New Apple 'Communicating Device'?

MacRumors · 01:54 PM

Details are sparse... but reliable sources have indicated that Apple is going to be unveiling a new "communicating device" in the next few weeks...

Reports indicate that the new device will not be a Phone or a PDA. The device will also be able to be connect to PowerBooks, Cinema Displays... though not exclusively -- indicating that it may be used standalone or in conjunction with other Macs.

Apologies for the cryptic information... no other details available.

dstorey · Apr 21, 2003, 12:00 PM

If this is true then hopefully it'll be compatible with an iMac as well as thats what I plan to buy, however I guess i have no idea what it could be....

p.s will the previous thereads board be reopened now its a news story?

JtheLemur · Apr 21, 2003, 12:03 PM

It's either:

1) Robot Monkey that can store photos and videos

2) Inflatormaus! =D

Yeeeeeha.

zedwards · Apr 21, 2003, 12:03 PM

They really needed to rack up on needless obscure rumors, so they thought they would regurgitate this tired rumor. Why even bother putting this on the first page?

j33pd0g · Apr 21, 2003, 12:08 PM

Maybe a video chat device? Maybe it will be an apple brand text and image pager? Hand-held hologram projector? I hope it is something I can use. When details are this sparse I could jot down a grocery list of guesses.

arn · Apr 21, 2003, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by zedwards
Why even bother putting this on the first page?

"reliable sources"

arn

achmafooma · Apr 21, 2003, 12:11 PM

Video conferencing, maybe?

Perhaps an external TV card of some kind (much less likely).

Perhaps both and more - a multifunction video device of some kind.

That's what popped into my head... it's sufficiently vague that I'm not going to rack my brain too badly over it, but Arn typically knows what he's talking about.

I guess we'll see!

Moxiemike · Apr 21, 2003, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by achmafooma
Video conferencing, maybe?

Perhaps an external TV card of some kind (much less likely).

Perhaps both and more - a multifunction video device of some kind.

That's what popped into my head... it's sufficiently vague that I'm not going to rack my brain too badly over it, but Arn typically knows what he's talking about.

I guess we'll see!

the whole "connects to powerbook and cinema display" kinda makes that pop into your head... did to me.

Maybe something that integrates into iChat??

Nothing I want more than to see eyelikeart's mug when i chat...

richie · Apr 21, 2003, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JtheLemur

1) Robot Monkey that can store photos and videos

I would buy it in an instant!

I hope there is a mysterious device that we know nothing about.. adds a bit of surprise to the mix

Chef Ramen · Apr 21, 2003, 12:17 PM

i want it, whatever it is

chewbaccapits · Apr 21, 2003, 12:21 PM

Geez, all this talk about new iPods, rumored music service, laptop revisions and now a "new" device, I can't help but get RUMOR HORNY!...Is it just me or what?

Awimoway · Apr 21, 2003, 12:22 PM

Whatever it is, it sounds like it's meant for pro users only.

MarksEvilTwin · 01:29 PM

Removed

Frobozz · Apr 21, 2003, 12:31 PM

It sounds like the rumored dumb terminal. I have a dual 1 GHz desktop, and it would be nice to control it with a dumb terminal from my couch. I would pay a couple hundred for that.

Fender2112 · Apr 21, 2003, 12:33 PM

During Operattion Iraqi Freedom, the embedded reporters transmitted their stories via a video phone. When I first saw this I was impressed with the quality of what I thought to be a video capable cell phone. After giving it some more thought, it occurred to me that this type of video would require something a little more powerful than a cell phone. I concluded that these reporters where using some sort fo "web" cam set up with a lap top and a cell/satellite connection. I have no idea what the reporters actually used. Is it possible that they were field testing some new type of video phone device for Apple?

Just a thought

DrGruv1 · Apr 21, 2003, 12:35 PM

If I was sitting around the living room... what would I want..(rend. tech)

1) control itunes from a distance
2) and related stereo/tv/media equip.
3) be able to surf the internet
4) be able to open/edit and access files from my mac
5) be able to write on it! and/or attach keyboard

could this be the new 15" do all tablet?

hoping it is

-michael

boskie · Apr 21, 2003, 12:38 PM

Maybe it will be some sort of controlling device, linking your Mac/HDTV-TiVo reciever/ilife appz and the much awaited music download service wirelessly to allow seemless control and navigation using APE anywhere in the house to antwhere in the house.

We could be one step closer to HAL - walk in your door pick up your controlling device, d/l mail/playlists/screen-saver etc..

MacVault · Apr 21, 2003, 12:38 PM

What would work only on cinima displays and powerbooks??? That sounds strange. Some kind of video conference comera is what came to my mind right away, but don't know why that wouldn't work on any Apple computer. Well, glad I have a new 12" Powerbook anyway! ;-)

Escher · Apr 21, 2003, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by arn
"reliable sources"

arn

arn: What about a timeframe? Did your sources indicate that this device would be announced at the April 28 music service event? Or is this "communicating device" much further off?

