Apple PowerBook and iBook Updates - Next Week?

[MacRumors]

Appleinsider reports (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=425) that according to reliable sources, both iBooks and PowerBooks will see upgrades next week.

All in all, eight new laptop configurations are expected with two new 12" PowerBooks, two 15" PowerBooks, and a single updated 17" PowerBook (G4). Also expected are two 14" iBook and one 12" iBook revisions.

While Apple is having a media event (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/03/20040310162042.shtml) on Sunday, April 18th, the Portable updates aren't expected until Monday, April 19th, according to Appleinsider.

This information is somewhat consistent with Page 2 reports of preparations (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/04/20040414042449.shtml) for releases next week.

[jimsowden]

Leave the rumors to me.

[musicpyrite]

Yes! This must mean G5 powerbooks and dual 3.0 GHz PowerMacs!!........ :rolleyes:

[invaLPsion]

Leave the rumors to me.

LOL

You can still give us the specs, Jim. :)

I wouldn't mind some of those. Do your stuff!

[Steven1621]

oh we can only hope. untill i see it for myself, a skeptic i will be.

[QCassidy352]

Leave the rumors to me.

You got one right... that doesn't mean no one else has sources! You have any word on this one?

I believe it. After a long drought, we're finally entering upgrade season!

[jimsowden]

tell us more
I will tell you as I know.

[fener]

ALL of the Apple portable computers shipping times are INCREASED TO 1-3 Business Days today, with some of them having 3-7 Business Days shipping times.

[aswitcher]

All in all, eight new laptop configurations are expected with two new 12" PowerBooks, two 15" PowerBooks, and a single updated 17" PowerBook (G4). Also expected are two 14" iBook and one 12" iBook revisions.

.

So what specs are we going to see?

Apple insider gives some hints...but I really wonder how much more attractive the PB range will be. Thoughts?

http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=414 from 7 April

"Unconfirmed reports indicated that Apple's PowerBook models will receive faster graphics processors and updated G4 processors with speeds possibly reaching 1.5GHz. A recent report by the Register's Tony Smith indicates that Motorola's PowerPC G4 7447A would likely power the new portables. The chip reportedly adds on-the-fly clock frequency adjustment, allowing system makers to run at reduced frequencies according to workload, effectively increasing battery performance."

"Previous reports also suggest that potential cosmetic changes were in the works for the company's 12-inch PowerBook offerings, possibly reducing the thickness of the 'Books. "

"Meanwhile, the company is also said to be readying another slight revision to its consumer iBook laptops. According to an anonymous report, the new units will include a low end 933 Mhz model for $999 and a high end 1.25 Ghz configuration for $1499. Two additional midrange configurations were listed, though it should be noted that all configurations are currently unconfirmed."

[rikers_mailbox]

if the 12" PBs get a backlit keyboard, i'm buying next week.

[Grimace]

we can start counting the whiners crying about no G5 Powerbooks...

steady product releases until 3GHZ Powermacs in June. I'm likin' it!

[Macmaniac]

1.6 would be nice if its a G4, I really hope they can get the G5 in the PB's soon! Also our poor Power Macs need an update! 2.6 would be nice:) Next week is sounding promising!

[BernerdJBean]

I finally gave up on updates and broke down and ordered a new 15" PowerBook on Monday, which should arrive here on Friday.
If this rumor is in fact true...am I going to be screwed? What's Apple's policy on this sort of thing? If updates are announced on the 19th...that would be one week from the day I purchased it (direct through Apple).

Been a lurker for a while, and I look forward to your responses!

B.J.

[Indiana Mac]

I hope that we see some cosmetic changes to the ibooks, I love mine, about the only thing I wish they'd add is a small carrying handle(like the clamshells, but sleeker). for the 17in could we add a full size keyboard? I think there is enough room on them, would make them a true desktop replacement.

[Ling]

Well, this is indeed a move that Apple needs to make to keeps its product lines from getting too stale, however, I am really curious as to where the powerbooks will go.

I would really like to see the new Power Macs soon so I can replace my aging iBook. Sadly, I think at this point, Steve will probably hold off updates to the line until he can give us the dual 3's. :cool:

[law guy]

I just (JUST as in last evening) ordered a new 15" super drive. If the new laptops came out early next week, that's one thing. But if they're going to announce on Monday and then say - "we plan to ship by late May" only to see the notebooks shipping in early June... we'll then that's effectively telling me that there isn't an update coming for two months. What are the expectations? :confused: :confused:

Also - faster processors??? With a 1.25 G4 in the 15 PB, it already runs hot. I wouldn't want to put a reved-up chip in there and start burning my palms. I understand the newer chips have power scaling features to reduce the speed when unplugged, but I imagine it's going all-out when plugged in. It's still a G4 130 nm chip, so when plugged in it seems like its just got to be hotter.

[Trowaman]

I want to believe it but I really REALLY doubt it.

If Powerbooks had a chance for a G5, they'd be saved for WWDC and I'd have expected iBooks to move with the eMacs.

I WANT TO BELIEVE YOU!!!! . . . but I won't.

[Downdivx]

Leave the rumors to me.


In Jimsowden we trust!

But if this comes true, I'm holding out one more week for Powermacs, emac this week, portables next, then powermacs the following? (Hope of hopes)

W

[aswitcher]

1.6 would be nice if its a G4, I really hope they can get the G5 in the PB's soon!

If G4PB rev c's come out given what happened at the end of 2002 to 2003, I wonder if we could still expect to see G5PBs at WWDC (even if they are released by say September). Thoughts? Would Apple do this again?

[dieselg4]

I'll take a wild guess:

17" gets 1.5 G4 (128MB graphics?) FW800
$2799
15" gets 1.5 G4, 1.33 G4, both back lit keyboards (128 MB graphics?) FW800
$1999, $2399
12" gets 1.33 G4, 1.25 G4 (64 MB graphics) both backlit keyboards? FW800
$1599, $1799

iBook 14" gets 1.25 G4, 1.0 G4 (prob still 32MB graphics) FW400
$1199, $1399
iBook 12" gets 933 G4, 32MB graphics FW400
$999

BLATANT specualtion, poisoned with a dash of hope

[m4c]

If this is true I'll be picking up a 12" ibook 933 G4 next week. :cool:

btw- how long do you think it would take for Apple to ship one of these upgrades out if I ordered next week? (if it really happens of course)

[aswitcher]

I'll take a wild guess:

17" gets 1.5 G4 (128MB graphics?) FW800
$2799
15" gets 1.5 G4, 1.33 G4, both back lit keyboards (128 MB graphics?) FW800
$1999, $2399
12" gets 1.33 G4, 1.25 G4 (64 MB graphics) both backlit keyboards? FW800
$1599, $1799

iBook 14" gets 1.25 G4, 1.0 G4 (prob still 32MB graphics) FW400
$1199, $1399
iBook 12" gets 933 G4, 32MB graphics FW400
$999

BLATANT specualtion, poisoned with a dash of hope

1.5 would be nice...plus better powermanagement making for longer battery life would be great.
FW800 does nothing for me.
128 Meg graphics card for same price would be attractive.
Screen spanning on the iBooks would be excellent.

What about bumped up screen resolution on the PBs? That would make me think about leaping in with the G5PB no where in sight...

[yoman]

well new powerbooks would be nice. Now if only they could cut the prices as well. Make them faster, better and more efficient and also cut the prices. Update them "A La eMac" .

[applekid]

Hmmm, it'd be nice to see a price drop on all of those machines, just as we didn't expect an eMac update with price drop.

I'm hoping, if there are any cosmetic designs to any of the PBs or iBooks, they bring back the color. Perhaps the PowerBooks should keep its aluminum color, but the iBooks could use some color for consumer machines. Either a nice plastic color like the old iMacs and iBooks, or perhaps some metal casing with the colors of the iPod Minis. I can tolerate those colors, even if they aren't as exciting as, say, the old Bondi Blue color.

I don't expect too much of a big jump. Mostly 100-200 MHz at best with some new graphics cards for the PowerBooks (I don't see the iBook getting a new graphics card since I can't think of any consumer-level ones unless they move to nVidia). Perhaps some HD boosts, 10 GBs, if any. And of course, a price drop would be nice. Other than that, minor enhancements, IMHO.

If Apple somehow manages to release 1.6 to 1.8 GHz G5 PowerBooks, I'll be in total awe. I doubt it will happen, but if it does... But an announcement like that deserves a keynote or a webstream. :D

[dieselg4]

Hey I posted almost those exact same specs like 3 days ago! Copier! :mad:
oops - sorry i had no idea - please consider it a mutual assumption

[yoman]

i just want it to be true so we can get the next round of rumors started.

I agree, these "Next Tuesday" announcements are killing us all. Let's move on from these obvious upcoming updates towards some blind speculation about new "mystery" products and G6s around the corner.

Edit: readablity :)

[173080]

Let us hope there will be updated PowerBooks....
I'm mostly looking for a better graphics card in the 12", but FW800 would be nice too.

[applekid]

I just wanted to add: "Moving pictures. Moving sound. Moving the industry."

Mobile machines can do that. Perhaps they'll feature some new useful audio and video technologies.

BTW, what time is Apple supposed to do its NAB announcement? We know it's April 18th, but I would like to know a time (so that I know when I should start continuously reload MacRumors and a few Mac news sites. :D )

[micvog]

Apple won't do it since it would cannibalize PB sales, but putting Bluetooth standard in the iBooks would be nice (avoid BTO) and 1280x1024 resolution in the 14" iBook would have me re-thinking my eMac purchase from yesterday - especially if they upped the VRAM to 64MB. :)

[Indiana Mac]

I'm hoping, if there are any cosmetic designs to any of the PBs or iBooks, they bring back the color. Perhaps the PowerBooks should keep its aluminum color, but the iBooks could use some color for consumer machines. Either a nice plastic color like the old iMacs and iBooks, or perhaps some metal casing with the colors of the iPod Minis. I can tolerate those colors, even if they aren't as exciting as, say, the old Bondi Blue color.

If they do put in a color scheme for the ibooks, i hope that it is subtle, nothing like the riot of the past imac g3s and the old clamshells.

[Parikh1234]

if the 12" PBs get a backlit keyboard, i'm buying next week.

Dont think they will unless they somehow up the battery capacity.

[nyassa3898]

I highly doubt there will be g5 pb's next week, of course anythings possible. I also doubt there would be a 3ghz g5

[spaceballl]

It would be great if they would upgrade to the new Radeon mobile graphics (9700) as well as implement a 200mhz front side bus. Faster memory, faster graphics, and a higher clocked G4 might be enough to hold people over until the G5.
-Kevin

[Kirkland]

I'd really like a 1Ghz 12" iBook, I would buy it in a second. What I dislike about the 14" iBooks is the resolution, if that was increased then that would be great. Screen spanning would be nice too.

[fener]

I just (JUST as in last evening) ordered a new 15" super drive. If the new laptops came out early next week, that's one thing. But if they're going to announce on Monday and then say - "we plan to ship by late May" only to see the notebooks shipping in early June... we'll then that's effectively telling me that there isn't an update coming for two months. What are the expectations? :confused: :confused:



Nope.

Apple makes the UPDATES available the same they day they are announced. They even usually have them in Apple Stores.

This was the situation for Powerbooks in September and iBooks in October. Even, the recent eMacs are available in the stores to be purchased.

Apple usually builds up a 'small stock' in their stores before the release.

If you're getting the powerbook on Friday, and don't want to lose any money, your best bet would be NOT TO OPEN, and wait until Tuesday.

If they are released, send it back for a full refund. If they are not released, then open it and start using ;)

[Squire]

The online Apple Store here just started a promotion for iBooks, PowerBooks, and PowerMac G5s/23" Displays. It probably doesn't mean much (some resellers are still seeking top dollar for Ti Books) but I think the last 2 times they did this, new products were released- the iPod Mini and 20" iMac. Just something to think about.

Squire

[awesomebase]

I guess updates to the power books would mean no G5 PBs until at least January next year. I am hoping that perhaps the 17" PB will get a G5 in this revision. Maybe the next time the PBs are updated, they will all get G5s. I doubt this will happen, but it is just a hope.
What would be nice is some resolution updates to the PBs. Maybe make the 12" PB a 13" widescreen with 1280 x 800 resolution, and then have the 15" at the 1440 x 900 resolution and the 17" at 1680 x 1024. That would be a nice update to have. Also, have built-in Bluetooth on all models and perhaps have all backlit keyboards.
Any possibility for having built-in SD/MMC/CF/MS slots would be nice though highly unlikely and certainly a built-in camera would be a BIG plus for iChatAV.
I hope at least that the prices are reduced because that is a needed plus especially since the speed increases over the last year and a half have been less than great.

[latergator116]

I don't usually speculate, but I will make a guess here. I can definately see the G5 PowerBooks coming out next week. I think the G4 is near end of its life for high-end computers (PowerMac and PowerBook). There needs to be a distinct difference between the eMac, iMac, iBook and the PowerBook, PowerMac. Just a thought though...

[Bhennies]

I finally gave up on updates and broke down and ordered a new 15" PowerBook on Monday, which should arrive here on Friday.
If this rumor is in fact true...am I going to be screwed? What's Apple's policy on this sort of thing? If updates are announced on the 19th...that would be one week from the day I purchased it (direct through Apple).

Been a lurker for a while, and I look forward to your responses!

B.J.cancel the order, or return it if it's been shipped. Updates are imminent.

[Soire]

If these portables put off the release of PowerMacs- boy howdy am I going to be upset!

That would mean WWDC at the earliest for PMs, cause there wouldn't be anything left to update except displays... :mad:

[Reuven]

I don't usually speculate, but I will make a guess here. I can definately see the G5 PowerBooks coming out next week. I think the G4 is near end of its life for high-end computers (PowerMac and PowerBook). There needs to be a distinct difference between the eMac, iMac, iBook and the PowerBook, PowerMac. Just a thought though...

If what you say is true, Im out there to get one pronto !! I have been waiting a very long time to get a G5 PB.

[junny]

If these portables put off the release of PowerMacs- boy howdy am I going to be upset!

That would mean WWDC at the earliest for PMs, cause there wouldn't be anything left to update except displays... :mad:

If this is the case, should I just pike on waiting and order a dual 1.8 tomorrow? It is very tempting. From what I can gather they havn't had as many noise/fan problems as the Dual 2's. Is that about right?

I think I'll need to start taking mood enhancers! One day up in hope, down the next. :(

[afields]

sources with an unblemished track record tell AppleInsider that Apple is preparing to announce new versions of its consumer iBook and professional-grade PowerBook next week.


The part about "unblemished track record" gives me some hope. This rumor seems a little more credible than others. I really hope the iBook comes with superdrive.

[Ja Di ksw]

so in a week, a bunch of us are hit with a horrible choice. Buy the last G4 pb, or wait for the G5 that may be out in what, two months? Eight months? A year? Oh god, it has started already!

[James L]

If these portables put off the release of PowerMacs- boy howdy am I going to be upset!

