Limited PowerMac Availability? No PowerBooks?

[MacRumors]

One thread (http://forums.appleinsider.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26215) indicates that Low End 970 PowerMacs will be immediately available at WWDC... while mid and high end range machines will be delayed for approximately 5 weeks.

Meanwhile, according to the post, 15" PowerBook updates are not expected at WWDC.

Shipping low-end PowerMacs would be consistent with previous rumors (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/06/20030615172214.shtml) from MacBidouille. If you believe their early reports, they claim 1.4GHz (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/05/20030502173926.shtml) machines were in production in May, 2003 -- and would presumably be the "Low End" versions.

PowerBook update rumors have been ongoing for months... with vague hints (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/06/20030615172214.shtml) at impending updates.

[evil]

low end 970 would hopefully be low enough to where i could try and pull together the money to pick one up.
this would be nice if it were true, but i dont give full trust in any of the rumors regarding the 970 and wwdc

[polyesterlester]

I'm going to go crazy if they don't update the PB soon... I've been waiting FOREVER for a new 15"!

[Freg3000]

Seems good to me. Very logical. Low end ships immediately, and the high end in the infamous 6 to 8 week time frame.

The lack of PowerBooks does not surprise me, as I did not expect them anyway.

Nothing earth shattering yet......we'll see on Monday.

[Huked on Fonick]

Appleinsider has been posting alot of stuff latly, whats there reliability, The stuff there posting seems kinda fake???

[applemacdude]

No 15inch pb upgrades...I don't think so...The power mac portion sounds ok though

[bobindashadows]

Well we all know that there should be an update sometime soon. Since the 15"s haven't been updated in over 6 months... it's due. Perhaps MWNY?

[Macmaniac]

As long as they release some kind of 970 we should all be happy, even if the top models take a few weeks. Just knowing that they are in production will be good for Apple.
I would not be suprised not to see new PB's at WWDC, maybe we may see them at MWCE.

Keep your fingers crossed.:cool:

[iJon]

sounds good to me, but im not getting to excited until mondays comes around and all the rumors will be proven true or not. all i know is that monday is gonna make or break many rumor sites.

iJon

[DrGruv1]

bring it on...

[Tiauguinho]

Hmmmm... I surely hope that if Apple releases the PowerMac with the PPC970 that they update the Powerbooks to the same specs. I wouldnt be very good if the powerbooks stay once more with the G4's... As it has been mentioned hundreds of times, on Monday we shall see...

[DoJo]

I very desperately want one if the specs are correct - I only worry about buying the first version of a new product.

And I need a computer this summer.

What a dilemma!

BTW - does anyone remember any recent (last 4 years or so) defects in new Apple products with the first version?

I can think of the eMac display problem and the scratch/hairline fracture issue with the cube.

[MetallicPenguin]

Hmmm......well I don't think the PowerBooks have been updated in like 9 months (the 15" that is) so I should expect one soon, maybe they will be announced Tuesday at 9:00AM like some rumor said, or maybe they will be at MacWorld CreativePro or whatever it is called now.

[pyrotoaster]

The Powerbooks will be updated at WWDC. Period.

Apple may very well have a trick up its sleeve for the Powerbooks, as they've been keeping a very agressive veil of secrecy over the impending update.

And arn, when did an AppleInsider post become accurate enough to be a front page rumor? (i.e. what do you know that we don't...? ;) )

[weev]

Originally posted by polyesterlester
I'm going to go crazy if they don't update the PB soon... I've been waiting FOREVER for a new 15"!

I hear your pain -- surely the 15" is due for at least an announcement, and like the mid and hi-end desktops (and here I gather it means dual-proc machines, the low end by the rumors is a single processor) we are promised a short delay.

In any case if we expect low we will be happy. The 970 is here! Rejoice!

[FrankMtl65]

I'm sooo ready for an upgrade that even the low-end might be the one. This said, even if not available does this this mean med./high end machines are revealed but not shipping?

[Abstract]

Originally posted by Macmaniac
As long as they release some kind of 970 we should all be happy, even if the top models take a few weeks. Just knowing that they are in production will be good for Apple.
I would not be suprised not to see new PB's at WWDC, maybe we may see them at MWCE.

