Powerbook G4's in Paris?

[arn]

HardMac is reporting (http://www.hardmac.com/niouzcontenu.php?date=2002-08-26#3274) that European supplies of Powerbook G4's are in "end of life" status. Current US supplies also appear to reflect very low supplies.

A previous unconfirmable user report indicated that Powerbook G4 1 GHz upgrades were on the way in October. Meanwhile, PowerPage had reported (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2002/08/20020812205425.shtml) that Powerbook updates were not expected until MacWorld SF 2003.

In a recent look at product cycles (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2002/08/20020821014517.shtml), the Powerbook is currently Apple's "oldest" model -- last updated in April 2002.

[Mr. Anderson]

very cool. I wonder if there will be more than a speed bump? Could it be possible to add BlueTooth now?

[geeman]

It would make sense to include BT on the mobo ASAP. Anyone know whether the Ti casing would have a negative effect on range?

[michaelrjohnson]

Considering that there were previous rumors of ALL mac models shipping with Bluetooth as of MWSF 2003, it would make sense to add it "now" (if it happens) instead of updating twice. It would be more cost effective on Apple's side, and it could be a positive marketing angle that Apple could exploit.

[peterjhill]

Darn, I won't have the fastest powerbook on the block anymore :-(

That's okay, If I had waited, I would still have my 400Mhz P2 Dell crapitude

[makkystyle]

bluetooth is a definate possibility (that's an oxymoron huh). I think it would make sense considering iSync and the compatibility with the SonyEricsson T68i (a bluetooth phone). Plus, just now looking at it, why is it the T68 "i". Maybe there is significance in that designation. Bluetooth would secure Mac's place in the mobile technology world and IR is gone so they need something. Also, a bluetooth chip is very small so could easily be added into existing powerbook engineering design.

I also think that 1Ghz is certain. It has to be to keep up with the market. Whoever suggested 1.25 is basing it solely on dreams.

DVD-R is a real stretch. I would think Apple will save that for the next big design change early next year. There needs to be some major addition to signify the design change and as good as it looks the TiBook design is an old one in the mac fleet.

... my two cents is free.

[binôme]

Hmm. I tried to order a PB 667 and 800 on the Belgian AppleStore. 1-2 days !! Doesn't sound like no supplies to me.

[oldMac]

A lot of Titanium powerbooks sit on the desks of the business folks... The same folks that can't live without their mobile phone.

Bluetooth just makes sense. It would stink to release iSync and then offer those ugly bluetooth USB dongles as your "powerbook bluetooth solution".

Even better would be an Airport/Bluetooth combo card.

1Ghz? I hope so. It's due.

[Megaquad]

This is my wishlist for new powerbooks,because i am buying one:
-fast cpu/bus of course
-faster graphics,64 mb ddr and something even faster then 7500 mobility would be nice
-second FW port,faster FW speed (powerbooks have somewhat slower throughput of FW interface)
-bluetooth
-paint which is more scratch resistant
-longer battery life
-less heat
-superdrive would be nice,but that will only raise price..maybe superdrive as BTO?

and this is what will look my PB configuration:
hi-end powerbook,which i will use for 3-5 years
-2 external FW cases,one for fast cd burner,one for 160 GB hard drive
-solution for watching tv and capturing video from tv and vcr,radio tuner would be nice
what do you recommend? can those things be powered thru USB port only?

[Rocketman]

Originally posted by oldMac

Even better would be an Airport/Bluetooth combo card.

1Ghz? I hope so. It's due.

Is it practical to simply swap out an 11.b airport card with an 11b/11g/BT airport card, technically?

Someone needs to start a fad of installing high range wireless everywhere there is an underused high bandwidth connection so wireless access becomes pervasive and nearly free.

Rocketman

[DaveGee]

As far as BlueTooth on the motherboard...

It's doesn't make one bit-o-sense... Neither does 802.11b. Think about it... 802.11 now has 3 choices 802.11a 802.11b and very soon 802.11g oh you also have 'turbo 802.11b'. Bluetooth was at 1.0 and is now at 1.1.

Intersil has just made a combo-PCcard that does BOTH 802.11b as well as bluetooth. 802Blue (or something like that). Why would you limit the mobo with wireless when this stuff changes so dern qucikly. Talk about a ton-o-people being mad when bluetooth 2.0 or 802.11? (insert letter) becomes available.

