NAB 2005 Conference April 16-21 [Archive]

MacRumors

Apr 16, 2005, 06:08 PM

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

The 2005 National Association of Broadcasters conference started this weekend (http://www.nabshow.com/default.asp) with exhibits on display starting on Monday.

A special media event (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=993) from Apple is reported to be taking place on Sunday, April 17th at 11:00am PST. Announcements are expected to include many software updates for their media applications.

Apple held a similar Sunday media event (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/04/20040418152524.shtml) last year and announced updates to Shake, DVD Studio Pro, XSan, Final Cut Pro and introduced Motion. Interestingly, iBook and PowerBook updates (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/04/20040419084557.shtml) were released the following day (Monday) rather than at the media event itself.

Again this year, Apple has been rumored to update PowerMacs, iMacs and eMacs (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2005/04/20050414065132.shtml) soon.

CubaTBird

Apr 16, 2005, 06:10 PM

i don't think your going to see hardware updates at nab.. but who knows :confused: wasn't it last year as well everyone thought that the powerbook g5's were going to show up at the NAB conference anyway?

stukdog

Apr 16, 2005, 06:14 PM

I live here in Las Vegas and would be happy to go and take as many pictures of it all if someone wants to foot the bill for me.

varmit

Apr 16, 2005, 06:15 PM

At least something will get an improvements, or we might just get what Asteriod is suppost to be.

varmit

Apr 16, 2005, 06:16 PM

I live here in Las Vegas and would be happy to go and take as many pictures of it all if someone wants to foot the bill for me.
Nah, lets just wait for someone that is there already to upload some pics.

Daveway

Apr 16, 2005, 06:17 PM

PlaceofDis

Apr 16, 2005, 06:17 PM

software updates tomorrow wont surprise me at all, hardware tomorrow would, but perhaps monday or tuesday we will see some updating, lets hope!

wonder if there will be a new app this year or just updates to the current lineup

Yvan256

Apr 16, 2005, 06:27 PM

ryanw

Apr 16, 2005, 06:37 PM

I'm hoping for:
- PowerMac Quad G5 (I don't need it, but Apple and pro users need it)
- iBook updates (I'm still keeping hope for an "iBook mini" or similar)
- Apple shares going back up to more than 45$US :D

I don't understand why apple hasn't doing quad processors. The OS and their multithreaded apps could totally handle it. I would think it would be benificial to offer CPU Modules, so they could sell a single or quad system and then let consumers buy extra cpu modules to boost the CPU if they need it.

It can't be a money thing stoping them, because they could inflate the CPU modules enough to make their profits so it doesn't cut into new system sales.

Anarchy99

Apr 16, 2005, 06:38 PM

hopefully ther are powermac updates ive been waiting months for a revision

swissmann

Apr 16, 2005, 06:46 PM

I'm curious about FCP 5 and its integration with HDV and Tiger's core features. Powermacs better have a Blu-Ray drive. I know it's early but it would get some attention for Apple.

zimtheinvader

Apr 16, 2005, 06:49 PM

I kind of don't understand why ibooks would be updated at NAB, especially since PB sales apparently are still lower than expected comparatively, the performance gap is pretty insignificant and wouldn't professionals use PBs anyway?

I'm also curious why PM's need to be updated prior to actual release/adoption of FCP5, I use FCP4/HD on a RevA 2.0 and can't quite see how performance could be better without faster hdd implementation or some major new revision (would having extra cpus have any significant impact on render times? Boris seems about as sluggish on the G5 as G4, and DDR2 apparently offers little to no real-world speed increase...) Maybe a new video-card spec would give them a boost though!

A totally new or revamped audio app would be very nice! Perhaps a more Pro-version of Soundtrack, ie. an updated, optimized OSX-Acid Pro w/ full midi, integrated loop-editing, vst support, ect. as a more linear/studio solution alternative to Live.

Or maybe some sort of real-time dv live-stream editor?...

SpaceMagic

Apr 16, 2005, 06:53 PM

I'd really like to see iBook updates soon. Software tomorrow is bound to happen.

eobanb

Apr 16, 2005, 06:53 PM

As we have obtained press access, Apple-X (http://apple-x.net) will be trying to offer live coverage.

pknz

Apr 16, 2005, 06:55 PM

Bring on updated iMacs. Please.

Yvan256

Apr 16, 2005, 06:56 PM

I kind of don't understand why iBooks would be updated at NAB, especially since PB sales apparently are still lower than expected comparatively, the performance gap is pretty insignificant and wouldn't professionals use PBs anyway?

Not necessarily updated at NAB, but maybe next week?

And the pretty insignificant gap betweek iBooks and the "new" PowerBooks is what leads me to believe to an "iBook mini" coming soon (since iBooks are over-due for an update, according to the average).

By releasing an iBook mini (same specs as the 12" iBook but with a 8" LCD and no optical drive, maybe even 512MB on-board and no memory slot?), they don't eat into PowerBook specs, they don't eat into iBook sales, and they sell a new product at the same time.

Heck, they should even put a 12-in-1 flash reader in the iBook mini to differenciate it from the iBook and PowerBook...

shawnce

Apr 16, 2005, 07:01 PM

I don't understand why apple hasn't doing quad processors. The OS and their multithreaded apps could totally handle it. I would think it would be benificial to offer CPU Modules, so they could sell a single or quad system and then let consumers buy extra cpu modules to boost the CPU if they need it.

It can't be a money thing stoping them, because they could inflate the CPU modules enough to make their profits so it doesn't cut into new system sales.
Mac OS X 10.3 an earlier are not configured to run on systems with more then two CPUs from what I have seen. Additionally Mac OS X 10.3 an earlier had locking constructs in the kernel called funnels (http://developer.apple.com/technotes/tn/tn2028.html#MacOSXKernelThreading) (not the only issue) that as implemented wouldn't allow it (for many types of IO) to leverage more then two CPUs well.

Cannot find the public page on the Apple site at the moment but all I can say is that Tiger is improving things in this space.

PeterQVenkman

Apr 16, 2005, 07:02 PM

Power Macs have almost gone a year between updates.

eMacs will not be updated at NAB. Doesn't make sense.

Slightly OT - I can't stand people asking about PowerBook updates. You have a while to go for your next refresh- IT HAS ONLY BEEN 75 DAYS SINCE NEW POWERBOOKS CAME OUT.

PowerMacs haven't been updated in 311 days.

http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/

Although I would love to see an "iBook mini" also. how sexy would that be? :)

~loserman~

Apr 16, 2005, 07:12 PM

I don't understand why apple hasn't doing quad processors. The OS and their multithreaded apps could totally handle it. I would think it would be benificial to offer CPU Modules, so they could sell a single or quad system and then let consumers buy extra cpu modules to boost the CPU if they need it.

It can't be a money thing stoping them, because they could inflate the CPU modules enough to make their profits so it doesn't cut into new system sales.

They haven't done it yet because they don't make the CPUs.
They are dependent on IBM and the dual core CPUs are just now becoming available.
The 970 series wasn't designed to work as more than duals.
That will change with the Dual cores which will allow mother boards with 2 dual cores.
Don't expect to see them before WWDC though.

THX1965

Apr 16, 2005, 07:15 PM

NAB is NOT about Apple hardware releases. Broadcast and video professionals want to see new versions of Final Cut Pro, Shake, XSAN and Motion.

There is nothing of interest to the avarage consumer going on there. NAB is a highly specialized event and Apple (the pro apps department of Apple) is holding the upcoming Sunday event to cater to that very specific group.

If you are part of this group (like me), then Sunday will be a big and exciting day for you. I can't wait to see how Apple has improved Final Cut Pro with the expected new version 5. They have been listening to their pro customers a lot during the past year and a half. It'll be really interesting to see how that has shaped FCP.

We are expecting better media management, better integration with XSAN, more realtime FX, a better GUI for audio units, various small editorial improvements, tight integration with Tiger and QT7. All that could make FCP 5 a true milestone upgrade. As an editor, I am very excited about that. Anything that'll make my day to day work easier, is great. And that's exactly the reason why I have turned into a passionate FCP fan over the past 2 years.

