Poll: Do you think Apple will release updated PowerBooks at Apple Expo? [Archive]

Powerbook G5

Sep 12, 2003, 12:06 AM

The PowerBook situation is getting to the point where if I were to die tomorrow and I stood before the gates of Heaven, instead of asking the meaning of life or why we were put on the earth, I'd ask straight up "Just when will those PowerBooks be released?" Unfortunately, the powers of Heaven will shrug their shoulders and simply say "When Hell freezes over". Coincidentally, it is rumored that Hell may indeed freeze over next Tuesday around 3 am ET.

Wonder Boy

Sep 12, 2003, 12:07 AM

I voted no. I think they will announce them, but not release them at the expo.

shadowfax

Sep 12, 2003, 12:33 AM

this is so insanely out of hand. it's been so long, they may as well wait longer. but i think this is the day :)

Ramsos

Sep 12, 2003, 12:34 AM

Keep hope alive! Yes I believe we will.;)

Waluigi

Sep 12, 2003, 12:38 AM

Too little too late. I really could care less at this point.

--Waluigi

esheep2001

Sep 12, 2003, 01:06 AM

When SJ said 'this is the year of the notebook' what he meant to say was 'this is the year of _THESE_ notebooks'.

In other words he's going for a 12 month upgrade cycle on the current notebooks and will release new ones next Jan.

;-)

e.

Chealion

Sep 12, 2003, 01:08 AM

I'm sick of waiting. Will they be released? No. Do I need one anymore? No. Will I avoid these new G4 laptops? Yes. Am I saving up for a G5 to as my way as a consumer give Motorola the finger? Yes.

stefman

Sep 12, 2003, 01:11 AM

I really hope so!

I have decided that if no PB's are announced on Tuesday, Wednesday I'll pick up a 17" PB (the current ones).

I'm tired of waiting for every Tuesday to come along and get disappointed.

I'm fairly sure the G5 PB's are not coming now so I'll just buy what's available on Wednesday.

Anna

Sep 12, 2003, 02:08 AM

I voted yes but it will be a bit of an anticlimax coz we have been waiting soooo long for it

Nermal

Sep 12, 2003, 02:11 AM

I think Apple would be crazy to not release them. Having said that, I think they're crazy for not releasing them already. Wait and see I suppose.

ZildjianKX

Sep 12, 2003, 02:57 AM

Originally posted by Chealion
I'm sick of waiting. Will they be released? No. Do I need one anymore? No. Will I avoid these new G4 laptops? Yes. Am I saving up for a G5 to as my way as a consumer give Motorola the finger? Yes.

Well said, my feelings exactly. They've waited so long, who cares about a G4 laptop anymore. How dissapointing, G5 tower hear I come.

Jerry Spoon

Sep 12, 2003, 03:02 AM

Originally posted by Wonder Boy
I voted no. I think they will announce them, but not release them at the expo.

But didn't the question read, "announce"?

Voted yes. Every rumor site has given announcement dates that have come and gone, so who cares if I'm wrong too.;)

Porshuh944turbo

Sep 12, 2003, 04:02 AM

i could really use a laptop, and a new 15.x something would be nice, but even a 1.25ghz seems so unexciting right now... geez... unless it's a huge surprise about something no one was expecting... (g5 ahem) then i don't think i'll get it... just too lack-luster...

even though i might sucker in just for the backlit keyboard....

give me g5 pleeeeeeeaaaaaasssssssseeeeeeee.....

ya right...

(voted no)

Chaszmyr

Sep 12, 2003, 04:34 AM

I tend to never be over-optimistic when it comes to Apple product updates... But Apple knows how long consumers have been waiting, and while it is unlikely, I would say a G5 powerbook or a dual G4 powerbook is still within the question.

