Potential Apple Product Update Dates?

[Krrill]

You know, I'm probably gonna kill my friend for telling me about the revision updates to the G5's and to go to macrumors.com to check it out. Here I am sitting with a PC waiting to buy one, and I have to wait a week, just to see if this rumor is going to be true or not.

If this prediction doesn't ring true, you guys can all tell me that the macs are coming out with whatever specs and have all this information from various sources and I'm still going to go; you know what I'd rather have a mac right now then wait another day of pure torture...

So I hope you guys are right, cause if you own a mac you don't know what torture is....

BTW (Owned macs all my life, but had a lull and couldn't afford one till now)

Well, thanks for all the griping and wierd antics and other stuff, gonna continue to torture myself and read your posts =)

[Zaty]

I don't know if that means anything, but the refurb store is open (I've checked UK and France) exceptionally. You can find laptops and displays mostly. Normally the refurb is only open on wednesdays (at least in Europe) and at 10:00 GMT. Maybe it means that at that time tomorrow the store will be down... anyone care to comment?

That's a quote from this very thread. For those of you who didn't follow the discussion we had yesterday, European refurb store were open yesterday, which was weird because they're usually open on Wednesdays from 10.00 GMT only. Although it's not yet 10.00 GMT, they're open again (or still open). Therefore, I guess we won't see updates today but since there are mostly iBooks, PowerBooks and displays available from the refurb stores, I bet we will see updates soon.

BTW, although this doesn't necessarily have to mean anything, I noticed that my local reseller has special offer for a 15"PB for University students only. This offers ends April 6 (a Tuesday). Unfortunately, they don't give you the price online. Like I said, I wouldn’t take that as a hint towards updates on April 6, but I’m sure it means they want to empty their stocks which definitely is a good sign.

[dbauer]

listen water cooling is NOT SILENT yes with cooligy thre pump is silent but how do you expect to cool the water magic? it works like this water has a better conduction rate than air so heat can be moved away quickly and cooled in a more conveniant place and water cooling almost never leaks on screen savers theve hooked up alot of water cooled systems and they said none have leaked even though they said they hooked up the 1 in the worst way possible

Two words: Learn Punctuation

[numediaman]

You know, I'm probably gonna kill my friend for telling me about the revision updates to the G5's and to go to macrumors.com to check it out. Here I am sitting with a PC waiting to buy one, and I have to wait a week, just to see if this rumor is going to be true or not.

If this prediction doesn't ring true, you guys can all tell me that the macs are coming out with whatever specs and have all this information from various sources and I'm still going to go; you know what I'd rather have a mac right now then wait another day of pure torture...

So I hope you guys are right, cause if you own a mac you don't know what torture is....

BTW (Owned macs all my life, but had a lull and couldn't afford one till now)

Well, thanks for all the griping and wierd antics and other stuff, gonna continue to torture myself and read your posts =)

Why not buy one of the dual 1.8 refurb models? They are selling for $1999 on the Apple site. When the new models come out the middle price point will probably be at 2.2 for around $2400-2500. The only reason I don't take my own advise is because I'm writing this on a G4 PB, so I can wait -- and it might be a long wait, knowing Apple.

[whookam]

Two words: Learn Punctuation

...and that's punctuation with a capital 'P' is it? ;)

[Xenious]

I'm eagerly awaiting the announcement myself. I've used Apple's before, but never actually owned one myself. When time came for a PC upgrade I decided to switch (mostly for musical work with Logic or Pro Tools). Thankfully the only thing rushing my purchase is my impatience. So here I sit ready to buy a G5 rev B plus the largest monitor Apple offers (here's hoping for a 30"). I'll still keep my PC for a bit of gaming and XP Media Center's TV capabilities. With any luck apple will come out with a sweet TV app like Media Center. (I realize there are ones out there, but none of them that I've seen have an IR pass through digital cable box control like Media Center does.)
-jim

[djbahdow01]

I tell you i have never been as impatient this week as i have been in a long time. I am waiting for the confirmation that i can order Boston Red Sox tickets and also the wait for the G5's. Luckily i have been waiting since Jan for the G5 and this weekend for the confirmation for sox tickets. The wait is killing me i really need to get rid of the money in my bank account.

[wdlove]

I tell you i have never been as impatient this week as i have been in a long time. I am waiting for the confirmation that i can order Boston Red Sox tickets and also the wait for the G5's. Luckily i have been waiting since Jan for the G5 and this weekend for the confirmation for sox tickets. The wait is killing me i really need to get rid of the money in my bank account.

I wish you luck. The money in the bank is earning interest, so maybe you will be able to afford an upgrade or software. With baseball season beginning, that just might help to occupy you time.

[Krrill]

Why not buy one of the dual 1.8 refurb models? They are selling for $1999 on the Apple site. When the new models come out the middle price point will probably be at 2.2 for around $2400-2500. The only reason I don't take my own advise is because I'm writing this on a G4 PB, so I can wait -- and it might be a long wait, knowing Apple.

Cause I think you have to be in the states to order those... I live in Canada. Atleast I'm pretty sure that's the way it works for those refurbeshed models.

All well, *Looks at the time* So sad

[zaphod1242]

YAY..... that sound koooool to me :D

I hate to say this, but I checked yesterday and ALL Powerbooks, Displays, and G5's are coded A01 status, this means that they are current products. If I see them go D01, I'l post it.

[jsw]

I tell you i have never been as impatient this week as i have been in a long time. I am waiting for the confirmation that i can order Boston Red Sox tickets and also the wait for the G5's. Luckily i have been waiting since Jan for the G5 and this weekend for the confirmation for sox tickets. The wait is killing me i really need to get rid of the money in my bank account.

Well, if it's that hard to keep the money in the bank, order a dual-2. Odds are, anything Apple announces soon will be in short supply (if it's available at all) for some time. Odds are that there's no major enhancement to the systems, just a speed boost, nothing that you'll really regret. I doubt your apps will top out the current G5's.

But...it's hard to order one knowing a better one's on the way, isn't it? Just remind yourself that there's always a better one on the way. Get one you want and then stop looking at apple.com for a few months. ;)

For what it's worth, my dual-2 works great - great - at everything I've thrown at it except for some graphics-intensive games, and that's more ATI's fault than anyone else's.

[jsw]

There are many threads and many many posts asking when the new G5s are coming (and that's just the desktops - that's not counting all the G5 PB posts).

Lots of people are hoarding their pennies pending this announcement.

So... besides the obvious speed bump (2.2? 2.4? 2.5? 3.0?), what do you expect to see? The first round gave us a lot of new stuff - 8GB max RAM, PCI x, FW 800, 8X AGP, USB 2.0, digital audio, etc. The tower designs are bulky, yes, but very, very elegant inside. So...what's going to be improved?

I'd like to see a second optical bay and a third drive bay. I think there's room for it in the current case, even considering G5 thermal issues.

Does PCI Extreme matter? I know it's being tossed around in the PC world, but I have no idea if it actually matters.

It'd be nice to have more FW and USB ports. You can never have too many - well, you can, and there are of course hubs, but the G5 case has a LOT of room to put ports.

I'd like to see Bluetooth upgradeability - it'd be nice to install it inside the case (no silly dongle) without having to order it like that (so I can buy it in the Apple Store). Nicer still: Bluetooth in all models, gratis.

