How close are we to a Powerbook upgrade??

[ministerd]

I was itching to do that cram thing... and save some money..
BUT is a upgrade to the powerbooks coming soon???
or are we looking at January at Macworld..

My gut feeling is that a little speed bump is coming to the powerbook line..
not a huge revision.. but just a bump...

any thoughts??

[NCTRNL]

I was itching to do that cram thing... and save some money..
BUT is a upgrade to the powerbooks coming soon???
or are we looking at January at Macworld..

My gut feeling is that a little speed bump is coming to the powerbook line..
not a huge revision.. but just a bump...

any thoughts??

This is a question that you can constantly ask yourself. Most say that it will be Jan-Feb 2005 before an update is out...MAYBE. I just went ahead and bought mine now with the Cram and Jam thing. Already got my iPod...waiting for the powerbook...

[jxyama]

i highly doubt that there'll be a revision in any of the qualifying laptops while cram and jam is in effect.

[zelmo]

i highly doubt that there'll be a revision in any of the qualifying laptops while cram and jam is in effect.

I agree. Buy now and take advantage of the $200 rebate. Upgrade possible at MWSF, but likely only a minor bump. G5 no sooner than WWDC, imho.

[JOD8FY]

I'd say buy now and take advantage of the offer. Updates aren't likely for a while and probably won't be that impressive anyway.

JOD8FY

[FuzzyBallz]

C&J is used to get rid of "old" model/stock. You'll never see a new model during the C&J promo. Buy now.

[dieselg4]

I psoted something similar in another thread, but I'd say its a safe buy to do it now, esp. wiht the savings of the C&J.

As far as anyone knows, there's really no where for the Powerbook to go yet. The 7447A seems maxed out @ 1.5, there's been speculation on a couple of rumor sites about a 7448 that might yeild a bump, and no one knows if the Freescale e600 exists anywhere but on paper at the moment.

So basically if there is an update in the near future, you might gain +/- 100 mHz, and lose out on the $200 savings. Yay, you could post a a scant few point higher on Barefeats as a trade off.

Buy it now!

[EGT]

The powerbooks were only updated recently. I don’t think they're be any updates, big or small anytime soon.

Get it now ;)

[QCassidy352]

The powerbooks were only updated recently. I don’t think they're be any updates, big or small anytime soon.

Get it now ;)

not that recently, really. It's actually been quite a few months now. But I still don't think we'll see new ones soon because apple doesn't have the tech ready to update them.

[EGT]

not that recently, really. It's actually been quite a few months now. But I still don't think we'll see new ones soon because apple doesn't have the tech ready to update them.

When were the last updates? April, March? It was just after i bought my powerbook.

[upperblue79]

i highly doubt that there'll be a revision in any of the qualifying laptops while cram and jam is in effect.

But people said the same thing about ipod and apple released a new one during the cram and jam, so you never know...

[ign]

I bet they'll come with ibooks at least, and pbooks too maybe,
by november, but it won't be a big change, just speed bumps type of things,
unless they have brand new stuff to show in january

[dejaentendu]

When were the last updates? April, March?

April 19, according to the Buyer's Guide (http://buyersguide.macrumors.com).

I just bought my PowerBook a month ago and love it. Go for it. :)

[morkintosh]

G5 no sooner than WWDC, imho.

WWDC 2006 maybe

[Zaty]

The Powerbooks are usually updated every 6-8 moths. The last update was on April 19, which would hint to an update in October/November. But I think that an update in early 2005 (MWSF?) seems more likely because it seems only logical that the top-end models will get one of those brand new 100 GB HDs. Hitachi as well as Toshiba said they would start production shortly. Secondly, as others said before, it remains unclear what kind of CPU updates Freescale will be able to deliver. The 7447A, which is currently used, seems maxed out. So Apple might want to wait for the next generation of the 74xx rather than use a 7447A at 1.6 GHz. Thirdly, ATi's next generation mobile GPU (Radeon 9800 which also seems a logical choice for the next PB revision) was only recently introduced, so it will take some time until they ship in quantities. Therefore an update before year's end is rather unlikely. In a nutshell, buy now, you won't regret it.

[Grimace]

But I think that an update in early 2005 (MWSF?) seems more likely because it seems only logical that the top-end models will get one of those brand new 100 MB HDs. Hitachi as well as Toshiba have said they would start production shortly.

I GOTTA git me one a them 100MB hard drives!! :D

[Coolvirus007]

I'm skeptical that apple will stay in the same old revision dates. Will the massive shortages of hardware products, introducing the powerbook may have to wait a bit. Also, theres the dual core g4, g4 with a small speed bump, or g5 processor rumor.

[wdlove]

I'm skeptical that apple will stay in the same old revision dates. Will the massive shortages of hardware products, introducing the powerbook may have to wait a bit. Also, theres the dual core g4, g4 with a small speed bump, or g5 processor rumor.

The current limited ability to manufacture the G5 chip in large quantities, certainly makes it less likely that a PowerBook G5 is coming anytime soon. It seems that the dual core g4 is much more likely upgrade foe the PowerBook.

[Zaty]

I GOTTA git me one a them 100MB hard drives!! :D

You got me although it took me some time to get it :)

[bonk]

you MUST be a newbie! every third post, in any thread on this board, is powerbook G5! powerbook G5!