Linky: http://www.siliconwave.com/Blue802.html

Dave

[firestormt]

after just buying my pb 800, which is better than i could have expected, on the 23rd. i hope they hold off on the update...for my sake...and yes, i'm a switcher.:D Apple FOREVER!

[makkystyle]

every time there's a hint of something new, i get all excited. I'm such a sucker.

[Rajj]

Superdrive anyone?;)

[yamadataro]

I use a 800 TiBook now. And it gets HOT!

If they put a new 1GHz G4 chip on it, they'd better come up with a creative way to cool it down. That heat and the fan sound really make me uncomfortable even now, especially when I work in the hot summer of Tokyo and Bangkok. Sometimes I open up the keyboard and cool down the mother board with a mouse pad. What a sophisticated relationship I'm performing here!

Speed bump is always nice, but the compactness and the power do not go well together, I feel.

Oh well, maybe I should just move to the south pole. Do they have an Apple store there?;)

[makkystyle]

no superdrive

[yamadataro]

Oh, by the way, TiBook is OK when I think of my Vaio GR which I use occationally for testing browser compatibility of the websites I make.
This GR sucker's bottom gets hot as hell, I mean as HELL! even hotter than TiBook's white ass. I always wonder when it starts to melt (considering it's the plastic casting).

Maybe I should start cooking some eggs like somebody did on a sheet of alminum foil over a CPU.

[dhdave]

It's time for a 17" screen.

dh

[Pants]

Originally posted by geeman
It would make sense to include BT on the mobo ASAP. Anyone know whether the Ti casing would have a negative effect on range?


I doubt it seeing as the new flagship nokia (8910) is in a fully enclosed Ti case. As for the T68, theres tow variants of this phone - teh vanilla T68, and the T68i. I *think* the difference i teh ability to use an add on camera, but both are blue tooth. My personal favourite is the extremely cheap philips offering - colour, bluetooth, gprs, and FREE on contract.

Having said all this, I'm not too happy about the willy-nilly increase in high power wireless networks- I worry about the health implications, especially given the recent report from sweden that found a link between old style analogue phones and rare forms of brain cancer.

[pgwalsh]

Originally posted by Rocketman


Is it practical to simply swap out an 11.b airport card with an 11b/11g/BT airport card, technically?

Someone needs to start a fad of installing high range wireless everywhere there is an underused high bandwidth connection so wireless access becomes pervasive and nearly free.

Rocketman You could start a whole new thread on this point. I'd be interested to know if it's possible. I have two Linksys access points and they have pcimcia card inside. However, the cards would still cost about the same as an accesspoint.

[makkystyle]

Pants.....

There is the T68m and T68i. They are the same phone except for casing and some advanced imaging features of the "i" model. Essentially you get a larger picture album, different "identities" (colors of the menus) and the ability to send MMS (multimedia messaging service). It was pretty much the case of an updated model. In europe I'm pretty sure the T68m has been discontinued while here in the states voicestream uses the m and AT&T uses the i.

Another interesting note... the original "i" phone (still the one pictured on sonyericsson.com, but not the ones in stores) had a very apple-esque white and light blue color scheme. The conspiracy theory continues.

[MacUser1]

i really think that we will see new portables soon. remember the e-mail sent to developers asking what they would want to see in the Apple portables. maybe apple is going to respond quickly with new powerbooks. :)

[MacArtist]

Originally posted by Megaquad
This is my wishlist for new powerbooks,because i am buying one:
-fast cpu/bus of course
-faster graphics,64 mb ddr and something even faster then 7500 mobility would be nice
-second FW port,faster FW speed (powerbooks have somewhat slower throughput of FW interface)
-bluetooth
-paint which is more scratch resistant
-longer battery life
-less heat
-superdrive would be nice,but that will only raise price..maybe superdrive as BTO?

and this is what will look my PB configuration:
hi-end powerbook,which i will use for 3-5 years
-2 external FW cases,one for fast cd burner,one for 160 GB hard drive
-solution for watching tv and capturing video from tv and vcr,radio tuner would be nice
what do you recommend? can those things be powered thru USB port only?

As far as mobile graphics go the Radeon 7500 is the best unless you go into a workstation solution (ie Mobilty Fire GL 7800 or Quadro 500 Go GL), but a 64MB Mobility Radeon 7500 would be nice.

As far as firewire goes, it won't get faster until Apple adopts the Firewire 2 spec. A second port would be nice but you could get a firewire hub for home because when you are on the go I'm sure you won't be carrying the HD and Burner with you.

