Apple Trademarks 'Mac Pro'

[MacRumors]

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

TheStreet.com reveals (http://www.thestreet.com/tech/gamesandgadgets/10264883.html) that Apple filed for a trademark on the phrase "Mac Pro" in New Zealand in late 2005.

The November 18th 2005 filing categorizes "Mac Pro" under the classification:

computers; computer hardware; computer software; computer peripherals; notebook computers; laptop computers; tablet computers; computer servers; handheld computers; mobile computers; hard drives; audio speakers; speakers for computers; radios; cameras; video cameras; telephones; mobile telephones; personal digital assistants; electronic organizers; electronic notepads; magnetic data carriers; telephones; mobile phones; computer gaming machines; microprocessors; memories boards; monitors; displays; keyboards; computer input devices; computer cables; modems; printers; parts and accessories for all the aforesaid goods


Apple surprised many in January by rebranding the PowerBook under the name "MacBook Pro". Comments by jobs indicated that Apple wanted to use the "Mac" name in their products and that they were also moving away from the "Power" moniker.

Speculation pointed towards the iBook being renamed as the "MacBook", but this trademark might suggest that Apple was considering replacing "PowerMac" with "Mac Pro".

[azzurri000]

power will be no more.

[mavrick422]

omg, do i smell my apple treo? please god, please.

[javabear90]

Nooo.... They are going to get rid of the "PowerMac" I hate them. Ugh. And powermac even has "mac" in it.

[Peace]

Told ya so!! ;)

[realityisterror]

Lame...

I hope this Intel switch works out really well, because I don't like it so far...

The Intel iMac I met at the Apple Store a few days ago couldn't even run iTunes without crashing...

I'm sure something was just wrong with that machine, but not a very good first impression nonetheless...


:o

[Mac_Freak]

Mac Pro sounds good to me. PowerMac is so yesteryear :D

[reyesmac]

With a name change like that the new Mac Pro's better come with a hefty price cut. That would wash the bad taste in my mouth. I like TowerMac better.

[buryyourbrideau]

Can anyone be all that surprised :confused:

[Laser47]

Mac Pro is the stupidest name ive ever heard. WTF is wrong with the name PowerMac?

[PtMD]

No real surprise there...

[dual64bit]

Ah yes.. The Mac Pro.. the 34th name on the "What should we call the new macs" list.

Perhaps next year we'll see a new TAM, Thirty Anniversary Mac:cool:

[Roller]

Well, they're certainly covering all the bases. ("All your Mac Pro bases are belong to Apple.")

So we'll have MacBook, MacBook Pro, and Mac Pro. I wonder how long iMac will stay around.

[mongoos150]

The Intel iMac I met at the Apple Store a few days ago couldn't even run iTunes without crashing...
I can most definitely assure you that most iMac systems are not that way!:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[jaredbbauer]

I love that so many of you percieve that Apple cares what you think. They are working with the masses and i gaurantee that a significant amount of market research went into this decision. And yet you still complain, you gripe, you swear that you are not going to buy a product with "stupid names" and yet you still are avid fans.

I think its funny. But my favorite part has to be that you think that someone cares about your opinion.

just my 2 cents

ps - just like Apple doesn't care about your opinion I don't expect you to care about mine.

[Peace]

Mac Pro is the stupidest name ive ever heard. WTF is wrong with the name PowerMac?


I'm guessing Apple wants to get away from the PPC association..

Most folks would think a PowerMac had a PPC in it.

[anonicon]

For all you fans of Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, and whatnot, you can keep them.

I much prefer the grace and smoothness of Powermac, Powerbook, and iBook - the same smoothness that Apple computers have over their Windows and Linux competitors.

While names have nothing to do with the performance of the hardware, to say they bear no relationship to the overall attractiveness of the product is as 'correct' as saying a Maserati would be just as attractive with the name 'Fast Italian Car.'

[gardenhead]

I think promac would've sounded better. I don't think it really matters though, everyone called the powermacs G5s around here anyway. Maybe they'll call them the Core duos. Who knows.

[surroundfan]

With apologies to E.J. Thribb (17 1/2):

So, farewell then
Apple PowerMac.

"We apologise for toasting
the Pentium II
processor in public"
was one of
your catchphrases.

"Think different"
was another.

It seems that
Steve Jobs has.

[~Shard~]

Then it's settled.

Laptops: MacBook and MacBook Pro
Desktops: iMac, Mac Pro

"Power" is no more... :cool:

It'll be weird not having a PowerMac around anymore, but hey, all things have to change at some point.

[anonicon]

I'm guessing Apple wants to get away from the PPC association..

Most folks would think a PowerMac had a PPC in it.

How could they when Apple is running all those Intels Set Free ads?

I'd guess 75% or more of the people who buy Macs don't buy it because of the hardware, but because of the OS and perceived ease of use. For those of us who *do* buy it for the hardware and software, we already know they don't ship with PowerPC chips, and we also know that Apple used the Power label since before they even starting using PowerPC CPUs.

Still, good point.

[clayj]

Sounds fine to me. "MacBook Pro", "Mac Pro", and (extrapolating here) "MacBook" when the iBook replacement is announced. "Mac mini" is fine the way it is.

Seems perfectly logical.

[age234]

I think promac would've sounded better.

Yeah, I agree. I'm still not sold on "MacBook". It just sounds wierd, two one-syllable words that are so similar. Still would have preferred iMac, iBook, ProMac, ProBook.

[Stridder44]

Oh great, here come all the whiners. Yeah, yeah, you hated MacBook Pro too, but no one seems to mind now. Don't worry, it'll be fine.


Besides, it'll spank the crap out of the models before it (assuming it replaces the PowerMac name). And yeah, Pro Mac would of sounded good too, but oh well.

[WeBleed4Real]

Why don't they just call it the "Mac Daddy"?

[tjwett]

IMHO companies (especially in music software/hardware) slap the word "Pro" on anything they can. It's lame and overdone and is just a way to get certain customers to feel they "need" to have this or that in order to accomplish what they want to do. If you have to call it "Pro" it probably isn't.

[danielwsmithee]

Well, they're certainly covering all the bases. ("All your Mac Pro bases are belong to Apple.")

So we'll have MacBook, MacBook Pro, and Mac Pro. I wonder how long iMac will stay around.

It sounds like they will have all kinds of new "Mac" products. :) I personally like the new product lines with the Mac namesake.

Do we know for sure the new iBooks will be "MacBooks" could they be "iMacBook" and divide all their products as the "iMac" product line and the "Mac ... Pro" product line. It seams they are really trying to focus on the iMac as the center of the consumer digital universe. This may be part of that strategy.

Who knows they could come out with seperate "iMac mini" and a "Mac mini Pro" (Ok that one sounds really lame!). But I would love to see a taller "Mac mini" with Core Duo, standard 7200 rpm 3.5" hard drive and two DVI connectors. (Bring Back the Cube!)

[runninmac]

I really couldn't care what their new products names are as long as 3 things

1. Its not embarrassing to say
2. It runs Mac OS X
3. Has the nice apple look

[narco]

All non-Mac users are going to read these discussions and think: "man, look at all those Mac users... complaining about the name of their computer." I don't like the name, but it really doesn't matter to me that much. The word "power" is kind of funny anyway -- it's like calling it "extreme."

Fishes,
narco.

[TheMasin9]

I'm guessing Apple wants to get away from the PPC association..

Most folks would think a PowerMac had a PPC in it.

never thought about it that way... POWERpc POWERmac POWERbook....

[fawlty]

Then it's settled.

Laptops: MacBook and MacBook Pro
Desktops: iMac, Mac Pro


In the light of this new information, I would say it is more likely they will keep the name "iBook":

Consumer: iBook, iMac
Professional: MacBook Pro, Mac Pro

[plastique45]

Then it's settled.

Laptops: MacBook and MacBook Pro
Desktops: iMac, Mac Pro

"Power" is no more... :cool:

It'll be weird not having a PowerMac around anymore, but hey, all things have to change at some point.

I think more like:

iBook-MacBoom Pro (I sound like a freakin' Chicken every time I say that...)
iMac-MacPro
iPod-etc

[dsnort]

Lame...

I hope this Intel switch works out really well, because I don't like it so far...

The Intel iMac I met at the Apple Store a few days ago couldn't even run iTunes without crashing...

I'm sure something was just wrong with that machine, but not a very good first impression nonetheless...


:o

Must have been that machine. I have an iMac G5 Intel I got last week, all apps run like butter so far. Well, except for the ones that aren't supported.:rolleyes:

[anonicon]

In the light of this new information, I would say it is more likely they will keep the name "iBook":

Consumer: iBook, iMac
Professional: MacBook Pro, Mac Pro

Perhaps, but given the general graybox feel the new names have, would it really shock anyone if they decided on?:

Consumer: MacBook, iMac
Professional: MacBook Pro, Mac Pro
Audio: MacPod, MacPod Pro (in the future)

[.Andy]

Egads :eek:. Google Image Search for 'Mac Pro'

http://www.maj.com/gallery/drawne/Curve/4525070.jpg

[danielwsmithee]

In the light of this new information, I would say it is more likely they will keep the name "iBook":

Consumer: iBook, iMac
Professional: MacBook Pro, Mac Pro

All pruducts will have the "Mac" namesake. iBook is gone.

[swingerofbirch]

I love that so many of you percieve that Apple cares what you think. They are working with the masses and i gaurantee that a significant amount of market research went into this decision. And yet you still complain, you gripe, you swear that you are not going to buy a product with "stupid names" and yet you still are avid fans.

I think its funny. But my favorite part has to be that you think that someone cares about your opinion.

just my 2 cents

ps - just like Apple doesn't care about your opinion I don't expect you to care about mine.


Steve Jobs has said that he doesn't like market research or focus groups. He has said (granted, with regard to technology, not naming), that if you can identify what customers want now, by the time you bring it to market, it's too late. So, you have to know what they want before they do. Who ever would have thought they would want to carry around 60 gigs of music?

[Danksi]

I guess Podcasts are OK then - Mac Pro Podcast (http://www.macpropodcast.com/) :)

[iEdd]

Mac Pro also sounds pretty clunky, however, most of us have gotten used to macbook, so it should be easy. :)

[mlrproducts]

PowerMac = Mac Pro
Powerbook = Macbook Pro
iMac = iMac (a little odd, eh?)
then accordingly
iBook = iMacbook????

That is ignorant I tell you!

[dlastmango]

They probably cant call it "power" due to trademark issues. I dont know how that stuff works but ...maybe?:confused:

I do know that I wont be upgrading to a new Intel chip Mac for at least a year. I want (but dont need) a small laptop to run Final Cut for basic video editing rough cuts. Right now Id rather get the 12"Powerbook due to its stability but with FinalCut 6 coming out in April at NAB... Im hoping The software wont criple the G4 hardware....

[cr2sh]

Comments by jobs indicated...

The news bit on the front page failed to capitalize "jobs."

[iAlan]

...we also know that Apple used the Power label since before they even starting using PowerPC CPUs.

Still, good point.

Who's to say that PowerPc CPUs wern't named for the PowerMac?
Or was it just a coincidence...

[kwajo.com]

i don't get why no-one thinks we can still have an 'iBook'? I mean they kept the iMac name, wy not iBook too? they have a ton of apps that follow the iNoun naming style, so why not keep the iconic iMac and iBook names? who needs MacBook? :rolleyes:

[Marble]

IMHO companies (especially in music software/hardware) slap the word "Pro" on anything they can. It's lame and overdone and is just a way to get certain customers to feel they "need" to have this or that in order to accomplish what they want to do. If you have to call it "Pro" it probably isn't.


