The "New-Powerbooks-Launch-Date-Guessing-Thread"

[srobert]

Ok. It's been 6 months since the last Powerbook update. The buying guide marks powerbooks as Don't Buy - Updates soon. Updates are imminent... well... maybe.

I hereby declare the "New-Powerbooks-Launch-Date-Guessing-Thread™" open. Let's not hijack the other threads anymore with our wild speculations. Let's do it here!

What do you think is the more likely Launch Date for the new Powerbooks?:

[ ] Late March —> (TUE* 22, 30) - About 6 months from last update.
[ ] IBM Power Architecture Event —>(WED March 31)
[ ] Early April —> (TUE* 06, 13)
[ ] NAB —> (SUN April 18) - About 7 months since last update.
[ ] Late April —> (TUE* 20, 27)
[ ] Early May —> (TUE* 4, 11)
[ ] Late May —> (TUE* 18, 25) - About 8 months since last update.
[ ] Early June —> (TUE* 1, 8, 15)
[ ] Late June —> (TUE* 22) - More than 9 months since last update.
[ ] WWDC —> (MON June 28)
[ ] Early July —> (TUE* 6)
[ ] Macworld Boston Expo —> (MON July 12)
[ ] Late July —> (TUE* July 20, 27)
[ ] Apple Expo Paris —> (TUE* August 31) - Almost a year without updates!!!
[ ] Microsoft Conference and Expo —> Spring 2004
[ ] Never! Ever!

Note: Last time we had to wait 8 months for the update, much longer than the usual 5 months, more or less.

Powerbook G4 or G5?... I leave that up to you.

Let the guessing game begin! (No purchase necessary. Contestants must be 18 years or older to participate.)

* Yes, I do know that Apple don't exclusively release updates on Tuesdays... so quit pickin' on me. It's just for fun.

[wordmunger]

ANNOUNCED: WWDC
DELIVERED: Late August

[dudeami]

Late April

[sonofslim]

yesterday. we all missed it because we were too busy speculating.

[AmigoMac]

Week of April... no later than this...

This Quartal has been of course very good because of the iPod mini, the next quartal must be pushed up and it means new powermacs and powerbooks, it's pretty clear that PM's are coming soon because normal cycle, at least is what we speculate about, almost 100% sure, but PB's are not really clear in the upcoming weeks, I really hope I can get one, better graphic card, better superdrive and will be happy, but Apple could do the same wit the release time between the titanium and the first 15" ALU, 9 months and it means we can get the G5 PB's for the next quartal an Apple will stay with high IFO values... appart of the rumored new hardware, sure we will see new toys this year, but PB's if not before April 13th, then will be announced at WWDC and shipments in september... wait and see... as always, a lot of theory and nothing sure... :(

[srobert]

yesterday. we all missed it because we were too busy speculating.

Too busy specualting? *Pfff* One can never have too much of the good things... except maybe gummy bears. That was one hell of a bowel movement. Oh the agony! I blame it on the clear-white ones.

http://homepage.mac.com/srobert/.Pictures/thumbnails/gbs3.jpg


.

[MacsRgr8]

Not to hijack this thread....

But when the updated G5s arrive, there will be an outrageous speed difference between the G4 Macs and G5 Macs.
The latest iMac (except 20") and PowerBook G4 came out around the same time (September wasn't it?), and both are in for an update.

Fastest iMac: Single 1.25 GHz G4
Fastest PowerBook: Single 1.33 MHz G4
Fastest G5: Dual 2.4 Ghz G5 (eh.. ofcourse based on latest rumors, and common sense ;) )

IMHO Apple must update all these Macs around the same time. With every G5 update (how nice and necessary they are!) the G4 Macs seem to lag behind enormously....
Maybe the rumored 1.5 GHz G4 is suitable for an iBook and eMac, but not for the iMac and PowerBook.
Me thinks that Apple has a problem..... How the heck are they going to sell G4 iMacs, unless pricetags are halved???
If you go into an Apple Store not biased about anything, just looking for an iMac, you'll notice the HUGE spec-differences between the iMac (not cheap) and Dual G5.

[cr2sh]

Thanks for pointing out my blunder.... Indeed, I've got powermac on the brain.

Powerbook updates in June @ 1.8GHz..