:-)

[Jays]

sure we all want new PB's G5, but we must admit that what we have are still the best laptops that are available on this planet.

[El Duderino]

i went ahead a couple months ago and got a toshiba tablet pc with a 1.5 centrino, its an awsome computer with plenty of power...unfortunatly i have decided to switch my major to photo illustration and at Kent State University the school of Visual Communication Design (VCD) requires an apple laptop for every major, therefor im in the process of selling my toshiba.

i was looking at Apple for a long time trying to decide what to go with, after Aprils upgrade i wasnt impressed and now im stuck with a laptop that is useless in the bussiness world i will be entering. unless you absolutly need it right now, i suggest you wait. once i sell my laptop i will probably wait untill fall 2006 to buy the Apple (wont be taking classed that require that untill then) i have the time to wait so im going to. thats just my long and drawn out opinion though. if you want to look at the facts, just check the buyers guide its been about 150 days since last upgrade and the average time in-between PB upgrades is 171, i feel its worth it to give a couple more months of contemplation.

[zebi_]

I was itching to do that cram thing... and save some money..
BUT is a upgrade to the powerbooks coming soon???
or are we looking at January at Macworld..

My gut feeling is that a little speed bump is coming to the powerbook line..
not a huge revision.. but just a bump...

any thoughts??

Cram & jam lasts till the 2nd of November in the UK. As long as you order before then u'll be ok.

I really want a PB or G5 desktop, just holding back till I know for sure that there isnt going to be a PB update before I buy. I dont desperately need a new computer - laptop would be handy. Note that if a new PB is announced it will take a while to get.

Its soo close I can smell it :eek: (the update that is)

[Manzana]

Ok, if there's an upgrade soon it will probably be minor. Then if you're not satisfied with it you're forced to wait until January. If a major revision happens then, you'll be waiting 1-2 mos to receive it, if not you'll be waiting for the next revision.

otoh, buy now, get an iPod for 67-99 bucks. That is awesome, boom you have a f/w drive for backups, or just sell it.

I bought a 15", 20gb iPOd, and printer. Got 289 in rebates from Apple, sold the iPod for 200(you could do better), printer for 50. Price for my PB=1617. What's not to like about that?

[ravenvii]

Yeah, buy the PB with the Cram and Jam deal now.

Last year, there was an stunner of a deal (free printer, iPod AND Final Cut Express with an Apple laptop! Unbelievable). So I got this iBook, even though I have the feeling that the G3 is at the end of it's line. I'm glad I did, the deal was amazing. :D

[Macophile]

I ordered a 12" PB yesterday. I expect upgrades will follow accordingly.

[JFreak]

The Powerbooks are usually updated every 6-8 moths. The last update was on April 19, which would hint to an update in October/November.

nope, on average every 9 months, so next revision should be announced on january 2005. buyer's guide average is wrong because of the nov2002 release of the last titanium powerbook just before aluminum 12" & 17" in jan2003.

[dobbin]

I was in John Lewis this week (one of the biggest suppliers of Apples on the high street in the UK).

They have had no stock of PBs or iBs for several weeks which is not entirely unusual. What is unusual is that Apple have not given them any date for when they will get new stock (this is what the pink sticker on the price tag means for anyone who has been to JL and noticed that).

However, Apple have now told them to expect news of when they will get stock next week. This is probably just more stock of the current models, but I certainly wouldn't buy until I see what happens.

[Zaty]

nope, on average every 9 months, so next revision should be announced on january 2005. buyer's guide average is wrong because of the nov2002 release of the last titanium powerbook just before aluminum 12" & 17" in jan2003.

I know about the AlBook introduction in Jan 2003 still if you lookt at all the updates since the TiBooks were introduced, you'll find the average cycle is more like 7 3/4 months if you calculated the average based on number of days between releases:

January 2001 (first TiBook) Revision
October 2001 (second TiBook Revision): 9 months
April 2002 (third TiBook Revision): 7 months
November 2002 (forth and final TiBook revision) 7 months
January 2003 (first AlBook revision, 12" and 17")
September 2003 (second AlBook revision, 15" AlBook first revision): 8 months (10 for 15", but we should count the number for the 12" and the 17" because Apple just phased out the TiBooks, that's why the cycle was longer than normal)
April 2004 (thrid AlBook revision) 8 months.

April 2004 + 8 months= December 2004. But of course Apple won't release a new revision in December (too late for the holiday shopping season). So if we're to see an other revision in 2004 it must happen before mid November. Because of the facts I mentioned in first post, it's more likely new PBs won't come until January or even February.

[Zaty]

I was in John Lewis this week (one of the biggest suppliers of Apples on the high street in the UK).

They have had no stock of PBs or iBs for several weeks which is not entirely unusual. What is unusual is that Apple have not given them any date for when they will get new stock (this is what the pink sticker on the price tag means for anyone who has been to JL and noticed that).

However, Apple have now told them to expect news of when they will get stock next week. This is probably just more stock of the current models, but I certainly wouldn't buy until I see what happens.

Interesting, but I think we shouldn't expect new PBs next week. IMO, there's a pretty good reason for the shortage of PBs and iBooks: the iMac G5. Since the 'books and the iMac are built by the same manufacturer, Apple probably decided to suspend production of the 'books in order to produce enough iMacs for the first wave. If they in fact resume production of the current models, we won't see new models before year's end, otherwise they wouldn't resume production for a month or so when new models are around the corner.