That would mean WWDC at the earliest for PMs, cause there wouldn't be anything left to update except displays... :mad:


Hey all,

One has nothing to do with the other. Apple has separate development teams for hardware, so the team that works on the Powerbooks, for example, are entirely different than the team that works on the PowerMacs.

The PowerMac delays appear to be G5 problems, which have nothing to do with G4 Powerbooks, which I would bet the next update will be. So, if Apple has G4 powerbooks ready to go, then the release of them has nothing to do with what the G5 tower development team is doing. If the G5 towers are delayed until WWDC it has nothing to do with the PB line.

Also, people need to keep in mind that NAB is not a consumer event, but a professional TV/Video/Pro Audio event. There will be people there from the movie industry, television industry, recording industry, etc.

Considering Apple currently has a story about how a big part of the show "scrubs" is edited on Powerbooks I would say that releasing new Powerbooks at this event makes perfect sense to me.

Cheers!

[fener]

so in a week, a bunch of us are hit with a horrible choice. Buy the last G4 pb, or wait for the G5 that may be out in what, two months? Eight months? A year? Oh god, it has started already!


Well, I don't think it would be a hard choice though.

The answer is there for most of the people.

BUY

[mvc]

Why does Apple usually have two flavours of a product - in most models it is normal to have two different processor speeds as well as other enhancements.

But the G4 is so far behind the opposition now that even the top speed will seem slow, and a slower speed will be a joke.

Soooo…

Consider the current unavailablity of 90nm G5 chips, according to some previous rumours they have not been yeilding well over 2ghz up to this point, but there might still be lots and lots coming in at 1.6 - 1.8?

Combine this rumour factoid with the rumour of multiple models of 15", and the established fact that the 90nm G5 is a near match for the G4 on heat issues at least at sub 2ghz speeds.

Not utterly inconceivable, is it?

However, I personally think we are just seeing all the G4 products getting a boost before Steve at WWDC launches faster Powermacs and G5 iMacs/iBox/iHub/Cube whatever.

:rolleyes:

[invaLPsion]

oops - sorry i had no idea - please consider it a mutual assumption

Sure :D

We can share the oracle status if we're correct. ;) :D

[skinEman23]

so in a week, a bunch of us are hit with a horrible choice. Buy the last G4 pb, or wait for the G5 that may be out in what, two months? Eight months? A year? Oh god, it has started already!

Well I for one am not waiting. If these things come out I'm buying.

[thatwendigo]

I don't usually speculate, but I will make a guess here. I can definately see the G5 PowerBooks coming out next week. I think the G4 is near end of its life for high-end computers (PowerMac and PowerBook). There needs to be a distinct difference between the eMac, iMac, iBook and the PowerBook, PowerMac. Just a thought though...

I waver a bit on the issue, depending on just what I've been reading about the technology field of late, but I think that there might not need to be a distinct chip difference. If it's possible to load up and throw the G5 across the board cost-effectively, then they should do so. It's a superior chip to G4 on everything but support-architetcture power requirements.

Keep the consumer line and portables at single processors, but put dual in the pro towers. As I posted over on the eMac thread, there might be some room for a single-processor G5 after all, but it won't be as cheap as some people would like. Stratify the line so that you get a lowerr processor but a CRT on the iMac, and a faster processor and expandability, but no monitor, on the cMac (my name for this hypothetical prosumer/consumer machine). You can even differentiate the iBook and PowerBook by keeping the lowend on the G4 until the heat comes down on the G5s, and then moving them up sometime next year, when the PowerBooks will be due for a bump.

[GroundLoop]

You got one right... that doesn't mean no one else has sources! You have any word on this one?

I believe it. After a long drought, we're finally entering upgrade season!

But did he actually get any of them before the announcement? If you look every single post that has the prediction was updated after the announcement.

Hickman

[yoman]

But did he actually get any of them before the announcement? If you look every single post that has the prediction was updated after the announcement.

Hickman

well the night before the eMacs were released I was there in the thread in which he announced the eMac configuration. He might have gotten lucky however he was pretty cock sure in his prediction and was quite close in the specifications and price.

[fener]

But did he actually get any of them before the announcement? If you look every single post that has the prediction was updated after the announcement.

Hickman

Yes, he did.

Look:
"
So to summarize, is this what we're looking at tomorrow morning:

1.25 GHz G4
256 MB PC133 SDRAM
40GB/80GB HD
Combo/SuperDrive (8x? No, I doubt it would be the emac before the G5, but it would make sense that we have something to put those 8x discs in)
ATI Radeon 9200 32MB (64MB?Probably not)
USB 2.0 Ports
$799/$999
This looks good. I have a G5 now, and might get one of the Sups for my family.
__________________
i could've sworn you were an expert cork soaker when i first saw you!
Last edited by jimsowden : 04-13-2004 at 02:03 AM.

"

This is WELL BEFORE the announcement.

[nubero]

if the 12" PBs get a backlit keyboard, i'm buying next week.

Yeah, I'm hoping that too... After all the 12" PB is the coolest of the three...

--- --- --- --- ---
My free Desktop Pictures!
http://homepage.mac.com/nuber

[macferret]

I heard from someone eelse that Steve Jobs was gonna make some sort of anouncement towards the end of April

[DreaminDirector]

Well I for one am not waiting. If these things come out I'm buying.

Me too. If they come out on tuesday, I'm at my santa monica apple store that day on my lunch break!

[t300]

I want a backlit keyboard in the 12''. No...NO...I need a backlit keyboard in it. I am ready to order for my graduation present and I have been waiting for updates. It would also be very cool if the design was slightly changed and it was smaller/lighter.

Also, let's not forget...These new Powerbooks better have 8X Superdrives...Oh yes, they better.

[jnasato]

Aah, yes. Here comes the time again when expectations and hopes are up. And then releases... And then a couple weeks of silence... And then comes the begging for more!

It will never stop, until Apple releases a 30GHz PowerMac out of the blue. That would keep us silent for a looooong time. Or would we all complain that the form-factor was getting boring? A sad situation... But unavoidable in the rumor world.

I look forward to updates in the coming weeks!

[clr900]

I like how Apple is releasing small updates to draw the attention away from the increasingly obvious failure to update Power Macs beyond 2ghz in a respectable time frame. They are just buying time and trying to fill the void with some more small crappy updates. I promised myself that I would not buy a PM until rev b updates and I am not going to, it's a matter of principle. I wish I had bought when they were first released but I didn't so now I am in it until the second revision.

Of course these updates are good because almost all of the models were in desperate need of an update. I'm just being a selfish bastard.

[skinEman23]

I heard from someone eelse that Steve Jobs was gonna make some sort of anouncement towards the end of April
who is "someone?"

[billwest9999]

I will tell you as I know.

How about if we all buy Jim a 2L coke if he gets it right again?

Or beer if he wants.

[cornboy]

cancel the order, or return it if it's been shipped. Updates are imminent.

Sad man that I am, I just ordered a 15" superdrive in the refurb store. Can I cancel too? It's already been shipped and is due 16th?

HELP ME, I'M DROWNING!

[fener]

Sad man that I am, I just ordered a 15" superdrive in the refurb store. Can I cancel too? It's already been shipped and is due 16th?

HELP ME, I'M DROWNING!

Reject the package when they come to deliver it. That way, it will go back to Apple, and they will refund your money - the shipping costs.

[slipper]

i was planning to upgrade my 12" g4 ibook to a powerbook, this rumor for some reason sounds more ligitiment than the others. the only reason i havent upgraded sooner is because of the lame video card the 12" power books have.

[thrillz3]

...That would mean WWDC at the earliest for PMs, cause there wouldn't be anything left to update except displays... :mad:

Everyone forgets the iMacs :(

I actually hope they wait untill WWDC to update them, with a big Keynote introducing the G5 iMac. (But still with a swivel type screen!)

[Hattig]

There won't be G5 powerbooks next week - not if IBM is having difficulty making the 90nm ones and hasn't ramped up production yet. Unless you want a 1.2GHz G5 Powerbook anyway!

The Powerbooks will use the new 7447A G4, the one with power management / speedstep / powernow! style stuff. At least it had better do!

What this means is that Apple could run the Powerbook at 1.6GHz from mains to provide more computing power in that situation. When on battery it can run slower (and cooler) - and hopefully the power management will be based on processor load (like AMD's CoolnQuiet and Powernow) and not on preset states (like Intel's speedstep).

Hopefully there will be Radeon 9700-M graphics as well, and a decent wodge of graphics memory. 8x superdrive.

Ah, it isn't that long to find out.

[invaLPsion]

This thread appears to me to be 100% fact. Why?

1. Apple Insider posted this as "inside-info," not as a rumor. All of their "inside-info's" have been correct as far as I know.

2. The source that divulged this information to Apple Insider is "unblemished." They have NEVER been wrong. :)

Cheers to the Updates on Monday...

Now for powermacs and iMacs...

3 down, 2 to go... :)

[aussiemac86]

I have been looking at the promotions on the US and Aus websites.

"Brilliant savings" ( Aus and US) finishes on 26 june

"Impress for less"(Aus only) finishes 26 June

"More memory"(US only) finishes 26 June

".Mac savings" finishes 26 June

Anyone starting to notice a pattern, and also wouldnt that date coincide with WWDC?

Me thinks massive updates on 26 June are certain.

I just hope we see some smaller updates for PM G5's in the mean time.

So i wouldnt hold out for any major updates till then (3Ghz G5PM, G5PB, G5 imac etc)

Due to the first promo brilliant savings, i would say any updates to hgih end displays are def. not happening before 26 june, if we are lucky we may see new lower end displays with new PM's before then though

[El Duderino]

personaly i will be very happy when i buy my new perfected 15" 1.5 G4 ~crosses fingers~ For its final revision it should very well be perfected with no flaws and perhaps better resolution (laugh but it may be possible, but a dual G4 set up in the 15" or 17"...more likely just 17") this will be an excellent ebay item once rev. B G5 PBs come out mid/late 2005 just in time for my sophmore year in college...should be a suitable upgrade

[mambodancer]

I hate to say this but I really doubt that anyone will see a G5 powerbook until the summer of 2005. It seems very likely that Apple will update the line with faster G4 processors in the next week or two. This will be the one and only update to the line until next year. You have to consider that IBM hasn't overcome the technical hurdles to shrinking the processor and reducing the heat it produces. Until that happens, Apple will squeeze the G4 for all its worth. Personally, as a professional artist, I'll get excited about the G5 when a 64bit version of OS X finally ships. For now, my 867 should be more than powerful enough for the next couple of years.

[geerlingguy]

we can start counting the whiners crying about no G5 Powerbooks...

steady product releases until 3GHZ Powermacs in June. I'm likin' it!

Awww.... no PowerBook G5s! C'mon, man! Give me my G5!!! :confused:

[QCassidy352]

I'd really like a 1Ghz 12" iBook, I would buy it in a second. What I dislike about the 14" iBooks is the resolution, if that was increased then that would be great. Screen spanning would be nice too.

no possible way the resolution on the 14" ibooks increases. Those who hate them will just have to go on hating them.

Just because rumors have been wrong in the past about new ibooks/ PBs doesn't mean that they will never be updated again. At some point, the rumors have to be correct. And the emac indicates that apple is ready to start updating again.

I'll be interested to see what apple can do to make the powerbooks more attractive without adding a G5. Better graphics card (128 MB Radeon 9700)? Speed bump to 1.5 Ghz? It's pretty minor stuff. The 12" has a bit more room for improvement without the G5. FW800, better graphics (the 9600 in the bigger ones is already pretty good, whereas the 5200go is not), backlit keyboard would all generate interest without a G5. But, will it be possible to have FW800 and backlit in the 12", even if Apple wants to? Or is the form factor just too small to cram that stuff in right now?

[mvc]

The source that divulged this information to Apple Insider is "unblemished." They have NEVER been wrong. :)

Of course, you can also have an unblemished track record if its your FIRST rumour leak. Not to put to fine a point on it, they also don't exactly say this source is "proven" as far as I can read in the article.

Not like our trusted and proven coke loving Jimmy!!!!!! :p

I wouldn't trust Apple Insider that completely. :rolleyes:

[AidenShaw]

no possible way the resolution on the 14" ibooks increases.

...what apple can do to make the powerbooks more attractive without adding a G5...


I have a Dell with a 14" screen that's 1400x1050 pixels. There's absolutely no way that I'd go back to 1024x768 - or even 1280x1024 after working with higher resolution screens....

[pigwin32]

Presumably the new PB's will still be somewhat hamstrung by the existing chipset/slow bus speed, and I tend to agree there will be no PB G5's unless Apple manages to poke a G5 into the 17". But right now I think I would upgrade if the 15" screen resolution improved from the existing 1280x854 plus a few hundred extra MHz.

1.5GHz
15.4" 1920x1200 resolution display
Mobility 9700 128MB
1GB RAM standard
8x SuperDrive
etc

I think that would just about do it for me.

[dongmin]

I hate to say this but I really doubt that anyone will see a G5 powerbook until the summer of 2005. It seems very likely that Apple will update the line with faster G4 processors in the next week or two. This will be the one and only update to the line until next year. You have to consider that IBM hasn't overcome the technical hurdles to shrinking the processor and reducing the heat it produces. Until that happens, Apple will squeeze the G4 for all its worth. Personally, as a professional artist, I'll get excited about the G5 when a 64bit version of OS X finally ships. For now, my 867 should be more than powerful enough for the next couple of years. i don't think apple would be so foolish to not update their powerbooks for a year. the G4 is maxed out, we all know. so the next update is a G5 update. MWSF 05 is 9 months from now. The most likely time and place.

[iAtom]

1.5GHz
15.4" 1920x1200 resolution display
Mobility 9700 128MB
1GB RAM standard
8x SuperDrive

They will not make the the 15" screen go to that high a resolution. The 20" Display doesn't even go that high.

[usersince86]

I have a Dell with a 14" screen that's 1400x1050 pixels. There's absolutely no way that I'd go back to 1024x768 - or even 1280x1024 after working with higher resolution screens....

I'd rather have a PB @ 800x600 than a Dell @ 1400x1050. :D

Just my 2 cents!

[El Duderino]

does anyone find it a bit odd that appleinsider was able to provide exact model numbers...i think theyre holding out on us :mad:

[apinaud]

Ok here is my question for the ones who knows, do we have any hope in get something like a tablet pc... called the itablet, i do not care, but I been tempted to get one, I think can be practical for me, no more palm, only my tablet.... other days i dream with a new newton.... that is going to make me run to the store... for a tablet mac I will drive
;)

[ralphh]

There's something wrong here. A kind of vacuum... :confused:

Omigod, where are the trolls??? :eek: :eek: :eek:

DHM? BigSpoon? 17-inch? I hope they haven't been kidnapped!

:D

[aswitcher]

1.5GHz
15.4" 1920x1200 resolution display
Mobility 9700 128MB
1GB RAM standard
8x SuperDrive
etc

I think that would just about do it for me.

