More Hype: New Apple Products [Archive]

MacRumors

Dec 18, 2001, 12:38 PM

This PC World article (http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,76263,00.asp) reports on another invitation sent by Apple last week:

Steve Jobs, chief executive officer of Apple Computer, will unveil a new consumer product that is "innovative, revolutionary, and different" at the Macworld Expo in San Francisco on January 7, the company says.

Any bets?

eyelikeart

Dec 18, 2001, 12:57 PM

if this is true...

I think I smell a new iMac!

bclogo

Dec 18, 2001, 01:14 PM

Why would they call an imac, flat panel or otherwise, a "new consumer product"? In my opinion it will be another ipod type venture, but the flat panel imac will be there also.

http://www.bclogo.com

ormerlin

Dec 18, 2001, 01:15 PM

...it is another digital hub product? The words "innovative, revolutionary, and different" all sound a lot like the iPod invitation to me. I would love to see another Apple "hub" product, but I would much rather see a new iMac!

GPTurismo

Dec 18, 2001, 01:17 PM

Appleturns has more evidence of G5s, which has me even speculating a bit.

bclogo

Dec 18, 2001, 01:20 PM

I hope you are right about the new imac, I have a 400mhz imac DV and I would love to see an all out revision of the imac platform. To be called revolutionary though, it will have to have an LCD and some mad features... maybe touchscreen technology, any thoughts? By any thoughts I mean any thoughts as to what would be considered revolutionary and different about a new imac.

thinmann

Dec 18, 2001, 01:40 PM

"POWERFUL"
Maybe it's both an imac and something new maybe G5?

agreenster

Dec 18, 2001, 01:49 PM

Im sure Apple has something under their sleeve for a new digital hub device, but I also think they will be releasing the new iMac. It really needs some life breathed into that poor thing. Its almost 4 years old.

As far as a new G5? I doubt it. Count on the Apollo, or G4 7460 with processor speeds in the 1.6-1.2 range. I doubt they will call it a G5.

If we have learned anything from Apple's past (and the Apple faithful), rumors always typically over-predict, not under predict. Remember what was going around before the iPod launched? Based on the rumors I saw, I thought the thing was supposed to fly you to the moon and cure cancer. (complete with your entire music library, of course)

Perry

Dec 18, 2001, 02:45 PM

Desktop/Tablet hybrid.

Everything plugs into the base unit (digital hub) and you can take the tablet with you.

The tablet is the 15" LCD we keep hearing about. Touch sensitive with speech and handwriting recognition as the HCID.

agreenster

Dec 18, 2001, 02:47 PM

Is that a guess or do you have proof?

Ensign Paris

Dec 18, 2001, 03:39 PM

All my money is on a new digital device.

I really hope for a PDA but it is very very unlikely!

Guy

Xapplimatic

Dec 18, 2001, 03:51 PM

It's a new MPEG-4 recording/playback device much like a VCR.. it will start shipping along side the new MPEG-4 equipped Quicktime 6. It will have standard SVGA and S-Video outputs, but will also have an ADC for and optional Apple flatscreen LCD panel. And yes, the LCD panel iMac will also make it's long awaited debut.

theGremlin

Dec 18, 2001, 03:53 PM

By "Revolutionary", Jobs nowadays seems to mean a new twist on an old idea (iPod vs. MP3 Player). "Revolutionary" could mean making several popular things a computer does available in a device without the computer or the high price. Apple needs something that appeals to the cheap computerless masses, so I'd guess it's some sort appliance that combines games, music and the web.

GPTurismo

Dec 18, 2001, 05:03 PM

No G5s. Appleturns changed their story. They believe that it will be higher speed g4s, with a 933 being mid or low end range. Also new iMacs. I don' t think apple is going to sink mad money into a PDA right this moment. I am wondering if those old rumors of the iMac being a portable Tablet could be true, which would revolutionary. Or maybe they are going to make a PVR like the tivo that works with iMovie like the iPod works with iTunes. Interesting thought.

As for my predictions, No G5s until summer or late next year, LCD iMacs with new "revolutionary features," and possibly a new digital device like the iPod.

oldMac

Dec 18, 2001, 05:09 PM

why else would they send the release in the netherlands?

monkeymike

Dec 18, 2001, 05:30 PM

I bet it's a pump-driven airport-equiped espresso machine.