What else?

I already have a dual-2, so I'm not going to be rushing out to get another one. Of course, if I had the $$, I would, just because there's some primal urge to have the latest and greatest, but, for those without G5s, what compelling reasons are there to wait? Of course, if something faster is going to be available next week, you'd wait. But, if it's going to be months before you can get a new G5, what would be a reason to think you shouldn't just get one now? Refurb prices are pretty decent....

[nightcap965]

Since the Splendid Splinter is now just a disembodied head in a Ziploc freezer bag, someone else will have to fulfill his office of Official Oracle. I volunteer, since it concerns both the World Series and the Rev. B PM.

Ahem.

"You know, I got a feelin' this'll be the year!"

-- from the shadow of the Citgo sign...

I tell you i have never been as impatient this week as i have been in a long time. I am waiting for the confirmation that i can order Boston Red Sox tickets and also the wait for the G5's. Luckily i have been waiting since Jan for the G5 and this weekend for the confirmation for sox tickets. The wait is killing me i really need to get rid of the money in my bank account.

[jsw]

Since the Splendid Splinter is now just a disembodied head in a Ziploc freezer bag, someone else will have to fulfill his office of Official Oracle. I volunteer, since it concerns both the World Series and the Rev. B PM.

Ahem.

"You know, I got a feelin' this'll be the year!"

-- from the shadow of the Citgo sign...

I don't know...after moving here from the Chicago area, I think the Sox are just more torture than the Cubbies. You expect the Cubs to suck, so it's great when they do anything except suck. Well, "suck" is too harsh, but you don't expect them to win the Series. On the other hand, everyone expects the Sox to win, and, year after year after year, they don't. I think that's worse...

On the other hand, I do think you're right about the G5s - we will see a new G5 model of some sort this year!

[MarkCollette]

My hope is that once new models all come out with G5s, then all the crazy people on eBay won't be trying to sell their old G3s and G4s for so much money. If newer, really, really, fast machines come out, then that should depress the price of resales that are still fast enough to run OS X. Then that should expand the userbase, from the bottom end. Just think of all those moms and pops who just want email and office, but can't handle all the virii, etc. Those people only need like a 400 MHz G3, but they sell at prices comparable to multi GHz PCs!

[Mr Maui]

I don't know...after moving here from the Chicago area, I think the Sox are just more torture than the Cubbies. You expect the Cubs to suck, so it's great when they do anything except suck. Well, "suck" is too harsh, but you don't expect them to win the Series. On the other hand, everyone expects the Sox to win, and, year after year after year, they don't. I think that's worse...

SOME don't expect the Cubbies to win the Series. But, they have as good a shot as any team out there, and a better team than most. :D

(Sure I dream, but ...)

[AppleJustWorks]

Uhhh... We're Getting a Little bit off topic here.....Remember....Computers......G5......Updates....... :p

[Xenious]

I second the motion for built-in bluetooth in all models or an internal user installable module. That way I can buy at the Apple store too! :) Might as well save on shipping and get instant gratification. woo hoo!
-jim

[chaos86]

What I want.........what I need is adjustable 30" displays with half inch frames for multi-screen set ups.

yeah sure mate. got $7k?

ive been looking at http://www.go-l.com/ they have some nice screens. they think xp is god but they make nice screens for people like you

[jsw]

yeah sure mate. got $7k?

ive been looking at http://www.go-l.com/ they have some nice screens. they think xp is god but they make nice screens for people like you

Quote from their site:

"Let everyone else talk, but this is the real thing. If you have never worked with Microsoft® Windows XP, it is time that you are introduced to the world's most flexible, widely used, and universally compatible Operating System."

OK, maybe 2 out of 3, but "most flexible"? Please.

Cool site, though. Lots of interesting products.

[djbahdow01]

I didn't mean for things to get off topic, just stating that i got more things on my mind than just the G5, as for me waiting i am just waiting it out just like every one else. Yes i know computers will always change but yet when i know something is inevitably close i will wait it out. In the mean time i have been waiting since i was born for the sox to win the series, if that hasn't taught me anything nothing will.

[djbahdow01]

yeah sure mate. got $7k?

ive been looking at http://www.go-l.com/ they have some nice screens. they think xp is god but they make nice screens for people like you

They surprisingly almost have seemd to rip off Apple's site design. Also their 17in widescreen laptop seems to look like a 17" powerbook, except for its black. Not sure about them although i can say that their screens look really nice.

[Soire]

yeah sure mate. got $7k?

ive been looking at http://www.go-l.com/ they have some nice screens. they think xp is god but they make nice screens for people like you


For the past month I've been drooling over the prospect of new G5s. Then I checked out this site, and it's scary. When their cheapest top of the line model is way more expensive then apple's most expensive top of the line, it makes apple seem wimpy. I still wanna get a PowerMac, but jeez, those things don't make PCs look so bad- once you get over the blackened soul on the inside- the tech specs are sweet.

So one question- What's the truth behind the apple myth of lower processor speed translating to a faster real speed vs. PCs? Is this fact?

Here's hoping to a release by the 30th or I'll go into deep depression... :)

[invaLPsion]

For what it's worth, my dual-2 works great - great - at everything I've thrown at it except for some graphics-intensive games, and that's more ATI's fault than anyone else's.

What games?

[digital1]

I hope something amazing refers to a price drop! Or some serious updates!
As it is Apple's computers are waaaay to expensive compared to PCs.

look at these prices
$2,968 <- (with 20 inch LCD)
Dell Dimension XPS
Pentium® 4 Processor with HT Technology 3.4GHz w/800MHz FSB
Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional
FREE UPGRADE 1GB Dual Channel 400MHz DDR SDRAM
Dell® Enhanced Multimedia Keyboard
Dell™ Optical USB Mouse
Productivity Pack including WordPerfect® and Money®
Norton Internet Security™, 90 day trial
NEW 240G RAID 0 (2 x 120GB SATA HDDs)
3.5 in Floppy Drive
FREE! Single Drive: 8x DVD+RW Drive
SAVE! 20.1 in 2001FP Dell Ultrasharp™ Digital Flat Panel Display
128MB DDR ATI RADEON™ 9800 Pro Graphics Card with TV-Out and DVI
Sound Blaster Audigy™2 (D) Card w/Dolby 5.1, and IEEE 1394 capability
Dell Jukebox powered by MUSICMATCH
Dell Picture Studio, Paint Shop Pro Trial, Photo Album Starter Edition
56K PCI Telephony Modem
Integrated Intel® PRO 1000 Ethernet

$4,873
Apple G5
Dual 2 GHz Processors
1GB RAM @ 400 MHz
250 GB SATA Drive @ 7200 RPM
Apple Superdrive
128MB DDR ATI RADEON 9800 Pro Graphics Card
20" Apple Cinema Digital Flat Panel Display
56K Modem
Gigabit Ethernet
Airport Ready

Thats a price difference that will make most look over the Mac as an option.





Also you get 2 64-bit processors ;)

[jsw]

What games?

Halo (which now sucks in 10.3.3 for some reason, but it was OK pre-10.3.3) was - at times - slow and jilty, and WarCraft III gets bogged down in intensive fights.