Mmm. Tasty. Wish I knew how far the G5PBs were off so if this comes true I won't be torn in two...

[El Duderino]

this thread got started only 4 hours ago and its already hitting 100, i dread looking at this tomorow

[Bhennies]

so in a week, a bunch of us are hit with a horrible choice. Buy the last G4 pb, or wait for the G5 that may be out in what, two months? Eight months? A year? Oh god, it has started already!I wouldn't touch a first generation g5 powerbook with a ten foot pole. It's inevitable that they're going to have problems.

[aswitcher]

I wouldn't touch a first generation g5 powerbook with a ten foot pole. They are going to be the most problem-plagued piece of electronics Apple has ever released.

Really? Why? You don't think they have learn't there lessons last year with powerbook problems?

[fener]

this thread got started only 4 hours ago and its already hitting 100, i dread looking at this tomorow

And i've read every single one of them :D

[TRiPod]

learn't
LOL :D

[pigwin32]

They will not make the the 15" screen go to that high a resolution. The 20" Display doesn't even go that high.
Ahem (http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/inspn_8600?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn&~page=1&~tab=specstab#tabtop)

[()verBored]

Well, I placed an order for the 12 inch iBook last week. The initial "shipped on or before date" was 13 April, but they sent me an email that night saying that I should not expect shipment until 21 April! I custom configured my purchase, so this might be one of the causes for delays, BUT, I read that delays on iBooks were standard from the Apple Store at the moment. Not sure what this means, but I don't want to get screwed by imminent releases of new iBooks! If they put a 933 in the 12 inch model, I would rather have that. I compared the 800 and 933 models side by side at a CompUSA, and the speed difference was very noticeable! If they also plan to reduce the price of the bottom end iBook ($999), and then offer a total of 4 iBook configs (933 MHz - 12 inch, 1 Ghz 12 inch, 1 GHz 14 inch, 1.25 GHz 14 inch ??????), then I would prob spring for the 1 GHz 12 inch!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Especially if it was near the same price as the iBook I am currently waiting for.

Rumors are rumors, but, the "Buyer's Guide" says we should expect updates very soon, and then now this news today...I would rather wait it out a week (since I have to anyways!). I am calling to cancel my current order tomorrow.

-e

[SiliconAddict]

G4 == Strangled system bus == Me not giving a crap about a G4 PowerBook.

[Bhennies]

Really? Why? You don't think they have learn't there lessons last year with powerbook problems?I just wouldn't feel good buying a brand new g5 PB with such a leap from the previous technology. Especially because it runs so damn hot. There are so many new variables that short-term testing can't account for...remember- completely new architecture, new cooling system, and new form factor...Who knows? It's just seems risky that's all.

I mean...look at the iPod mini. They anticipated to avoid the problems that they discovered with the original iPod, but little did they expect that the new output jack design over time would wear away at the output electronics. Thus- enormous worldwide delay, and in effect a PR-sanitized recall (lots of people are having to send them back- look here on BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3621585.stm ).

Anyway, i hope I'm wrong, because a g4 PB could not replace my desktop, but a g5 PB...I might be able to squeeze by. :D

[7on]

G4 == Strangled system bus == Me not giving a crap about a G4 PowerBook.

Magnetic Data Storage (Hard drives) == Slow transfer speeds == Me not getting a computer till RAMDISKs.

yes... sounds as ridiculous.

[dontmatter]

HEY! I SHOULD HAVE READ THIS HERE FIRST!

NY times headline: Realnetworks seeks musical alliance with apple

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/15/business/media/15real.html?hp

[hellocody]

I talked to someone who worked in the Apple department at CompUSA, and he said that they have absolutely no Powerbooks or iBooks in stock because Apple stopped shipping them. He said this is usually a sign that Apple is coming out with new models. MacSpy mentions the new iBooks will have colors to match the iPods--I wonder if it will be this shipment... doubt it.

[fener]

HEY! I SHOULD HAVE READ THIS HERE FIRST!

NY times headline: Realnetworks seeks musical alliance with apple

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/15/business/media/15real.html?hp

ahem

requires Registration to read (even its free, didnt check). u have a direct link?

[aswitcher]

LOL :D
Yes, Learn't is Learn Not :)

[aswitcher]

MacSpy mentions the new iBooks will have colors to match the iPods--I wonder if it will be this shipment... doubt it.

Yeah we have been thinking that might happen given the cool look of the ipod mini... Wonder if its actually going to happen...

[aussiemac86]

Does anyone know what apple have released at this NAB thing before ( thats if it is an annual event). Im trying to get a feel as to whether they have ever made any big releases before. If they have there is a sliver of hope they may release laptops as well as possibly PM's........or am i just clinging to every suspected rumor a little to much becaus i want a new G5PM sooo bad? :o

[segundo]

Ahem (http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/inspn_8600?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn&~page=1&~tab=specstab#tabtop)

Yes, I think you're right. We could see these very 15.4" screens on the next powerbooks. I've read industry news that said Apple had ordered a large number of 15.4" screens and I'll wager they are similar if not exactly the same as your reference.

[aswitcher]

I just wouldn't feel good buying a brand new g5 PB with such a leap from the previous technology. Especially because it runs so damn hot. There are so many new variables that short-term testing can't account for...remember- completely new architecture, new cooling system, and new form factor...Who knows? It's just seems risky that's all.

I thought the 90nm clocked back to 1.5GHz was cooler and less power hungry than the G4 1.42GHz??? Engineer? :confused:


I mean...look at the iPod mini. They anticipated to avoid the problems that they discovered with the original iPod, but little did they expect that the new output jack design over time would wear away at the output electronics. Thus- enormous worldwide delay, and in effect a PR-sanitized recall (lots of people are having to send them back- look here on BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3621585.stm ).

No, the delay is said to be due to the lack of Hitachi harddrives not this problem. We don't have figures to my knowledge on how wide spread this problem is. There hasn't been a recall (Yet?) or other advisory. Its perhaps too early to say. But the HDDs are the reason as I know it.


Anyway, i hope I'm wrong, because a g4 PB could not replace my desktop, but a g5 PB...I might be able to squeeze by. :D

Thats why I want a G5PB. I want to toss my ancient (4+ years Dell) and switch to a portable mac.

[aswitcher]

Yes, I think you're right. We could see these very 15.4" screens on the next powerbooks. I've read industry news that said Apple had ordered a large number of 15.4" screens and I'll wager they are similar if not exactly the same as your reference.

Mmmm...WUXGA for iPhoto/Photoshop

15.4 inch WXGA (1280x800) WSXGA+ (1680x1050) WUXGA (1920x1200)

[aussiemac86]

For any other aussies wondering how long it takes for new releases of apple products to become available in australia, i just walked into my local retailer about an hour ago and they already have access to the new emacs(they are being stored in eastern states but can be shipped in a day or 2 over here).

I know this is diffrent for some releases like the xserve where they dont ship them until much later, but generally we appear to get most of the releases pretty much as soon as they come out in the US.

[aswitcher]

For any other aussies wondering how long it takes for new releases of apple products to become available in australia, i just walked into my local retailer about an hour ago and they already have access to the new emacs(they are being stored in eastern states but can be shipped in a day or 2 over here).

I know this is diffrent for some releases like the xserve where they dont ship them until much later, but generally we appear to get most of the releases pretty much as soon as they come out in the US.

Hey thats great. Apple's Australia Store said 2-3 weeks. Weird.

[limi]

But right now I think I would upgrade if the 15" screen resolution improved from the existing 1280x854 plus a few hundred extra MHz.

1.5GHz
15.4" 1920x1200 resolution display


Re-stating the obvious - Apple has the only OS on the market that scales perfectly (fonts, widgets, icons etc), so why they don't have higher resolution on their laptops than they do is ridiculous.

I could have understood the argument for "the fonts are too small at higher resolutions" if they were on Windows, where everything looks lik ****** if you turn up the size of the fonts (not to mention the DPI setting).

So Apple really has no excuse for keeping the resolution this low.

[segundo]

Well, I placed an order for the 12 inch iBook last week. The initial "shipped on or before date" was 13 April, but they sent me an email that night saying that I should not expect shipment until 21 April!

Hmmm, after you posted this I checked out my "current order" which I had left a standard 2 gig G5 PM in . . . the original ship date was 'same business day' but now it shows as 3-5 business days . . . Hmmm, makes me wonder if . . . nah! Couldn't be! Surely we won't see updated PM's this weekend. :D

[aussiemac86]

Hey thats great. Apple's Australia Store said 2-3 weeks. Weird.


Yeah it was a "next byte" store. They seem to have some weird set-up wheere they get stuff a bit earlier, whilst i was in there one of the employees was playing with an ipod mini, When i asked how he got it he said, this store has conections....i mean they arent due here till july. Very Weird

[aussiemac86]

Hmmm, after you posted this I checked out my "current order" which I had left a standard 2 gig G5 PM in . . . the original ship date was 'same business day' but now it shows as 3-5 business days . . . Hmmm, makes me wonder if . . . nah! Couldn't be! Surely we won't see updated PM's this weekend. :D


Dont get my hopes up!! ;)

[aswitcher]

Hmmm, after you posted this I checked out my "current order" which I had left a standard 2 gig G5 PM in . . . the original ship date was 'same business day' but now it shows as 3-5 business days . . . Hmmm, makes me wonder if . . . nah! Couldn't be! Surely we won't see updated PM's this weekend. :D

If you had ordered an iBook or PowerBook this would be an excellent sign.

But PMG5 2GHz...mmm

[dontmatter]

To quote the NY times (http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/15/business/media/15real.html?hp):


RealNetworks Seeks Musical Alliance With Apple
By JOHN MARKOFF and STEVE LOHR

Published: April 15, 2004



RealNetworks made a direct appeal last week to Apple Computer, its Internet music rival, suggesting that the two companies form a common front against Microsoft in the digital music business.

The offer to create a "tactical alliance" was made on April 9 by Rob Glaser, chief executive of RealNetworks, the Seattle-based Internet music and video service, in an e-mail message to Steven P. Jobs, Apple's chairman.

But if an alliance with Apple could not be struck, Mr. Glaser strongly hinted in the e-mail message that he might be forced to form a partnership with Microsoft to pursue "very interesting opportunities" because support for Microsoft's media-playing software seems to be growing.

...

In his message, which was obtained by The New York Times from a person close to Apple, Mr. Glaser asked Mr. Jobs to consider licensing Apple's Fairplay digital rights management system to RealNetworks to permit customers of the RealNetworks music service to play their digital music collections on iPod players.

In exchange, RealNetworks would make the iPod its primary device for the RealNetworks store and for the RealPlayer software.

The message notes that both RealNetworks and Apple support the same digital music technology standard, known as AAC. But because it is not possible for RealNetworks' encrypted music services, Rhapsody and the Real music store, to be played on iPod, RealNetworks is considering switching to Microsoft's competing WMA format, which would make the RealNetworks services work seamlessly with Microsoft's technology.

"We are seeing very interesting opportunities to switch to WMA," Mr. Glaser wrote. "Instinctively I don't want to do it because I think it leads to all kinds of complexities in terms of giving Microsoft too much long-term market momentum."

[Bhennies]

So Apple really has no excuse for keeping the resolution this low.cheaper for them.

[aswitcher]

To quote the NY times

"We are seeing very interesting opportunities to switch to WMA," Mr. Glaser wrote. "Instinctively I don't want to do it because I think it leads to all kinds of complexities in terms of giving Microsoft too much long-term market momentum."


Why would they leak this? Could it be to stop RP from working with Microsoft now because they recognise themselves that such a move might create another Microsoft monopoly issue and yet by leaking this they don't have to do a deal with RP as the status quo will remain now its public...?

[aswitcher]

cheaper for them.

True, cheaper for them but because of all the screen dramas last year I am hoping that they have decided to go for more current technology and put in some better quality and resolution screens...

[aussiemac86]

With all this talk of displays i would like to make a prediction:
With the next release of Power Macs there will also be a display update.

The only thing i think that might stop this from happening is if they are planning on releasing 3Ghz relatively soon after(say WWDC if there are PM's released between now and then) an update of the PM's to like 2.6Ghz or something, but i think the chance of this is small.

[Bhennies]

True, cheaper for them but because of all the screen dramas last year I am hoping that they have decided to go for more current technology and put in some better quality and resolution screens...me too! I may buy a 12" PB. By the way, is there any rumor as to whether or not the new ibooks will have display support? That's the only reason I won't buy one (VGA has terrible resolution).

[supertex]

I guess updates to the power books would mean no G5 PBs until at least January next year...

I wouldn't be so sure... My thoughts are that this potential slew of April updates gets us set up for Apple's once upon a time typical 6-month update schedule. Update the eMacs yesterday, speed bumps and minor revisions for the powerbooks and iBooks next Tuesday, incremental speed bumps for the PowerMacs and iMacs sometime in the next month. This sets up Apple to bring in the heavy artillery (PBG5s, iMac G5s, unleashed iBook G4s, and 3GHZ PMacs) in October (Six months later) just in time for the holiday buying season.

just my 2¢

[freddiecable]

at the swedish apple store there is 10-15 days "building status" across all portables...

[aswitcher]

at the swedish apple store there is 10-15 days "building status" across all portables...

MMM. Thats pretty interesting. A sign or is it just snowing allot and the boats and trucks are having trouble getting through :) Ok lets watch the other Apple shops.

[dontmatter]

ahem

requires Registration to read (even its free, didnt check). u have a direct link?

Sorry, don't know how to do a direct link, or if it's possible. I just assume everybody reads the NY times online when they need to procrastinate ;)

[LaMerVipere]

I really just want a new Mac portable with a bigger screen.

I'm doing all this video editing now, and a 12" w/1024x768 just doesn't cut it.

Hey, maybe if they update the powerbooks i can get one of the current 15" models for cheap. (I can only hope!) :D

[dontmatter]

Why would they leak this? Could it be to stop RP from working with Microsoft now because they recognise themselves that such a move might create another Microsoft monopoly issue and yet by leaking this they don't have to do a deal with RP as the status quo will remain now its public...?

I'm not quite sure what you're saying.... did you read the article? You saying apple leaked this? I don't think it makes too much sense for apple to leak, because it looks to me like a good deal for both companies-it's not like apple's making any money with anything but the ipod, and this could only help sales of the ipod, and keeps RP doing what they're good at, too...

And, microsoft is a big threat, no matter what argument you make. s***loads of money + control of 95% of computer's OS and bundled software + ruthless microsoftness = competition. They could get a monopoly on selling ice cubes to eskimos, if that's what they wanted.

So, who would leak this, and why? I don't know. Maybe somebody who wants the partnership to work, and thinks it's not gonna? (that is, not going to unless there is outside pressure, as I think most mac fans would approve of this...at least more than the HP deal, as an HP ipod would compete with where apple is actually making money and 900% sales increases in a year...)

Anyway, my 2¢

[Maverick]

Crap. I've only had my new 15" PB for 2 weeks. Now new ones are coming out. I feel royally screwed.