KAKOsc

Sep 12, 2003, 05:01 AM

Eh, as I said in the new iMac forum, it'll take Apple another half a year to design a G5 powerbook. They've probably already got everything all ready to go, but they have to make it look good. Not that I'm being bitter at all with this, half the good of owning an Apple is inviting people over to perv on it.
I dont think the argument should be when the G5 pb will be released (yes i realise that the poll was about a new pb, not the g5, but anyway) but what it will look like. Will they go with the brushed stainless steel, titanium or aluminium or go with something new and original? Personally, i would like to see a powerbook made out of some shiny black substance, i dont really care for weight specs. When i say shiny black, i mean shiny, shiny, deep deep black. And some well placed small, coloured LED lights around the outside and inside that flash in a random sequence would look very cool aswell. Hopefully something original. The whole brushed metal, as nice as it looks, just couldnt do for a new G5 powerbook.
Who's with me?
What does everyone here think the G5 powerbook will look like?

Chaszmyr

Sep 12, 2003, 05:21 AM

Unfortunately, when dealing with something as small as a powerbook there are only so many options for a functional appearance...

KAKOsc

Sep 12, 2003, 06:07 AM

I think Apple is going to have to change the design of the powerbook pretty drastically simply because, from what Ive heard, the G5 processor creates an enormous amount of heat. Maybe a gap of like 2 cm above all the components of the laptop with a fan on the 'roof' and slits on the side of the base will be required.
Anyway, a) I wasnt implying any massive design change, just a different material, colour, etc. and b) who said anything about functional design?

Golem

Sep 12, 2003, 06:24 AM

G4 Powerbooks yes but not G5 powerbooks. Besides even if they announced a G5 laptop on the 16th and I ordered it that next day I doubt I would get 1 in my hands this year!

But i do believe a 1.25 or 1.3 G4 is on the cards and I will finally make up for my mistake of thinking "hmmm its april a new 15'' cant be that far away I will wait before ordering":(

Centris 650

Sep 12, 2003, 06:34 AM

I voted YES. So as you can see I've got my rose colored glasses on. Yep, They'll be anounced Tuesday AND they'll be a G5 AND they'll only be $10.95. Ahhhh I love my rose colored world... mmmmmmmmmm.

DISCLAIMER:
The above was stated as sarcasm. Should you be sarcasm unaware then please do not take the above statement as the posters true feelings. Though he did vote yes on the poll he does not think nor have any inside information that the G5s will be released in the powerbooks this product cycle. Nor does he think they will cost $10.95. If you did believe the poster thought all these things were true you really need to lighten up and go buy a 15" powerbook.

cwedl

Sep 12, 2003, 07:12 AM

I couldn't wait any longer, I had to order a 12" powerbook I don't have a computer at the moment that I can take with me to university, so I had to order one.

I don't care if they upgrade any time soon, I am happy with the specs of the existing 12" powerbooks, and do not need any more power, I know that it would be nice to have waited for the better specs, but at the end of the day, if you need something you have to buy it.

Lord Bodak

Sep 12, 2003, 07:35 AM

Originally posted by cwedl
I couldn't wait any longer, I had to order a 12" powerbook I don't have a computer at the moment that I can take with me to university, so I had to order one.

I don't care if they upgrade any time soon, I am happy with the specs of the existing 12" powerbooks, and do not need any more power, I know that it would be nice to have waited for the better specs, but at the end of the day, if you need something you have to buy it.

Same here. I ordered mine on Wednesday. I kept saying "one more Tuesday, one more Tuesday" (of course, it was easier to wait when I was still saving money), but I am tired of waiting.