Keep your fingers crossed.:cool:

I actually expected the new PB's at MWNY, or maybe the new 970 PM's AND PB's at MWNY, and an unknown new device at WWDC. Or maybe the other way around. I don't know, but no PB's at WWDC will be a nicely polished, styled, high-end riot with lots of flustered Mac geeks. :cool:

[evil]

i agree! man i would love it f they didnt announce tyhe 970 just because so many people would be pissed off. it would be funny

[Stike]

This report interestingly meets with the reports 1. from MacB and 2. from the opened Box report on Page 2.
I really expect them to call it PowerMac 970. Motorola has the trademark on the Gx names, AFAIR.
I can already see Steve at the keynote:
He pushes a button, and on the screen is written: "From 4 to 970" and the crowd will cheer an applaud for minutes! :D:cool:

[Kid Red]

Originally posted by pyrotoaster
The Powerbooks will be updated at WWDC. Period.

Apple may very well have a trick up its sleeve for the Powerbooks, as they've been keeping a very agressive veil of secrecy over the impending update.

And arn, when did an AppleInsider post become accurate enough to be a front page rumor? (i.e. what do you know that we don't...? ;) )

It is a known fact there are a few people who post at AI who do have the inside scoop. This particular post is by one of those people.

Also, the same thread says "That there will be an aknowledgemnt of an updated powerbook and they will be available in Early-Mid July"

[bellis1]

Alright, just to have in writing for keepsakes. How can they not update the 15" to at least the Alu. It is a no brainer. Although as a recent 17" owner I will be upset but I just could not wait. For the 970 powermacs I think it is due, even on the low end. The powerbooks cannot be ready that quick can they? But it is the year of the powerbooks! I'm waiting in excitement but am expecting at least a little let down as a new powerbook owner whether or not a new line is introduced. Keeping my fingers crossed; for what I am not sure.

[pyrotoaster]

Originally posted by Stike
I really expect them to call it PowerMac 970. Motorola has the trademark on the Gx names, AFAIR.
Motorola does not own that trademark. They don't call the chips G3 and G4.

[Dunepilot]

With it being the 'year of the laptop' and all, it would be really good if they could get out a 970-powered 15" and 17" (assuming the footprint of the 970 could be shoehorned into a motherboard occupying the same dimensions in these powerbooks) at the same time (or close to) the announcement of the Powermacs, whenever that ends up coming.

The whole G4 era (debacle?) has seen Powerbook speeds lag behind those of the pro desktops, and this wasn't always the case (think back to the later days of the G3 where there wasn't that much of a MHz difference between the top Powerbook and top Powermac ). If Apple are serious about the year of the laptop, this would help them gain a lot of sales in what they acknowledge to be their main growth area.

[pyrotoaster]

Originally posted by Kid Red
It is a known fact there are a few people who post at AI who do have the inside scoop. This particular post is by one of those people.

Also, the same thread says "That there will be an aknowledgemnt of an updated powerbook and they will be available in Early-Mid July"
I might believe you if it weren't for the Powerbook price drops. The timing there was perfect for a WWDC annoucement.

There's a substantial pile of rumor-based evidence that supports a Powerbook update on Monday. I'm sticking with that.

[michaelrjohnson]

Despite being slightly confused on conflicting accounts of the thread...

I believe Apple will introduce new PowerBooks. i honestly can't imagine them not doing it (i may eat my own words). I along with SO MANY others are waiting for the 15 inch AlBook... it's just getting rediculus. Although, I have to be honest. I only want them to be introduced now because that means that the sooner they all get updated, the sooner Rev. B 15 inch PB 970's are available and THAT'S what i'm buying.

I hope this pans out and we are blown away...

PS i doubt any new hardware/software intros @ MWNY as Steve-O isn't doing a Keynote. Like he'd let someone else do an introduction? I doubt that. :)

[trog]

Just a couple things on my mind...

1. The rating for this article is almost negative. That's crazy, if Apple releases ANY 970 based hardware it would be fantastic and would boost them right back into the hardware race. In some ways it would put them ahead.

2. Steve made a huge deal about this being the "YEAR of the Notebook" at MWSF. As nice as the 17 and 12 inch Powerbooks are, the release of a redesigned Powermac with a whole new processor line would easily eclipse them as the biggest release of the year. So...

3. Isn't it amazing how little information/leaks there has been of Panther?? What's the reason for this heightened security, I wonder?