Yes, new PowerMacs would be nice and are much needed, but that won't be the center of Sunday's announcement.

themacman

Apr 16, 2005, 07:20 PM

What ever happend to the garage band breakout box?

~loserman~

Apr 16, 2005, 07:20 PM

Slightly OT - I can't stand people asking about PowerBook updates. You have a while to go for your next refresh- IT HAS ONLY BEEN 75 DAYS SINCE NEW POWERBOOKS CAME OUT.

I think many people would argue that the Powerbooks were not updated.
That was the saddest update in the history of the line in my opinion.
Apple had to do something with them because they are becoming FeebleBooks instead PowerBooks.

I believe that the PowerBook is ready for a dual-core G4 from freescale right now, but Apple won't release them for at least 3 or 4 months because they would likely perform as well as the current PowerMacs.

Surreal

Apr 16, 2005, 07:22 PM

~loserman~

Apr 16, 2005, 07:30 PM

is it possible for them to squeeze out a signifigantly fsat Front side bud on a g4? i know on a dual core..or single core dual design...but really...

i just realized a very influencial reason that i am going to wait for a g5 powerbook - Logic.

i have to upgrade from my computer because i bought logic 7 and i don't get very much out of it...especially because i want to also use reason as a slave. and logic is ever so processor hungry and is very much a G5 optimized program.

looks like i am in for a crazy wait. maybe an imac while i wait..but i need portable...well...i'll just go complain to myself since i am done complaining here.

Edit: seems folks forgot about fantasia.

might be it.

The e600 from freescale which is available in both single and dual core has a 667MHZ memory bus.
The dual core version has 2 memory controllers both able to use DDR2 667MHz.

"This is not your fathers G4" it is a major upgrade over the old Single pathed 200Mhz memory controller of the old G4.

The current G5 only uses DDR 400MHZ

So YES

lewdvig

Apr 16, 2005, 07:31 PM

iBook mini?

Pass me some of those drugs. Ultrathin notebooks are premium niche products - they don't sell very well. Why would a student need one? Try and think like a product manager.

The 12" iB and PB are both compact notebooks that are only slightly heavier than a PC ultraslim while offering a built-in optical. This is a better option.

Notebooks w/o optical drives are only good for pissing users off.

pbrennen

Apr 16, 2005, 07:33 PM

What ever happend to the garage band breakout box?http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000103039512/

http://www.m-audio.com/messe/interface/pages/en/icontrol.htm

lewdvig

Apr 16, 2005, 07:37 PM

The e600 from freescale which is available in both single and dual core has a 667MHZ memory bus.
The dual core version has 2 memory controllers both able to use DDR2.

"This is not your fathers G4" it is a major upgrade over the old Single pathed 200Mhz memory controller of the old G4.

So YES

DDR2 is not all that it is cracked up to be. DDR2 533 is pricey and the greater latency of the RAM means that it is not much faster. DDR2 667 sodimms - which would be fast - are practically non-existant.

The new G4s are nice, but the plain jane G4 is hitting 2GHz now while maintaining pin compatibility.

I don't think Apple is going to design a new motherboard from scratchj just for a interim update this summer. I expect 1.6-1.8 (or 1.8-2.0 if we are really lucky) G4 updates this summer and G5 PowerBook at MW 2006 (similar clock speeds but entirely new arcjitecture with SATA, DDR2, PCIe, Supercard).

lewdvig

Apr 16, 2005, 07:44 PM

I think many people would argue that the Powerbooks were not updated.
That was the saddest update in the history of the line in my opinion.
Apple had to do something with them because they are becoming FeebleBooks instead PowerBooks.

I believe that the PowerBook is ready for a dual-core G4 from freescale right now, but Apple won't release them for at least 3 or 4 months because they would likely perform as well as the current PowerMacs.

Yeah, the clock speeds are similar between Centrino laptops and PBs, but the real world performance is night and day. I think the PB needs a lot more than just a dual core CPU - and because of the multitude of bottlenecks on Apple's old G4 based architecture I would rather see them save up all the changes for the 2006 PBs.

Re-engineering the G4 based PB at this stage for the new Freescale G4 is a waste. The G5 is still better.

If the Athlon64 can go thin and light (Turion 1.6) why not the G5? If the G5 puts out 100 watts at 2.5 I doubt it would be more than 50 watts at 1.6 - and that doesn't factor powersaving (clock throttling tech). I am sure they can get it down to 25-30 watts. Strange.

rosalindavenue

Apr 16, 2005, 07:52 PM

The link from last year is a hoot, in retrospect:

Monday, April 19, 2004, 08:45 AM EST

[...] "Meanwhile, according to whispers, this should be the last G4 PowerBook revision."

Bwaa-ha-ha-ha! :p

PeterQVenkman

Apr 16, 2005, 07:54 PM

I think many people would argue that the Powerbooks were not updated.
That was the saddest update in the history of the line in my opinion.
Apple had to do something with them because they are becoming FeebleBooks instead PowerBooks.

I think you could argue that point pretty well. Then again, since I need so much power, I have NEVER batted an eye at Apple's portables. It just doesn't make sense for my job.

tommy.hanks

Apr 16, 2005, 08:06 PM

Updated displays, and faster clock rate on the G4. I'm not a hardware engineer but I don't see the point in being able to address large amounts of memory in a laptop that tops out at 2 gigs, which a 32bit processor can address just fine. Wow sorry about the really long "sentence." Anyway, I'm in no big hurry for a G5 PB. Especially since I'm not in the market for one! :D

Blackheart

Apr 16, 2005, 08:12 PM

I thought NAB started Monday. Oh well, that just means we'll hear from Apple sooner. It could be a good day tomorrow because Apple HAS to update the Powermacs. If they don't then the stocks will keep diving. Don't forget Motion 2. :cool:

Bring it on.

I agree. If Apple doesn't start bombarding the market with new goodies, the stock will continue on its downward path :(

I lost ~$900 Thursday as a result of those "bad" earnings :(

aafuss1

Apr 16, 2005, 08:40 PM

Apple's news conference goes for 1hr 15 mins-so I do at least expect new versions of Shake, Motion, Final Cut Pro HD and DVD Studio Pro. But we should see updated iBooks (with a new design, maybe and I don't think Apple would do a iBook mini),eMac's, Powermac's and iMacs in the coming months.

SAukland

Apr 16, 2005, 08:40 PM

I'm curious about FCP 5 and its integration with HDV and Tiger's core features. Powermacs better have a Blu-Ray drive. I know it's early but it would get some attention for Apple.

Blu-Ray would be a good addition, and would keep Apple on top in terms of popularizing new technologies, as usual.

Sounds like Sony is also pushing for Blu-Ray soon, though.
Sony Vaios On The Road To Blu-Ray (http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000717040310/)

iGuy

Apr 16, 2005, 08:45 PM

NAB is NOT about Apple hardware releases. Broadcast and video professionals want to see new versions of Final Cut Pro, Shake, XSAN and Motion.

Yes, new PowerMacs would be nice and are much needed, but that won't be the center of Sunday's announcement.

The current 17 inch PB is 1440 x 900. It needs at least 1080 lines of vertical resolution to be suitable for HD, the real spec anyway (yes, I know about 720p, but for me this is what I call 'prentend HD').

So a PowerBook HD with a new display capable of 1080 lines would be very much at home at an event like NAB.

As for other hardware improvements, well, why not announce upgrades to the Power line at an event for Power Users? Seems to make sense to me.

All this said however, I would agree that most of the emphasis will likely be on software. But that doesn't rule out hardware announcements. :)

Fingers crossed,
~iGuy

animefan_1

Apr 16, 2005, 09:30 PM

I lost ~$900 Thursday as a result of those "bad" earnings :(

I think it's more like you lost $900 on account of a bunch of idiots ;)

Nonetheless, losing money is losing money - it sucks :mad:
Hopefully, you have good karma and will get it back soon. Good luck!

THX1965

Apr 16, 2005, 09:39 PM

So a PowerBook HD with a new display capable of 1080 lines would be very much at home at an event like NAB....

