Apple Pro Machines -- Still Coming?

[MacRumors]

Appleinsider claims (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=406) that according to their sources, the 'Brilliant Savings' (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/03/20040328064523.shtml) promotion does not indicate that PowerMac/Display updates are delayed.

According to the site, the June end date for that promotion simply corresponds with Apple's 3rd Fiscal Quarter.

As previously reported (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/03/20040325174000.shtml), we have received information that Apple is in the process of prepping new products for release.

[a9mike]

agreed - soon - not later - they HAVE to. period - done - deal

edit: NOT a newbie - more of a lurker - 2 years+

[stoid]

I was hoping we wouldn't have to wait THAT long!! :D

[dukemeiser]

If they don't, Steve will have a hard time keeping his promise of 3 Ghz.

[Sonofhaig]

I think we'll be seeing new product soon. I really don't believe this will be too long a dry spell....

[JohnGillilan]

This Tuesday is as good a time as any -- although I guess I could just settle for another wireless mouse firmware update. That one got my adrenaline pumpin'!!!

[Jackk]

I think Apple is forced to release new revisions before the 3Ghz model. Q2 sales will look terrible if they do nothing when everyones is waiting for new machines.

[Downdivx]

I'm just hoping for something by NAB!

Powermac G5 3.0GHz running FCP5!

W

[vpalvarez]

In the Brilliant display post I had mentioned that companies do have promos when new products are released to ensure that they sell well, and to boost numbers for potrential buyers. That makes even more sense given that it also is the end of the third quarter. Don't Let me down Apple.

[Grimace]

yeah - seriously. The last thread seemed to be 400 to 4 in bashing Apple for putting off Powermac updates. I know its Apple- but sometimes they want to give customers a good deal - to get the best products out fast so people can rave about them!!!

[andyduncan]

I'm sure this has been mentioned before but maybe the promotion is intended more to reduce the inventory of Cinema HD displays rather than that of the G5s. It doesn't list G5 part numbers in the promotion details, although that might not mean much.

[wrldwzrd89]

I think we'll be seeing new product soon. I really don't believe this will be too long a dry spell....
I certainly hope so too...even though I'm not in the market for a G5 right now. I will be buying a new machine in 2007 (I bought my iMac G4 in Jan 2004); I'd like to see what comes out between now and then so I know what to expect.

[Zaty]

I think we'll be seeing new product soon. I really don't believe this will be too long a dry spell....

The announced dry spell could be due to the fact that tomorrow is going to be Super Tuesday with lots of upgrades. But honestly, I think there will only be one update tomorrow: iMovie 4.0.1 :D

[Bear]

Appleinsider claims (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=406) that according to their sources, the 'Brilliant Savings' (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/03/20040328064523.shtml) promotion does not indicate that PowerMac/Display updates are delayed.

According to the site, the June end date for that promotion simply corresponds with Apple's 3rd Fiscal Quarter.

As previously reported (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/03/20040325174000.shtml), we have received information that Apple is in the process of prepping new products for release.What about the extension of the memory specials? This I think is more of an indicator of what might not get updated before the end of the rebate.

[sethypoo]

The announced dry spell could be due to the fact that tomorrow is going to be Super Tuesday with lots of upgrades. But honestly, I think there will only be one update tomorrow: iMovie 4.0.1 :D

Which I will welcome with open arms.

[rubbergorilla]

What you guys are missing is in the fine print. This isn't a promotion to get rid of G5 stock as much as it's a promo to get rid of Cinema Display stock.

Read the fine print, this offer is good with "ANY G5". Usually these promos specify that it's only applicable to certain Apple model numbers (MxxxxLL/A), but this one doesn't.

What this tells me is G5's will POSSIBLY be announced before the end of this promo, because Apple has covered their bases by not locking themselves into only certain models.

[Photorun]

Good point RG. Sooner good. Later BAD, REALLY REALLY BAD!

[nagromme]

I'll remain "cautiously pessimistic," but there could be new towers AND displays soon--but no new 23", and thus that's on sale. (The 23" could be replaced with an entirely new size, or a new 23" could arrive later. Either way, the old 23" should be discounted.)

[pgwalsh]

What you guys are missing is in the fine print. This isn't a promotion to get rid of G5 stock as much as it's a promo to get rid of Cinema Display stock.

Read the fine print, this offer is good with "ANY G5". Usually these promos specify that it's only applicable to certain Apple model numbers (MxxxxLL/A), but this one doesn't.

What this tells me is G5's will POSSIBLY be announced before the end of this promo, because Apple has covered their bases by not locking themselves into only certain models.Right and maybe they're deciding to release new displays before the promo ends or at WWDC. Either way they're coverd by listing the model number of the display...

[javabear90]

well... I guess I'll have to wait.... 4 tuesdays later.... the next tuesday will surely be a new revision....

[agreenster]

Why do I feel like I'm on a see-saw?

PowerMac updates imminent...

Nope. Wait till July

PowerMac updates imminent...

Nope. They'll update iMacs first

PowerMac updates imminent....

I think I'm gonna barf.

[Mr.Hey]

I hope it is true. After such a long and torturous period of time with no updates -- not even a hint -- to be asked to wait even longer, is insanity!.

<insane rant>
I want my G5 3 Ghz PowerMac with the 30" Cinema display, and I want it now!!!. </insane rant>

:rolleyes: If anyone needs me I'll be in the corner in the fetal position with both eye's on my wristwatch. :eek:



This site is misleading, it claims zero post but when I clicked the link, several people have already posted!. I wanted to be the first. ;)

[Falleron]

Well, the build times on powermacs here in the UK is 5-7 days. It went up from 1-2 days at the end of last week. I believe something is happening.

[Zappa]

Brilliant Savings'[/url] promotion does not indicate that PowerMac/Display updates are delayed. According to the site, the June end date for that promotion simply corresponds with Apple's 3rd Fiscal Quarter.
I was a bot worried for a moment. Three months without rumors of immediate PowerMac upgrades? Unbearable..

[Mord]

the briliant savings ploy was probably to skew the rumor sites veiw

[shemp9999]

i sure get a lot done with my 6 month old dual 2ghz. :rolleyes:

[oliverlubin]

also, dont forget how 10.3.3 supported that new G5 model. seems we wouldnt have to wait till WWDC for the next revision of 10.3 ... just another thought.

[wordmunger]

the briliant savings ploy was probably to skew the rumor sites veiw
I hope you're being sarcastic, because I doubt Apple would launch a multimillion dollar promotion just to put one over on Arn.

[Genie]

Guess mine's still up for auction...

[Downdivx]

Or just an attempt to get us all excited on a slow Sunday afternoon. Let’s see, 300 posts in 24 hours. I'd say it worked... Now we're all salivating for anything...

W

the briliant savings ploy was probably to skew the rumor sites veiw

[jrv3034]

i sure get a lot done with my 6 month old dual 2ghz. :rolleyes:

AMEN to that!

BTW, when did the new emoticons show up? I kind'a liked the old ones better... but these are cool too. :D

[QCassidy352]

As previously reported (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/03/20040325174000.shtml), we have received information that Apple is in the process of prepping new products for release.

May I ask - does this mean that macrumors' own sources have said that new products are being prepared for release? The reason I ask is that Arn's (or macrumors' - what ever you want to say) own sources have never, to my knowledge, been wrong. I don't know about Appleinsider or any of those other sites, but when macrumors makes its own predictions, based on info from its own independent sources, those predictions are *always* correct or very close to correct.

So Arn, if possible, could you simply clarify whether macrumors' own sources have said new products are coming, or if this is only based on appleinsider's information?

[greenstork]

the briliant savings ploy was probably to skew the rumor sites veiw

LMAO, that was the best post of this thread :D

[cmoney]

Tomorrow's my birthday, so new machines HAVE to come out! In preparation, last week, I did the following:

1 Deposited Federal and State income taxes
2 Calculated cash to be received from bonus after taxes
3 Applied for and approved for Apple loan (yay $5000!)

The plan was I was gonna be prepared to SPLURGE for a new machine to replace my overheating 450MHz Cube on my birthday, Tuesday March 30. So we'll see tomorrow what happens. But I have a feeling I'm buying myself a new digital camera instead.

[agreenster]

So Arn, if possible, could you simply clarify whether macrumors' own sources have said new products are coming, or if this is only based on appleinsider's information?

I wondered the same thing....

??

[varmit]

Ok, we know PB wont get a speed bump of switching chips. But this speed bump that will happen to the Power Macs, what do you think of a bump of dual 2 at the low, and dual 3 at the high, and say a dual 2.5 in the middle. Do you think they will do this, just go POW like that. Doesn't seem like Apple, and I say this because they are running low on time before they are suppost to at that 3Ghz range. Or will it be like the Xservers, here they are, but wait about 4 months to get them. I also say this because its the Birthday year, they just might want to go POW, ZAP, SMACK, I'm BATMAN!!!!

We can conclude that something is coming out on Mondays to Wednesday almost every week, or at least there is a pattern it seems. And that is for hardware or software.

[ccuilla]

i sure get a lot done with my 6 month old dual 2ghz. :rolleyes:

Whew. Someone said it.

[Xenious]

It would be cool if we had some type of credability percentage (beyond the page 1 page 2 seperation). This could help set expectations of announcements.

For example (I'm making this up)..."Appleinsider says Steve will introduce a 30" monitor tomorrow" - 30% truth. Maybe it could be based on the source combined with a feasibility factor. Like..."Thinksecret says Steve will introduce x86 OSX tomorrow" - 1% Truth. It's a reliable source, but the likelyhood of that happening is so small the guage is reduced.

Pardon me if this has been suggested or implemented before.
-jim

[Namacste]

The plan was I was gonna be prepared to SPLURGE for a new machine to replace my overheating 450MHz Cube on my birthday, Tuesday March 30.

It's my birthday tomorrow too man! I neeeeeed a new display.

[DGFan]

They can't wait too long or they'll miss their target of 3.0 Ghz by August

[Griffindor73]

Have you noticed, we don't really know anything!

Could it be that Apple have actually managed to keep stuff quiet for once.

They must be pissing themselves laughing at the rumour sites because we are all hanging on, driving ourselves mad, purely on fact that updates are due about now.

We don't know anything!

We dont like this, precious, we dont.

It hurts us, precious!

(Goes quietly mad and crawls into dark cave to stroke iPod)

[nsb3000]

Appleinsider claims (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=406) that according to their sources, the 'Brilliant Savings' (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/03/20040328064523.shtml) promotion does not indicate that PowerMac/Display updates are delayed.

According to the site, the June end date for that promotion simply corresponds with Apple's 3rd Fiscal Quarter.

As previously reported (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/03/20040325174000.shtml), we have received information that Apple is in the process of prepping new products for release.

And Tuesday is less than 24 Hours away...I can Hardly Wait! :) :) :)
Now if only my checking account had about $3,000 extra dollars in it..

-Nathaniel

[freddiecable]

LOL :D brilliant irony there - love it :)

This Tuesday is as good a time as any -- although I guess I could just settle for another wireless mouse firmware update. That one got my adrenaline pumpin'!!!

[invaLPsion]

MacOSRumors says that a handfull of their sources are claiming powermacs will be updated in a matter of days.

Powerpage is saying that we will see powerbooks in a matter of days.

Could we see and Apple Pro Release Day tomorrow?

I certainly hope so. :D

[MacFan25]

We should just hope that since tomorrow is Tuesday, we'll wake up to a pleasant surprise. But if not, then I'm sure they'll be here soon...surely they won't go a year without a major update... :eek:

[zelman]

This Tuesday is as good a time as any -- although I guess I could just settle for another wireless mouse firmware update. That one got my adrenaline pumpin'!!!

lol

[swissmann]

Last rumor noting the display promo had everyone saying no new Powermacs for a year. This rumor seems to have turned the opinion around. (Funny how much we sway with rumors). I'm guessing this rumor is wrong and that we will jump to 3 GHz at the end of summer. Maybe we should have a macbets.com where we can place wagers on apple updates against each other. :)

[visor]

just yesterday, everyone was hopping mad because apple makes a promo with <any> g5 and a nice 23" display - thinking that this definately means no updates, and today someone points out that <any> g5 might as well be a new update, and everyone is glowing with joy.

you're silly, all of you.

[zelman]

the briliant savings ploy was probably to skew the rumor sites veiw

Best April Fools day prank ever.

[visor]

It's my birthday tomorrow too man! I neeeeeed a new display.


man, get one of these great 23" apple displays. they are really something, esp. if you get nice g5 with it. save >1000 bucks on display and memory, and you'll have a great internet surfing maschine for the next 5 years at least.

[paleo]

tech support has just learned that there is a specific issue with the ATI 9800 Pro cards in G5s and (only) the 23 CD. the 9800s are backordered until may. this follows an issue with the 9600 cards that was only recently resolved.

whatever the revisions or updates, it will be interesting to see if they ship machines with their high-end card when paired with the 23CD...

[segundo]

just yesterday, everyone was hopping mad because apple makes a promo with <any> g5 and a nice 23" display - thinking that this definately means no updates, and today someone points out that <any> g5 might as well be a new update, and everyone is glowing with joy.

Actually, it was the change in the memory offer that spelled "patience" for a lot of us. Please have some sympathy for those of us waiting eagerly to buy a new powermac. We realize the best time to buy is right when items are announced to maximize the system's usable lifetime and when any of us saves enough money to buy the one of the best computers available on the planet, we're ready to do it now! :)

[g30ffr3y]

we're just begging for anything at this point...
the rumors have been so dry that now we are grasping
at straws on a see-saw...
i hope theres some updates soon... but its already
the end of march... if we get a g5 speed bump now
what will that do to the timeframe of the dual 3gig's...
knowing apple... even if the bump came tomorrow
they wouldnt ship for a month... thats may... are they
really gonna bump to dual 3gig's by end of summer...
march 30 dual ???'s
august 31 [tuesday] dual 3gig's
thats only five months... how long have the current
g5's been out without an update...
they might as well just wait and slap the dual 3gig's on us...
now that would be one hell of a speed bump!!!
and one worth the wait... ill buy one... and a 30" monitor please...

[iLilana]

all this waiting is pissing me off.


hear my GB song

http://www.icompositions.com/auditorium1/showphoto.php?photo=1633&password=&sort=1&cat=565&page=1

[Wonder Boy]

i'm so disheartend right now, i dont even care. apple has crushed my spirit, and nothing short of revamping of the entire line will save me.