[arn]

Originally posted by trog
Just a couple things on my mind...

3. Isn't it amazing how little information/leaks there has been of Panther?? What's the reason for this heightened security, I wonder?

Well... software - especially software which hasn't gone into production is much easier to keep tabs on. Only people in Apple have access to it.

Even developers don't have access to it yet... as WWDC marks the launch of the developer's release.

Hardware, on the other hand, has to pass through many hands to get produced... much of which is not in Apple.

arn

[weezer160]

August 31, 1999: "The G4 chip incorporates a new execution unit named the Velocity Engine??the heart of a supercomputer miniaturized onto a sliver of silicon. In a set of Intel?s own tests published on their web site, the 500MHz G4 chip was 2.94 times as fast as the 600MHz Pentium III processor.

'The Power Mac G4 is not only the fastest Mac ever, it?s the fastest personal computer ever,? said Apple?s interim CEO Steve Jobs. ?The revolutionary G4 processor with its remarkable Velocity Engine is the first ?supercomputer on a chip,? delivering over one gigaflop of sustained performance.'"

-Apple's Media Archive

Come on Steve! Bring back the good old days when we did rule the world! Your decision...Rally or Riot!

[mariner77]

If you know Steve, he'll want everyone to totally FOCUS on the PowerMac 970 for now. No other hardware distractions. That way he'll make the most of the media exposure when he introduced world's first 64 bit notebook (don't pick me on this, you know what I mean!) ONLY a month later. :D Patience people, 15'' is coming, just not here, not now.

[MacFan25]

It'll be interesting to see what they will call 970 powermacs, and when people actually receive them. Hopefully it wont be like the 17" PowerBooks where people won't get them for a while.

But, I trust Apple. Hopefully they learned from there mistakes. :)

[daveL]

I'm new to these forums, so maybe I'm missing something or maybe nobody has managed to read the info I posted, but there really is no doubt about 970 PMs next week. Maybe I blew the url in the last two threads I posted this on, but here goes:

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/yhoo/story.asp?source=blq/yhoo&siteid=yhoo&dist=yhoo&guid=%7B786058C6%2D9E65%2D4E84%2DAD0D%2D9506B7C5E7C6%7D

Mr Wolf, who's being quoted in the above article, is a Needham securities analyst that spends his life following everything Apple does, in minute detail. He upgraded Apple's stock today, and the article quotes his reasons. One of his reasons is the forthcoming 970-based PM upgrades, that will beannounced on 6/23.

[fpnc]

Originally posted by daveL
Mr Wolf, who's being quoted in the above article, is a Needham securities analyst that spends his life following everything Apple does, in minute detail. He upgraded Apple's stock today, and the article quotes his reasons. One of his reasons is the forthcoming 970-based PM upgrades, that will beannounced on 6/23.

Actually, the quote is that the introduction is __expected__ to be at the WWDC. It doesn't say that it __will__ be announced.

[nagromme]

In the end, what's the difference if something is announced at WWDC, or a week later? We'll live if the PowerBooks are later than WWDC.

[solvs]

There does seem to be a lower stock of PowerMacs and 'Books, so I would hope it's in the cards for Monday.

The PowerBook delay makes me think they'll get a low end 970. 1 - 1.2 GHz. But it could just be an updated G4. Or the 15" and 17" get the 970, 12" gets the 1 GHz G4. Maybe Apple released the 17" expecting an update with the next gen-G4, and not expecting the 970 for awhile. But IBM delivers, Moto doesn't (big surprise). They'd have to redesign the Motherboards, but a 970 PowerBook would be nice. Can't imagine anyone wanting a G4 PowerBook if they release a 970 Desktop.

I wonder if the 970s will be more expensive because of the R&D, or cheaper because the chips are cheaper and IBM did most of the leg work?

[markiv810]

Guys, I have a question what could the pricing be like, if we go by the last years trend each time Apple released newer models, they lowered down the prices on the powermacs. I am saving to buy PowerMac 970, I need advice regarding that. I am expecting the starting price (price of the lowest end model of 970) to be around 1200-1400 dollars, and from there onwards, do you guys think that's it a reasonable expectation. Your advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[jthrasher]

I don't think that there will be new powerbooks. They just came out with the 12 and 17 models not that long ago. There have been longer spans of time between updates than this with powerbooks. I wouldn't be suprised if its Powermacs though. Also I wouldn't be suprised if upgrade the ibooks. i mean they are still running G3's for crying out loud. I can't even remember the last time they were upgraded.