Bophonic

Dec 18, 2001, 05:46 PM

I have word its a Digital MP3 devise like HP's that works through your stereo. However, this on contains an Airport Card that will sync with iTunes 2.5 wirelessly. Also has an ethernet connection for a broadband line to use with internet radio stations. Anyone think the new iMacs will have a G4??

Peace...
Paul

whatever

Dec 18, 2001, 05:56 PM

I heard it's a new consumer hovercraft call iHover. In fact I believe there are pictures of Stephen Jobs driving it around Apple's parking lot.

whatever

Dec 18, 2001, 06:03 PM

Alright I just heard that it's going to be a new iPod which will all only MacUsers the right to pirate music from Universal. It's going to be called iSteel.

FYI: I had to stop streaming music to my desk at work, because I was sucking up so much bandwidth. So I went out and bought an iPod and all of the anti-Mac Techno-nerds are jealous of my new toy. One is actually thinking about buying a Mac just so he can get an iPod. No lie. Maybe Apple does no what they're doing.

MacManJapan

Dec 18, 2001, 09:59 PM

Well, my first venture into the world of macrumors.com.

I have a friend who works fors for a Japanese computer magazine. He heard Apple was looking at launching a new digital camera and the delay in Photoshop X was due to getting the products to sinc more easily to import pictures directly to PS X. He can not confirm this, but it sounds pretty good to me. Let's remeber the digital hub is more than just music.

I would also be first in line to buy a new iMac. LCD would be great. The screen will not be detachable, but a new input device that connects via firewire and is a square screen-like tablet with handwritting recognition wpould be great too. And something that will sell to all current Mac users, not just a new product. Let's remember, there are a lot of people who have bought Macs in the last 1-2 years, who may not be looking at new Macs now, but connectable items.

Can't wait (and MacWorld Expo Japan in not far off either)

Catfish_Man

Dec 18, 2001, 10:48 PM

First of all, I'm *almost* positive that the G5 won't be released in January. There's already a new G3 for the iMac, and the existence of the 7460 (G4++) has been confirmed by Motorola. Most of the rumors have it running at 1, 1.13, and 1.26Ghz. So unless they're releasing a completely new line of computers they won't have anything to put the G5 in.

I would expect that the G5 will be released with 10.2 (most rumors have it coming out in March, which interestingly enough is when the rumors say that OSX will be the default boot system on new macs).
In summary, I think we'll see:

LCD iMac 800mhz-1ghz (PPC 750fx) : Jan
New G4 1ghz-1.26ghz (PPC 7460): Jan

10.2 (64 bit compatible) : March
G5 1.2ghz-1.6ghz (PPC 8500): March
OSX default boot system: March

groov'

Dec 19, 2001, 03:41 AM

revolutionary, huh...

OK, it's probably a pair of iEyes or iBalls.

In a few years everybody will dump their oldfashioned eyeballs and replace them with the iBalls.

Of course you can switch one or both from normal view to iView. With these iOrgans screens are gone. And with the new iPorts all around we're allways plugged in to something and we don't need VR-helmets anymore.

I see miSelf driving around, half observing the road, half absorbed in an iMovie, licking my isCream. Sorry, I forgot a moment that the steering is done by the iDrive (AKA the idontDrive).

Oh ehhh... miEars just told me that someone hacked the iBalls and rebaptised the set as iMate.

Yes, iThink so iAm.

iwantanewmac

Dec 19, 2001, 04:23 AM

If you read the article well, you can almost guess what it is.
Why do they mention the Netherlands?I am Dutch and maybe I'll do an "interview" myself. : )

jMc

Dec 19, 2001, 07:43 AM

Originally posted by iwantanewmac
If you read the article well, you can almost guess what it is.
Why do they mention the Netherlands?I am Dutch and maybe I'll do an "interview" myself. : )

You mean it's the long awaited iBong...;)
jx

agreenster

Dec 19, 2001, 07:47 AM

That article is just talking about the new iMac. For cripes sakes! Mac users always have such a tendency to over estimate Apple. Jobs is just trying to build some hype for the new iMac. Its as simple as that.