Powerbook G5

Sep 12, 2003, 08:29 AM

Originally posted by KAKOsc
Eh, as I said in the new iMac forum, it'll take Apple another half a year to design a G5 powerbook. They've probably already got everything all ready to go, but they have to make it look good. Not that I'm being bitter at all with this, half the good of owning an Apple is inviting people over to perv on it.
I dont think the argument should be when the G5 pb will be released (yes i realise that the poll was about a new pb, not the g5, but anyway) but what it will look like. Will they go with the brushed stainless steel, titanium or aluminium or go with something new and original? Personally, i would like to see a powerbook made out of some shiny black substance, i dont really care for weight specs. When i say shiny black, i mean shiny, shiny, deep deep black. And some well placed small, coloured LED lights around the outside and inside that flash in a random sequence would look very cool aswell. Hopefully something original. The whole brushed metal, as nice as it looks, just couldnt do for a new G5 powerbook.
Who's with me?
What does everyone here think the G5 powerbook will look like?

I would hate that! My roommate has an HP laptop that has nearly a dozen blue, orange, and yellow lights all over and at night it lights up the room and drives me insane with all of this random blinking.

brhmac

Sep 12, 2003, 09:15 AM

Too little too late. I really could care less at this point.

Couldn't agree more. A G4 PowerBook @ 1.25 when you KNOW the G5 book is coming inside of 12 months is not a compelling buy unless you:

a. don't have a laptop and want an Apple at any cost
b. have a lost/stolen/broken laptop and want an Apple at any cost
c. drink so deeply from the Apple Kool-Aid that you'll buy any Apple laptop at any cost
d. stand so close to Jobs' distortion field that you'll buy any Apple at any cost

Don't mean to sound bitter, really, I don't. :cool: Six months ago, and I would have been among the first in line to buy one of these books.

Now? My G3 PB is running fine and keeps getting better with age. If Cupertino expects me to show them the money, they need to show me the G5.

wdlove

Sep 12, 2003, 10:14 AM

I voted yes thinking that this would be the time to announce at least an updated 15" PowerBook! Agree with many others that Steve will not be announcing a G5 PowerBook!

bograt

Sep 12, 2003, 10:58 AM

Hope = yes
Think = no

amin

Sep 12, 2003, 11:17 AM

We've got an optimistic group here I see, with the vast majority of folks voting "yes." Personally, I like the fact that Apple takes a long time between releases. I don't buy new laptops more than once per year, so I don't want them to ocme out more than once a year. I far prefer this method to Sony, for example, which just announced 43 new VAIOs!

alset

Sep 12, 2003, 12:10 PM

Actually, I think they will announce that they hate their customers and have decided not to make laptops anymore. The AI was just a tease to generate more demand before taking them away. Users will rush the Apple Stores to buy the last remaining 'Books, but employees will guard them with riot gear. The economy will collapse and Mac users everywhere will run like lemmings over cliffs. Someone will have the bright idea of filming it and it will become a great spoof of the old "Lemmings" business commercial when Apple finally announces software to compete with M$ Office.

Dan

ozlow

Sep 12, 2003, 02:06 PM

I found this on the Art & Visual Technology Site (http://www.avt.gmu.edu/Sys.htm)

It says the following...
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ!

As of 9/1/2003, Apple Computer has yet to release the date they will offer the G5 laptop models.

Please visit www.apple.com for more information regarding this. As soon as it is possible, AVT and Apple will have the special pricing available.

Apple Computer and AVT have arranged for outstanding pricing on a range of systems! Please open or download the AppleAVT agreement PDF document for more details. If you do not have the Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can download it here.

ozlow

Sep 12, 2003, 02:09 PM

Apple Titanium G4 Laptop Specifications:

Due to the upcoming release of the new Apple G5, the Patriot Computer Store is still offering pricing for the G4 models. This page will be updated with news about the G5 pricing as soon as it becomes available. System specifications will also be announced at that time.

Apple has not yet announced when it will release laptop models outfitted with the G5 processor and configuration. However, the G5 desktop is available for purchase at this time.

brucku

Sep 12, 2003, 02:31 PM

Is it possible we can see a hd increase? Do 80 or 120 gb laptop drives exist? perhaps made by the same manufacturer that make the current powerbook's hd?