[Dippo]

Why don't we stop denying it and just admit it...

Apple is NEVER going to release updates, ever again! :eek:









At least then when the upgrades are released, we will be happily surprised :)

[aswitcher]

Why don't we stop denying it and just admit it...

Apple is NEVER going to release updates, ever again! :eek:

At least then when the upgrades are released, we will be happily surprised :)

What's the bet that all this fuss over the Mini iPod has forced them to devote their focus to production of them and getting iTunes stores organised world wide at the expense of other hardware release dates...

[Steven1621]

:p (Giant Sigh of Relief)

[fpnc]

From AppleInsider, "Apple's latest 'Brilliant savings' promotion should not be taken as an indication that new Power Mac and display models will be delayed until Apple's World Wide Developers Conferences (WWDC), sources close to the company said."

IMO, this sounds like damage control from someone "close to the company." It's obvious that Apple would not want people to think that this promo represents a lame-duck-style sell off and that new and better machines are going to be released in June at WWDC.

The current Power Mac G5s certainly are NOT lame-duck (they're actually very nice machines). However, the utter lack of any meaningful rumors surrounding new Power Macs, the delay in the Xserves, and these new promos probably indicate only one thing -- no new Power Macs until WWDC.

In any case, what I would like to see is a G5-based PowerBook. Give me one of those BEFORE WWDC and Apple will be sitting pretty regardless of when updated Power Macs appear.

[Steven1621]

even if the PM's are released in the near future, we know that they are not going to ship for a long time like usual. hence this really wouldn't interfere with the promotion.

[invaLPsion]

Last rumor noting the display promo had everyone saying no new Powermacs for a year. This rumor seems to have turned the opinion around. (Funny how much we sway with rumors). I'm guessing this rumor is wrong and that we will jump to 3 GHz at the end of summer. Maybe we should have a macbets.com where we can place wagers on apple updates against each other. :)

This place is like drugs, there are good trips and bad ones.

And I think there already is a betting site for macs.

[centauratlas]

All I know is that there were 3 years between the Apple /// and the Apple //e (four years between the ][plus and the //e), so perhaps we have a few more YEARS to wait? :p

[sullyinparadise]

Apple ... if you are listening...... bring on those g5 updates ..... you already have many of us waiting ..... some a long time and others just tapping in. APPLE ..... give to your fans what they want ...... SOON .... like in the next day or so ...... you're making many Mac Nuts nuts.

[Nicky G]

i'm so disheartend right now, i dont even care. apple has crushed my spirit, and nothing short of revamping of the entire line will save me.

I could say something witty here, but decided against it. :rolleyes:

[Tulse]

AppleInsider didn't seem that optimistic about new models (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/03/20040325174000.shtml).

So, even if the promo doesn't mean no new models until WWDC, AI has also said that we wouldn't see new models in quantity until May at the earliest.

If we take AI at face value (a mistake, I know), although it's possible that Apple will announce new machines in the very near future, they won't be on the shelves or in our hands for at least another month or so.

[silvergunuk]

in Reply to Griffindor73

That was 1 of the funniest posts i've read in a while. I'm still laughing at it. Keep it up son.

On a different note, let's hope apple release dual 3ghz so we can go into dells website and fill their forums with much deserved banter.

BY THE POWER Of GREYSKULL!!! (points sword to baby green Tiger)

[aswitcher]

From AppleInsider, "Apple's latest 'Brilliant savings' promotion should not be taken as an indication that new Power Mac and display models will be delayed until Apple's World Wide Developers Conferences (WWDC), sources close to the company said."

IMO, this sounds like damage control from someone "close to the company." It's obvious that Apple would not want people to think that this promo represents a lame-duck-style sell off and that new and better machines are going to be released in June at WWDC.


Yep, damage control.

17"s and 20"s move pretty quickly I imagine, but 23"s are at a price point that is too high for home users

Why push 23" screens out?

Because
(a) too many are in their inventory.

(b) they plan to drop the price at WWDC and don't want people to feel pinched if they buy in the next 3 months

(c) of that new better screen with a new form factor on the way at WWDC and they need to clear channels & dont want buyers of the current 23" to be too pissed when the new model appears because they got their cheaper

(d) all of the above...

[Rustus Maximus]

Whew. Someone said it.

Hey! I kinda said that in the other mammoth thread on this subject.

to quote me
Also, anyone who is going to sit here and tell the rest of us that their Dual 2 GHz G5 just isn't fast enough anymore...is dillusional. I'm not saying there isn't room for improvement but there is always room for improvement. It's the nature of computers. Look, if you need G5 power now, then go ahead and buy a G5 now. Even if you wait for the updated PowerMacs they will also be "too slow" 3-6 months after their intro. You will be twirling in this endless vortex for the rest of time. So just don't get caught up in that game. If a new dual 2.0 or 1.8 G5 will take your work or computing experience to a whole new level then go ahead and buy it. You will not be dissapointed. If you can afford to wait...then wait. No matter what we do, let's leave the Apple-bashing and the trolling at home because even if they don't intro 3GHz G5s until WWDC...they've still beaten their predictions.

:D

Rustus

[DPazdanISU]

Lets get some interesting news..., like a top Apple employee confirms new iMac G5 to come out in one month as a celebration to the aniversary of the mac- even tho we had one... ;)

[phonic pol]

I don't want to sound negative but I'll believe it when I see it! :cool:

[GigaWire]

Read my text: "No new PowerMacs before WWDC"

:eek:

[AJPME]

I was a mac fanatic until I got screwed by Apple in their 1710AV fiasco, so I switched over to Windows NT in '97. I switched back to Apple a few months ago for FCP, and I love the minamalistic interface of Safari and the user experience of OS X - it's great to finally have a stable mac os. Don't get me wrong, I think the G5s are a spectacularly designed chip and computer. However, Apple needs to play on the same playing field as PCs when it comes to hardware. If I could run OS X on a dual AMD 64 running on a nForce3 250 and upgrade components as I please, I and many others would be much happier and Apple would quickly increase it's installed user base and marketshare. I'm sick of BS "deals" like the RAM discount. And I don't want to hear anymore of the lame argument that proprietary hardware allows Apple to have more stability - just look at their screwed up proprietary power supplies in dual g5s that prevent audio professionals from even having the CHOICE to have an adequate replacement. This is 2004, we're running a Unix variant, and the PC components are plenty standardized. I'm not neccessarily asking for support for dated hardware like an AccelEclipse, but at least let me choose from the full line of future ATI and NVIDIA cards. I really, really do love OS X, but I've left Apple before when they screwed me over and I'll do it again if I feel that they're jerking me around too much. I don't care about iPods, I'm a professional who needs great tools like FCP and DVDSP, but Apple, please remember there are other tools like Avid out there.

[James Craner]

My guess is that we will see new Powerbooks (modest speedbumps + updated graphics cards) in the near future, possibly tomorrow. Perhaps these will happen before PowerMac update. That way Apple will have a further 6 months or so to get the G5 Powerbooks ready, which I suspect will be announced Aug to Oct 2004 timeframe.

[jimboboc82]

To be honest .. i'm more interested in the apple mouse with the ipod scroll wheel than a powermac speed bump!

[&RU]

Nice promotion, a $500 rebate brings the 23" into the realm of consideration. As for the release date of the new G5's (I am planning on purchasing later this year), Apple can take as long as they want. When you are dropping that much money, you want to know that they took the time to make things work right. This hasn't always been the case in the past.

You know I'll be here watching for feed back when they come out, before I buy mine. ;)

[aswitcher]

My guess is that we will see new Powerbooks (modest speedbumps + updated graphics cards) in the near future, possibly tomorrow. Perhaps these will happen before PowerMac update. That way Apple will have a further 6 months or so to get the G5 Powerbooks ready, which I suspect will be announced Aug to Oct 2004 timeframe.

It could be so...I think WWDC will either see the G5 release or at least an announcement of them coming prior to Christmas...or I will be bitter ;)

[klaus]

I was a mac fanatic until I got screwed by Apple in their 1710AV fiasco, so I switched over to Windows NT in '97. I switched back to Apple a few months ago for FCP, and I love the minamalistic interface of Safari and the user experience of OS X - it's great to finally have a stable mac os. Don't get me wrong, I think the G5s are a spectacularly designed chip and computer. However, Apple needs to play on the same playing field as PCs when it comes to hardware. If I could run OS X on a dual AMD 64 running on a nForce3 250 and upgrade components as I please, I and many others would be much happier and Apple would quickly increase it's installed user base and marketshare. I'm sick of BS "deals" like the RAM discount. And I don't want to hear anymore of the lame argument that proprietary hardware allows Apple to have more stability - just look at their screwed up proprietary power supplies in dual g5s that prevent audio professionals from even having the CHOICE to have an adequate replacement. This is 2004, we're running a Unix variant, and the PC components are plenty standardized. I'm not neccessarily asking for support for dated hardware like an AccelEclipse, but at least let me choose from the full line of future ATI and NVIDIA cards. I really, really do love OS X, but I've left Apple before when they screwed me over and I'll do it again if I feel that they're jerking me around too much. I don't care about iPods, I'm a professional who needs great tools like FCP and DVDSP, but Apple, please remember there are other tools like Avid out there.

I think OS X "needs" to run on Apple hardware... it's like a marriage..but then between hardware & software..

it's the total package that does it for me..

buying a lada packed with bmw technology wouldn't do it for me, I need the original stuff, or else I don't need anything..

just my 2 cents

[Tulse]

If I could run OS X on a dual AMD 64 running on a nForce3 250 and upgrade components as I please, I and many others would be much happier and Apple would quickly increase it's installed user base and marketshare.

And immediately tank its profits, since it makes its money on hardware sales.

OS X is just like the iTunes Music Store -- it is there to sell Apple hardware.

[Koodauw]

How does & when does Apple usually announce updates? I've only seen the ones Steve does himself. Do they just post something on the main page stating the new specs? And is it usually at a set time or just whenever they feel like doing it?

[DreaminDirector]

these minor updates are usually done by their main page, at least that's what I think.

[ITMediaCo]

$500 off is a tough deal to beat. Is anyone else out there going to bite the bullet and buy the current 23" and G5?

[Nicky G]

And immediately tank its profits, since it makes its money on hardware sales.

OS X is just like the iTunes Music Store -- it is there to sell Apple hardware.

In Soviet Russia, Apple sells competitors' hardware!

Oh man, I've been reading too much Slashdot recently...
:D

[pgwalsh]

I was a mac fanatic until I got screwed by Apple in their 1710AV fiasco, so I switched over to Windows NT in '97. I switched back to Apple a few months ago for FCP, and I love the minamalistic interface of Safari and the user experience of OS X - it's great to finally have a stable mac os. Don't get me wrong, I think the G5s are a spectacularly designed chip and computer. However, Apple needs to play on the same playing field as PCs when it comes to hardware. If I could run OS X on a dual AMD 64 running on a nForce3 250 and upgrade components as I please, I and many others would be much happier and Apple would quickly increase it's installed user base and marketshare. I'm sick of BS "deals" like the RAM discount. And I don't want to hear anymore of the lame argument that proprietary hardware allows Apple to have more stability - just look at their screwed up proprietary power supplies in dual g5s that prevent audio professionals from even having the CHOICE to have an adequate replacement. This is 2004, we're running a Unix variant, and the PC components are plenty standardized. I'm not neccessarily asking for support for dated hardware like an AccelEclipse, but at least let me choose from the full line of future ATI and NVIDIA cards. I really, really do love OS X, but I've left Apple before when they screwed me over and I'll do it again if I feel that they're jerking me around too much. I don't care about iPods, I'm a professional who needs great tools like FCP and DVDSP, but Apple, please remember there are other tools like Avid out there.I'm with you all the way. Linux just passed Apple in installed base. It'll keep getting better. The argument of stablility from a single hardware/software vendor is losing everyday. Linux is very stable on various hardware. XP is stable on various hardware. Various Linux distro's run on x86 and PPC. OS X can do it too and Apple can be very profitable. As you said. The user base will grow and so will profits. Charge for iLife or add it to the OS distro and charge a little more.

[aswitcher]

I'm with you all the way. Linux just passed Apple in installed base. It'll keep getting better.

Yeah, I hope this is a wake up call for Apple.

Although I disagree that Linux is for non-geeks yet. Its still a pain to add hardware and it does require reference to manuals and technical support forums if you want to do anything mildly different with it. Yet because its cheap/free/nice interface/not too hard to use, its going places

[rdowns]

The announced dry spell could be due to the fact that tomorrow is going to be Super Tuesday with lots of upgrades. But honestly, I think there will only be one update tomorrow: iMovie 4.0.1 :D

You'll get your New Music Tuesday and you'll be happy, dammit! :D

[rdowns]

Why do I feel like I'm on a see-saw?

PowerMac updates imminent...

Nope. Wait till July

PowerMac updates imminent...

Nope. They'll update iMacs first

PowerMac updates imminent....

I think I'm gonna barf.

Make sure to do it into a plastic bag. No reason Apple should be the only one selling regurgitated technology.

[gilrain]

In Soviet Russia, Apple sells competitors' hardware!

Oh man, I've been reading too much Slashdot recently...
:D

Well, if we're to follow the forms exactly, that would be: In Soviet Russia, hardware sales makes its money off of Apple! But then, in SR, forms exactly follow us, so there should be no problem.

In other news, I nearly jumped for joy at this ruumor. I had all but lost hope for new PMs before WWDC. I sold my PC in disgust, and am living with only my computer at work until the new PMs come out! It's torture! I realize there may be nothing 'til WWDC (or longer) anyway, but it's good to keep the hope alive so I won't waste my money on a lesser machine.

And yes, I am aware it's petty to hold off on buying just so your (perfectly decent) machine won't be outdated before its time. I fully accept that -- embrace it, in fact. ;)

[rdowns]

Well, the build times on powermacs here in the UK is 5-7 days. It went up from 1-2 days at the end of last week. I believe something is happening.