Or, I guess it could be the iBalls.

ipiloot

Dec 19, 2001, 07:48 AM

Predict like sick, predict like crazy - You're wrong.

Good luck

agreenster

Dec 19, 2001, 07:52 AM

What, are you Steve Jobs or something? Its cool that you know, considering you wouldnt make a statement like that unless you had pure insider information. Unless you would just jerk our chain to get some fun out of it.

So, if you know, prove it.

ipiloot

Dec 19, 2001, 08:57 AM

Just pure experience.

Out of 10 predictions about last macworld, how many went through? Zero.

agreenster

Dec 19, 2001, 09:14 AM

Check some of the first couple posts on this discussion, and you'll see me saying something very similar. Mac users tend to predict their little brains out, and nothing ever comes of it. However, the iMac prediction is more of a safe bet because its practically common knowledge. The real suprise will be what it looks like, and its specs.

As far as a new digital device like iPod, who knows? And who cares. Lets just see what it is when they release it, and enjoy it then.

geowar

Dec 19, 2001, 07:43 PM

HUMOR: iGinger or iSegway?!? ;-)

mischief

Dec 20, 2001, 11:54 AM

iHooker!!!!

mischief

Dec 20, 2001, 01:23 PM

No, wait.......iPrez ! The Democratic candidate for '04!

mischief

Dec 20, 2001, 02:13 PM

The ultimate in multi-user devices: iHoukah!

britboy

Dec 20, 2001, 05:07 PM

Does anyone know if the i* naming convention is going to be left behind at any time in the near future? It seems to be getting a little long in the tooth... When it first came about with the iMac it was a new and different sort of name, but surely apple could update that at the same time as the revamp to the consumer model computer?

eyelikeart

Dec 20, 2001, 05:30 PM

At least with the iCraze...Apple has a brand association with their company...

iMac
iBook
iPod
iTunes
iTools

I feel like I'm missing some here....

britboy

Dec 20, 2001, 05:58 PM

iDVD...

mischief

Dec 20, 2001, 06:00 PM

iDisk

whatever

Dec 20, 2001, 06:23 PM

You Jobs must be talking about that brand new thing that everyone at macrumors.com have been talking about all this time. He's going to release iDONTKNOW

CHess

Dec 20, 2001, 11:43 PM

...IF anyone cares is that the article is not talking about a new iMac. The few words that described this new mystery product speak of something different and revolutionary. A flat panel iMac would certainly be new, cool, and eye catching and all, but...

How about the suggestion earlier that this is a tablet. A 15" draw-on graphics tablet. Like a smaller version of the one that Intuos makes, but... different.

Say, it's free standing, has an iBook battery for power, the 5gig hard drive that iPod has for storing your work, airport ready so you can connect it wirelessly to your network, a Firewire connector for data transfer and recharging or saving data to peripherals. Also, give it earphone jacks so you can play MP3s while you work or play.

Pretty much a thin, keyboard-less, CD-less, stylus-based iBook, but built as a digital peripheral aimed at Mac owners. It has no modem or ethernet, but you can use airport, so you can surf the web with it or use it in a classroom network or just around the airport equipped house.

You can draw, write, load games and educational material, wireless web surfing, maybe have a USB port so you can download pictures from your digital camera, store, edit, and display them. For this, the device also hangs on your wall or sits upright to view your photo slideshows.

It won't be cheap, but less than an iBook. Say, $599.

Heck, I want one already :)

eyelikeart

Dec 21, 2001, 12:13 AM

thank u britboy & mischief...

C_a_r_s_t_e_n

Dec 21, 2001, 02:04 AM

How about an iMaze?

DannyZR2

Dec 21, 2001, 02:33 AM

man this place has totally been overrun but idiot 10 year olds.

Moby 1

Dec 21, 2001, 03:01 AM

I just got one of these iPods - very, very fast Firewire transfer of my backup files.

The touch pad is a marvel of design and function. I would love to see it replace the mundane touch pad on the iBook & PowerBook & maybe see it on a keyboard for the iMac.

This touch pad could really blow away the competiton if it was on an iBook/Powerbook - iTouch?

Moby 1

agreenster

Dec 21, 2001, 07:34 AM

Yeah, I think the i naming convention has been overdone as well. Primarily because Apple was the first to start it, but since has been picked up by any product or service available, by non-Apple providers.

