Powerbook Specs? [Updated]

MacRumors · 10:21 PM

Based on the available information as well as some new unconfirmed information, the following releases seem probable, based on the current pieces of the rumor puzzle:

[ Probably Wrong ]

Disclaimer: This is based on both rumors and speculation.

Addendum: Based on some final whispers... the previous "software announcement" rumor was actually supposed to read "hardware announcement"....

arn · Sep 15, 2003, 08:20 PM

This is purely for entertainment value.

Page 2 due to speculation....

arn

holy MAC! · Sep 15, 2003, 08:24 PM

bleh... that is not worth an apple expo announcement if it's true

Freg3000 · 08:34 PM

I also suspect the new 2 GB ram max. I mean, Apple is using 1 GB DIMMs in the PowerMac G5, why not the PowerBooks?

Quote:

Originally posted by Macrumors

Addendum: There are now significant doubts about the accuracy of the "unexpected software announcements" previously reported on the main page.

I was really looking forward to that. Something just a little unexpected. So I guess this mean "no".

Cooknn · Sep 15, 2003, 08:37 PM

I'm waiting for the G5 PB before I make the switch. Next week or next Spring - doesn't matter to me. Sooner would be better, but later means less debt

you · Sep 15, 2003, 08:45 PM

could the software have been itms Europe?

JtheLemur · Sep 15, 2003, 08:47 PM

wish they could get the 12" down to 1" thick or less =)

actionslacks · Sep 15, 2003, 08:51 PM

That's way too weak for a 10 month wait. however, if you need a powerbook, you can get an updated 1Ghz for about $600 less with some extra features.

i have to buy a powerbook. So were this to be true, i would feel a little better buying the $1999 version than I would have paying $2599 for today's model.

Also, if this were trus, it might indicate G5 powerbooks soon, becaeu they aren't even bothering with the new G4 chips.

Wonder Boy · Sep 15, 2003, 08:55 PM

I'm not getting a new computer, laptop or otherwise for a long while. Software and ipod stuff is all i have to look forward too. im still holding out hope on new unexpected software.

applemacdude · Sep 15, 2003, 09:04 PM

No G5's?!!!! These powerbooks dont look good enogh to be locked up in paris!

agentmouthwash · Sep 15, 2003, 09:13 PM

How can Apple release the Powerbooks that are twice as expensive as imac that have the same processors?

I hope those specs aren't true.... it's a huge disappointment.

chazmox · Sep 15, 2003, 09:21 PM

Yes, for all the security and seeming hoopla ( then again it is OUR hoopla - of course Apple does have the black curtains and guards ) this seems rather anemic.

I'm not a big believer in the G5 powerbook, but here's to a 1.4 GHz G4 with L3 cache and a 200 MHz bus - that'd be nice!

If it turns out to be an overclocked 7455, I'll have a nightmare sometime around 3 am tonight...

cb911 · Sep 15, 2003, 09:29 PM

i'm hoping that the 'sources' are just very conservative.

crees! · Sep 15, 2003, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cooknn
I'm waiting for the G5 PB before I make the switch. Next week or next Spring - doesn't matter to me. Sooner would be better, but later means less debt

And just what if Apple is going to use the 7457 (or whatever the number is) in not this, but the next PB update? Then it would be atleast a YEAR before you have a G5PB. Think about that now. I'm switching and I'm buying whatever the heck is thrown at us tomorrow... hands down.

nagromme · Sep 15, 2003, 09:45 PM

This sounds right to me. 64 VRAM at the entry point (of the "mainstream" size) is nice.

I'd love a G5, but Apple can only do what's possible.

Worst case, no matter what, the best laptop (and running the beat OS) in the world is about to become an even better value.

Price-wise, of course PBG4 costs more than the iMac. It's a portable! (And it does have some added features too, like Cardbus expansion, lighted keys, DVI out... not to mention battery back-up.)