Absolutely. It was a cloudy day here until I saw this thread. Instant sunshine. I also had a particularly satisfying bowel movement this morning. Yep, something is definately up. :rolleyes:

[ionas]

I certainly hope so too...even though I'm not in the market for a G5 right now. I will be buying a new machine in 2007 (I bought my iMac G4 in Jan 2004); I'd like to see what comes out between now and then so I know what to expect.

this stuff here wont tell you anything. =)

[ThomasJefferson]

An unscientific - lazy mans - check at MacMall indicates the following
PowerMac 1.6 = 715 Units in Stock
PowerMac 1.8 = 1514 Units in Stock
PowerMac 2.0 = 1083 Units in Stock

Before you whine and pout because this is information you don't want to hear, (plenty available) I said it was an unscientific check. :(

Not what I want either.

[aswitcher]

An unscientific - lazy mans - check at MacMall indicates the following
PowerMac 1.6 = 715 Units in Stock
PowerMac 1.8 = 1514 Units in Stock
PowerMac 2.0 = 1083 Units in Stock

Before you whine and pout because this is information you don't want to hear, (plenty available) I said it was an unscientific check. :(

Not what I want either.

Enough for 3 months ;) :D :(

[ThomasJefferson]

Enough for 3 months ;) :D :(

Yikes, Now I'm really depressed.

[aswitcher]

Yikes, Now I'm really depressed.

I think its for the best. They have till September to get to their deadline of 3Ghz by summer 2004.

Best they bump the PM once a year signficantly than twice a year in steps. That way when you buy you know its king of the hill for a year or when you wait the wait will be worth it. Such a annual cycle reduces inventory complexities and variations, simplifies advertising and education. It also reduces costs, and frees time and money up for the other lines which do need serious attention at present.

[aftk2]

I'm with you all the way. Linux just passed Apple in installed base.

Says whom?

[cmoney]

And yes, I am aware it's petty to hold off on buying just so your (perfectly decent) machine won't be outdated before its time. I fully accept that -- embrace it, in fact. ;)

Exactly. Someone said in the previous Brilliant thread: why pay day 1 prices for 6 month old technology? No thanks, I'll wait. And that's Apple's problem. Didn't Steve Jobs say he wanted to get away from a few big releases a year to more often, smaller releases?

[mvc]

I'm with you all the way. Linux just passed Apple in installed base. It'll keep getting better.

And most of those installed units are presumably servers, maintained by geeks, not desktop machines maintained by no-one (typically).

And Linux is free, so there isn't a large real world corporate profit margin & R&D budget to sustain. How would Apple make a buck going this road?

Most opensource, and particularly Linux, survives and progresses on the goodwill of vast numbers of eager programmers and assorted IT geeks sinking endless amounts of time into trying to "kill Bill".

Opensource is like some sort of antibody reaction to the parasitic infection that is Microsoft.

It's a religion, not a business plan.


:)

[Soire]

Exactly. Someone said in the previous Brilliant thread: why pay day 1 prices for 6 month old technology? No thanks, I'll wait. And that's Apple's problem. Didn't Steve Jobs say he wanted to get away from a few big releases a year to more often, smaller releases?

I agree. If Apple really isn't going to update for another three months (uhh, it even feels bad writing it) then why not lower their PM prices? I understand these sales are meant to move their product, especially the 23" LCD. But why in the name of common sense would they not just lower the price of the PMs that have been out for 9 months? That would sure as hell move the dual 2 Ghz a lot master than memory and LCD rebates.

As it stands now, we're locked into a game of chicken with SJ. The question is who will blink first.

[invaLPsion]

I agree. If Apple really isn't going to update for another three months (uhh, it even feels bad writing it) then why not lower their PM prices? I understand these sales are meant to move their product, especially the 23" LCD. But why in the name of common sense would they not just lower the price of the PMs that have been out for 9 months? That would sure as hell move the dual 2 Ghz a lot master than memory and LCD rebates.

As it stands now, we're locked into a game of chicken with SJ. The question is who will blink first.

Maybe these price drops will be covered by the new Impress for Less promo? :confused:

Nevertheless, I'm not going to wait for updates from Apple at WWDC if indeed the wait is that long. With that said, I don't think it will be.

[fluidinclusion]

I was a bot worried for a moment. Three months without rumors of immediate PowerMac upgrades? Unbearable..

<robot joke>

Warning Warning Danger Zappa Robinson.

</robot joke>

[fluidinclusion]

We should just hope that since tomorrow is Tuesday, we'll wake up to a pleasant surprise. But if not, then I'm sure they'll be here soon...surely they won't go a year without a major update... :eek:

Too bad I can't get the emoticon above. :eek:

Oh, wait. I can if I type in the code. :eek:

[aswitcher]

I agree. If Apple really isn't going to update for another three months (uhh, it even feels bad writing it) then why not lower their PM prices? I understand these sales are meant to move their product, especially the 23" LCD. But why in the name of common sense would they not just lower the price of the PMs that have been out for 9 months? That would sure as hell move the dual 2 Ghz a lot master than memory and LCD rebates.

SNIP


Apple are also about making thier R&D costs back etc. Why lower PM prices now...because they WILL sell in the next three months at there current price point, and furthermore a price reduction might make people stop buying them waiting for new 3GHz machines. When the update occurs, possibly not until september, then the 2GHz will drop - a bit ...but bear in mind that there are a fare few shinny new G4PMs out there for sale without much discount on them really...selling your older machine cheap encourages people to wait which slows stock sales and blows your business model. I can see why Apple have kept the older machines at a decent price. Not that it makes me very happy

[Wonder Boy]

I could say something witty here, but decided against it. :rolleyes:

i figured someone might. im not even in the market for anything, i just bought into the "new release" hype, and got a little too dramatic. i hammed it up on purpose.

[Soire]

Apple are also about making thier R&D costs back etc. Why lower PM prices now...because they WILL sell in the next three months at there current price point, and furthermore a price reduction might make people stop buying them waiting for new 3GHz machines. When the update occurs, possibly not until september, then the 2GHz will drop - a bit ...but bear in mind that there are a fare few shinny new G4PMs out there for sale without much discount on them really...selling your older machine cheap encourages people to wait which slows stock sales and blows your business model. I can see why Apple have kept the older machines at a decent price. Not that it makes me very happy

I think this is more of an economics discussion than that of pleaseing the public- and I only took one economics class- and did poorly.

I see your point, but there has to be a trade-off somewhere where customers would decide it's worth saving money on a reduced price G5 NOW, and not wait the extra 3 months. To be honest, if they lowered their prices on the current G5s (compliant with the developer discount) I myself would give some serious thought to buying now rather than later. But 3 grand for something that came out nine months ago??? Come on, we all know this is insulting, so why doesn't Apple? :confused:

[HornetOSX]

Charge for iLife or add it to the OS distro and charge a little more.

you mean how it is now ? you can buy iLife or get it with a new machine.

and you think apple could add cost to the OS distro ?? since when they charge 129 we all get to hear the whiners whine. I'm sure the whining would double if they increased the price.

[aswitcher]

I think this is more of an economics discussion than that of pleaseing the public- and I only took one economics class- and did poorly.

I see your point, but there has to be a trade-off somewhere where customers would decide it's worth saving money on a reduced price G5 NOW, and not wait the extra 3 months. To be honest, if they lowered their prices on the current G5s (compliant with the developer discount) I myself would give some serious thought to buying now rather than later. But 3 grand for something that came out nine months ago??? Come on, we all know this is insulting, so why doesn't Apple? :confused:

Ok. If they dropped the price right now, then anyone who bought since Christmas would be miffed they didn't hold off any longer because Steve has said 3GHz by Summer, so they thought that there was at leasr 6-9 months before (at that time) their machines would be outclassed and worth less than the original RRP. This would have the effect of making everyone think that it wasn't worth buying a machine if it was 6 or more months old because discounts were just around the corner in preparation for the next machines. If Apple gets a reputation for discounts after 6 months then people will wait, especially for Rev As which may have teething problems...wait six months for problems to be identified and resolved AND for prices to drop and then buy. Not a good situation for Apple if that happened.

But Apple has offered up a few temptors, although to my mind with limited market appeal. 23" and cheaper ram. CHeaper ram is a farce but at least they are trying to now be competative. 23" is likely stagnant and overstocker AND facing a revamp, so they want to shift them just as they wouldn't mind shifting a few more G5s to help this quater comings sales prior to WWDC.

[Some_Big_Spoon]

I'd gladly pay double to run OSX on different hardware.

you mean how it is now ? you can buy iLife or get it with a new machine.

and you think apple could add cost to the OS distro ?? since when they charge 129 we all get to hear the whiners whine. I'm sure the whining would double if they increased the price.

[The Ancients]

Mmm, I think I'll just be happy with the $99 iPod (20GB) promotion (http://www.apple.co.nz)

[aswitcher]

I'd gladly pay double to run OSX on different hardware.

If OSX ran on intel/amd machines, due to prices of hardware Apple would quickly drop to being a graphics arts tool, much as it survived the 90s as, and would unlikely ever resurface as a contender for the home desktop.
I for one would probably go get a toshiba laptop now and dual boot OSX and XP if OSX ran on windows machines. Sure its not as nice hardware but it will perform and will be cheaper.
Its the OSX that makes the purchase of the slick hardware justified :)

Where is my G5PB!!!??? :o

[3.1416]

Ok. If they dropped the price right now, then anyone who bought since Christmas would be miffed they didn't hold off any longer

No more than they would be if the G5s were actually updated instead. I already acknowledge that I should have bought a dual 1.8 in December, and that would remain true even if prices dropped tomorrow.

This would have the effect of making everyone think that it wasn't worth buying a machine if it was 6 or more months old because discounts were just around the corner in preparation for the next machines

But again, in that respect there's not much difference between price drops in 6 months and speed bumps in 6 months. In either case nobody's going to want to pay the original price for a 6-month old configuration. If you're trying to argue that Apple should only make improvements to the lineup once a year, I strongly disagree. That would only exacerbate the waiting problems.

[nightcap965]

Well, it was a good enough deal to get me to my local Apple store on Sunday morning. I'm now bathed in the glow of a 23" Apple Cinema HD Display, and my dual 2 GHz G5 is sitting quietly at my right knee, hardly making a sound.

I hope you all understand the sacrifice I've made for you. By giving up the wait and buying now, I've ensured that the new PowerMac G5 Rev. B will be available in exactly ten days from today - too late for me to return this one!

But hey, I'm happy. Like orgasms and ice cream, the pleasure of owning the fastest computer is ephemeral.



$500 off is a tough deal to beat. Is anyone else out there going to bite the bullet and buy the current 23" and G5?

[~Shard~]

I still see the updates coming out in the next week or so (if not tomorrow!) If Steve promised 3 GHz by summer, there needs to be (in my opinion at least) one more update before we simply go right to 3 GHz - Apple wouldn't let a pro machine like the G5 PM become 1 year old without any updates at all to it - that would just reflect far too poorly on Apple.

[pgwalsh]

Says whom?Well, there was a link on MacBytes not too long ago..

If you missed it, here you go:
The link posted on MacBytes some time ago. Doh!
http://biz.yahoo.com/bizwk/040213/b3871118mz063_1.html

An older market share percentage.
http://www.iht.com/articles/70026.html

http://www.osnews.com/story.php?news_id=6371

And most of those installed units are presumably servers, maintained by geeks, not desktop machines maintained by no-one (typically).
Nope got that wrong.. This is the desktop market. The web server market is a third and is expected to grow to 40% by 2005.


And Linux is free, so there isn't a large real world corporate profit margin & R&D budget to sustain. How would Apple make a buck going this road? First RedHat is doing better. They charge for automatic updates at a yearly subscription service fee. They also charge for system management to help cut down IT costs. If you've been up on the news, Novel is planning on taking it to MS with linux on the desktop. Linux will become more gui friendly.

Most opensource, and particularly Linux, survives and progresses on the goodwill of vast numbers of eager programmers and assorted IT geeks sinking endless amounts of time into trying to "kill Bill".

Opensource is like some sort of antibody reaction to the parasitic infection that is Microsoft.

It's a religion, not a business planNot sure where you got that quote, but I do recall most Mac people hate MS too, so I consider them a blessing not a cancer. Apple benefits from OpenSource. IBM, Novell, and others are learning how to make a profit with OpenSource. The point is that Apple has a great friggin opportunity and they're letting is slide right by.

Apple has the better OS... I would just like to see it available throuh HP, Compaq, Dell, and AlienWare or let me build my own. Apple can continue selling their machines, they'll just have to compete.

I would have replied earlier, but I went for a run...

[ingenious]

AMEN to that!

BTW, when did the new emoticons show up? I kind'a liked the old ones better... but these are cool too. :D


around 9:00 CST (GMT -6)

[nek]

I predict that there will be updates to the Powermac on thursday (April Fool's Day). The changes on the "new" Powermac G5 will be limited to increased clock speed (dual 2.0, dual 2.2, dual 2.5GHz)and some other minor changes (faster superdrive?, Radeon 9800XT, GeForceFX 5900, etc.).

The iMac will then receive a major update/redesign including the G5 (1.6, 1.8, 2.0GHz) at WWDC and ship within weeks of announcement. The dual 3.0GHz Powermac will also be announced at WWDC with many other improvements and will be used to show a preview of Mac OS X 10.4.

The PowerBook, iBook, and eMac will all be updated to faster G4 in the next couple months as well. PowerBook G5 will be announced sometime in the fall/winter.

This is secret insider info! :D

[Soire]

I just had the crazy idea of creating a new user name, then posting that I know for a fact that updates tommorow. Then if I was right I would keep the user name and everybody would consider me to be an oracle! :D ...and if I was wrong, then hey- drop the new name act like nothing happened. This sounds like a cool idea, I just hope nobody beat me to it.

-yea I'm not going to do that, but I like the notion.

[clr900]

I think this is more of an economics discussion than that of pleaseing the public- and I only took one economics class- and did poorly.

I see your point, but there has to be a trade-off somewhere where customers would decide it's worth saving money on a reduced price G5 NOW, and not wait the extra 3 months. To be honest, if they lowered their prices on the current G5s (compliant with the developer discount) I myself would give some serious thought to buying now rather than later. But 3 grand for something that came out nine months ago??? Come on, we all know this is insulting, so why doesn't Apple? :confused:
I agree, if Apple lowered their current prices for the dual 2ghz and told me that after updates the prices would not be lowered by much more, then I would seriously consider buying now.

[andiwm2003]

the apple store germany announces in their hot news headlines: new ibook G4 with airport extreme and bluetooth.
they give no further information.