[earthtoandy]

god i hope it comes soon. i am gonna buy a 12" powerbook very soon.

i expect small upgrades and a price drop.

they aure are pushing that cram and jam.... let hope that points to someinventory reduction for the new release. doubtful but heres hoping

[Dalriada]

Me too... budget ready for a 12" powerbook for work and as I don't qualify for the Cram&Jam offer :( , I'm tempted to await early November to see what may come once the offer expires. Any clues/ideas though what small upgrades could be expected ??

[TranceClubMusic]

:eek: Next Tuesday!!!!!!! :p

[Chip NoVaMac]

April 19, according to the Buyer's Guide (http://buyersguide.macrumors.com).

I just bought my PowerBook a month ago and love it. Go for it. :)

And according to the guide, we are about a month away from a possible update. After the C&J expires for sure.

[Dalriada]

possible update

Guess update must be in the works by November but anyone have any ideas as to what's expected in the updates ?

[Diatribe]

The Powerbooks are usually updated every 6-8 moths. The last update was on April 19, which would hint to an update in October/November. But I think that an update in early 2005 (MWSF?) seems more likely because it seems only logical that the top-end models will get one of those brand new 100 GB HDs. Hitachi as well as Toshiba said they would start production shortly. Secondly, as others said before, it remains unclear what kind of CPU updates Freescale will be able to deliver. The 7447A, which is currently used, seems maxed out. So Apple might want to wait for the next generation of the 74xx rather than use a 7447A at 1.6 GHz. Thirdly, ATi's next generation mobile GPU (Radeon 9800 which also seems a logical choice for the next PB revision) was only recently introduced, so it will take some time until they ship in quantities. Therefore an update before year's end is rather unlikely. In a nutshell, buy now, you won't regret it.

Have you seen those monsters that they call a mobile video card? It's humongous. It takes a ****load of power and is only present in laptops that are about twice as thick as the current powerbooks. So how on earth would they fit this one in there? And even if they did, would you be happy with 1 1/2 hrs. of battery life?
And don't come to me with: "Apple will find a way" :D
Man is this annoying sometimes. :p

[Zaty]

Have you seen those monsters that they call a mobile video card? It's humongous. It takes a ****load of power and is only present in laptops that are about twice as thick as the current powerbooks. So how on earth would they fit this one in there? And even if they did, would you be happy with 1 1/2 hrs. of battery life?
And don't come to me with: "Apple will find a way" :D
Man is this annoying sometimes. :p

I'm a not tech expert so I don't know how much power those new GPUs draw. I was just guessing what the the next revision might look like, if they can't fit in a new ATi GPU, they might use one of Nvidia's. But I don't think they will keep the current chips if they can help it.

Edit: BTW, most users don't care if their new PB comes with a Radeon 9xxx or a GeForce FX 5xxx as long as the GPU seems good enough for them. So guess it's of little importance if they use an ATi or a Nvidia GPU.

[earthtoandy]

hell i would be happy with a backlit keyboard on the 12"! that would be great.

and also the 80gb 5400rpm drive as standard

[JFreak]

BTW, most users don't care if their new PB comes with a Radeon 9xxx or a GeForce FX 5xxx as long as the GPU seems good enough for them. So guess it's of little importance if they use an ATi or a Nvidia GPU.

i guess that currently most users care about the requirements for tiger OS that should be released 2Q/2005 - so if the next powerbook revision is announced 1Q/2005 it better have tiger supported hardware all the way.

[James Craner]

I think that we will see a iBook update in October for 4 reasons

1. The current cram and jam promotion ends 25th September

2. October is the beginning of Apples next fiscal quarter.

3. An update in October will give Apple a new product in the run up to Christmas, I think they tend to sell a lot in this period.

4. The Apple UK Refurb store is usually only open on Wednesdays, but from this Wens it will be open until the 25th Sept (same time as cram and jam ends) The store has been full of Powerbooks and iBooks - a clear out maybe?

So for me Sept 27 or Oct 4th are likely dates for an update to iBooks or Powerbooks.

[the_nole]

i'm sort of screwed because i need a new computer (laptop) soon cause my current one has mood swings. suddenly turns off when it feels like it.
i won't be able to get my loan money the earliest, the last week of the month. which is after the cram and jam special and before any update.
:confused: can't wait till jan/feb for a big upgrade, but need one now

[SimDesign]

Whats this about C&J ending on the 25th? I received an e-flyer yesterday saying it doesnt end till the 2nd of November. Maybe UK and US have different end times.
"Purchase an iPod and a PowerBook or iBook from the online Apple Store for Education before November 2nd 2004."

[TLRedhawke]

I work at an Apple Reseller in Canada, and I've gotten some word from up the supply chain that any laptop orders (iBook and Powerbook) taken by now will be honoured by the end of September. Furthermore, any orders taken after will not be honoured until October or November. The specific reason given for this was the intoduction of the Powerbook G5 is October or November. This leads all of us at the store to believe that the iBook will see an upgrade at the same time. We're hoping this will be more than a speedbump.