Omek · Sep 15, 2003, 09:48 PM

I'm buying it no matter what it is.... but I realllllly hope it's a G5, and perhaps they'll give the iBooks the G4 since they aren't present in the show at the moment. Ya have to admit, that's a little suspicious...

jamdr · Sep 15, 2003, 09:49 PM

Since the prices of the new powerbook range from $1999 to $2999, we can assume that the 12" will not be updated. If Apple is not going to update the 12", they couldn't possibly put G5 chips into the other PowerBooks. Also, it is even unlikely that they would put the 7457 into the 15" and 17", but not update the 12". Imagine, 867Mhz for the 12", 1.4Ghz for the 15" and 17". That's too big a gap.

theipodgod16 · 09:54 PM

[quote]How can Apple release the Powerbooks that are twice as expensive as imac that have the same processors?

Because a portable costs much more money to design and build than a desktop does. You have to have everything be much smaller, while maintaining decent cooling (something that the 12'' powerbook is sorely lacking) and good performance. Apple is also trying to keep most of its pro laptops under 1'' thin, which will cost them more money to do so than if they followed the wintel crowd and made them as thick as this toshiba. (The thing is 30% heavier and almost 2x as thick. (1'' for 17'' powerbook VS 1.8'' for toshiba satellite)
http://reviews.cnet.com/Toshiba_Sate...0.html?tag=lst

Makosuke · Sep 15, 2003, 09:52 PM

I'm sure there's going to be no end to the outcry at the "lame" powerbook announcements, but really, those specs look realistic to me. Yes, after such a long wait it'd be sure to see something a bit more exciting, but Apple can't do the impossible just because we want them to.

I never had the slightest bit of faith in a G5 PB at this point (I just don't see Apple having made that much of a deal about it not happening, nor the engineering coming together that quickly, and all without any real leaks), so a decent speedbump and maybe a price drop is about the best we can ask for. Apple is cool, but if Motorola and/or IBM can't give them what they need, they can't work miracles.

I've got a friend who'll be buying an iBook really soon, so I was holding out for a surprise iBook bump and/or a cheap 12" for her, but oh well. When you need a computer, you need a computer.

tizza · Sep 15, 2003, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jamdr
Since the prices of the new powerbook range from $1999 to $2999, we can assume that the 12" will not be updated. If Apple is not going to update the 12", they couldn't possibly put G5 chips into the other PowerBooks. Also, it is even unlikely that they would put the 7457 into the 15" and 17", but not update the 12". Imagine, 867Mhz for the 12", 1.4Ghz for the 15" and 17". That's too big a gap.

Man I'll be disappointed if the 12"'s aren't updated. I'm surprised, as they are such a popular model too, and the one I was planning to get - maybe I should just cough up more and get the 15" if the 12" isn't there ... 6 more hours to wait anyway!!

Tommy Wasabi · Sep 15, 2003, 10:11 PM

OK - enough with the PB Speculation

If we are hoping - why not wish for the release of iTunes Windows? Could annouce a ship date in October (same time as Panther!)

As for iPods accessories - it's probably a microphone and color versions (not screen but case).

I just wish it was available via quicktime streaming. Oh well, I'll see ya guys in the AM.

pyrotoaster · Sep 15, 2003, 10:15 PM

Interesting...
Mac Rumors is a great source, but arn tends to be a bit more conservative in his speculation (not that that's a bad thing).

What we've got here is a thought out possibility that assumes Steve doesn't have too many tricks up his sleeve.

We'll know for sure in less than 6 hours.

you · Sep 15, 2003, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chazmox
Yes, for all the security and seeming hoopla ( then again it is OUR hoopla - of course Apple does have the black curtains and guards ) this seems rather anemic.

I'm not a big believer in the G5 powerbook, but here's to a 1.4 GHz G4 with L3 cache and a 200 MHz bus - that'd be nice!

If it turns out to be an overclocked 7455, I'll have a nightmare sometime around 3 am tonight...

Are black security guards better than white ones???

tuc · Sep 15, 2003, 10:31 PM

Ok, the specs have been yanked because they are suspect. Fair enough, i guess, but I'm kind of wondering what they were. I didn't get here until after they were yanked. oh well...