Then again, this is coming from a company that has slapped "Power" onto all of its products for years now...

The most intriguing thing about this is that if what people are saying is true, the desktop and laptop naming schemes will not be symmetrical anymore. I am still not sure they're going to get rid of "iBook." It's a very catchy name, not potentially misleading like "PowerBook," and the iMac name remains. Heck, maybe they'll introduce another thread in the laptop line called "MacBook mini" and we'll have symmetry again :p.

[guffman]

Well, they're certainly covering all the bases. ("All your Mac Pro bases are belong to Apple.")

So we'll have MacBook, MacBook Pro, and Mac Pro. I wonder how long iMac will stay around.

iMac isn't going anywhere. Apple's naming critera right now boils down to having "Mac" in the title, and the absense of the word "power". This has been said many times, but some just don't quite seem to grasp the concept. :rolleyes:

[p0intblank]

We all predicted this. :)

[danielwsmithee]

Heck, maybe they'll introduce another thread in the laptop line called "MacBook mini" and we'll have symmetry again :p.

10" widescreen sign me up!

[jruc4871]

All pruducts will have the "Mac" namesake. iBook is gone.

don't be so sure. iBooks will remain - you don't expect iMacs and iPods going anywhere, do you?

iBook, MacBook Pro
iMini (???)
iMac
Mac Pro

[anonicon]

iBlog --- please read and leave comments!

Shouldn't that be MacBlog? :D

[cr2sh]

i don't get why no-one thinks we can still have an 'iBook'? I mean they kept the iMac name, wy not iBook too? they have a ton of apps that follow the iNoun naming style, so why not keep the iconic iMac and iBook names? who needs MacBook? :rolleyes:

I said that same thing a couple days ago and someone pointed out to me that that "iMac" includes the word "Mac" which is what Steve said... the iBook, doesn't.

:D

But yeh, I thought the exact same thing.

[guffman]

I love that so many of you percieve that Apple cares what you think. They are working with the masses and i gaurantee that a significant amount of market research went into this decision. And yet you still complain, you gripe, you swear that you are not going to buy a product with "stupid names" and yet you still are avid fans.

I think its funny. But my favorite part has to be that you think that someone cares about your opinion.

just my 2 cents

ps - just like Apple doesn't care about your opinion I don't expect you to care about mine.

Just to defend those of us on this forum, we DON'T think that Apple execs sit around "caring about our opinions." This is just a place where we can discuss the things we like and dislike with the company. I'm sure that most of us here have more likes with Apple than dislikes...we are just voicing our opinion.

[Peace]

I said that same thing a couple days ago and someone pointed out to me that that "iMac" includes the word "Mac" which is what Steve said... the iBook, doesn't.

:D

But yeh, I thought the exact same thing.

Well having a MacBook Pro implies a MacBook.

or is it Macbook ? :rolleyes:

[themacman]

promac sounds a lot better then mac pro but the name still sucks powrmac should stay

[Mechcozmo]

I love that so many of you percieve that Apple cares what you think. They are working with the masses and i gaurantee that a significant amount of market research went into this decision. And yet you still complain, you gripe, you swear that you are not going to buy a product with "stupid names" and yet you still are avid fans.

I think its funny. But my favorite part has to be that you think that someone cares about your opinion.

just my 2 cents

ps - just like Apple doesn't care about your opinion I don't expect you to care about mine.

Read my 'tar people...

[rainmanbk]

Mac Pro is the stupidest name ive ever heard. WTF is wrong with the name PowerMac?

Uhh, how about the fact that it has "Power" in it, refering to the PowerPC architecture of the current generation of professional Macs? It's a pretty obvious and needed name change. I actually really like it. These new names are turning out to be simple and to the point.

Mac Pro FTW!

[portent]

It's okay, I guess. I'd prefer "MacStation." Or maybe that'll come out as the really-top-end units later?

I haven't gotten used to "MacBook Pro" yet. Too stilted and unnatural.

"Mac PowerBook" would have been much better.

[guffman]

Steve Jobs has said that he doesn't like market research or focus groups. He has said (granted, with regard to technology, not naming), that if you can identify what customers want now, by the time you bring it to market, it's too late. So, you have to know what they want before they do. Who ever would have thought they would want to carry around 60 gigs of music?

Exactly - You can thank the co-founders of Sony of that innovative thinking...Morita Akio and Ibuka Masaru in the 1950s

[p0intblank]

Shouldn't that be MacBlog? :D

Haha. Nope, that name stands! ;)

For those of you who think the name iBook will stay, I have to disagree. Jobs himself said in the keynnote that he wants the name 'Mac' in all their computer products. iMac will remain the same because 'Mac' is in there.

[cr2sh]

Well having a MacBook Pro implies a MacBook.

or is it Macbook ? :rolleyes:

While I agree that the MacBook Pro implies that there's a non-pro version... I'm not certain that the iBook becomes the MacBook.

iLife, iPod, iTunes, iMac... consumer end... I don't think you confuse the market. iMacbook. Maybe, but that ain't pretty.

:confused:

[anonicon]

Uhh, how about the fact that it has "Power" in it, refering to the PowerPC architecture of the current generation of professional Macs?

Uhh, no. Powermacs were around for over a year before the PowerPC chip was even put inside a Mac. The name of the Powermac has as much to do with the PowerPC chip as Triumph the Insult Dog does.

[verbose]

Egads :eek:. Google Image Search for 'Mac Pro'

http://www.maj.com/gallery/drawne/Curve/4525070.jpg

Very funny!!

Um, I also don't think the name really matters. But since I have nothing better to do at the moment, here goes:

1. It's ironic that the moment the PowerBook actually becomes a relatively powerful notebook, it gets de-"Power"-ed.

2. I'm still calling my MacBook Pro a PowerBook. I've had a PowerBook for over 4 years, I'm too used to saying "... my PowerBook ..."

3. I think the "i" is going to remain part of the iBook's name. Either unchanged as iBook, or as iMacBook. Jobs said he wanted the word "Mac" in new computer names, and he's 2 for 2. As weird as it sounds, I think it will be iMacBook. Weird isn't a barrier to naming anymore, friends.

4. Pineapple is very tasty.

[rainmanbk]

Uhh, no. Powermacs were around for over a year before the PowerPC chip was even put inside a Mac. The name of the Powermac has as much to do with the PowerPC chip as Triumph the Insult Dog does.

That may be true, and I apologize for assuming, but my point stands true. It is obvious Apple wants to shed the "Power" name as an obvious transition from IBM to Intel.

[guffman]

don't be so sure. iBooks will remain - you don't expect iMacs and iPods going anywhere, do you?

iBook, MacBook Pro
iMini (???)
iMac
Mac Pro

AHHHH!!! ONE more time.... it isn't the "i" that Apple is worried about! It's the lack of the word "Mac" so just becuase they have an iMac doesn't mean they'll keep iBook. does "iBook" have the word "Mac" in it? Does "iMac"?

As for iPod, it will stay of course...the new Mac branding only applies to the company's MACintosh computers.

[anonicon]

It is obvious Apple wants to shed the "Power" name as an obvious transition from IBM to Intel.

And while that's fine, I guess I'm peeved that they couldn't a find more eloquent way to name their new Intel line. I mean, when I say Mac Book Pro out loud, I feel compelled to apologize to the people I just spit on. ;)

[Peace]

While I agree that the MacBook Pro implies that there's a non-pro version... I'm not certain that the iBook becomes the MacBook.

iLife, iPod, iTunes, iMac... consumer end... I don't think you confuse the market. iMacbook. Maybe, but that ain't pretty.

:confused:

Oh.Don't get me wrong.I think there's still gonna be an iBook..

MacBook=smaller Display,HD than the "Pro"

[Laser47]

Uhh, how about the fact that it has "Power" in it, refering to the PowerPC architecture of the current generation of professional Macs? It's a pretty obvious and needed name change. I actually really like it. These new names are turning out to be simple and to the point.

Mac Pro FTW!
When the powerbooks were released they had 68K processors in it, not powerpc processors. Apple named their desktop Power Macintosh so that both of those products would share a common user group. (Oops already said)

Also I think it would sound better if they called the iBook the iMacBook or somthing like that, MacBook?

Also just because apple trademarked that name does not mean they are going to use it, so its not definitive that the powermac will be named the Mac Pro until they are announced.

[guffman]

And while that's fine, I guess I'm peeved that they couldn't a find more eloquent way to name their new Intel line. I mean, when I say Mac Book Pro out loud, I feel compelled to apologize to the people I just spit on. ;)

It is a little akward to say at first...I guess it just takes practice...like anything else...we're 2 weeks away from the first shipping models :p

[Peace]

The full line-up is getting clear now.

Laptops :

iBook--For students etc..13"--coming soon
MacBook--little more umph--15"--coming soon
MacBook Pro--high end laptop...17" coming soon

Desktops :

Mac Mini Media--for the home
iMac--little more umph
MacPro--high end desktop--superduper 12 quad dual dual quad cores :p

[guffman]

The full line-up is getting clear now.

Laptops :

iBook--For students etc..13"--coming soon
MacBook--little more umph--15"--coming soon
MacBook Pro--high end laptop...17" coming soon

Desktops :

Mac Mini Media--for the home
iMac--little more umph
MacPro--high end desktop--superduper 12 quad dual dual quad cores :p

What makes everyone so sure that the iBook is staying?

[uaaerospace]

For those of us that like the use the short notation, the change is minor.

PM = MP :rolleyes:

[nagromme]

They might change the PowerMac name--it wouldn't surprise me at this point--but they certainly don't HAVE to: it already has "Mac" in it, it has brand recognition, and the "power" (yes, formerly PPC) part can simply have a generic meaning the way it did with PowerBooks (they came before PPC). PowerBooks needed to change to connect to the "Mac" name, but PowerMacs already have that.

The name Mac Pro might happen, might not--and I don't mind the name. But this trademark filing tell us nothing either way.

* If they were going to name the towers Mac Pro, then they would file for this trademark.

* If they were NOT going to name them Mac Pro, then they would STILL file for this trademark. (To prevent other companies from using the name, a method Apple has used many times.)

So either way, they'd still trademark it. We can't tell anything from that.

But if there IS to be a whole new naming scheme, this would be the year to do it.

I don't see there being any "just plain Mac" though. That would be confusing. I think everything would be some version of Mac: MacBooks (of various kinds), iMac, and PowerMac or Mac Pro.

And maybe MacServe? I'm not sure Apple WANTS to tie the desktop Mac brand to servers, though. Different market.

[Whistleway]

In the light of this new information, I would say it is more likely they will keep the name "iBook":

Consumer: iBook, iMac
Professional: MacBook Pro, Mac Pro

right on money, i think. it also goes with ipod in consumer line.

[Avicdar]

i don't get why no-one thinks we can still have an 'iBook'? I mean they kept the iMac name, wy not iBook too? they have a ton of apps that follow the iNoun naming style, so why not keep the iconic iMac and iBook names? who needs MacBook? :rolleyes:

Not sure why people still continue to ponder or wish for 'iBook' to remain. It won't, and the reasoning is obvious.

In order to have a MacBook PRO, there has to be something that isn't PRO, i.e. the MacBook. It would be backwards from a marketing perspective to have something called PRO where there is no product with a similar name at a level below.

Also, having a naming scheme like MacBook, followed by MacBook Pro creates an obvious differential between the consumer and professional markets for the consumers. One won't need to see the prices of the two to immediately know that the Pro will be the higher end machine. Not sure the same could as easily be said about the relationship between the iBook and Powerbook lines.