[srobert]

March 30th @ 2.5GHz

I'd put money on it.

or May 11th.. either way.

Wow! that's a hell of a speed bump. Almost 2x as fast. I don't think I ever heard of such a speed increase. Here's hoping... but not believing.

[ToddW]

G4 updates on emac and ibook around may
imac G5 and powerbook G5 @ WWDC

[wordmunger]

Wow. You folks are optimists. I was figuring I was being upbeat hoping for an announcement at WWDC. Honestly I'd be surprised if they ship before the end of the year. Pleasantly surprised, but surprised.

[aswitcher]

SNIP

What do you think is the more likely Launch Date for the new Powerbooks?:

[ ] Late March —> (TUE* 16, 22, 30) - About 6 months from last update.
[ ] Early April —> (TUE* 06, 13)
[ ] NAB —> (SUN April 18) - About 7 months since last update.
[ ] Late April —> (TUE* 20, 27)
[ ] Early May —> (TUE* 4, 11)
[ ] Late May —> (TUE* 18, 25) - About 8 months since last update.
[ ] Early June —> (TUE* 1, 8, 15)
[ ] Late June —> (TUE* 22) - More than 9 months since last update.
[ ] WWDC —> (MON June 28)
[ ] Early July —> (TUE* 6)
[ ] Macworld Boston Expo —> (MON July 12)
[ ] Later than July
[ ] Microsoft Conference and Expo —> Spring 2004
[ ] Never! Ever!

SNIP

* Yes, I do know that Apple don't exclusively release updates on Tuesdays... so quit pickin' on me. It's just for fun.

Macworld Boston Expo with availability before Christmas... :(

[sonofslim]

Oh the agony! I blame it on the clear-white ones.

the clear white ones are my favorite. and one time in montreal i had beer-flavored gummy bears. i still think about them, from time to time.

and back in topictown: as always, i'm not holding my breath for a G5 laptop. speedbump, maybe, but moving an entire product line from a G4 architecture to a G5 is probably going to take some time. i'm going with end of the year at the earliest.

[stoid]

Apple has decided that 'those silly PowerBook users' will just go nuts if we NEVER but the G5 in there. Instead they are going to wait until they develop the G6, have it in towers for about a year, and then completely forgo G5 PowerBooks altogether and go to G6's in late 2006 announced at MacWorld Boston (what? Boston?) yes dear, BOSTON! Steve will pull an Oprah and give everyone in the free book with a complimentary FireWire 3200 bus-powered ice cream maker from Griffin Technology!! And damn, does it look good with blue napkins! :D :D

[srobert]

... you had a taste of the beer flavored gummy bears have'nt ya stoid?

Apple has decided that 'those silly PowerBook users' will just go nuts if we NEVER but the G5 in there. Instead they are going to wait until they develop the G6, have it in towers for about a year, and then completely forgo G5 PowerBooks altogether and go to G6's in late 2006 announced at MacWorld Boston (what? Boston?) yes dear, BOSTON! Steve will pull an Oprah and give everyone in the free book with a complimentary FireWire 3200 bus-powered ice cream maker from Griffin Technology!! And damn, does it look good with blue napkins! :D :D

[stoid]

... you had a taste of the beer flavored gummy bears have'nt ya stoid?

I haven't slept this whole damn week due to massive college projects, I have hella **** to do this weekend, and next week is going to be worse! I've been up all night sustained by chocolate milk and cold hot dogs, I have class in 15 minutes and I'm still sitting here in my boxers about to rip out my hair.

Honestly, I think that we'll see new PowerBooks really soon with these new 1.5GHz Moto G4s, then as early as fall of this year or early next year G5 PowerBooks will emerge as the G5 hit 3.0Ghz a bit later than Jobs originally hoped for.

[Awimoway]

Will I be guessing when the G5 Powerbooks come out, or the updated G4s? Because I believe there will be at least one more G4 release.

As for the G5, it will be announced no sooner than WWDC and released at least a couple months later.

I also predict that it's cooling mechanism will royally suck and there will be an unprecedented number of support issues with the first generation G5 Powerbooks.

(Jeez, what a downer I was in this post. I'm not a troll. I love my Macs. But I really think this is what will happen.)

[aswitcher]

Will I be guessing when the G5 Powerbooks come out, or the updated G4s? Because I believe there will be at least one more G4 release.