Lord Bodak · Sep 15, 2003, 10:33 PM

I missed the post! Now it just says [Probably Wrong] under specs. I thought this was Page 2, who cares if they're wrong?

Sep 15, 2003, 08:16 PM	#1
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	Powerbook Specs? Based on the available information as well as some new unconfirmed information, the following releases seem probable, based on the current pieces of the rumor puzzle: [ Probably Wrong ] Disclaimer: This is based on both rumors and speculation. Addendum: Based on some final whispers... the previous "software announcement" rumor was actually supposed to read "hardware announcement".... Last edited by arn : Sep 15, 2003 at 10:21 PM.

Sep 15, 2003, 08:24 PM	#3
holy MAC! macrumors regular Join Date: Mar 2003	bleh... that is not worth an apple expo announcement if it's true __________________ if you have one mac, one opportunity, would you buy it? or would you let it be outdated?

Sep 15, 2003, 08:37 PM	#5
Cooknn macrumors 68020 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Fort Myers, FL	I'm waiting for the G5 PB before I make the switch. Next week or next Spring - doesn't matter to me. Sooner would be better, but later means less debt __________________ Dave Cook \| Power Mac G5 Dual 2GHz \| 23-inch Cinema HD Display \| MacBook 2GHz Intel Core Duo

Sep 15, 2003, 08:55 PM	#9
Wonder Boy macrumors 6502a Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: South Windsor, CT	I'm not getting a new computer, laptop or otherwise for a long while. Software and ipod stuff is all i have to look forward too. im still holding out hope on new unexpected software. __________________ girls are pretty.

Sep 15, 2003, 09:13 PM	#11
agentmouthwash macrumors regular Join Date: Aug 2003	Those specs sound sooooo weak! How can Apple release the Powerbooks that are twice as expensive as imac that have the same processors? I hope those specs aren't true.... it's a huge disappointment.

Sep 15, 2003, 08:20 PM	#2
arn macrumors god Join Date: Apr 2001	This is purely for entertainment value. Page 2 due to speculation.... arn

Sep 15, 2003, 08:45 PM	#6
you macrumors member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Kent Washington	could the software have been itms Europe?

Sep 15, 2003, 08:47 PM	#7
JtheLemur macrumors 6502 Join Date: May 2002	wish they could get the 12" down to 1" thick or less =)

Sep 15, 2003, 08:51 PM	#8
actionslacks macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: LA	That's way too weak for a 10 month wait. however, if you need a powerbook, you can get an updated 1Ghz for about $600 less with some extra features. i have to buy a powerbook. So were this to be true, i would feel a little better buying the $1999 version than I would have paying $2599 for today's model. Also, if this were trus, it might indicate G5 powerbooks soon, becaeu they aren't even bothering with the new G4 chips.

Sep 15, 2003, 09:04 PM	#10
applemacdude Banned Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Over The Rainbow	No G5's?!!!! These powerbooks dont look good enogh to be locked up in paris!

Sep 15, 2003, 09:21 PM	#12
chazmox macrumors regular Join Date: Feb 2003	Yes, for all the security and seeming hoopla ( then again it is OUR hoopla - of course Apple does have the black curtains and guards ) this seems rather anemic. I'm not a big believer in the G5 powerbook, but here's to a 1.4 GHz G4 with L3 cache and a 200 MHz bus - that'd be nice! If it turns out to be an overclocked 7455, I'll have a nightmare sometime around 3 am tonight... __________________ We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time. T.S. Elliot

Sep 15, 2003, 09:29 PM	#13
cb911 macrumors 68040 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: BrisVegas, Australia	i'm hoping that the 'sources' are just very conservative.

Sep 15, 2003, 09:45 PM	#15
nagromme macrumors 601 Join Date: May 2002 Location: Blinking blue dot	Sounds fine to me This sounds right to me. 64 VRAM at the entry point (of the "mainstream" size) is nice. I'd love a G5, but Apple can only do what's possible. Worst case, no matter what, the best laptop (and running the beat OS) in the world is about to become an even better value. Price-wise, of course PBG4 costs more than the iMac. It's a portable! (And it does have some added features too, like Cardbus expansion, lighted keys, DVI out... not to mention battery back-up.) __________________ nagromme Would you like a treatment?