Hell, there's even a porn site called iTeens.com

mischief

Dec 21, 2001, 10:26 AM

Bingo, You only forgot 2 things:

-IR to control all your existing home entertainment stuff.
-Optical drive options: CDRW/Combo drive/Superdrive

and of course, models:

Basic:599.99 / G3 500 / 256Mb / 10Gb / CDRW
Standard:799.99 / G3 600 / 512Mb / 15Gb / Combo
SE: 999.99 / G3 700 / 768Mb / 20Gb / Superdrive

Which means that the iMacs'd have to come up:

G4 across the board @+50-100Mhz above current speeds. Everybody gets Airport as standard equipment.

Consensus on Ports: 2xUSB, 2x FW (if not Wireless Firewire), IR, Airport. figure on 2 of the iBook batteries.
no stylus.

mischief

Dec 21, 2001, 10:27 AM

Mystic.

cplmd

Dec 22, 2001, 01:25 PM

A DVR + stereo optical out/S-video box to plug into home theatre with Airport to sync with iTunes and FireWire to sync with iPod. CD/DVD to rip both and Ethernet to stream it all over the net.

Or a tabletMac would be nice too!!!!

CHess

Dec 22, 2001, 08:33 PM

cplmd

You may have something there. After the tablet, something like what you are talking about. Perhaps not marketed as a digital hub, but still a peripheral device. After all, the Mac is still supposed to be the digital hub.

So, second guess (since that's all we can do and this is all just for fun), is a kind of a non-mobile iPod. Serves as a kind of home entertainment system. CD/DVD player with good speaker system, so you can play CDs or listen to the radio through the built-in AM/FM tuner, hook it up to your TV to watch DVDs or watch psychidelic displays from the iTunes style visuals. The unit has a built-in hard disk to store your MP3s, WAVs or whatever. Has a firewire connector to hook up to your Mac (your digital hub), a small LCD display (in case you don't hook it up to your TV), and remote control. Built-in iTunes software also lets you download your music collection to your iPod through the built-in firewire.

Built-in airport support, so you can add the ability to transfer files to and from it wirelessly. Add-in cable modem, so you can download streaming MP3s, surf the internet using your TV, or use built-in airport software/hardware to use it as your airport base station. Also, the cable connector allows you to hook up to the TV like a standard VCR. Oh, yes, the hard disk allows you to record your shows for later viewing (so it must have a built-in TV tuner as well).

Video connector allows you to hook up to flat panel displays that will hang on your wall. All in all a very cool looking stylish package.

The basic package is around $699 without the external display, cable modem, or airport card. ;)

CHess

Dec 22, 2001, 08:43 PM

mischief, I don't agree with you there. It's an appliance, not really a replacement for a full-on computer. After all, it might cut in to iMac or iBook sales that way.

No optical drive options, just a CDROM so you could update firmware or listen to/rip CDs. It's a tablet that sits on your lap. You might have a DVD so you could watch movies on it.

It's more of something to keep kids entertained and for adults to be able to do some creative stuff on it. Even hang it on the wall to display changing art or photos or whatever.

Just one model - no processor/memory differentiation. It should not cause confusion in the line-up of stand-alone computers.

:)

cplmd

Dec 22, 2001, 09:26 PM

Well CHess this is what I had in mind:

http://products.hp-at-home.com/products/detail.php?id=L1410A&j=2

HP's DEC 100 as in Digital Entertainment Center.

But what would be revolutionary and powerful would be adding Apple's SuperDrive to it. Think about it. FireWire I/O so you can import video for any DV camera and sync audio tracks with an iPod. Throw in an Ethernet port and AirPort card and you had a wireless broadband gateway as well.

A 60 GB harddrive with TV tuner for cable/sat input allows a TiVo type device as well. What limits HP's product is it's an audio-only device. Apple can add video with a new QuickTime 6/MPEG 4 release as well.

So, a box with standard A/V port to intigrate it into you present home theatre and FireWire and a SuperDrive to take digital media to the next level. With an AirPort card and Ethernet you have one hell of a box that is powerful, revolutionary and slick as hell. I am already making room for it in my A/V stack.