Macbooks Tuesday, May 9?

[MacRumors]

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

An anonymous source claims that Apple stores are receiving materials for a new window display that's labeled "do not open until Tuesday, May 9th." The source also claims that Apple has directed its stores to push iBook sales this weekend, presumably to clear out inventory.

Recent rumors have pointed to the Macbook being released in May, but no specific date had been given.

Update: In addition to further confirmation of more Apple Stores receiving materials for a Tuesday product release, http://www.apple.com/ipod/ looks like it is spilling the beans with a reference to the as-yet unreleased Macbook. In case the site is corrected, a screenshot is mirrored here (emphasis added in image).

[iGary]

Oh Christ, let the melee begin.

[Stridder44]

Originally Posted by iGary

Oh Christ, let the melee begin.

http://www.uruknet.info/uruknet-imag...05429-nuke.jpg

http://cache.boston.com/images/bosto...nic-button.jpg


Ok really though, I think this is it. The big one. Powerbook G5's THIS TUESDAY FTW!!!

[QCassidy352]

I know it's been rumored over and over again, but at some point they really do have to come out. Why not now?

If the ship time on the ibook G4 slips in the next few days then we'll know it's true for sure.

All i can say is that i hope there's something better than a "mac mini with a screen" after all this time. If that's all it is then it shoulda been out 2 months ago. So hopefully the delay was because apple was cooking up something exciting that will really wow people.

[longofest]

Originally Posted by QCassidy352

All i can say is that i hope there's something better than a "mac mini with a screen" after all this time. If that's all it is then it shoulda been out 2 months ago. So hopefully the delay was because apple was cooking up something exciting that will really wow people.

haha! you figured it out! It's just a mac mini with a screen, nothing more

[sarcosis]

As optomisitc as i want to be, I don't think it will be true. Most of the time, stores will indeed get something that says do not open. Is it the Macbook, prolly not.

It's like many have said before, there will be an event to unleash these puppies. And many people in the press world need at least a week to get coordinated. So i think that when they are launched, we will know something at least a week ahead of time.

[swingerofbirch]

Maybe it's posters for the Get a Mac campaign.

Although I disliked the ads, you can't get much more direct than "Get a Mac." It has the same coercive feel as P Diddy's "Vote or Die."

[corywoolf]

Originally Posted by longofest

haha! you figured it out! It's just a mac mini with a screen, nothing more

No, your both wrong, its got a keyboard too!

[dongmin]

Originally Posted by QCassidy352

I know it's been rumored over and over again, but at some point they really do have to come out. Why not now?

I don't know about you, but for me, the more "MacBooks next Tuesday" rumors I read, the less I'm likely to believe them.

I still refuse to believe that Apple will do a 'stealth release' of these MacBooks. Common, they did a special event for a bloody ipod case. Until Apple sends out special invites to the media, I'm not getting my hopes up.

[AndyR]

People seriously need to relax at this! All this I NEED A LAPTOP NOW ELSE I'LL NEVER BUY APPLE AGAIN is just silly. Its only a freakin laptop, stop wishing your life away and live for the moment, not wishing the months away waiting for the next gadget to come out which you won't buy for 3 months anyway so everyone else can get the Rev.A bugs.

Chill.......

[ero87]

that's kindof lame of Apple, to "push" sales of a product that's about to become obsolete in 2 days.

[daveL]

Originally Posted by ero87

that's kindof lame of Apple, to "push" sales of a product that's about to become obsolete in 2 days.

Heaven forbid, *nobody* does that! What do you think Dell coupons are for? They are either trying to move products that aren't selling or ones that will shortly be replaced. Give me a break. Companies are out to make a profit, and if they don't, they cease to exist. Timing is everything.

[kingtj]

Well, not necessarily. Apple has always had a policy of letting people exchange a product for an updated version, if the update comes out within 30 days of the purchase. (EG. If you bought iLife '05, and 2 weeks later, iLife '06 hit the shelves, Apple would let you return '05 for credit towards buying '06 if you complained about it.)

Therefore, I would think any orders to "push" sales of iBooks would imply discounting prices on them or offering some kind of incentive (like "Buy an iBook today and get a free case and printer!") or something. Otherwise, lots of those last minute iBook sales would just translate back into exchanges for MacBooks.

Originally Posted by ero87

that's kindof lame of Apple, to "push" sales of a product that's about to become obsolete in 2 days.

[RichP]

While that is true, and, for all intents, the macbook is an ibook replacement, they are not the same product, technically, and would not qualify.

Originally Posted by kingtj

Well, not necessarily. Apple has always had a policy of letting people exchange a product for an updated version, if the update comes out within 30 days of the purchase. (EG. If you bought iLife '05, and 2 weeks later, iLife '06 hit the shelves, Apple would let you return '05 for credit towards buying '06 if you complained about it.)

Therefore, I would think any orders to "push" sales of iBooks would imply discounting prices on them or offering some kind of incentive (like "Buy an iBook today and get a free case and printer!") or something. Otherwise, lots of those last minute iBook sales would just translate back into exchanges for MacBooks.

[JGowan]

Originally Posted by ero87

that's kindof lame of Apple, to "push" sales of a product that's about to become obsolete in 2 days.