Note that these "problems" are only intermittent, with lots of detail set up, running on a 9600, not 9800. They aren't show-stoppers.

And my only point was that those were the only times I saw anything resembling slowness. Well, that and iMovie. ;)

[djbahdow01]

For the past month I've been drooling over the prospect of new G5s. Then I checked out this site, and it's scary. When their cheapest top of the line model is way more expensive then apple's most expensive top of the line, it makes apple seem wimpy. I still wanna get a PowerMac, but jeez, those things don't make PCs look so bad- once you get over the blackened soul on the inside- the tech specs are sweet.

So one question- What's the truth behind the apple myth of lower processor speed translating to a faster real speed vs. PCs? Is this fact?

Here's hoping to a release by the 30th or I'll go into deep depression... :)

Also they have overclocked the Intel processors. No intel chip runs at 3.8 GHZ. They say it in the disclaimer that it is an accelerated 3.2, so basically they did the overclocking for you as well as making it the most stable so you don't go out and buy a 3.2 and overclock and ruin your warrenty as overclocking from what i know is not covered under a warrenty.

[rdowns]

I didn't mean for things to get off topic, just stating that i got more things on my mind than just the G5, as for me waiting i am just waiting it out just like every one else. Yes i know computers will always change but yet when i know something is inevitably close i will wait it out. In the mean time i have been waiting since i was born for the sox to win the series, if that hasn't taught me anything nothing will.

Generations of men have been born and died waiting for the AlexRed Rodriguez Sox to win. You probably stand a better chance of seeing Apple produce a $599 headless iMac. :D

[invaLPsion]

Halo (which now sucks in 10.3.3 for some reason, but it was OK pre-10.3.3) was - at times - slow and jilty, and WarCraft III gets bogged down in intensive fights.

Note that these "problems" are only intermittent, with lots of detail set up, running on a 9600, not 9800. They aren't show-stoppers.

And my only point was that those were the only times I saw anything resembling slowness. Well, that and iMovie. ;)

Hmmmm....

I don't like this.

I wanted to get a rev B dual G5 so it will play games well with no jitter problems. Also, to edit movies with iMovie, AlamDV, and Final Cut Express.

Maybe I should consider getting a PC? I'm not exactly seeing any updates.

[jsw]

Hmmmm....

I don't like this.

I wanted to get a rev B dual G5 so it will play games well with no jitter problems. Also, to edit movies with iMovie, AlamDV, and Final Cut Express.

Maybe I should consider getting a PC? I'm not exactly seeing any updates.

I'd bet the 9800 would fix the problems. I've got the 9600, as mentioned, which isn't nearly as good. Plus, rumors - and the six months of time that have passed - suggest a better graphics card will be available. And, like I said, I only noticed issues in extreme (i.t.o. action and detail settings) situations.

So I wouldn't worry.

As far as iMovie is concerned - that p.o.s. (sorry...but it is too slow) would bog down a G5-based supercomputer. Final Cut Express is better. Somewhat.

You'll be cool with a rev B. If ATI ever improves their drivers, a current G5 would be fine. It's not a CPU issue, it's not even a GPU issue, it's a graphics driver issue. But newer CPUs will power through it a bit better.

[invaLPsion]

I'd bet the 9800 would fix the problems. I've got the 9600, as mentioned, which isn't nearly as good. Plus, rumors - and the six months of time that have passed - suggest a better graphics card will be available. And, like I said, I only noticed issues in extreme (i.t.o. action and detail settings) situations.

So I wouldn't worry.

As far as iMovie is concerned - that p.o.s. (sorry...but it is too slow) would bog down a G5-based supercomputer. Final Cut Express is better. Somewhat.

You'll be cool with a rev B. If ATI ever improves their drivers, a current G5 would be fine. It's not a CPU issue, it's not even a GPU issue, it's a graphics driver issue. But newer CPUs will power through it a bit better.

Cool.

Now I just have to last to the updates.

I wish there was more concrete information available...

UPDATES ON THE 30TH (PLEASE OH PLEASE)

[djbahdow01]

Generations of men have been born and died waiting for the AlexRed Rodriguez Sox to win. You probably stand a better chance of seeing Apple produce a $599 headless iMac. :D

Not sure about a $599 headless iMac but we'll see. As for the red sox thats another story that will be better left for another day. Like every year tho all Sox hopefulls say "This is our Year". And from the looks of it this could be it. Oh well back to the Mac rumors and say new PM's on the 30th, and PB's around WWDC.

[nightcap965]

According to OS Rumors and AppleInsider, it doesn't look like we'll be seeing anything until mid-April.

<Deep, heartfelt sigh>

[neonart]

Hmmmm....

I don't like this.

I wanted to get a rev B dual G5 so it will play games well with no jitter problems. Also, to edit movies with iMovie, AlamDV, and Final Cut Express.

Maybe I should consider getting a PC? I'm not exactly seeing any updates.

Well, here we go again...
I like gaming on my Mac alot and will be getting a Rev B for that purpose. My top 3 games are Ghost Recon, Rainbow Six 3, and Halo. I run a Dual 1.25 G4 with 2GB of RAM and a Radeon 9800. All three of these games run real well on this machine with all settings on high and shadows low (GR,R63), or off (Halo). I run my Resolution at 1600x1200 (native LCD). Ghost Recon looks beautiful and gets as high as 60+ FPS. The Island Thunder Hacked levels run at around 30FPS. 4X FSAA and 8X AF. R63 gets about the same depending on the level with 2X FSAA only. Halo gets about 30-34 FPS on the time demo with Vertex Shaders, 2X FSAA, Lens on Medium, and High Detail. Unfortunately under heavy explosion scenes it can studder alot!

All three look amazing and play great for the most part, but I want to run full shadows and would like to get rid of Halo's choppyness under heavy fragging. This is why I would love a G5. My plan is to have 2GB of RAM in the G5 as well and put a 10K RPM Raptor for my OS and Apps. I'd reuse the 9800 on the G5.

The only comparison I have is a Single 1.8 G5 with 512 MB of Ram and a FX5200. It actually outpaced my G4 significantly on the Ghost Recon Demo. I ran it at the native Apple 20" Display resolution. I was very impressed considering this was a beat-up machine at Microcenter and had less/slower hardware aside from the CPU.

[Bhennies]

I have been waiting for a while to buy a new g5 and updated 23" display. Anyone else sick of waiting for them to get their S@#t together? As much as I love Apple products, this kind of procrastination is getting to be too much. And I don't care who's fault it is (IBM, Apple, ATI). Just give me my computer!!!

[jsw]

.... My plan is to ... put a 10K RPM Raptor for my OS and Apps.

How much of a boost would you get from the Raptor compared to a 7200 RPM SATA (like the Seagate that Apple uses). Any idea?

[jsw]

I have been waiting for a while to buy a new g5 and updated 23" display. Anyone else sick of waiting for them to get their S@#t together? As much as I love Apple products, this kind of procrastination is getting to be too much. And I don't care who's fault it is (IBM, Apple, ATI). Just give me my computer!!!

Dude, we are all getting sick of this. It's been a very slow quarter.

[invaLPsion]

Dude, we are all getting sick of this. It's been a very slow quarter.

Slow is an overstatement. It's been a horrible quarter!

I wonder if Apple will post losses for this quarter?