All this said however, I would agree that most of the emphasis will likely be on software. But that doesn't rule out hardware announcements. :)
~iGuy

True, since the event tomorrow has a focus on "High Definition and Production". I forgot what the exact title is, but "High-Def" is in it.

You're right, that could mean an HD PowerBook, but most likely Apple will show amazing new things you can do with their line of updated pro apps, with the new FCP 5 being the center piece.

Unless PowerMacs have a special capability to do true HighDef in real time, those won't be announced tomorrow.

So will all those who are turning this thread into a PowerMac discussion please stop doing so. This is not what tomorrow's event is about. Period.

wdlove

Apr 16, 2005, 09:58 PM

Lacero

Apr 16, 2005, 10:05 PM

No, I didn't sell. No one's ever made a dime by panicking ;)

I have a problem... I bought more when it dropped... :DHmm.. Lost is past tense, meaning it already happened? I don't quite follow, unless it was a grammatical error.

berkleeboy210

Apr 16, 2005, 10:42 PM

I'm going to be at the Chestnut Hill tomorrow after church. Going to have lunch at Charley's. So should be at the Apple Store in time to catch any news. Will try not to count on anything and be surprised.

We're Neighbors! I go to Berklee, and eat at Charley's all the time. -- I've never been to the Chesnut Hill Store, I always go to Cambridgeside.

rockthecasbah

Apr 16, 2005, 10:50 PM

NAB is NOT about Apple hardware releases. Broadcast and video professionals want to see new versions of Final Cut Pro, Shake, XSAN and Motion.
While I must agree, this professional conference would be perfect to unveil PROFESSIONAL hardware. If anything will be unveiled, it will be Power Macs. And if new Power Macs indeed are displayed, they will have to be much more than speed bumps, such as quad processor action. That's my take, now back to your speculation of iBooks and God knows what else. ;)

Blackheart

Apr 16, 2005, 10:59 PM

Hmm.. Lost is past tense, meaning it already happened? I don't quite follow, unless it was a grammatical error.

I say "lost" because that's the current value of it. If you only judge a loss on sale then you could have bought Lucent before the drop... held onto it till this day and claim that you've lost nothing only because you choose not to sell.

~loserman~

Apr 17, 2005, 12:39 AM

Yeah, the clock speeds are similar between Centrino laptops and PBs, but the real world performance is night and day. I think the PB needs a lot more than just a dual core CPU - and because of the multitude of bottlenecks on Apple's old G4 based architecture I would rather see them save up all the changes for the 2006 PBs.

Re-engineering the G4 based PB at this stage for the new Freescale G4 is a waste. The G5 is still better.

The bottlenecks have been removed. The dual core e600 will have higher memory bandwidth than any of the G5's. Freescale stole stole a page out of AMD's playbook and put dual memory controllers on die.

Therein lies the whole reasons why the e600 is SO nice.
15 watts for the 2GHz dual core. thats less than the current G4.
The e600 is also clock for clock faster than the G5 except for double precision floating point math. Which all but some special scientific apps don't use. It has twice the cache size, shorter pipelines, and a superior Altivec implementation.

And get this.... the single and dual core versions are pin compatible.

Avicdar

Apr 17, 2005, 12:46 AM

Unless PowerMacs have a special capability to do true HighDef in real time, those won't be announced tomorrow.

So will all those who are turning this thread into a PowerMac discussion please stop doing so. This is not what tomorrow's event is about. Period.

While I am in complete agreement with the spirit of your post, I think that if Apple were to introduce anything that would be of interest in the hardware field, it would have to be blu-ray. Of course, these blu-ray drives would need a home, so a powermac would need to enter into it. I would be perfectly blown away if blu-ray with a surprisingly soon shipping date were announced. (orderable for my current DP2.0 please...I do NOT want to buy a new powermac).

Of course, FCP5 is what I am really waiting to see. Like most editors I have my own shopping list of features that I would like to see make it in. Some enhancement to logging would be welcome (a configurable dialog to allow inclusion of any of the fields from the browser would be great. I've been doing a lot of doc work lately, just logged some 45 hours worth of footage). Multicam would be interesting, too.

One feature that I heard about from someone who claims to have seen a seed of it, is that it will have a turnkey Avid like optional interface. Much like the three levels of interface offered in DVDSP, but I suppose with remapped keys that would be familiar to Avid editors. Certainly not a feature I would care about, but I can see why Apple might think it a good move.

The idea of greater performance thanks to things like Tiger core technologies is a pretty sweet prospect.

Any idea how Apple is going to handle the whole issue of QTPro keys when people start installing Tiger, only to realize that their QTPro 6.5 will be gone, only to be replaced by a QT7 'regular'? Thats what I expect will happen to me when I install Tiger. Guess I will need a separate drive with a Panther image kickin around.

Or maybe they will pass out free QTPro 7.0 keys if you provide a valid FCP4.5 serial number and a proof of purchase of TIger. Hmm. Wishful thinking.

quagmire

Apr 17, 2005, 01:18 AM

The bottlenecks have been removed. The dual core e600 will have higher memory bandwidth than any of the G5's. Freescale stole stole a page out of AMD's playbook and put dual memory controllers on die.

Therein lies the whole reasons why the e600 is SO nice.
15 watts for the 2GHz dual core. thats less than the current G4.
The e600 is also clock for clock faster than the G5 except for double precision floating point math. Which all but some special scientific apps don't use. It has twice the cache size, shorter pipelines, and a superior Altivec implementation.

And get this.... the single and dual core versions are pin compatible.

There are 2 sad things about this though. 1st sad thing: All about marketing. The G4 has the reputation as the Celeron now. Moto screwed it up so bad, no non-tech savvy person or a person that doesn't hang out in forums would buy a G4 machine that is greater then $1000. So for marketing purpose Apple better use the G5 moniker on the e600 if used. 2) The dual core G4 is not set to be sampled intill fall of '05. So don't expect it in the next rev. The next rev should have the PPC 7448 if no G5 yet, which is 1.8 Ghz with a 200 Mhz FSB which should of been sampled January.

JordanNZ

Apr 17, 2005, 02:03 AM

There are 2 sad things about this though. 1st sad thing: All about marketing. The G4 has the reputation as the Celeron now. Moto screwed it up so bad, no non-tech savvy person or a person that doesn't hang out in forums would buy a G4 machine that is greater then $1000. So for marketing purpose Apple better use the G5 moniker on the e600 if used. 2) The dual core G4 is not set to be sampled intill fall of '05. So don't expect it in the next rev. The next rev should have the PPC 7448 if no G5 yet, which is 1.8 Ghz with a 200 Mhz FSB which should of been sampled January.

But you see... These new moto chips wouldn't have to be called G4s

sw1tcher

Apr 17, 2005, 02:14 AM

Here's hoping for an update to the iBook. I'm actually in the market for one (12"). Holding off until they get around to actually updating it since it's been ~ 6 months since the last revision.

New design? Higher res. screen?

rickvanr

Apr 17, 2005, 02:17 AM

I think many people would argue that the Powerbooks were not updated.
That was the saddest update in the history of the line in my opinion.
Apple had to do something with them because they are becoming FeebleBooks instead PowerBooks.

I believe that the PowerBook is ready for a dual-core G4 from freescale right now, but Apple won't release them for at least 3 or 4 months because they would likely perform as well as the current PowerMacs.

I think the new powerbook's are good. My 2 year old powerbook is still going strong, and have you been following the powerbooks? The latest update was much more substantial then the 667-800MHz to 867-1GHz update, but hey.

I know a little about dualcore chips, but I don't think a dual core G4 at current clock speed would really challenge a powermac G5 @ 2.5GHz, but if it did, it wouldn't be a bad thing, they are both pro machines selling to the same market. It would only be bad if they put it in an "i" machine, but they wouldn't.

NNO-Stephen

Apr 17, 2005, 02:20 AM

The bottlenecks have been removed. The dual core e600 will have higher memory bandwidth than any of the G5's. Freescale stole stole a page out of AMD's playbook and put dual memory controllers on die.