[uaaerospace]

In order to have a MacBook PRO, there has to be something that isn't PRO, i.e. the MacBook. It would be backwards from a marketing perspective to have something called PRO where there is no product with a similar name at a level below.

What about the desktop line? The iMac name is the same. Why do you think the notebook lines will be different?

[guffman]

What about the desktop line? The iMac name is the same. Why do you think the notebook lines will be different?

Becuase "iMac" has "Mac" IN IT!!!!

[SiliconAddict]

Dumb^ 100

[Avicdar]

The full line-up is getting clear now.

Laptops :

iBook--For students etc..13"--coming soon
MacBook--little more umph--15"--coming soon
MacBook Pro--high end laptop...17" coming soon

Desktops :

Mac Mini Media--for the home
iMac--little more umph
MacPro--high end desktop--superduper 12 quad dual dual quad cores :p

I don't think the next Intel based power macs are going to be called MacPro's. I think there is going to be a whole new name for this line that no one has guessed yet that will set it apart. Sure, it will contain the word Mac, but it won't be something as simple as MacPro.

I know this sounds silly, but the name of this line HAS to be longer or more exotic than the name of the top end laptop.

No idea what this name will be, but I just don't think it will be MacPro. I suspect they will try and tie in some sort of affiliation with the processors used as they did with the G5.

[Avicdar]

What about the desktop line? The iMac name is the same. Why do you think the notebook lines will be different?

Does this have anything remotely to do with my point? lol

My point was, that Apple created a product called Macbook Pro. In order to justify its 'pro' status, there needs to be a product below it without the pro designation, but WITHIN the Macbook line.

Desktop strategy isn't completely clear yet with regard to names, but the argument would be the same if Apple had released something called 'iMac Pro'. I would expect them to follow up shortly thereafter with a regular 'iMac'. This of course didn't happen, because the new iMac is no more a pro machine than the previous ones were (i.e. not expandable, etc)

[bretm]

Well, they're certainly covering all the bases. ("All your Mac Pro bases are belong to Apple.")

So we'll have MacBook, MacBook Pro, and Mac Pro. I wonder how long iMac will stay around.

I believe they already released the intel version of the iMac. They called it iMac. It's not going anywhere. iBook will most likely be MacBook like you said so they have the name Mac in it. Although, to be consistent and logical, it should be the iMacBook. That's gonna be my guess.

[esaleris]

Why not just make it a "Mac iBook." I don't think it has to be consistent - otherwise, they would have changed the "iMac" name.

[WeBleed4Real]

Here's their new desktop line:

PowerMac = BIG MAC
iMac = MAC DADDY

Mac Mini = MAC Nugget

I'm lovin' it!!!!!:)

[EricNau]

Why am I not surprised?

But really, I think these names might actually work out better. I have a friend who can't figure out the differences between "PowerPC" and "Power Mac." - I must have told him hundreds of times, but I guess the names are just too similar for some to handle.

[dornoforpyros]

eh atleast their not going with g6

[milatchi]

I've got it! MacBook Pro and the...

MacBook i
or
iMacBook


Worship me.

WOR-SHIP ME!

[4God]

Mac Pro will be announced on April 1st (30 year anniversary) and displayed and shipping during the NAB show in Vegas.

[artisan002]

Now, I'm not one to just b1tch and gripe, normally.
But, I take exception here.

This would-be insider whisper is glaringly predictable. Apple only added the prefix of "Power" onto their products to identify the presence of a PowerPC spec CPU on board. It was product differentiation through branding. And it cost them rather dearly at first. Now that they're migrating away from PowerPCs all together -- and on a 2 year roadmap that we're about 6 months into already, at that -- and we see the beginnings of new names for machines that have been relieved of PowerPC processors... And anybody finds this new name floating about even the slightest bit surprising? Friggin' of course the Power Macs will be renamed Mac Pro or something to that effect. For my own part I was kind of hoping we might get back to a simple name like Macintosh. But, I did know better than to expect that simplicity. It would only appeal to a minority -- that being romantically inclined users that remember when "Power" was just the word for the switch that you flipped to turn your Apple Macintosh on with.

And iBooks are not apt to be renamed just because of this, either. If that were really going to be the case, we wouldn't be seeing a pair of iMacs running the CoreDuo. iBooks will still be iBooks. As above, so below. Obviously, Power Macs will become Mac Pros. It's not too inventive. But, it hated the name iMac for 2 or 3 years. I also thought iPod was a dopey name with no indication of what the product was or did. In both cases, the rest of the world didn't really care or have a problem with this and I got over the annoyance. I'll get over this naming convention as well. And so should anyone else fretting over this. As for any of you that were genuinely caught flat footed with this revalation of nomenclature, you might consider getting a helmet for everyday use.

[danielwsmithee]

Now, I'm not one to just b1tch and gripe, normally.
But, I take exception here.

And iBooks are not apt to be renamed just because of this, either. If that were really going to be the case, we wouldn't be seeing a pair of iMacs running the CoreDuo. iBooks will still be iBooks.
I think you are dead wrong, and everybody else that thinks the iBook name will stay needs to wake up. There are two goals for the new names. Remove "Power" from all product lines because the PowerPC will no longer be used. The second is to add "Mac" to the entire computer line as Steve Jobs mentioned. iBook is gone because there is no "Mac". They will become iMacBook, I personally prefer iMacBook rather then MacBook to keep the i for consumer products i.e. iMac, iMacBook, iLife, iMovie, iTunes, iWeb, iPhoto, iWeb, iWork, iPod etc.

I love the new product line names!

Desktop:
Mac mini
iMac
Mac Pro

Portables:
MacBook mini (Oh Please :D 10" Widescreen )
iMacBook (13.3" Widescreen)
MacBook Pro (15.4" & 17")

[Orlando Furioso]

Sounds fine to me. "MacBook Pro", "Mac Pro", and (extrapolating here) "MacBook" when the iBook replacement is announced. "Mac mini" is fine the way it is.

Seems perfectly logical.

Too bad Big Mac is already taken.

[MacinDoc]

I have been stating all along that the real reason for the name changes is to get rid of the "Power" part of the name. I still maintain (as I have from the start of the naming debate) that the names will be:

Mac Pro, MacBook Pro
iMac, iBook

IMO, the "i" is more important in the names of the consumer lines than "Mac", because "i" is widely associated by the general public with consumer products made by Apple.

Of course, iMacBook would follow the naming pattern most consistently, but I think it's too much of a a mouthful.

[Marble]

The real complaint people seem to have is that the "Mac Pro" isn't as streamlined a name as "Powermac." It's harder to move your mouth from the "ac" sound to the "p" sound than it is from "er" to "ma," and the vowel sounds are in Powermac are more sympathetic than the new title.

Despite that the new names make sense, it's not as pleasing to hear or speak them.

[danielwsmithee]

I have been stating all along that the real reason for the name changes is to get rid of the "Power" part of the name. I still maintain (as I have from the start of the naming debate) that the names will be:

Mac Pro, MacBook Pro
iMac, iBook

IMO, the "i" is more important in the names of the consumer lines than "Mac", because "i" is widely associated by the general public with consumer products made by Apple.

Of course, iMacBook would follow the naming pattern most consistently, but I think it's too much of a a mouthful.
I don't think Steve will leave iBook though ...
"It's a new name because we're kinda done with 'Power' and because we want 'Mac' in the name of our products."
Which really leaves two options "MacBook" or "iMacBook".

[guerro]

Why don't they just call it the "Mac Daddy"?


http://www.macdaddy.net/

[Meemoo]

I too think we will see an iMacBook

[guerro]

Egads :eek:. Google Image Search for 'Mac Pro'

http://www.maj.com/gallery/drawne/Curve/4525070.jpg

http://www.maccosmetics.com/

[Chundles]

They should call it "Willy."

The iBook could be "Ted"

The MacBook Pro goes to "Maurice" with the Merom chip

Mac mini becomes "Howard"

iMac becomes "Janet"

That way there can be no confusion.

[guerro]

http://www.mac-pro.com

[Glenn Wolsey]

This happened in New Zealand, awesome :D

[petej]

The name transition began with the Mac mini. However iMac just does not fit into the new scheme.
Mac mini -> iMac -> Mac Pro
It just doesn't work.

I speculate that the iMac is now becoming a name that will be synonymous with All-in-One devices. That there will be a full range of headless Mac boxes
Mac mini -> Mac -> Mac Pro and the laptop range will just be MacBook -> MacBook Pro. Of course a MacBook mini or MacBook nano would be nice addition to the range. It is probably very clear to Apple now as they expand their sales that there is a market for both a Mac mini, a Mac and a Mac Pro. The question remaining is will the Mac be single / dual core, 32/64 bit. I'd go for dual core 32 bit. The mini being single core 32 bit and the Pro being dual/quad core 64 bit.

[Dr_Maybe]

I am still not sure they're going to get rid of "iBook." It's a very catchy name, not potentially misleading like "PowerBook," and the iMac name remains.

People don't seem to understand the reasons behind the namechanges. Every third post seems to get it wrong.

Steve Jobs: "It's a new name because we're kinda done with 'Power' and because we want 'Mac' in the name of our products."

So PowerMac is gone because it has power in it. iBook is gone because it doesn't have 'mac' in it. Simple.

[oskar]

IMHO companies (especially in music software/hardware) slap the word "Pro" on anything they can. It's lame and overdone and is just a way to get certain customers to feel they "need" to have this or that in order to accomplish what they want to do. If you have to call it "Pro" it probably isn't.

I know. Final Cut Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Sountrack Pro, and Logic Pro are nowhere near professional apps. I guess I'll stick with iDVD, iMovie, iTunes, and iPhoto. These last four apps can accomplish much more.:rolleyes:

Mac Pro makes perfect sense no matter how crappy it may seem to some of us. We'll get used to it. iBook has to change because Jobs said they wanted to have "Mac" in their computer's names. MacBook would make perfect sense as well, especially since we all know that iBooks and PowerBooks were never all that different. For $1000 dollars more your laptop is Pro, made of aluminum and has a better screen.

The iMacs are one of a kind as are the iPods. Renaming them at this point makes no sense at all.
Mac Pro would just go in line with Mac mini and anything else they could put in between which is very unlikely.

[Xapplimatic]

I hate it. I'd rather hear "ProMac" (sounds like Professional Mac).. than the backwards sounding "Mac anything" names.. Luckily an iMac is still and iMac and not a Mac i !!!!

You got it backwards Apple! Switch it around.. ProMac.... ProBook.. iMac, iBook.. now THOSE make sense and don't sound as um... ebonics.

[negz]

This is my first post, been lurking for a few weeks, but I feel the unusual urge to force my opinion on the new namings upon you all.

I've never had any problem with the new MacBook Pro name, though I liked Powerbook as well. I cringe every time someone suggests the iBook will become the MacBook as if it were the gospel truth. (Yes, I know, the whole wanting 'Mac' in the product names thing. Admittedly I've not watched the keynote video yet, but I suspect people may be reading a little far into that statement.)

I personally think they will go with MacBook Pro and Mac Pro for the pro machines and retain iMac and iBook for the consumer models. Perhaps the iBook will become the iMacBook - at least that's a more obvious difference from MacBook Pro than simply the 'Pro' distinction. I very much like the idea of a 'back to the roots' naming convention - the flagship would simply be a 'Mac' with a Pro modifier so people don't get it confused with the original Macintosh. ;)

However, after all that, what interests me most is where the Mac Mini fits in. Assuming the Mac Pro and MacBook Pro names were confirmed, the Mac Mini fits in that line both aesthetically (silver/metallic) and name-wise, but it is obviously not a professional computer. Perhaps with a core solo/duo it will be positioned as more of a compact Powermac than an entry level machine. And for all those having subnotebook fantasies - MacBook Mini? :)

Hrm, that was a little rambly, but I had to get it all out.

