New Powerbook Manufacturer in Q4 - New Model Coming?

[Ash]

From a Hoover's Online article (http://hoovnews.hoovers.com/fp.asp?layout=displaynews&doc_id=NR20020522670.2_3e2e0059220b921a) that was linked from MacSurfer:

"Compal recently beat out Quanta to win orders for Powerbook notebook PCs from Apple Computer, with deliveries to begin in the fourth quarter. "

Do you think the new manufacturer would signify a completely new Powerbook model in October, November, or December? It would probably make sense financially to set up a new assembly line only for a new model. Otherwise, it'd be cheaper to stick with Quanta. The 4th quarter timeframe would make sense, since that would be a 6-8 month delay between the recent revision released on April 29.

(I'm assuming they are manufacturing the TiBooks with Quanta now; I know that's who is producing the iMacs.)

- Ash

[OSeXy!]

Hmmm. I don't know who makes the Ti now, either...

But it looks like Apple has signed a new contract with this Compal (who is either taking over from Quanta, or out-bid them for this new contract?) to make PowerBooks.

I guess this could mean that Apple is ramping up production and needs to add a new supplier to meet expected demand or, as you speculate, Apple needs a new supplier to make a new model... Interesting.

[Mr. Anderson]

Originally posted by Ash

Do you think the new manufacturer would signify a completely new Powerbook model in October, November, or December? It would probably make sense financially to set up a new assembly line only for a new model. Otherwise, it'd be cheaper to stick with Quanta.

Its a reasonable explanation, but its also a very competetive industry, so some companies might be willing to layout a little extra money to get up to speed if the contracts big enough.

Not that I wouldn't love to see a new model TiPB.:D

[eyelikeart]

Originally posted by dukestreet
Not that I wouldn't love to see a new model TiPB.:D

of course...I'm still trying to figure out how they are going to outdo the current TiBook...

it cannot possibly be anything similar to what we have now or will it?!

[Hemingray]

Originally posted by eyelikeart
I'm still trying to figure out how they are going to outdo the current TiBook...

it cannot possibly be anything similar to what we have now or will it?!

As long as it packs the punch! I'd still love to see an iodized (sp?) blue one. I would definitely buy!

[icetraxxg5]

Originally posted by Hemingray


As long as it packs the punch! I'd still love to see an iodized (sp?) blue one. I would definitely buy!

I have many nitro R/C trucks and all I can tell you is that iodized parts scratch EASY, I would NEVER buy a notebook computer like that!

You must be crazy. :rolleyes:

[eyelikeart]

wouldn't that be "anodized" metal....not iodized (treated with salt?!)... ;)

[gbojim]

(I'm assuming they are manufacturing the TiBooks with Quanta now; I know that's who is producing the iMacs.)


I don't think Apple is currently outsourcing TiBook production. I bought 2 new TiBooks which I received last week. The shipment was delayed by 2 days, and an Apple rep phoned to tell me about the delay which was caused by a shipment of LCD screens arriving at their facility 2 days late. The units definitely shipped from the US.

[blackpeter]

I agree. It's tough to improve on the current design, but if there's anyone who can do it - it's Apple.

[madamimadam]

Originally posted by eyelikeart
wouldn't that be "anodized" metal....not iodized (treated with salt?!)... ;)

Good call... hehehehe

[SPG]

I thought iodized was something they did to salt to make it table salt, like adding something like iodine? Don't ask me though, Chem was a 8am lecture...zzzzzzzzzzz

[SPG]

Answering my own question, I quote the Salt Institute:

Salt producers are a key element in combating Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) today throughout the world.

David Marine (1880-1976) is the "father" of iodized salt in the United States. As the result of his and co-workers research on endemic goiter and iodine deficiency, the Michigan State Medical Society, in 1924, launched a goiter prevention program using iodized salt.* Medical science since has identified a far more serious threat than the cosmetic problem of goiter -- mental retardation.* The "hidden hunger" of iodine deficiency causes a 10-15% reduction in a population's IQ capability, mental retardation and cretinism.

In the United States, salt producers cooperated with public health authorities and made both iodized and plain salt available to consumers at the same cost. Newspapers urged people to use iodized salt for the prevention of iodine deficiency. The Michigan programwas highly successful and iodized salt use quickly spread throughout the country. Ultimately, household use of iodized salt eliminated iodine deficiency in the North America.** In 1955, researchers reported that 75.8% of U.S. households used only iodized salt. The Salt Institute that nearly 70% of the table salt sold in the United States is iodized.* Continued public education is needed, however.* Recently, the National Academy ofSciences increased the recommended intake level for iodine and nutrition surveys show a small but steady erosion in Americans' iodine intakes.

__________________________
Don't forget to put some salt on those fries!

[Ash]

Actually, it looks like Apple does currently outsource both the Powerbooks and the iMac's to Quanta.


Here's an article from Applelinks that mentions it. (http://www.applelinks.com/mooresviews/loewy.shtml)

- Ash

[iapple]

Seems a little soon for an upgrade, but if it is coming, it is definitely a "major" upgrade I think. The current TiBook is probably the last model of the"Ti"s.
It's hard for me to think of hot to improve the current model's design, since it seems sooo fantastic (currently using an old 667, and it is great!!)

When I moved from my old iBook 500 combo to the Tibook, I REALLY felt the difference between a G3 and a G4. I dunno, it just seems "snappier".

I forgot who said this, but if someone can roll out a better design, it gotta be Apple!

[pwfletcher]

I always put salt on my Apples ...

[kdog]

Are we certain that the new contract is for pbook G4's...? or could this be a contract for the next generation ibooks (which are expected to need a complete redesign if they ever move beyond the G3)? Q4 is Dec '02 is 7 mo from now, about right for the next ibook rev.

[gopher]

n/t

[Aquanaut]

Originally posted by eyelikeart


of course...I'm still trying to figure out how they are going to outdo the current TiBook...



Wow - After 8 years using only Mac desktops I have just bought a new Tibook and after one week I have rediscovered Macintosh all over again.

Outdo the current Tibook? There's a thought ...

[peterjhill]

Yeah, I have to say, my new Ti800 is super. At work I connect it to a 21" Trinitron, and love it. It has replaced two old computers, one laptop and one desktop.

Right now I am installing Win XP on Virtual PC 5, and I have to say, that the full screen thing is kind of cool, It is really like having two (or more) computers in one. Way cooler than VMWare, due to better integration, IMHO.

[me hate windows]

Originally posted by pwfletcher
I always put salt on my Apples ...
Salt on apples is good, but I've never tried salt on Apples.:D I wonder if it would make it go faster.:rolleyes:

Hmmmmm, lets see..... A little here, some on the ram, ooh.....the processor looks like a good spot.
Bzzzzzzzzzz ZAP! BANG!..............KABOOOOOM


Whoopsie. Maybe I put a little too much on.:)

[King Cobra]

You know, if you dissociate calcium chloride (or magnesium chloride) you get more molar ions than sodium chloride. That is why people use it on their driveways instead of NaCl.

Why don't you try and see what happens with an Apple processor? :)

As for the rumors of Ti leaving the Powerbook G4 line, that sounds so terrible. I really like the Titanium reflection (no I do not have one yet) and a reflective color seems just right for Apple. Besides, I want one pretty bad.
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Fear the King.