If it's true. I guess the only people would know are Apple Sales people... any here? I'm reserving judgement 'til I talk to one.

[milo]

Originally Posted by ero87

that's kindof lame of Apple, to "push" sales of a product that's about to become obsolete in 2 days.

What are you talking about?

[rumplestiltskin]

Originally Posted by ero87

that's kindof lame of Apple, to "push" sales of a product that's about to become obsolete in 2 days.

I bought the last gen iBook 14"...rather, I ordered it and had to wait almost three weeks for it to ship. It shipped 45 minutes before they announced the latest gen (for $200 less with more standard RAM, larger HD, etc.). I called Apple and pissed all over the customer service rep about how dare they ship it , literally, minutes before announcing the new one. They took it back without a restock charge and cross-shipped me the new one immediately.

I'm writing this on my (old) 1GHz 12" iBook that I'm selling to a client next week. Gonna get me a Ferrari red MacBook.

[themacman]

lets hope that these new macbooks have no problems like the verse rev mb pro has.

[inmotion]

argh let's get this over !
give me macbook !

[macgeek2005]

If the higher class model has a BTO to 2.0Ghz, i'm getting one.

[iPaul]

i have to say this sounds about right....i was talking to an employee at the apple store and asked him if they were going to have an in-store promotion related to the new get a mac campaign, because we were talking about the ads. he said that they had received a new window display for the upcoming week, but that he didn't know the content of it yet.

[xPismo]

Originally Posted by Stridder44

<img snipped> Ok really though, I think this is it. The big one. Powerbook G5's THIS TUESDAY FTW!!!

Made me laugh.

If this really does happen, Apple really is slowly walking away from announcing everything during a Macworld keynote. That's an understandable plan, at some point the stevenote would get stale, but what will our leader Steve show us if all the cool stuff is already hitting the market?

Being a faithful, I enjoyed the brainwashing. We shall prevail!!!

[VIREBEL661]

Originally Posted by Stridder44

http://www.uruknet.info/uruknet-imag...05429-nuke.jpg

http://cache.boston.com/images/bosto...nic-button.jpg


Ok really though, I think this is it. The big one. Powerbook G5's THIS TUESDAY FTW!!!

I wish.....

[yankeefan24]

Somehow, I doubt this. Apple stores do NOT get new products in until after the announcement so employee's do not leak it to the press.

Of course if they do, I am going to say its a coincidence.

[mikea]

Originally Posted by yankeefan24

Somehow, I doubt this. Apple stores do NOT get new products in until after the announcement so employee's do not leak it to the press.

Of course if they do, I am going to say its a coincidence.

It is not a new product they are receiving..It's window displays.
Anyway.

Don't count on it. Here is something that proves, none of these rumor sites have a clue... quoted from this site.
Early rumors
Several rumors circulated in 2005 regarding the introduction of Intel iBooks with varying details, however most of them agreed that they would be introduced in January 2006 at Macworld San Francisco, which turned out to be false.

The earliest rumors suggested that Apple planned to move "lower-end computers such as the Mac mini to Intel chips in mid-2006 and higher-end models such as the Power Mac in mid-2007.
The first rumor of an upcoming Intel-based iBook suggested a 13" widescreen model and an anticipated ship date of April-May 2006.
In mid November 2005, ThinkSecret claimed that Intel iBooks would be unveiled at Macworld, citing highly reliable sources. FALSE It also suggested a price drop of as much as $200 USD was possible.
In early December, ThinkSecret suggested that a 13.3" widescreen iBook will be released, replacing the current 14" model. This would have a maximum resolution of 1280x720, compared to 1024x768 on the current models.
Less than a week later, a Taipei Times report of unknown reliability suggested that Apple would release light-weight notebooks with a stylish design, with a 12" model at 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) and a 14" model at under 2 kg (4.4 lbs).
In mid December, ThinkSecret claimed that Apple would release new iBooks at Macworld, using a dual-core low-voltage 1.5 GHz Yonah processor. FALSE
[edit]
Post MWSF rumors
When Intel based iBooks were not announced at Macworld San Francisco 2006, rumors were that they were likely to be introduced in April-May 2006, but possibly announced as early as March.

In late January 2006, AppleInsider claimed that new iBooks would feature Front Row and Photo Booth software, as well as a built in iSight. It would come in two 13" models, but with a similar design to the current iBooks.
In early February, ThinkSecret reported that Intel based iBooks would be announced in March with a 13" widescreen form factor, and would be available in quantity sometime in April.
In April AFX News Limited claimed that Apple would start shipping the new iBooks in June.
Several days later, AppleInsider and ThinkSecret posted reports agreeing on a name change to MacBook and that they'd be available within 30-60 days. ThinkSecret reported the use of both Core Duo and Core Solo processors, while AppleInsider reported that Core Duo processors would be used exclusively. AppleInsider claims they will be "the most redesigned notebooks to emerge from Apple's famed industrial design studios in several years".
Reiterating previous reports, AppleInsider in April claimed that the MacBook could come in a variety of colors.
In early May 2006, ThinkSecret reiterated that the MacBook is expected in May.