Edit - petej's take sounds good too.

[Platform]

Why not ;)

Well I guess I have just a "Mac" then.....just fine with me :cool:

[neolenguage]

Maybe:

- iMac
- Mac Mini
- iBook

keep their names.

Everybody knows iBook by this time, it'd be a bad stategy change the name. It's possisioned and has a defined market.

And if you have two products with almost the same name (MacBook and MacBook Pro) this could be difficult for the consumer.

Mac Book Pro - New name. Ok, go away Power PC.

AND:

It'll sound extrange. But I think the name *Macintosh* will come back.

Definitly the name will not be MacPro. I think just:

The Apple Macintosh G6.

(Remember, it's Apple iPod too)

(yes, this is waste of time.)

[(L)]

Mac Pro is the stupidest name ive ever heard. WTF is wrong with the name PowerMac?

The "Power" part. I can't see how it could get any more obvious!

[artisan002]

I think you are dead wrong, and everybody else that thinks the iBook name will stay needs to wake up. There are two goals for the new names. Remove "Power" from all product lines because the PowerPC will no longer be used. The second is to add "Mac" to the entire computer line as Steve Jobs mentioned. iBook is gone because there is no "Mac". They will become iMacBook, I personally prefer iMacBook rather then MacBook to keep the i for consumer products i.e. iMac, iMacBook, iLife, iMovie, iTunes, iWeb, iPhoto, iWeb, iWork, iPod etc.

I love the new product line names!

Desktop:
Mac mini
iMac
Mac Pro

Portables:
MacBook mini (Oh Please :D 10" Widescreen )
iMacBook (13.3" Widescreen)
MacBook Pro (15.4" & 17")

Is it not possible that people are being a bit too literal, here?
iBook is a pretty well established name at this point.

That whole lower case "i" thing is just about as much an Apple thing as "Macintosh"... So, why change it, especially with it being readily identified as an Apple product? It's not like we're going to see a MacPod coming soon. I understand what you're saying. I just don't think he's being as literal as you assume him to be. And, yes, I read your qote of what he said. Besides.., iMacBook? Eww. That's entirely too close to MacBook Pro and sounds clumsy. One must remember that the core theme of marketing -- on this particular level -- is to avoid confusion for the easily confused customer with the wallet. And we have to admit that a good number of Mac and PC users are precisely that. But, they still buy computers. I've done ISP tech support for Mac and Windows before; and I've met the demographic. Hell, I still see people puzzle over the iMac, looking for the tower case that goes with that fancy monitor. Plus, in conversation (i.e. the subconscious), the suffixing word "Pro" is going to be dropped by a good chunk of the average consumers out there. It will be erroniously called the MacBook. In fact, I've already seen it happen, in person. So, converting the iBook up to iMacBook is just too close for comfort. Now, iMac Portable or iMac Pro or something -- that I can live with. But, of course, the iBooks haven't been particularly big sellers and may well be siphoning a bit of the market away from the PowerBooks and now the Mac Book Pro. That having been said, what's to keep them from 86ing the iBook altogether and just introducing a more well defined bottom rung (entry level) Mac Book? Mac Book Mini isn't a half bad idea (and I've always liked the Mini's name). But, that small a screen, as you're hoping/suggesting? No thanks. And there's the fact that rumors are circulating once again about a tablet based Mac... Now, that'd be cool. I still remember the PenMac prototype from '96. What a disgusting shame they didn't build it. And that leads to another thought. Maybe they'll just eliminate the iBook and make the next generation of iMac detachable into a portable tablet unit. Heh, a gigantic Newton. It wouldn't be too different from how they've introduced the public to new steps in development before. And it'd make sense along the 2 year roadmap. Get the chips in place and zing 'em with a new twist on an old friend. Granted, this is just as much conjecture as anything anyone else has proffered here. But, I think it would be cool.

[artisan002]

The real complaint people seem to have is that the "Mac Pro" isn't as streamlined a name as "Powermac." It's harder to move your mouth from the "ac" sound to the "p" sound than it is from "er" to "ma," and the vowel sounds are in Powermac are more sympathetic than the new title.

Despite that the new names make sense, it's not as pleasing to hear or speak them.


Well, I know I'm not too bothered by the new name.
But, I would prefer Macintosh Pro

[artisan002]

They should call it "Willy."

The iBook could be "Ted"

The MacBook Pro goes to "Maurice" with the Merom chip

Mac mini becomes "Howard"

iMac becomes "Janet"

That way there can be no confusion.

There needs to be one named "Nathan"!
Maybe Stu and Mitch...

John, George, Paul and Ringo..? Maybe? While we're at it, what about The Mac Plato and Mac Socrates? Ha ha! Make a tablet Mac and call it the Mac Moses...

[artisan002]

Maybe:

- iMac
- Mac Mini
- iBook

keep their names.

Everybody knows iBook by this time, it'd be a bad stategy change the name. It's possisioned and has a defined market.

And if you have two products with almost the same name (MacBook and MacBook Pro) this could be difficult for the consumer.

Mac Book Pro - New name. Ok, go away Power PC.

AND:

It'll sound extrange. But I think the name *Macintosh* will come back.

Definitly the name will not be MacPro. I think just:

The Apple Macintosh G6.

(Remember, it's Apple iPod too)

(yes, this is waste of time.)



Okay, G6 is out of the question entirely.
That's already an existing chip.

It's going into the Nintendo Revolution. And it's made by IBM. Plus, I don't want these things being associated with a Pontiac sedan with a ventian blind for a sunroof... I'm pretty sure it's just going to be as simple as "Mac Pro". You don't divide identification between your top tier products. They'll have to pic a naming convention and stick to it. They've already started with "MacBook Pro". So, they'll have to keep to that basic convention for the upcoming top tier desktop machines. Regardless, I still think (much like you're saying) the full name of "Macintosh" would be cool to see again.

[MacinDoc]

People don't seem to understand the reasons behind the namechanges. Every third post seems to get it wrong.

Steve Jobs: "It's a new name because we're kinda done with 'Power' and because we want 'Mac' in the name of our products."

So PowerMac is gone because it has power in it. iBook is gone because it doesn't have 'mac' in it. Simple.
Actually, it sounded like Jobs said "...we want 'Mac' in the name of our product." I listened to that section of the keynote several times, and I could not hear the plural "products", which makes sense, because he was just referring to the name of the MBP, not the entire product line.

[danielwsmithee]

Is it not possible that people are being a bit too literal, here?
iBook is a pretty well established name at this point.

I don't think it is being too literal to apply it to the entire computer line! Obviously they will not be applying it to the iPod. I'm sure they have thought the new names out long before the introduction of these products and it just seams really really lame to have a "MacBook Pro" and an "iBook". What is the point then of adding the "Pro". By itself it makes no sense, however with another portable "MacBook" or "iMacBook" it makes perfect sense and gives plenty of differentiation. iMac's and iMacBook's are white like the iPod, while the Mac Pro and MacBook Pro are aluminum.

About the 10.4" screen. That is essentially the size of a screen if you took the current 12" PowerBook and coverted it to a widescreen with the same width. It would still have the same size keyboard as the current 12" models just a shorter chin and track pad area.

I would personally like to see the Optical Drive be external, to make the thing slimmer, but I'm sure a lot of people would not like that.

[illegalprelude]

Man: what do you edit on?
Me: PowerMac (POWER keyword)

Man next year: what do you edit on?
Me: Mac Pro
Man: I like whoppers better but Big Macs ok too
Me: No...I edit on a Mac Pro
Man: oohh...you work there.
Me: No dude, I edit on it
Man: Hey, i make videos and call it an art, you make sandwitches and call it an art, its cool

:( ::rolleyes: : :o

[MacQuest]

So we'll have MacBook, MacBook Pro, and Mac Pro. I wonder how long iMac will stay around.

I'm sure they'll just drop the "i" from iMac quietly in the same way that they dropped photo from iPod photo.

Now they just gotta capitalize the "M" in mini for the Mac Mini for all the product names to be consistent.

Unless the fact that it's mini justifies the lowercase "m".

Oooh, the dilemma...

[iAlan]

...and the new 'pro' machines are around the same size, why not call them 'Big Mac' :p ;) :D

[artisan002]

I don't think it is being too literal to apply it to the entire computer line! Obviously they will not be applying it to the iPod. I'm sure they have thought the new names out long before the introduction of these products and it just seams really really lame to have a "MacBook Pro" and an "iBook". What is the point then of adding the "Pro". By itself it makes no sense, however with another portable "MacBook" or "iMacBook" it makes perfect sense and gives plenty of differentiation. iMac's and iMacBook's are white like the iPod, while the Mac Pro and MacBook Pro are aluminum.

About the 10.4" screen. That is essentially the size of a screen if you took the current 12" PowerBook and coverted it to a widescreen with the same width. It would still have the same size keyboard as the current 12" models just a shorter chin and track pad area.

I would personally like to see the Optical Drive be external, to make the thing slimmer, but I'm sure a lot of people would not like that.


I agree with Macindoc on this...
I don't think Jobs is pluralizing.

Besides, if he were going to comment about the whole line of computers, his typical form would be to make a more magnanmous statement than to just drop it in like that. But, this is all a matter of opinions rather than proven facts.

And the point of adding the "Pro"? To differentiate their two tiers of products as much as possible. Color of the shell is not enough. In fact color is proven to be somewhat irrelevant to a large portion of the buying public. Same said for names. So, cover your bases properly by differentiating both and more... As for the Mac Pro, we'll have to wait and see what really comes of it. No one here has any actual insider tracks. And I rather like it that way. I like to be mildly surprised with what Apple finally does release. And I'd like Apple (most any company, really) to maintain product confidentiality, if for no other reason than to see the competition actually fight to develop something on their own.

And I figured on how you were factoring the 10" screen for your suggestion on a MacBook Mini. I just can't stand small screens. Hence a simple "no thanks" remark. It's a personal thing. They make me squint too much and I have a "lensing" blind spot almost in the middle of my left eye. So, by default I need and prefer a larger screen. Nothing more than that. If it must be something more than a personal preference, I'd argue that nobody else's tiny laptops of that size sell worth a damn. And if Apple were going to go that small, I'd rather see them jump into an updated Newton instead. In fact, I'm a little surprized the iPod hasn't morphed completely into something of that calibre. Of course, with the addition of video functions, maybe we'll see that next. I know I'm banking the next iPod to be all screen on the front. Certainly a bigger one with cinema screen layout, at the very least.

[BlueRevolution]

new naming convention, following the wisdom of past name developments:

PowerBook -> MacBook Pro
Power Mac -> MacMac Pro
iMac -> MacMacDesktopBook Personal
iBook -> iMacMacDesktopBook Personal Portable
Mac Mini -> Mac Syphilis



I'd also like to add that MacBook Pro could indeed be a way of making differentiation between the iBook and the MacBook easier - without the Pro what potential switcher can tell which is the higher cost/spec one? not that I'm happy with the trend to Pro as a naming convention...

while we're off topic, I think artisan002 hit the nail on the head with the all screen iPod. imagine an iPod of the same size as the current iPod Video, but with the entire front replaced with a (scratch resistant :p ) touchscreen. then when you want to navigate, you simply press a button on the side and a click wheel appears. I guess they'd have to work out some sort of tactile feedback so you can navigate without looking, but it could work nicely. plus it would be widescreen, and rival the PSP for screen real estate.

mmmm that would be sacrilicious.

[artisan002]

new naming convention, following the wisdom of past name developments:

PowerBook -> MacBook Pro
Power Mac -> MacMac Pro
iMac -> MacMacDesktopBook Personal
iBook -> iMacMacDesktopBook Personal Portable
Mac Mini -> Mac Syphilis

Dude, you are a sick sick person...
Quite naturally, I approve.

[fearless]

Nice of Apple to make use of New Zealand's public offices to secure its worldwide IP.

Odd to choose a country which it deems of too little significance to offer access to an iTunes Store, where we're billed in Australian dollars for .Mac and QuickTime Pro despite having a perfectly good currency of our own... I guess we're good for something.

[Mitch1984]

Ah yes.. The Mac Pro.. the 34th name on the "What should we call the new macs" list.

Perhaps next year we'll see a new TAM, Thirty Anniversary Mac:cool:


That's what I thought, I can't beleive you said it 1st. I reckon it will be a 30th Special Anniversary Edition Black iMac!!

[pknz]

Why New Zealand of all places?

[DeVizardofOZ]

For all you fans of Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, and whatnot, you can keep them.

I much prefer the grace and smoothness of Powermac, Powerbook, and iBook - the same smoothness that Apple computers have over their Windows and Linux competitors.

While names have nothing to do with the performance of the hardware, to say they bear no relationship to the overall attractiveness of the product is as 'correct' as saying a Maserati would be just as attractive with the name 'Fast Italian Car.'

:D Well, I think you have a very valid point there. Names make products! The association of a name to a superior product is the best that can happen to a company. PowerMac suggested POWER and quality (at least that's what less than 95% of the computer owners thought...:confused: ).
Of course the understanding for the new label has to be given a chance. And it will.
I just read, that DELL and others are now getting the same CORE DUO chips. Let the sane minds of buyers:p decide which one is really the best product.
I firmly believe, that QUALITY CONTROL and SUPERIOR SERVICE/SUPPORT, as well as FIRST CLASS SOFTWARE will in the end make up a SUPERIOR PRODUCT.

CIAO
DeVIZARDofOZ:)

[DeVizardofOZ]

That's what I thought, I can't believe you said it 1st. I reckon it will be a 30th Special Anniversary Edition Black iMac!!

The next step for APPLE's computers is Intel's 64Bit Mehron(?) or Meron(?).
I am sure this powerhouse of achip will go into both, the 17" MacBook and as quattros into the desktop units. BUT, it will also be sold to other makers of hardware... [/QUOTE]

I see a bright future for APPLE. Buy their stock!

CIAO
DeVozardofOZ:D

[Forced Perfect]

I'm sure this has been pointed out already, but I didn't read all the posts (hey, I gotta go to work soon, dammit!) but why does this smell of the PowerBook G3 naming stupidity again?

Just wait, we'll have 30 new models all called the Mac Pro and they'll all be completely different. haha

[bugfaceuk]

I really couldn't care what their new products names are as long as 3 things

1. Its not embarrassing to say
2. It runs Mac OS X
3. Has the nice apple look

All hail the voice of reason!

Seriously, Mac Book, Mac Pro, they don't feel as strong as PowerMac or PowerBook, but I'm not sure that is really going to affect "Joe Bloggs"... I'm mean,

DELL 3360

Is hardly awe inspiring is it?

[Glen Quagmire]

Why not just make it a "Mac iBook." I don't think it has to be consistent - otherwise, they would have changed the "iMac" name.

Who says that the iMac name is not going to change when Merom/Conroe/Woodcrest come out and Apple launch replacements for the current Core Duo iMac and MacBook Pros that aren't stop-gap solutions? Completely new designs, completely new names?

Mac mini = Mac mini
iMac = Mac
PowerMac = Mac Pro
iBook = MacBook
Powerbook = MacBook Pro

By the same token that "MacBook Pro" indicates there is a non-"Pro" model, surely "Mac Pro" indicates that there is a non-"Pro" model as well, namely the "Mac"? Unless, of course, Apple are bringing out a new computer that fits between the current iMac and the PowerMac.

Steve had no qualms about throwing the "Powerbook" name in the trash after all these years. Why would he have misgivings about getting rid of "iMac" as well?

[Project]

Im pretty sure it will remain iBook.

We will have the iBook, and the Macbook Pro.

Look at the software offerings:

iMovie > Final Cut PRO
IDVD > DVD Studio PRO

There isnt *just* a DVD Studio, or a Final Cut (granted, there is FC Express, but it isnt just FC on its own, which is my point)

Logic Pro, Soundtrack Pro etc dont have a single word alternative to indicate a consumer/prosumer line. Im saying the iBook will use the BOOK out of MacBook Pro and not the Mac.

IMO, the 'i' designation is more known within the public to represent Macs than Mac itself...

[bugfaceuk]

Nice of Apple to make use of New Zealand's public offices to secure its worldwide IP.

Odd to choose a country which it deems of too little significance to offer access to an iTunes Store, where we're billed in Australian dollars for .Mac and QuickTime Pro despite having a perfectly good currency of our own... I guess we're good for something.

Don't forget rugby, you're very good at that.

And fruit.

[Stella]

Whine whine moan moan.

Get A Life.

Don't you have any thing better to do than to complain about a name of a computer?

How your life must be sooo dull and boring you have nothing better to do.

[Project]

Whine whine moan moan.

Get A Life.

Don't you have any thing better to do than to complain about a name of a computer?

How your life must be sooo dull and boring you have nothing better to do.

While im not complaining about the Mac Pro name (I like it), the naming of a product is extremely important in regards to marketing. Its definitely an issue that is worth debating. Indeed, its worth noting that Sony has been unable to match the success of the 'Walkman', despite having lots of good products in the field. May I say the name Net MD WX2104 or something similar doesnt role off the tongue, and hurts viral marketings potential.

[amateurmacfreak]

I can most definitely assure you that most iMac systems are not that way!:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
But just in case, get an iMac G5 and be stuck with the old iMac with me!! :D ;) :cool:

[LACOSTE]

Then it's settled.

Laptops: MacBook and MacBook Pro
Desktops: iMac, Mac Pro

"Power" is no more... :cool:

It'll be weird not having a PowerMac around anymore, but hey, all things have to change at some point.

Apple is aiming for less variety, a more stream lined offering is on the way in both portables and desktops. Maybe clearing the way for a new Apple tablet called MacPad, the MacPhone.... or whatever Mac-somethings steve jobs have approved.

Just pray that they dont change iPod to MacPod. Or heads will roll. lol

[eric_n_dfw]

That may be true, and I apologize for assuming, but my point stands true. It is obvious Apple wants to shed the "Power" name as an obvious transition from IBM to Intel.

When the powerbooks were released they had 68K processors in it, not powerpc processors. Apple named their desktop Power Macintosh so that both of those products would share a common user group. (Oops already said)
While it's true that the PowerBook name predated the use of PowerPC chips - please show me a link to the specs on any PowerMac that used a non-PowerPC chip.

AFAIK, the first PowerMacs were introduced in 1994: the 6100/60, 7100/66 and 8100/80. They had the same/similar cases to 680x0 based Mac's before them, but they all used the PowerPC 601 chip. (Thus the name change to Power Macintosh)

IMO, Mac Pro is a little odd sounding, but Macintosh Pro isn't for some reason. (more formal maybe)

[Chupa Chupa]

"Mac Pro" is a great name, and much more natural than "MacBook Pro." I'm an old timer. I remember when Macs were Macs so it's not that big of a hurdle to get over. But unlike the old days when Macs had cryptic names like Mac Quadra, Mac Centris, Mac SE, an Mac LC, I can easily understand what a Mac Pro is. It's a Mac for professionals. Better yet, the avg joe PC switcher can walk into an Apple store and understand what a Mac Pro is too. No, the Mac Pro name is no uber slick, but it is simple and won't scare the masses away. Brilliantly simple.

[Project]

"Mac Pro" is a great name, and much more natural than "MacBook Pro." I'm an old timer. I remember when Macs were Macs so it's not that big of a hurdle to get over. But unlike the old days when Macs had cryptic names like Mac Quadra, Mac Centris, Mac SE, an Mac LC, I can easily understand what a Mac Pro is. It's a Mac for professionals. Better yet, the avg joe PC switcher can walk into an Apple store and understand what a Mac Pro is too. No, the Mac Pro name is no uber slick, but it is simple and won't scare the masses away. Brilliantly simple.

Exactly.

But the difficult thing is making the consumer level computer not seem crippled. For instance, many companies use the word 'lite' to indicate its use. Bad move in my opinion. To me, iMac is perfect for the consumer analogy. It has its own mystique to it, and, coupled with the design means that most people buying it wont feel like they got a crippled machine when they didnt get the Mac Pro.

Thats why I feel its necessary to keep the iBook name. Macbook merely indicates a crippled Macbook Pro imo.

[gregarious119]

I really couldn't care what their new products names are as long as 3 things

1. Its not embarrassing to say
2. It runs Mac OS X
3. Has the nice apple look

A-freaking-men.

The "Mac" Theme isn't really that bad. It's just different. I do like "PowerMac" but I can understand why they want to move away from it. And "MacPro" isn't that bad of an alternative given the other choices.

As long as it's still an Apple...what are we still complaining about?

[DeVizardofOZ]

"Mac Pro" is a great name, and much more natural than "MacBook Pro." I'm an old timer. I remember when Macs were Macs so it's not that big of a hurdle to get over. But unlike the old days when Macs had cryptic names like Mac Quadra, Mac Centris, Mac SE, an Mac LC, I can easily understand what a Mac Pro is. It's a Mac for professionals. Better yet, the avg joe PC switcher can walk into an Apple store and understand what a Mac Pro is too. No, the Mac Pro name is no uber slick, but it is simple and won't scare the masses away. Brilliantly simple.

Agreed. Maybe it is not the best choice.
However, from one oldtimer to another, Mac Pro would not be sufficient in order to distinguish a "Book" from a desktop machine. So Jobs and crew used the next best thing. I said in an earlier post today, that NAMES make products, and the consumer associates the name with the quality. So now it is time for APPLE to offer not just a name, but quality, the latter of which has not been up to top notch standard recently. Lots of my friends had problems with screens, and batteries on 15+17" models. Quality control cannot be replaced with just a brandname. In order ot be successful it mustcome together.

CIAO
DeVizardofOZ:p

[Chupa Chupa]

Thats why I feel its necessary to keep the iBook name. Macbook merely indicates a crippled Macbook Pro imo.

Yeah, I think "iMacBook" would be better myself. That way Apple could consolidate the pro and consumer names better i.e., "Mac," and "iMac." Of course then the Mac mini is hanging out there. Maybe they'll rename it the Mac Media if they shove all the rumored A/V goodies into it.

[AidenShaw]

Actually, it sounded like Jobs said "...we want 'Mac' in the name of our product." I listened to that section of the keynote several times, and I could not hear the plural "products", which makes sense, because he was just referring to the name of the MBP, not the entire product line.
"Product" can be used as a collective noun, referring to the entire product line.

For example - "Disney's product is entertainment."

I would hesitate to put too much significance in whether or not Jobs' added an "s"....