[vpalvarez]

the promotional probably indicates that the Displays won't get updated until after the 26th of June. But the G5s most likely will Meaning a $500 discount for a setup that doesn't match... I'll take it.

[invaLPsion]

I predict that there will be updates to the Powermac on thursday (April Fool's Day). The changes on the "new" Powermac G5 will be limited to increased clock speed (dual 2.0, dual 2.2, dual 2.5GHz)and some other minor changes (faster superdrive?, Radeon 9800XT, GeForceFX 5900, etc.).

The iMac will then receive a major update/redesign including the G5 (1.6, 1.8, 2.0GHz) at WWDC and ship within weeks of announcement. The dual 3.0GHz Powermac will also be announced at WWDC with many other improvements and will be used to show a preview of Mac OS X 10.4.

The PowerBook, iBook, and eMac will all be updated to faster G4 in the next couple months as well. PowerBook G5 will be announced sometime in the fall/winter.

This is secret insider info! :D

Hey man, don't play mind games with the people on these forums. Say you have insider information only IF YOU DO. :mad:

[invaLPsion]

the apple store germany announces in their hot news headlines: new ibook G4 with airport extreme and bluetooth.
they give no further information.

Those came out in October, buddy.

[DreaminDirector]

the apple store germany announces in their hot news headlines: new ibook G4 with airport extreme and bluetooth.
they give no further information.

Huh?

[mvc]

I predict that there will be updates to the Powermac on thursday (April Fool's Day) … This is secret insider info! :D

I assume the April Fools Day bit is the main point of this :rolleyes:

[Nicky G]

Those came out in October, buddy.

Thank freaking god...

For a moment I was really freaked out, because I realized that I was reading this using an iBook G4 with Airport Extreme and Bluetooth, and I thought I had got stuck in some kind of tear in the spacetime continuum.

:D

[mvc]

.The point is that Apple has a great friggin opportunity and they're letting is slide right by.

Apple has the better OS... I would just like to see it available throuh HP, Compaq, Dell, and AlienWare or let me build my own. Apple can continue selling their machines, they'll just have to compete.


Hmmm, I can't see it ever happening, it didn't work for them last time. And I think its probably too late now.

I could be wrong, and I concede I am no Linux expert, but heres how I see it.

Perhaps a major reason why OSX is better than Linux is that it actually inevitably consumes a large amount of money to create and improve an OS to the standard of vision and integration that Apple has achieved and must now maintain.

If Linux was as elegant, easy to use and install as OSX, do you think Redhat would survive when it could be got free elsewhere.

Redhat is surely benefitting from the unpaid labour of many talented programmers, and is effectively selling security and ease of use for code that is not intrinsically easy to use or install. The same could be said for IBM. They are all mainly giving a veneer of solidity and professionalism to a body of code they have largely not had to pay to develop and maintain, at least up to this stage.

How much money do Redhat invest into the actual opensource in a way that OTHERS can share without paying money to Redhat. IBM and Novell, are they writing code that benefits ALL opensource users and installations, or just theirs?

And even if they are investing now, the core of the OS was not paid for by them.

I don't think you can have it both ways now. If the previous attempt at licensing the Mac OS had worked better, and marketshare had been maintained or grown, perhaps Apple would be making enough money off software to keep the ball rolling and what you propose might have become the norm.

But now, since the installed base has become so small, its probably impossible to make that move, licensing would probably allow too many of their captive user base to move to another hardware platform and Apple would see a smaller percentage profit from every installed OSX copy than they do from hardware and OSX combined.

Perhaps that remaining revenue would then be too small to keep the OS development running at such a high standard. It would be a very high risk undertaking.

It works for Bill because he has so many copies out there, it works for Linux because most of the programming so far is still being done for free! It won't work now for Apple because they are the best but they are also the smallest.

Its a cleft stick.

[jsw]

I just had the crazy idea of creating a new user name, then posting that I know for a fact that updates tommorow. Then if I was right I would keep the user name and everybody would consider me to be an oracle! :D ...and if I was wrong, then hey- drop the new name act like nothing happened. This sounds like a cool idea, I just hope nobody beat me to it.

-yea I'm not going to do that, but I like the notion.

Dude, you'd've been no more of an oracle than the other 50 people who've posted that it's tomorrow for sure.

Now, if it in fact happens tomorrow AND you got all the specs right, then maybe you'd've at least been seen as a possible insider.

[Sonofhaig]

Have you noticed, we don't really know anything!

Could it be that Apple have actually managed to keep stuff quiet for once.

They must be pissing themselves laughing at the rumour sites because we are all hanging on, driving ourselves mad, purely on fact that updates are due about now.

We don't know anything!

We dont like this, precious, we dont.

It hurts us, precious!

(Goes quietly mad and crawls into dark cave to stroke iPod)

That's funny! And I thought I was the only one to call my ipod my precious!
After all, it is mine, my own...... :D

[ralphh]

I assume the April Fools Day bit is the main point of this :rolleyes:

Actually, there might be something to that. Apple was founded April 1, 1976. It'll be 28 years old on Thursday. :)

However, I don't recall Jobs being fond of marking anniversaries.

[nmk]

You know, I used to be an avid Amiga user. The Amiga was, in many ways, a decade ahead of its time. You could do real time video editing on the Amiga in the late 80's/early 90's. You could display 32bit colour. I still remember the last days of the Amiga. The internet didn't really exist (certainly wasn't widespread) at the time, but the atmosphere was something like this. People grasping at straws, every rumor becomes a prophecy. The truth is, and I dont mean to be a Troll because I really like the Mac, that the Macintosh platform is dying. I believe that Apple may survive the Mac if they are smart about it. I'm about the sell my PB17 and get a Voodoopc or Alienware laptop. I just don't want to be onboard when the ship sinks. I'm reminded of those musicians at the end of the movie Titanic when I look at this messageboard. :(

[freddiecable]

That would be very sad, if you're true! But welcome back if the boat finds a way to stay "on top" ;)

we/everyone certainly needs an alternative to MS :rolleyes:

You know, I used to be an avid Amiga user. The Amiga was, in many ways, a decade ahead of its time. You could do real time video editing on the Amiga in the late 80's/early 90's. You could display 32bit colour. I still remember the last days of the Amiga. The internet didn't really exist (certainly wasn't widespread) at the time, but the atmosphere was something like this. People grasping at straws, every rumor becomes a prophecy. The truth is, and I dont mean to be a Troll because I really like the Mac, that the Macintosh platform is dying. I believe that Apple may survive the Mac if they are smart about it. I'm about the sell my PB17 and get a Voodoopc or Alienware laptop. I just don't want to be onboard when the ship sinks. I'm reminded of those musicians at the end of the movie Titanic when I look at this messageboard. :(

[Evan_11]

So if we're so near the end then why did Apple bother to introduce the G5 at all? Why not just ride out into the sunset onboard the Motorola G4? Why invest all the money in R&D? Stop me if I'm making any sense.

Go ahead and sell your PB17 for an Alienware PC. I question the logic of buying a powerbook in the first place if you end up selling it and buying a souped up pc gaming system. Sounds like you bought it just to look cool. Kinda like you did back when you bought an Amiga. Just for bragging rights with little use of it's power.

[nmk]

I want to get a VoodooPC or Alienware becuase I also enjoy gaming. It isn't the only thing I do with my PC. The VoodooPC in particular, I find appealing, becuase they have a widescreen laptop, fully loaded, with the same thickness and weight as a powerbook. I cant find this combination of portability and power in any other Laptop on the PC side.

As far as my choice of platform is concerned, my PB17 is my fifth Mac in the last five years. I use Apple primarily becuase I prefer the OS X user interface and I don't like MS technology and software lockin. I've also converted three of my friends over the last few years on the basis of the superiority of the software. Only one of them was concerned with the coolness of the design.

I think it is a little childish to assume that becuase I'm buying a laptop that is a good gaming machine, that my only interest in computers is gaming. Then consequently going on to assume that I only bought the Powerbook becuase it looked cool. Not only that but then going further back and assuming that I bought an Amiga for the same reason.

I'm actually seriously considering using the SUSE distro of Linux as my primary OS on the laptop, so in a way I'll be able to get the horsepower I want without having to succumb to MS. One of the factors that influenced my switching over to Intel/AMD architecture was the availibility of a viable non MS OS alternative.Anyway, please try to be more intelligent in your subsequent posts.

As far as your fist question regarding the G5 is concerned. I never implied that the Mac will die suddenly overnight. I think that the platform will dwindle away over the next four or five years. I believe that Apple is planning on shifting their focus to non-Mac areas of their business (eg. ITMS iPod). This transition will take some time. In the mean time they need to keep the Mac reasonabely viable in order to be able to survive during that transitional period.

[mrgreen4242]

the apple store germany announces in their hot news headlines: new ibook G4 with airport extreme and bluetooth.
they give no further information.

I ran the news thru the google translator, and it isn't refering to a new iBook, just an educational package that has a 14" iBook, the BT and AE modules, and a laptop case included at some spcial dicount, although I wasn't able to see how mcuh the discount was.

As much as I'd like one, there won't be new iBooks till the PB line is updated.

[cmoney]

I've thought of that doomsday scenario. When OS X was in Beta, I started wondering if it could be the end of the Mac. And my thoughts on the matter were that if the Mac did die sometime, I'd probably just stop loving computers so much. I'd have a PC around just to check email, but I'd probably move on to a wireless device instead.

Macs just work for me. Apple has an attention to detail that's lacking in Microsoft OSs and completely absent in Linux. I like having the complete computing solution from one company so things like the pulsating power light on the display syncs with the pulsating power light on the computer. Heck I like the fact that there's a pulsating power light on the computer at all. I like the glowing green/orange power plug on my PowerBook and the thoughtful design in the PB power supply. PC makers can COPY these details but they're never the first to bring them to market and they never work as well as the original. If it comes, I'll be here till the end.

[nmk]

I agree with you completely. There is nothing in the PC would that comes close the the elegance of the Mac experiance. However, what about this alternative. I am firmly of the believe that Linux will superceed Windows as a worldwide desktop OS. My belief is based on market conditions outside of the US as I'm not American. Now the linux kernel and development platform (KDE/Gnome) is opensourse. You've got a host of companies making their own KDE or Gnome based desktop variations for Linux. What if Apple were to dump OS X completely and develop a custom version of Linux to run on a new line of x86 compatible computers.

And please, OS X doesn't count here. Number one, its runs on a different chipset so the binaries for most Linux apps wouldn't be compatible with PPC. Apart from that, the applications have to be ported to run with the X11 libraries to run on OS X.

I'm talking about a proper Linux distro here. One which would run all Linux software natively, but with an Apple GUI based on standard Linux technologies. Since they would be bundling their own Linux distro (and all the assorted iApps) with their own hardware they would still be able to provide a seamless Mac experiance with complete compatibility with the rest of the world.

[dedeaux]

Reading the fine print it states that this $500 rebate from a system/monitor purchase is not valid for the developer program, yet on the developer store site it lists the rebate. Is this incorrect, or am I missing something in the fine print?

[BWM]

Reading the fine print it states that this $500 rebate from a system/monitor purchase is not valid for the developer program, yet on the developer store site it lists the rebate. Is this incorrect, or am I missing something in the fine print?

I'm in a similar situation (Apple Student Developer) and called Apple today. They told me that Brilliant Savings could not be used at the Developer Hardware Purchase Store...very sorry to let you know...I was quite bummed myself.

This whole thing has been driving me nuts!!! My wife and I agreed to get a G5 back in January...but I started reading the rumor boards and began the wait. I've been going nuts, and then got all excited about the Brilliant Savings promo, thinking I'd get a Rev A G5, but a 23" display. But alas, I fear my wait has been for naught. My ADC membership expires on April 15th.

I would be so excited if updates came before the 15th, but my expectations are quite low...

[pgwalsh]

But now, since the installed base has become so small, its probably impossible to make that move, licensing would probably allow too many of their captive user base to move to another hardware platform and Apple would see a smaller percentage profit from every installed OSX copy than they do from hardware and OSX combined.
I'm sure if we spent the time we could figure out how much RedHat contributes to the kernel development and other apps bundeld with the redhat distro. However, that's not what my point was.

Apple could release a 64 bit x86 version of OS X. I believe the intial version would appeal to Linux, Unix, and other tech heads. As we know, a lot of applications would need to be compiled for that platform for it to be a viable solution. Not to mention the drives etc.

That aside Apple does make great hardware. Look at xserve it competes in the low end server market. They compete and now they're adding support for windows etc. They could do the same for other hardware.

Seems that too many people think that Apple would not survive on it's own as a sotware company and as a hardware company that competes in the regular market space. I don't believe it. I think they can and obviously I think they should. This is a chance for them to grab market share and be the ultimate desktop OS. Linux will catch up... Especially with so many big companies behind it.

[greenstork]

You know, I used to be an avid Amiga user. The Amiga was, in many ways, a decade ahead of its time. You could do real time video editing on the Amiga in the late 80's/early 90's. You could display 32bit colour. I still remember the last days of the Amiga. The internet didn't really exist (certainly wasn't widespread) at the time, but the atmosphere was something like this. People grasping at straws, every rumor becomes a prophecy. The truth is, and I dont mean to be a Troll because I really like the Mac, that the Macintosh platform is dying. I believe that Apple may survive the Mac if they are smart about it. I'm about the sell my PB17 and get a Voodoopc or Alienware laptop. I just don't want to be onboard when the ship sinks. I'm reminded of those musicians at the end of the movie Titanic when I look at this messageboard. :(

Well, you are trolling. Contrary to your math, Apple still makes a profit. Its user base has proven time and time again that they will continue to shell out for the latest and greatest products. They are among the most loyal users in all of tech land. They are first adopters with big wallets (or they're not afraid of going into debt for their mac purchase ;) ).

In case you haven't been following Macintosh for that long, people like you have been saying the Mac is dying for the past 15 years. Any company making a profit and sitting on the pile of cash that Apple has is far from doomed. Under the absolute worst scenario, it would be 5 or more years before the economically successful Mac went belly up.

[mrgreen4242]

I'm talking about a proper Linux distro here. One which would run all Linux software natively, but with an Apple GUI based on standard Linux technologies. Since they would be bundling their own Linux distro (and all the assorted iApps) with their own hardware they would still be able to provide a seamless Mac experiance with complete compatibility with the rest of the world.