Sep 15, 2003, 09:48 PM	#16
Omek macrumors member Join Date: Jun 2003	I'm buying it no matter what it is.... but I realllllly hope it's a G5, and perhaps they'll give the iBooks the G4 since they aren't present in the show at the moment. Ya have to admit, that's a little suspicious... __________________ http://www.tcdesign.org/

Sep 15, 2003, 09:49 PM	#17
jamdr macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Bay Area	No updated 12" means no G5 Since the prices of the new powerbook range from $1999 to $2999, we can assume that the 12" will not be updated. If Apple is not going to update the 12", they couldn't possibly put G5 chips into the other PowerBooks. Also, it is even unlikely that they would put the 7457 into the 15" and 17", but not update the 12". Imagine, 867Mhz for the 12", 1.4Ghz for the 15" and 17". That's too big a gap.

Sep 15, 2003, 09:49 PM	#18
theipodgod16 macrumors 6502 Join Date: Aug 2003	[quote]How can Apple release the Powerbooks that are twice as expensive as imac that have the same processors? Because a portable costs much more money to design and build than a desktop does. You have to have everything be much smaller, while maintaining decent cooling (something that the 12'' powerbook is sorely lacking) and good performance. Apple is also trying to keep most of its pro laptops under 1'' thin, which will cost them more money to do so than if they followed the wintel crowd and made them as thick as this toshiba. (The thing is 30% heavier and almost 2x as thick. (1'' for 17'' powerbook VS 1.8'' for toshiba satellite) http://reviews.cnet.com/Toshiba_Sate...0.html?tag=lst Last edited by theipodgod16 : Sep 15, 2003 at 09:54 PM.

Sep 15, 2003, 09:52 PM	#19
Makosuke macrumors 68040 Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: The Cool Part of CA, USA	I'm sure there's going to be no end to the outcry at the "lame" powerbook announcements, but really, those specs look realistic to me. Yes, after such a long wait it'd be sure to see something a bit more exciting, but Apple can't do the impossible just because we want them to. I never had the slightest bit of faith in a G5 PB at this point (I just don't see Apple having made that much of a deal about it not happening, nor the engineering coming together that quickly, and all without any real leaks), so a decent speedbump and maybe a price drop is about the best we can ask for. Apple is cool, but if Motorola and/or IBM can't give them what they need, they can't work miracles. I've got a friend who'll be buying an iBook really soon, so I was holding out for a surprise iBook bump and/or a cheap 12" for her, but oh well. When you need a computer, you need a computer.

Sep 15, 2003, 10:11 PM	#21
Tommy Wasabi macrumors member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Chicago	But what about OK - enough with the PB Speculation If we are hoping - why not wish for the release of iTunes Windows? Could annouce a ship date in October (same time as Panther!) As for iPods accessories - it's probably a microphone and color versions (not screen but case). I just wish it was available via quicktime streaming. Oh well, I'll see ya guys in the AM. __________________ TW

Sep 15, 2003, 10:15 PM	#22
pyrotoaster macrumors 65816 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Oak Park, IL	Interesting... Mac Rumors is a great source, but arn tends to be a bit more conservative in his speculation (not that that's a bad thing). What we've got here is a thought out possibility that assumes Steve doesn't have too many tricks up his sleeve. We'll know for sure in less than 6 hours. __________________ Watch Farscape! AppleWorks is DEAD! Muwah-ha-ha...!

Sep 15, 2003, 10:31 PM	#24
tuc macrumors regular Join Date: Aug 2003	what were the specs Ok, the specs have been yanked because they are suspect. Fair enough, i guess, but I'm kind of wondering what they were. I didn't get here until after they were yanked. oh well...

Sep 15, 2003, 10:33 PM	#25
Lord Bodak macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Virginia Beach, VA USA	I missed the post! Now it just says [Probably Wrong] under specs. I thought this was Page 2, who cares if they're wrong?

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode