WWDC Keynote Info? XServe, Mac Pro, Displays?

[MacRumors]

MacRumors has obtained unconfirmed information that could shed light on what the community can expect next Monday during Steve Job's keynote.

Xserve
According to our source, Apple will be set to unveil Xeon-based Xserves. It is unknown what speed they will come in, or whether they will pack dual processors, but speculation would indicate that Apple forgo Intel's top-of-the-line 3.0 Ghz Xeon in order to meet the heat constraints of the 1U Xserve.

Mac Pro and Displays
According to our source, both Core 2 Duo (Conroe) and Xeon chips will be used. Along with the new desktops, Apple will also unveil new displays with up to 1:1000 contrast ratios, built-in iSights, and built-in IR receivers for use with Apple's remote.

Merom?
Also mentioned was a slight design update and Merom (Core 2 Duo Mobile) upgrade for one of Apple's products. Currently, MacRumors believes this to be in reference to the MacBook Pro, however with iMac supplies dwindling at many retail locations, the possibility exists that it could also be the target of an upgrade.

Leopard
A half-dozen or so features of Leopard are said to be ready to be displayed during Job's keynote. While not mentioned specifically as the features to be displayed, the UI is said to be updated, as well as better functionality for businesses, Safari improvements, and the underpinnings of "OS 11". The most intriguing hints are that Apple will incorporate 3d effects in an impressive new feature of Leopard.

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[spicyapple]

Xserve is badly in need of updates, but it just seems Xserve serves no real purpose anymore. :/

I predict price reductions for their 30" LCD monster, or a new 42" LCD introduction. That would be my wish, since 30" isn't large enough with which to edit HD videos.

[QCassidy352]

xserve has a purpose for businesses! Just not for you.

This is exactly what I predicted (xserve, mac pro, displays, leopard), except that I didn't, and still don't, think we will see any merom-based product at WWDC, but rather a quiet introduction soon after.

[spicyapple]

Apart from the Mac Pro hardware introduction and possibly better pricing on the Cinema Displays, this little tidbit has got me really excited! "Underpinnings of OS 11"? -- Ooohhh.

Originally Posted by Macrumors

While not mentioned specifically as the features to be displayed, the UI is said to be updated, as well as better functionality for businesses, Safari improvements, and the underpinnings of "OS 11". The most intriguing hints are that Apple will incorporate 3d effects in an impressive new feature of Leopard.

[boncellis]

If this is true, it's just about what those of us who are familiar with these events expected. Servers, displays and pro workstations are overdue, and that's plenty to introduce in one keynote. An update to the MBP would just be icing on the cake, so to speak.

As for the display with the IR receiver, it seems evolutionary, just that on the Mini the receiver is on the machine itself. I personally think including it on the display is a better way to go because the computer may be tucked away somewhere but you'll almost always be able to look at the screen. It's just one more connection to wire, no big deal.

[nagromme]

I expected iSight in the displays, but never thought about the IR receiver. Makes sense, though.

Now, someone give me some money because I'm going to want to go shopping next week

[ITASOR]

I still don't think they'll put iSights in the displays. Many, many, many people use dual displays and it would be weird to have them in both displays.

I think they will make a new version of the external iSight. When you have a laptop setup that you carry around, or a "sleek" iMac setup, an external iSight isn't really idea. However, when you have a 30" display, Mac Pro, etc. a small iSight sitting on your display is nothing.

And also....with Mac Mini's if they don't make an external iSight, you won't be able to video chat unless you have an Apple display? I highly doubt that.

[Eidorian]

Update all the desktops and the MacBook Pro. Please?

[boncellis]

Originally Posted by ITASOR

...
And also....with Mac Mini's if they don't make an external iSight, you won't be able to video chat unless you have an Apple display? I highly doubt that.

That's a fair point, the only rebuttal I could think of is Apple wanting to market the new 20" ADC w/ iSight alongside the Mini for what seems to be a popular combination.

I tend to agree with you though, a new iSight could be in the works for exactly that type of setup (external monitor). I have the original and love it.

[Cubert]

I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas!

Please wow us, Uncle Stevie!

[Stridder44]

Originally Posted by psxndc

a half dozen or so features of LEOPARD (not Tiger) I assume, right?

I know I read that 4 times over too.

So 3-d effects for Leopard huh?

[lilstewart]

Originally Posted by ITASOR

I think they will make a new version of the external iSight. When you have a laptop setup that you carry around, or a "sleek" iMac setup, an external iSight isn't really idea. However, when you have a 30" display, Mac Pro, etc. a small iSight sitting on your display is nothing.