In addition, a marketing rep from Apple who has been doing some demos outside the store for the past week or two was denying things very harshly. He reiterated the classic line "No G5 Powerbook anytime soon" despite being faced with the reasons why such reiterations are suspicious. He seemed very eager to quell any suspicion about G5 Powerbooks, as well as the possibility of the use of the "Chameleon" patent in iBooks (an idea I just happened to consider at the time).

So, all of us are rather suspicious about what will happen with the Powerbooks, though we're in agreement on the fact that there will almost certainly be an update before Christmas. We're also quite confident the iBooks will be updated at about the same time.

Cram and Jam ends in just short of a week. It was clear the effect the promotion had on stock of 3G iPods, so it now has to be questioned whether it was also intended to deplete stocks of Powerbooks and iBooks pending a fall update. From everything we've seen, a G5 Powerbook seems likely to be soon, or, failing that, a drastic change to the line.

[the_nole]

From everything we've seen, a G5 Powerbook seems likely to be soon, or, failing that, a drastic change to the line.

hope your right

[howard]

i also hope your right,

however if you want to hear my completely made up opinion... i think powerbooks will be updated with a speed bump, maybe some other slightly bumped hardware features in about a month. Powerbooks won't be for awhile. I have to say i believe them when they say that powerbooks won't be for awhile, especially after the delays of both the powermac and imac cause of the g5...let alone the ability to even put a g5 in such a small enclosure

[aus_dave]

So, all of us are rather suspicious about what will happen with the Powerbooks, though we're in agreement on the fact that there will almost certainly be an update before Christmas. We're also quite confident the iBooks will be updated at about the same time.That's one hell of a first post TLRedhawke :).

I don't believe it myself but who really knows anyway.

[Macophile]

I work at an Apple Reseller in Canada, and I've gotten some word from up the supply chain that any laptop orders (iBook and Powerbook) taken by now will be honoured by the end of September. Furthermore, any orders taken after will not be honoured until October or November. The specific reason given for this was the intoduction of the Powerbook G5 is October or November.

I'm going to go out on a limb and be Mr. Suspicious here: Specific reason given by whom?

In addition, a marketing rep from Apple who has been doing some demos outside the store for the past week or two was denying things very harshly. He reiterated the classic line "No G5 Powerbook anytime soon" despite being faced with the reasons why such reiterations are suspicious. He seemed very eager to quell any suspicion about G5 Powerbooks, as well as the possibility of the use of the "Chameleon" patent in iBooks (an idea I just happened to consider at the time).
I don't understand. Someone "up the supply chain" is saying that Something Big is coming -- the PowerBook G5 -- but the marketing guy (of all people!) is saying that there isn't. But only PowerBook orders through September will be filled, since, I presume, the big announcement will come at the beginning of October. Doesn't it seem more likely that the guy who's supposed to whip up anticipation might say, "I can't tell you anything about that," or, "You'll just have to wait and see," and follow it up with an enigmatic smile? "He reiterated the classic line 'No G5 Powerbook anytime soon' despite being faced with the reasons why such reiterations are suspicious" itself sounds...suspicious. Especially since those reasons seem to be a mix of conjecture and wishful thinking.

Hey, maybe I'm wrong, and two weeks from now we'll be oohing and aahing over gorgeous new PowerBook G5s while I'm kicking myself for not waiting, but I don't think so. Speed bump? Maybe. Price drop? Perhaps. G5? No.

Maybe someone can correct me, but when Apple denies -- flat out denies -- that something is coming in the near future, have they ever reversed themselves? I don't mean that they remained frustratingly quiet or that the thing in question eventually appeared. I mean that when they've said, "We're not going to make a __________," (like a PDA or a cell phone) or, "Don't expect ____________ in [a particular time frame]," have they ever turned around and reversed themselves, just for the thrill of it?

[win_convert]

in australia we have "work to your own beat" which offer the same terms as this "cram and jam" i assume it is the same thing. it ends on the 25 sept anyway.

[earthtoandy]

i dont think this would be the first time they have flat out lied. i could see apple trying to make it a big secret type thing because it really is spectacular... so maybe they are keeping it hush hush and then will launch it on us!

the point is who the hell knows! i am crossing my fingers hoping our new friend here will be right so i can get my grubby hands on it when i got to buy in the next couple months. time will tell.

P.S. I talked to an apple store guy today and he seemed to not wanna say much about powerbook revs. All he did was hint that he didnt think a g4 rev was coming at all. I said it all depends on how far away the g5 is and he said "EXACTLY"

could this mean the g5 is right around the corner so the g4 books are dead? we'll see!

[Zaty]

i guess that currently most users care about the requirements for tiger OS that should be released 2Q/2005 - so if the next powerbook revision is announced 1Q/2005 it better have tiger supported hardware all the way.

AFAIK, the current PB lineup is 100% tiger compatible, so no one should worry about that.

[Zaty]

i also hope your right,

however if you want to hear my completely made up opinion... i think powerbooks will be updated with a speed bump, maybe some other slightly bumped hardware features in about a month. Powerbooks won't be for awhile. I have to say i believe them when they say that powerbooks won't be for awhile, especially after the delays of both the powermac and imac cause of the g5...let alone the ability to even put a g5 in such a small enclosure

I couldn't agree more, in fact it would be down right stupid to release yet another G5 product when IBM struggles to produce enough PPC970/970FX. This would lead to a complete desaster as Apple wouldn't stand a chance to catch up with the demand for those products. New G4 revision soon, possible, G5? Not before WWDC 2005.