If they upgrade the Powermacs it will be a while before we see the same specs in powerbooks. They might upgrade the PB's once before they even give them the same specs as new PM's

I know its fun to get your hopes up but maybe thats why so many people always are so let down when it's not what they want. Of course there are always someone who doesn't get what they want. Bt try and be realistic

[arn]

Originally posted by daveL

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/yhoo/story.asp?source=blq/yhoo&siteid=yhoo&dist=yhoo&guid=%7B786058C6%2D9E65%2D4E84%2DAD0D%2D9506B7C5E7C6%7D

Mr Wolf, who's being quoted in the above article, is a Needham securities analyst that spends his life following everything Apple does, in minute detail. He upgraded Apple's stock today, and the article quotes his reasons. One of his reasons is the forthcoming 970-based PM upgrades, that will beannounced on 6/23.

I'd bet they got their rumors from mac rumor sites.

arn

[Freg3000]

Originally posted by arn
I'd bet they got their rumors from mac rumor sites.

arn

Yeah I agree. I think there is some regulation call Full Disclosure which no longer allows companies to give specific information to individuals like analysts, without providing the same information to the general public at the same time. I doubt this guy is getting this info from an executive at apple, he problems just reads MacRumors.

[h'biki]

Originally posted by DoJo

BTW - does anyone remember any recent (last 4 years or so) defects in new Apple products with the first version?


Plenty.

My version 1 G3 doesn't officially support two harddrivfes on the ATA chain. I had touse FWB Harddrive toolkit to change the speed of the ATA drivers.

There seem to be problems with the original batch of iPod 3Gers. (Non blue backlight, crashing, etc.).

I'm sure others can give examples.

But there is somethign to be said in not trusting point ohh anything.

Thats why we decided to go for a dual 1.4ghz G4. Yeah, we knew the 970s were coming but for mission critical stuff the new G4s are actually rock solid. We'd rather wait for a generation or two of 970s before jumping in. [shrug]

[fpnc]

I can't believe it! Time magazine has let the cat out of the bag again (remember the flat panel iMac cover issue?). The June 23 issue of Time has all of the details (sort of, you have to read between the lines). Here's the scoop.

The cover of next Monday's Time has a picture covering the release of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." On page 2 and 3 of this same issue of Time is a two page spread by Apple on their new music store. If you add together these page numbers (2+3) you get 5 -- as in G5. Then on page 5 is the index to that issue of Time. The "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" story begins on page 70. If you count the number of words in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" you get 8. So with 8 and 70 you can construct 870 which is pretty close to 970 as in PPC970 (okay, so it's only close, but you can't expect them to be too obvious).

Now you're saying, "What does Harry Potter have to do with Apple and the PPC970?" Well, it seems very clear to me. The PPC970 is going to allow Apple to rise like a "Phoenix" from the ashes of the Motorola G4.

So that's it. The first clear and incontrovertible evidence that Apple will release new PPC970-based systems next Monday.

[the_wallcrawler]

Originally posted by fpnc
I can't believe it! Time magazine has let the cat out of the bag again (remember the flat panel iMac cover issue?). The June 23 issue of Time has all of the details (sort of, you have to read between the lines). Here's the scoop.

The cover of next Monday's Time has a picture covering the release of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." On page 2 and 3 of this same issue of Time is a two page spread by Apple on their new music store. If you add together these page numbers (2+3) you get 5 -- as in G5. Then on page 5 is the index to that issue of Time. The "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" story begins on page 70. If you count the number of words in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" you get 8. So with 8 and 70 you can construct 870 which is pretty close to 970 as in PPC970 (okay, so it's only close, but you can't expect them to be too obvious).

Now you're saying, "What does Harry Potter have to do with Apple and the PPC970?" Well, it seems very clear to me. The PPC970 is going to allow Apple to rise like a "Phoenix" from the ashes of the Motorola G4.

So that's it. The first clear and incontrovertible evidence that Apple will release new PPC970-based systems next Monday.

brilliant detective work. how come nobody else caught this?!?