Longer battery life would be nice but ~5 hours is still good. You can get a third party battery for the TiBook with longer life.

Built in bluetooth would be a logical approach for Apple, it'll be an advantage that Apple could exploit.

As far as less heat goes, there really isn't much Apple can do considering the size of the Tibook and the speed of the processor.

[Pants]

Originally posted by makkystyle
Pants.....

There is the T68m and T68i. They are the same phone except for casing and some advanced imaging features of the "i" model. Essentially you get a larger picture album, different "identities" (colors of the menus) and the ability to send MMS (multimedia messaging service). It was pretty much the case of an updated model. In europe I'm pretty sure the T68m has been discontinued while here in the states voicestream uses the m and AT&T uses the i.

Another interesting note... the original "i" phone (still the one pictured on sonyericsson.com, but not the ones in stores) had a very apple-esque white and light blue color scheme. The conspiracy theory continues.

thanks for clearing that up -I've just had a look and the 'm' model is still being offered on contract here in the uk - personally I don't like the little joystick - sony's jogdial was a neat feature though. The p800 looks very 'aqua-esque', but the potential price tag is horrific. judging bu the prices of the new MMS phones, and the poor state of the providers share prices (and lack of big discounts on new phones), I cant see these taking off for a fair while.

[SPG]

"Superdrive" is not the only DVDR on the block anymore. There are other drives and even a competing format, DVD+R. Right now several vendors are working on making a smaller DVD-R drive, and there was some chatter on the DVD lists about the iminent release of a 4x burner. A superslim DVD-R drive has not been unveiled yet, but it is much more of a realistic possibility than a few months ago.

[edesignuk]

Laptop sized DVDR drives arn't so far away, check out this http://news.com.com/2100-1040-947250.html (link from kuzelnik).
All I want is a 1Ghz TiBook, I'd probably spec the DVDR drive down to a regular combo, I just couldn't justify the extra cost for something I'd rarely use, and besides, I allready have one in my DP1Ghz :D

[TyleRomeo]

all this powerbook talk is just wishful thinking

you guys are in for a real downer if you really think apple will update the powerbooks in Paris

and when you dont get your update don't start posting that apple has cheated you again of something that they promised to you, just becuase some site thinks there's going to be an update doesnt mean anything.

you'll see iCal in action and maybe just maybe either price reductions of their LCD line or some brand new LCDs.

[makkystyle]

TyleRomeo - May not be as the article said in Paris, but there are new PB on the way. My best guess for time is around the 25th when the educational double discount ends. It's simply a matter of product cycles, the PB is old and in need of a boost to keep pace with the computing field.

Pants - check out the SonyEricsson Z700. As small as the T68 but with WAP AND HTML browser (unfortunately provided by microsoft), e-mail client (POP3, SMTP), very advanced games, color, bluetooth and that cool little Sony menu wheel you like so much.

[ddtlm]

About the Radeon 7500 Mobility:

Laptop makers are free to set it's clock speed however they like, up to 270mhz, and Apple is currently running the PB Radeon at 230mhz, I believe. This conserves power and reduces heat output. Apple could boost performance simply by bumping the video card clock and adding video RAM.

The only laptop video chip that may be better than a Radeon 7500 Mobility if the GeForce4go 440. The "workstation" laptop chips are identical to the consumer versions except for *tiny* features and different drivers.

ANYWAY, I am very curious if Apple has fixed the paint problems yet. No way in heck I'll buy a $3k computer that looks terrible after 6 months.

[Megaquad]

Originally posted by MacArtist


As far as mobile graphics go the Radeon 7500 is the best unless you go into a workstation solution (ie Mobilty Fire GL 7800 or Quadro 500 Go GL), but a 64MB Mobility Radeon 7500 would be nice.

As far as firewire goes, it won't get faster until Apple adopts the Firewire 2 spec. A second port would be nice but you could get a firewire hub for home because when you are on the go I'm sure you won't be carrying the HD and Burner with you.

Longer battery life would be nice but ~5 hours is still good. You can get a third party battery for the TiBook with longer life.

Built in bluetooth would be a logical approach for Apple, it'll be an advantage that Apple could exploit.

As far as less heat goes, there really isn't much Apple can do considering the size of the Tibook and the speed of the processor.
3rd party battery for PowerBook?! Where? Tell me!
As for firewire.. according to xlr8yourmac.com,FW port on Titanium has 20 mb/s throughput while powermac has circa 30 mb/s. So,it could be better.