[howard]

also, if apple stays true to there average update time, it should be in no more than a month. check out the buyers guide. We have 19 days until the average wait is reached. If they come out at mwsf then the wait would be one of the largest for powerbooks.

[Zaty]

also, if apple stays true to there average update time, it should be in no more than a month. check out the buyers guide. We have 19 days until the average wait is reached. If they come out at mwsf then the wait would be one of the largest for powerbooks.

Please forget the Buyer's Guide! As has been said before in this thread, the average number of days between updates is skewed due to the fact that Apple introduced the 12" and 17" PowerBooks less than two months after the last TiBook update. The "real" average cycle is 8 months, give or take a few. It's been excatly 5 months (April 19!) since Rev. Cs were introduced so I really don't think Apple will upgrade the PBs in three weeks time. There are quite a few reasons why we won't see an update for some time.To do the maths again: April 19 + 8 months = December 19. Updates will either happen on or shortly before November 16/17 or not before MWSF.

[TLRedhawke]

The exact word that G5 Powerbooks would be announced October or November was given by someone at Apple. Normally I would have passed such a thing off, but when it comes after informing us of a hefty supply problem for iBooks and Powerbooks, it makes it considerably more legitimate. To reiterate, we have been told that orders taken before the end of the 17th of September will be honoured by the end of the month. All orders taken afterward will not be honoured until October or November. A potential 2 month delay on laptop orders is a pretty big deal. It sounds awfully similar to the iMac situation, doesn't it? Imagine if Apple hadn't announced that there would be a new iMac at the end of August, and had just kept taking orders. There were no machines, so all the orders would have been delayed, and then honoured with new machines once the new one was announced.

As for supply problems with the G5 chip itself, IBM has more or less cleared the hurdles, and is producing them in fine supply. Apple held off until now to release the iMac because they knew supply would not be sufficient until now. Considering Powerbooks will likely use the same chip as the iMacs, it shouldn't be all that much work to provide enough chips.

Certainly, I'm not holding my breath on this all, and I'll admit to being somewhat skeptical. However, the precise words were "G5 Powerbook", and it's associated with a supply deficiency that explains it perfectly.

[howard]

well TLRedHawke... i guess only time will tell.

[JFreak]

i'm sort of screwed because i need a new computer (laptop) soon cause my current one has mood swings. suddenly turns off when it feels like it.

buy a new imac and a carrying bag :D :D :D

[JFreak]

i think january 2005 would be a possibility, because its timing would be about in the line with the powerbook revision history; however, they might just wait for june and wwdc to announce G5 powerbooks at the same time with the tiger (which i strongly believe they will announce at wwdc and not before).

of course i'm hoping for G5PB@january so there would be a revB next fall, but i'm not holding my breath. and i'm not buying the revA either :p

[Zaty]

The exact word that G5 Powerbooks would be announced October or November was given by someone at Apple. Normally I would have passed such a thing off, but when it comes after informing us of a hefty supply problem for iBooks and Powerbooks, it makes it considerably more legitimate. To reiterate, we have been told that orders taken before the end of the 17th of September will be honoured by the end of the month. All orders taken afterward will not be honoured until October or November. A potential 2 month delay on laptop orders is a pretty big deal. It sounds awfully similar to the iMac situation, doesn't it? Imagine if Apple hadn't announced that there would be a new iMac at the end of August, and had just kept taking orders. There were no machines, so all the orders would have been delayed, and then honoured with new machines once the new one was announced.

As for supply problems with the G5 chip itself, IBM has more or less cleared the hurdles, and is producing them in fine supply. Apple held off until now to release the iMac because they knew supply would not be sufficient until now. Considering Powerbooks will likely use the same chip as the iMacs, it shouldn't be all that much work to provide enough chips.

Certainly, I'm not holding my breath on this all, and I'll admit to being somewhat skeptical. However, the precise words were "G5 Powerbook", and it's associated with a supply deficiency that explains it perfectly.

As for the supply info, it definitely sounds like we'll see an update in October or November. (Which would make perfectly sense, although there are few pieces of inforamtion hinting towards a release in January, possibly at MWSF). Anyway I'm still skeptical about the PB getting a G5. Unless I'm missing something, your the first person saying the G5 is in good supply. Why are there so many people who have been waiting for the PMs for up to 3 months? Okay, perhaps IBM's only problem is to produce enough PPC970FX rated at 2.5 GHz. We'll see what's happening with the iMac G5 if Apple can deliver enough of those. Only time will tell. Like everyone else I hope you're right and If you are, you're going to be famous around here.

[Zaty]

i think january 2005 would be a possibility, because its timing would be about in the line with the powerbook revision history; however, they might just wait for june and wwdc to announce G5 powerbooks at the same time with the tiger (which i strongly believe they will announce at wwdc and not before).

of course i'm hoping for G5PB@january so there would be a revB next fall, but i'm not holding my breath. and i'm not buying the revA either :p

If Tiger were to be released around the time WWDC is on and the PB G5 was ready in say May, Apple would probably wait in order to ship the PB G5 with Tiger preinstalled. If, however, the PB G5 was ready in March or April, they certainly would release it then.