[solvs]

Originally posted by jthrasher
I don't think that there will be new powerbooks. They just came out with the 12 and 17 models not that long ago. There have been longer spans of time between updates than this with powerbooks. Also I wouldn't be suprised if upgrade the ibooks. i mean they are still running G3's for crying out loud.


No offense, but they just upgraded the iBooks. They announced the 12" and 17" a few months after the new 15", and the 17" shipped a few months later. Plus look at the recent price drops. They must be waiting for something better for the 15", otherwise they would have just waited for FW800 and Al in the first Superdrive 15". Or released an Al 15" sooner.

I think (hope) the iBooks get the Gobi chip. And/or the G3 with Altivec. But that may be awhile.

Originally posted by markiv810
what could the pricing be like

As far as the pricing is concerned, see my earlier post (right above yours). I hope they keep lowering prices. And even release a budget machine offering more expandibility than the eMac, or just a cheaper Tower. But we don't know yet. I guess (hope) we'll find out on Monday. :)

[iLilana]

macmall X-Serve BLOWOUT

Got it in the email minutes ago as others will have. I think wwdc is going to be big people. VERY big.

Lil:eek: :confused: :cool:

[trog]

Originally posted by arn
Well... software - especially software which hasn't gone into production is much easier to keep tabs on. Only people in Apple have access to it.arn

Ahh, right, that makes sense. Even though I'm like a lot of people here (can't wait to buy a 970 machine) now that it is getting close, I'm pretty excited to see Panther too!

[bertagert]

Originally posted by fpnc
I can't believe it! Time magazine has let the cat out of the bag again (remember the flat panel iMac cover issue?). The June 23 issue of Time has all of the details (sort of, you have to read between the lines). Here's the scoop.

The cover of next Monday's Time has a picture covering the release of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." On page 2 and 3 of this same issue of Time is a two page spread by Apple on their new music store. If you add together these page numbers (2+3) you get 5 -- as in G5. Then on page 5 is the index to that issue of Time. The "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" story begins on page 70. If you count the number of words in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" you get 8. So with 8 and 70 you can construct 870 which is pretty close to 970 as in PPC970 (okay, so it's only close, but you can't expect them to be too obvious)....

So that's it. The first clear and incontrovertible evidence that Apple will release new PPC970-based systems next Monday.

100% Classic! I haven't laughed so hard in weeks.

[liven2]

Still down.... anyone seen any other web problems? Or is this just an Apple issue

[Offtopic Warning:

To everyone: please stop posting offtopic posts in news threads.

See: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?threadid=29823 if you think Apple's site is "down".]

[MGnards]

The Apple web site still has problems loading for me too... It'll load after a couple of clicks, but the web store won't load at all. Anyone else getting this?

by the way, I'm yet another new member who's been lurking for over 2 years...


<edit>
oops... sorry arn... missed it by a second
</edit>

[MacCoaster]

Translation of MacBidouille's post:

The PPC 970 Power Macs should be available as soon as their announcement at the WWDC except for the High end model which needs two more weeks. They should arrive to the distributors in the weekend. To finish, it seems that the information on the contents of FNAC's boxes is the work of a joker. There are a lot of these times that we send information packets. We all particularly think that the person that claimed to be an Apple employee so that the mail has been sent from a high school of 92*. She will recognize/show herself.

*Not quite sure what this means. Maybe a district?

[Lyle]

Originally posted by solvs
There does seem to be a lower stock of PowerMacs and 'Books, so I would hope it's in the cards for Monday.
I remember that after the most recent price drops on the PowerBooks, all of the refurbished PowerBooks disappeared from the Apple Store. Just checked back a minute ago and now there are no desktops or notebooks of any kind listed. Does anyone know how long this has been the case? Or should we just assume that this is further, incontrovertible evidence that new models are on the way? ;)

[ZildjianKX]

NM...

[NeXTCube]

Originally posted by fpnc
Now you're saying, "What does Harry Potter have to do with Apple and the PPC970?" Well, it seems very clear to me. The PPC970 is going to allow Apple to rise like a "Phoenix" from the ashes of the Motorola G4.


Not to state the obvious, but "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" is the fifth book in the Harry Potter series...

[Frobozz]

Originally posted by Tiauguinho
Hmmmm... I surely hope that if Apple releases the PowerMac with the PPC970 that they update the Powerbooks to the same specs. I wouldnt be very good if the powerbooks stay once more with the G4's... As it has been mentioned hundreds of times, on Monday we shall see...