Therein lies the whole reasons why the e600 is SO nice.
15 watts for the 2GHz dual core. thats less than the current G4.
The e600 is also clock for clock faster than the G5 except for double precision floating point math. Which all but some special scientific apps don't use. It has twice the cache size, shorter pipelines, and a superior Altivec implementation.

And get this.... the single and dual core versions are pin compatible.

the e600 core is the G4 core. it's being used. it's not referring to the dual-core G4. next: you have zero details on the performance of the dual-core G4, what you say is expected, but by no means official.

and no, they are NOT pin compatible with current chips. the 7448 is pin-compatible, and should be used in the next revision.

Platform

Apr 17, 2005, 02:20 AM

Prom1

Apr 17, 2005, 02:43 AM

So who else wants an iBook Mini, a.k.a. Newton iMate redux?? God no please; if their considering it then you might as well put the iPod on steriods & make it a PPC (MS PocketPC) fighter. Uh Uh not gonna happen. (althought that iMate was cute).

I for one hope that just after 3 months there IS NO PowerBook update; cause if they do it'll be too minimal for anyone waiting, or upgrading to purchase it. Also this makes it harder for me to purchase the existing one at a cheaper price once a REAL replacement comes online. I'd rather wait for a more efficient (more performance, much less heat, less power required) cpu & faster HDD, case design - miss the black cases of old G3 era. What would be cool is a small outer case polycarbonate protected LCD window to display widgets (weather/schedule in agenda view/memo) as a quick look up with minimal buttons to browse the items without having to fully powerup the PowerBook ;) kinda like a flip cellphone, or for the system to periodically power the cpu/ram/wifi/external display just for checking for email headers to notify the user??? Hmmm.

I'm hoping that this is just a software release. No iBook updates before a major PowerBook updates; improve performance of the former before the later then you'll see sales really drop.

Now for this being the year of HD - thats for ultimate pro heads; heck I dont know a thing about HD other than its strange to have 720p/10??i. But I think that the software at this time is more important, high end hardware specific rack equipment will complement existing PowerMacs. Maybe XServes will get an update first??

ShnikeJSB

Apr 17, 2005, 03:34 AM

Yeah, as you can see, my TiBook 667 is basically falling apart and on its last legs. I was waiting until Tiger was released to buy a new PowerBook, but I really REALLY am hesitating to buy one, as I don't think they are improved enough from my 3-1/2 year oldie but goodie, plus the graphics card kinda sucks. I am THIS close to switching to the dark sidew and buying a Dell Inspiron XPS Gen 2 for about the same amount of money, but with SIGNIFICANTLY better technology. I can get a 2.13GHz P-M, 2GB DDR-2 RAM, 60GB 7200 RPM hd, 256mb GeForce 6800 Go Ultra, etcetra with all the trimmings the way I want it for about $3600, which is basically the cost of the 17" PB with 2GB RAM and such (both education discounts), except the Dell gives a much better warranty. Though it weighs about 2.5 pounds more than the PB, it is STILL VERY light for a Desktop Replacement, which the PowerBook no longer is... So, in other words, WHEN can I expect a WORTHY PB update? I am guessing at the WWDC in June maybe? I don't think i can wait that long, this thing is DYING! Give me hope! Also, won't the iBooks basically be almost as fast as the PowerBooks if they are updated? That would be HORRIBLE marketing, so they GOTTA be updated soon... -JB

Zaty

Apr 17, 2005, 03:46 AM

I don't doubt Apple will release new versions of their pro software. However, I doubt we'll see new hardware tonight. We know that new PMs, iMacs, iBooks and perhaps eMacs (if Apple doesn't drop them yet) are overdue. As for the iBooks and eMacs they will be released in the same week as Tiger, (i.e. between April 25 and 28) and will be available immediately. Yes, it possible you might get Tiger early if you buy a new iBook or eMac. (The same happend in October 2003 when the first revision of G4 iBooks was released two days before Panther started to ship.) Since the iMacs is also considered to be a consumer machine, the new revision might debut alongside iBooks and eMacs. Although, they might not be available immediately, depending on specs. It's also possible they will be announced as early as next week. As for the PM I don't think they will be announced at NAB for two reasons. If the new revision is only a speed bump (i.e. still using single core CPUs), there will be announced silently. ONTH, if they were to use dual core processors, Apple for sure would announce them with great ceremony probably during a special press event or more likely at WWDC (which is only 1 1/2 months away). Also Steve Jobs would announce them, so any indication that Mr Jobs will be in Las Vegas and is the general tech press invited, too? If not, there is no chance we'll see new PMs tonight. Like I said, I expect new PMs at WWDC. After all, they have to show off something new during the keynote. We know that WWDC will be about Tiger mostly. But when WWDC kicks off, Tiger will have been out for more than a month already. So what are they going to announce at WWDC? Nothing for a change? I don't think so.

EDIT: I just forgot about the so called "PB HD". If it's real, it might be announced today as it's only a slightly improved 17" PB with HD resolution. Since the event will be about HD, it would make sense to announce there. Just a thought, what about an iMac HD? (I know, it's not happening but it wouldn't be a bad idea)

advocate

Apr 17, 2005, 04:32 AM

visor

Apr 17, 2005, 06:13 AM

so all pro apps will get the tiger update. Nice, I just hope that the old apps will even still run on tiger... :rolleyes:

Rod Rod

Apr 17, 2005, 06:40 AM

I live here in Las Vegas and would be happy to go and take as many pictures of it all if someone wants to foot the bill for me.
I registered for an exhibition hall pass for free through JVC. Unfortunately I wasn't able to fly to Las Vegas due to other commitments, but you might be able to register with JVC or another exhibitor for free.

I'm also curious why PM's need to be updated prior to actual release/adoption of FCP5, I use FCP4/HD on a RevA 2.0 and can't quite see how performance could be better without faster hdd implementation or some major new revision (would having extra cpus have any significant impact on render times? Boris seems about as sluggish on the G5 as G4, and DDR2 apparently offers little to no real-world speed increase...) Maybe a new video-card spec would give them a boost though!
When you work with HD material as I do, you can see plenty of room for improvement, where it's all CPU (and not hard drive) that's holding back speed. Yes, extra CPUs would have a significant impact on render times.

Or maybe some sort of real-time dv live-stream editor?...
That would be nice . . . I'm hoping for (short of that) a multi-cam interface. Word is that Grass Valley is going to use FCP as its front end. Pretty neat, eh?

The current 17 inch PB is 1440 x 900. It needs at least 1080 lines of vertical resolution to be suitable for HD, the real spec anyway (yes, I know about 720p, but for me this is what I call 'prentend HD').

So a PowerBook HD with a new display capable of 1080 lines would be very much at home at an event like NAB.
To each his own, but it's wrong to claim that 1080 is "the real spec" and to call 720p "pretend." I mean it's fine to have an opinion and state your preference but it's not right to denigrate the alternative. Some people prefer (or don't mind) interlace artifacts, while others prefer progressive. 1080i is pretty close to 720p with regard to pixel throughput (there's a 12.5% advantage to 1080i, which in my opinion is evened out by 1080i's interlace artifacts), and today the comparison is between 1080i and 720p.

1080p would be better than 720p but at the moment there is no sub-$100,000 camera gear that records 1080p. There may be a less costly 1080p camera unveiled at NAB, so we'll see.

Any idea how Apple is going to handle the whole issue of QTPro keys when people start installing Tiger, only to realize that their QTPro 6.5 will be gone, only to be replaced by a QT7 'regular'? Thats what I expect will happen to me when I install Tiger. Guess I will need a separate drive with a Panther image kickin around.

Or maybe they will pass out free QTPro 7.0 keys if you provide a valid FCP4.5 serial number and a proof of purchase of TIger. Hmm. Wishful thinking.
Nice post - I'm with you on everything. As for the QT7 question I suppose we'll all have to either upgrade to FCP 5 and get a QT7 key with that or come up with $29.99 if we're going to stick with FCP 4.5. It'd be worth it for me to pay the $29.99 now because of H.264 exporting, even though I'll likely upgrade to FCP 5 by this Fall.