Anyone care to hit me with a bulldozer?

[JFreak]

is there any rumor as to whether or not the new ibooks will have display support?

ibook hardware supports dual display spanning, but apple has disbled it in software for marketing reasons. you can enable it yourself if you like.

[aswitcher]

I'm not quite sure what you're saying.... did you read the article? You saying apple leaked this? I don't think it makes too much sense for apple to leak, because it looks to me like a good deal for both companies-it's not like apple's making any money with anything but the ipod, and this could only help sales of the ipod, and keeps RP doing what they're good at, too...



Ok heres a theory. I think Apple leaked this in such a way that Apple Exec are clean but the word is out there. I think they did this because they didn't want to cut a deal with RP but also so that RP could'nt then go to MS. Since its a theory I can only speculate that Jobs wasn't too impressed by the blackmail approach used by RP and I think by leaking it they create a situation where RP can't now go to MS because they themselves have acknowledged the market dominance it would create. Steve can use the email as evidence of that, and MS has been whooped a few times for its monopolising behaviour. Its also possible they leaked it because they will go ahead with RP but want to send a plain message that any bullying by RP on the deal will not be tolerated. Its all speculation on my part. For all I know an MS spy in Apple leaked it to upset the deal.


And, microsoft is a big threat, no matter what argument you make. s***loads of money + control of 95% of computer's OS and bundled software + ruthless microsoftness = competition. They could get a monopoly on selling ice cubes to eskimos, if that's what they wanted.

So, who would leak this, and why? I don't know. Maybe somebody who wants the partnership to work, and thinks it's not gonna? (that is, not going to unless there is outside pressure, as I think most mac fans would approve of this...at least more than the HP deal, as an HP ipod would compete with where apple is actually making money and 900% sales increases in a year...)

Anyway, my 2¢

Monopoly is the problem. They do get wacked for it. People really hate MS for stuff like this and now word is out there I think it will pose problems for any RP/MS deal.

[aswitcher]

ibook hardware supports dual display spanning, but apple has disbled it in software for marketing reasons. you can enable it yourself if you like.

Which really sux. Its being done IMHO to help prop up their powerbook line.

[jackieonasses]

Crap. I've only had my new 15" PB for 2 weeks. Now new ones are coming out. I feel royally screwed.

Anyone care to hit me with a bulldozer?

no matter what things update all the time!!!
so get what you want
or wait on what you need cause technology updates almost every day!

[QCassidy352]

I have a Dell with a 14" screen that's 1400x1050 pixels. There's absolutely no way that I'd go back to 1024x768 - or even 1280x1024 after working with higher resolution screens....

Look, higher res screens cost more, which means the laptop costs more. Apple would only do that if enough extra customers would buy the higher res. laptop to offset the number who wouldn't buy because of increased price. I just don't think that's the case right now. Many newbie-types don't even know what screen resolution is, or how it effects their computing experience. They also like bigger screen objects that are easier to see. For god's sake, some companies sell 19" LCDs at 1280x1024 resolution, and price them hundreds more than 17" LCDs with the same resolution. And someone buys them!

So wish for what you want, but higher res. 14" ibooks are not happening. I highly doubt that the powerbooks are getting higher res, but that's a possibility because they are supposed to be for "pro" users who supposedly know the value of such things.

I also think it's possible to take it too far, btw. There's absolutely no way I could use a 14" laptop at 1400x1050! Everything would be microscopic and I'd be squinting all the time. If my 12" PB went any higher, I would still keep it at 1024x768. Any higher and the screen real estate isn't worth the eye strain.

[tex210]

90nm g4's with a large cache I can accept. The 8x superdrive seems unreasonable for a portable, unless it steps down to 2x when not plugged in.
For those saying they are waiting for G5 revision b.... do you really think the g5's being sold now are the same machines shipped to virginia tech? No revision b was long ago.
... and about the leaked real deal (as if the number of posts for the hardware weren't enough)... only if they bend over for quicktime. :eek: :D ;) :rolleyes:

[mooshoo]

man, I have a headache. I just bought my PBG4 two nights ago, and I just happen to run into this site, and I see all this about a new PowerBook?! Ugh!! Someone please tell me I didn't buy a piece of junk!!

[aswitcher]

90nm g4's with a large cache I can accept. The 8x superdrive seems unreasonable for a portable, unless it steps down to 2x when not plugged in.


Are you saying we could see 90nm G4s with a larger cache (1MB?) for the PBs next week?

I like the superdrive idea. Makes sense. Could they also do that with the clockspeed to save power (from idle cycles and fan)?

[James L]

man, I have a headache. I just bought my PBG4 two nights ago, and I just happen to run into this site, and I see all this about a new PowerBook?! Ugh!! Someone please tell me I didn't buy a piece of junk!!

Why would you think that? You must have liked your powerbook two days ago when you bought it. It still does everything that it did before you came to this site. Why would you think it is a piece of junk?

...computers will always be updated. Do you lose sleep when Honda brings out the 2004 civics and yours is still a lowely old 2003?

Enjoy your computer, it's a great model!

[Trimix]

I'd actually like a 1.6GHz G5 21" iMac.

Could really use a new iMac

ohhhh, that would be awesome, i'll be right behind you, second in line.
i have been polishing my amex so hard, it is gleaming :)

[JFreak]

Which really sux. Its being done IMHO to help prop up their powerbook line.

well, yes, marketing usually sucks. as a tech point of view apple should not even have ibooks, but only offer one 12" powerbook model, one 15" powerbook model and one 17" powerbook model - not any ibooks which have obsolete technology - and not two powerbooks model of the same screen size. and ipods, too, apple should only sell the largest ipod (mini of course is a different thing) and skip the lower capacities altogether. in tech point of view, i remind you.

these are all marketing decisions and just plain sucks if you think about it. but without aggressive marketing, apple would sell a lot less. however, if there was less differentiations in models, apple could reduce the price a little thus making the top-of-the-line more attractive.

it has always been like this; tech department makes the best and marketing department sells the cheapest.

[freddiecable]

iBook is a heavy seller - even though it's "obsolete" technology...some people settle for "less".

i have a dual 2 G5 and a 800 G3 ibook - a perfect match I would say. i have at least "created" 4 switchers that love their iBooks...

Even though we have 1.25 Ghz eMacs we also need headless (Cube) switcher-model for 599$ to bring over even more switchers! And, it doesn't matter that much if it's a 1.25 Ghz G4, 32 MB VRAM etc - lot's of people "settle" with that for wordprocessing, Internet, iPhoto, iTunes etc

[Whotheheck]

I'd actually like a 1.6GHz G5 21" iMac.

Could really use a new iMac

I agree.

Although, it'd be nice if 1.6GHz was the low end iMac and thehigh end ran 2.0GHz :D

[dontmatter]

man, I have a headache. I just bought my PBG4 two nights ago, and I just happen to run into this site, and I see all this about a new PowerBook?! Ugh!! Someone please tell me I didn't buy a piece of junk!!

OK then-your powerbook isn't a piece of junk.

But no, really, powerbooks kick ass-I've got one, the origional 17 inch. And I know how easy it is to feel it's junk when you frequent a site like this, where people often claim they're all outdated junk, and man, I don't even have the updated version! But seriously, don't think about it, b/c what matters is how it works for what you do, and if you're impressed with it's abilities there (as I most certainly am with mine) then who cares what else there is out there? Not to mention-dude, it's a computer. It's guarenteed to be junk in no time flat. That's just the pace of things. Or, at least it will look like you paid a rediculous ammount for it.

But it's a powerbook. It's powerful. It's thin. It's light (or at least fairly light). It looks cool as ******* (will that be censored?). It's got amazing capabilities. And it's a fricking mac-you can't go wrong with that purchase.

[Zaty]

I'll take a wild guess:

17" gets 1.5 G4 (128MB graphics?) FW800
$2799
15" gets 1.5 G4, 1.33 G4, both back lit keyboards (128 MB graphics?) FW800
$1999, $2399
12" gets 1.33 G4, 1.25 G4 (64 MB graphics) both backlit keyboards? FW800
$1599, $1799

iBook 14" gets 1.25 G4, 1.0 G4 (prob still 32MB graphics) FW400
$1199, $1399
iBook 12" gets 933 G4, 32MB graphics FW400
$999

BLATANT specualtion, poisoned with a dash of hope


My guess is as follows:

PB:

17" 1.5 GHz G4, 512 MB RAM, 128 MB VRAM, other specs same as on current 17"
15" 1.5 GHz G4, 512 MB RAM 128 MB VRAM, other specs same as on current high end PB 15"

15" 1.25 GHz G4, 256 MB RAM, 64 MB VRAM, backlit keyboard, other specs same as on current low end PB 15"

12" 1.25 GHz G4, 256 MB RAM, 64 MB VRAM, other specs same as on current PB 12" (no FW 800, no backlit keyboard!)

iBook:

12" 1 GHz G4, 256 MB RAM, 32 MB VRAM, 40 GB HD, BT built in, other specs same as on current iBook 12"

14" 1 GHz G4, other speces sames as on 12" iBook

14" 1 GHz G4, 60 GB HD, other specs same as on 12" iBook

But I wonder why Apple would release them on a Monday. Either they release all laptops silently on Tuesday, April 20 or PBs are announce at NAB on Sunday while iBooks will be released silently on Monday or possibly Tuesday.

[Mokona]

There's absolutely no way I could use a 14" laptop at 1400x1050!

I had a 15" Alienware laptop @1600x1200, took about two weeks to get used to, but then that screen real estate came in handy! (It got stolen after a month and a half though...)

Personally I'd like to see a widescreen 12", that would be nifty.

[dennis88]

Here in Norway, there is also 10-15 days building time on the portables. :D

[aussiemac86]

The Australian mac store has build times of 1 to 2 days on portables,
evidence to the contrary i suppose, maybe sweden and norway just have a shortage or sumthin? anyone checked any other countries?

Powermac D2Ghz have a build time of 3-5 days though hmmmmmm.

US has 3-5 on PB's

Oh well its all a bit contradictory isnt it?

Only time will tell

[pingin]

oh joy. this one sounds authentic to me.
my current computer is a Wallstreet powerbook 233MHz so even the lowest end iBook is going to be a vast improvement :D
what i'd love to see in the new ibooks:
- pcmcia support - i don't expect to see :( this but that's the only thing that's kept my wallstreet going all these years (usb/firewire) and without which i would never have purchased an ipod :)
- superdrive as an option
- higher screen resolution for the top-end 14"
- 80GB hard drive option

[rdowns]

ahem

requires Registration to read (even its free, didnt check). u have a direct link?

Here's the full text:

RealNetworks Seeks a Musical Alliance With Apple
By JOHN MARKOFF and STEVE LOHR

Published: April 15, 2004



ealNetworks made a direct appeal last week to Apple Computer, its Internet music rival, suggesting that the two companies form a common front against Microsoft in the digital music business.

The offer to create a "tactical alliance" was made on April 9 by Rob Glaser, chief executive of RealNetworks, the Seattle-based Internet music and video service, in an e-mail message to Steven P. Jobs, Apple's chairman.

But if an alliance with Apple could not be struck, Mr. Glaser strongly hinted in the e-mail message that he might be forced to form a partnership with Microsoft to pursue "very interesting opportunities" because support for Microsoft's media-playing software seems to be growing.

A pact with Microsoft would be a startling reversal for RealNetworks, whose complaints about Microsoft's business tactics form a major part of the European Commission's antitrust case against the company.

Mr. Glaser, the founder of RealNetworks, is a former executive of Microsoft who left on friendly terms but later became a bitter rival after Microsoft decided that media-playing software would be crucial to its long-term growth. The overture from Mr. Glaser to Mr. Jobs also reflects the scramble among major technology and media companies to jockey for advantage as the market for music - and eventually movies - distributed legally over the Internet is starting to take off.

Apple is clearly the early leader with its iTunes online music store, which downloads and plays songs only on Apple's popular iPod handheld devices. Besides RealNetworks, a pioneer in software for distributing and playing music and video, major companies are entering the market.

Microsoft is gaining ground and making deals. This week, it agreed to pay $440 million to settle a private suit over patent claims and to strike a licensing deal with InterTrust Technologies, an early developer of copyright protection software.

Microsoft is expected to offer its own digital music store before long. And Sony has said it will start a music store later this year. It is developing its own media-player devices, which, given Sony's reputation for stylish design and clever marketing, could prove to be strong competition for the iPod. Sony has not announced when its devices will be introduced.

It is against this backdrop that the timing and details of Mr. Glaser's offer to Mr. Jobs are particularly intriguing. In his message, which was obtained by The New York Times from a person close to Apple, Mr. Glaser asked Mr. Jobs to consider licensing Apple's Fairplay digital rights management system to RealNetworks to permit customers of the RealNetworks music service to play their digital music collections on iPod players.

In exchange, RealNetworks would make the iPod its primary device for the RealNetworks store and for the RealPlayer software.

The message notes that both RealNetworks and Apple support the same digital music technology standard, known as AAC. But because it is not possible for RealNetworks' encrypted music services, Rhapsody and the Real music store, to be played on iPod, RealNetworks is considering switching to Microsoft's competing WMA format, which would make the RealNetworks services work seamlessly with Microsoft's technology.

"We are seeing very interesting opportunities to switch to WMA," Mr. Glaser wrote. "Instinctively I don't want to do it because I think it leads to all kinds of complexities in terms of giving Microsoft too much long-term market momentum."

Apple executives would not comment on the message. But it seems likely Mr. Jobs will rebuff the offer. Mr. Glaser said he had not received a response from Mr. Jobs, and in his e-mail message Mr. Glaser said he was going to be in Silicon Valley this week and suggested that he meet with Apple executives today.

Mr. Glaser has been vocal in his condemnation of what he considers Apple's proprietary strategy and he has said he believes the strategy is a mistake. Apple is running the risk of following the same path it took in its development of its personal computer, he argued.

It is widely believed in the PC industry that Apple's refusal to license its Macintosh operating system in the late 1980's contributed to the operating system monopoly of Microsoft's Windows.

Mr. Glaser has recently tried to act as a neutral broker in the competition between different hardware standards, while Mr. Jobs has been pursuing a more proprietary approach, making digital music from Apple's iTunes store playable only on iPod.

Apple, however, notes that it is open to deals with other companies. It recently formed a partnership with Hewlett-Packard, allowing Hewlett to distribute iPod devices and load Apple's iTunes software on its consumer PC's.

Subscribers to AOL, Apple adds, can also download music from the iTunes music store. Still, these deals are mainly distribution agreements with other companies, and do not require Apple to open its technology so that other music services and devices can work with the Apple offerings.

"Apple is not into interoperability," said an industry executive with connections to both the computer and music industries. "Steve's bet is that he can beat the big guys, Sony and Microsoft - with better marketing."

A number of industry executives said, however, that Mr. Jobs was under increasing pressure from both his music industry partners and from Hewlett-Packard to open up his digital music service.