[JFreak]

If Tiger were to be released around the time WWDC is on and the PB G5 was ready in say May, Apple would probably wait in order to ship the PB G5 with Tiger preinstalled. If, however, the PB G5 was ready in March or April, they certainly would release it then.

it all depends. if it is in fact true that apple is currently preparing for a new powerbook G4 revision, then it would make perfect sense timetable-wise to announce the G5 powerbook in wwdc as there would be the 8-9 month gap we have begun to predict; after all, apple has been accused of being too unpredictable, so i highly doubt that they just pull a rabbit from the hat ;)

if they have the G5 powerbook ready in march/april/may/whatever-before-wwdc and they have a valid reason to announce the G5PB in june, they just have time to build enough quantity to be able to announce "ready to ship five minutes ago" :D

but if the current hype about new revision doesn't come true and the next speedbump in fact comes in january, then they will definetely not announce any new powerbooks before wwdc, not even if they had a G6PB ready. they just can't. AND... if the next powerbooks are coming in january, well, that means that they don't HAVE TO announce new revision in wwdc giving them plenty of time to get the G5PB right the first time; so that's why i think they will NOT update the powerbook this year. it is a very big deal for apple to make the G5PB a "best laptop money can buy", and make the PC world accept the marketing slogan also.

lots of ifs here, and i would definetely want apple to get the G5PB as soon as possible, because i'm buying the revB version of it and delaying the revA will naturally delay the revB also.

[Zaty]

it all depends. if it is in fact true that apple is currently preparing for a new powerbook G4 revision, then it would make perfect sense timetable-wise to announce the G5 powerbook in wwdc as there would be the 8-9 month gap we have begun to predict; after all, apple has been accused of being too unpredictable, so i highly doubt that they just pull a rabbit from the hat ;)

if they have the G5 powerbook ready in march/april/may/whatever-before-wwdc and they have a valid reason to announce the G5PB in june, they just have time to build enough quantity to be able to announce "ready to ship five minutes ago" :D

but if the current hype about new revision doesn't come true and the next speedbump in fact comes in january, then they will definetely not announce any new powerbooks before wwdc, not even if they had a G6PB ready. they just can't. AND... if the next powerbooks are coming in january, well, that means that they don't HAVE TO announce new revision in wwdc giving them plenty of time to get the G5PB right the first time; so that's why i think they will NOT update the powerbook this year. it is a very big deal for apple to make the G5PB a "best laptop money can buy", and make the PC world accept the marketing slogan also.

lots of ifs here, and i would definetely want apple to get the G5PB as soon as possible, because i'm buying the revB version of it and delaying the revA will naturally delay the revB also.

Yes and no:

October-April 6 months
MWSF-WWDC a bit less than 6 months

So even if a new revision is around the corner, there's no reason Apple couldn't announce new PBs in April, shipping in May.

Like you said, too many ifs....

[Macophile]

lots of ifs here, and i would definetely want apple to get the G5PB as soon as possible, because i'm buying the revB version of it and delaying the revA will naturally delay the revB also.

Good point. The fact that the Rev. A of the new iMac has just been released makes me suspicious about any significant changes to the PowerBooks just yet. Rev. As are going to be buggy and problem prone -- thousands of users in the real world will put their computers through the paces that no design team could ever anticipate. As Apple collects that information and revises the line based on it for the Rev. Bs, how likely is it that they're going to release another wholly redesigned product and go through that process at the exact same time? Apple was asked point-blank by a lot of people after the introduction of the iMac G5 what that meant about the prospects of the PowerBook G5 and they reiterated the technical problems (primarily heat and power consumption) that they're still working on. Not to mention that to get the G5 in the iMac they had to completely redesign the form factor. I believe they said that it was surprising how much leeway that extra inch of thickness between the iMac and the PowerBook gave them. A G5 PowerBook is a lot more complicated to bring about than simply popping the G4 chip out and snapping a G5 in its place.

It seems like the only way there could be a G5 in a PowerBook by October is if they've completely redesigned the machine, and I just don't see that happening so quickly on the heels of the new iMac.

[wdlove]

Steve missed out on introducing the new iMac at MacWorld Paris. I think that he will want to announce such a dramatic upgrade as the PowerBook G5 himself. So it would seem more like at MWSF. Like others only time will tell.

[macpilot]

As a newbie I feel a bit left out on this one; what is the "Cram and Jam"?

[the_nole]

As a newbie I feel a bit left out on this one; what is the "Cram and Jam"?

http://www.apple.com/education/cramandjam/

[Squire]

i'm sort of screwed because i need a new computer (laptop) soon cause my current one has mood swings. suddenly turns off when it feels like it.
i won't be able to get my loan money the earliest, the last week of the month. which is after the cram and jam special and before any update.
:confused: can't wait till jan/feb for a big upgrade, but need one now

I was also in a similar situation. A local reseller had a no-interest deal on PowerBooks so I ordered one at the end of August. Then, when it didn't arrive immediately, I got my wife to call. Their supplier was running low and my book wouldn't arrive until the end of August, they said. I cancelled the order, waited for the Paris Expo, and then ordered a new 13" Vaio. (I absolutely needed a notebook as my 8-year old beast was acting up and I had a lot of work to do.)

Do I wish I had a 12" PB instead? Yes, of course. But my wife and I made a deal that she would get the Vaio (hopefully) next year when a) G5 PBs arrive, and b) we have some cash.