If they do, the only thing that will save them is to release some new consumer computer products, something that hasn't occurred for some time.

[neonart]

How much of a boost would you get from the Raptor compared to a 7200 RPM SATA (like the Seagate that Apple uses). Any idea?

I had a SCSI U160 10K RPM drive in my previous G4 and it was incredible on load speeds! It was quirky on newer Macs though, and therefore I gave it up when I upgraded to the DP1.25. I think a 10K drive would help greatly in games as you are constantly loading maps, sounds, etc. And SATA is not quirky at all on G5's!

Here are some tests of this drive and others. They note that while it does not kill SCSI U360 drives, it's about as good as you can get for a desktop with SATA:

http://www.storagereview.com/articles/200303/20030320WD360GD_sp.html



BTW, these results show some real promise for Halo on the G5!:

http://www.barefeats.com/halo.html

[jsw]

I had a SCSI U160 10K RPM drive in my previous G4 and it was incredible on load speeds! It was quirky on newer Macs though, and therefore I gave it up when I upgraded to the DP1.25. I think a 10K drive would help greatly in games as you are constantly loading maps, sounds, etc. And SATA is not quirky at all on G5's!

Here are some tests of this drive and others. They note that while it does not kill SCSI U360 drives, it's about as good as you can get for a desktop with SATA:

http://www.storagereview.com/articles/200303/20030320WD360GD_sp.html



BTW, these results show some real promise for Halo on the G5!:

http://www.barefeats.com/halo.html

Excellent links - thanks! Maybe I'll upgrade the graphics card when the next one's come out... The Raptor looks great, but I've got both bays full now. Maybe I'll move one external and make the Raptor a boot drive...

[neonart]

Excellent links - thanks! Maybe I'll upgrade the graphics card when the next one's come out... The Raptor looks great, but I've got both bays full now. Maybe I'll move one external and make the Raptor a boot drive...

Thats what I'm planning on. I've always stored my MP's, Videos, and general data in a Data HD, and stored my OS and Applications in another drive. Usually you don't need WAY too much space for that. Currently my boot drive which has a ton of demos and apps I don't even use contains 24.5 GB. The 36 GB Raptor would give me a 10GB threshold which should cover me for a couple of years... (I think)
But if you think this is too small, it's also available in a 74GB size. They are $115 and $215 from newegg.com.

I think if you're going to extract every bit of performance from a G5, making the slowest component the machine has to deal with on a constant basis as fast as possible is a must.
:cool:

[Krrill]

Sooo, with all this new info from apple insider etc, would you guys still wait to see if it's gonna pull through on the 30th? I mean, *Cries*

Well, hope you guys have more fun then me on this whole situation you lucky S.O.B.'s (Reffering to the mac people - For all you PC people you can cry along with me, we'll have camp fires and sing kumbaya, and send smoke signals to our other technologically crippled brethern).

[aswitcher]

Slow is an overstatement. It's been a horrible quarter!

I wonder if Apple will post losses for this quarter?

If they do, the only thing that will save them is to release some new consumer computer products, something that hasn't occurred for some time.


I am getting pretty pessimistic about the next quarter. I can see new G5PMs but thats all...I think Steve will want to show off anything really new at the WWDC at the end of June...

[MCCFR]

Normally Apple's refurbished store in the UK (here) (http://promo.euro.apple.com/promo/refurb/uk/)is only open on a Wednesday between 10:00 and 24:00. And normally, the stock you'd actually want is available in such small quantities that it sells out by around 12:00-13:00.

So, some questions: -

How come it is open today (Thursday)?
How come it was stocked with displays and Powerbooks for nearly all of yesterday (Wednesday)?
How come it's selling discounted iPods in volume in a market where iPods normally sell for full retail?
How come there are G4 iBooks being cleared in quantity?


There is more to this than meets the eye, especially when combined with the advice to resellers that there may not be much stock in April, and the news that Ingram Micro is very low on Power Macs.

Waiting for every Tuesday in April now with baited breath, expecting the following: -


Rev B Power Macs
Last speed-bump for Powerbook G4!
Speed bump for iBook
New displays
New iPods soon

[kawa_on_mac]

Wish this were true...if the price point stays the same this would be a hell of a machine.

CUT

Sorry, I think its crap. Wish it were true but he/she couldn't keep there story straight and didn't really give enough detail to be another prophet/spectulator...

I agree. General it's someone's (appleinsider PLAN-B) wishfull thinking to have this all updates at one place. Terrible situation from marketing point of view.

My own rumor would be more like this:

1) PowerMac will be udpated soon to Dual 2.4 Ghz at the top.
Redesinged displays will follow.

2) In Mid May we should see PowerBooks slight update. They will be G4 still.
12" would be at 1.25 and 17" at 1.5. That would be last update of PB G4. In next we would see G5 (January 2005)

Those two updates could improve sales of those lines, which are slighlty old now and need them (essential for marketing)

Bigger updates should happen on WWDC in June:
3) iMac huge update and redesign. G5 1.6ghz at 15" and 2.0ghz at 20"
Propably some AL design.

4) iPod gen4. colorful lcd. bigger baterry to feed it, but size unchanged thanks to smaler size of h.disks (same capacity as now)

Late August/early September we would highly welcome an PM Dual 3.0 ghz announcement which shipments would start a month later. (to fullfil Steve's promise from 2003 WWDC). 2.6 ghz and 2.8 could be shipped immediately.

This is my idea of updates for next months. That number of updates would give Apple marketing a lot of things to promote. Usually 2 -3 months is a max to promote something as a new (in computer market).

Will it happen? I wish. I will wait & watch.

[dbauer]

Since everyone else likes to get my hopes up with non-fact based rumors, I'll throw mine into the ring:

March 31st:
Update:
PowerMac 2.0 Ghz, dual 2.2 Ghz, dual 2.4Ghz, 8x SuperDrive standard

@ the event at the end of June:
Introduce:
PowerBook G5 1.3 Ghz 12", 1.6Ghz 15", 1.8 Ghz 17", 8x SuperDrive standard, New ATI graphics, 512mb RAM standard
iMac G5 1.3 Ghz 15" widescreen, G5 1.6 17" widescreen, G5 1.8 Ghz 20" widescreen, 8x SuperDrive, New ATI graphics, 512mb RAM standard
iBook G4 1 Ghz 12", 1.25 Ghz 14", 1.5 Ghz 14", same price structure as now

@ Mac World Paris (end of August)
Introduce:
PowerMac G5 2.4 Ghz, dual G5 2.6 Ghz, dual 3.0 Ghz 8x dual-layer Superdrive standard, New ATI graphics, 512mb RAM standard on 2.5Ghz, 1Gb standard on 2.8 and 3.0 dual
iPod M - new iPod with video capabilites 20Gb, 40Gb, 60 Gb

Remember, you heard it hear first. I want all the glory when these predictions come true! If they don't, I'll just say that you shouldn't believe the things you read on a rumor site.

[djbahdow01]

For all you PC people you can cry along with me, we'll have camp fires and sing kumbaya, and send smoke signals to our other technologically crippled brethern).

Sounds like a plan where can i sign up.

[jsw]

Normally Apple's refurbished store in the UK (here) (http://promo.euro.apple.com/promo/refurb/uk/)is only open on a Wednesday between 10:00 and 24:00. And normally, the stock you'd actually want is available in such small quantities that it sells out by around 12:00-13:00.