[maya]

"Mac" in the name is the new "i." :eek:

Think about it, Apple will soon transition the "i" recognition to the iPod line and the "Mac" to the hardware line. Therefore:

iPod Shuffle
iPod Nano (formerly iPod Mini)
iPod (formerly iPod Photo)

Mac Mini
Mac (formerly iMac)
Mac Pro (formerly PowerMac)
Mac Book (formerly iBook)
Mac Book Pro (formerly PowerBook)

Seems quite clear where Steve Jobs and Apple are heading, so why complain. :confused: ;) :)

Branding 101: The iPod is already connected with Apple Computers, why not hitch a ride on that and popularize the name "Mac" in the process. :D

[Mitch1984]

Steve had no qualms about throwing the "Powerbook" name in the trash after all these years. Why would he have misgivings about getting rid of "iMac" as well?

I believe if Steve was going to change the name of the iMac to just 'Mac' he would've changed it at MWSF 2006.

It's going to be:
Mac Pro
MacBook Pro
MacBook/iMacbook (Definately not MacBook Lite)
iMac
MacMini

[asxtb]

I'd have to say that Apple will keep the iBook. The "i" just as well known as the "Mac" in Apple products. When you think of iLife, iTunes, iPod, iMac, iTrip you think of Apple. Apple doesn't even make the iTrip but you still think of Apple when you hear it. And I really doubt that Apple with change the name of the iPod anytime soon. I think they will have an "i" line and and "pro" line.

They could even go the same direction with software. Why not have a ProLife or ProCal version of software. It could be a semi-pro version. (Since Apple has actual pro software available.)

But what do I know...

[maya]

I believe if Steve was going to change the name of the iMac to just 'Mac' he would've changed it at MWSF 2006.

It's going to be:
Mac Pro
MacBook Pro
MacBook/iMacbook (Definately not MacBook Lite)
iMac
MacMini


It is quite possible as the x86 iMac has not seen a face lift that Jobs and Co decided not to change the name until it received that exterior change. ;) :)

Many associate the name "iMac" with the original small blue desktop. :)

[maya]

I'd have to say that Apple will keep the iBook. The "i" just as well known as the "Mac" in Apple products. When you think of iLife, iTunes, iPod, iMac, iTrip you think of Apple. Apple doesn't even make the iTrip but you still think of Apple when you hear it. And I really doubt that Apple with change the name of the iPod anytime soon. I think they will have an "i" line and and "pro" line.

They could even go the same direction with software. Why not have a ProLife or ProCal version of software. It could be a semi-pro version. (Since Apple has actual pro software available.)

But what do I know...


The "i" is overly used now days by Apple and others, I believe its time for a change. "i" will still live in the iPod line and the consumer software line. :)

[Mitch1984]

It is quite possible as the x86 iMac has not seen a face lift that Jobs and Co decided not to change the name until it received that exterior change. ;) :)

Many associate the name "iMac" with the original small blue desktop. :)

Maybe but I wouldn't say the MacBook is really much of a case facelift from the PowerBook.
I have to say I'm looking forward to the next iMac, I going to dig my heals in for a merom based iMac with a blu-ray drive and a new case design. Hopefully we might see one by Autumn.
What does everything think?

[WeBleed4Real]

Steve Jobs: "It's a new name because we're kinda done with 'Power' and because we want 'Mac' in the name of our products."

So PowerMac is gone because it has power in it. iBook is gone because it doesn't have 'mac' in it. Simple.

So from this 'simple' logic, this year we should expect to see the MacPod (I'm sure that will help sell...)

[DeVizardofOZ]

Could someone help me with this! :confused:
I downloaded a picture intended as my avatar, can actually see it as my profile picture, but there is no indication that this IS my avatar....
Need to know how to... step 1 etc.

Thanks
DeVizardofOZ:p

[MacinDoc]

"Product" can be used as a collective noun, referring to the entire product line.

For example - "Disney's product is entertainment."

I would hesitate to put too much significance in whether or not Jobs' added an "s"....
That's true if you are referring to a concept, such as "Apple's product is technology", not individual products, such as "Apple's product is computer".

In any case, I'm not trying to read anything into what Steve said - I'm not even sure exactly what he said. I'm just trying to say that people are reading too much into one or two words from Steve (gee, when has that ever happened before), and posters should not use what they thought they heard as a basis to suggest that anyone who disagrees with them is foolish.

[Yvan256]

I'm guessing Apple wants to get away from the PPC association..

Most folks would think a PowerMac had a PPC in it.

I guess the next "iMac" will simply be called "Mac", then... :confused: (if not, they'd have to keep the iBook name...)

[Yvan256]

Steve had no qualms about throwing the "Powerbook" name in the trash after all these years. Why would he have misgivings about getting rid of "iMac" as well?

There has to be some unconscious link between "iPod" and "iMac"... :confused:

[DeVizardofOZ]

It is quite possible as the x86 iMac has not seen a face lift that Jobs and Co decided not to change the name until it received that exterior change. ;) :)

Many associate the name "iMac" with the original small blue desktop. :)


I think the iBook will be just MacBook (no Pro)

CIAO
DeVizardofOZ:p

[Yvan256]

Logic Pro, Soundtrack Pro etc dont have a single word alternative to indicate a consumer/prosumer line. Im saying the iBook will use the BOOK out of MacBook Pro and not the Mac.

Steve did say they wanted to put the emphasis on "Mac", too. The name "iBook" doesn't tell anyone that it's a Mac.

By going with the names Mac, Mac mini, Mac Pro, MacBook and MacBook Pro, they have "Mac" in all the names.

The only name they could keep would be "iMac", for its association with "iPod".

Then again, isn't it the Mac's 30th anniversary in 2006?

[peharri]

Mac Pro is the stupidest name ive ever heard. WTF is wrong with the name PowerMac?
Erm, everything?

Here's a blog entry which explains the issue with the "Power" prefix: http://slashdot.org/~squiggleslash/journal/127402 - the comment is aimed at the PowerBook, but it's relevent to the PowerMac too in that the major principle behind the name, directly or indirectly, was the late eighties-early nineties obsession with the word "Power". PowerMacs were Apple's latest Macs, implemented with PowerPCs, but arguably the name was chosen as much because it fit in with the PowerBook laptop name (which was named prior to the PowerPC switch) as it was because of an obscure technical choice (PowerPCs in the computers instead of 68000s.) And PowerPCs themselves come from this naming/marketing obsession, with IBM choosing POWER in the mid-eighties to get over the associations between RISC and crippled-functionality.

Had it come out five years earlier, we'd probably be using SuperMacs or TurboMacs. PowerPoint, probably the most stupid sounding name in the universe given it's describing a slideshow, is named for same reason as the PowerBook (and thus PowerMac.)

I think Mac Pro is an excellent name. It's descriptive. It highlights the word Mac. It says "These are the Macs for professionals, the more serious models" rather than "This is the version of the Mac that has power, because (implied), y'know, our regular Macs suck." It's timeless rather than a fad name.

The nearest thing I can think of to a problem is that this is happening at the same time as the PowerPCs being dropped and, to a certain extent, reflects that. The PowerPCs being replaced by Intels certainly is sad, it marks an end to Apple as the last maker of a truly independent, innovative, set of mass-market computers. But the name switch could have happened without that, and arguably should have happened anyway.

[nataku]

Mac Pro is the stupidest name ive ever heard. WTF is wrong with the name PowerMac?

lolz. are you serious? If you didn't know, they got the "Power" from the PowerPC arcitechture. Using the PowerMac name on its forthcoming Intel version would be totally ridiculous.

You don't have a choice anyway.

[nataku]

Im pretty sure it will remain iBook.

We will have the iBook, and the Macbook Pro.



I doubt that my friend. If you watched the MW webcast, Steve said they wanted to have the name "Mac" on their computers. Having said that, I do believe that it will be renamed as the MacBook.

[Yvan256]

I'm quite glad to know the Mac mini will keep its name.

... I see no reason to change it.

... They won't change it, will they?

I mean, it's a Mac, and it's mini. It's a Mac mini!

The only thing I'm hoping for is that they keep the form factor (6.5"x6.5"... Don't care about the height, especially if I can get a Mac mini Pro).

[peharri]

I believe if Steve was going to change the name of the iMac to just 'Mac' he would've changed it at MWSF 2006.

It's going to be:
Mac Pro
MacBook Pro
MacBook/iMacbook (Definately not MacBook Lite)
iMac
MacMini
I think you're right. Plus it wouldn't make sense. The iMac does not belong to the same line of Macs as the Mac Pro and Mac Mini. The iMac is an all-in-one deal, plug it in and you're set to go. The Mac Pro and Mac Mini are not AIOs, and are intended to be part of a larger system.

Actually, this kind of makes things interesting. Let's suppose the Mac mini survives and is not replaced by the oft-rumoured but yet-to-appear set top box that the lattest rumours claim will happen. This means we have the following lines of computers:

Mac series:
Mac mini
Mac Pro

MacBook series:

Macbook
Macbook Pro

iMac series (one off)

iMac

There are some obvious holes here where there's an apparent market:

There's no "Mac", a theoretical low-to-medium cost Mac with internal expansion capabilities. Think: Power of a Mac mini, but with a couple of external drive bays plus an internal 3.5" bay occupied with a regular hard disk, and several RAM slots, in a sub-mini-tower probably for $999 for the base model.

There's no Macbook mini, which there doesn't need to be, but I suspect there'd be a market for (people keep posting here about wanting an iBook or PowerBook with a 10" widescreen and no optical drive)

I doubt the iMac would expand the same way, though the "Plasma TV" rumour gave one possible direction, but that remains a consumer product. I don't see an iMac Pro (or for obvious reasons an iMac Mini) being a practical proposition or something anyone would want.

This does not constitute speculation on what Apple is doing, just where the holes are and where they might decide to eventually go from here.

[crees!]

So in the wrong thread!

[modernpixel]

I'm not so sure that Apple is going to hack the i off the front end of everything. Especially given the popularity of the iPod and brand recognition of "iMac". Consider this alternative instead:

Flagship Consumer Computer Products
iMac
iBook

Flagship Consumer Electronic Products
iPod
iPod nano
iPod shuffle

Flagship Consumer Software Products
iTunes
iPhoto
iMovie
iDVD

Flagship Prosumer Software Products
Pages (iWork)
Keynote (iWork)

Flagship Pro Computer Products
Mac Pro
MacBook Pro
(pro moniker makes sense because it matches pro software, as someone said.)

Flagship Pro Software Products
Final Cut Pro
DVD Studio Pro
Soundtrack Pro
Motion (has no consumer counterpart - does have second-cousin Shake - no "Pro" moniker.)

Product Enigmas
Mac mini (rumors suggest this might transform into a living room component.) Jobs has also never shown any great love or attention for the mini - possible that it was never meant to be a cheap Mac alternative?


Although the MacBook name in particular is a bit clunky to get used to, Apple has a long proven track record for very wise branding moves. I mean, who didn't say the day the iPod was announced "the i what?"

If they really want to go for broke, I'd like to see them drop the "i" off of everything but consumer electronics and software. Leaving us with what others suggested:

Mac
MacBook
Mac mini

Mac Pro
MacBook Pro

There is something sublimely simple and "Apple" about that.

Joe

[mikeray]

I love that so many of you percieve that Apple cares what you think. They are working with the masses and i gaurantee that a significant amount of market research went into this decision. And yet you still complain, you gripe, you swear that you are not going to buy a product with "stupid names" and yet you still are avid fans.