As for the G5, it will be announced no sooner than WWDC and released at least a couple months later.

I also predict that it's cooling mechanism will royally suck and there will be an unprecedented number of support issues with the first generation G5 Powerbooks.

(Jeez, what a downer I was in this post. I'm not a troll. I love my Macs. But I really think this is what will happen.)

I think that G4 is actually destined for the iBook and possibly the iMac assuming both aren't looking at form factor changes.

Such an outcome on the G5s as you suggest would definetly do harm to Apple's reputation given the much larger audience of potential switchers that the mini iPod gives them. Surely they have learnt from last years ibook logic board and PB screen problems, that they can't afford to release products with slack quality control. I think that's why we have seen such a delay.

[bennetsaysargh]

announced...
mid to late april. :)
shipping...
mid to late april. :D






2005 ;)

[mklos]

I don't think you'll see G5 PowerBooks until late this year or MWSF 05'. The G5 processor produces way too much heat and unless they develop this kick @$$ cooling system for laptops I just don't see a G5 in a PowerBook until then, or until they get the chip to put out as much heat.

I do though think you will see a G5 iMac on or before the WWDC. I also think you will see a form factor change, maybe hard anodized aluminum that comes in colors like the iPod mini. Steve kinda hinted that we will see some cool things involving the G5 this year.

PowerMac G5 updates should be out by the end of this month, shipping in May!

I know it sounds weird to have a G5 in the iMac before the PowerBook, but its a hell of a lot easier to cool an iMac than it is a PowerBook.

I think the G4 will be in the eMac/iBook for a while, or else it will begin to use this new Gobi G3 processor and Apple will just market it as the G4. That would be a better for those products anyways since their only low end consumer Macs.

Just my thoughts!

[cr2sh]

I haven't slept this whole damn week due to massive college projects, I have hella **** to do this weekend, and next week is going to be worse!

Who needs sleep when you got MacRumors? Some weeks I don't even blink, I just increase my post count. :)

Too many pessimists in here...

announced... mid to late april. shipping...mid to late april. 2005

2005!? We're talking 3rd generation g5 powerbooks by then!

I can see myself now.. first year of lawschool, 3rd gen g5 pbook @ 4GHz... drool...

[srobert]

In light of recent powerbook price drops (>Click to see thread< (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=64577)) and the upcoming IBM Power Architecture Event, I have updated my original post.

[primalman]

[ ] Late March —> (TUE* 22, 30) - About 6 months from last update.
[ ] IBM Power Architecture Event —>(WED March 31)
[X] Early April —> (TUE* 06, 13)
[ ] NAB —> (SUN April 18) - About 7 months since last update.
[ ] Late April —> (TUE* 20, 27)
[ ] Early May —> (TUE* 4, 11)
[ ] Late May —> (TUE* 18, 25) - About 8 months since last update.
[ ] Early June —> (TUE* 1, 8, 15)
[ ] Late June —> (TUE* 22) - More than 9 months since last update.
[ ] WWDC —> (MON June 28)
[ ] Early July —> (TUE* 6)
[ ] Macworld Boston Expo —> (MON July 12)
[ ] Later than July
[ ] Microsoft Conference and Expo —> Spring 2004
[ ] Never! Ever!

Just to be clear, this will be a processor speed bump only, perhaps to 1.25/1.33/1.42, and maybe a larger HD in the high end, but nothing else.

And I don't ever see any Apple products announced at MW Boston, just based on the public spiff between the organizers and Apple last year. I could see Apple making a huge announcement right before the show, or even at the same time as the Boston keynote, just to slam em. :)

[Zaty]

My guess is April 20 because of the following reasons:

- PMs will be updated first, on March 23 or more likely March 30, so April 6 is too close to the relase date of the new PMs and I don't think Apple would release new PMs and PBs simultaneously. If they did, depending on what the new revisions look like, one update would take all the attention from the other.

- Easter (My first guess would haven been April 13 but since Easter Monday, April 12, is a holiday in many countries, Tuesday after Easter doesn't seem to be a good date for an update)

By the way, I think the new revision will be G4, PB G5 won't be annouced untill at least MacWorld Expo Paris because Apple will announce them at an event and WWDC seems too early.