Well, they can just announce updated PB's at another event. Maybe even the conference formerly known as MacWorld NY (this year.) I think getting 970's is the most important thing. Everything else is gravy.

[nagromme]

MOSR (take it as you will) has updated with the belief that 970 PowerBooks will come sooner rather than later (not at WWDC but not late '04 either). Even dual 970s (in the 17").

The article claims that heat and power use are lower for the 970 than for a G4 at the same clock rate. I've heard the opposite as well. What's true?

If it IS more portable friendly (I know it would only be the lower-Mhz 970s), it would certainly have more speed (and lower cost?) than the same MHz G4.

macosrumors.com

[Sun Baked]

Originally posted by nagromme
MOSR (take it as you will) has updated with the belief that 970 PowerBooks will come sooner rather than later (not at WWDC but not late '04 either). Even dual 970s (in the 17").

The article claims that heat and power use are lower for the 970 than for a G4 at the same clock rate. I've heard the opposite as well. What's true?

If it IS more portable friendly (I know it would only be the lower-Mhz 970s), it would certainly have more speed (and lower cost?) than the same MHz G4.

macosrumors.com BadAndy went to IBM's 970 Design Forum ...

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=29824

Does not sound like it'll be too portable friendly, this time around.

Though the news on exactly what's up should be coming soon.

[iJon]

Originally posted by fpnc
I can't believe it! Time magazine has let the cat out of the bag again (remember the flat panel iMac cover issue?). The June 23 issue of Time has all of the details (sort of, you have to read between the lines). Here's the scoop.

The cover of next Monday's Time has a picture covering the release of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." On page 2 and 3 of this same issue of Time is a two page spread by Apple on their new music store. If you add together these page numbers (2+3) you get 5 -- as in G5. Then on page 5 is the index to that issue of Time. The "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" story begins on page 70. If you count the number of words in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" you get 8. So with 8 and 70 you can construct 870 which is pretty close to 970 as in PPC970 (okay, so it's only close, but you can't expect them to be too obvious).

Now you're saying, "What does Harry Potter have to do with Apple and the PPC970?" Well, it seems very clear to me. The PPC970 is going to allow Apple to rise like a "Phoenix" from the ashes of the Motorola G4.

So that's it. The first clear and incontrovertible evidence that Apple will release new PPC970-based systems next Monday.
i personally feel this doesnt belong on the 2nd rumors page, but the FIRST page. well done detective.

iJon

[IJ Reilly]

Originally posted by Lyle
I remember that after the most recent price drops on the PowerBooks, all of the refurbished PowerBooks disappeared from the Apple Store. Just checked back a minute ago and now there are no desktops or notebooks of any kind listed. Does anyone know how long this has been the case? Or should we just assume that this is further, incontrovertible evidence that new models are on the way? ;)

Nope. This happens at the end of every quarter when Apple ships out all of their surplus refurbs to auction houses.

[DoJo]

Originally posted by markiv810
Guys, I have a question what could the pricing be like, if we go by the last years trend each time Apple released newer models, they lowered down the prices on the powermacs. I am saving to buy PowerMac 970, I need advice regarding that. I am expecting the starting price (price of the lowest end model of 970) to be around 1200-1400 dollars, and from there onwards, do you guys think that's it a reasonable expectation. Your advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

If my memory* serves me PowerMac prices have fluctuated both ways for the last few years.

The current low end is $1499.00 (1 GHz Single)

Prior low-end configs in descending order:

$1699.00 (Dual 866 MHz)

$1599.00 (800 MHz Single)

$1699.00 (733 MHz Single)

$1699.00 (466 MHz Single)

$1599.00 (400 MHz Single)

$1599.00 (350 MHz Single)

My guess is that the prices will go up with the 970, probably back up to $1699.00. Demand will be high enough for Apple to justify this.

I hope I'm wrong because I am in the market for the low-end config myself.

* or at least Apple-History.com

[pianojoe]

Originally posted by DoJo
My guess is that the prices will go up with the 970, probably back up to $1699.00. Demand will be high enough for Apple to justify this.

I hope I'm wrong because I am in the market for the low-end config myself.


Some years ago there was a Power Mac Upgrade, and the low-end still stayed with the old motherboard. So what, if the new lineup will be

LO: 2x1.25 G4
MID: 2x1.4 970
HI: 2x1.8 970

...or so?