[vixapphire]

I think an upgrade to at least a gig would be great. b/c of heat, i don't think 1.25 is going to happen; nor will any significant improvements in the drives. maybe they'll do something with the memory a la the new disco powermacs, then again, maybe not... why hold your breath?

at this point, my greatest fear is that you could buy one of these things for $3k plus and get hosed in 1st half 2003 with a completely redesigned machine featuring a new cpu, new monitor, firewire 2, and all the other types of upgrade that feel like they're right around the corner. and probably at around the same outrageous $3k price point. to be followed, of course, by an upgrading of the ibook to 800m g4 for around $1900.

i can see this happening, although none of it is based on any more than a gut feeling. regardless of all the apple jingoism on this board (believe me, i'm on the team - had all apples since the apple II+, "so there!"), i think most of the folks reading this sense the same thing.

QUESTION: is it really true that the firewire is so much slower on powerbooks? how is it in comparison to blue and white g3 450MHz powermacs (my current machine)? i need to know b/c i'm running a motu firewire audio interface and i also sometimes watch movies through the mac on the formac studio firewire box. your experienced replies appreciated. regards,

vic

[bkassing]

Amazon is out of 667 and 800 powerbook. OK no big deal there except for the message on the 667 link says out of stock/discontinue to be replaced with 800. Is this a hint?

[edesignuk]

Originally posted by vixapphire

QUESTION: is it really true that the firewire is so much slower on powerbooks? how is it in comparison to blue and white g3 450MHz powermacs (my current machine)? i need to know b/c i'm running a motu firewire audio interface and i also sometimes watch movies through the mac on the formac studio firewire box. your experienced replies appreciated. regards,

vic
I'd be better if you start a new topic on this in the help/questions forum so that we can keep this thread on track, thanks! :)

[makkystyle]

This is copied from the Amazon page. I don't see anywhere that it will be replaced by the 800 but it does clearly say "not stocked or discontinued". Take what you will........


Customer Rating:

Apple PowerBook Notebook (667-MHz PowerPC G4, 512 MB RAM, 30 GB hard drive) Compare this
This item is not stocked or has been discontinued. Customers also shopped for these similar items.




667 MHz PowerPC G4, 512 MB SDRAM, 30 GB Ultra ATA Hard Disk, 6x DVD-ROM, and Mac OS X, Mac OS 9 and below, QuickTime, iMovie 2, iTunes(6), Microsoft Internet Explorer, Microsoft Outlook Express, ...

[Megaquad]

hahah maybe that's just old 667 MHz PowerBook with 16 MB graphics and no L3 cache

[makkystyle]

after further searching this turned up....


10. Apple PowerBook Notebook (667-MHz PowerPC G4, 512 MB RAM, 30 GB hard drive)
Avg. Customer Rating:

Mac OS X and Mac OS 9 and below, 667 MHz PowerPC G4, 512 MB SDRAM, 30 GB Ultra ATA Hard Disk, 24x (read), 8x (write) CD-RW, 6x; included via combo drive DVD-ROM, QuickTime, iMovie 2, iTunes(6), Microsoft Internet Explorer, Microsoft Outlook Express, ...
This item is not stocked or has been discontinued. The replacement for this item is Apple Powerbook Notebook (800-MHz PowerPC G4, 512 MB RAM, 40 GB hard drive).

[aggemam]

Regarding the SonyEricsson T68(i):

I had my original T68 upgraded to the T68i for free. The only difference between the two models is the software. And the casing. And the color of keyboard LEDs.

So, if you have a non-i version of the T68, have it upgraded at a local Sony Ericsson authorized repair center.

[edesignuk]

Originally posted by aggemam
Regarding the SonyEricsson T68(i):

I had my original T68 upgraded to the T68i for free. The only difference between the two models is the software. And the casing. And the color of keyboard LEDs.

So, if you have a non-i version of the T68, have it upgraded at a local Sony Ericsson authorized repair center.
For real? I have a T68 and would love to get it updated, you say I can take it to any authorised center and it's FREE?

[Macmaniac]

This is what we would want to see(within reasnoable limits)
1ghz TiBook with a Radeon mobolity 7500 with 64mb DDR RAM or still a 32mb card. 256mb DDR RAM with a 133mhz system bus. These would be great specs for Paris and they seem possible, maybe bluetooth built in too. Or a few new ports(Firewire 2nd not likely)
Oh and maybe a larger Hard Drive(I don't the know the largest they can fit)

Cross your fingers!@!

