powerbook updates at wwdc

[ubbman]

If some sort of update is announced at WWDC, will it be announced on June 7? Also, how quick would the update or a price drop on the current model occur. I'm concerned because the current $100 rebate for the 12" expires on June 25.

Thanks.

[Rod Rod]

The most likely PowerBook "update" at WWDC would be the addition of a 17" model with a 1920x1200 screen. This shouldn't impact the prices of existing 12" and 15" models. What it would do to the 1440x900 17" model is an open question.

[Pismo]

I honestly don't think there will be any hardware updates. Especially for the PowerBook. Apple just updated them a 3 months ago. My guess is that updated PowerBooks will be updated about November/December.

[vniow]

We. Don't. Know. Period.

[wdlove]

Where the problem occurs is that you the delivery must be by the 25th of June. If you really like the current 12" PowerBook, you might be smart to go ahead and purchase.

[ubbman]

The delivery of the powerbook to my address?

I know no one knows for sure, but generally, do prices go down quickly when they announce updates, and how long is it normally between the announcement of an update and it actually being on the market?

Thanks.

[dambro1978]

powerbooks will have a new 12 or 13.3 wide screen with same hardware and some price drop.
17" will have HD screen
ibook will be discontinued in favour of the tbook (tablet book)(see latest apple patent): just a 12 screen and a detachable cover with a very thin keypad and trackpad, with same hardware as existing ibooks.

what do you think?

this is just dreaming,
i really hope at least a new case and screen for the ibook,
i'm getting bored of my white g3 600 ibook (where tiger runs decently with 384Mb Ram...)

see you all the 6th of june..

[Abstract]

They won't announce updates at WWDC. Updates are a non-event, and SJ is there to make Apple and his keynote the "event."

And a new form factor for the 12" PB and iBook won't happen until the PB line gets an entirely new form factor, and that'll happen when a new type of processor (dual core G4s!!) is put into the PB.

I'm hoping for a 12" or 13" widescreen Powerbook as well, and I'd buy it in a heartbeat once it comes out, but I have to be realistic and say it won't happen at WWDC.

[ubbman]

so there's not a very good chance that they even announce a PB update at WWDC? am I wasting my time?

[john1123]

powerbooks will have a new 12 or 13.3 wide screen with same hardware and some price drop.
17" will have HD screen
ibook will be discontinued in favour of the tbook (tablet book)(see latest apple patent): just a 12 screen and a detachable cover with a very thin keypad and trackpad, with same hardware as existing ibooks.

what do you think?

this is just dreaming,
i really hope at least a new case and screen for the ibook,
i'm getting bored of my white g3 600 ibook (where tiger runs decently with 384Mb Ram...)

see you all the 6th of june..

i think the iBook is too important a product in Apple's lineup for it to be dropped. however, a tablet certainly sounds cool! :D

[wdlove]

so there's not a very good chance that they even announce a PB update at WWDC? am I wasting my time?

Its never a waste of time to be cautious. Since you have the chance for the $100 off, you should go ahead and purchase now. If Steve were to announce something revolutionary, that would be a Rev. A. In that case most would recommend waiting till Rev. B. So why not purchase now and enjoy.

[ubbman]

Thanks.

My question then, is whether or not announcements usually come at WWDC? As in, is it a good idea to wait until June 7 or is an announcement just as likely to come at any time?

[wdlove]

Thanks.

My question then, is whether or not announcements usually come at WWDC? As in, is it a good idea to wait until June 7 or is an announcement just as likely to come at any time?

Lately Apple hasn't been following their normal protocol. Think its partially due to Apple wanting to throw off the rumors. So in answer to your question, Yes Apple could announce a product at anytime. Not just necessarily during the Keynote.

[aswitcher]

The most likely PowerBook "update" at WWDC would be the addition of a 17" model with a 1920x1200 screen. This shouldn't impact the prices of existing 12" and 15" models. What it would do to the 1440x900 17" model is an open question.


Whilst I know its the way to go we know the 17" cant run HD without dropping frames...

[ubbman]

So June 7th is as arbitrary a date for an update to be announced as any other?

[CmdrLaForge]

There will be no PB updates at WWDC (except maybe a 17" with HD res) . Updates to the PB line could happen during the Paris Expo.

The iBooks will not get dropped.

Cheers

[ubbman]

Basically, I need the thing by mid August and from what I've been hearing here, it's unlikely that the 12" PB will be updated by then. Also, I'd like to take advantage of the $100 rebate. Is the education discount normally $100 or $200? I seem to remember it being $200 without the rebate, and now they changed it to $100 with the rebate?