Would they do that? I mean, I feel that *nobody* will buy another desktop G4 once the 970s are released, but maybe there's a market. This would allow them to slowly fade out the old stock and boards.

[prewwii]

Originally posted by Macrumors
One thread (http://forums.appleinsider.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26215) indicates that Low End 970 PowerMacs will be immediately available at WWDC... while mid and high end range machines will be delayed for approximately 5 weeks.

Releasing the low end machines first and holding the high machines for a five weeks works if the low end machines can toast a high end Pentium. Otherwise it's a blunder. Since first impressions are lasting I hope the first 970 comes to the public as a leader.


If the 970 can not toast a Pentium its a boat anchor with a new number. Catching up is not progress. Leaders lead from out front. I hope the first 970 we see is a leader.

[Belly-laughs]

....the 15,4 inch PowerBook 970!

It´s going to be a looong weekend.

[solvs]

Originally posted by prewwii
If the 970 can not toast a Pentium its a boat anchor with a new number. Catching up is not progress. Leaders lead from out front. I hope the first 970 we see is a leader.

If they release a low end single 970, with higher end duallies coming (they'll at least be announced), it wouldn't make sense to compare and benchmark "our" low end against "their" high end (though I think you're right in the fact that this might happen). All they have to do is COMPETE with P4s and Athlons at this point and some of us will be happy. Not getting my hopes up too much. Just hope, if they're fast enough, I can afford one.

Of course, if some articles are to be believed, theoretically the single 1.4 970 will beat a 3.06 P4 in some tests.

We'll see. ;)

[nagromme]

It's not a problem to SHIP the slowest ones first--because the fastest ones can still be part of the announcement and the benchmarks and the marketing, right from the start.

[Windowlicker]

I think it's quite weird if they aren't out at WWDC... I just received an advertisement from a Mac store that says they've dropped the PB/867 price from 3145? to 2399?.. that's almost $900 :Q They also dropped the prices of desktops. but that was only 150-250?.

I believe the updates are to come at least very soon... If not at WWDC, then soon after.

[irobot71]

Does anyone know the screen resolution of the upcoming 15.4" Powerbook?

I remember reading about 1080x1920 screens made in that size.

-Ian

[MattG]

Originally posted by Belly-laughs
....the 15,4 inch PowerBook 970!

It´s going to be a looong weekend.

Man I hope you're right.

Hey, does Apple usually put the new stuff up on the web site as it's announced, or do they wait until the presentation is over, or do they put it all up right at the beginning?

[loneAzdgari]

I doubt they will be at that resolution, that would mean a very narrow and tall monitor. Probably the same as they are now, 1280x1024 or something like that.

About that TIME post, get this, in the UK copy of TIME, theres an ad, on pages 2-3 which adds up to 5 = G5 for wimbledon. Guess when wimbledon starts???? 23rd June!!!!!! same as WWDC!!! more hints from TIME eh?? or just a coincidence?

[Trimix]

let me weigh in with something and i hope i am not getting anybody in trouble

last week i called the apple store as i need a new computer (G4) for mid july delivery.

so i went like that i would buy one now but was not trying to dig for secrets, but if they had a feeling i would better wait for a g5, then they should sort of not let me buy now -
to cut a long story short i did not buy now and walked away with the strong feeling that i will be sitting in front of a new g5 by mid july.
take it for what it is worth, but apple store and i figured that shipping would take under 5 working days and whatever computer i would be getting could easily be dispatched latest july 8. - and they made wait for that date :)
they did not make me postpone, but they sort of did if you get my drift

[QuiteSure]

Apple would be crazy to release new 15" Powerbooks if it also released the 970 at WWDC.

Imagine ...

Panther blows us away!

Then Jobs talks about the 970; huge, intense excitement!!

Toast the Pentiums!!!

New enclosures ... kewl!!!!

Boxes to ship immediately !!!!!

Just end there...leave the PB's for another time.

How much excitement can we all take?

[maradong]

Originally posted by bobindashadows
Well we all know that there should be an update sometime soon. Since the 15"s haven't been updated in over 6 months... it's due. Perhaps MWNY?


off-topic but anyway :
when is MWNY ?