One thing that does make me think something might be in the works is the fact that Paris brought only the iMac. I mean, wasn't it initially supposed to be released before then? If so, what were they going to announce at Paris?

(Off Topic) JFreak: Some of my buddies watched the Canada-Finland game with Esa Tikkanen. I was pretty surprised when I found out he was playing here.

Squire

[john123]

Any new thoughts on new PBs in light of the soon-to-be-ending promotions?

[JFreak]

Yes and no:

October-April 6 months
MWSF-WWDC a bit less than 6 months

So even if a new revision is around the corner, there's no reason Apple couldn't announce new PBs in April, shipping in May.

Like you said, too many ifs....

about 6 months from announce to announce, but please add 2-3 months to actual shipping of the product :D simple speedbumps have been (if i remember correctly) available instantly after announcement, but major revamps (ti->al for example) have had this annoying gap of few months between announcement and delivery.

[JFreak]

Rev. As are going to be buggy and problem prone

for a regular user, no, it doesn't matter so much if it's a revA machine or later iteration. but for me, who uses protools on a daily basis, it matter a lot if the system is stable or not.

[JFreak]

(Off Topic) JFreak: Some of my buddies watched the Canada-Finland game with Esa Tikkanen. I was pretty surprised when I found out he was playing here.

what a great game it was; team canada won a good fight :cool:

[kaneda]

I guaranteed Powerbook G5 @ 2005 MWSF...

entry model will be available...

mid-range - high end will be available mid-Feb... :cool:

[CmdrLaForge]

My guess is that in November new G4 powerbooks will announced. I can't image that Steve will announce new G4 powerbooks on stage, because he knows its not a big deal and he would not get the response from the crowd. So I guess November - which is OK for the Christmas buyers.

And at WWDC he announces then the G5 powerbook, about 7 month later. Of course only if they get the heat and supply problems under control.

btw, I really haven't heard anything that the G5 supply problems are under control now. I heard the opposite, that the Powermac 1.8 got longer delivery times when they announced the new iMac.

Cheers

[Dalriada]

My guess is that in November new G4 powerbooks will announced

What updates would you predict/expect just to keep us patient...

[john123]

I am torn. I recently got rid of my TiBook and am trying to decide whether to continue to use my PC at home (I love to work from bed, and using a big clunky desktop is not so ideal), or to get one of the current PB models -- ESPECIALLY with the current promotions and/or $150 Amazon rebate.

I think I can wait til October/November...but if we're talking about stretching into 2005, then I'd rather get something now.

Anyone have any insights?

[Nooon]

I recently sold my iBook, and I'm going to order a PB pretty soon. I don't think I'll be able to wait longer than 4.oct, though..

[kacheng]

THEY ARE COMING

http://MacNews.net.tc

New PowerBook G4 coming

As we've told you in the past, this Autumn will show us another round of PowerBook G4 series. (G5 PowerBooks will come in Spring/Summer 2005.) According to our sources, there'll be nothing radical about the next upgrade to the PBG4. We'll see the 12" model move up to 1.6 GHz, as well as the lower-end 15" model. The high end 15" and the 17" model will get the 1.8 GHz processor.
All of them are PPC 7448 processors that should run cool enough at these high rates (as cool as current PBs, our sources put it, although we find that not really 'cool' on some occasions...). The graphics card will be the ATi Mobility Radeon 9800 for 15 and 17 inch models, the 12" will - according to sources - stay at its current nVidia card but lowered in price by 100 USD. The release date for the PowerBooks has been specified as "mid to end october"

[JFreak]

I recently sold my iBook, and I'm going to order a PB pretty soon. I don't think I'll be able to wait longer than 4.oct, though..

i guess you should ;)

[kallaway1]

Has anybody heard anything about a new iBook revision? Call me crazy, but I actually prefer how they look :p

[Zaty]

Has anybody heard anything about a new iBook revision? Call me crazy, but I actually prefer how they look :p

No news about the iBook but we can expect a sped bump, with the high end 14" probably getting a 1.33 GHz CPU and perhaps a fourth iBook model (14" iBook w/ Superdrive). Also the 12" iBook might finally get a 40 GB HD, other than I don't think Apple will change anything else.

[tateusmaximus]

bit of a let down but wasnt not expected as th most obvious change. im kinda glad im wrapped in the imac now! gotta get me one of dem tings!

[CmdrLaForge]

What updates would you predict/expect just to keep us patient...

As we've told you in the past, this Autumn will show us another round of PowerBook G4 series. (G5 PowerBooks will come in Spring/Summer 2005.) According to our sources, there'll be nothing radical about the next upgrade to the PBG4. We'll see the 12" model move up to 1.6 GHz, as well as the lower-end 15" model. The high end 15" and the 17" model will get the 1.8 GHz processor.

Thats my guess too.

[CmdrLaForge]

Has anybody heard anything about a new iBook revision? Call me crazy, but I actually prefer how they look :p

I don't call you crazy, me too. I always liked the iBooks better. I would only go for a Powerbook because I kind of need the power.

Cheers

[JFreak]

I don't call you crazy, me too. I always liked the iBooks better. I would only go for a Powerbook because I kind of need the power.

Cheers

i do - the only ibooks i liked better than powerbooks were the colourful clamshells ;)

[Zaty]

I don't call you crazy, me too. I always liked the iBooks better. I would only go for a Powerbook because I kind of need the power.