Now for this being the year of HD - thats for ultimate pro heads; heck I dont know a thing about HD other than its strange to have 720p/10??i.
iMovie HD puts high definition content creation in the hands of regular folks (it's not just for "ultimate pro heads.") It's pretty amazing. The Apple Intermediate Codec (AIC) has a lot of people (myself included) wanting something better for FCP 5. I'm hoping for an on the fly transcode to DVCProHD in FCP (iMovie HD does an on the fly transcode to AIC). Of course that would be with recognition of timecode and an easier to use Media Manager (although I don't have much trouble with the MM, it's not the easiest thing to use). As for the 720p / 1080i confusion, I suggest you watch 720p material on a 720p native TV and 1080i material on a 1080i native TV. I bet you'll like what you see in both cases. However, 1080i material on 720p native TVs may look better than 720p material on 1080i native TVs.

aafuss1

Apr 17, 2005, 07:04 AM

I registered for an exhibition hall pass for free through JVC. Unfortunately I wasn't able to fly to Las Vegas due to other commitments, but you might be able to register with JVC or another exhibitor for free.

When you work with HD material as I do, you can see plenty of room for improvement, where it's all CPU (and not hard drive) that's holding back speed. Yes, extra CPUs would have a significant impact on render times.

That would be nice . . . I'm hoping for (short of that) a multi-cam interface. Word is that Grass Valley is going to use FCP as its front end. Pretty neat, eh?

To each his own, but it's wrong to claim that 1080 is "the real spec" and to call 720p "pretend." I mean it's fine to have an opinion and state your preference but it's not right to denigrate the alternative. Some people prefer (or don't mind) interlace artifacts, while others prefer progressive. 1080i is pretty close to 720p with regard to pixel throughput (there's a 12.5% advantage to 1080i, which in my opinion is evened out by 1080i's interlace artifacts), and today the comparison is between 1080i and 720p.

1080p would be better than 720p but at the moment there is no sub-$100,000 camera gear that records 1080p. There may be a less costly 1080p camera unveiled at NAB, so we'll see.

Nice post - I'm with you on everything. As for the QT7 question I suppose we'll all have to either upgrade to FCP 5 and get a QT7 key with that or come up with $29.99 if we're going to stick with FCP 4.5. It'd be worth it for me to pay the $29.99 now because of H.264 exporting, even though I'll likely upgrade to FCP 5 by this Fall.

iMovie HD puts high definition content creation in the hands of regular folks (it's not just for "ultimate pro heads.") It's pretty amazing. The Apple Intermediate Codec (AIC) has a lot of people (myself included) wanting something better for FCP 5. I'm hoping for an on the fly transcode to DVCProHD in FCP (iMovie HD does an on the fly transcode to AIC). Of course that would be with recognition of timecode and an easier to use Media Manager (although I don't have much trouble with the MM, it's not the easiest thing to use). As for the 720p / 1080i confusion, I suggest you watch 720p material on a 720p native TV and 1080i material on a 1080i native TV. I bet you'll like what you see in both cases. However, 1080i material on 720p native TVs may look better than 720p material on 1080i native TVs.

1. A live-stream DV editor feature would be a very nice idea too
2.I also completely agree with you-maybe you'll have to get a new key for QT7 Pro.

Dagless

Apr 17, 2005, 08:05 AM

lol @ iBook mini :D

animefan_1

Apr 17, 2005, 08:22 AM

Apple's NAB booth is ENTIRELY draped in black! :D

Check it out here (http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Facme.blogs.com%2Fnab2005%2F&langpair=fr%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools)* (go to 'black is back')

*Google translation from French

aswitcher

Apr 17, 2005, 08:26 AM

EDIT: I just forgot about the so called "PB HD". If it's real, it might be announced today as it's only a slightly improved 17" PB with HD resolution. Since the event will be about HD, it would make sense to announce there. Just a thought, what about an iMac HD? (I know, it's not happening but it wouldn't be a bad idea)

That or a 23" iMac ;)

aafuss1

Apr 17, 2005, 08:48 AM

broken_keyboard

Apr 17, 2005, 08:54 AM

rockthecasbah

Apr 17, 2005, 08:55 AM

So who else wants an iBook Mini, a.k.a. Newton iMate redux?? God no please; if their considering it then you might as well put the iPod on steriods & make it a PPC (MS PocketPC) fighter. Uh Uh not gonna happen. (althought that iMate was cute).
HERE, HERE!!!!!!! A mini iBook type computer seems like a terrible idea to me. It would be slow and annoying to type on, since the keyboard would have to be much smaller. Besides the ergonomics, Apple would be MURDERED by other smaller type portables, and it would be seen as yet another failed endeavor. Just because something becomes small, doesn't mean it will be good and will sell (cough CUBE cough).

maesy

Apr 17, 2005, 08:56 AM

anyone know what time this will all be taking place in australian time...?

animefan_1

Apr 17, 2005, 09:00 AM

anyone know what time this will all be taking place in australian time...?

4 am Sydney Time.

mad jew

Apr 17, 2005, 09:13 AM

4 am Sydney Time.

:( That's a bit past my bedtime.

rockthecasbah

Apr 17, 2005, 09:17 AM

:( That's a bit past my bedtime.
You can go to bed a bit earlier and set your alarm for 4am :)

JRM PowerPod

Apr 17, 2005, 09:18 AM

:( That's a bit past my bedtime.

I know, why do the americans always have to make everything so difficult.
4am is too late to stay up to and far to early to wake up for. It's such an awkward time. Anywayz i will wake up at 10 and see what, if anything has happened to the much deprived Power line.

aafuss1

Apr 17, 2005, 09:18 AM

:( That's a bit past my bedtime.
I'll probably stay up and see when any annoucements are made. Can't wait to see what Apple may announce new Powermacs maybe).

Devie

Apr 17, 2005, 09:20 AM

4 am Sydney Time.
Oooo... to stay up, or to not to stay up... or to turn the alarm clock on...

Rod Rod

Apr 17, 2005, 09:21 AM

I know, why do the americans always have to make everything so difficult.
4am is too late to stay up to and far to early to wake up for. It's such an awkward time. Anywayz i will wake up at 10 and see what, if anything has happened to the much deprived Power line.
Ok, one press conference and you're complaining about awkward timings . . . remember the Sydney Olypmics? Those weren't exactly easy to watch live over here. :)

Devie

Apr 17, 2005, 09:24 AM

Ok, one press conference and you're complaining about awkward timings . . . remember the Sydney Olypmics? Those weren't exactly easy to watch live over here. :)
Remember that Atlanta olympics... :D

Kirk

Apr 17, 2005, 09:26 AM

The Order Status on the Norwegian Apple Store is down:

"Apple's Online and phone Order Status services are temporarily unavailable due to a scheduled upgrade to our systems."

JRM PowerPod

Apr 17, 2005, 09:28 AM

Ok, one press conference and you're complaining about awkward timings . . . remember the Sydney Olypmics? Those weren't exactly easy to watch live over here. :)

I guess it works both ways. Though NAB is far more important than the Olympics
:D

mad jew

Apr 17, 2005, 09:29 AM

OK, no doubt the stores'll be down if something's announced but has anyone ever wondered what happens if you're already in the store when it falls? What happens if you're halfway through purchasing that new Xserve rack? Do you reckon Apple would allow for people to finalise their purchases? My guess is no.

rockthecasbah

Apr 17, 2005, 09:30 AM

The Order Status on the Norwegian Apple Store is down:

"Apple's Online and phone Order Status services are temporarily unavailable due to a scheduled upgrade to our systems."

:) yay. Maybe Quad Power Macs!

aafuss1

Apr 17, 2005, 09:31 AM

The Order Status on the Norwegian Apple Store is down:

"Apple's Online and phone Order Status services are temporarily unavailable due to a scheduled upgrade to our systems."

I wonder when most of other the Apple stores wil go offline-at least we now know the Norwegian store is down currently. Could we be getting updated Power Mac's and new versions of Production Suite, Shake, FCP HD, DVD Studio Pro and Motion very soon?

JRM PowerPod

Apr 17, 2005, 09:31 AM

The Order Status on the Norwegian Apple Store is down:

"Apple's Online and phone Order Status services are temporarily unavailable due to a scheduled upgrade to our systems."