Thanks.

[mfacey]

Basically, I need the thing by mid August and from what I've been hearing here, it's unlikely that the 12" PB will be updated by then. Also, I'd like to take advantage of the $100 rebate. Is the education discount normally $100 or $200? I seem to remember it being $200 without the rebate, and now they changed it to $100 with the rebate?

Thanks.


Education discount is 10% I believe. NOt sure if your coupon will work combined with educ discount though! Read the fine print!

[Jschultz]

Question..

Do the powerbooks support core video? I've dabbled into software synthesizers and found that an iBook might not be for me now. The higher the cpu speed and faster the hdd, the better. I guess I wouldn't be just a 'consumer' user anymore.

Plus, the ripple effect is somewhat cool :D

[Cougarcat]

Question..

Do the powerbooks support core video? I've dabbled into software synthesizers and found that an iBook might not be for me now. The higher the cpu speed and faster the hdd, the better. I guess I wouldn't be just a 'consumer' user anymore.

Plus, the ripple effect is somewhat cool :D


Yes, all the powerbooks support core video. As for the ripple effect, from what I've heard it gets old after a while.



Education discount is 10% I believe. NOt sure if your coupon will work combined with educ discount though! Read the fine print!

The coupons do combine with the discount. It would be pointless if they didn't.

[aussie_geek]

Not another one of these threads...


Meh - PowerBook. Updates.. PEH.

PowerBooks are excellent pieces of hardware. Before you want an update, go and try one of the current models.

I think that we have realised that G5 processors and PowerBooks are not compatible at the moment.... The G4 is fast enough for MOBILE use.

If you want a 3d rendering firecracker, buy a G5. Only an idiot would buy a PowerBook for the sole purpose of CPU intensive applications.

End Rant - Pockets empty --> no more 2cent pieces left :D

aussie_geek

[absurdio]

is mac likely to have a sale of some variety, or other deal this summer? I would like a powerbook, and probably an iPod, but if there is going to be some further incentive, i would much rather wait for that. thanks

[modestmelody]

is mac likely to have a sale of some variety, or other deal this summer? I would like a powerbook, and probably an iPod, but if there is going to be some further incentive, i would much rather wait for that. thanks

Are you a student? If so, there is always a 10-15% discount on Apple Products. Also, until June 25th, they are offering an additional $100 rebate for students to be combined with the student discount It's discussed earlier in this thread.

[absurdio]

yeah, i am, but i remember a couple years ago they had a deal if u bought a powerbook then u could get 200 off an iPod, stuff like that, i am wondering if this is something they do regularly?

[Rod Rod]

Whilst I know its the way to go we know the 17" cant run HD without dropping frames...
Incorrect. The 17" can play HD video without dropping frames. Play DVCProHD material and see for yourself. If you don't have DVCProHD material, use QT Pro and export to DVCProHD from an H.264 HD trailer.

[Jschultz]

Yes, all the powerbooks support core video. As for the ripple effect, from what I've heard it gets old after a while.



The coupons do combine with the discount. It would be pointless if they didn't.

Notice my smiley face, as I am whimsical about the rippling. Maybe it would get old. I don't care. I just came from the iBook thread telling me to wait to update.

Wait...even the 12" powerbook supports core video?

[Rod Rod]

Wait...even the 12" powerbook supports core video?
All 12" PowerBooks except for the 867MHz model support Core Image / Core Video. So if you're considering a 1GHz, 1.33GHz or 1.5GHz 12" PB don't worry about CI/CV support. Of course the nVidia FX5200 Go (32MB VRAM in the 1GHz, 64MB VRAM in the 1.33GHz and 1.5GHz ones) is at the very bottom of the CI/CV hardware requirement.

[weg]

Where the problem occurs is that you the delivery must be by the 25th of June. If you really like the current 12" PowerBook, you might be smart to go ahead and purchase.

I bought one yesterday (12" superdrive), because I don't think that they'll be updated next month. I had a 12" 1.33 Combo before (it was stolen when somebody broke into my flat), the new one seems to be a bit louder (fan is running more often). So I guess if there's a PB G5 next month, it will be louder than a vacuum cleaner ;-)
Furthermore, OS X 10.4 - especially the Dashboard feature - is overhyped. I probably should have bought another 1.33 Combo, but Apple isn't selling refurbished hardware over here in Europe.

