would be $200,000,000....right? wonder exactly how much profit they make on each machine.

WOOPS - sorry Howard, my bad - I didn't read all the posts before posting! My bad...

[simX]

So, apparently, when Apple said G5s are "shipping", they really meant "shipping", and not "a G5 has shipped to an Apple Store so we can say they're shipping".

The Stanford Bookstore does indeed have 40 (I counted them :) ) unopened G5 boxes in the store, put in plain view on the top floor when you walk in. Unfortunately, they probably just got them, because the only PowerMac on display was a lowly G4 MDD model. :(

Guess who's going to stop in tomorrow morning and maybe tomorrow afternoon to check out the G5s? :) (Hopefully they'll have opened one by then.)

Also, a brief note on the packaging: Apple does a really good job, since those G5 boxes really seal that RDF tight inside. ;) The boxes don't look nearly as awesome on the outside as Apple.com makes them out to be. :\

[steveg56]

Pretty please I got you over there to be one of the first people to see a G5 Box, that's got to be good for something.

[tribalogical]

Originally posted by daveL
Thanks for the news :-!

Heyyy-ZEUS! Sorry to you and all....

I got so "wet myself" excited, I just jumped in and shouted it out... (didn't see the mention on the top page at first, and only later discovered the ARN post a few articles down-screen...)

I didn't mean to be an annoyance...

And yes, I'm way off the time-zone here in Tokyo... Still, next time I'll contain my excitement and scrutinize the articles/posts more carefully first...

Just don't try and take away from my JOY, man! :)

(I've been waiting years for a Mac like this....)

peace,

tribalogical

[panphage]

Darn, here's the thread I was looking for. The Glendale Galleria Apple Store has at least two G5's. Or one G5 and one G5 case. There was a G5 (or it's case) in the window today, and a tech was setting up another G5 as a demo unit. The mall was closing and stupid people kept interrupting him to help them with their stupid problems when any loser could see he was BUSY! Let the man get that G5 configured! Ah well, I can go play with it tomorrow.

[big]

Huntsville has G5's!

[Kid Red]

Orlando has a 1.6 G5 display so I got to play on it some :)