Sweet, the chain has begun. Apple usually pull down the European stores one by one then the pacific stores and finally the US about half an hour later. Then we see updates in 45-60mins. (That's how it usually works)

mad jew

Apr 17, 2005, 09:35 AM

Ahh, the beauty of iBooks. I can be in bed with my girlfriend and watch the NAB live over the 'net. :D

Man! Massive reality check! I'm in bed with my girlfriend and I brought by laptop! :o :(

JRM PowerPod

Apr 17, 2005, 09:44 AM

ALL STORES UP

False Alarm

Goodnight to the weary who will battle on, for it is they who will reap the rewards of their fortitude

Platform

Apr 17, 2005, 09:48 AM

Well hope those PM's get an update.......will they ship the 29 so they would have Tiger or :confused:

BRLawyer

Apr 17, 2005, 09:48 AM

Store down in Switzerland... :rolleyes:

Devie

Apr 17, 2005, 09:49 AM

Well hope those PM's get an update.......will they ship the 29 so they would have Tiger or :confused:
I'd say they will be announced and availalbe for order today (if they are announced at all) but wont be actually shipped till 29th...

Kirk

Apr 17, 2005, 09:51 AM

ALL STORES UP

False Alarm

Goodnight to the weary who will battle on, for it is they who will reap the rewards of their fortitude

The store is still up, but the Order Status is down. Usually the first sign. At least it went down before Tiger was announced.

Rod Rod

Apr 17, 2005, 09:58 AM

Ahh, the beauty of iBooks. I can be in bed with my girlfriend and watch the NAB live over the 'net. :D
Where can you watch NAB live over the net?

mad jew

Apr 17, 2005, 10:03 AM

Where can you watch NAB live over the net?

Sorry, I should probably clarify:

I can watch the results of NAB over the 'net. MacRumors is usually a pretty good place to start. ;)

Platform

Apr 17, 2005, 10:04 AM

I'd say they will be announced and availalbe for order today (if they are announced at all) but wont be actually shipped till 29th...

Thanks that is what I thought ;)

GilGrissom

Apr 17, 2005, 10:05 AM

Where can you watch NAB live over the net?

Ye do tell!! Would be great to watch it.
Please don't tell me you need to have an invite or be part of sumit or pay sumit?!!! (Again, my ever hopeful wishful thinking comes into its own!!)

EDIT: "Sorry, I should probably clarify:

I can watch the results of NAB over the 'net. MacRumors is usually a pretty good place to start. "

Beaten to the punch!!...ah well...website writing will do!! (F5 F5 F5 F5 F5!!)

animefan_1

Apr 17, 2005, 10:09 AM

http://Apple-x.net is running an IRC feed from NAB.

More info here: http://www.apple-x.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1404&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

quagmire

Apr 17, 2005, 10:12 AM

U.S order status is down. I am not holding my breath though.

stoid

Apr 17, 2005, 10:15 AM

I wouldn't expect anything down yet, the event is still almost four hours away (unless I'm getting my time zone conversion wrong or missing some other detail)

Rod Rod

Apr 17, 2005, 10:18 AM

Sorry, I should probably clarify:

I can watch the results of NAB over the 'net. MacRumors is usually a pretty good place to start. ;)
k, got it...

This is interesting - Panasonic, Discreet/Autodesk, Sony and Avid all have press conferences today as well (http://www.nabshow.com/press/press_conferences.asp).

(mostly) speculation:

Panasonic will unveil the HVX200 high definition camcorder (which is not HDV but DVCProHD and records onto solid state PCMCIA type cards called P2, and apparently has a similar chassis as the DVX100A).

Discreet/Autodesk will show whether they'll continue to let their Mac development stagnate.

Sony will unveil Vegas 6.

Avid will say the HDV support they promised last year is finally here.

http://Apple-x.net is running an IRC feed from NAB.

More info here: http://www.apple-x.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1404&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
Thanks!

TMA

Apr 17, 2005, 10:24 AM

What time does this event kick off? In normal (GMT) time I mean, not American time.

JRM PowerPod

Apr 17, 2005, 10:26 AM

I wouldn't expect anything down yet, the event is still almost four hours away (unless I'm getting my time zone conversion wrong or missing some other detail)

The only possible thing happening is Apple updating the PM's quietly before NAB. i.e. ts specs. Other wise nothing should be happening, i agree.

pm's quietly before

Rod Rod

Apr 17, 2005, 10:26 AM

What time does this event kick off? In normal (GMT) time I mean, not American time.
Las Vegas, Nevada, is -8 GMT. The local time for the event is 11:00 a.m. I guess that would make it 7 p.m. GMT. "Normal" time is relative. :) "American" time spans four time zones (if not five).

Devie

Apr 17, 2005, 10:28 AM

3 and a half hours to go...
I want to stay up so badly, but I wont, I might just set me alarm clock.

TMA

Apr 17, 2005, 10:29 AM

Las Vegas, Nevada, is -8 GMT. The local time for the event is 11:00 a.m. I guess that would make it 7 p.m. GMT. "Normal" time is relative. :)

I just think GMT makes more sense as it's easier to convert from GMT than one of the very confusing American time zones that have different names for the same zone!

I wish Apple would announce more things in England, so that I wouldn't have to wait all day to find out what they are.

aafuss1

Apr 17, 2005, 10:31 AM

k, got it...

This is interesting - Panasonic, Discreet/Autodesk, Sony and Avid all have press conferences today as well (http://www.nabshow.com/press/press_conferences.asp).

(mostly) speculation:

Panasonic will unveil the HVX200 high definition camcorder (which is not HDV but DVCProHD and records onto solid state PCMCIA type cards called P2, and apparently has a similar chassis as the DVX100A).

Discreet/Autodesk will show whether they'll continue to let their Mac development stagnate.

Sony will unveil Vegas 6.

Avid will say the HDV support they promised last year is finally here.

Thanks!

I agree about Avid.
Adobe-a new version of After Effects (has a Mac version), Their Windows related annoucements might include-Premeire Pro 2, Audition 2, Encore DVD 2, Video Collection 3

animefan_1

Apr 17, 2005, 10:43 AM

I just think GMT makes more sense as it's easier to convert from GMT than one of the very confusing American time zones that have different names for the same zone!

I wish Apple would announce more things in England, so that I wouldn't have to wait all day to find out what they are.

I understand how you feel. The event is only on the west coast, so I'm only three hours ahead and I'm really anxious to see what will be announced. It must be maddening to be in the UK (or anywhere that's NOT Pacific Time) right now.

animefan_1

Apr 17, 2005, 10:47 AM

...Their Windows related annoucements might include-Premeire Pro 2, Audition 2, Encore DVD 2, Video Collection 3

Does anyone know what application is analogous to Adobe's Audition from Apple? Would it be Logic, Logic Express or Soundtrack?

MikeBike

Apr 17, 2005, 10:50 AM

I believe that the PowerBook is ready for a dual-core G4 from freescale right now, but Apple won't release them for at least 3 or 4 months because they would likely perform as well as the current PowerMacs.

I, on the other hand, from the comments made at the financials meeting, now don't see the Powerbook going dual core. It looks like the g5 camp has won. We may see one more 7448 from Motorola, but then it looks like a low power G5.

I can only hope that by then Apple will be big enough to offer BOTH,
A Dual Core G4 and a G5 powerbook. Two Top of the Line models.

Apple usually doesn't mis-lead the financial analysts.
I've got my finger's crossed.

animefan_1

Apr 17, 2005, 10:53 AM

...Apple usually doesn't mis-lead the financial analysts.
I've got my finger's crossed.

At the October call, Apple did say they weren't going to enter the sub-$500 computer market.

We all know how that turned out (http://apple.com/macmini). ;)

MikeBike

Apr 17, 2005, 10:59 AM

At the October call, Apple did say they weren't going to enter the sub-$500 computer market.

We all know how that turned out (http://apple.com/macmini). ;)

Yes, That's my only hope.
If you take them at their word, then we will probably see 1 more G4( 1.8 )
and then finally a move to a 2.0 G5. Of course, a dual core G4 at 1.8 would kick it's butt. But, there may be some financial understanding between IBM and APPLE.