The situation in the digital music industry is complex and changing very rapidly. Events like the European ruling against Microsoft's bundling of its media player into the Windows operating system could force the company to rethink its digital media strategy.

At the same time Microsoft has clearly been moving to settle as many of its legal entanglements as quickly as possible. In recent weeks it has settled lawsuits with Sun Microsystems and with InterTrust.

By putting many legal problems behind it, Microsoft would be freer to compete aggressively with Apple in the music market, analysts said.

"Real understands how incredibly powerful the Microsoft music initiative will be," said Richard Doherty, a computer industry consultant and president of Envisioneering. "I don't think that Jobs understands this. He doesn't realize how big the juggernaut is about to get."

In his e-mail message to Mr. Jobs, Mr. Glazer said that he was reaching out to Mr. Jobs before making a move to switch camps. Mr. Glaser said he was surprised that the proposal had been leaked.

"Why is Steve afraid of opening up the iPod?" he asked in a telephone interview. "Steve is showing a high level of fear that I don't understand."

[cb911]

and now for my new model predictions...

15" PB... ah no. i haven't really been following the PB rumors that closely to be able to predict that stuff this time around. :p

i'm happy with my 15" Al PB, this next revision will be one that i'm skippinng. next stop for me, PowerBook G5! :D

but it will be interesting seeing what the new specs are... and which rumors sites had the closest guess. ;)

[SiliconAddict]

Really? Why? You don't think they have learn't there lessons last year with powerbook problems?


No.

[SiliconAddict]

Magnetic Data Storage (Hard drives) == Slow transfer speeds == Me not getting a computer till RAMDISKs.

yes... sounds as ridiculous.


You are kidding right? Seriously. Your kidding. The PowerBook system bus is the single biggest bottleneck in the entire freaking system right now. You have this 1.33Ghz CPU with 266MHz RAM being killed by a pathetic system bus speed. Current PC laptops are aprox three times the speed and it shows in any benchmark you run. The current situation with the PowerBooks is the predicament where the PowerMacs where at about a year ago and speedbumping the freaking CPU isn't going to solve the problem.

PS- As for your hard drive example. Why do you think HD manufacturers are putting bigger and bigger caches on the drives. :p

[Brother Michael]

OK then-your powerbook isn't a piece of junk.

But no, really, powerbooks kick ass-I've got one, the origional 17 inch. And I know how easy it is to feel it's junk when you frequent a site like this, where people often claim they're all outdated junk, and man, I don't even have the updated version! But seriously, don't think about it, b/c what matters is how it works for what you do, and if you're impressed with it's abilities there (as I most certainly am with mine) then who cares what else there is out there? Not to mention-dude, it's a computer. It's guarenteed to be junk in no time flat. That's just the pace of things. Or, at least it will look like you paid a rediculous ammount for it.

But it's a powerbook. It's powerful. It's thin. It's light (or at least fairly light). It looks cool as ******* (will that be censored?). It's got amazing capabilities. And it's a fricking mac-you can't go wrong with that purchase.


I couldn't agree more!

Hi I am Mike, and I am new Mac convert. I am a Visual Communication Technologies Major at Bowling Green State University, and they told me Mac's were the tool of the trade. I now see why. They truly are built by designers for designers (and anyone else that wants a kick ass computer)

Mike

[Bear]

First, I do believe notebook updates are imminent.

Second, some stuff to think about. A 1.5GHz processor in a Powerbook would be rather welcome. From my point of view, the difference between a G4 and a G5 (right now) doesn't matter for a laptop. Their will still be a 2GB memory limitation. The bus speed might be the biggest factor. The 15" and 17" Powerbooks use DDR 333 (167MHz bus) curently. An updated G4 might use a slightly faster bus (I haven't seen specs on the 1.5GHz G4). So, the main difference is bus speed. But you know something, you'r still limited to harddrive speeds for a lot of things.

I will take a 1.5GHz G4 Powerbook with other incremental updates. A 2x Superdrive is fine as long as it can burn 2x on 4x media. 2x Media is going to become very hard to find real soon.

I guess we'll see what actually gets announced in a few days. And we'll see how well the updates sell.

[P-Worm]

Yes! This must mean G5 powerbooks and dual 3.0 GHz PowerMacs!!........ :rolleyes:

This is getting really old. I see this sarcastice remark at the beginning of ever page one rumor. :eek:

P-Worm

[jcshas]

My money's on new SuperDrive equipped iBooks next week - the iBook is the only remaining computer in Apple lineup that currently doesn’t have a SuperDrive. :cool:

[aswitcher]

First, I do believe notebook updates are imminent.

Second, some stuff to think about. A 1.5GHz processor in a Powerbook would be rather welcome. From my point of view, the difference between a G4 and a G5 (right now) doesn't matter for a laptop. Their will still be a 2GB memory limitation. The bus speed might be the biggest factor. The 15" and 17" Powerbooks use DDR 333 (167MHz bus) curently. An updated G4 might use a slightly faster bus (I haven't seen specs on the 1.5GHz G4). So, the main difference is bus speed. But you know something, you'r still limited to harddrive speeds for a lot of things.

Yeah, the bus is a big issue that the G5 should resolve...+faster ram +optimised software/os over the next few years. So better speed, and even faster later.

I also think a 17 and maybe the 15 could take 4 sticks of ram...but its a no technical guess on my part. If they could then that would be very welcome.


I will take a 1.5GHz G4 Powerbook with other incremental updates. A 2x Superdrive is fine as long as it can burn 2x on 4x media. 2x Media is going to become very hard to find real soon.

I guess we'll see what actually gets announced in a few days. And we'll see how well the updates sell.

I hope the Superdrive goes 4x to avoid any issues about impending redundancy. I like the idea as suggested by another poster that they squeeze a x8 in that runs at 2x when on batteries and 8x when on mainline power.

[aswitcher]

My money's on new SuperDrive equipped iBooks next week - the iBook is the only remaining computer in Apple lineup that currently doesn’t have a SuperDrive. :cool:

Can't see it happening because of cost and clash with powerbook line at present which seems to be staying at G4 for a bit longer if rumors are to be believed. If Apple are willing to artifically cripple screen spanning on iBooks then I am confident it won't get an expensive superdrive for that and the cost reason.

A chip, bus, ram upgrade will probably happen. Not sure if anything else but cosmetics might change a part from that.

[craigiest]

I'm hoping, if there are any cosmetic designs to any of the PBs or iBooks, they bring back the color. Perhaps the PowerBooks should keep its aluminum color, but the iBooks could use some color for consumer machines. Either a nice plastic color like the old iMacs and iBooks, or perhaps some metal casing with the colors of the iPod Minis. I can tolerate those colors, even if they aren't as exciting as, say, the old Bondi Blue color.


You aren't going to see those plastic colors brought back. Apple is about cool. Those colors were cool when Apple introduced them. Once every product at Wal-Mart, from pencil sharpeners to boom boxes, could be bought in them, they were no longer cool.

Apple is also about class. When a $1000+ computer was the only thing made out of colored plastic, it could be seen as upscale. Once colored plastic was associated with $1 throw-away items, it became decidedly chincy.

Obviously Apple will have to move beyond white and brushed metal at some point to stay fresh. But it will be in some surprising, unanticipated way.

[aswitcher]

You aren't going to see those plastic colors brought back. Apple is about cool. Those colors were cool when Apple introduced them. Once every product at Wal-Mart, from pencil sharpeners to boom boxes, could be bought in them, they were no longer cool.



Well the ipod minis coloured -metal- finish is pretty attractive. I think the silver would work well for the iBook. Not sure how many pink and lime green would sell, but its not unreasonable to think they might revist this, even as a limited release slightly higher cost. But then Apple Insider only mentions 3 model numbers, and given they claim to know model numbers I tend to think they have some good info. So we probably will just see the same shell with slightly updated hardware.

[dieselg4]

Hrmm, a metallic pink iBook . . . I'm not sure how I feel about the though of that. A metallic gold one would be pimpin', and the metallic blue one would be kinds spiffy

[Sped]

From my point of view, the difference between a G4 and a G5 (right now) doesn't matter for a laptop.

I hear what you're saying, but sometimes I wonder if buying a 32 bit computer will mean you won't get the lifespan one normally expects from a Mac. Clearly 64 bit computers are the way ahead for Apple. Eventually even the eMac will have a G5. In fact, it seems to me that eMacs would have G5s with this latest update if it weren't for the fact that they are supposed to be the low end and right now nothing else has been updated. I assume once Apple can squeeze a G5 into the Powerbook, the iBook won't be too far behind, and by then, the iMac and then eMac should be running on G5s.

[mulanzo]

Why would you think it is a piece of junk?

...computers will always be updated. Do you lose sleep when Honda brings out the 2004 civics and yours is still a lowely old 2003?




Id lose sleep if i owned a honda civic period... those things make me vomit
...not to mention seeing those ugly suped up ones that think they can beat ferraris and lamborghinis.. its repulsive

.... but even still... a powerbook update the day after you bought an "older" model means nothing, since you made a fabulous investment anyways. I know people running pismos and even older model macs and are perfectly content. Infact, the guy im talkin about also has a newton which he uses regularly, even though infinitely better PDA's are available. Take that in stride :) I just got $2000 bucks in the mail from the govt, however, so needless to say ill wait till atleast next week before i buy a powerbook :p :)

[segundo]

If you had ordered an iBook or PowerBook this would be an excellent sign.

But PMG5 2GHz...mmm

I checked the PowerBook's by placing a standard 12" Combo unit in the order . . . it shows up as 5-7 days . . . surely that means that . . . well, you know.

[Nemesis]

i just want it to be true so we can get the next round of rumors started.

Not a rumor, this is the latest report that I've got from one very reliable source!
- The 17" model will utilise 1.6 GHz G5 processor!
- Top 15" model will utilise 1.4 GHz G5 processor!
- Other models, plus iBooks, will run on updated G4s ...

17" and 15" PBook case is redesigned to fit new G5.
12" model slightly redesigned too, but won't go for G5 for more than year ...

Yeah!! ;)

[hello world]

My guess is as follows:

PB:

17" 1.5 GHz G4, 512 MB RAM, 128 MB VRAM, other specs same as on current 17"
15" 1.5 GHz G4, 512 MB RAM 128 MB VRAM, other specs same as on current high end PB 15"

15" 1.25 GHz G4, 256 MB RAM, 64 MB VRAM, backlit keyboard, other specs same as on current low end PB 15"

12" 1.25 GHz G4, 256 MB RAM, 64 MB VRAM, other specs same as on current PB 12" (no FW 800, no backlit keyboard!)

iBook:

12" 1 GHz G4, 256 MB RAM, 32 MB VRAM, 40 GB HD, BT built in, other specs same as on current iBook 12"

14" 1 GHz G4, other speces sames as on 12" iBook

14" 1 GHz G4, 60 GB HD, other specs same as on 12" iBook


I hope they do more than minor speed bumps to the Powerbooks.
I reasons I've held out buying a 15" is that I hope the add:

- 80GD drives across the board, maybe even at 5400rpm (7200rpm in the 17"?).
- Backlit keyboards in every model
- Airport built-in in every model

I'd rather see these features as standard, as part of what makes a powerbook a powerbook, and a pro model a pro model, than this small incremental shove to the G4. The only thing that will make a real difference is the processor is the jump to the G5.

[andiwm2003]

I hear what you're saying, but sometimes I wonder if buying a 32 bit computer will mean you won't get the lifespan one normally expects from a Mac. Clearly 64 bit computers are the way ahead for Apple. Eventually even the eMac will have a G5. In fact, it seems to me that eMacs would have G5s with this latest update if it weren't for the fact that they are supposed to be the low end and right now nothing else has been updated. I assume once Apple can squeeze a G5 into the Powerbook, the iBook won't be too far behind, and by then, the iMac and then eMac should be running on G5s.


I'm planning to buy a 15" PB. Now everybody is asking for G5 PBs. The question for me is, how much faster will a G5 PB actually be? Some journal (I think it was Macworld) had a comparison between the 17" iMac and the 1.6 GHz single G5 Mac, both 512 Ram. The G5 was only about 10-30% faster than the G4 iMac (depending on the application). Well, the iMac would compare to what we get from the new G4 PBs, the G5 would be what we can dream of a G5 PB. If you don't do video, only standard (not professional)Photoshop, moderate gaming and some audio that difference should be not relevant. With the G4s changing their clock speed the difference in power consumtion compared to a G5 shouldn't be to big either (isn't the HD and Display more important for power consumption?).
And there is no 64 bit OS available anyway.
So can someone with experience tell me how fast a 1.25 - 1.5 G4 PB compared to iMacs and G5s really is? Is there any other reason why people are so crazy about G5 PBs?

Andi

P.S.: I know, there are many spelling and grammar mistakes :). I know I'm not a power user :( . I know I'm only a clueless newbie :( . I know Apple sucks and we deserve G5 PBs :D . So please give me only a response if you have some useful infos :) .

[dongmin]

Not a rumor, this is the latest report that I've got from one very reliable source!
- The 17" model will utilise 1.6 GHz G5 processor!
- Top 15" model will utilise 1.4 GHz G5 processor!
- Other models, plus iBooks, will run on updated G4s ...

17" and 15" PBook case is redesigned to fit new G5.
12" model slightly redesigned too, but won't go for G5 for more than year ...

Yeah!! ;)you're joking right? don't toy with our emotions. especially when it comes to G5 powerbooks.

[1macker1]

I just spent 500 bucks of my money I had saved for a new PB. I got tired of waiting. Now this. I guess all is well. I'll only be upset if they have a G5 in them.

[wdlove]

I couldn't agree more!

Hi I am Mike, and I am new Mac convert. I am a Visual Communication Technologies Major at Bowling Green State University, and they told me Mac's were the tool of the trade. I now see why. They truly are built by designers for designers (and anyone else that wants a kick ass computer)

Mike

Welcome to MacRumors Forums Mike. Its great to have you as a switcher also. Are you a native Buckeye?

This is great news finally an actual upgrade to discuss. Hopefully Apple will wow us. Does anyone know if Steve is speaking on Sunday?

[DaBuzz]

no matter what things update all the time!!!
so get what you want
or wait on what you need cause technology updates almost every day!

Man, I could NOT have said it better. I bought a totally maxed out 17" PowerBook - 2 Gb RAM, 5400 RPM drive. Will I feel behind the power curve if new updates come out? Yeah, a little. But my PB is a screamer, and I can't imagine I would see any perceived speed increase if the processor tops out at 1.42 or 1.5.

If everyone here who keeps asking "should I wait" or "i feel screwed, I just bought a PowerBook" DID wait, you would never buy anything. As soon as you get these (rumored) new PowerBooks, you'd be feeling screwed when Apple comes out with its next rev.

If you want to wait on a rumor, then you obviously don't NEED a PB right now. Believe me, if you get one now, you will be happy with it. I'm sure if new models come out, I'll get my usual bout of technolust, but I have a powerful machine now that gets my every day work done like a champ.