Escher

mangoman · Apr 21, 2003, 12:43 PM

* sigh *

Here we go again... (dreaming of all-do PowerPod, neglecting design work in front of him...)

matznentosh · Apr 21, 2003, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Macrumors
a new "communicating device" in the next few weeks... will not be a Phone or a PDA, but will be able to be connected to both a Cinema Display and a PowerBook.

Of course, it could just be a wireless mouse. With an Apple logo on it.

jayscheuerle · Apr 21, 2003, 01:13 PM

- but does it slice and dice?

BigJayhawk · Apr 21, 2003, 01:15 PM

Although all "Apple Folk" love to use the following analysis . . .

iMac --> PowerMac
iBook --> PowerBook
iPod --> PowerPod

It DOES NOT work as there is already a PowerPod in existence and the name is already registered. This, of course, does not hinder Apple from trying to BUY the name from the company but this does not happen as often as the second company wanting the name just going with a different name.

See www.PowerPod.com for more info.

deepkid · 02:07 PM

Ok, if this new device only connects to cinema displays and powerbooks, that's not a large segment of the mac populus.

Well, it would depend on which books, I suppose. But knowing Apple, the device would work best/only on the newest products so this doesn't really make any sense.

Why wouldn't it work on powermacs, imacs or ibooks?

With the information given, I hope that this new device doesn't die a more wretched death than the cube.

Unless we're thinking too big... perhaps its some sort of adapter. Blue tooth adapters for older books? Nah, doesn't make sense either because you'd want to offer those for ibooks too.

I'm stomped.

Later edit: Ok, original article now updated to say that the device isn't exclusive to the displays/books.

matttichenor · Apr 21, 2003, 01:20 PM

Powerpod is also the name of an older remote camera operating system for film and video production. Powerpod Digital and Powerpod 2000. British company I think.

m

Apr 21, 2003, 11:56 AM	#1
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	New Apple 'Communicating Device'? Details are sparse... but reliable sources have indicated that Apple is going to be unveiling a new "communicating device" in the next few weeks... Reports indicate that the new device will not be a Phone or a PDA. The device will also be able to be connect to PowerBooks, Cinema Displays... though not exclusively -- indicating that it may be used standalone or in conjunction with other Macs. Apologies for the cryptic information... no other details available. Last edited by arn : Apr 21, 2003 at 01:54 PM.

Apr 21, 2003, 12:03 PM	#4
zedwards macrumors member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: France	Hi, I'm tired They really needed to rack up on needless obscure rumors, so they thought they would regurgitate this tired rumor. Why even bother putting this on the first page?

Apr 21, 2003, 12:21 PM	#11
chewbaccapits macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Torrance, Californizzel	Geez, all this talk about new iPods, rumored music service, laptop revisions and now a "new" device, I can't help but get RUMOR HORNY!...Is it just me or what? __________________ RAHHHHHHHH

Apr 21, 2003, 12:29 PM	#13
MarksEvilTwin macrumors regular Join Date: Dec 2002	Removed Last edited by MarksEvilTwin : Feb 2, 2009 at 01:29 PM.

Apr 21, 2003, 12:31 PM	#14
Frobozz macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Brooklyn	Dumb terminal It sounds like the rumored dumb terminal. I have a dual 1 GHz desktop, and it would be nice to control it with a dumb terminal from my couch. I would pay a couple hundred for that. __________________ Mac: MacBook Pro 15" 2.16 / 100GB 7200HD / 2GB Win: Intel 975XBX / e6700 @ 3.1GHz / 2 ATI x1900xt CF / DDR2 800 "My first Mac was an Amiga." -- Me

Apr 21, 2003, 12:00 PM	#2
dstorey macrumors 6502a Join Date: Dec 2002	If this is true then hopefully it'll be compatible with an iMac as well as thats what I plan to buy, however I guess i have no idea what it could be.... p.s will the previous thereads board be reopened now its a news story?

Apr 21, 2003, 12:03 PM	#3
JtheLemur macrumors 6502 Join Date: May 2002	It's either: 1) Robot Monkey that can store photos and videos 2) Inflatormaus! =D Yeeeeeha.

Apr 21, 2003, 12:08 PM	#5
j33pd0g macrumors 6502 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Central NY	Maybe a video chat device? Maybe it will be an apple brand text and image pager? Hand-held hologram projector? I hope it is something I can use. When details are this sparse I could jot down a grocery list of guesses.