SPUY767

Apr 17, 2005, 11:17 AM

meaning yesterday, I had a huge production to run for the birthday party of a very wealthy gentleman. I had been comissioned to make a photo montage of his life, (motion/FCP) and at the last minute there was a list that needed to be presented, (Keynote). The whole show was run from my G5, about 40 minutes total of FMV, and the keynote presentation has to be advanced by had b/c it was being cued by a lame DJ. Ironically enough, there was a videographer there, but he was using AVID on a Dell Workstation. All I heard all night was, "how the hell are you doing that," What app are you using? Etc. It was very rewarding to see a man, who has paid probablt thrice the amount that I did on my rig being so blatantly jealous of it. Apple needs to continue to innovate in this market, and bring mid range solutions that trump the high end solutions from the other guys.
The thing that really made this guy's jaw hit the floor, was when, with the presentation running Full Screen on a second monitor, I was able to capture, edit, and export a clip from a beta deck, thru a DV interface, to a Mpeg 2 file and burn the DVD in DVD SP. All that without so much as a hiccup on the video. People can complain all they want about apple's software, but I'd like to see just one guy do that on an PC Video rig.
Throughout that 3 hour show, the G5 Came thru again and again. I used the dual video output to quite an extent, saved probably two grand on extraneous equipment, and was still able to wow the crowd. NAB is steadily becoming the most important trade show for Apple. If there is one are that is ready for Apple quality solutions, it's in the NLE department. Sail this ship straight Steve.

StarbucksSam

Apr 17, 2005, 11:27 AM

It would be all too easy to pull down that drape.

Mmmkay people, we're REALLY in the dark on the PowerBooks NOW... imagine if they come out with a 17" HD just 2 and a half MONTHS after releasing the barely speedbumped line... (did it even count as a Rev.?)

If they DO come out with the PB17HD then we're going to have one hell of a time predicting what's next.

samwise

Apr 17, 2005, 11:31 AM

jaw04005

Apr 17, 2005, 11:36 AM

I would like to see Apple and preferablly IBM design a mobile chip similar to the Pentium M, and stop worrying about shrinking the G5. The G5 is enormous, you can see that by looking at any picture of the inside of a PowerMac. There is no telling how many years it's going to take IBM to produce a G5 that will fit in a Powerbook enclosure. They've had almost two years already.

Motorola has screwed us over and over in the past, I can't wait for the day that Apple says "bye" to Moto.

themacman

Apr 17, 2005, 12:08 PM

pbprenn, this is the apple garage band breakout box? I thought it was going to be apple branded?

xsnightclub

Apr 17, 2005, 12:14 PM

I expect we will see the upgraded PMs as on TS. But I am hoping that there is a Super PM upgrade with Dual Cores or Quads that TS doesn't know about. Also a HD PB would be awesome. All this speculation needs to be put in the context of NAB. It is a Pro-Show, and any releases will most certainly be geared towards the Pro Users at the show. So I would find iBook and eMac announcements not at this show but maybe Monday or Tuesday.

MikeBike

Apr 17, 2005, 12:16 PM

I would like to see Apple and preferablly IBM design a mobile chip similar to the Pentium M, and stop worrying about shrinking the G5.

The G4 IS our Pentium M.
Hasn't Freescale been on target with their milestones?

themacman

Apr 17, 2005, 12:17 PM

Are the announcements being made on monday or tuesday?

fedora

Apr 17, 2005, 12:19 PM

Are the announcements being made on monday or tuesday?

read the main page.

Yvan256

Apr 17, 2005, 12:52 PM

HERE, HERE!!!!!!! A mini iBook type computer seems like a terrible idea to me. It would be slow and annoying to type on, since the keyboard would have to be much smaller. Besides the ergonomics, Apple would be MURDERED by other smaller type portables, and it would be seen as yet another failed endeavor. Just because something becomes small, doesn't mean it will be good and will sell (cough CUBE cough).

How would a smaller iBook with the same specs as the current 12" iBook (minus optical drive) be a terrible idea? If you ask me, laptop keyboards are ALREADY a pain to use (crappy feedback compared to a real, GOOD keyboard such as IBM ones).

Just because something becomes smalls doesn't mean it can't be good and sell (cough Mac mini cough). ;)

fpnc

Apr 17, 2005, 12:56 PM

Here are my predictions for this Sunday's special Apple event at NAB:

Version bumps for Apple's pro application suite (FCP, DVDSP, Motion, etc.).
Probably some introduction of a new application/utility to go along with the pro suite.

-- that's all folks -- NO NEW CPU HARDWARE will ship.

However, on Monday or Tuesday Apple will update the Power Mac with those rumored speed bumps (2GHz, 2.3GHz, 2.7GHz). They will also lower prices by about $300 per system (i.e. the 2.7GHz model will retail for near $2700). As Think Secret suggested, they may also use the ATI 9600 graphics card across the PM line (i.e. the GeForce 5200U will be replaced).

I think the rumored updates to the eMac and iMac will come in a few weeks from now. But, Apple could even announce those this week since there I'm only expecting a simple speed bump to the CPU -- probably no upgrades in the video and no price changes.

Oh, and one more thing. There won't be a dual-core PowerBook anytime soon. Those dual-core CPUs from Freescale aren't even rumored to be sampled until this fall, so the earliest a dual-core PowerBook could appear is the first half of 2006. However, the MPC7448 (faster G4 with the e600 core) is supposed to ship this quarter and that will most likely be used in the next iBook, Mac mini, and eMac. But, I don't expect to see that chip (MPC7448) in a shipping product until summer or early fall.

I don't think we should expect any big performance changes in the Mac product line until late summer or sometime this fall. Then we might (finally) see the dual-core 970MP in the Power Mac product line. I don't know if Apple will pre-announce the dual-core 970MP, they probably will not unless the existing Power Mac sales fall completely through the floor. Until that time, the dual-processor, single-core Power Mac at 2.7GHz will have to do against the new dual-core Intel and AMD competition. Performance-wise it should be okay (not great), but Apple's price points for their Power Macs will come under even more pressure as ever greater numbers of dual-core PCs ship.

Or, at least, that's the way I see it.

P.S. EDIT, I just backed up and read some of the posts over the last 8 hours. Zaty and I seem to agree on most points ( http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=1391004&postcount=54 ). Zaty also mentioned the HD PowerBook display and I'd forgotten about that. So, I agree, the PowerBook HD may appear at NAB.

Zaty

Apr 17, 2005, 01:04 PM

Stores still up.

fedora

Apr 17, 2005, 01:07 PM

how many people (like me) are on the apple store clicking refresh?

hanumang

Apr 17, 2005, 01:09 PM

Blu-Ray would be a good addition, and would keep Apple on top in terms of popularizing new technologies, as usual.

Sounds like Sony is also pushing for Blu-Ray soon, though.
Sony Vaios On The Road To Blu-Ray (http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000717040310/)

I'd be SHOCKED if Apple included Blu-Ray on their new PowerMac systems. Sony incoming president has made overtures about wanting to meet the HD-DVD coalition half-way. (After all, nobody - not manufacturers, not retailers, not consumers - wants a format war)

Since Sony is the leader of the Blu-Ray coalition, I don't think Apple would dive in first. Also, aren't Blu-Ray recorders still outrageously expensive?

And to top it all off, producing burned Blu-Ray discs now would be a lot like distributing Dual-Layer DVD+Rs. Who's gonna be able to make use of them? (who has a Blu-Ray set-top or computer player?)

While I would LOVE to deliver HD content to my clients, it ain't gonna happen.

Though I wouldn't mind being wrong. :D

aafuss1

Apr 17, 2005, 01:10 PM

how many people (like me) are on the apple store clicking refresh?
I'm doing the same as you-refreshing the Apple store every minute or so.

Xaimous

Apr 17, 2005, 01:10 PM

Why refresh now, in't there one more hour until the event even starts?

animefan_1

Apr 17, 2005, 01:11 PM

how many people (like me) are on the apple store clicking refresh?

I did...again :rolleyes:

animefan_1

Apr 17, 2005, 01:12 PM

Why refresh now, in't there one more hour until the event even starts?