[srobert]

...PB G5 won't be annouced untill at least MacWorld Expo Paris because Apple will announce them at an event and WWDC seems too early.

Any confirmed date for Macworld Paris Expo 2004 ?

[toughboy]

WWDC —> (MON June 28)

[Zaty]

Any confirmed date for Macworld Paris Expo 2004 ?

Not that I know of. I just assumed it would take place at around the same as last year i.e. mid September.

[srobert]

First post updated. We now have the official date for Apple Expo Paris.

It seems that more and more people predict that the next Powerbook revision will sport a G4 processor.

[crenz]

I guess April, with a minor revision (G4). G5 PowerBooks? Probably at the end of the year.

Hopefully, there'll be a new consumer Mac soon...

[Music-Producer]

I have pretty reliable information from a source that I was skeptical about initially..but till now everything has been accurate (except for the ipod mini). I recieved this in November 2003 and its now March 2004. The latest macrumors report about the iPod with a video out confirmed that this source is 99.5% accurate.

The PowerBook G5 will be launched during the WWDC Keynote in June 2004:

15 " PBG5 @ 1.8Ghz with 512 MB RAM & 60 GB SATA150 HDD
with SuperDrive - $2499 :)

17 " PBG5 @2 GHz with 512 MB RAM & 80 GB SATA150 HDD
with SuperDrive - $2999

The powerbook G4 will come out at 1.33 Ghz, 15", Superdrive and 512 MB Ram at $1999 - (Killer price for a killer laptop)

May 2004 will see a price reduction in the PB G4:

15 " PB G4 combo (current models): $1599
15" PB G4 Superdrive : $1999
17" PB G$ with Superdrive : $2299 (Excellent value)

Btw, for all the whiners out there complaining about the iPod's cost:

Aug-Dec 2004 : 20 gb iPod : $99 :D

iPod AV 40 GB : $199
iPod AV 60 GB : $399

Enjoy the wait!

[aswitcher]

I have pretty reliable information from a source that I was skeptical about initially..but till now everything has been accurate (except for the ipod mini). I recieved this in November 2003 and its now March 2004. The latest macrumors report about the iPod with a video out confirmed that this source is 99.5% accurate.

The PowerBook G5 will be launched during the WWDC Keynote in June 2004:

15 " PBG5 @ 1.8Ghz with 512 MB RAM & 60 GB SATA150 HDD
with SuperDrive - $2499 :)

17 " PBG5 @2 GHz with 512 MB RAM & 80 GB SATA150 HDD
with SuperDrive - $2999

SNIP

Aug-Dec 2004 : 20 gb iPod : $99 :D

iPod AV 40 GB : $199
iPod AV 60 GB : $399

Enjoy the wait!

I wish this were all true...$99 20Gig iPod seems insane...

Can you get more info of your source on the config of the G5PB...Bus, Ram arrangement, graphics cards, new features...

[wordmunger]

15 " PBG5 @ 1.8Ghz with 512 MB RAM & 60 GB SATA150 HDD
with SuperDrive - $2499 :)


I *so* hope this is true. Slap an 80 GB HD in there and it's SOLD!

That would be at least 4 times faster than my current computer!

[Music-Producer]

I know the $99 price is insane..makes sense though considering Microsoft is thinking of launching an 'ipod killer'. With every product line, prices always start off high and then as production increases, prices keep dropping.

This is what I have for the PB G5:

15 " 1280x854 TFT widescreen
1.8 Ghz IBM PowerPC
512 k L2 Cache
Radeon Mobility 9650 - 64MB
60 GB 5200 rpm 2.5" SATA 150
Superdrive
2 USB2, 1 FW400 and 1 FW800
Airport Card

For the 17"..the Graphics card has been boosted to 128 MB..everything else is the same. I don't have any info on the bus speeds, etc..I need to know that though since it makes a huge difference when it comes to making music and handling 64 audio tracks..with plug ins.

Aug 2004.. SuperDrive Hi-Capacity will be launched. This will enable 8.5 GB dual layer DVDs to be recorded..sweet! :D

Typo for the ipod prices : Its Aug-Dec 2005 NOT Aug-Dec 2004

[aswitcher]

I know the $99 price is insane..makes sense though considering Microsoft is thinking of launching an 'ipod killer'. With every product line, prices always start off high and then as production increases, prices keep dropping.