[edesignuk]

Originally posted by Macmaniac
Cross your fingers!@!
I've had mine crossed for quite some time for the PB's to hit 1Ghz! :D

[aggemam]

Originally posted by verbose101

For real? I have a T68 and would love to get it updated, you say I can take it to any authorised center and it's FREE?

Yeah. I had it done to my phone in like 20 minutes. When the T68 was announced, Ericsson promised MMS support. And that is included in the T68i software.

It's a lot different from the original version, but beware: There's no tetris in the new software! :)

[iTurd]

I think I must have the patience of Job himself. Waiting on a new PB is truly an excruciatingly delicious, maddening experience.

I'm a grad student in need of some serious mobile hardware and try as I might I can't deny my lust for the Tibook any longer. But I waited until the 800mhz upgrade...waited for all the accolades. Then I've finally decided to pull the trigger--literally this week. Now I hear all this news about October. What's another month, right?

Does anyone remember a time when Apple ran a discount promotion followed by an upgrade? It makes a whole world of sense that they would run a price promotion (for a limited time) to clear out their inventory.

I thought I came to the decision that an 800mhz TiBook would PROBABLY be better than the latest and greatest. New adopters always get the shaft. If its January, I would be prepared to get the current TiBook. Four months is long enough. October is a whole different beast, though.

Decisions, decisions.

[makkystyle]

the T68 upgrade is only available in Europe. I have a friend with the T68m on voicestream and one with T68i on AT&T. My friend tried to get the upgrade and it can't be done here in the U.S.

As far as PB are concerned. I am in the same boat as iTurd. I return to school in Ireland on October 2 so if the new PB come out on the 26th i don't think i'll get it in time and that means lots more money shipping it out to europe and not having it for the start of university. But there is no way I'm not going to wait and see so i'm basically screwed.

Damn you apple!!!

[lazyrighteye]

I too am looking for extended power supply for my iBook/500.
3 hours just will not cut it in the field.

Saw this www.electrovaya.com in Mac Warehouse. $499 for "up to 16 hours of runtime."
$499?!? That's a third of what I payed for my iBook.
And if their runtime claim is anything like Apple's, you're really looking at about 10 hours of real world runtime (which would still work for my needs).

But $499?? Ouchie wa wa.


lazyrighteye

[iTurd]

Here's what to REASONABLY expect for Oct./Jan./whenever:

1GB processor
167 mhz system bus, L3 cache
2GB max DDR SDRAM
dvd/cd-rw combo
larger screen (most doubtful)
bluetooth
2FW inputs, 3-4 USB inputs
better enclosure, heat management
similar price point of current top of the line

Now riddle me this: Is this worth a potentially 4 mo. wait? Is Apple's track record such that we can expect the new PB to be a better, more reliable than the highly touted TiBook 800???


PLEASE ANSWER MEEEEE!!!!!

[lazyrighteye]

Specs for the above mentioned Electrovaya PowerPad 160C.

http://www.electrovaya.com/prod/images/prod_da02_160_03.pdf

lazyrighteye

[Pants]

Originally posted by makkystyle
T
Pants - check out the SonyEricsson Z700. As small as the T68 but with WAP AND HTML browser (unfortunately provided by microsoft), e-mail client (POP3, SMTP), very advanced games, color, bluetooth and that cool little Sony menu wheel you like so much.


w00! I have a z5, which is actually pretty damned nice - but its a bit ropey, since its been for a 'swim' down the toilet a couple of times.... :( I havent seen one of these, but if its an upgraded z5, I'll hunt one down!


As for PB upgrades...PLEASE put a usb port on THE RIGHT of the book - apple's mice cables seem to be very short, and seeing as the majority of the world is right handed, running it around the back makes for very restricted mouse movement. very unergonomic.

[MacArtist]

Originally posted by Megaquad

3rd party battery for PowerBook?! Where? Tell me!
As for firewire.. according to xlr8yourmac.com,FW port on Titanium has 20 mb/s throughput while powermac has circa 30 mb/s. So,it could be better.

They are made by Electrovaya, and you can get them at Mac Zone (http://www.zones.com/cgi-bin/zones/site/list/index.html?txt_search=powerpad&non_partner_search=no_partner_id)

[makkystyle]

iTurd some modifications to your thesis make it more plausible....

same size screen
same number of FW and USB
Enclosure the same
Where they go with the RAM is also questionable

If this does pan out, it will only be a speed "bump", not an overhaul of the machine. In my opinion it will be done just to hold the current line of PB over until the major overhaul which i would count on for 1st half of next year. That's when big changes will take place including DVD-R and new chips.