I think its funny. But my favorite part has to be that you think that someone cares about your opinion.

just my 2 cents

ps - just like Apple doesn't care about your opinion I don't expect you to care about mine.

apple may not care what we say, but macrumors does, and that is why we have the option to comment on rumors.

[paradillon]

I have only had time to skim the thread so I'm sorry if this has been covered, but I think people shouldn't be tied to the iMac name so much. The current iMac is the Mac. Apple needs to drop the "i" and get back to just being the Mac (or Macintosh for that matter). Placing the i on Mac originally connoted that the computer was a less than pro machine. I never really liked the "i" designation. Now with the pro designation the "i" becomes redundant. It seems some people become very adverse to change, but this new naming scheme is a move in the right direction.

[bugfaceuk]

I'm not so sure that Apple is going to hack the i off the front end of everything. Especially given the popularity of the iPod and brand recognition of "iMac". Consider this alternative instead:

...

Joe

Argh, please don't post in bloated fonts, esp. when it doesn't seem like you are posting anything new.

[merkhet]

I think everyone here is avoiding the real issue, which is that with the change of name from PowerMac to Mac Pro, these computers will no longer be the quality machines that we have come to know and love.

As we all know, the name of the computer affects everything from the clock speed of the CPU to the cooling mechanism of the tower to the size of the hard drive.

"That which we call a rose / By any other word would not smell as sweet."

[peharri]

I have only had time to skim the thread so I'm sorry if this has been covered, but I think people shouldn't be tied to the iMac name so much. The current iMac is the Mac. Apple needs to drop the "i" and get back to just being the Mac (or Macintosh for that matter). Placing the i on Mac originally connoted that the computer was a less than pro machine. I never really liked the "i" designation. Now with the pro designation the "i" becomes redundant. It seems some people become very adverse to change, but this new naming scheme is a move in the right direction.

This may be true, but the Mac mini and Mac Pro both belong to a line logically distinct from the iMac. So unless they intend to do some renaming there, some sort of differentiation should still be employed highlighting the difference between three box and AIO designs.

I'm desperately hoping that the Mac mini isn't going to be dropped and replaced by an STB, BTW.

[danielwsmithee]

I agree with Macindoc on this...
I don't think Jobs is pluralizing.

Besides, if he were going to comment about the whole line of computers, his typical form would be to make a more magnanmous statement than to just drop it in like that. But, this is all a matter of opinions rather than proven facts.

You are right everything we are saying is just our opinion so we will have agree to disagree on the naming of the iBook. If your right you have the right to rub it in on the message boards, but obviously I don't think that you will be.

As far as the 10" screen goes. An ultra-portable will not be their best seller, but there will be plenty of people out there that would buy it to make a very decent profit, obviously it is not for everyone. Sony & Toshiba have done very well with their ultra-portables.

I would love a small screen as long as it has high resolution so that you can still have decent amount of screen real-estate. My biggest pet peave now is how low the resolution of Apple portable screens are but then again I have excellent vision. They did make improvments recently with the PowerBooks but the 14" iBook is a joke, I'm glad they are getting rid of it.

My guess is that you will see things change after the release of Leopard and it's Resolution independent GUI. The Dell Laptop I have at work (kringe) has an awesome 15.4" widescreen WUXGA (1920x1200) display. I love it you can fit 3 pages side by side and still comforably read everything. I must admit though while Windows XP does not have a decent implementation of resolution indepence at least there is something!

[anonicon]

As we all know, the name of the computer affects everything from the clock speed of the CPU to the cooling mechanism of the tower to the size of the hard drive.

Well, if you're going to engage in sarcasm, I'd suggest you call your Mac the Toilet, or the iToilet, or the ToiletBook/ToiletBook Pro. I mean, it's what's beneath the hood that counts - names aren't important, right?

Should you decide to actually call a Powerbook a Mac Book Pro, please have the decency to look away from your target audience so that they're not showered with spit. :D

[bugfaceuk]

I think everyone here is avoiding the real issue, which is that with the change of name from PowerMac to Mac Pro, these computers will no longer be the quality machines that we have come to know and love.

As we all know, the name of the computer affects everything from the clock speed of the CPU to the cooling mechanism of the tower to the size of the hard drive.

"That which we call a rose / By any other word would not smell as sweet."

I'm clinging to the fact that you MUST be joking.

[bigandy]

In the light of this new information, I would say it is more likely they will keep the name "iBook":

Consumer: iBook, iMac
Professional: MacBook Pro, Mac Pro


i agree.

[bigandy]

i'm officially stopping reading this thread, because everyone is getting very petty in using BIG FONTS and BOLD to stress their views about what apple's new machines should be called.

[ejgisbert]

Maybe the iBook 'per se' will dissapear entirely from the portables lineup.
I mean, Apple now has the MacBook Pro (I'm Ok with this name, after all, it's just a name) and maybe they'll introduce the MacBook; a cheaper, lower end laptop with a big resemblance to the 'Pro' in aspects of looks (Same case, smaller screen, less specs, you get the idea).

I know this sounds off, but consolidating the laptop lines would save some money (materials, manufacturing process and so on).

And people would still have a choice of laptops, being them: cheap (and low specs), reasonably priced (and reasonable specs) and of course, the always omnipresent high end, overpriced (but with not so high specs) portable.

Just my 1 hundreth of a cent.

[merkhet]

Well, if you're going to engage in sarcasm, I'd suggest you call your Mac the Toilet, or the iToilet, or the ToiletBook/ToiletBook Pro. I mean, it's what's beneath the hood that counts - names aren't important, right?

Should you decide to actually call a Powerbook a Mac Book Pro, please have the decency to look away from your target audience so that they're not showered with spit. :D

Sarcasm? What is this sarcasm you speak of? I'm not familiar with this concept. Would you please explain it to me? :)

Actually, I call my iMac Grogg the Destroyer, which causes the Dual Cores to instantanously turn into Quad Cores. I think if I called it the iToilet, it'd turn into an AMIGA -- I'll have to look into that.

Btw, just to satisfy my own curiosity... did you find any humor in the fact that in responding to my post about avoiding the issue that you... avoided the issue by resorting to a glib ad hominem? Or is that just me?

[_bnkr612]

it's been said already. (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=2080793#post2080793)

[sintaxi]

Mac Pro sounds Awesome. the power thing sounds so silly.

[anonicon]

Btw, just to satisfy my own curiosity... did you find any humor in the fact that in responding to my post about avoiding the issue that you... avoided the issue by resorting to a glib ad hominem? Or is that just me?

Yes, it's just you, and it's all in your head. Well, no, not really. When my sarcasm detector goes off, I find it really hard to create a constructive response when there's so much more fun to be had with a sarcastic reply. :) I call it the John Cleese Syndrome.

My final word on this whole sordid renaming process is that I'll be buying an iBook when they come out this Spring. I'll also be buying a loaded Homey The Clown sock to use against anyone who uses these new name monstrosities around me.

[geeyesgee]

MacDesk Pro
MacBook Pro

iMacDesk
iMacBook

Mac mini
big Mac --oops that's taken

[jouster]

lolz. are you serious? If you didn't know, they got the "Power" from the PowerPC arcitechture. Using the PowerMac name on its forthcoming Intel version would be totally ridiculous.

You don't have a choice anyway.

I don't think this is correct. They were using the "Power-" prefix as early as 1991 in PowerBook 100s. Those had Motorola MC68HC000 processors, which wern't PPC-based. By the time Power Macs came along, the name was well established thanks to the notebooks, and I would suggest that they used it for that reason. The PPC architecture had nothing to do with it.

[chibianh]

In the end, I think the name isn't that important. As long as the hardware kicks ass and the machine looks nice, I'm going to get one. Most PC people only know Macs by... yep, Macs. Whether it's PowerMac, iMac, iBook, or PowerBook, they'll just say "Macs suck" or "How's your Mac?" Mac people, like you and I, might care a bit more about the name, but we all already know what the machine is like.

So, I'll be one of the first in line to order a Mac Pro when they're available. My PowerMac G5 1.6ghz is still serving me well, but it's been 3 years and it is time to upgrade.

[tk421]

MacDesk Pro
MacBook Pro

iMacDesk
iMacBook

Mac mini
big Mac --oops that's taken

I think it would be:

Mac Pro
MacBook Pro

iMac
MacBook

Mac Mini

Personally, I like Mac Pro just fine. It fits with other things in their product line (Final Cut Pro, etc.) and, really, what's so great about PowerMac anyway? I think it sounds kind of dated.

My first Mac wasn't a PowerMac and I have no real attachment to the name.

[tk421]

I don't think this is correct. They were using the "Power-" prefix as early as 1991 in PowerBook 100s. Those had Motorola MC68HC000 processors, which wern't PPC-based. By the time Power Macs came along, the name was well established thanks to the notebooks, and I would suggest that they used it for that reason. The PPC architecture had nothing to do with it.

The "Power-" prefix was indeed used in laptops before the PPC processor. But there is a similar precedent now. "Pro" is well established at Apple with Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Soundtrack Pro, and now MacBook Pro. This makes Mac Pro fit in perfectly.

[maya]

Maybe but I wouldn't say the MacBook is really much of a case facelift from the PowerBook.
I have to say I'm looking forward to the next iMac, I going to dig my heals in for a merom based iMac with a blu-ray drive and a new case design. Hopefully we might see one by Autumn.
What does everything think?


There is very little a company can do with a notebook form factor. Slim and Wide.

Unless you know of another way Apple can make a different form factor for slim and wide, I would love to hear about it. The PowerBook and the MacBook Pro form factor is perfection until Apple and other hardware companies can come up with something "new." ;) :)

You will continue to see the same PowerBook/MacBook Pro form factor used for the iBook/MacBook in the future. So being disappointed now, ;) :D

The iMac or whatever its called in the future, will become just "a screen with a computer mounted on the back of the LCD screen." <-- as Jobs once said the iMac will never become when he introduced the iMac G4. ;)

[newwavedave]

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

Speculation pointed towards the iBook being renamed as the "MacBook"...

Here's my take, If they are going to replace PowerMac with Mac Pro wouldn't they have replaced iMac with Mac if they were going to replace iBook? Just a thought... The other thought is, will we get a MacBook Mini? Please, Please, Uncle Jobs????

[aegisdesign]

Desktop:
Mac mini
iMac
Mac Pro

Portables:
MacBook mini (Oh Please :D 10" Widescreen )
iMacBook (13.3" Widescreen)
MacBook Pro (15.4" & 17")

Either way you look at this, the i or the Pro prefix or suffix creates problems.

If they drop iBook and go for MacBook, then the iMac should really be called the 'Mac'. If they leave the iBook and iMac then where is the non-Pro Macbook and Mac?

Could there be a third line opening up here. Room for a MacBook and a Mac sitting above the i models and below the Pro.

I'm with you on the MacBook Mini though. I sooo want one.

[lazyrighteye]

Most folks would think a PowerMac had a PPC in it.

I respectfully disagree.
I suggest that most folks do not associate "power" with PPC. The ones that do, are the relatively few here on these forums - the mega Mac nerds (myself included). And we make up about .5% of the market... on a good day. I also suggest that most folks could care less if it's PPC, Intel or Yamaha. They just want fast (or the perception of).

That said, the most important factor to 95% of the market is PRICE - which is an area I'd like to see Apple grow more competitive. While they have made strides... there is still quite a gap (and save the "value, virus-free, etc." argument - I get it. I buy Macs).

Now to the naming convention: yeah, it's awkward. While they're obviously interested in pushing the "Mac" moniker, how it will all pan out remains to-be-seen. Give it some time folks.

[intlplby]

bigmac pro, anyone?