This is what I have for the PB G5:

15 " 1280x854 TFT widescreen
1.8 Ghz IBM PowerPC
512 k L2 Cache
Radeon Mobility 9650 - 64MB
60 GB 5200 rpm 2.5" SATA 150
Superdrive
2 USB2, 1 FW400 and 1 FW800
Airport Card


Ok, assuming your not Neat Gekko under a new newbiw name ;)

So same screen resolution...
Slightly better graphics card...
I assume gigabit ethernet as well
I assume airport extreme


For the 17"..the Graphics card has been boosted to 128 MB..everything else is the same. I don't have any info on the bus speeds, etc..I need to know that though since it makes a huge difference when it comes to making music and handling 64 audio tracks..with plug ins.


Shame you don't know about bus and ram arrangement...these could be 4 slot (Ie max ram 4 gig) machines...


Aug 2004.. SuperDrive Hi-Capacity will be launched. This will enable 8.5 GB dual layer DVDs to be recorded..sweet! :D

Again, something incredible and new...

Is that all your new stuff? Anything else? Are you Neat Gekko?

[Music-Producer]

Is that all your new stuff? Anything else? Are you Neat Gekko?[/QUOTE]

Nope..I'm not Neat Gekko. There's a report about the SuperDrive HC or High Capacity. Apparently it talks about 27 GB capacity DVDs and burning capability.

[aswitcher]

Is that all your new stuff? Anything else? Are you Neat Gekko?

Nope..I'm not Neat Gekko. There's a report about the SuperDrive HC or High Capacity. Apparently it talks about 27 GB capacity DVDs and burning capability.[/QUOTE]

Sure there is all that BlueRay stuff that is being designed...But its new and expensive, standards are not necessarily agreed on, media will be costly...

[Music-Producer]

Nope..I'm not Neat Gekko. There's a report about the SuperDrive HC or High Capacity. Apparently it talks about 27 GB capacity DVDs and burning capability.

Sure there is all that BlueRay stuff that is being designed...But its new and expensive, standards are not necessarily agreed on, media will be costly...[/QUOTE]

Media might be costly but there are professionals who need it. I for one, am not at all satisfied with 4.7 GB data storage on one disc. Some Pro Tools sessions (especially HD sessions with 128-256 tracks) run into 8-9 GB of data and even more. We do backup on Hard Drives..but I would always backup to more media if given the choice. For video-editing and audio professionals..we dream about limitless storage capabilities.

[srobert]

we dream about limitless storage capabilities.

That's holo-drive storage for you ^_^

But it's still far away. But I've heard of optical circuitry being developped a few weeks ago so I guess we're progressing in the right direction.

No Powerbook 12" rumors?

Man, those iPod specs seems totally unreal. Why would they sell a $100 20 GB iPods when they can't even keep up woth the demand of $250 4GB iPod mini. If they could come up with such an iPod, I'd still sell it for $200 and rake in $100 more on my profit margin makin it one of the best money maker in history. I will only beleive when I see... and I don't expect to see this anytime soon.

[Music-Producer]

That's holo-drive storage for you ^_^

But it's still far away. But I've heard of optical circuitry being developped a few weeks ago so I guess we're progressing in the right direction.

No Powerbook 12" rumors?

Man, those iPod specs seems totally unreal. Why would they sell a $100 20 GB iPods when they can't even keep up woth the demand of $250 4GB iPod mini. If they could come up with such an iPod, I'd still sell it for $200 and rake in $100 more on my profit margin makin it one of the best money maker in history. I will only beleive when I see... and I don't expect to see this anytime soon.

Well you won't see the 20 GB ipod anytime soon..its scheduled for Aug-Dec 2005. Thats more than a year from now, by then it will probably face intense competition from other mp3 players. From a reseller or manufacturer's point of view this makes complete sense. In 2005 hard drive technology will be much more advanced and it would make complete economical sense to manufacture and market 20 gb mp3 players for $99.

Look at the Sony TRV-19 Camcorder (Mini DV).. 5 months ago it was $699..now its at $499. Its all about profitability.

[Music-Producer]

12 " PB G4s will only see a price drop:

12 " Combo G4 : $1299
12 " Super Drive G4 : $1499

[aswitcher]

12 " PB G4s will only see a price drop:

12 " Combo G4 : $1299
12 " Super Drive G4 : $1499

So no backlit keyboard, no 64 meg graphics card, no bluetooth as standard...