So, some questions: -

How come it is open today (Thursday)?
How come it was stocked with displays and Powerbooks for nearly all of yesterday (Wednesday)?
How come it's selling discounted iPods in volume in a market where iPods normally sell for full retail?
How come there are G4 iBooks being cleared in quantity?


There is more to this than meets the eye, especially when combined with the advice to resellers that there may not be much stock in April, and the news that Ingram Micro is very low on Power Macs.
...

I still say it's because everyone is returning their Macs in anticipation of new ones - which doesn't necessarily mean that there are new Macs.

I foresee a minor announcement next week, then nothing for at least two weeks. I see this all trickling to us, slowly.

Hopefully, I'm wrong! Hopefully for you all, that is. I'm happy with what I've got!

[digital1]

I just need more money ;) :p

[joemama]

I still say it's because everyone is returning their Macs in anticipation of new ones - which doesn't necessarily mean that there are new Macs.

I foresee a minor announcement next week, then nothing for at least two weeks. I see this all trickling to us, slowly.

Hopefully, I'm wrong! Hopefully for you all, that is. I'm happy with what I've got!

An email for educators just went out posting HUGE discounts on just about everything, the biggest being the low-end G5.

Also of note, drop in the 17" display. oh, and orders HAVE to be in by this FRIDAY.

from the email:

PowerMac G5 1.6 Ghz/256 RAM/80GB/Superdrive $1399 (M9020LL/A) Save $200

PowerMac G5 Dual 2.0Ghz/512 RAM/160GB/Superdrive $2049 (M9393LL/A) Save
$200

PowerMac G5 Dual 2.0 Ghz/512RAM/160GB/SuperDrive $2449 (M9032LL/A) Save
$200

17² Studio Display when purchased with PowerMac $499 (M7649ZM/B) Save $100

[CmdrLaForge]

An email for educators just went out posting HUGE discounts on just about everything, the biggest being the low-end G5.
PowerMac G5 1.6 Ghz/256 RAM/80GB/Superdrive $1399 (M9020LL/A) Save $200
17² Studio Display when purchased with PowerMac $499 (M7649ZM/B) Save $100

That is really sweet.
:p Updates are coming ! :D But still these prices are great. For $1900 you get the 1.6GHz G5 with 17" screen. Even an updated iMac will cost around that. And is not upgradeable

[invaLPsion]

An email for educators just went out posting HUGE discounts on just about everything, the biggest being the low-end G5.

Also of note, drop in the 17" display. oh, and orders HAVE to be in by this FRIDAY.

from the email:

PowerMac G5 1.6 Ghz/256 RAM/80GB/Superdrive $1399 (M9020LL/A) Save $200

PowerMac G5 Dual 2.0Ghz/512 RAM/160GB/Superdrive $2049 (M9393LL/A) Save
$200

PowerMac G5 Dual 2.0 Ghz/512RAM/160GB/SuperDrive $2449 (M9032LL/A) Save
$200

172 Studio Display when purchased with PowerMac $499 (M7649ZM/B) Save $100

Updates on the 30th seem more and more likely...

The last week in March is when Apple Insider said is the earliest that we can expect powermac updates.

[klaus]

Updates on the 30th seem more and more likely...

The last week in March is when Apple Insider said is the earliest that we can expect powermac updates.

Or Apple needs to register the sales before April, a new fiscal quarter..

[dbauer]

Or Apple needs to register the sales before April, a new fiscal quarter..

Now your on to something. I think Apple is just trying to boost the 1st quarter sales.

P.S. not trying to be a pessimest, just a realist (an Apple realist that is). :rolleyes:

[nmk]

I'm not so concerned about the Powermacs. Atleast they are still somewhat competitive with the current crop of desktop PC's. Whats the deal with the Powerbooks and iMac. The new 90nm G5 can actually reduce processor speed down to about 2 mhz (no thats not a typo). It can vary its speed thousands of times per second and, according to IBM themselves, is perfect for desktop and laptop computers. Almost everyone is of the belief that putting these processors in an iMac at least would be very easy. I really dont know what these guys at Apple are smoking these days. I really do believe that these delays are being caused primarily due to poor Apple enginneering. A 1.8 Ghz powerbook, if released at the end of this year, will be a joke (albeit less of a joke than the current iMac and Powerbook).

I mean, if this is what Apple is going to put out with the backing of a company like IBM then god help them. We all had a good time bashing Motorolla when they couldn't get fast enough G4's out the door. Well, Apple doesn't seem to be doing much better. I mean, its been a year since they updated the Powermac. This is practically unthinkable when IBM is producing faster processors in large quantities. They are building up production to a level where they will soon be supplying the entire console industry with G5's so I don't think its a production problem on their end. Oh well, if things keep going like this a $200 Xbox 2 will be faster then a top of the line G5.

I am actually starting to get the feeling that they may be looking to de-emphasize on the Mac. There are rumors of some new Apple super gizmo. Maybe they want to concentrate more on high end handhelds (ie. iPod Smartphone) and phase the Mac out over the next four or five years. This is the only instance in which I can see the current approach making sense. It might not even be such a bad idea since more and more developers are dropping Apple. Their international market share is less the 2 percent. Once its below 1 percent, the Mac will anyway be dead for all practical purposes. Perhaps they realize that the only way to stay in the game is to start shifting their business focus.

[mrgreen4242]

Ok, I am semi-mac newb (started using apples as my first computers, IIe->MacPlus->Classic) and am just now starting to get a feel for the mac world, but here is my prediction...

No SIGNIFICANT PowerMac upgrades are coming soon. Seems like they are just getting enough of the new G5 cores to start shipped limited quantities in XServes; I am unsure that they will be able to deliver enough for PMs. I am thinking that there will be a price drop, and maybe the single CPU system will go to a 1.8ghz. I would be VERY suprised if they improved the top model, but if they do it wil be small, like 2.15 or something like that. This will be soon, next few weeks/a month tops.

iMacs/eMacs will get a little spec bump coupled with a small price drop. I'm thikning 1ghz will go to 1.25, 1.25's will goto 1.33, add some more RAM to some of them, a slightly improved video card (GF4MX in eMacs? maybe some more VRAM in the iMacs?). I am guessing this will be shortly after the PM upgrades.

PowerBooks will get a nice bump, but no G5's. I predict 1.25ghz in the 12" SuperDrive line, 1.25 in the Combo 15", 1.33 in the Super 15", and a new 1.42 in the 17". 512MB RAM will become standard in the Combo 15", HD's wont change, except they will add a 120GB 5400rpm option on the top end. Video cards will get some chages, likely in the top two models we will see the 128MB version of the 9600. Not sure if they will put it into the Combo 15". This will be soon, I am eyeing the 30th. Significant price drops will come with.

iBooks will see some small improvements shortly after the PowerBooks, maybe the same day, but more likely a few weeks later. It'll be a simple CPU swap. the 12" will get a 933mhz, the 933mhz 14" will get a 1ghz, and the 1ghz will get a bump up to 1.25ghz to match the lowend PowerBooks. RAM will be added. I am hoping that it will be in the form of 256MB on the motherboard, for a new 768 max ram configuration. HD's will get bigger, I think 40/60/80. Not sure if the 9200 has 64MB version, but look for it in the 14" models if there is. If not, I have a feeling that there will be a video syste, shoft for the 14" but not the 12'. Something with 64mb of vram. I also think a small price drop will accompany.