Cheers

BTW, LaForge start saving money for MWSF '06 because that's when PB G5 Rev. Bs will be released. Until then enjoy whatever computer you're using now :D

[Diatribe]

After all the things I have read about the Rad9800 it would surprise me a lot if they could fit in the Powerbooks and/or still maintain a decent battery life.
Although the stuff that I've read may have been wrong I think it's more a wish than actual truth. As for the 12" staying with the Geforce5200... GET A GRIP APPLE. This is last century's technology and as of today the worst, still to get graphics card. Using them in the imac was bad enough, but staying with it in the pb line? Arrrgh. :eek:
C'mon fit those neat little 9700s in the 12". I know you can do it, I know you can. :D

Oh, one word concerning the cpu. The G4 is not a bad cpu IF they could increase the bus speed it'd be awesome. If they stay with the current bus speed the increase of the Mhz won't give you any actual speed increase because it will be limited by the bus. So at that bus speed it doesn't really matter if you have 1.5 or 1.8 GHz.

[earthtoandy]

certainly agree about the bus. achilles heel if you will.

however this update seems logical... the bump to 1.6 and 1.8 that is. typically thiese small updates come with making options standard as well. will we see standard super drives? hmm that would be interesting. who else is excited about the end of cram and jam. i am almost certain we will see an update, however small, in the coming weeks with the g5 coming middle of next year(as said jobs wont announce a g4 update but the g5 will certainly be scheduled for him.)

all i know is i will certainly be tuned in for that speech and will quickly sell the 12" i am about to get and get my g5 powerbook:D

[Nooon]

so.. how reliable is MacNews.net.tc ?

[Diatribe]

so.. how reliable is MacNews.net.tc ?

Good question. Next question. :D

[Dalriada]

As for the 12" staying with the Geforce5200... GET A GRIP APPLE. This is last century's technology and as of today the worst, still to get graphics card. C'mon fit those neat little 9700s in the 12"

Definitely. Am desperately awaiting next 12" revision but if they stick that 'ol 5200 again, will probably jump for the 15" and have to get used to carting around those extra kilos. :rolleyes:

[JFreak]

Definitely. Am desperately awaiting next 12" revision but if they stick that 'ol 5200 again, will probably jump for the 15" and have to get used to carting around those extra kilos. :rolleyes:

do yourself a favor and get the 15" anyway and don't settle for the powerlessbook ;)

[Dalriada]

do yourself a favor and get the 15" anyway and don't settle for the powerlessbook ;)

Believe me am tempted and appreciate the advice but this will be my travelmate only, my homemate will be the rev B iMac fully maxed out with all the upgradable items they'll be allowing us when the time comes... :D

[CmdrLaForge]

BTW, LaForge start saving money for MWSF '06 because that's when PB G5 Rev. Bs will be released. Until then enjoy whatever computer you're using now :D

Well, yes you are right. The thing is that I will need to get some work done starting around June - July 05. And I will just buy whats available then. I will not wait with my purchase. Maybe if the powerbooks are then 8 month old and the next release is around the corner. In fact - I could not care less about a G5 in a powerbook. A 1.8 GHz G4 or even 2.0 GHz G4 with a Radeon 9800 would make me perfect happy. And yes, I would get a first Rev. G5 as well.

Cheers
LaForge

[JFreak]

Believe me am tempted and appreciate the advice but this will be my travelmate only, my homemate will be the rev B iMac fully maxed out with all the upgradable items they'll be allowing us when the time comes... :D

15" powerbook travels nicely, i have had two of them and no problem ever.

[john123]

So what do we think? How long after the end of Cram and Jam do we get an announcement of new stuff?

[sarae]

So what do we think? How long after the end of Cram and Jam do we get an announcement of new stuff?


i'm guessing two weeks. not because i know anything special, but because i just ordered a powerbook today, and my history with buying technology is that it is upgraded almost exactly two weeks after i buy something. got a canon g5 about a month and a half ago, and they upgraded it about a week and a half later. but it's alright. :)

[James Craner]

I expect Apple will announce speed-bumped Powerbooks and iBooks in October. I doubt that they will be announced on the 27th as I can't see Apple announcing at the end of a financial quarter, more likely at the beginning of one i.e. Oct 4th or Oct 11. Apple will want to get these quickly in the sales channels to make the most of the holiday buying season.

[James Craner]

do yourself a favor and get the 15" anyway and don't settle for the powerlessbook ;)

I have a 15" Powerbook and agree that they are very capable machines, however I do think that the iBooks are good value for money as well.

[Chip NoVaMac]

do yourself a favor and get the 15" anyway and don't settle for the powerlessbook ;)

Having a PB 12" rev. B, I am not so sure that it is that under powered, even stacked against the 15" PB's. For portability the 12" PB can't be beat.

The only upgrade that I would like to see in the rev. D 12" PB would be an option (or standard) 64mb VRAM.

[Chip NoVaMac]

So what do we think? How long after the end of Cram and Jam do we get an announcement of new stuff?

I would say no earlier than two weeks after. Just to avoid returns.

[intrepkid21]

The only upgrade that I would like to see in the rev. D 12" PB would be an option (or standard) 64mb VRAM.

Already done..now if we can have that 64mb VRAM option in the ibook I'd be set.