[Belly-laughs]

I think there are several reasons for why to expect the introduction of the PowerMac 970 on monday. The preview of Panther might blow us away and so might other software announcements. Even other exciting hardware. But the important thing to remember is that this is a fair for developers and to enable them to successfully develop for the above mentioned cat Apple will have to offer them 64-bit systems. Or is my logic absolutely wrong?

[ryan]

Originally posted by MattG
Man I hope you're right.

Hey, does Apple usually put the new stuff up on the web site as it's announced, or do they wait until the presentation is over, or do they put it all up right at the beginning?
Apple usually takes the store off-line a 10-15 mintues before the presentation starts (with a note saying something to the effect that "We're making some changes, check back soon." If you look at forum postings/web transcripts posted prior to past Apple events you'll see people write something like, "... the store is down, something is on the way!!!"

[michaelrjohnson]

I HIGHLY doubt that Apple will wait on PowerBooks until MWNY because Steve-O isnt' planning on giving a keynote there. Like he'd let somebody else introduce new hardware? I doubt it! ;)

Too bad they'res no webcast :(

[ryan]

Originally posted by Trimix
let me weigh in with something and i hope i am not getting anybody in trouble

last week i called the apple store as i need a new computer (G4) for mid july delivery.

so i went like that i would buy one now but was not trying to dig for secrets, but if they had a feeling i would better wait for a g5, then they should sort of not let me buy now -
to cut a long story short i did not buy now and walked away with the strong feeling that i will be sitting in front of a new g5 by mid july.
take it for what it is worth, but apple store and i figured that shipping would take under 5 working days and whatever computer i would be getting could easily be dispatched latest july 8. - and they made wait for that date :)
they did not make me postpone, but they sort of did if you get my drift
How many times does it have to be said? Apple store employee's do not have any advance knowledge of new products except from what they hear from rumor sites, or employees who read rumor sites. Apple has what ~60 stores, figure (on the low end) approx 20 employees per store, that would ~1200 people who would have to keep a secret, someone would talk, and there would be little to no way for Apple to be able to figure out who did.

[michaelrjohnson]

Originally posted by Trimix
let me weigh in with something and i hope i am not getting anybody in trouble

last week i called the apple store as i need a new computer (G4) for mid july delivery.

so i went like that i would buy one now but was not trying to dig for secrets, but if they had a feeling i would better wait for a g5, then they should sort of not let me buy now -
to cut a long story short i did not buy now and walked away with the strong feeling that i will be sitting in front of a new g5 by mid july.
take it for what it is worth, but apple store and i figured that shipping would take under 5 working days and whatever computer i would be getting could easily be dispatched latest july 8. - and they made wait for that date :)
they did not make me postpone, but they sort of did if you get my drift

Yeah, I would agree with the above post and say that they don't have any advance knowledge (however, how are they supposed to sell these things to the hoarding masses on the 24th without any knowledge... i guess they just learn quick like us :) ) To me it sounds like they were just being nice friends in the mac community... i mean, if you REALLY wanted to buy one now, sure they would have let you, but it sounds like they just didn't want to shaft you, ya know? :p

[MhzDoesMatter]

Hasn't new hardware been introduced when Steve was in paris? Who says they're not making another special guest appearance via satelite?

-Hertz

[michaelrjohnson]

Originally posted by MhzDoesMatter
Hasn't new hardware been introduced when Steve was in paris? Who says they're not making another special guest appearance via satelite?

-Hertz

MW CreativePro NY is July 14-18
Apple Expo Paris (MacWorld) is Sept 16-20

Good point, but then that's HOW long before PowerBook upgrades? I think those of us waiting for the 15 inch are going to die... Sheesh... it's been forever!

[Trimix]

sorry that i was not sufficiently clear

there are no apple-owned apple stores in switzerland
so if and when 'old europe' buys from the 'store' we buy from their central despatch hub in ireland or from independents.
thus i was speaking on a toll-free number with ireland - not that it really matters, and not that i want to add to the general hubub, i am trying to convene a feeling of what apple europe despatch center gave me - i am definitely not talking about some apple sales point somewhere in the sticks reading their own rumors and rehashing it a gazillion times until it becomes gospel

[lemmas]

Why would Apple introduce the low end first? That makes no sense to me. If I had to choose between which model to bring out first, I would make it the high end. Higher price, higher margins - more people would buy them if that's the only option initially.

Nick