This, to me, falls in line with everything. It will give a nice 7-8 month window for G5 powerbooks, and keep the ibooks relative performance/rpice wise. The PowerMacs won't hit 3ghz this year, from what I can tell. I bet they will announce it in December, but they won't ship 'till late 1Q 2005. This will fall in nicely, as there will be a big bump in speed later this year as shipments of the new G5 core increase, and then about 6 months later the big leap to 3ghz. It probably wont be till then that we see some 1.6-1.8ghz G5s in the powerbooks, and the iBook like will get the fastest G4s they can still dig up.

So there it is. If I am right than you all we me a beer.

Rob

[tsk]

listen water cooling is NOT SILENT yes with cooligy thre pump is silent but how do you expect to cool the water magic? it works like this water has a better conduction rate than air so heat can be moved away quickly and cooled in a more conveniant place and water cooling almost never leaks on screen savers theve hooked up alot of water cooled systems and they said none have leaked even though they said they hooked up the 1 in the worst way possible

Yikes, that's some tough reading. No offense but if you put in some punctuation your post would be much easier to read.

[tsk]

How much of a boost would you get from the Raptor compared to a 7200 RPM SATA (like the Seagate that Apple uses). Any idea?

It's quite a bit faster. The drives are something like $215 for the 73GB but they're worth it. It's _really_ noticable.

Like the previous poster mentioned, I think putting one of these as your system drive is a great idea. The only drawback is they are on the smallish size (and of course pricey).

[MarkCollette]

Waiting for every Tuesday in April now with baited breath...

Wouldn't it be funny if there is no set day for the announcement, it'll just be whenever enough of the old stock has been sold? Wouldn't it be funny if the rumors community was slowing down sales, and thus being the cause of the delay in new products? That'd be hilarious! :)

So, we've got to tell people how now is the opportune moment to be a new computer. That it doesn't matter how good the new machines will be, but that they'll save money on the discounts :)

Oh course we ourselves will still hold out for the new stuff... :cool:

[the future]

(...) A 1.8 Ghz powerbook, if released at the end of this year, will be a joke (albeit less of a joke than the current iMac and Powerbook). (...) I mean, its been a year since they updated the Powermac. (...) Oh well, if things keep going like this a $200 Xbox 2 will be faster then a top of the line G5.(...) Maybe they want to concentrate more on high end handhelds (ie. iPod Smartphone) and phase the Mac out over the next four or five years. (...) It might not even be such a bad idea since more and more developers are dropping Apple (...)

All hail the FUDmeister... :o

[billwest9999]

All hail the FUDmeister... :o

Too scared to accept the truth eh? Maybe he can tell "the future" and you cannot.

[nmk]

All hail the FUDmeister... :o

Wow, thats one hell of a counterargument you're presenting there :rolleyes: .

[jsw]

Ok, I am semi-mac newb (started using apples as my first computers, IIe->MacPlus->Classic) and am just now starting to get a feel for the mac world, but here is my prediction...

Rob

I have to say that, even if what you write turns out to be completely wrong, it has a definite feel of "correct" to it.

Very nice predictions.

[Les Kern]

It all makes sense to me... THAT'S why it was "hurry, hurry!" on my purchase of 630K of Macs. But I never chase upgrades, it's fruitless. I can't wait a month for a 20% speed bump or a new fancy display. The current stuff works great. I will be pissed, though, if the 100 eMacs part of the order will come in G5, but I doubt they will.

[neonart]

It all makes sense to me... THAT'S why it was "hurry, hurry!" on my purchase of 630K of Macs. But I never chase upgrades, it's fruitless. I can't wait a month for a 20% speed bump or a new fancy display. The current stuff works great. I will be pissed, though, if the 100 eMacs part of the order will come in G5, but I doubt they will.

Are these all eMacs for an educational order? Company order? Thats very cool.

I think most people, like myself, just want to get the most bang for the buck at the time of purchase. For those who got the G5's back in October, they've fully enjoyed being on top of the Mac food chain for many months. But someone who is about to make a personal purchase and is not pressed for time, waiting can give them higher specs (which yield longer life of the product) at similar or even lower prices. That's what makes so many wait. Now if you worry about EVERY update that comes out, or you try to stay on top of the tech industry, you need to either be VERY wealthy or have a very nice company paying for your habits!

But if you need machine NOW to get work done. Get one. Waiting for the next thing WILL NOT pay the bills.

[mrgreen4242]

Well, I am really hoping for a significant price drop on the PowerBooks, personally. They need to go down in price by about 15%, as well as add in some additional ram as standard equipment to be at all competative with the PC side of the world.

Ya ya, higher quality, get what yo upay for, etc etc, but fact of the matter is that peoples wallets are making the choices more often than not, and even the PB's are definately behind in the speed area, so price is where they gotta make up for it. (Not that at 15% less they'd be cheaper than most PC laptops, but they'd be in line for what you are getting).

[iomatic]

I agree with you on all points here. I bet there'll be one wildcard, perhaps at NAB.

PowerMacs at 3GHz will probably ship EOY, or slightly later, G5 PowerBooks to follow.




...

No SIGNIFICANT PowerMac upgrades are coming soon.

...

iMacs/eMacs will get a little spec bump

...
PowerBooks will get a nice bump, but no G5's. I predict 1.25ghz in the 12" SuperDrive line, 1.25 in the Combo 15", 1.33 in the Super 15", and a new 1.42 in the 17".

...

iBooks will see some small improvements shortly after the PowerBooks, maybe the same day, but more likely a few weeks later.

...

So there it is. If I am right than you all we me a beer.

Rob

[aswitcher]

SNIP
No SIGNIFICANT PowerMac upgrades are coming soon. Seems like they are just getting enough of the new G5 cores to start shipped limited quantities in XServes; I am unsure that they will be able to deliver enough for PMs. I am thinking that there will be a price drop, and maybe the single CPU system will go to a 1.8ghz. I would be VERY suprised if they improved the top model, but if they do it wil be small, like 2.15 or something like that. This will be soon, next few weeks/a month tops.


I think they will jump straight to 3Ghz if we wait more than a couple of months, or to whatever proves to be the best they can squeeze out of the chip. I really think Apple need to get to 3Ghz as promised, and I think they will and that's why Intel (or was it AMD) just changed the way they are going to classify chip performance (going away from Ghz) because Apple would have overtaken then within 2005...


iMacs/eMacs will get a little spec bump coupled with a small price drop. I'm thikning 1ghz will go to 1.25, 1.25's will goto 1.33, add some more RAM to some of them, a slightly improved video card (GF4MX in eMacs? maybe some more VRAM in the iMacs?). I am guessing this will be shortly after the PM upgrades.


I think eMacs will get the new G4

I think iMacs will jump to G5 with a new form factor and likely some surprises to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the (affordable) Mac...