[makkystyle]

woohoo i'm a member

[oldMac]

Yama... No Apple store at the south pole, but last I heard there were quite a few Powerbooks down there.

I worked with a professor who spends all of her research time in Antartica and she used to always take her Powerbook. Not sure what she's using these days, but as I recall, that continent is rather rough on laptops.

[MacArtist]

Originally posted by SPG
"Superdrive" is not the only DVDR on the block anymore. There are other drives and even a competing format, DVD+R. Right now several vendors are working on making a smaller DVD-R drive, and there was some chatter on the DVD lists about the iminent release of a 4x burner. A superslim DVD-R drive has not been unveiled yet, but it is much more of a realistic possibility than a few months ago.

Not to go off topic but..

There are two formats for DVD recording, DVD-R and DVD+RW. The former is what is used by Pioneer for the "superdrive" (A-03 or A-04), it is also the format used in all commercial DVD videos and players. The later is used by a lot of the other consumer DVD burner manufacturers. The DVD-R format is the format set forth by the DVDForum (http://www.dvdforum.org), the group that difines the specs for DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, DVD-Audio, DVD-R (3.9 GB), DVD-R for General, DVD-R for Authoring, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM (2.6 GB and 4.7 GB) and DVD Video Recording.

[mcrain]

If you're planning on burning copies of pS2 games, you want DVD-r (FYI)

[TyleRomeo]

Originally posted by makkystyle
TyleRomeo - May not be as the article said in Paris, but there are new PB on the way. My best guess for time is around the 25th when the educational double discount ends. It's simply a matter of product cycles, the PB is old and in need of a boost to keep pace with the computing field.


I totally understand that PBs are on the way, and so are iBooks, IMacs, PMs ect.... there is always a cycle of the product line. Personally I would imagine an iMac power increase before we see new Powerbooks.

In January the fastest iMac ran at 800MHZ G4 and the PB ran at 667MHZ G4 until aprils 800MHZ jump. I expect an 867MHZ iMac running at 133MHZ SB to come out before we see a 933MHZ or 1GHZ PB.

There definately won't be PBs at Paris but I like your 25th idea. That in my opinion, would be the earliest that new PBs would appear but most likely you won't see any until after the 1.25GHZ PMs are actually out.

tyler

[ddtlm]

TyleRomeo:

If the iMac is upgraded first then Apple will find itself in the embarrasing position where some iMacs are undisputably faster than the best PB available. Also, there is reason to believe that there is a buildup of iMacs that need to be flushed before a major upgrade (probably GF4MX accross the line at that point).

If PB's are already going out of stock that should be a huge indication that an upgrade is close at hand.

iTurd:

There will almost certainly not be a 166mhz FSB or the 333mhz DDR RAM that would accompany it. The reason it that these draw more energy than the 133mhz/266mhz versions, and that the RAM is simply not widely available (in laptop form). There are many PC laptops with 266mhz DDR already, so Apple could do that.

As far as 2.0gb of RAM, that will not happen either, because as far as I know that would require 4 slots... which would be hard to see on a laptop, especially a small one like the PB.

Boy oh boy do I hope that Apple is able to deal with the heat and paint problems. The current TiBook looses much of it's appeal because of them.

[TyleRomeo]

Originally posted by ddtlm
TyleRomeo:

If the iMac is upgraded first then Apple will find itself in the embarrasing position where some iMacs are undisputably faster than the best PB available. Also, there is reason to believe that there is a buildup of iMacs that need to be flushed before a major upgrade (probably GF4MX accross the line at that point).

If PB's are already going out of stock that should be a huge indication that an upgrade is close at hand.


Well as far as I know the iMac has been rated faster then Powerbook for at least the past year so your theory about the embarrasment has been going on for quite some time.

Like I said before from January to April of 2002 the iMac has had a 800MHZ G4 and the $3000 Powerbook only had a 667MHZ G4.

I could go back further to when the iMac had a 700MHZ G3 and the Powerbook was 550MHZ G4 but that leads to the battle between two different chips.

Tyler

[Rocketman]

Originally posted by pgwalsh
You could start a whole new thread on this point. I'd be interested to know if it's possible. I have two Linksys access points and they have pcimcia card inside. However, the cards would still cost about the same as an accesspoint.