MacFan25

Sep 12, 2003, 03:39 PM

It is definitley time for an update, and I think that come Tuesday, we will see new Powerbooks. :)

Snowy_River

Sep 12, 2003, 03:51 PM

Originally posted by brucku
Is it possible we can see a hd increase? Do 80 or 120 gb laptop drives exist? perhaps made by the same manufacturer that make the current powerbook's hd?

80GB drives exist. I'm planning on upgrading my 12" to 80GB at some point. Just have to decide when I want to spend the money...

Oh, and I voted 'no' because, based on track record so far, that's the safest bet.... ;)

brhmac

Sep 12, 2003, 03:51 PM

scem0

Sep 12, 2003, 07:17 PM

I said yes, but I'm really not sure.

It was pretty much a slightly educated guess. :)

scem0

Rocketman

Sep 12, 2003, 08:29 PM

Originally posted by Macrumors
Vote: Poll: Do you think Apple will announce updated PowerBooks at Apple Expo? (http://www.macpolls.com/?poll_id=273)

Steve in person is my basis.

He is certainly using his juice to promote the new PMG5 which is the product of the moment, but the PB is his baby and his baby was late due to Moto (which has to irk him no end).

I would not rule out a XSG5 release as well. But the 15" PB in particular is such a black eye right now, the very first moment it is practical, it will happen.

My third choice is a dual 1.8 PM.

Rocketman

cb911

Sep 13, 2003, 12:34 AM

i had to vote yes. mainly just so i don't lose hope and give up completely.

but if PowerBooks don't come at Paris... then i'll take that to mean that they're just waiting for G5 PBs (that is if the G5 isn't in the new PB's announced at Paris ;) ) and just buy a second hand 1GHz TiBook.

edenwaith

Sep 13, 2003, 12:50 AM

Originally posted by Rocketman
Steve in person is my basis.

I would say that is a good point, but it has not always shown that something new and exciting was happening. There have been some of the non-U.S. trade shows where he pretty much just reiterated old material. However, during a Macworld in Japan, he did reveal the polka-dot iMacs with CD burners in them, finally solving the problem of iMacs with no writable drives.

I guess we'll have to wait and see. :)

mkaake

Sep 13, 2003, 12:45 PM

Originally posted by edenwaith
I would say that is a good point, but it has not always shown that something new and exciting was happening. There have been some of the non-U.S. trade shows where he pretty much just reiterated old material. However, during a Macworld in Japan, he did reveal the polka-dot iMacs with CD burners in them, finally solving the problem of iMacs with no writable drives.

I guess we'll have to wait and see. :)

polka dot?! polka dot??

that's blue dalmation thank you very much!

:o)

or wait, it may have been the flower power one...

hmm...

p.s. - i don't have one. although for a while my desktop pic was th blue dalmation one...

matt

tazo

Sep 13, 2003, 02:16 PM

at this point I don't even care if they are updated; maybe 5 months ago when the 'tuesday' rumors started I would, but as of now it just seems like a cancer spreading amongst macrumors.

Phil Of Mac

Sep 13, 2003, 02:24 PM

Originally posted by KAKOsc
I think Apple is going to have to change the design of the powerbook pretty drastically simply because, from what Ive heard, the G5 processor creates an enormous amount of heat.

The G5 is not significantly hotter than the G4 at low frequencies.

Originally posted by amin
We've got an optimistic group here I see, with the vast majority of folks voting "yes." Personally, I like the fact that Apple takes a long time between releases. I don't buy new laptops more than once per year, so I don't want them to ocme out more than once a year. I far prefer this method to Sony, for example, which just announced 43 new VAIOs!

Don't you remember that there were rumors as early as July saying that Paris would be where we'd see the next PowerBooks?

neutrino23

Sep 13, 2003, 02:41 PM

Originally posted by amin
... Personally, I like the fact that Apple takes a long time between releases. ...