Drool. I want. That's the only Linux distro I would pay for. I would love to see Apple take on a project like this. They have the basics for it already. The quartz system could remain relitively unchanged, opengl is opengl, for example. They would need to from scratch develop a desktop enviroment, but only from a programming standpoint, as the human interface could remain unchaged. Add in a version of all the iLife apps, and get them to donate some man hours to the OpenOffice.org team and bundle a special edition with it. Same goes for the Gimp.

Maybe throw some more money at the WINE project and integrate DirectX 'emulation' in the distro.

Put this on a 2.8ghz HT-P4 PC with a gig of ram and a radeon 9700pro that you could build for less than $800 and I would be in heaven. I'd still buy Mac laptops, but the above scenario is my ideal computer. I'm getting shivers just thinking about it.

[greenstork]

I'm sure if we spent the time we could figure out how much RedHat contributes to the kernel development and other apps bundeld with the redhat distro. However, that's not what my point was.

Apple could release a 64 bit x86 version of OS X. I believe the intial version would appeal to Linux, Unix, and other tech heads. As we know, a lot of applications would need to be compiled for that platform for it to be a viable solution. Not to mention the drives etc.

That aside Apple does make great hardware. Look at xserve it competes in the low end server market. They compete and now they're adding support for windows etc. They could do the same for other hardware.

Seems that too many people think that Apple would not survive on it's own as a sotware company and as a hardware company that competes in the regular market space. I don't believe it. I think they can and obviously I think they should. This is a chance for them to grab market share and be the ultimate desktop OS. Linux will catch up... Especially with so many big companies behind it.

I keep hearing that Apple has to grab market share. Bzzzt.....wrong. Apple has to make money so they can keep innovating and appease shareholders, that's all. If they believe that gaining market share is the way to go then so be it but I am not convinced that that is the best strategy and nothing that you have said leads me to believe it is.

Since nobody on these forums really understand their profit margins, it would be all speculation and here-say to claim that they must pursue software, market share, and abandon hardware sales in favor of licensing OS x on x86.

[mvc]

Seems that too many people think that Apple would not survive on it's own as a sotware company and as a hardware company that competes in the regular market space. I don't believe it. I think they can and obviously I think they should. This is a chance for them to grab market share and be the ultimate desktop OS. Linux will catch up... Especially with so many big companies behind it.

Well, they certainly have been pushing the software aspect over the last couple of years, with all their new iApps and Pro Apps. Perhaps they are tooling up for the possibility of being primarily software focused long term.

It would be sad though, as it would probably mean the end of their exceptional computers (see posts above for Amiga comparisons).

Still, in ten to fifteen years time, the whole PC concept will probably have dissolved literally into the furniture, so maybe they can go into interior design ;)

[mvc]

Put this on a 2.8ghz HT-P4 PC with a gig of ram and a radeon 9700pro that you could build for less than $800 and I would be in heaven. I'd still buy Mac laptops, but the above scenario is my ideal computer.

You raise an interesting point here, that might speak volumes about where Apple is heading long term.

Desktop machines have become commodities, the big generic box can be filled with anything, and anyone and his kid brother can put the bits inside.

But a good laptop/portable digital device is still a design issue from a number of angles - making a powerful, compact, user friendly and sexy item (like an iPod) takes design finesse that Apple has in spades and most commodity PC manufacturers can't touch.

Its the same finesse that made the original all-in-one Macs and the original iMacs such a success.

In this area, Apple should be able to maintain an advantage, as long as they keep innovating and pushing the boundaries.

[B!nej]

Anyone who thinks Linux is going to become a mainstream desktop OS is dreaming - there is just no way. I used it for all my work for some five years, and the instant OS 10.2 came out I sold my PC and switched. Some people like to tinker with computers, and those people like PCs and Windows or Linux. I use my computer for work, and I don't have time to waste on "configuration" or "optimization".

Apple is not going to die. They produce the best professional and home machines on the market - I don't care about pure performance, because performance is a fallacy anyway. What's the point in rendering a video five minutes quicker if you spent ten minutes just getting the computer to work and rebooted twice in the process?

If Apple wanted to increase their market share, they could do it easily by compromising on quality to reach a lower price point. Say goodbye to your well designed cases and internals, say hello to ribbon leads, plastic facades and tin panels. Forget ECC RAM, forget high resolution displays (plenty of PC users read size, and don't notice the screen looks like a balloon and flickers like crazy), forget Firewire, forget Gigabit Ethernet, one fan at high RPM (can't hear it in the shop, but wait till it gets home!) can replace seven. Get rid of the door, just have screwed on panel.

All of a sudden you have a cheap, fast PC - wait, why would you buy that from Apple?

Apple is the only computer manufacturer right now selling real quality and innovation (alienware assembles, they do not invent). That's why I'm buying from them, and I will continue to do so until that changes.

[Gyroscope]

On more positive note. I figured out that it is still possible that they will release G5-X model tomorrow based on PPC 975 :). This may explain why it took them so long for revision,why promo on existing g5's + displays will go until June,why SJ promised 3Ghz by summer's-end this year(he may have been conservative in his estimate). Hmm imagine 2.6-3.0 ghz machines with integrated memory controler (1/2 latency). Hyper-threading. All will happen tomorrow.
All imacs and Powerbooks will go 970fx. and emacs will receive 1.5 ghz motorola CPU. :D



:p Hey I am just trying to cheer you up folks.

[klaus]

On more positive note. I figured out that it is still possible that they will release G5-X model tomorrow based on PPC 975 :). This may explain why it took them so long for revision,why promo on existing g5's + displays will go until June,why SJ promised 3Ghz by summer's-end this year(he may have been conservative in his estimate). Hmm imagine 2.6-3.0 ghz machines with integrated memory controler (1/2 latency). Hyper-threading. All will happen tomorrow.
All imacs and Powerbooks will go 970fx. and emacs will receive 1.5 ghz motorola CPU. :D



:p Hey I am just trying to cheer you up folks.

Been reading MOSR a moment ago? ;)

anyways: mosr reports of rapid development for G6, but hey..we all know what mosr stands for...

[mvc]

All imacs and Powerbooks will go 970fx.:D

G5 Powerbooks tomorrow!

I can see the headlines now:

"Herds of Wild Flying Pigs disrupt Air Traffic over Cupertino" :cool:

[mvc]

but hey..we all know what mosr stands for...

what, Most Outrageous Spurious Rumors?

[klaus]

what, Most Outrageous Spurious Rumors?

something like that :p

[fpnc]

I'm with you all the way. Linux just passed Apple in installed base.

This may not be true. Apparently almost half of all PCs that ship with Linux go to China and most of those machines just get loaded up with pirated copies of MS Windows (i.e. they order Linux so that they don't have to pay for a legal, bundled copy of Windows). And no, I did not get this information from a Microsoft press release. It may or may not be completely factual, but even if it is only partly true it significantly reduces the number of PCs that are counted as running Linux.

[aswitcher]

This may not be true. Apparently almost half of all PCs that ship with Linux go to China and most of those machines just get loaded up with pirated copies of MS Windows (i.e. they order Linux so that they don't have to pay for a legal, bundled copy of Windows). And no, I did not get this information from a Microsoft press release. It may or may not be completely factual, but even if it is only partly true it significantly reduces the number of PCs that are counted as running Linux.

Sounds like a good rumor BUT where are they shipping these linux pcs from? Why not just build them in China?

[billyboy]

Well, they certainly have been pushing the software aspect over the last couple of years, with all their new iApps and Pro Apps. Perhaps they are tooling up for the possibility of being primarily software focused long term.

It would be sad though, as it would probably mean the end of their exceptional computers (see posts above for Amiga comparisons).



They are cranking out great software to make sure people buy their top end hardware. OSX is the lure to pay top dollar for the Mac, iTunes is the lure to the dear iPod. Apple cannot lose with this business model of total integration. If they specialise in software they will die along with MS.

[mrgreen4242]

If they specialise in software they will die along with MS.

If you believe that MS is going to die anytime soon, then you really need to look at them alot more closely.

They have thier fingers in EVERYTHING. Even if Windows suddenly lost its 95% marketshare, and Linux ruled the world, MS wouldn't be in ANY danger of going under. They still will make the world standard office suite, for example. Even if OpenOffice or some other project suddenly overthrew that, there's still so much more.

The XBox, for another example. Windows Media formats are, sadly, quite good, and used all over the place, and not just on Windows machines. They are killing Palm in the handheld market. They have dealings in media, both content and delivery. They have a bigger cash stack than Apple does, so they could stop making money for YEARS and still be arund, not that that will ever happen.

Anyway, point is that MS isn't going anywhere, like it or not. The old saying, 'No one was ever fired for buying IBM', is eventually going to read 'No one ever got fired for buying MS'.

[displaced]

And please, OS X doesn't count here. Number one, its runs on a different chipset so the binaries for most Linux apps wouldn't be compatible with PPC. Apart from that, the applications have to be ported to run with the X11 libraries to run on OS X.

I'm talking about a proper Linux distro here. One which would run all Linux software natively, but with an Apple GUI based on standard Linux technologies.

What 'standard Linux technologies' are we talking about here? What would be easier -- transferring the entire Mac platform to an IBM PC-AT Compatible environment, or simply porting the existing Open Source software for OS X?

Both OS X and Linux are POSIX-compliant. They share the same gcc compiler, and have an incredibly similar build environment. The speed with which many large OSS projects have been ported to OS X is testament to this. OpenOffice, Firefox, X11 (Quartz-accelerated, no less), KDE, Qt, Apache, Samba, Tomcat, and hundreds of other fantastic tools, environments and applications.

What you're asking is to take OS X's 'Macness' -- the Cocoa and Carbon libraries and port them to Linux/x86 (even though we've already got a POSIX-ly correct Mach/Darwin UNIX). How will this help? You'd still have to get OSS developers to support these libraries even though they're on Linux/x86... Why should Apple go through all that pain to actually achieve very little? The same thing you're suggesting could've been said by Solaris users when Linux or Minix first arrived: "Why don't they just make Linux run on SPARCs and just extend what we've already got in Solaris?"

OS X is already a fantastic complement to Linux -- yet another example of how the UNIX paradigm is a great environment within which developers to work. At the moment, developers can code for their favourite Linux based toolkits, and those with the knowlegde are already able to bring those apps over to the Mac. The nebulous nature of Unix means that developers (should) be in the habit of keeping their code clean. Open Source collaboration tends also to keep the code maintainable. So, with many core toolkits/libs already present on OS X (kdelibs, xf86 libs, gcc, glibc, etc) porting software to the Mac is do-able in a manner that it never was before OS X.

Just to reiterate -- OS X's foundations are as compatible with Linux as it's ever going to be. Cocoa and Carbon aren't going anywhere. They're what makes the Mac a Mac. An Apple GUI coded with Linux technologies wouldn't work how the Mac works. The reason a Mac works how it does is because it's not based on Linux. The capabilites of a GUI depend almost entirely on the capabilities of the underlying system. Excellent though Qt/GTK+/etc are, they couldn't be substituted in place of Cocoa/Carbon without the Mac losing much of how it operates.

Besides, Cocoa and Objective C are absolutely beautiful environments to code in. Truly. It was years ahead of its time in the late 80s and through the 90s (when it was the foundation of the NEXTSTEP OS and, ncidentally, what Tim Berners-Lee wrote the first web server and browser on). In many respects, it still is now.

IMHO, Apple are making positive moves. They've got the confidence (and the excellent technology) to present a really mature and capable environment to the computing world. Plus, they're striving for compatibility with other environments. They're also not scared to draw from the Open Source community (Samba, Apache, KHTML in WebCore, etc...), and are freely giving their contributions back to the Open Source world.

I couldn't care less what Apple's 'market share' is. As long as there's the money for them to keep going, it'll still be my platform of choice. Their applications are capable, compatible and open. Their technologies are clean, elegant and -- to quite a suprising degree, considering the 'proprietary' tag -- open. I get the best of Mac software, and I can run the best of Open Source software right alongside. I get Objective C and Cocoa, Qt, Python, Perl, mySQL, Tcl/Tk. I've got file compatibility, standards-based networking, Windows interoperability, and more than my fair share of best-in-class commercial software. And I can keep my finger on the pulse of the fruits of Open Source developers...

And to think I only switched a couple of years ago, having been a lifelong PC user, and indeed, I still am a Windows programmer and networking guy...

[edit: changed 1980's to '80's to 90's regarding NeXTSTEP]

[mvc]

If they specialise in software they will die along with MS.

I think that's unfortunately gonna be one of the longest death scenes since bollywood.

MS are going to be sticking around for the long haul, they're like a tick burrowing into the world's butt! :mad:

[B!nej]

(re post by Chris / displaced)

Spot on. I moved to the Mac platform for developer tools and ease of use - I actually effectively downgraded in pure performance to do it, and I've never regretted it once.

Cocoa is without a doubt the best application framework on the market today. .NET & C# is a joke in comparison.

All of the other traditional Unix and Linux development tools are on OS X too, so it is truly a universal development platform. I can also use RealBasic to compile real, effective and native windows apps, with or without touching a PC.

Apple is doing the right thing, for both itself and the consumer - producing high end, high quality machines, peripherals and software. I wouldn't like to see them doing anything else.

[vouder17]

Well i reckon that apple will update the line maybe today or NAB then have new iMac G5's at WWDC. :cool:

[B!nej]

I think that's unfortunately gonna be one of the longest death scenes since bollywood.

MS are going to be sticking around for the long haul, they're like a tick burrowing into the world's butt! :mad:

True :)

What can kill MS is their own products however - the biggest competitor with each release of Windows is the previous release of Windows. MS can't produce compelling reasons to upgrade, so people don't - that's why they want to sell subscriptions rather than boxes, so people don't get a choice. The main reason MS does well is because they're so hard to get rid of in a corporate environment - especially when everyone stores their "Mission Critical" data in Excel spreadsheets. (Don't get me started!)

Apple on the other hand is producing compelling and innovative new features with each iteration of OS X at the moment - which is fantastic for everyone on the platform.

[TBR]

Well it's lunchtime Tuesday and no updates yet :(

[ipiloot]

The old saying, 'No one was ever fired for buying IBM', is eventually going to read 'No one ever got fired for buying MS'.

This is plane wrong. I personally gave the kick to a person who used Windows NT for the mission critical web service. Win may be dominant in desktop, but no-one in it's right mind would use it in mission critical web services. Abovementioned service had a lot of problems over a time before we rewrote it in java. After that - no problems anymore. Nothing, nil, zero.