[Nemesis]

you're joking right? don't toy with our emotions. especially when it comes to G5 powerbooks.

iMac G5 is ready too (it utilises low speed 90nm G5, 1.4-1.8 GHz) but consumer machine will never go for a new processor before Pro machine. Stupid Apple's rule ...

So we'll have an update in PBooks now, and then come the new iMacs ...

And yes, this will be amazing year for Mac users!

;)

[Tomaz]

Not a rumor, this is the latest report that I've got from one very reliable source!
- The 17" model will utilise 1.6 GHz G5 processor!
- Top 15" model will utilise 1.4 GHz G5 processor!
- Other models, plus iBooks, will run on updated G4s ...

17" and 15" PBook case is redesigned to fit new G5.
12" model slightly redesigned too, but won't go for G5 for more than year ...

Yeah!! ;)

I can't believe that...even though I want to.
If you joking, you're just plain mean !!

[wdlove]

I can't believe that...even though I want to.
If you joking, you're just plain mean !!

I don't think that it hurts to be optimistic. Hopefully if his prediction doesn't come true, he will be willing to admit that he was wrong.

I also believe that I heard that Apple will be coming out with Superdrives on all its products.

[El Duderino]

a 15" 1.4 G5 will make an awsome gradutation present for me :D

[tsk]

Why would you think that? You must have liked your powerbook two days ago when you bought it. It still does everything that it did before you came to this site. Why would you think it is a piece of junk?

...computers will always be updated. Do you lose sleep when Honda brings out the 2004 civics and yours is still a lowely old 2003?

Enjoy your computer, it's a great model!

Except you know when the Honda Civic is going to be updated. If it's near the end of the year, you're getting a discount because everyone wants to unload the older cars to make room for the new cars. Here he's (and several others) have expressed frustration because they bought at the tail end of 6 month old systems at full price (which is probably the equivalent of 5 year old cars) and with no warning on updates. I'd be frustrated myself which is why I'm glad I haven't bought one.

Of course, if it's within 10 days you can probably get a cash adjustment, but my guess is the "old" systems won't be discounted all that much.

[()verBored]

I realize technology is always upgrading....that you can't always be waiting for the next best thing. But I don't want to have my 800 MHz iBook show up in the mail the same day they start shipping a 933 or 1 GHz version for $100 bucks less! A 933 or 1 GHz 12 inch iBook for $999????? Then with government employee discounts, that's a pretty dang awesome deal! BUT, even if they don't drop the iBook price, it will still be a great deal at 1099 (as it is now).

BUT, maybe if Apple dropped the price on the 800 MHz model way down and was willing to refund me that difference, I might consider keeping it!

Anyways, I bet the iBooks will get the GeForce FX 5200 Go graphics subsystem, and the lowend PB's will start with the Radeon 9600, with the upper echelon getting bumped to the 9700. That would make sense with the way iBook's get "hand me down" tech from the PBs. The Radeon 9200 that is in the iBooks now used to be in the PBs!

Just waiting for the Apple Store sales support to open up so I can cancel my iBook order...

[Tiauguinho]

If they release a Powerbook with the specs that Nemesis told us... then its gonna be HUGE news at NAB! Mobile power for video editors!!! Mobile power for me too (aint no video editor but i surely want a PB G5!)!

[gopher]

I finally gave up on updates and broke down and ordered a new 15" PowerBook on Monday, which should arrive here on Friday.
If this rumor is in fact true...am I going to be screwed? What's Apple's policy on this sort of thing? If updates are announced on the 19th...that would be one week from the day I purchased it (direct through Apple).

Been a lurker for a while, and I look forward to your responses!

B.J.

If a new product gets released within 10 days of your order, you may be able to qualify for a free update. Read the store's sales and refunds policy. The Apple Store has this policy.

[aussiemac86]

Not a rumor, this is the latest report that I've got from one very reliable source!
- The 17" model will utilise 1.6 GHz G5 processor!
- Top 15" model will utilise 1.4 GHz G5 processor!
- Other models, plus iBooks, will run on updated G4s ...

17" and 15" PBook case is redesigned to fit new G5.
12" model slightly redesigned too, but won't go for G5 for more than year ...

Yeah!! ;)


Forgive us for our skepticism, wouldnt there be major issues with heat and stuff in laptops using those kind of G5 chips? or are you suggesting the chips are 90nm? and still arent there major problems with the supply of these?

Ahh well if its true i shall eat my words, and whilst skeptical i do hope its true
good to hear from another westralian though.

[srobert]

So funny I forgot to laugh! Puhleeeze.....
How long have we been hearing this one? :rolleyes:

I'll believe it when I see it.

Which makes me wonder why you're on macrumors.com instead of apple.com. :D

[dongmin]

iMac G5 is ready too (it utilises low speed 90nm G5, 1.4-1.8 GHz) but consumer machine will never go for a new processor before Pro machine. Stupid Apple's rule ...

So we'll have an update in PBooks now, and then come the new iMacs ...

And yes, this will be amazing year for Mac users!

;)

are you saying this is a prediction, i.e. your opinion

or

is this an actual release schedule, i.e. G5 Powerbooks are coming out next week and the iMacs sometime shortly after???

[Mokona]

Not a rumor, this is the latest report that I've got from one very reliable source!
- The 17" model will utilise 1.6 GHz G5 processor!
- Top 15" model will utilise 1.4 GHz G5 processor!
- Other models, plus iBooks, will run on updated G4s ...

17" and 15" PBook case is redesigned to fit new G5.
12" model slightly redesigned too, but won't go for G5 for more than year ...

Yeah!! ;)

I don't believe it until I see it. I'm gonna need Steve to call me personally and fax me the documentation until then. Nice thought though. What was the wording he used when the G5 was announced? "not anytime soon..." So maybe soon is now... *sigh* I always get my hopes up, I'm gonna be stuck with this wintel crap for a while...

Damn IBM for making computers that never break and not letting me switch! (again)

[DaBuzz]

Except you know when the Honda Civic is going to be updated. If it's near the end of the year, you're getting a discount because everyone wants to unload the older cars to make room for the new cars. Here he's (and several others) have expressed frustration because they bought at the tail end of 6 month old systems at full price (which is probably the equivalent of 5 year old cars) and with no warning on updates. I'd be frustrated myself which is why I'm glad I haven't bought one.

Of course, if it's within 10 days you can probably get a cash adjustment, but my guess is the "old" systems won't be discounted all that much.

OK, what computer manufacturer "warns" the public of upgrades? If they did that, then no one would buy the current inventory. Apple wants to deplete is inventory, so it's not going to "warn" us of coming "refreshes".

A PB G5, given it is such a dramatic leap, and Apple's tendency to build up demand for its new technology, will probably be announced in advance, just as the PM G5's were. The last PB refreshes were done with very little fanfare, except the 15" model (since it was a complete redesign from the TiBook).

So enjoy your computer - if it does what you need it to do, then is the all the hand-wringing and gnashing of teeth that goes on here really worth it?

[()verBored]

Just got off the phone with a sales rep who was cancelling my order. After I said I wanted to cancel, she came back and said "would you consider keeping it if we offered you a $63 discount?"...kinda weird. Not sure why they would do that, but I'll just throw that out to everyone here - might be trying to push out old stock?

I cancelled anyways...after she said that to me, I told her "no...heard to many viscious rumors circulating that you guys are updating your notebooks soon anyways, sooooo...." She didn't say anything in response, she just said, "Ok sir, I will put in your order cancellation."

The whole time during this purchase, I was wishing that the 12 inch ibook could be bought with a 1 GHz (or even the 933 MHz processor)...I wanted the performance boost, but the size boost!!! I need PORTABLE! I already have a nice, super duper windows desktop :)

[Bilvox]

:confused:
My patience has worn thin, I have been waiting way too long now for a new powerbook. I hope, but will wait with skepticism, they will finall arrive next week.
then I can kick my wallstreet powerbook to the curb sort of speak...
:rolleyes:
anyone have an idea where i could get info on resale value of the old wallstreet?
perhaps I could just make it a wireless server for various files for my flat-mate and i.
though testiment to apple my 14inch PB wallstreet still can use wireless broadband cards, be a multimedia machine and be better than a few band new pcs out there.
So whatever the price may be for the high end powerbook that comes out next I know I will definately get my milage out of it...
and when and if I order it should I get the apple care?
being a computer savvy person is it a good idea for me or better idea like if My techno-retarded mom bought it?
anyways
thats all the babble for now...
-Bilvox
:eek:



http://www.bilvox.com/blog/index.html

[tsk]

OK, what computer manufacturer "warns" the public of upgrades? If they did that, then no one would buy the current inventory. Apple wants to deplete is inventory, so it's not going to "warn" us of coming "refreshes".

That basically sounds like they want to screw as many people as they can to keep the bottom line. Other companies manage to keep updates coming. You can deplete the inventory afterwards as well selling the old models at lower prices. All industries deal with this.

If people had a clue though, they could make an informed decision. They don't need to keep things so secret IMO. A little bit of knowledge like the next rev PB will come out in spring and feature an updated G4. For many people they can't wait and so would make the leap. Others are just buying now rather than in 2 weeks because they have no clue if it's 2 days or 2 years till the next update. And many people simply won't care, they'll want it now.

The main thing is, many people say buy it now, even if it's updated in 2 weeks, you'll love it. I don't think that's necessarily true (and these posts seem to bear this out).

[Nny]

i don't even care about speed bumps...

i want a 128 MB ATI 9700 and a 7200 RPM 60 GB hard drive.

please Apple! pretty please!

[dongmin]

Just got off the phone with a sales rep who was cancelling my order. After I said I wanted to cancel, she came back and said "would you consider keeping it if we offered you a $63 discount?"...kinda weird. Not sure why they would do that, but I'll just throw that out to everyone here - might be trying to push out old stock?

I cancelled anyways...after she said that to me, I told her "no...heard to many viscious rumors circulating that you guys are updating your notebooks soon anyways, sooooo...." She didn't say anything in response, she just said, "Ok sir, I will put in your order cancellation."

The whole time during this purchase, I was wishing that the 12 inch ibook could be bought with a 1 GHz (or even the 933 MHz processor)...I wanted the performance boost, but the size boost!!! I need PORTABLE! I already have a nice, super duper windows desktop :) shouldn't read too much into it. for sure, phone sales reps don't know anything about future releases. perhaps the discount policy is from the top. but i doubt it.

it seems fairly certain that we'll get some sort of updates next week. the question is whether this will be a most G4 upgrade OR something big...

[()verBored]

shouldn't read too much into it. for sure, phone sales reps don't know anything about future releases. perhaps the discount policy is from the top. but i doubt it.

it seems fairly certain that we'll get some sort of updates next week. the question is whether this will be a most G4 upgrade OR something big...


But it's fun to read "into it"!

Whether or not she knows what's going on is irrelevant. I would find it hard to believe that offering discounts is standard practice when a customer wants to cancel. If that's true, then I will try to cancel my next order with apple!!! :rolleyes: Everyone should do it!

And if this is not from the "top" and def not from the phone sales rep herself...then who is it from?

I think they are pushing stock...they probably already had my parts on order from the manufacturer, and now they are thinking, if the buyer cancels, we will have old parts, and have a hard time selling them after a notebook update comes out!

[Unregistered.]

OK, what computer manufacturer "warns" the public of upgrades?
The Wintel guys don't have to. They upgrade their computers pretty much monthly. I know Dell sends me brochures at work every month, and EVERY SINGLE MONTH they have faster processors in their laptops. They're on a hectic schedule of constant upgrades because they have a lot of competition and sell more quantity at lower margins than Apple. With Apple, they upgrade so rarely, it's a very big thing to time your purchase properly. Right now, people buying PBs are paying full price for technology that is 6 months old -- that was mediocre by PC standards even then.

Offtopic: Take a look at this. http://www.sagernotebook.com/pages/notebooks/product.cfm?ProductType=8790. Depressed, I've been researching PC laptops just out of interest. These are originally made by a company called Clevo, you can get them cheaper there I bet. Hopefully, the G5 PB's will have specs along these lines when they finally come out. Crazy powerful.

[segundo]

So can someone with experience tell me how fast a 1.25 - 1.5 G4 PB compared to iMacs and G5s really is?

http://www.macspeedzone.com

[Zaty]

Not a rumor, this is the latest report that I've got from one very reliable source!
- The 17" model will utilise 1.6 GHz G5 processor!
- Top 15" model will utilise 1.4 GHz G5 processor!
- Other models, plus iBooks, will run on updated G4s ...

17" and 15" PBook case is redesigned to fit new G5.
12" model slightly redesigned too, but won't go for G5 for more than year ...

Yeah!! ;)

Too good to be true. I don't think they would sell a 12" PB G4 for more than year if there was a G5 in the 15" and the 17". They would rather drop the 12" PB and put the features that differentiate the 12" PB from the iBook into those.

Edit: Reading your post for the second time I realised your post can be interpreted as if there will be one G5 15" model as well as one or more G4 15" models. That really dosen't make sense to me. Either they move the 15" to the G5 or they continue using a G4.

[stockscalper]

The 970 FX (G5) at 1.4 ghz actually puts out much less heat and draws about half the power of a 1.4 ghz G4, so it is possible they could go into a laptop. But not at this time. IBM hasn't made enough quantities and they're having problems with some of their related components manufacturers. Apple has committed to Motorola's new generation G4, so we're likely to see this and perhaps one more update in the G4 line. Although this new G4 sucks up twice the wattage than the G5 it does have built in heat sensors and smart technology that monitors how you use the computer and automatically shifts the clock speed to preserve battery life. So it's a decent chip. The real question is what will Apple package with the new PB's? Meaning, how fast is the bus going to be, what kind of video card will they use, will the hard drive be faster and will they use faster ram? If the answer is yes, they can construct an extremely powerful system with the new G4, but don't expect them too. They have a history of releasing ho hum models with modest performance bumps.

[Zaty]

iMac G5 is ready too (it utilises low speed 90nm G5, 1.4-1.8 GHz) but consumer machine will never go for a new processor before Pro machine. Stupid Apple's rule ...

So we'll have an update in PBooks now, and then come the new iMacs ...

And yes, this will be amazing year for Mac users!

;)

If this is true Apple had better introduce the iMac G5 soon as the new eMac blows the current iMac out of the water. Of course, this could be the answer to question why the eMac got such a big bump. I still stick to my opinion no G5 in neither PBs no nor iMacs for a long time. Thanks for your info anyway. It makes the hole story even more important to follow. :)

[Zaty]

The 970 FX (G5) at 1.4 ghz actually puts out much less heat and draws about half the power of a 1.4 ghz G4, so it is possible they could go into a laptop. But not at this time. IBM hasn't made enough quantities and they're having problems with some of their related components manufacturers. Apple has committed to Motorola's new generation G4, so we're likely to see this and perhaps one more update in the G4 line. Although this new G4 sucks up twice the wattage than the G5 it does have built in heat sensors and smart technology that monitors how you use the computer and automatically shifts the clock speed to preserve battery life. So it's a decent chip. The real question is what will Apple package with the new PB's? Meaning, how fast is the bus going to be, what kind of video card will they use, will the hard drive be faster and will they use faster ram? If the answer is yes, they can construct an extremely powerful system with the new G4, but don't expect them too. They have a history of releasing ho hum models with modest performance bumps.