I agree, Apple should release major changes once a year and minor upgrades six months after. And they should fix the date in advance. This way customers can plan ahead how to budget for their purchases. This still lets Apple surprise the world with new designs.

Phil Of Mac

Sep 13, 2003, 02:48 PM

Why don't you just buy once a year and then pretend Apple doesn't come out with a new model until next year? I want Apple to innovate as quickly as possible. Enough with this damn stagnation.

coumerelli

Sep 13, 2003, 10:28 PM

Originally posted by ozlow
I found this on the Art & Visual Technology Site (http://www.avt.gmu.edu/Sys.htm)

It says the following...
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ!

As of 9/1/2003, Apple Computer has yet to release the date they will offer the G5 laptop models.

Please visit www.apple.com for more information regarding this. As soon as it is possible, AVT and Apple will have the special pricing available.

Apple Computer and AVT have arranged for outstanding pricing on a range of systems! Please open or download the AppleAVT agreement PDF document for more details. If you do not have the Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can download it here.

and...

Originally posted by ozlow
Apple Titanium G4 Laptop Specifications:

Due to the upcoming release of the new Apple G5, the Patriot Computer Store is still offering pricing for the G4 models. This page will be updated with news about the G5 pricing as soon as it becomes available. System specifications will also be announced at that time.

Apple has not yet announced when it will release laptop models outfitted with the G5 processor and configuration. However, the G5 desktop is available for purchase at this time.

"O.K....O.K....O.K." I noticed in there also, there was a phone number if you had any questions....so...did you call? :D :D :D

punter

Sep 14, 2003, 07:18 AM

Originally posted by Phil Of Mac
Why don't you just buy once a year and then pretend Apple doesn't come out with a new model until next year? I want Apple to innovate as quickly as possible. Enough with this damn stagnation.

Damn right! too many people chuck a sook (cry) when their machines are outdated. It's just as fast as it was when you bought it!

This is technology people. Even your new g5 won't be that great in a few years time (perhaps even by halfway through next year!).

If you're buying this stuff to have the latest and greatest so you look the coolest, then maybe you should hire/rent/lease.

wdlove

Sep 14, 2003, 03:09 PM

Maybe Steve is in Europe to announce the European iTunes Music Store. Would be nice if a Windows version would be announced at the same time, because of 95% market share.

Besides announcing a 15" PowerBook and the release date of Panther. Would really like to see the Cinema Display update to compliment the G5!

Perceptes

Sep 14, 2003, 05:11 PM

Why is it that half the time I click on the link to the poll from the main page, it says I've already voted, even if I haven't? I use Safari, does this happen to anyone else?

coumerelli

Sep 14, 2003, 05:19 PM

Originally posted by Perceptes
Why is it that half the time I click on the link to the poll from the main page, it says I've already voted, even if I haven't? I use Safari, does this happen to anyone else?

Nope, it never has. And I vote pretty often.

Sorry :rolleyes:

Phil Of Mac

Sep 14, 2003, 06:24 PM

Originally posted by Perceptes
Why is it that half the time I click on the link to the poll from the main page, it says I've already voted, even if I haven't? I use Safari, does this happen to anyone else?

Yeah, sometimes Safari doesn't let me log in to my blog, either. Safari's just weird. Just hit Reset Safari and it'll fix it.

Tommy Wasabi

Sep 14, 2003, 07:58 PM

On good source.

No keyboard on the new 15" = there's a bluetooth connector that attaches to your ear and the damn things KNOWS what to do.

Take that Microsoft!

<grin>

TW

wdlove

Sep 15, 2003, 08:26 PM

Well we are just 6 hours from knowing for sure what Steve has in store for us Mac fans. Steve should be getting up in just about 3 hours for his big day. Can't wait to see him in his turtle neck and blue jeans. Hopefully the Quicktime will be available via apple.com! If it's from Macrumors Forum, IE causes my G4 to freeze up!