[NicoMan]

Well it's lunchtime Tuesday and no updates yet :(
I really feel like a fool, updating my apple store tab, hoping to get that message 'We'll be back soon', sign of update coming up. That would relieve some of the pent-up frustration felt in those forums. And I'm not even in the market for a new machine...

:o

[displaced]

I really feel like a fool, updating my apple store tab, hoping to get that message 'We'll be back soon', sign of update coming up. That would relieve some of the pent-up frustration felt in those forums. And I'm not even in the market for a new machine...

:o

Fear not, I guess the update (if any) will be announced later in the day for us UK people -- it's still 4 or 5am or something in Cupertino :)

(all confuserated because of the switch to BST... but at least the evenings are nice & sunny)

[klaus]

Fear not, I guess the update (if any) will be announced later in the day for us UK people -- it's still 4 or 5am or something in Cupertino :)

(all confuserated because of the switch to BST... but at least the evenings are nice & sunny)

correct, california is GMT-8..

so in my case (belgium) is gmt +1, subtract 9 hours and there you have it, 4u38 at night.... they're still doing dodo, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[vouder17]

Fear not, I guess the update (if any) will be announced later in the day for us UK people -- it's still 4 or 5am or something in Cupertino :)

(all confuserated because of the switch to BST... but at least the evenings are nice & sunny)

Yeah it is only 4AM in Cupertino, but doesn't apple usually release something new at 9AM?

So 5 hrs to wait and hope :Smiley Praying:

[klaus]

Yeah it is only 4AM in Cupertino, but doesn't apple usually release something new at 9AM?

So 5 hrs to wait and hope :Smiley Praying:

Crap, I forget about the daylight saving.. this weekend we had to set our watches one hour in advance...guess it's somewhere mid april in the US?

Klaus

[Geetar]

guess it's somewhere mid april in the US?

Klaus

I'ts 7.26 AM here in Florida. Our clocks go to summertime next weekend.

[MacQuest]

Yes people, it's only 4:30am over here on the West Coast of the US.

4.5 hours left until....?

[AppleJustWorks]

Hail the o mighty apple update god!!!!!!!!!!!!


Only 5 hrs and 31 mins left!



BTW: Right now it is March 30, 7:29 AM EST :eek: :eek: :eek:


I can just imagine Mr. Jobs pacing his room, with his watch to his face :rolleyes:

[Gianrico]

Well i reckon that apple will update the line maybe today or NAB then have new iMac G5's at WWDC. :cool:

I hopèe to see some good news before the WWDC. I noticed a strange thing. Let you see this site: http://www.smalldog.com/category/x/x/Power+Macintosh/g5+minitower/wag100/wag10000/

They have all the configuration at backorder status. Usually they have some machines in stock.

:confused:

[AppleJustWorks]

I hopèe to see some good news before the WWDC. I noticed a strange thing. Let you see this site: http://www.smalldog.com/category/x/x/Power+Macintosh/g5+minitower/wag100/wag10000/

They have all the configuration at backorder status. Usually they have some machines in stock.

:confused:


They are only backordered(b/0) with the Dual 1.8 GHz model......All the others are either Available or only have one in stock.....Although the Dual 2 being available on April 2 is a bit strange...... :confused:

[AppleJustWorks]

Hmmmm.....Just checked the Compusa inventory from their website of the G5s.......The Dualies seem to be in stock in most stores, although not all....And the Single 1.6 isn't at ANY store, it says "Coming Soon". It doesn't even have the form where I can put in my Zip code and it can check the store.....Just "Coming Soon". I checked and to my disbelief, coming soon does not necessarily mean "coming soon". According to the Compusa website "coming soon" only means that they do not have any in stock ANYWHERE. :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:


"It's beginning to look a lot like Pro Day;Everywhere I go"


(Sings song happily while pushing RELOAD every second on the Apple Store Page) :p :p :p :p

[Raveny]

I bet steve jobs sleeps now!

[AppleJustWorks]

I bet steve jobs sleeps now!



Well, maybe on a regular day, but I certainly wouldn't be sleeping when I am about to release an update................Even if it 5 hrs and 12 mins away! ;)

[klaus]

Hmmmm.....Just checked the Compusa inventory from their website of the G5s.......The Dualies seem to be in stock in most stores, although not all....And the Single 1.6 isn't at ANY store, it says "Coming Soon". It doesn't even have the form where I can put in my Zip code and it can check the store.....Just "Coming Soon". I checked and to my disbelief, coming soon does not necessarily mean "coming soon". According to the Compusa website "coming soon" only means that they do not have any in stock ANYWHERE. :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:


"It's beginning to look a lot like Pro Day;Everywhere I go"


(Sings song happily while pushing RELOAD every second on the Apple Store Page) :p :p :p :p

Don' depend too much on stocks of apple resellers.. try going to macmall.. they have more than thousand units in stock of some G5's..

[AppleJustWorks]

Don' depend too much on stocks of apple resellers.. try going to macmall.. they have more than thousand units in stock of some G5's..


Well according to MacMall : They are having a "Blowout" :D

[Raveny]

@applejustworks

maybe you're right :)
perhaps he reads now our posts and decides to release something. "hello steve!" :D

[nmk]

I agree that Apple is a good development platfrom, but from the consumers point of view it is becomming less and less viable. One of the earlier posters mentioned that I wanted apple to port Cocoa/Carbon to Linux. This is not actually the case. I am suggesting that Apple dump Cocoa/Carbon and use standard Linux libraries. I am simply suggesting that Apple can do a much better job of implementing a Linux GUI, using existing technologies, than anyone has managed yet. If they can make the first consumer friendly Linux distro, thats big business we're talking about there.

I agree that it is currently as easy as it has ever been to port apps from Linux to OS X. However, once Apples market share has dropped below a certain critical point (say 1%), software companies wont bother porting regadless of the ease. Its just not worth the time in development, support, and distribution. Additionally, once Linux is mainstream not all the software will be free. Currently most software for linux is also opensourse. So any developer with the inclination to do so could port a Linux app (eg. Openoffice) to the Mac without too many problems. However, when large companies like Adobe and Macromedia get into the act they will have to decide whether to support the Mac or not. In many cases the will decided not too.

However, if Macs are running a custom version of Linux (custom to the extent that the interface has been customised using standard Linux technologies) any Linux compatible software will work on the Mac. This will make it a viable platform for anyone looking for a Linux machine (there will be a lot of these guys in the future).

I would also like to comment on the posts saying that profitability is important, not market share. I hope you realize that the two are completely linked. The only way that tha Mac can stay profitable is if there is a decent selection of software for it. Very few people will shell out $3000 for a machine so that they can run OS X, iApps, and a handfull of Apple pro applications.

It was recently announced (by some rather credible surveys) that Linux now has a larger installed userbase worldwide than the Mac. So if you dont think its starting to become a viable platform, you better re evaluate your position on the Mac as well. The primary impitus for Linux right now is comming from Governments and Companies. Governments, particularly non US, are very weary of being dependant on an American company. There is a major issue of trust involved here. The Chinese, in particular, have adopted Linux as the standard OS for their government and are pushing it very aggressively in the general population (and you know how aggressive the Chinese government can be).

I also believe that Linux will really take off in India. The Indians are in the process of becomming worldwide software giants. It is only a matter of time before they start churning out quality Linux distros.

One of the advangages Linux has is that it is completely customizable. Particularly in non western countries, using Windows or Mac OS can be a hassle due to language barrier. With Linux however, the distro can be customized to meet the regional needs of any particular country. It can even be customized for different professions and devices.

Anyway, I dont want this to turn into an endless rant about Linux, however I am just trying to show that it will be the next big thing. The Chinese and Indians combined right now have a population of over two billion and a middle class of about 300 million. This is just two countries we are talking about here. If you don't think Linux is going to take over, youre dreaming. Apple may actually be in a better position in this new world if they play their cards right (and no OS X will not be good enough).

[Black Badger]

Ok, doubt this means anything but I just went to the CompUSA site and did a search for dual 2Ghz G5s, I put in the only us zip code I know 90210 :) and it listed 5 stores:
Culver City Superstore
Culver City, CA 90230 *(310) 390-9993
8 Miles Out-Of-Stock

Burbank Superstore
Burbank, CA 91502-1024 *(818) 848-8588
9 Miles In-Stock

Woodland Hills Superstore
Woodland Hills, CA 91367 *(818) 999-9101
15 Miles Out-Of-Stock

Redondo Beach Superstore
Redondo Beach, CA 90278 *(310) 793-9955
16 Miles Out-Of-Stock

Monrovia Superstore
Monrovia, CA 91016-3103 *(626) 359-4567
30 Miles Limited Quantities

3 out of 5 stores - out of stock and 1 with limited stocks

Does this seem normal?

FYI Link:
http://www.compusa.com/products/availability.asp?product_code=305066&stores=1&pfp=BROWSE&zip=90210

Around Cupertino, similar story:
http://www.compusa.com/products/availability.asp?product_code=305066&stores=1&pfp=external&zip=95015

[miloblithe]

Bring it on. Bring it on.

[Uragon]

Keep on watching, watching, watching Apple Store and, nothing, nothing...

[Kai]

I know it sounds odd, but this absolutely late-breaking news of that "brilliant savings"-promo is nothing new to Germans atleast (what a refreshing change, eh? ;-) - Apple has been giving out vouchers to save up tp 500 Euro on a G5/Display combo for quite some time here now!

[CmdrLaForge]

Apple store is up and no changes. That means nothing today. Maybe tomorrow. :eek:

[eric_n_dfw]

I also believe that Linux will really take off in India. The Indians are in the process of becomming worldwide software giants. It is only a matter of time before they start churning out quality Linux distros.Maybe, but from my anecdotal experiences with offshore developers and Indan's on work visas at my job (I've worked with 100's of Indian developers, who are/were based both here and overseas), as a rule, they all got their BS is Compuer Science in India and literaly 90 - 95% of them had gotten no exposure to anything outside of Windows in school. Those that have Unix skills either suplemented their education here or have been working for a few years already. It seems to especially be the case for those who are working for offshore consulting firms.

I'm not saying that in any kind of condescending way -- the guys/gals I have worked with, on the whole, are extremely inteligent, hard working and reliable employees.

(Then again, I've not been to a university in over 10 years - maybe nobody here is getting much Unix experience from the schools either :rolleyes: )

[klaus]

I know it sounds odd, but this absolutely late-breaking news of that "brilliant savings"-promo is nothing new to Germans atleast (what a refreshing change, eh? ;-) - Apple has been giving out vouchers to save up tp 500 Euro on a G5/Display combo for quite some time here now!


Are the vouchers for the entire powermac line? Cause I have a voucher as well from drivenbydesign in brussels, and it specifically mentions the current g5 models with a 20' or 23" CD

Klaus

[DHagan4755]

It's now 8:24 AM in the east, and usually the store would be down by now for updates.

[denm316]

It's 8:33AM EST, I am still waiting for those new PowerBooks or at least a substantial price drop on the current models. :mad:

C'Mon Apple give me a reason to spend some money.

[richc]

Face it fellow members, no updates today.... :mad:

[MacSA]

Apple should never have dropped the original 15" CRT iMac from its product line, the best thing to do would have substantially reduced its price. Remember the sensation it caused when it was first introduced? Amongst the general public, all Apple is famous for now is a music player .

They need a cheap Mac to get people into the Mac platform. The lowend eMac currently sells for £649 in the UK but you get a 1Gz processor and 128 MB of RAM, ridiculous compared to the prices of current PCs. I think alot of people are really interested in the Mac but see it has expensive and relatively slow compared to the competition. At least give people the option of buying a computer thats cheap and slow rather than expensive and slow. :D

[neonart]

It's now 8:24 AM in the east, and usually the store would be down by now for updates.

Well sometimes it's not till 9am Pacific time...

I don't have my hopes up, but with IBM talking processors today, everybody low on stock, and people calling for the blood of those who are holding back updates, I think we'll see something soon.

[denm316]

All I want is a PowerBook and yet another week without one.

I think the 1.25 GHz will do me just fine for a 15 inch, however I would really not pay full price for a machine that was introduced in September. I want either some update or at least a price drop, I can get the edu discount but it still bugs me about paying that price for Septembers technology.

[Raveny]

no, all hopes are gone...
when did apple released updates not on Tuesdays?

[jsw]

I have no recollection of the Apple Store ever being updated before 6AM PST, so no worries yet. And there's a good 3 hours left before we know that nothing's coming...

[jsw]

Maybe, but from my anecdotal experiences with offshore developers and Indan's on work visas at my job (I've worked with 100's of Indian developers, who are/were based both here and overseas), as a rule, they all got their BS is Compuer Science in India and literaly 90 - 95% of them had gotten no exposure to anything outside of Windows in school. Those that have Unix skills either suplemented their education here or have been working for a few years already. It seems to especially be the case for those who are working for offshore consulting firms.

I agree. I think that India is where we were in the mid-to-late 90's - they are scrambling to fill software jobs with any warm body they can find. They will train those people in what they perceive to be to market, which is usually Windows, though I've worked with a fair number of Java developers there. However, although there are quite a few very good developers there, the vast majority are very, very fresh out of school. And they don't know Linux. To be honest, they don't know much of any language/platform. Academic courses don't prepare you all that much for the real world, and a lot of the "developers" I see being hired there barely have any experience at all.

Again, this isn't a slight. It was exactly the same here in the States 5 years ago.

[fudgebrown]

I dreamed last night that updates came. They kept the current G5 line, but added a new line as well - the new line was smaller in size, kinda like the older towers, but where still like the new ones in terms of materials and power - the new line was also cheaper and had good price/performance ratio....

[joco]

I have no recollection of the Apple Store ever being updated before 6AM PST, so no worries yet. And there's a good 3 hours left before we know that nothing's coming...

Yea I agree, the music store doesnt usually get updated until 9am PST

[klaus]

I dreamed last night that updates came. They kept the current G5 line, but added a new line as well - the new line was smaller in size, kinda like the older towers, but where still like the new ones in terms of materials and power - the new line was also cheaper and had good price/performance ratio....

I think it'll remain a dream..sorry to burst your bubble ;)

[centauratlas]

I have no recollection of the Apple Store ever being updated before 6AM PST, so no worries yet. And there's a good 3 hours left before we know that nothing's coming...