[MacHarne]

I loathe getting involved in these "Next Tuesday?!" or "At <insert nearest event here>?!" threads. But I got some information yesterday that *might* be of use for people who want to purchase PowerBooks soon.

My school, Virginia Tech, makes deals with Apple every year to sell their products on amazing discounts. Sometimes even as much as $250 below the existing educational discount. I've been waiting patiently for them to release this year's summer discount program (these discounts are not year-round), and just yesterday it was posted and sent out to students via mail.

The systems they listed will be the exact models to be sold throughout this summer to students of Virginia Tech. The PowerBooks were the current models and so were the iBooks. Perhaps it is my naivete, but since VT is going to be ordering hundreds, if not thousands, of these specific machines, it would not make much sense for Apple to go ahead and finalize these discount program if they were expecting product updates in the very near future.

However, here's my counter-point, Apple doesn't tell it's retailers or resellers anything, and I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Apple turns around and has a product update soon.

But, I'm more so leaning to the side of no-updates myself, so I'm taking my chance now to order a new 12" PB. Personally, I think the five-month period between the Rev D updates and WWDC doesn't warrant a product update.

I'll let you take this for what it's worth.

[tristan]

No updates - It's just too soon. Updates won't come until sometime between Aug and Oct.

FYI - Usually the release schedule does *not* benefit the back to school crowd. i.e. you go back to school in early september, they come out in late september or mid-october. Don't know why that is, but that seems to be the norm.

To the original poster - if you need a PB in August, then that's the time to buy one. If you miss a speed bump, so what. If you miss the PBG5, then you likely missed the buggy Rev A. And buy a refurb so you get a good deal and support a reseller. (Powermax, Small Dog, etc.)

Just whatever you do *don't* get a Dell. I'm using a Dell Lattitude right now and it's horrible. Absolutely horrible. You can't even imagine. Throw in a cubical with some chatty neighbors, and you will truly know suffering and torment.

[Jschultz]

No updates - It's just too soon. Updates won't come until sometime between Aug and Oct.

FYI - Usually the release schedule does *not* benefit the back to school crowd. i.e. you go back to school in early september, they come out in late september or mid-october. Don't know why that is, but that seems to be the norm.

To the original poster - if you need a PB in August, then that's the time to buy one. If you miss a speed bump, so what. If you miss the PBG5, then you likely missed the buggy Rev A. And buy a refurb so you get a good deal and support a reseller. (Powermax, Small Dog, etc.)

Just whatever you do *don't* get a Dell. I'm using a Dell Lattitude right now and it's horrible. Absolutely horrible. You can't even imagine. Throw in a cubical with some chatty neighbors, and you will truly know suffering and torment.


I'd most not definitely want to deal with a Rev. A G5 powerbook. I remember how much trouble the Rev. A G4's were with the Titaniums. Look at those pieces now. Pretty much falling apart, bad airport reception, overheating problems etc...just imagine what a G5 Rev A would be like.

Of course, I'm just waiting for save cash before the $100 rebate expires, saving for a 12" powerbook. As long as I won't be obsolete before I finish school in years, I'm ok. Core Image/Video? Check. Ok, thats all I needed!

[JonMaker]

i think the iBook is too important a product in Apple's lineup for it to be dropped. however, a tablet certainly sounds cool! :D

I totally agree about the importance of the iBook, but I don't think there will ever be a tablet Mac.

***NEW TABLET G5 iBOOKS NEXT TUESDAY*** :p

[punkbass25]

people seem to have this misconception about core audio and video.

EVERY SINGLE COMPUTER APPLE IS SELLING TODAY SUPPORTS CORE AUDIO & VIDEO. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. even the 12" powerbook, even the ibook, even the mini.

the diffrence is in the way it is utilized. if you have a top of the line GPU core video will run on your graphics processor this is the ideal situation. if you dont have hte best GPU core video still works it just runs on your CPU instead, this set up is good but not the best.

so unless a little ripple effect is worth a couple hundred bucks to you it doesnt matter.

[ubbman]

Ok then, it sounds like a pretty good time to buy. And from what I've been reading, if an update comes out before mid-August, it'll be a Rev. A anyway that I won't want to deal with.

Thanks all, really appreciate the help.

[tristan]

No! Wait! I just heard a rumor... :-)

No, seriously, just get it, you'll love it. These rumor sites will drive you nuts! (But we all keep coming back, don't we!)