I agree with you. It would be interesting how a 970FX at 1.4 GHz compares with the G4 performance wise. I guess some people might be disappointed with the G5's performance. Although a G5 PB would be faster b/c of the faster bus.

[Tomaz]

..IBM hasn't made enough quantities and they're having problems with some of their related components manufacturers...

How accurate is that info? Cause if there's really NO WAY that IBM can ship enough 970 FXs, then we can just forget about the possibility of G5 PBs for now and go back to pre-Nemesis discussions. But if there's a slight chance that IBM might be able to ship large quantities.... :confused:
Anyone got more info on that ?

[Zaty]

How accurate is that info? Cause if there's really NO WAY that IBM can ship enough 970 FXs, then we can just forget about the possibility of G5 PBs for now and go back to pre-Nemesis discussions. But if there's a slight chance that IBM might be able to ship large quantities.... :confused:
Anyone got more info on that ?

You get your answer right here from MacRumors frontpage:

The 2nd Quarter Financial Conference Call took place today.

In the Question and Answer session, the following information was provided:

- Regarding Best Buy Pilot. It ran its natural course and its performance is undergoing analysis at this time.
- IBM's PowerPC 970 90nm was the sole constrained supply causing the Xserve G5 delays. This supply is expected to ramp up over this quarter.
- HP iPod to start shipments in Summer. Already shipping iTunes on HP computers.
- Some iTunes albums are priced higher than $9.99, but this is due to higher prices charged by record labels.

[BruinJohn]

Offtopic: Take a look at this. http://www.sagernotebook.com/pages/notebooks/product.cfm?ProductType=8790. Depressed, I've been researching PC laptops just out of interest. These are originally made by a company called Clevo, you can get them cheaper there I bet. Hopefully, the G5 PB's will have specs along these lines when they finally come out. Crazy powerful.

That is powerful system, but it weighs 10.5 lbs, that's like carrying around a child! I'm glad Apple keeps their notebooks light and tight. All I want is an upgraded 12", is that too much to ask?!?

[dongmin]

The 970 FX (G5) at 1.4 ghz actually puts out much less heat and draws about half the power of a 1.4 ghz G4, so it is possible they could go into a laptop. But not at this time. IBM hasn't made enough quantities and they're having problems with some of their related components manufacturers. Apple has committed to Motorola's new generation G4, so we're likely to see this and perhaps one more update in the G4 line. Although this new G4 sucks up twice the wattage than the G5 it does have built in heat sensors and smart technology that monitors how you use the computer and automatically shifts the clock speed to preserve battery life. focussing solely on one number is not very useful considering that the two systems have totally different architectures. don't forget the bus, controllers, etc. which could push the G5 architecture to higher heat levels. also there was talk that the 970fx is difficult to cool b/c the heat is concentrated in a much smaller area (90 nm vs. 130 nm). and we don't yet know how the power management systems compare. finally, the low-power version of the 7447 beats out the 970fx in the low 1 ghzs. there are maybe 10-15 pieces of the puzzle and yet all people talk about is one piece.

[Mokona]

These are the Sager's (Clevos) overclocked (and overpriced) companions. Notice the apple-like page design. Trying to lure the switchers back... (but those monitors look pretty sweet)

[edit:] forgot the URL... http://www.go-l.com/laptops/index.htm

[Frobozz]

i don't even care about speed bumps...

i want a 128 MB ATI 9700 and a 7200 RPM 60 GB hard drive.

please Apple! pretty please!

... and a half hour of battery life? :-)

I think a 64 meg card in a laptop is just fine, but 128 would be nice. The hard drive, IMHO, should be 5400. If you want to do hard-core stuff you can always hook up an external firewire drive.

[NicoMan]

Presumably the new PB's will still be somewhat hamstrung by the existing chipset/slow bus speed, and I tend to agree there will be no PB G5's unless Apple manages to poke a G5 into the 17". But right now I think I would upgrade if the 15" screen resolution improved from the existing 1280x854 plus a few hundred extra MHz.

1.5GHz
15.4" 1920x1200 resolution display
Mobility 9700 128MB
1GB RAM standard
8x SuperDrive
etc

I think that would just about do it for me.

More likely to be 1440*900 and 4*Superdrive, but hey one is allowed to dream....

[invaLPsion]

Sounds good to me, Nemesis. Those G5 iMacs should make Don't Hurt Me a very happy man.

Jimsowden, can you confirm Nemesis' statements or give us the specs of these upcoming updates?

[iReilly]

These are the Sager's (Clevos) overclocked (and overpriced) companions. Notice the apple-like page design. Trying to lure the switchers back... (but those monitors look pretty sweet)

[edit:] forgot the URL... http://www.go-l.com/laptops/index.htm


How well do they run OS X? ;)

[NicoMan]

Guys check this out:

Apple Education (http://www.apple.com/education/hed/academia/creative/architecture.html)

Read 1st paragraph...

(it's not my discovery it's coming from MacBidouille (http://www.macbidouille.com))

:eek:

[fener]

...the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning is arming each of its students with individual PowerBook G5 computers....

[glorfindel]

Guys check this out:

Apple Education (http://www.apple.com/education/hed/academia/creative/architecture.html)

Read 1st paragraph...

(it's not my discovery it's coming from MacBidouille (http://www.macbidouille.com))

:eek:

If you click the link it specifically states G4s on Cincinnati's site... sad...
:(

" ...individual PowerBook G4 computers that enable the students to take their education with them on the road."

[NicoMan]

If you click the link it specifically states G4s on Cincinnati's site... sad...
:(

" ...individual PowerBook G4 computers that enable the students to take their education with them on the road."

Oh well that was short-lived...

Doh

[garybooberry]

I'll throw my G4 into the water outside my office if they come out with G5 Powerbooks on Monday.

It ain't happening.

G4 1.5's at the top end - Motorola's been making them for at least two months.

*Hopes he doesn't have to throw his computer in the water* :eek:

[m4c]

What I'm hoping for:

12" 1GHz ibook, built in bluetooth, 40GB, up to 1Ghz RAM. My dream machine for my budget of $999. :cool:

[billyboy]

These are the Sager's (Clevos) overclocked (and overpriced) companions. Notice the apple-like page design. Trying to lure the switchers back... (but those monitors look pretty sweet)

[edit:] forgot the URL... http://www.go-l.com/laptops/index.htm

How much? Lets not hear about how dear Macs are compared to PCS. $4000 to $7800. All that power and cant run OSX!

[fener]

Apple changes the design of every line more or less every 3 years.

iBook 'iceBook' was introduced on May 1st, 2001. So, its been 3 years.

They are likely to indroduce a new form factor for the iBook.

[DaBuzz]

Should this rumor be true, I only wish Apple would allow previous owners to pay to upgrade certain components (e.g., if the SuperDrive is 4x, we should be able to pay Apple to swap our 2x one). It is the same form factor, etc, and I would think the SuperDrive is not impacted by a different CPU.

[glorfindel]

Oh well that was short-lived...

Doh

Oh well, but at least updates are coming in the iminent future. My dad's an exec w/ CompUSA and says that their stock of Apples in our region is completely out and the Apple Rep has a meeting with them first thing on Monday morning concerning hardware. He doesn't have any more info than that right now... trust me, I've tried :)

:D

[shooterlv]

There won't be G5 powerbooks next week - not if IBM is having difficulty making the 90nm ones and hasn't ramped up production yet. Unless you want a 1.2GHz G5 Powerbook anyway!

The Powerbooks will use the new 7447A G4, the one with power management / speedstep / powernow! style stuff. At least it had better do!

What this means is that Apple could run the Powerbook at 1.6GHz from mains to provide more computing power in that situation. When on battery it can run slower (and cooler) - and hopefully the power management will be based on processor load (like AMD's CoolnQuiet and Powernow) and not on preset states (like Intel's speedstep).

Hopefully there will be Radeon 9700-M graphics as well, and a decent wodge of graphics memory. 8x superdrive.

Ah, it isn't that long to find out.
I would have to agree with the G5 statement. According to Apple they are not expecting IBM to be at full steam until at least Q4 on the 90nm. I think they'll use the new G4's simply because they are a pin for pin compatible chip... no need to redesign the board, just new firmware to take care of the powerscaling etc.

Here's a link to some more info about the new G4

http://mrwsoftware.com/cgi-bin/archive.cgi?showstory=8.txt

[Brother Michael]

Welcome to MacRumors Forums Mike. Its great to have you as a switcher also. Are you a native Buckeye?

This is great news finally an actual upgrade to discuss. Hopefully Apple will wow us. Does anyone know if Steve is speaking on Sunday?

I am a Falcon (school mascot) first, a Buckeye second :p

As for me I am very excited to hear about the new release, buying a powerbook (and Adobe and Macromedia products) for my Sophmore year in college is going to be the fruit of my labor at McDonald's and Steak 'n' Shake.

I am new to the Mac world, but not to the Revolution against Microsoft. I have been switching back and forth between XP and Fedora Core 1 Linux.

Mike

[Brother Michael]

And those L Store Laptops have got nothing on Macs. To date I have seen any laptop that is:

a) more visually appealing to look at than a Mac
b) thinner than a Mac
c) as quiet as a Mac
d) as light as a Mac

Mike

[jcshas]

Can't see it happening because of cost and clash with powerbook line at present which seems to be staying at G4 for a bit longer if rumors are to be believed. If Apple are willing to artifically cripple screen spanning on iBooks then I am confident it won't get an expensive superdrive for that and the cost reason.

A chip, bus, ram upgrade will probably happen. Not sure if anything else but cosmetics might change a part from that.

Yes, but everyone said the same thing prior the introduction of a G4 iBook. I still think a superdrive equipped iBook is highly probable.

[()verBored]

Oh well, but at least updates are coming in the iminent future. My dad's an exec w/ CompUSA and says that their stock of Apples in our region is completely out and the Apple Rep has a meeting with them first thing on Monday morning concerning hardware. He doesn't have any more info than that right now... trust me, I've tried :)

:D

I was at CompUSA Monday night, and the guy had two iBook's in stock at the store. I don't know what CompUSA stores normally have on hand though, so I am not sure if that means anything.

WANT:
12 inch iBook 933 or 1 GHz
40/60 GB HD
512 Ram standard
BT
Airport EXT
A decent graphics card upgrade
Same great battery life/same or maybe slightly thinner size?
I don't really care about Superdrive, but, if it's cheap enough, then why not!?

All this for 1099 plus a few bucks for the Accesories! :D

The ibook was already sweet, just a little slow on the processor side - considering the rave reviews the iBook already has, if they improve, it'll only be better for us!

[MacPearl]

I finally gave up on updates and broke down and ordered a new 15" PowerBook on Monday, which should arrive here on Friday.
If this rumor is in fact true...am I going to be screwed? What's Apple's policy on this sort of thing? If updates are announced on the 19th...that would be one week from the day I purchased it (direct through Apple).

Been a lurker for a while, and I look forward to your responses!

B.J.

Just like you, but I just got my new 15" pb by the end of last month. For your case, if this rumor is true, you would definitely get the new line. Why don't u give them a call and ask about that? ;)

[Zaty]

Yes, but everyone said the same thing prior the introduction of a G4 iBook. I still think a superdrive equipped iBook is highly probable.

I bet we won't see a Superdrive on iBooks this time. I think iBooks will get the Superdrive when the PowerBooks get a G5. Don't forget they have to differentiate the 12" PB from the iBooks. Unless they max out the 12" completely (i.e. at least 64 MB VRAM, 80 GB HD, 512 MB RAM standard, Airport Extreme built-in and a higher clock speed than the fastest iBook, not to mention backlit keyboard and FW800) it's not highly probable but highly unlikely.

I was at CompUSA Monday night, and the guy had two iBook's in stock at the store. I don't know what CompUSA stores normally have on hand though, so I am not sure if that means anything.

WANT:
12 inch iBook 933 or 1 GHz
40/60 GB HD
512 Ram standard
BT
Airport EXT
A decent graphics card upgrade
Same great battery life/same or maybe slightly thinner size?
I don't really care about Superdrive, but, if it's cheap enough, then why not!?

All this for 1099 plus a few bucks for the Accesories! :D

The ibook was already sweet, just a little slow on the processor side - considering the rave reviews the iBook already has, if they improve, it'll only be better for us!

You'll get the 1 GHz 12" iBook with a 40 GB HD and BT but it will only have 256 MB RAM, still the Radeon 9200 with 32 MB VRAM and AE will be optional. Sorry. :)

[micvog]

But it's fun to read "into it"!
I would find it hard to believe that offering discounts is standard practice when a customer wants to cancel. If that's true, then I will try to cancel my next order with apple!!! :rolleyes: Everyone should do it!


I just cancelled my eMac order and they offered me a free wireless keyboard and mouse if I kept it. I declined since I prefer the wired variety anyway. I just want a cheap Mac (iBook or eMac) and if the iBook gets updated I will get that instead (come on 1280x1024!).

[DreaminDirector]

Yes, but everyone said the same thing prior the introduction of a G4 iBook. I still think a superdrive equipped iBook is highly probable.


That's true, but then what would justify a powerbook 12" over an iBook? It just seems odd to me that apple would do something like this. What would be the new advantages that the powerbook would have over the iBook? There has to be advantages, right?

[micvog]

You get your answer right here from MacRumors frontpage:

What is IBM going to do with all of the processors not rated for 2.0GHz. Why not just put them in a 1.2Ghz - 1.6GHz G5 PB?

[()verBored]

You'll get the 1 GHz 12" iBook with a 40 GB HD and BT but it will only have 256 MB RAM, still the Radeon 9200 with 32 MB VRAM and AE will be optional. Sorry. :)

Oh, and you KNOW THIS for certain huh? :p

Even with that config I would still be bustin at the seams with excitement. The Radeon 9200 ain't a bad graphics card, far better than you see in practically any other laptop at the same price point (screw intel integrated graphics!). I am almost willing to bet money they will put the GeForce FX 5200 GO in the iBooks though. And if the price point of the lowend iBook is going to be $999, then I bet it will have a 933 MHz processor (the difference between the 1 GHz and 933 MHz isn't enough to worry about it though - of course, the 1 GHz would be best!)...

[CombatWombat]

Oh, and you KNOW THIS for certain huh? :p
I am almost willing to bet money they will put the GeForce FX 5200 GO in the iBooks though.
I sure hope not considering the ATI 9200 is better than the 5200.

The crappy 5200 is the #1 reason I have not bought a 12" PB. It is arguable which is more powerful, the 12" ibook or the PB due to the horrible video card Apple gave the PB.