When they update (at least in the past 2-3 years) the Apple Store goes down between 7:30am and 8am eastern, and is back up an hour to an hour and a half later (e.g. around 9am eastern).

[fudgebrown]

Everyday for the past couple of weeks, they have loaded up the special deals section with G5s. Today is the first time there is not a single G5 in the special deals section...

[sinisterdesign]

i just put in an order for (3) 1.6Ghz G5s for myself & a couple others here at work. i was HOPING the 1.6's would be phased out by the time the order went through & they would bump it to whatever the new low end is going to be soon.

i'm thinking that's probably wishful thinking, but hey, this company doesn't exaclty move quickly so by the time the order is processed, Apple may have the 3Ghz's out...

btw, you guys wouldn't be-LIEVE the hoops i had to jump through to order a Mac in a PC-based company this size...jeeezus...

i felt like i was in Brazil (movie, not the country)
Excuse me, can you tell me how to go about ordering a PowerMac?

I'm afraid I can't sir. You have to go through the proper channels.

And you can't tell me what the proper channels are, because that's classified information? I'm glad to see Procurement is continuing its tradition of recruiting the brightest and best.

Thank you, sir.

[applemacdude]

3:36 and nothing. no apple store down nothing

[hughdogg]

When they update (at least in the past 2-3 years) the Apple Store goes down between 7:30am and 8am eastern, and is back up an hour to an hour and a half later (e.g. around 9am eastern).

It is usually that time to coincide with the Press Release announcing the new products. Unless it is related to an event (Macworld, etc), the press releases are generally earlier in the morning to get more press notice/coverage. A 12:00 noon EST time release is too late, unless connected to some event. I checked the PR Newswire site, most of their other non-event press releases have been at 8:30 ish EST.

So no updates today me thinks
:(

Cheers,
hughdogg

[NicoMan]

It is usually that time to coincide with the Press Release announcing the new products. Unless it is related to an event (Macworld, etc), the press releases are generally earlier in the morning to get more press notice/coverage. A 12:00 noon EST time release is too late, unless connected to some event. I checked the PR Newswire site, most of their other non-event press releases have been at 8:30 ish EST.

So no updates today me thinks
:(

Cheers,
hughdogg

Nothing, nada, zilch. But if the IBM special PowerPC event has anything to do with Apple, it would be normal to have the updates AFTER it, me also thinks...

[Trowaman]

so, uh yeah . . .

we all know nothing

can we bet on events like when are products are going to be released/updated? I could use some money. However, I woulda lost quite a bit by now considering the current schedule.

[applemacdude]

Too bad, Apple really sucks at one thing...updating their products in a regular basis. This has cost Apple a lot of switchers. I know that they probably have a whole warehouse full of new products, but why cant they just releases the ASAP?

[displaced]

Less viable for consumers? But the Mac's now more compatible with the rest of the computing world than it's ever been :)

I'd love for someone with a greater knowledge than I to correct me, but from what I know, I don't think it's possible to do what the Mac does using existing technologies. At the very least, you're talking about significant changes to how the current toolkits do things.

As I mentioned, the GUI is wholly dependent on the capabilities of the technology it's built on. Why re-write what the Mac's already got? Also as I said before, even if Apple did take the time and effort to get Linux toolkits to provide similar services as Carbon and Cocoa, you've still got to re-write all those existing Linux programs to take advantage of these new services. Witness the friction between the KDE and GNOME camps. Massive duplication of effort, interoperability problems (why does my GTK+ app behave funny in KDE?, etc). This is great for the OSS style of gradual evolution, but absolute madness for a company to jump into and say: "Hey! We've got this cool system, now everyone re-write their apps for it!"

You could end up with a Linux system that superficially resembles OS X, but the 'linux technology' to do what the Mac does doesn't exist. And if Apple wrote it, there's no guarantee anyone else would use it. OS X is much more than a pretty interface -- it's the result of a phenomenal amount of development since 1988. Yep -- that's how old the concepts that drive OS X are.

If they can make the first consumer friendly Linux distro, thats big business we're talking about there.

Functionality-wise, and for desktop use, what does Linux offer that OS X cannot provide? Of course, I paid a heap of cash for my Mac -- just like I have on my PCs. But until Linux offers exactly the workflow and user interaction that Mac OS X does for free, then I still feel it's money well spent :)

I agree that it is currently as easy as it has ever been to port apps from Linux to OS X. However, once Apples market share has dropped below a certain critical point (say 1%), software companies wont bother porting regadless of the ease.

Firstly, commercial apps for OS X make quite a bit of cash -- high-margin products like Adobe CS products for instance. Remember also that broad market share figures don't mean a thing regrading software sales. Sure, the PC market is massivley greater than the Mac. But only a small percentage of PC users would shell out the money for the full Adobe Creative Suite. However, I'd imagine quite a significant proportion of Mac users do.

Also, every example I gave of software that has been ported to the Mac was open source, and performed by individuals or organisations, or just plain talented Mac users. Porting from Linux to OS X isn't just 'easy as it's ever been', but will soon become trivial. Core Linux (or should I say, *nix-world) technologies are here right now on the Mac as I listed earlier -- X11, Qt, Tcl, GTK+, perl, the list goes on). Visit Fink (http://fink.sourceforge.net/) and you'll find 3527 GNU/Linux / OSS / *nix packages for Mac OS X. They even install using the Debian Linux 'apt' system. I'm not 100% on this, but with these components in place, UNIX developers may even end up with OS X compatibility 'for free'.

Additionally, once Linux is mainstream not all the software will be free.
I love Linux, but that's quite a jump to make ;) But heading down the hypothetical brick road...

Currently most software for linux is also opensourse. So any developer with the inclination to do so could port a Linux app (eg. Openoffice) to the Mac without too many problems. However, when large companies like Adobe and Macromedia get into the act they will have to decide whether to support the Mac or not. In many cases the will decided not too.

Macromedia and Adobe already support the Mac, but in this future where Linux is mainstream and commercially exploitable on the desktop, it's equally suggestable that OS X's unix layer was mature enough that Macromedia and Adobe would get OS X compatibility for almost zero outlay. Remember that Market Share != User Base. There's still tens of millions of people with Macs on their desktops right now.

However, if Macs are running a custom version of Linux (custom to the extent that the interface has been customised using standard Linux technologies) any Linux compatible software will work on the Mac. This will make it a viable platform for anyone looking for a Linux machine (there will be a lot of these guys in the future).

It's already a viable platform for anyone looking for a Linux machine ;) Ok, that's a little flippant. But in some ways it's true. I'll also say again that the Mac interface could not be implemented in Linux using what they've already got. Remember: Linux is a *kernel*, not an operating system. The rest of what makes up a Linux distribution is pretty much runnable on a Mac right now.


I would also like to comment on the posts saying that profitability is important, not market share. I hope you realize that the two are completely linked. The only way that tha Mac can stay profitable is if there is a decent selection of software for it. Very few people will shell out $3000 for a machine so that they can run OS X, iApps, and a handfull of Apple pro applications.

Agreed. And I see no sign of OS X software drying up. The Mac software scene is more vital now than it was when I switched, and shows no sign of slowing (beyond Adobe culling a few apps that couldn't compete with other apps on the Mac ... Premiere vs. Final Cut Pro for example. I wholly believe the only reason Premiere's available on Windows is that Final Cut Pro *isn't* available on Windows! If it was, it'd wipe out Premiere just as it's done on the Mac).

The Mac is much, much more than the iApps. But they're very nice to have as well :)

It was recently announced (by some rather credible surveys) that Linux now has a larger installed userbase worldwide than the Mac. So if you dont think its starting to become a viable platform, you better re evaluate your position on the Mac as well.

To use a bit of an anecdote here: Apple is also the highest selling (by unit volume) commercial UNIX vendor. They sell a few hundred thousand UNIX systems a quarter.

The primary impitus for Linux right now is comming from Governments and Companies. Governments, particularly non US, are very weary of being dependant on an American company. There is a major issue of trust involved here. The Chinese, in particular, have adopted Linux as the standard OS for their government and are pushing it very aggressively in the general population (and you know how aggressive the Chinese government can be).

Partially true, I feel. More likely, is governments like the price tag and the licencing. Linux (well, many unixes) make excellent learning tools. Unix and Free/Open Source apps also give the kind of education that Windows cannot. It shows you how things work rather than which boxes to click. But explain to me how China adopting Linux for nationalist reasons will affect Apple? Is this massive Chinese Linux userbase going to go out and buy Macromedia Dreamworks, thus causing Macromedia to abandon the Mac for Linux? Or (more likely) are Chinese developers going to be contributing to apps such as the Gimp, which runs just fine (http://www.gimp.org/macintosh/) on OS X.

I also believe that Linux will really take off in India. The Indians are in the process of becomming worldwide software giants. It is only a matter of time before they start churning out quality Linux distros.

Excellent! The more people working on good Unix software the better! It'll run great on our Macs.

One of the advangages Linux has is that it is completely customizable. Particularly in non western countries, using Windows or Mac OS can be a hassle due to language barrier. With Linux however, the distro can be customized to meet the regional needs of any particular country. It can even be customized for different professions and devices.

The Mac has (for the most part, albeit with a few annoying exceptions) very good internationalisation. The interface doesn't seem to support every language, but the input methods and fonts are a dream to use. Building compound characters with common-sense keystrokes is pretty neat, although I've not used this frequently enough to comment further first-hand.

Also, absolutely anyone can internationalise any Cocoa application. Just open up the app's .nib file in Interface Builder and hack away. Plently of people have released language packs for existing apps that Apple didn't wholly internationalise.

Oh, and Linux apps (at least those running within X) will preserve their own internationalisation within OS X, I believe.

Anyway, I dont want this to turn into an endless rant about Linux, however I am just trying to show that it will be the next big thing. The Chinese and Indians combined right now have a population of over two billion and a middle class of about 300 million. This is just two countries we are talking about here. If you don't think Linux is going to take over, youre dreaming. Apple may actually be in a better position in this new world if they play their cards right (and no OS X will not be good enough).

I still fail to see how OS X isn't 'good enough'. If I cared about what the majority of other users were using, I wouldn't be using a Mac ;) Apple are embracing the *nix world with OS X. It's a nice thought that not only is every new Mac running open-source code, but that Apple have also provided code for things like the Konqueror browser, in every distribution of KDE.

[displaced]

(phew... bit of an essay)

... just killing time during a slow sunny afternoon at work :) ...

So, any new Macs yet? No? Oh well ;)

[desty]

Hey, I'm new here, just thought you'de want to see this:

http://www.powerpage.org/cgi-bin/WebObjects/powerpage.woa/wa/story?newsID=11921

It doesn't look like a rumor to me, seems more like a confirmation.

What do you think?

-DeSty

[djbahdow01]

That page was already posted. It was in page 2 as it is an unconfirmed story.

[Bendit]

Too bad, Apple really sucks at one thing...updating their products in a regular basis. This has cost Apple a lot of switchers. I know that they probably have a whole warehouse full of new products, but why cant they just releases the ASAP?

Hahaha. Warehouse full of products? Don't forget this is the company that announces products and ships them months later. If anything it's a sign that Apple isn't gonna jump the gun and actually announce products that they actually have.

Not like the Xserve G5 that they announced and didn't even finish designing the product!

[Mord]

I was a mac fanatic until I got screwed by Apple in their 1710AV fiasco, so I switched over to Windows NT in '97. I switched back to Apple a few months ago for FCP, and I love the minamalistic interface of Safari and the user experience of OS X - it's great to finally have a stable mac os. Don't get me wrong, I think the G5s are a spectacularly designed chip and computer. However, Apple needs to play on the same playing field as PCs when it comes to hardware. If I could run OS X on a dual AMD 64 running on a nForce3 250 and upgrade components as I please, I and many others would be much happier and Apple would quickly increase it's installed user base and marketshare. I'm sick of BS "deals" like the RAM discount. And I don't want to hear anymore of the lame argument that proprietary hardware allows Apple to have more stability - just look at their screwed up proprietary power supplies in dual g5s that prevent audio professionals from even having the CHOICE to have an adequate replacement. This is 2004, we're running a Unix variant, and the PC components are plenty standardized. I'm not neccessarily asking for support for dated hardware like an AccelEclipse, but at least let me choose from the full line of future ATI and NVIDIA cards. I really, really do love OS X, but I've left Apple before when they screwed me over and I'll do it again if I feel that they're jerking me around too much. I don't care about iPods, I'm a professional who needs great tools like FCP and DVDSP, but Apple, please remember there are other tools like Avid out there.

that will never happen due to the differences between x86 and ppc x86 sucks the only reason apple can compete on speed with a 2% market share is because ppc chips are faster cheaper more stable than an x86 chip

[Bendit]

The apple front page has just changed a bit. They are still featuing the PowerMac but now they are showing two quotes at a time. Slightly different then before. So I clicked through to see if they had made any changes to the PowerMac. In the intro blurb they now say that the PowerMac is available in 1.8 and 2.0 ghz configurations. What happened to 1.6? It's still in the store but maybe the store hasn't been updated yet.

Does this mean they are getting rid of the single processor model? I think that would be great. Streamline all the models to have the same motherboard and same basic features. Will probably help drive costs down on the higher end machines.

[edit]
my bad, the line before the 1.8 and 2.0 part was talking just about the dual processor G5s... and further down the page there is still a reference to the 1.6
:(

[gotohamish]

Too bad, Apple really sucks at one thing...updating their products in a regular basis. This has cost Apple a lot of switchers. I know that they probably have a whole warehouse full of new products, but why cant they just releases the ASAP?

Sure :rolleyes: the products are all sitting there in the warehouse, waiting to be delayed for shipping! :p

[klaus]

The apple front page has just changed a bit. They are still featuing the PowerMac but now they are showing two quotes at a time. Slightly different then before. So I clicked through to see if they had made any changes to the PowerMac. In the intro blurb they now say that the PowerMac is available in 1.8 and 2.0 ghz configurations. What happened to 1.6? It's still in the store but maybe the store hasn't been updated yet.

Does this mean they are getting rid of the single processor model? I think that would be great. Streamline all the models to have the same motherboard and same basic features. Will probably help drive costs down on the higher end machines.

They state that the powermac is available in those DUAL configurations.. 1.6 is a single configuration... and those quotes, I think it was like that before too..