Apr 21, 2003, 12:11 PM	#7
achmafooma macrumors regular Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Northern Virginia	Video conferencing, maybe? Perhaps an external TV card of some kind (much less likely). Perhaps both and more - a multifunction video device of some kind. That's what popped into my head... it's sufficiently vague that I'm not going to rack my brain too badly over it, but Arn typically knows what he's talking about. I guess we'll see!

Apr 21, 2003, 12:17 PM	#10
Chef Ramen macrumors member Join Date: Dec 2002	i want it, whatever it is

Apr 21, 2003, 12:22 PM	#12
Awimoway macrumors 65816 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: at the edge	Whatever it is, it sounds like it's meant for pro users only.

Apr 21, 2003, 12:33 PM	#15
Fender2112 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Charlotte, NC	Here's a thought.... During Operattion Iraqi Freedom, the embedded reporters transmitted their stories via a video phone. When I first saw this I was impressed with the quality of what I thought to be a video capable cell phone. After giving it some more thought, it occurred to me that this type of video would require something a little more powerful than a cell phone. I concluded that these reporters where using some sort fo "web" cam set up with a lap top and a cell/satellite connection. I have no idea what the reporters actually used. Is it possible that they were field testing some new type of video phone device for Apple? Just a thought __________________ Really? Really, really!

Apr 21, 2003, 12:35 PM	#16
DrGruv1 macrumors regular Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Chicago - West 'Burbs	My Guess.... If I was sitting around the living room... what would I want..(rend. tech) 1) control itunes from a distance 2) and related stereo/tv/media equip. 3) be able to surf the internet 4) be able to open/edit and access files from my mac 5) be able to write on it! and/or attach keyboard could this be the new 15" do all tablet? hoping it is -michael __________________ - Michael Droste MusicRowSongs.com or TrumpetStudio.com

Apr 21, 2003, 12:38 PM	#17
boskie macrumors regular Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: North Side Of Itchy Town	Maybe it will be some sort of controlling device, linking your Mac/HDTV-TiVo reciever/ilife appz and the much awaited music download service wirelessly to allow seemless control and navigation using APE anywhere in the house to antwhere in the house. We could be one step closer to HAL - walk in your door pick up your controlling device, d/l mail/playlists/screen-saver etc..

Apr 21, 2003, 12:38 PM	#18
MacVault macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Planet Earth	Works only on Cinima Displays and Powerbooks? What would work only on cinima displays and powerbooks??? That sounds strange. Some kind of video conference comera is what came to my mind right away, but don't know why that wouldn't work on any Apple computer. Well, glad I have a new 12" Powerbook anyway! ;-) __________________ GabSlab.com

Apr 21, 2003, 12:43 PM	#20
mangoman macrumors 6502a Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Second Floor	* sigh * Here we go again... (dreaming of all-do PowerPod, neglecting design work in front of him...) __________________ I'll be doin' mine in InDesign. —mm

Apr 21, 2003, 01:13 PM	#22
jayscheuerle macrumors 68020 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Right behind my eyeballs, around 2 inches back. Wet. Warm. Dark.	- but does it slice and dice?

Apr 21, 2003, 01:15 PM	#23
BigJayhawk macrumors regular Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: New Jersey	No PowerPod Possible Although all "Apple Folk" love to use the following analysis . . . iMac --> PowerMac iBook --> PowerBook iPod --> PowerPod It DOES NOT work as there is already a PowerPod in existence and the name is already registered. This, of course, does not hinder Apple from trying to BUY the name from the company but this does not happen as often as the second company wanting the name just going with a different name. See www.PowerPod.com for more info. __________________ 15.2" TiBook 800 Mhz Combo Drive 14.1" iBook 600 Mhz Combo Drive Mac Cube 450 Mhz DVD w/21" Apple Studio Monitor, External LaCie 16x CD-R, and Formac Studio

Apr 21, 2003, 01:17 PM	#24
deepkid macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: chicago	Tiny targeted market? High price? Ok, if this new device only connects to cinema displays and powerbooks, that's not a large segment of the mac populus. Well, it would depend on which books, I suppose. But knowing Apple, the device would work best/only on the newest products so this doesn't really make any sense. Why wouldn't it work on powermacs, imacs or ibooks? With the information given, I hope that this new device doesn't die a more wretched death than the cube. Unless we're thinking too big... perhaps its some sort of adapter. Blue tooth adapters for older books? Nah, doesn't make sense either because you'd want to offer those for ibooks too. I'm stomped. Later edit: Ok, original article now updated to say that the device isn't exclusive to the displays/books. __________________ chocolate rice ... mmm blak4azn@yahoo.com Last edited by deepkid : Apr 21, 2003 at 02:07 PM.

Apr 21, 2003, 01:20 PM	#25
matttichenor macrumors newbie Join Date: Jul 2002	Powerpod Powerpod is also the name of an older remote camera operating system for film and video production. Powerpod Digital and Powerpod 2000. British company I think. m

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