[aswitcher]

Well you won't see the 20 GB ipod anytime soon..its scheduled for Aug-Dec 2005. Thats more than a year from now, by then it will probably face intense competition from other mp3 players. From a reseller or manufacturer's point of view this makes complete sense. In 2005 hard drive technology will be much more advanced and it would make complete economical sense to manufacture and market 20 gb mp3 players for $99.

SNIP.

So no new iPods this year then? (2004)
And no new iPods for almost 18 months?

Doesn't seem right... :confused:

If your legit then your source seems questionable...

What about iPod mini prices/HDD size over the next few years? ;)

[srobert]

12 " PB G4s will only see a price drop:

12 " Combo G4 : $1299
12 " Super Drive G4 : $1499

I was already thinking that the 12" powerbook was more a high-end iBook... it seems that I'll be even more the case after the next revision. Apple! just put it in a white plastic case and end the transvestite! :D You gotta come out of the closet mr. 12"

[live4ever]

What does everyone think the Powerbook G5 will look like?
My guess is something to distinguish it from the current line of G4s like carbon fiber.

http://my.tbaytel.net/shewchuk/pbG5.jpg

[aswitcher]

What does everyone think the Powerbook G5 will look like?
My guess is something to distinguish it from the current line of G4s like carbon fiber.



Mmm. Not sure. They have to keep the corporate look, so no colours.
Would people like a slightly raised surface pattern rather than the slick burshed look to make it less slippery and more resistant to noticable scratching?

Since its Panther, I did wonder if they might go back to black or a form of black, but then they would just blend in with the PC crowd...

[cr2sh]

What does everyone think the Powerbook G5 will look like?

Darker brushed metal.

[aswitcher]

Darker brushed metal.

That could work. Hopefully it would be even more scratch resistant because scratches will be more obvious on a darker finish. Nice if this coincides with a OSX update that matches the darker brushed metal look.

[Music-Producer]

So no new iPods this year then? (2004)
And no new iPods for almost 18 months?

Doesn't seem right... :confused:

If your legit then your source seems questionable...

What about iPod mini prices/HDD size over the next few years? ;)

I'm merely quoting what I see in the information that was given to me. Details about backlit keyboard, etc. are not mentioned.

The only information on the ipods were the ones I have posted.. i.e. 20 GB ipod for $99; ipod AV 40 gb and ipod AV 60 GB - Aug-Dec 2005.

MacWorld San Francisco (Jan 2006) is expected to launch the PowerMac G5e:

Upto Dual 4.5 Ghz PowerPC 980+
2x1MB L2 cache @4.5 Ghz
2 GB dual channel DDR2-667 RAM
ATI Radeon 9650 e Pro (256 mb)
240 GB 10k rpm SATA 300 HDD with 16 mb buffer
Superdrive HC

-$2499

The new G6s will be code named POWER6 Light. Just reading that report and the "POWER6 Light" name was heavenly.

[aswitcher]

I'm merely quoting what I see in the information that was given to me. Details about backlit keyboard, etc. are not mentioned.

The only information on the ipods were the ones I have posted.. i.e. 20 GB ipod for $99; ipod AV 40 gb and ipod AV 60 GB - Aug-Dec 2005.

MacWorld San Francisco (Jan 2006) is expected to launch the PowerMac G5e:

Upto Dual 4.5 Ghz PowerPC 980+
2x1MB L2 cache @4.5 Ghz
2 GB dual channel DDR2-667 RAM
ATI Radeon 9650 e Pro (256 mb)
240 GB 10k rpm SATA 300 HDD with 16 mb buffer
Superdrive HC

-$2499

The new G6s will be code named POWER6 Light. Just reading that report and the "POWER6 Light" name was heavenly.

This is 20+ months away and seems pretty incredible...but given the benefit of the doubt and a happy interest to speculate... ;)

What else do you have in that "report" you haven't mentioned?

New mouse?
Cube?
Wireless screen?
Multimedia centre?
Quad processors?
New Airports?
A/V ipod?
Apple PDA?
eMac replacement/upgrades?
New iSight A/V?
New iLife features?
New Apple speakers?