PowerBooks will get a nice bump, but no G5's. I predict 1.25ghz in the 12" SuperDrive line, 1.25 in the Combo 15", 1.33 in the Super 15", and a new 1.42 in the 17". 512MB RAM will become standard in the Combo 15", HD's wont change, except they will add a 120GB 5400rpm option on the top end. Video cards will get some chages, likely in the top two models we will see the 128MB version of the 9600. Not sure if they will put it into the Combo 15". This will be soon, I am eyeing the 30th. Significant price drops will come with.


I think G5s...I think that's why we are waiting. If they do G4 I expect to see G5's within 3 months, and I think G4PB sales would suffer badly as everyone continues to hold off for the real deal. iBooks are so close behind the PBs as they are, a minor tweak to performance and specs won't do much for sales...
G5PB will have 512 minumum ram yes.
Absolutely graphics card will be a boost or an option.


iBooks will see some small improvements shortly after the PowerBooks, maybe the same day, but more likely a few weeks later. It'll be a simple CPU swap. the 12" will get a 933mhz, the 933mhz 14" will get a 1ghz, and the 1ghz will get a bump up to 1.25ghz to match the lowend PowerBooks. RAM will be added. I am hoping that it will be in the form of 256MB on the motherboard, for a new 768 max ram configuration. HD's will get bigger, I think 40/60/80. Not sure if the 9200 has 64MB version, but look for it in the 14" models if there is. If not, I have a feeling that there will be a video syste, shoft for the 14" but not the 12'. Something with 64mb of vram. I also think a small price drop will accompany.


I think iBooks will also get the new G4s, so better specs than this. I think they will be delayed until the PBs have gone G5 (maybe simultanous release) so that they don't continue to steal sales. I wonder if they will get better screens with the 14" getting better resolution. Better base ram yep.


This, to me, falls in line with everything. It will give a nice 7-8 month window for G5 powerbooks, and keep the ibooks relative performance/rpice wise. The PowerMacs won't hit 3ghz this year, from what I can tell. I bet they will announce it in December, but they won't ship 'till late 1Q 2005. This will fall in nicely, as there will be a big bump in speed later this year as shipments of the new G5 core increase, and then about 6 months later the big leap to 3ghz. It probably wont be till then that we see some 1.6-1.8ghz G5s in the powerbooks, and the iBook like will get the fastest G4s they can still dig up.

So there it is. If I am right than you all we me a beer.

Rob

Ok, I am more optomistic (also read blinded by desire for my switch to a G5PB) than you...time will tell.

[mrgreen4242]

Ok, I am more optomistic (also read blinded by desire for my switch to a G5PB) than you...time will tell.

I was feeling that same optomism, but squashed it down deeeep inside. I am a switcher-to-be (well, a switcher backer, so to speak... was a mac user till around OS7). I'm going to get a Mac laptop in June... I would love for it to be a G5 PB, but I'm not holding my breath. But, I know, realistically, that even if Apple launched a new G5 PB tomarrow, I won't be able to afford one. I nicely equipped 15" 1.6ghz G5 PB is gonna be in the $2200-2500 range, which is significantly more than I am prepared to spend.

Given my choices now I am debating over a 14" 933mhz iBook, or a 1ghz PBook... The price drop in the refurbed Pbooks has dropped the difference down to $400, and you get a whole lot of computer for that extra $400... If they make a nice little bump in the G4's coupled with a price cut before launching G5's later in the year then either a) I can get a new middle of the road PBook for just a bit over my budget, or b) get a used/refurb old model 1ghz pbook for even less than they are now. Hopefully it will be a win/win for me :).

Rob (who wants.. no needs... a 1.25ghz 15" pbook with 768mb's for less than $1600 in June! It doesn't even need the superdrive!)

[aswitcher]

SNIP

I know, realistically, that even if Apple launched a new G5 PB tomarrow, I won't be able to afford one. I nicely equipped 15" 1.6ghz G5 PB is gonna be in the $2200-2500 range, which is significantly more than I am prepared to spend.


I think Apple will need to keep it at the same price point...they are already pricey machines, to punch to price higher is going to hamper sales. Other people have shown that over the years they try and stick to the price point...so that's my hope, else I will probably have to rethink switching. I love OSX and Applehardware is so slick, but if they push the price up, I could save a bundle by staying in the MS world...maybe Toshiba or Sony for a compromised cool look laptop...

They should at least bundle OEM the new Office to try and get switchers in as well...


Given my choices now I am debating over a 14" 933mhz iBook, or a 1ghz PBook... The price drop in the refurbed Pbooks has dropped the difference down to $400, and you get a whole lot of computer for that extra $400... If they make a nice little bump in the G4's coupled with a price cut before launching G5's later in the year then either a) I can get a new middle of the road PBook for just a bit over my budget, or b) get a used/refurb old model 1ghz pbook for even less than they are now. Hopefully it will be a win/win for me :).

Rob (who wants.. no needs... a 1.25ghz 15" pbook with 768mb's for less than $1600 in June! It doesn't even need the superdrive!)

I very much doubt the iBooks will get bumped before the PBs...already the iBooks are right behind the PBs, a bump could push them past with that new G4 chip tech...

If you hang out for G5PB then of course G4s should fall...and new iBooks might appear at the same time offering more power (and maybe a new mini ipod surface texture look :)

[mrgreen4242]

If you hang out for G5PB then of course G4s should fall...and new iBooks might appear at the same time offering more power (and maybe a new mini ipod surface texture look :)

Well, I'm going to buy in the early/mid June time frame, one way or he other... I will probably just pick a budget and get the most machine I can at that time. Which is, of course, how I buy all my computers. That said, the way it looks, the 15" aghz PB should definately be within my means by then, and hopefully, the 1.25ghz or something better will be as well.

I agree, btw, that there is no way the iBook will get updated before the PB. In fact, I may revise my earlier predictions and say that unless the PB gets a G5 the iBooks may get nothing at all!

[aswitcher]

Well, I'm going to buy in the early/mid June time frame, one way or he other... I will probably just pick a budget and get the most machine I can at that time. Which is, of course, how I buy all my computers. That said, the way it looks, the 15" aghz PB should definately be within my means by then, and hopefully, the 1.25ghz or something better will be as well.
SNIP

Don't forget the illuminated keyboard option.

Try and get a 512 ram stick ontop of the base ram...Panther will purr all the more.

[mrgreen4242]

Don't forget the illuminated keyboard option.

Try and get a 512 ram stick ontop of the base ram...Panther will purr all the more.
I'm not really a fan of the illuminated keyb. Seems like a gimmick that Apple uses to justify the $300 or so extra dollars between the 1ghz and 1.25ghz models (when equipped similarly).

I'll of course be adding my own RAM, I can't believe Apple has like a 60% markup on memory!

[aswitcher]

I'm not really a fan of the illuminated keyb. Seems like a gimmick that Apple uses to justify the $300 or so extra dollars between the 1ghz and 1.25ghz models (when equipped similarly).



Well the clock speed and illum keyboard may not be worth it...but its still cool...

[h_harker]

why do people think this is open again, trying to get old units out in time for next tuesday? its been open now tues/ wed/ fri this week.

would they sell old models with nothing wrong with them at all through the refurb store? surely not?

the illuminated keyboard is a welcome addition!