I don't think I have the authority to start threads.

[makkystyle]

continuing on the after the student discount idea another interesting tidbit of information has shown up. This is a post from www.thinksecret.com:

The current quarterly sale for Apple employees features the current-model iBooks and TiBooks. Apple often uses its employee sale to reduce inventory on soon-to-be eol'ed computers. No PowerMacs, iMacs or eMacs are featured in this quarter's sale (which continues thru Sept. 27). So I wonder if this is an indication that Apple is getting ready to refresh the iBook and TiBook lines, before MWSF.

And yes: You have to know an employee in order to buy a computer through the employee sale.


...Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[Reef]

I work with a Scandinavian Mac dealer.. and I can confirm the shortage of PowerBooks. The Scandinavian importer couldn't tell me when new shipments of PowerBooks would arrive. They told me that they hadn't recieved any from Apple for 2 weeks now.

Smells like update time!
Reef

[Megaquad]

Yeah..it makes sense they update it now before school begins, so all the rich kids can show it to their rich little friends who will buy it and I dont have damn money to buy one right now and I can buy it in february..but in february it will be 5 damn months old and if i wait then 2 more months i may get better titanium but it wont really matter damn it.. bloody hell arrrghh i am so pissed i wish i can buy it next month

[edesignuk]

Originally posted by Megaquad
.. bloody hell arrrghh i am so pissed i wish i can buy it next month
Calm down there, we don't even know that it'll be here next month, it's all speculation.

[bkassing]

It appears that Amazon has the 800 in stock again. Then again, Amazon's list of Apple laptops has items that have been discontinued for years. Probably not the best indicator of a supply shortage.

[makkystyle]

These reports just keep on coming. Here is another from www.thinksecret.com. Look at how cheap they are, it's like they are giving them away!!!! Apple is definately making room for something:

MikeC

Junior Cadet

Group: Agents
Posts: 1
Location:
Joined: Aug. 2002
Posted: Aug. 28 2002,00:28

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I just discovered today that Apple is offering HUGE discounts on Titanium Powerbook's as part of the "San Jose State [University] Wireless Initiative" program here at SJSU in the Bay Area. There was a single page, single-sided flyer handed out to students listing the prices. The promotion states, in very fine print, "Prices subject to change at any time. These offers are available for a limited time and may expire prior to 10/1/2002." iBooks were discounted as well, though not nearly as favorably. All included Airport Cards.
Details follow:

San Jose State Wireless Laptop Initiative
Special Offers from Apple!

800MHz 1MB L3 Titanium:
Reg. Educational price: $3,007
SJSU price: $2,399 Yes that's $2,399!!!!!

667MHz Titanium 1MB L3 (w/ Airport card included):
Reg. Educational price: $2,442
SJSU price: $1,999

700MHz iBook Combo drive + Airport card
Education price: $1,545
SJSU price: $1,349

600MHz iBook CD-ROM 16MB RADEON + Airport card
Education price: $1,224
SJSU price: $1,049

So I guess the big question is, should I buy an 800MHz at these prices, or wait for the new models?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[edesignuk]

Originally posted by makkystyle
800MHz 1MB L3 Titanium:
Reg. Educational price: $3,007
SJSU price: $2,399 Yes that's $2,399!!!!!

Holly crap that's cheap, it's only £1,562!!!!!!!!!!!! Unbelievable!! :D

[Megaquad]

Originally posted by verbose101

Calm down there, we don't even know that it'll be here next month, it's all speculation.
naaah..too much rumors,discounts...I can smell new powerbooks..
Somewhere out there there is my PowerBook..he knows I will get him,he is waiting for me,hold on my little fellow!:(

[Megaquad]

I smell IBM 750fx's with VMX unit in new PowerBooks!
Maybe even with dual CPU's! Think about it.. 750fx-like CPU would consume less power and run cooler!

[bkassing]

With little diff between the 667 and 800 in performance and 400-700 difference in price (knowing you can upgrade your RAM and add airport).....sounds like I need to find a college student in San Jose. Great price.

[Over Achiever]

Originally posted by makkystyle
These reports just keep on coming. Here is another from www.thinksecret.com. Look at how cheap they are, it's like they are giving them away!!!! Apple is definately making room for something:

800MHz 1MB L3 Titanium:
Reg. Educational price: $3,007
SJSU price: $2,399 Yes that's $2,399!!!!!