Because once the store closes, everyone can get into an even BIGGER frenzy.

hanumang

Apr 17, 2005, 01:15 PM

Any idea how Apple is going to handle the whole issue of QTPro keys when people start installing Tiger, only to realize that their QTPro 6.5 will be gone, only to be replaced by a QT7 'regular'? Thats what I expect will happen to me when I install Tiger. Guess I will need a separate drive with a Panther image kickin around.

I also wondered about this and was set straight by someone from the discussion forums at Apple. FCP (and DVDSP) do not need QT Pro to function. Yes, I know QT Pro keys are bundled with both applications, but that only effects the QuickTime Player on your machine.

If you don't install the QT Pro key, you can still export to all QuickTime formats (NTSC DV, MPEG4, Sorenson Video 3, etc) from FCP, you just cannot access the advanced functions of QT Player (setting in and out points in the players, downloading movies from the web).

That being said, I'd gather that FCP 5 (or whatever it is called) will shipped with a QT 7 Pro Key.

berkleeboy210

Apr 17, 2005, 01:16 PM

All of the Pro Apps have shipping quotes of 1-2 days... so maybe that means something.

Also, even though the Standard Config. PowerMacs say "Same Business Day" The minute you upgrade the RAM Shipping time increases to 2-4 Days....

(And the US Order Status Page is Still Down, But the Rest of the Store is Up and running)

Waiting for the clock to strike 2

hanumang

Apr 17, 2005, 01:21 PM

All of the Pro Apps have shipping quotes of 1-2 days... so maybe that means something.

To use the past as an indicator, the last time FCP went thru a MAJOR upgrade (ver 3 to ver 4, back in 2003) it was announced at NAB (in mid April) but did not ship until early June.

I'd expect something similar this year (as the FCP upgrade is expected to be MAJOR)

Of course, if someone needs to buy FCP HD now, Apple will probably have an 'up-to-date' program in place - starting today - so you can upgrade for $19.95 (or whatever).

fpnc

Apr 17, 2005, 01:30 PM

If the G5 puts out 100 watts at 2.5 I doubt it would be more than 50 watts at 1.6 - and that doesn't factor powersaving (clock throttling tech). I am sure they can get it down to 25-30 watts. Strange.
Well, I'd be very interested to see how you came up with those numbers, but consider that the 15" PowerBook battery contains 45 watt-hours of energy. Your super low power consumption CPU, throttled back for even lower power consumption, would drain it in 1.5 to 1.8 hours. That's not including the display lamp, the hard drive, the blowers, the RAM refresh, the optical drive, ...

Not happening.
I pretty much agree with advocate, and note that Freescale's MPC7448 is supposed to dissipate only 10 watts when running at 1.5GHz. Thus, while someone might actually try to use a 40 watt CPU in a PowerBook there will soon be much better options (as far as power consumption).

macorama

Apr 17, 2005, 01:37 PM

Also, even though the Standard Config. PowerMacs say "Same Business Day" The minute you upgrade the RAM Shipping time increases to 2-4 Days....

Well, it's hardly suprising that it takes longer for a "custom" config. You'd guess that the standard config ones are in the boxes and ready to ship.

Avicdar

Apr 17, 2005, 01:41 PM

I also wondered about this and was set straight by someone from the discussion forums at Apple. FCP (and DVDSP) do not need QT Pro to function. Yes, I know QT Pro keys are bundled with both applications, but that only effects the QuickTime Player on your machine.

If you don't install the QT Pro key, you can still export to all QuickTime formats (NTSC DV, MPEG4, Sorenson Video 3, etc) from FCP, you just cannot access the advanced functions of QT Player (setting in and out points in the players, downloading movies from the web).

That being said, I'd gather that FCP 5 (or whatever it is called) will shipped with a QT 7 Pro Key.

Yeah, I know you dont need Pro to use FCP for exporting. I use Pro for other tasks after the export. Pro is useful for a whole lot more than what you have outlined above. For the casual personal downloading movie trailers, I am sure that is all they know of what Pro is good for.

fpnc

Apr 17, 2005, 01:48 PM

Apple has the top 5 best selling desktop computers on Amazon today. I know that's off topic but this may be the best hardware news we get today.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/565098/ref=amb_center-3_205828_8/102-7753223-2174554

F/reW/re

Apr 17, 2005, 01:48 PM

The cheapest Mac you can connect two DVI LCD's to has a pricetag at $1,999.00. Thats just tragical! You get 3 PC's at that price!

• 256MB DDR400 SDRAM (PC3200) - 2x128
• 80GB Serial ATA - 7200rpm
• NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL w/256MB GDDR3 SDRAM
• 56k V.92 modem.
• 8x Super Drive (DVD-R/CD-RW)
• Apple Keyboard & Apple Mouse - U.S. English
• Mac OS X - U.S. English

Subtotal $1,999.00

broken_keyboard

Apr 17, 2005, 01:50 PM

Iroganai

Apr 17, 2005, 01:51 PM

http://acme.blogs.com/apple/

S/he is great!

animefan_1

Apr 17, 2005, 02:07 PM

gayle28607

Apr 17, 2005, 02:16 PM

Subject line says it all

stoid

Apr 17, 2005, 02:21 PM

Subject line says it all

Interesting, I'm still getting the Store UP here (U.S.).

fpnc

Apr 17, 2005, 02:24 PM

Apple store down...Subject line says it all

Steve Jobs is not at Apple's special NAB event, that says more. Frank Casanova is giving the demos and intros (according to a live blog from NAB).

gayle28607

Apr 17, 2005, 02:27 PM

Interesting, I'm still getting the Store UP here (U.S.).

You are correct. It was only down for a few minutes. :(

bazzler

Apr 17, 2005, 02:31 PM

apple uk store is down , and has been for 10 min

fpnc

Apr 17, 2005, 02:38 PM

Please, no more posts about the Apple store being up or down. It seems to be going on and off regularly as it is probably being "hammered" by everyone checking for new hardware. Which, I think, will not be announced today.

According to a live blog from NAB, nothing really special yet, just talk about Tiger, QT7, native HD video in the new versions of the pro applications.

fpnc

Apr 17, 2005, 02:55 PM

Blogs and comments about FCP 5 suggest that it is a very significant upgrade, particularly for HD. Now they are introducing Motion 2.

svenas1

Apr 17, 2005, 02:55 PM

Motion 2 is out as well as FCP5

(you don't have to be able to speak french to get that much.. :)

plus - quote:
"Mulicam Support, up to 128 sources ! yeah !"

http://acme.blogs.com/apple/

S/he is great!

GilGrissom

Apr 17, 2005, 04:11 PM

I, on the other hand, from the comments made at the financials meeting, now don't see the Powerbook going dual core. It looks like the g5 camp has won. We may see one more 7448 from Motorola, but then it looks like a low power G5.

I can only hope that by then Apple will be big enough to offer BOTH,
A Dual Core G4 and a G5 powerbook. Two Top of the Line models.

Apple usually doesn't mis-lead the financial analysts.
I've got my finger's crossed.

Im not sure which will come first...Dual G4 or G5 PowerBooks. To be honest I dont think Id trust a G5 PowerBook straight away...with heat etc Im a bit weiry. Dual G4 would be kewl. I would hope that Apple are big enough to release PB and PM updates. I believe that if Apple got their act together they could boost the PMs to much higher levels, (maybe not just CPU speeds etc, add some other real fancy stuff inside that you can no way get in a notebook) and make them much better (not sure if these rumored updates will be much..will have to see when they come). But I do believe both power ranges need updating...the sooner the better. With updates pending for the iBook and iMac etc the gap is closing, especially for the iBook & PowerBook. The sooner the PowerBook can be drastically improved from its current spec the better. Let the iBook worry about the normal everyday use spec and small speed bumps updates.

I dont really want to see PB G5 anytime soon, if we do (highly unlikely) Id want some real proof that the technology is ready. Higher speeds of G4 are good for me. Dual would be a compromise...but definately single core bigger speed bumps.

I like the current designs of them, so just change the insides, please, Apple!! :)