Agreed.

Plus, they'd have to make the iSights work with Windows because the ACD's can be used on PC's...

[xUKHCx]

Originally Posted by Cubert

I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas!

Please wow us, Uncle Stevie!

yeah it is so exciting, hope we can pre-order it straight away because then it will feel like i am going to get it a lot sooner.

[Sijmen]

Cinema Display's with iSight would be great. They need a price drop, too.

Now, I'm wondering: if the new ACDs get an IR receiver for the remote, what about pre-Front Row Macs? Will the display come with Front Row?

[Egosphere]

As much as I want the MBP to be updated with Merom, I think it will be the iMac that will be updated this Monday. It is true that iMac supplies are dwindling. And, my uni's--UC Berkeley's--tech store has just dropped prices on iMacs below the edu discounted price (the edu discounted price remains the same on the online Apple store). Previously, just before the MBP got a speed bump, they had an extra discounted price on the MBP. Maybe both the iMac and MBP will be updated... hopefully. But, the iMac is definitely getting an update. Maybe MBP supplies are still high so it's price isn't down and may still be update. I really hope so.

[Peel]

Originally Posted by spicyapple

Apart from the Mac Pro hardware introduction and possibly better pricing on the Cinema Displays, this little tidbit has got me really excited! "Underpinnings of OS 11"? -- Ooohhh.

I don't recall, has anyone at Apple ever even mentioned the term OS 11 before?

[dansgil]

All I want is a new MacBook Pro. I have been holding off buying one since May.

I hope the Cinema displays don't have iSights, it doesn't make sense in a business environment, where cameras are not allowed. Apple should just make a slimmer, better external iSight.

In my opinion 'OS 11" just doesn't sound nearly as good as "OS X." I hope Apple can thing of a better name.

[adamfilip]

Originally Posted by lilstewart

Agreed.

Plus, they'd have to make the iSights work with Windows because the ACD's can be used on PC's...

just cause people use them on pcs doesnt mean Apple has to do anything to help them work on them.

[w_parietti22]

oooo I want a 20" ACD. Make it $499, please apple please. Oh and S-video in would be nice too!

I think there will be an OS 11. It makes sense. I mean are they just gonna stay with X the entire time. *20 years later* "Well today we are previewing Mac OS 10.25." -Steve Jobs. I mean seriously.

[Stridder44]

Originally Posted by Peel

I don't recall, has anyone at Apple ever even mentioned the term OS 11 before?

*thinks about OS 11*



I think my brain just asploded.

[bankshot]

Originally Posted by Macrumors

the underpinnings of "OS 11".

I don't get the feeling that we're ready to make anywhere near as big of a jump as OS 9 to X, but hopefully this (if true in any sense) addresses some of the performance issues that still plague OS X. From things I've read and from my own observations, I get the impression that the Mach side of XNU still introduces some significant performance hits when messages need to be passed around.

Someone on another site mentioned that Apple ought to just remove as much of the remaining Mach bits as possible, and essentially turn XNU into FreeBSD + IOKit. Perhaps then it would gain the level of performance that FreeBSD's always been known for. I'd upgrade for this alone, regardless of any glitzy eye-candy type of features.

[Stridder44]

Originally Posted by bankshot

I don't get the feeling that we're ready to make anywhere near as big of a jump as OS 9 to X, but hopefully this (if true in any sense) addresses some of the performance issues that still plague OS X. From things I've read and from my own observations, I get the impression that the Mach side of XNU still introduces some significant performance hits when messages need to be passed around.

Someone on another site mentioned that Apple ought to just remove as much of the remaining Mach bits as possible, and essentially turn XNU into FreeBSD + IOKit. Perhaps then it would gain the level of performance that FreeBSD's always been known for. I'd upgrade for this alone, regardless of any glitzy eye-candy type of features.

Amen! I hate how old (6+ years) PC systems run Windows XP faster than my newer iMac G4 runs OS X.

[PensDevil]

Got a shipping update via email yesterday about 4 MacBooks (white 2ghz) that we had on order. They were supposed to ship last Friday, but have been delayed.

Coincidence that Intel just announced the availability of Merom to manufacturers?

[Tastannin]

Originally Posted by lilstewart

Agreed.

Plus, they'd have to make the iSights work with Windows because the ACD's can be used on PC's...

Actually, they need to write iSight drivers so that the built-in ones will work with Boot Camp anyways.

[lilstewart]

Originally Posted by adamfilip

just cause people use them on pcs doesnt mean Apple has to do anything to help them work on them.

then, uhh, why would the advertise that they work on PC's?