Updates will come when they come, i'm tired of waiting, i really am, it's not good for your health, work or social life. Take some distance from it, and when updates arrive, you'll know, maybe not as fast as when you refresh the apple store constantly, but is that going to make a difference? No, don't think so.

[nmk]

whew!! I got tired just reading that. You know what. I really hope you're right. :)

[spinko]

still no updates :mad:

[gop007]

Once again we are allowing our hopes to be dashed if we believe this little bit of speculation. Without more data as to why the PowerMacs have been delayed all we do is come up with reasons to justify our expectations.

I say lets wait until WWDC get some kickass systems that everyone will be blown away with. :)

[MattrixMSP]

Apple Store Oddness?

Is anyone else having problems displaying the graphics in the Apple Store?

I'm showing nearly complete pages of red-x's (yes, i'm stuck on a work PC laptop today) even after clearing my cache...

[desty]

Apple Store Oddness?

Is anyone else having problems displaying the graphics in the Apple Store?

I'm showing nearly complete pages of red-x's (yes, i'm stuck on a work PC laptop today) even after clearing my cache...

works fine for me...

[displaced]

whew!! I got tired just reading that. You know what. I really hope you're right. :)

Yeah, sorry :)

I'm an optimist! I reckon it comes from having used computers (PCs, Ataris, Amigas, not Macs, alas) before the Windows hegemony. Windows as it is today is not how the computing world should've ended up. My switch to the Mac and my continuing use of Linux has been something of an epiphany. Neither the Mac nor Linux are perfect, but at least they're striving for something better. They're fresh and exciting, whilst Windows feels stagnant.

Big companies are realising that interoperability is going to be the next big thing. Linux itself is a fantastic example of something designed to be open. Although Apple are coming from a 'proprietary' angle, they're still trying to empower their users -- open file formats, open-source kernel and OS layer, and great support for standards.

But...

Where are those blimmin' new G5s?

*grin* yeah, like I'll be able to afford one any time soon :)

[Chaszmyr]

Hahaha. Warehouse full of products? Don't forget this is the company that announces products and ships them months later. If anything it's a sign that Apple isn't gonna jump the gun and actually announce products that they actually have.

Not like the Xserve G5 that they announced and didn't even finish designing the product!

Actually, when Apple releases "minor" updates (like this powermac update will be if it comes) they usually start shpping immediately

[Coloredtoad26]

Lets face it peeps why would they start selling new powermacs on the last 2 days of there fiscal quarter . If there announced at all it will be sometime in april :(

[pgwalsh]

It would be sad though, as it would probably mean the end of their exceptional computers (see posts above for Amiga comparisons).
They don't have to get rid of hardware. Look at xserve. It's considered a great buy. Plus, people will still jump on the PowerBook, iBook , eMac, and iMac. The iMac has a great form factor, just not testes. It's much easier to try a new OS by installing software then to buy a whole new machine. Run two or three OS's on the same hardware. Upgrades wont be so deadly either.

[Bregalad]

Every Mac product is currently stale; they all need updating. Even Windows users and other people who obviously don't read Mac websites are asking me how old the various Mac models are. I can see the wheels turning in their heads when I tell them the most recent update was last September (or whatever month it really was). The only product I can sell in volume right now is the iBook. Everything else looks either overpriced or overdue for an update.

[displaced]

The iMac has a great form factor, just not testes.

My iMac has testes?

Blimey.

Were they new in 10.3.3, 'cos they weren't there before!

:D

Maybe that's why the updated G5's aren't here. Trouble integrating the testes with the new FX processor... Quite a challenge apparently.

[hmmfe]

My iMac has testes?

Blimey.

Were they new in 10.3.3, 'cos they weren't there before!

:D

Maybe that's why the updated G5's aren't here. Trouble integrating the testes with the new FX processor... Quite a challenge apparently.

That is the funniest thing I've heard in a few weeks...thanks for making my day. :)

[macridah]

It's a tuesday, but I have a feeling there will be no news from apple today. IBM does have a PowerPC conference tomorrow (mar 31) in New York. Do you think there will be a co-announcement; it is a la apple style, special media event by invitation only.

[joco]

Um, did I miss something, but when did Apple extend the memory promotion???

[noel4r]

I still think no new machines till June. How's Appleinsider's track record anyway?

[wrldwzrd89]

I still think no new machines till June.
It sure doesn't look like PowerMacs will be updated today, judging by Apple's website and online store being unchanged. Oh well - I guess we won't see new PowerMacs till June anyway, despite all these rumors.

[Some_Big_Spoon]

Do you think Apple will listen when I tell them that I'm disgusted? :mad:

I know, like peeing into the ocean. :(

[mrsebastian]

i'm figuring apple is looking to make a big bang in june. with a completely revamped/updated desktop line (imacs, emacs, powermacs, displays). since they went big on laptops and ipods for the last year or so, it's about time they stir up a little buzz. considering the amazing amount of ipods and minis that apple has sold, i wouldn't be surprised to see a promotion coinciding with that, like get a free ipod with powermac purchase. i feel like apple has really been pushing to get more marketshare, using ipod and itms popularity they just might do it with a big desktop product push.

[Oasisproject]

Ok, so like many others, Im waiting for the RevBs. I have someone waiting to buy my iMac and im tired of waiting. Even after the RevBs I was planning on getting a dual 1.8 still. I was waiting because i understood there would be a new chipset that might fix some bugs, ect ect. Is this true? I dont need to wait for a faster machine, but will the wait be worth getting the revBs if im not going for a speed bump. Is there anything about the current machines that would make me regret buying it? I will be using it for audio production (logic pro, reaktor, reason, melodyne ect ect) I know there will always be new and faster machine, and i just want one that will do what i need it too without any problems, and will be faster than my 800mhz g4 imac....but dont think i have to worry about that. :)

Thanks,

PaulC.

[neonart]

Well, crap.
I thought I would check the Apple site and be delighted, but nope!

I can only think they will do something with IBM on the 31st. Let's push hope one more time. :(

[invaLPsion]

MacOSRumors has a report saying that many of their sources are saying that tomorrow's IBM Power Event will be pretty huge.

The reports also hint that Apple will take part in the event and/or have a press conference after the event.

[Krrill]

I'd like to point out that there is no date given by any of the claims that were put out on either Macrumors.com or Appleinsider.com... So they could mean any time between now and WWDC =)

I'm hoping this doesn't mean we are going to be waiting for 3 months and not know the day when the G5's are gonna come out... All well, here's to hoping it happens soon, as in the next week =)

[wrldwzrd89]

MacOSRumors has a report saying that many of their sources are saying that tomorrow's IBM Power Event will be pretty huge.

The reports also hint that Apple will take part in the event and/or have a press conference after the event.
Who believes MacOSRumors anymore? Their track record is horrible. That upcoming IBM event does sound interesting, however. I'd like to see if any news comes out of it.

[Soire]

I think if nothing else, we can all agree that if Apple truly isn't going to release anything new till WWDC two important things will occur:

1) The next three months are going to have record low sales of these horrifically outdated models. (Yea they work, but c'mon)

2) We are all going to be increasingly pissed off. :mad:

[applemacdude]

Who believes MacOSRumors anymore? Their track record is horrible. That upcoming IBM event does sound interesting, however. I'd like to see if any news comes out of it.


I still have faith in this

[Borg3of5]

What would REALLY suck is if Apple is planning to release hardware updates on April 1, April Fool's Day. I personally would be offended and livid if I had waited until today with no updates, placed my order, and then April 1 new hardware comes out. It's a good thing this drone is on Prozac, otherwise I would self-destruct. Reminds me of the scene in 'Alien' when Ripley rushes back to the self-destruct panel, attempting to turn it off, then Mother announces,

"The option for self-destruct has now expired. Ship will automatically self-destruct in T-Minus 5 minutes!"

"Mother! You B1TC4!"

:mad:

[Soire]

Does it mean anything at all that there are no fefurbished PowerMacs at all on the apple website?

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore/
go to special deals on the left side.

Normally there are some for sale, no? Does this mean anything here, or am I just grasping at straws?

...geez I'm starting to crack under the pressure...

[Nemesis]

Who believes MacOSRumors anymore? Their track record is horrible. That upcoming IBM event does sound interesting, however. I'd like to see if any news comes out of it.

I think it will be just some academic blahblah coming from IBM's side. Or that IBM is givong up and going Intel's way. That's what me and guys at www.crazyapplerumors.com think anyway :D
IMHO, PowerMac line shall not be updated anytme soon and I don't expect them before 2005. C'mon, current line is AWESOME -- lets stick with it for 18 months! Or more!!
Oh, we so much luv ya Apple!

[Raveny]

look at this link
http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23116&SID=1019&on=T&SourceID=00000377000000000000

this is a link from ibm website and this means that powermacs should arrive soon and powerbooks will also come out this year.

And some people are complaining about the availabitlity of apple products after an announcement... this is apple's strategy to prevent photos of new products before the announcement, I think Apple starts production not until the product is announced. ok, it's a different thing for just update of an existing product

[Sped]

This doesn't mean anything of course but it looks like there are only 17" PBs and a few iMacs available as refurb computers.

[areyouwishing]

Ok, so like many others, Im waiting for the RevBs. I have someone waiting to buy my iMac and im tired of waiting. Even after the RevBs I was planning on getting a dual 1.8 still. I was waiting because i understood there would be a new chipset that might fix some bugs, ect ect. Is this true? I dont need to wait for a faster machine, but will the wait be worth getting the revBs if im not going for a speed bump. Is there anything about the current machines that would make me regret buying it? I will be using it for audio production (logic pro, reaktor, reason, melodyne ect ect) I know there will always be new and faster machine, and i just want one that will do what i need it too without any problems, and will be faster than my 800mhz g4 imac....but dont think i have to worry about that. :)

Thanks,

PaulC.

If you aren't worried about the money, it really doesn't matter. RevAs have been out a while, and there has only been one "serious" problem with the model you want to purchase, which has to do with the duals power supply making noises... high pitched almost hard to hear noises... but once you hear it, you are going to continue to notice it. There is an Ars Technica article about it here: http://www.arstechnica.com/wankerdesk/04q1/g5-noise.html.

If you wait for RevBs you are getting a possibly smaller enclosure, maybe an extra space to put another hard drive, and updated specs. Along with the upgrade you will undoubtedly be getting the 90nm 970 which means it will run cooler and its a smaller chip, but its "bleeding edge" technology so this is essentially a RevA all over again (some may disagree with me because of the Xserves being out).

If I were you I would read up more about the noise problem, I have it on my dual 2.0ghz but its in an office and I only notice it from time to time (big time when i transfer network files). The RevAs are rock solid as far as I am concerned.

[Krrill]

look at this link
http://www.mdronline.com/watch/watch_abstract.asp?Volname=Issue%20%23116&SID=1019&on=T&SourceID=00000377000000000000

this is a link from ibm website and this means that powermacs should arrive soon and powerbooks will also come out this year.

And some people are complaining about the availabitlity of apple products after an announcement... this is apple's strategy to prevent photos of new products before the announcement, I think Apple starts production not until the product is announced. ok, it's a different thing for just update of an existing product
January 26, 2004 Issue #116

CES Strains Seams, Credulity
Athlon 64 Moving to Mass Market
Apple Debuts 90nm G5 in Xserve <--- Link on page to go to raveny's site.
ISSCC Promises Progress

This is an old post... But I think that if they've had it for this long, what's holding them back? I see Ravney's point *Shrugs*

[Raveny]

i know that this is old. But if this was totally bs then why should ibm link to this page. and the article says that there will be new g5 soon. So this was the end of january, but soon doesn't mean another 6 month!

[Nemesis]

If you wait for RevBs you are getting a possibly smaller enclosure, maybe an extra space to put another hard drive, and updated specs. ...

Noo..! Why smaller enclosure?!
I want it big, huge! With at least a dozen of bays for hard drives and etcetera. I have an empty desk, and I want to show my friends how insanely great and big my Apple Mac computer is.
Bring us those G5 mammoths Steve!!
:D

[djbahdow01]

Does it mean anything at all that there are no fefurbished PowerMacs at all on the apple website?

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore/
go to special deals on the left side.

Normally there are some for sale, no? Does this mean anything here, or am I just grasping at straws?

...geez I'm starting to crack under the pressure...

That changes everyday. Somedays they have some and some they don't. So its not good to judge anything by that.

[centauratlas]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned or discussed is when Apple will include the higher capacity DVD burners in the G5s. I wouldn't expect it right away, but I'd bet they'll be one of the first to market with them.

[otter-boy]

i know that this is old. But if this was totally bs then why should ibm link to this page. and the article says that there will be new g5 soon. So this was the end of january, but soon doesn't mean another 6 month!

The Xserve G5 does use the new (upgraded) G5 processor. If you look at the wait for Xserves, it is running about 4-7 weeks. I think this is an indication of the supply problem for 90nm G5 chips, meaning that they are in high-demand, not that they are not producing many. Vtech is updating their cluster (1100+ dual processor Xserves), and I'm sure other universities and businesses are jumping on the G5 bandwagon. This kind of demand will keep supplies of 90nm G5s in short supply for a while. And because of heat, it would be hard to push the 130nm G5 much, if any, higher in the Powermac without and advance in cooling technology. I think we'll be waiting for PM updates until the supply-line for 90nm G5s catches up a bit. Who knows, it might be tomorrow or June or September. Like many others, I hope sooner than later.

[Raveny]

The Xserve G5 does use the new (upgraded) G5 processor. If you look at the wait for Xserves, it is running about 4-7 weeks. I think this is an indication of the supply problem for 90nm G5 chips, meaning that they are in high-demand, not that they are not producing many. Vtech is updating their cluster (1100+ dual processor Xserves), and I'm sure other universities and businesses are jumping on the G5 bandwagon. This kind of demand will keep supplies of 90nm G5s in short supply for a while. And because of heat, it would be hard to push the 130nm G5 much, if any, higher in the Powermac without and advance in cooling technology. I think we'll be waiting for PM updates until the supply-line for 90nm G5s catches up a bit. Who knows, it might be tomorrow or June or September. Like many others, I hope sooner than later.

you maybe right, but i think that this is not a supply problem of the PPC 970FX, I have heard that this is a problem of the system controller from apple. The fx chip is since december in production so far as I know