[bugfaceuk]

bigmac pro, anyone?

Do I win the sweep stake on how long it would take for some to make the BigMac joke?

I genuinely don't believe how long this thread is. Seriously guys, if it makes you feel better, call your new MacPacWhak BookBak Brian and put a tutu on it. Point is, it's a Mac.

[merkhet]

Yes, it's just you, and it's all in your head. Well, no, not really. When my sarcasm detector goes off, I find it really hard to create a constructive response when there's so much more fun to be had with a sarcastic reply. :) I call it the John Cleese Syndrome.


Well, you hardly have to convince me that a sarcastic reply is more fun than a constructive response...

[mdriftmeyer]

Brand recognition alone will guarantee the iPod name to stick. The trend of having it followed by a unique name like Nano, Mini, etc., will be where Apple distinguishes that line.

I highly doubt the X(Serve), X(Raid), X(San), etc., enterprise class of hardware and software will ever embody the Mac name in their titles.

[progx]

i guess that's to be expected since Intel chips are not PowerPC.

although calling the iBook "MacBook"? i doubt that will happen, but you never know.

if they wanted to do away with the "i" name brand, the iMac would have been simply the Mac.

i think we will see a new line called the MacBook, but the iBook will be around. c'mon, just like the iMac, it's a flagship product.

so when does the Apple Mac Pro 5100 come out?

wait a minute? is simplicity at stake in the Mac line! haha!

[JoshH]

I too think the iBook will remain the iBook. Right now the "i" prefix carries as much weight with the intended market as does the word "mac."

I don't think Job's statement has to be all inclusive for all hardware. The "i" is highly recognized...

[yankeefan24]

Who's to say that PowerPc CPUs wern't named for the PowerMac?
Or was it just a coincidence...

a) pwermac/powerbook came before powerpc was in them.
b)powerpc was around during the naming of power…, a coincidence, or was this in apple's mind when they named them.

Was apple thinking, we'll call them this, and then in a few years when we switch to ppc, we have a name, but then when we switch to intel in x years, we will have to rename it. Or, were they thinking that because they came up with power… before they used ppc, when they switched to intel, they could have an excuse to use power if they wanted to. I WANT THE TRUTH.

[Xephian]

Big Macs. :D

[oskar]

Ok, this thread eventually became more about the iMac than the Mac Pro. The iMac can't be renamed to just "Mac" because it would be to confusing. Everybody says "I have/use/am on/etc a Mac" referring to ANY Apple Computer.
I'm starting to think that Mac Pro is not going to replace the PowerMac name. Maybe it's for the iMac itself or an all new Mac.

[peharri]

a) pwermac/powerbook came before powerpc was in them.
b)powerpc was around during the naming of power…, a coincidence, or was this in apple's mind when they named them.

Was apple thinking, we'll call them this, and then in a few years when we switch to ppc, we have a name, but then when we switch to intel in x years, we will have to rename it. Or, were they thinking that because they came up with power… before they used ppc, when they switched to intel, they could have an excuse to use power if they wanted to. I WANT THE TRUTH.

Here's roughly how it worked:

IBM started a project in the mid-seventies that resulted in a CPU called the 801. This was the birth of a new computer design called "RISC", based upon the idea of stripping down the number of instructions in a CPU to a minimum and then using all the saved silicon to optimize for speed. In theory, this would result in a faster CPU, but there was scepticism from mainstream computer users who were used to CPUs that "saved time" by combining a lot of functionality into additional instructions.

This project begat IBM's America project. This was to turn the theory of the 801 (not to mention everything else IBM had learnt) into a working CPU platform intended for use, well, in the end, practically everywhere.

This project didn't want to use America or some number as the product name for the final CPU architecture, so they took on the name "POWER", because it was highly popular in the mid-eighties (if created today, it would probably be called the EXTREME.)

Now, entirely separately, Apple (who hadn't heard of the POWER architecture, let alone developed plans to use it) created a laptop in the late eighties that sucked. This was after many attempts by third parties to do much the same thing without Apple's help (they'd literally buy old Macs, rip out the guts, and put them in luggable cases. It was horrible. Apple didn't see the market until these companies practically forced them to.) After many false starts, Apple eventually went to Sony, who designed an entirely new range of extremely attractive and usable laptops for Apple to sell. In the early nineties, they sold them. Apple decided to make them stand out from their previous attempts, and even from the Mac to an extent, given the Mac was not doing well in business (where it was largely seen as a toy) and that the new laptop might conceivably sell into the business market despite that. So they called it... the PowerBook. Power, again, for the same reason as IBM - it was a strong marketing word at the time.

Now, yet again entirely separately, Microsoft purchases a slideshow app from someone, adds it to Office, and is stuck for a name. Calling it "Some kind of graphics program, er, yeah" wasn't really an option. Pretty much anything descriptive looked wimpy. Also "Presentation Manager" was already taken, and worse still, refered to the Finder equivalent in OS/2. So they took the word "Power", and prepended it to a word describing something you would do, or make, during a presentation. Power...point. Powerpoint. Yeah.

Looks stupid today, but in the early nineties, that was considered the ultimate in marketing.

So, going back to IBM and Apple. After Apple starts selling its laptops, Apple and Motorola decide, for reasons I still don't understand, that the 68000 series of CPUs isn't going anywhere. After some long drawn out internal politics, IBM enters the frame, and the three manufacturers decide to turn IBM's POWER architecture into a CPU for PCs (Personal Computers, not IBM PCs) The new chip architecture is named after the general CPU architecture, being called PowerPCs.

Apple now has an opportunity to launch an entirely new range of computers, based upon the PowerPC. It calles them the Power Macintosh. History does not tell us if:

1. The Power Macintosh was named after the PowerPCs (this is what most people think, but it's never clearly stated anywhere.)
2. The Power Macintosh was named after the successful PowerBooks. (ie had Apple continued to use the 68k for high-end Macs, they'd have launched three-box Macs under the Power Macintosh label anyway.)

So far as I can tell, the Power Mac (as opposed to Power Macintosh) name wasn't used officially until the return of Jobs, which again suggests Power Mac is a brand that has little to do with the CPU. My Beige G3 has "Power Macintosh G3" on the nameplate on the front.

From this though, you can deduce:

1. "Power" is a marketing term that, at least for the most part, has been put in all these product names to denote, erm, power. As in "generates a lot of force."

2. The PowerPC was designed for the Power Macintosh.

3. The PowerPC was named after the POWER architecture, which predates the Power Macintosh.

4. Apple was using the Power prefix before the PowerPC, but had no actual product called the Power Macintosh or Power Mac. The Power Mac may have been named after the PowerPC, or may have been named after the PowerBook. But the PowerPC certainly wasn't named after any of Apple's computers.


Timeline:

First IBM POWER CPU: 1990 - RS/6000
First Apple "Power" product: October 1991 - PowerBooks 100/140/170. 68000 based.
AIM alliance: Also 1991 (date uncertain)
First "Power Macintosh": 1994 - Power Macintosh 6100.

[Zigster]

Well you've got to have power to call yourself a powermac, so maybe they decided against that one..."mac pro" will still cover all the bases when they fall behind to AMD chips...:D

[geeyesgee]

Actually, did anyone notice on the Intel Mac ad that in the end the image on the iMac screen had the Apple logo followed by just "Mac". Maybe they are dropping the "i" in the next generation form design. I can see keeping the iMac name while it still resembles the old PowerPC model but when they change the design, they could possibly rename it. They did this when they swiched from the 040 chips to the PowerPC when the iMac name started.

The i used to stand for internet but I think it has evolved into meaning a sense of individuality, thus iLife, iWork, etc. and works well for applications and accessories (iPod, iSight), but a Mac, Pro or not, really works the same.

[sunfast]

Well you've got to have power to call yourself a powermac

They managed to get away with the current line of PowerBooks.....

[jjd]

I just wish they'd bring it out. I was all set to buy a Powermac but I just cannot bring myself to when the Intel iMac is so close in performance to a 2.5 Powermac. I am hoping for an Intel based tower asap. I notice this week that the Soho store has greatly de-emphasized the Powermacs. I live in hope, and they can call it whatever they want. If it had a smaller footprint that would be ok too.

[cr2sh]

I just wish they'd bring it out. I was all set to buy a Powermac but I just cannot bring myself to when the Intel iMac is so close in performance to a 2.5 Powermac. I am hoping for an Intel based tower asap. I notice this week that the Soho store has greatly de-emphasized the Powermacs. I live in hope, and they can call it whatever they want. If it had a smaller footprint that would be ok too.

I read a review the other day (titled something like "Buy now or wait?") that pointed that the performance per watt argument Steve presented for Intel chips means we'll be getting smaller and thinner designs. If it's easier to cool, there's no need for those massive fans and heatsinks.

The iMac will be put out again this year I'm sure and that hunky odd fat section at the bottom of the bezel will be gone.

[BlueRevolution]

we won't see an Intel desktop Mac for professionals (whatever it's called) until FCS and its compatriots are ported, since the pro apps' users make up a large portion of the current Power Mac base.

and I have to agree with cr2sh, that fat section on the bottom of the iMac is odd. my first reaction on seeing the thing was "well, it would be sexy if only...". I've changed my opinion now that I've had a chance to see one up close (it is a very nice looking machine I have to admit) but it would look better still with no extra lumps.

[Apple of my eye]

I want my Media Mac !!!!

[xSmurf]

Did any of you even bother to check this info on the United States Patent and Trademark Office website? A "Mac Pro" trademark already exists since January 2001 (other have existed before but this is the current). And no it's not Apple. I can't link to the actual entry as their site doesn't allow that. But it's filled under registration #2442447 to a Make-Up Art Cosmetics Limited CORPORATION CANADA 233 Carlton Street Toronto, Ontario CANADA. Yes that is MAC (http://www.maccosmetics.com/) cosmetics... Yes yes I know Macintoshes are pretty, but it has nothing to do with it. If I'm right this a fairly big cosmetic company. Not that I know anything about cosmetics but I recall hearing ladies talk about it. Definitely not the kind of company that would let go a trade mark they are, probably, using. ianal (http://www.acronymfinder.com/af-query.asp?String=exact&Acronym=ianal) but this doesn't look good... or maybe it does if you're like most normal people and don't like the MacBook Pro naming and alike.

[Demoman]

Apple seems to be making pretty sound marketing decisions of late. So, they probably have a pretty good handle on how to brand their products. I have a PowerBook, a Mini and two PowerMac G5's. I like all the names, but would not be too concerned if they called them something else. That is unless the name was totally obnoxious (niftymac or something). Personally I prefer less glitter and more descriptive product names (Pro Series G5 2.5 Quad).

[longsilver]

Apple have also trademarked "Mactel" in Australia. There's an entry in the ipAustralia database <http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/>

The trademark number is 1096649, and it refers to "Computers, computer hardware, computer peripherals, computer software, integrated circuits, circuit boards, microprocessors, semiconductors".

Apologies for duplication if this has been noted already (the notification on the trademark is given as 2nd February 2006).

[Randall]

PowerBook = MacBook Pro
PowerMac = Mac Pro

Shouldn't it be
PowerBook = MacBook Pro
PowerMac = MacMac Pro

With their naming convention it should be MacMac Pro. :p

Apple should just keep the Power naming convention. It's a dumb move just because PPC is dead. Power means more then a stupid chip. Steve Jobs cocked this one up.

[SirHotspur]

I think if you are going to order a fully loaded MacBook (or McBook), you should ask to have your notebook, "Supersized".









...come on, you know you're gonna use that. :D


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