Dang, I thought I went to a school with the best prices. Heck, $2760 here isn't bad for a 800 MHz, compared to $3007 in the regular edu store, and $3199 in the regular store.

You're one lucky dawg!:D

[Over Achiever]

Originally posted by Megaquad
I smell IBM 750fx's with VMX unit in new PowerBooks!
Maybe even with dual CPU's!

Not another :mad: dual :mad: processor :mad: hopeful! :D

Just playin' w/ ya.;)

[ddtlm]

Hmm, the 750FX is a decent chip and all, but it does lack L3 and has not been shown to clock as high as current G4's. I would also like to observe that the 750FX is made with 130nm technology, whereas the G4's are still made with 180nm tech, so as soon as Moto gets off it's duff and makes 130nm G4's, there will no longer be any reason to want a 750FX in a PB.

I am really wondering what Moto's 130nm hangup is... are they trying to be the lowest-tech in the whole industry or what?

[Pelorus]

Originally posted by Megaquad

3rd party battery for PowerBook?! Where? Tell me!
As for firewire.. according to xlr8yourmac.com,FW port on Titanium has 20 mb/s throughput while powermac has circa 30 mb/s. So,it could be better.

That has 0 to do with the FireWire port and 100% to do with the speed of the hard disk.

M

[fallt]

While I'm always happy to see Apple upgrading and pushing the envelope, my 667 MHz is just about to be delivered (today/tomorrow). I'd hate to see it become obsolete as soon as I got it. But then, that's always the problems with computers these days.

On an unrelated note, can somebody help me source an Apple desktop picture I need for a project I'm working on. I've attached a screenshot below of the relevant desktop picture. I need the desktop picture as large as possible as I plan on scaling it to A2. So ideally I'm looking for someone with a giganto cinema-sized display who can provide it in the largest pixel dimension possible.

If you have this image (it should be in System Folder/Appearance/etc.) I'd be grateful if you could email it to me at:

chris@rodneymillerassoc.com

Thanks for your help. If you're curious to know what it's for, it's for a competition entry we're submitting. We designed a website for a San Diego based record label Bremsstrahlung Recordings which is based entirely on System 6.0 (http://www.lowercasesound.com) and we thought it would be nice to use one of Apple's newer desktop pictures as a background.

Thanks,

Chris

[fallt]

Here it is...

[Pants]

new radeon 9000 mobile
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/3/26858.html

due next month...hmmmmm.....

:)

[makkystyle]

ATi has released a new laptop graphics chip the Mobility Radeon 9000. As they say in their press release that it will be used in new laptops coming out next month many have speculated this might signal new powerbooks. There is a second press release however, that states that the chip will be used in a Compaq manufactured computer avilable for order mid-september.

As we know Steve-o is supposedly trying to get away from releasing new products at shows. We can certainly say that there will be no new PB releases before the end of the educational (ending sept. 25) and employee (ending sept. 30) sales. This all points to new PowerBooks in October, lets just hope they get the new ATi chip!!!!

On another note, I have been waiting to buy a new powerbook (my first mac since the IIcx I had in my room as a 12 year old) for about a month and a half now, just until the update. The prospect of the wait wasn't too bad until this morning when my piece of **** Compaq laptop blew it's hard drive after only two years. Now I have no computer and I am going to have to pay someone to recover all of my files from my HD. Yes, I know, I should have backed up!!!

[vixapphire]

what's the significance of that time period? i thought everyone was expecting something to happen re. powerbook cpu and possibly also video updates in october sometime?

[Over Achiever]

Originally posted by vixapphire
what's the significance of that time period? i thought everyone was expecting something to happen re. powerbook cpu and possibly also video updates in october sometime?

Have you checked the thread you just posted in?

Powerbooks in Paris...hmmmm...maybe something to do with the mac world expo in paris maybe...:eek:

Like alphatech would say..."Newbies...sheesh!":D

Ok, sorry about that. Most people are thinking october because it is most consistent with apple's update cycles, and there are discounts that end right before october (9/25).

Others say MW Paris because they want an update to the tibook, they think something will be updated at the expo (I doubt it), and etc.

[Sun Baked]

thanks dukestreet,

deleting was better than leaving it in.

[Mr. Anderson]

oops, I meant to edit his response, but deleted it instead, but its been posted as the topic of 4 threads in several forums. If you wish to comment, the only one open now is in the Community Forum.

D