[Opteron]

What does everyone think the Powerbook G5 will look like?
My guess is something to distinguish it from the current line of G4s like carbon fiber.

I'd consider a carbonfibe shell G5, Powerbook.
But it would have to out perform an Athlon-64 notebook.

[jade]

So no backlit keyboard, no 64 meg graphics card, no bluetooth as standard...

12" pbs have bluetooth standard. It is standard across the board in powerbooks.

[aswitcher]

12" pbs have bluetooth standard. It is standard across the board in powerbooks.

:) Sorry, meant WiFi! My bad...

[Zaty]

12 " PB G4s will only see a price drop:

12 " Combo G4 : $1299
12 " Super Drive G4 : $1499

I was already thinking that the 12" powerbook was more a high-end iBook... it seems that I'll be even more the case after the next revision. Apple! just put it in a white plastic case and end the transvestite! :D You gotta come out of the closet mr. 12"

The 12" Combo for $1299? Who in their right mind would buy the 12" iBook for 1099? They would have to drop the price of the iBook to at least 949 or even 899. Has there ever been a $899 iBook?

[asif3]

C'mon people...this is Apple we;re talking about!

If they want to put G5 processors in PB's, then they will. They're probably spending millions right know in R&D to find a way of keeping the PB cool enough.

I think G5 PB's announced at Paris and then shipped by the end of the year.

./Asif


EDIT: actually, i'm not sure if they'd announce it in Paris because I dont think the buzz would be big enough. Maybe NY or San Fran

[aswitcher]

C'mon people...this is Apple we;re talking about!

If they want to put G5 processors in PB's, then they will. They're probably spending millions right know in R&D to find a way of keeping the PB cool enough.

I think G5 PB's announced at Paris and then shipped by the end of the year.

./Asif


EDIT: actually, i'm not sure if they'd announce it in Paris because I dont think the buzz would be big enough. Maybe NY or San Fran

I agree, Apple have the dough and have known about the issues for 12 months I woudl hazard to say. They are all about hurdling into new tech, so if they bring our a new liquid cooling system with the back of the screen ( :p ) as a radiator or some such, then don't be too surprised.

I am praying for WWDC at end of June...

[srobert]

Well. The IBM Apple event is here and no news of new Powerbooks and Powermac. That's one launch window of opportunity gone. Oh well.

[_pb_boi]

I love Apple! Really, I do! But, my dilemma!

I've got my UK pounds changed into US dollars -1600 greenbacks, to be precise, and it's taken me long hours with a poop manager in a part time job to get the money. So I'm going on the 13th of April, and I'll be hitting up the Apple Store Soho within 5 days of arriving. What do I wanna buy? A 12in powerbook! Darn! Waiting isn't really an option, since it's the exchange rate that puts me in Powerbook territory, rather than iBook territory. I'll only be in the US for five days or so, so it's buy it, or lose the opportunity...

Someone please reassure me! Someone tell me that, no matter what, it's still a great machine! And that Apple still loves me / my money (are the two mutually exclusive?)

Must. Sleep. Must. Not. Revise. Physics.

[adamjay]

I love Apple! Really, I do! But, my dilemma!

I've got my UK pounds changed into US dollars -1600 greenbacks, to be precise, and it's taken me long hours with a poop manager in a part time job to get the money. So I'm going on the 13th of April, and I'll be hitting up the Apple Store Soho within 5 days of arriving. What do I wanna buy? A 12in powerbook! Darn! Waiting isn't really an option, since it's the exchange rate that puts me in Powerbook territory, rather than iBook territory. I'll only be in the US for five days or so, so it's buy it, or lose the opportunity...

Someone please reassure me! Someone tell me that, no matter what, it's still a great machine! And that Apple still loves me / my money (are the two mutually exclusive?)

Must. Sleep. Must. Not. Revise. Physics.

why not get a G4 iBook and an iPod ?

A) They Match..
b) I hear iPods are hard to find and quite desirable in the UK

Think of it as 'since the exchange rate is so great, i can get a free ipod"

[FuzzyBallz]

But will you kick yourself in the shins a week after you get that nice 12" PB Apple announces a G5 version? It's a far fetch scenario, but talk to all the people who bought a G3 iBook and they'll know they are missing a nut or two for kicking themselves for impatience.