[dieselg4]

These are the Sager's (Clevos) overclocked (and overpriced) companions. Notice the apple-like page design. Trying to lure the switchers back... (but those monitors look pretty sweet)

[edit:] forgot the URL... http://www.go-l.com/laptops/index.htm
WOW those 17" are expensive! and I though Apple's 17" was kinda high . .

[Zaty]

Oh, and you KNOW THIS for certain huh? :p

Even with that config I would still be bustin at the seams with excitement. The Radeon 9200 ain't a bad graphics card, far better than you see in practically any other laptop at the same price point (screw intel integrated graphics!). I am almost willing to bet money they will put the GeForce FX 5200 GO in the iBooks though. And if the price point of the lowend iBook is going to be $999, then I bet it will have a 933 MHz processor (the difference between the 1 GHz and 933 MHz isn't enough to worry about it though - of course, the 1 GHz would be best!)...

Of course, I don't know the specs. As for the processor I think they will put a 1 GHz processor into the 12" iBook because 1GHz looks so much better than 933 MHz and as you said performance wise, it's not much of a difference. Furthermore, it would mean that the sub-1 GHz era is over. A 40 GB HD seems very likely as this is now the standard size for laptop HDs. I'm not sure if BT will be built in but since it's not a user upgradeable part, It would make sense to offer the iBook w/BT. Lastly, I don't think they change graphic chips. Now that the eMac also has the 9200, it's more economical to use it in the iBooks as well. Remember, before the iBook got the 9200, it had the 7500 as did the eMac until the latest update.

[El Duderino]

a little of the topic, but would an aluminum diamond plate PB look really cool...all crome and stuff, sure it would scratch easily and lose all appeal after about a month but damn it would be awsome untill then

[Zaty]

I sure hope not considering the ATI 9200 is better than the 5200.

The crappy 5200 is the #1 reason I have not bought a 12" PB. It is arguable which is more powerful, the 12" ibook or the PB due to the horrible video card Apple gave the PB.

The 5200 is not any more crappy than the 9200. The 9200 scores better benchmarks in games while the 5200 scores in other tasks. All in all they are in the same league. But you are right insofar as it's a bit of joke that the PB doesn't have a better graphics chip than the iBook.

[codythedestroye]

If the powerbooks don't have the new G5 (which they won't) I just can't get that excited.

Backlit keyboards though - that would be awesome.

[TWinbrook46636]

You have to wonder.

The 1.6 Ghz G5 970 should be the most abundant due to the lower clock speed yet Apple only offers a single 1.6 Ghz 970 G5 PowerMac while offering dual 1.8 and 2.0 Ghz 970 G5 PowerMacs.

I think it would be logical to see the the very same 1.6 Ghz 970 G5 used in the iMacs while using a 1.4 to 1.6 Ghz 970fx G5 in the PowerBooks.

I don't think it will happen though.

[El Duderino]

If the powerbooks don't have the new G5 (which they won't)
thats a double negative...kinda...so they cancel out. so HA! it will be a G5 :p

[pb1212580]

I think Apple is just buying time.

They know if the G5 powerbooks are out, the G4s won't be selling anymore... G5s are still being worked out... almost done I believe, in terms of technical difficulties.

My predictions... new G4 faster chips BUT,
the important thing is that the battery life will be increased hopefully by at least 1.5 hours. (to catch up to pc laptops' centrino hours at least)

faster graphics and the rest won't change much.

oh and SLIMMER form factor for sure!!! THINNER for teh powerbooks is almost 100% going to happen! they are a little bit thicker than need be right now. They can probably cut 1/3 of the thickiness or close to it.

perhaps a different material for the pbs. they did titanium, aluminum...now maybe another alloy that gets the best of the two? light weight and durable? who knows?!

just my thoughts...

in any case, I'd save up for G5 pbs...and be happy with the G4s now. it won't be that much faster I don't think, if it's still a G4.

post more info ppl!!! share your sources!!!

[jcs_mac]

I just cancelled my eMac order and they offered me a free wireless keyboard and mouse if I kept it. I declined since I prefer the wired variety anyway. I just want a cheap Mac (iBook or eMac) and if the iBook gets updated I will get that instead (come on 1280x1024!).


I just did try cancelling my eMac order and me to keep the order they offer me $73 off and gave me express shipping instead of ground shipping. I take it. Trying to cancel really does work!!! :)

[mooshoo]

hey dont matter,

thanks for consoling me :) I do wonder though about the new ones.....

[diego]

MMM. Thats pretty interesting. A sign or is it just snowing allot and the boats and trucks are having trouble getting through :) Ok lets watch the other Apple shops.

Traffic does not exist at Sweden...

[TypeR389]

And those L Store Laptops have got nothing on Macs. To date I have seen any laptop that is:

a) more visually appealing to look at than a Mac
b) thinner than a Mac
c) as quiet as a Mac
d) as light as a Mac

Mike

Visually appealing is to each there own, but here is the current laptop I am using while I am waiting for a more appealing powerbook.

http://www.sharp.co.jp/products/pcmt1/

It is thinner, as quiet, lighter, runs cooler, and is build much better than any powerbook. And this laptop is over 2 years old! Though it doesn't run OSX, but straight hardware, I have never owned a better machine...The battery is the weakest part, lasting only about 2.5 hours of real use, but that is ALL that far behind the 12" powerbook in real life. I wish they were a little easier to get in the states though...

[aswitcher]

Not a rumor, this is the latest report that I've got from one very reliable source!
- The 17" model will utilise 1.6 GHz G5 processor!
- Top 15" model will utilise 1.4 GHz G5 processor!
- Other models, plus iBooks, will run on updated G4s ...

17" and 15" PBook case is redesigned to fit new G5.
12" model slightly redesigned too, but won't go for G5 for more than year ...

Yeah!! ;)

And we have a contender for the Title of ORACLE. Will Jimmy have his newly won belt taken by this new comer. Is this indeed his nemesis ;) Or will Nemesis prove to be a paper tiger, and in less than five days be driven from the boards with redicule and laughter ( :D Ok we're not that nasty).

Fight, 9am PST Monday. Be there!

[ibook_g4_user]

Yes! This must mean G5 powerbooks and dual 3.0 GHz PowerMacs!!........ :rolleyes:

I have an idea; give iBook an g5 and u, leave the powerbook as it is and the other Powerbook geeks will shut up. :rolleyes:

Or mayby buy an iBook :D

[johnnyjibbs]

I think there is a market for G4 PowerBooks. I've had my 12" 1GHz for 6 months and it is more powerful than our new cheap 'n' cheerful Dell P4 2.4GHz. It does everything you need it to do, espcially with RAM and it's a great computer.

I'm hoping for these updates because my sister is ready to buy an iBook (12") and I don't want her to get a machine that was new in October last year. Plus, my brother will be getting one at the end of the summer, so the sooner this update, the sooner the next. I can see this being a real posssibiliy, along with Power Mac updates next week too (they must have at least 8x Superdrives, as the eMac now does).

[rog]

I think this rumor pretty much guarantees G5 powerbooks next week and G5 iBooks by the end of summer, especially since the dual core G6 will be in desktops by the end of the year at speeds of 3GHz+. I think it also supports the widely held belief that by this time next year, the powerbook will also be sporting a G6 near 4GHz on the high end. Go Apple!

[DreaminDirector]

I have an idea; give iBook an g5 and u, leave the powerbook as it is and the other Powerbook geeks will shut up. :rolleyes:

Or mayby buy an iBook :D


My personal opinion is that the powerbook should be able to stomp the iBook. It IS supposed to be a professional laptop. I have no hate for the iBook, I even considered getting one over the powerbook, but the fact is I'm a power user and I shouldn't have to be asking myself that. The iBook should not compete with the Powerbook, even though at the moment it is.

I just forsee an interesting civil war between the Powerbook Geeks and the iBook fanboys.

[aswitcher]

I think there is a market for G4 PowerBooks. I've had my 12" 1GHz for 6 months and it is more powerful than our new cheap 'n' cheerful Dell P4 2.4GHz. It does everything you need it to do, espcially with RAM and it's a great computer.



If Nemesis is right then we could see cheaper upgraded G4PBs and hi end 15 and the 17 as G5...

I can see reasons for this based purely on cost if the G5PBs jump significantly in cost...or maybe the G4PBs will drop in price.

What other reasons could there be for still producing a 15" with a G4?

[tsk]

focussing solely on one number is not very useful considering that the two systems have totally different architectures. don't forget the bus, controllers, etc. which could push the G5 architecture to higher heat levels. also there was talk that the 970fx is difficult to cool b/c the heat is concentrated in a much smaller area (90 nm vs. 130 nm). and we don't yet know how the power management systems compare. finally, the low-power version of the 7447 beats out the 970fx in the low 1 ghzs. there are maybe 10-15 pieces of the puzzle and yet all people talk about is one piece.

But if the chip sucks up half the power as the G4, it's going to put out half the heat of the G4. Who cares how much smaller it is, that's what heat sinks are for.

I'm assuming here that the CPU is the single biggest source of heat. If you have half the heat from the CPU, that ought to give you plenty to work with on the bus and any controller chips. Also, it's not like they'll put the same FSB as the PM or anything.

[eric67]

hello

a short message to mention that info on PowerBook G5 have been found on US apple web site!! and quickly corrected
here it is :
http://www.hardmac.com/niouzcontenu.php?date=2004-04-15#1931

really hot. so PBG5 at the NAB... it seems quite certain now!!!

french mac rumors web site is also posting info for Apple notebooks (ibook and PBG5) announcement at the NAB!!

[iAtom]

hello

a short message to mention that info on PowerBook G5 have been found on US apple web site!! and quickly corrected
here it is :
http://www.hardmac.com/niouzcontenu.php?date=2004-04-15#1931

really hot. so PBG5 at the NAB... it seems quite certain now!!!

I'm pretty sure that it was just a typo.

[eric67]

I'm pretty sure that it was just a typo.

twice a typo mistake on 2 different Apple web site (one from US, one from finland)???
I doubt that it is possible, especially that there related to different information (path is different, different topic)
it could be the same mistake that what we had before the announcement of the PMG5

[pigwin32]

I don't think that it hurts to be optimistic. Hopefully if his prediction doesn't come true, he will be willing to admit that he was wrong.

He would be stupid to continue to claim he was right :)

Of course I would love to see him proved correct.

[pigwin32]

If people had a clue though, they could make an informed decision. They don't need to keep things so secret IMO. A little bit of knowledge like the next rev PB will come out in spring and feature an updated G4. For many people they can't wait and so would make the leap. Others are just buying now rather than in 2 weeks because they have no clue if it's 2 days or 2 years till the next update. And many people simply won't care, they'll want it now.

Tell it to Osborne (http://slick.org/deathwatch/mailarchive/msg01015.htmlhttp://slick.org/deathwatch/mailarchive/msg01015.html)

[ibook_g4_user]

My personal opinion is that the powerbook should be able to stomp the iBook. It IS supposed to be a professional laptop. I have no hate for the iBook, I even considered getting one over the powerbook, but the fact is I'm a power user and I shouldn't have to be asking myself that. The iBook should not compete with the Powerbook, even though at the moment it is.

I just forsee an interesting civil war between the Powerbook Geeks and the iBook fanboys.

well I have to say that powerbooks has a better design and thats it :)
An iBook with 640 ram is a better investment than a pb for 256mb
iBooks have better graphics (Radeon 9200) than the 12 pb, better batteritime and the screen are dot-free :)

well pws mayby looks nicer, but with that price; noway
it would be damn stupid to buy a pb at this point.
Mayby I would by an pb, but with a lower price(no more than 2500$ for a 17 inch), and with a g5.

[pingin]

My personal opinion is that the powerbook should be able to stomp the iBook. It IS supposed to be a professional laptop. I have no hate for the iBook, I even considered getting one over the powerbook, but the fact is I'm a power user and I shouldn't have to be asking myself that. The iBook should not compete with the Powerbook, even though at the moment it is.

I just forsee an interesting civil war between the Powerbook Geeks and the iBook fanboys.

so why didn't you get the iBook in the end? I think the difference between the ibooks and the 15" / 17" pbooks is sufficiently big already and Apple now needs to improve the ibook specs to help it compete with the PC market. The 12" pbook is a different matter though...

[EK03]

Anyone wonder what these G5 powerbooks will look like? considering the big leap from g4 to g5 i bet they will do a nice redesign.

[pigwin32]

That is powerful system, but it weighs 10.5 lbs, that's like carrying around a child! I'm glad Apple keeps their notebooks light and tight. All I want is an upgraded 12", is that too much to ask?!?
Come on, that's nothing like carrying around a child, a child is warm and cuddly and kind of clings to you, plus a child is much more expensive to maintain. ;)

[numediaman]

Not to hijack the thread, but . . .

Am I only the only one who consistently has trouble with Apple's slot loading drives? There are three reasons I'm not in a hurry to upgrade my PB: 1) it'll be a G4, which means a minor upgrade; 2) I really need a new desktop, and a new G5 would be nice; and 3) those damn slot loading drives.

I know that slot loading drives allow the Mac laptops to be sleeker -- no question that the design is the best out there. But . . .

Am I alone in this? Would anyone else prefer a tray on the new laptops? (probably not, but I'm curious)

[LaMerVipere]

Not to hijack the thread, but . . .

Am I only the only one who consistently has trouble with Apple's slot loading drives? There are three reasons I'm not in a hurry to upgrade my PB: 1) it'll be a G4, which means a minor upgrade; 2) I really need a new desktop, and a new G5 would be nice; and 3) those damn slot loading drives.

I know that slot loading drives allow the Mac laptops to be sleeker -- no question that the design is the best out there. But . . .

Am I alone in this? Would anyone else prefer a tray on the new laptops? (probably not, but I'm curious)

I agree with you totally!

Though I know it will never happen, apple will never go back now that it has slot-loading drives in all their portable lines now, but I much prefer the tray.

Maybe it's because Both on my 12" powerbook & my new iBook i've had discs jam in them or refuse to eject (and no, i don't abuse my CD's or slam them in or put warped CD's in, or scratched CD's) It's always a gamble, once you hit that sweet spot and the drive pulls the disc in on its own, you can only cross your fingers and HOPE it does what it's supposed to!

Or, at least Apple, put some sort of option (like on the old slot-loading iMacs) to insert a paperclip or something to have it eject the disc.

[SuperChuck]

Here are a few questions for the technical whiz kids that frequent these forums:

Given that one of the primary selling points of the G5 is its ability to utilize a freakish amount of RAM, what is the upside of having one in a Powerbook, where RAM slots will be limited by space?

Is it that the 64-Bit processor has other insanely great features that normal human beings will notice?

Is it that the top clock speed is higher on the G5?

Is it that whenever Mac OS goes 64-Bit, those of us with G4s will be left in the dust?

And if so, what, specifically, will we be missing out on?

Are there other factors that I'm not considering?

Thanks for enlightening those of us who just don't get it. :D