[wdlove]

Wouldn't it be funny if there is no set day for the announcement, it'll just be whenever enough of the old stock has been sold? Wouldn't it be funny if the rumors community was slowing down sales, and thus being the cause of the delay in new products? That'd be hilarious! :)

So, we've got to tell people how now is the opportune moment to be a new computer. That it doesn't matter how good the new machines will be, but that they'll save money on the discounts :)

Oh course we ourselves will still hold out for the new stuff... :cool:

You could really be onto something. Thank you for a quick laugh. I'm sure Steve is really getting a laugh out of our predictions. Only he know the true timing and reason.

[SwitchHitter]

I'm patiently waiting for the release of an updated Powerbook before I purchase - but I have a question for those that read/post here.

Why aren't the insiders at Apple that share release dates (actual/expected, etc.) - or share what's going to be updated.

Logically, there would be a lot of people that would have the information, from the developers, to secretaries, to marketing/pr and advertising to people that are involved in the supply chain, etc.

Just curious.. it seems that anon. postings from apple employees would be rampant. For example - I would think THERE ARE A FEW APPLE EMPLOYEES that could share when the next Powerbook update would be.

[nightcap965]

Sure, there are many at Apple who could tell you exactly what the new product plans are. They won't, because it's bad for the company and particulary bad for their long-term employment prospects.

Why? Settle back, young 'uns. Let me tell you a story of a man named Adam.

Adam was a very bright guy. He wrote the book on microcomputers (seriously). He saw all these poor slobs with burned fingers from trying to build their own computers and said to himself, People don't need the best / fastest / biggest computer around. They need something that's good enough. They need a Volkswagen.

So he hired the legendary Lee Felsenstein to design one. The result was the first computer I seriously lusted after. It came with a full suite of software, was portable, could fit under an airline seat, and cost only $1,795. The Osborne 1.

Sure, it had a 5" screen and dual single-sided, single-density (90K!) floppy drives. But it was good enough. It sold like hotcakes. "You ain't seen nuthin' yet!" boasted Adam Osborne. "Wait'll you see the next version!"

"Next version? I'll wait for that one!" said the computer buying public, and sat on their wallets. Manufacturing glitches stalled the release of the Osborne Executive, but the idea that the Next Big Thing was imminent made the Osborne 1 unmarketable. It piled up in warehouses. By the time the Executive shipped, the cash-flow crunch had sent the company into bankruptcy.

Osborne Computer restructured and emerged from bankruptcy with The Ultimate Portable, called the Vixen. It was truly an incredibly well-thought-out machine. Unfortunately, it was also 1985 by this time, and no one was interested in CP/M boxes anymore. Osborne Computer sank without a trace.

Adam Osborne passed away last April. Sic transit gloria mundi.

To use a quote from "Bored of the Rings,"

Against the True King Sorhed's workin',
So play your cards close to your jerkin.
'Cause fortune strums a mournful tune,
For those whose campaigns peak too soon.





I'm patiently waiting for the release of an updated Powerbook before I purchase - but I have a question for those that read/post here.

Why aren't the insiders at Apple that share release dates (actual/expected, etc.) - or share what's going to be updated.

Logically, there would be a lot of people that would have the information, from the developers, to secretaries, to marketing/pr and advertising to people that are involved in the supply chain, etc.

Just curious.. it seems that anon. postings from apple employees would be rampant. For example - I would think THERE ARE A FEW APPLE EMPLOYEES that could share when the next Powerbook update would be.

[jsw]

Sure, there are many at Apple who could tell you exactly what the new product plans are. They won't, because it's bad for the company and particulary bad for their long-term employment prospects.

Why? Settle back, young 'uns. Let me tell you a story of a man named Adam.....

Well-written! Of course, there is that whole deal of Steve pre-pre-pre-announcing the 3GHz model LAST SUMMER....

:)

[nightcap965]

You may be right, but this isn't 1982. We now *expect* computer product cycles to be shorter than the lifespan of the average May fly. This will only be a problem if nothing ships within the next month. If it becomes obvious that the next machine will be released in the promised 3 GHz timeframe, I think people will do the calculus and sit on their wallets, waiting for a machine that is a full 50% faster than the current model.

On a personal note, I own all three Osborne models. I also own a rather neat aftermarket item: a fresnel lens mounted on rods that attached to the computer, to make the 5" screen look bigger! While I couldn't afford it when I first saw it, the computer market decrees that a computer over three years old is utterly obsolete. In fact, in my town, you can't even throw them away without paying a fee.

A number of pundits have reared up on their hind legs and declared that no one save graphics professionals needs the power of a dual G5. Five years from now, you'll be lucky if you can palm it off on your nephew.

It's a great time to be a geek!


Well-written! Of course, there is that whole deal of Steve pre-pre-pre-announcing the 3GHz model LAST SUMMER....

:)

[nightcap965]

What a difference a day makes. OK, there is one way to get me to part with my money: offer me an irresistible discount on the monitor I really wanted when I buy the Big Kahuna, and give me unmistakable hints that the next revision won't be out for another quarter.

I'm heading for the Apple store this morning.



You may be right, but this isn't 1982. We now *expect* computer product cycles to be shorter than the lifespan of the average May fly. This will only be a problem if nothing ships within the next month. If it becomes obvious that the next machine will be released in the promised 3 GHz timeframe, I think people will do the calculus and sit on their wallets, waiting for a machine that is a full 50% faster than the current model.

[wdlove]

What a difference a day makes. OK, there is one way to get me to part with my money: offer me an irresistible discount on the monitor I really wanted when I buy the Big Kahuna, and give me unmistakable hints that the next revision won't be out for another quarter.

I'm heading for the Apple store this morning.

Which Apple Store did you visit? Which monitor did you end up purchasing?

[nightcap965]

Which Apple Store did you visit? Which monitor did you end up purchasing?

I was there when they rolled up the door at the Cambridgeside Galleria this morning. I'm now sitting in front of a 23" Cinema Display, spanned to my 17" LDC - talk about wide open spaces! I bought the big one, the dual 2 GHz G5, and I'm happy as the proverbial clam.

[Urdam]

I agree

[jane doe]

I was there when they rolled up the door at the Cambridgeside Galleria this morning. I'm now sitting in front of a 23" Cinema Display, spanned to my 17" LDC - talk about wide open spaces! I bought the big one, the dual 2 GHz G5, and I'm happy as the proverbial clam.

man, thats a sweet set up

[wdlove]

I was there when they rolled up the door at the Cambridgeside Galleria this morning. I'm now sitting in front of a 23" Cinema Display, spanned to my 17" LDC - talk about wide open spaces! I bought the big one, the dual 2 GHz G5, and I'm happy as the proverbial clam.

Congratulations on your purchase, nightcap965. ;) Now you can be enjoying your G5 while the rest of us wait on the fence. Have you noticed any problems?

[nightcap965]

Congratulations on your purchase, nightcap965. ;) Now you can be enjoying your G5 while the rest of us wait on the fence. Have you noticed any problems?

The only glitch was a problem with the optical drive door - a minor issue with the alignment of the drive that was resolved in five minutes. The system has been performing perfectly. I'm still delighted with its quiet power. I feel like I've hardly tapped its potential. It's handled everything I've thrown at it with effortless grace.

I'm glad I got off the fence. Waiting for the Next Big Thing is like running on a hamster wheel - it keeps you busy, but you don't get anwhere. :)

[Urdam]

I agree