First of all, I think Apple should release speed bumped PM's next week. Regardless of the cache and expandabiliy of the new iMacs, the PM's just look terrible right now comparitively.
However, it seems strange to me that with such a small increase in Mhz, they didn't introduce it after (or before) the iBook update during the keynote. I think most of us were looking for a much bigger launch. I heard from Apple dealers that they had been told to clear their entire inventory, so I expected Apple would refresh the entire product line with at least speed bumps. To find that it was only the consumer line that was changing was a major disappointment.
Don't get me wrong, I think the new iMac is great (in terms of specs and price), but this thread is about the PM towers.
I agree with many of you that crossing the Ghz barrier is important for Apple. I personally could care less about processor speed compared to Wintel. The only time that I wish Apple was "at the table" with the Ghz game is when I talk to other Wintel-ers. I'm die-hard Apple, but I have a hard time convincing Wintel-ers that Macs are faster... it always comes back to Ghz... and I feel embarrassed because I can't fight the Ghz fight. Not because I don't believe the G4 is faster, but because the rest of the world depends on the clock speed. Why is there no standard for speed other than M(G)hz? There should be an overall "This computer is fast" standard... something that can really be compared, like MPH or KPH (Unfortunately, I think most people consider Mhz= to MPH/ KPH)
A few notes:
Might be fun for Apple to introduce all dual-processors as a standard on pro machines. I love it when they set trends. I personally think duals are better than double the Mhz because it allows for separate computations rather than concurrent, faster computations. Again, the rest of the world may not see it this way. At the same time, it seems very Apple to make duals a standard. Theyre always trying to make standards (USB, optical mouse, flat panel, to name a few recents)
I hate it that Apple **usually** wait for Expos to introduce new products. To me, this only increases speculation bout new product launches. If Apple was in the habit of all-the-sudden introducing a nw product line I think there might be an increased interest. (Strange as it sounds). As it is now, rumor mills and Apple page views light up close to MacWorld Expos because everyone is **expecting** something. Wouldnt it be better to be in the habit of randomly releasing new products (ie: changing the web site and sending out PRs, or holding last-minute press conferences) in terms of keeping things secret. I mean, Apple goes to great lengths to keep things secret: but wouldnt it be to their **secret** advantage to release products randomly? Sure, they could still to major product announcements at MacWorld if it fit with the schedule, but isnt this about profit? (I own Apple stock, and it is about profit) As a stockholder, Id prefer less hype with sudden appearances that boost expectations, as opposed to introductions that disappoint expectation.
Personally, (I know Ive said that before..), I think Apple hyped MacWorld 2002 CA WAY TOO MUCH on their web site. Its such a small thing, but all the Mac fans watch it and respond. Its not that I think the new iMac is a dud. (In fact, I think the new iMac is a great product. Id buy one INSTANTLY if it offered at least a 17 display. Well, I might buy one anyway.) The point I that I dont think the hype lived up to the expectations. I mean, come on Beyond the rumor sites and yet, many rumors sites had begged for months what was delivered in Jan.
I think Apple is about 1 MacWorld behind each rumor site. Last August, everyone was wanting flat-panel iMacs they got a speed bumped (and minimally improved case) PowerMac. This MW, everyone wanted flat panels iMacs (still) and the moon (moon= G5s, new cube, and portables or consumer products) Apple did not meet (and certainly not exceed) users expectations.
Ive watched Apple (and owned Apple) for years, but I have never seen this amount of hype created for such a mediocre product announcement. (Ok, I know a ton of you have ordered new iMacs I am not at all degrading you or the product I just feel like the iMac announcement was less than expected. The new iMac rocks!)
On another note, I need (and will be ordering) a new Power Mac (pro) at work. I want to get the most for my money. Should I wait until the G5s come out in March? (Is March guaranteed?) Or should I get the new **rumored** dual 1Ghz next week? What do you think? Id rather have a G5. because my company only upgrades new machines every 3 years.) Will the G5 really be released so soon?
(Why do I waste my time reading each and every thread. Am I really that bored? And then, to take time to respond? Whats my deal? I'm not changing the world! Apple is!)
However, it seems strange to me that with such a small increase in Mhz, they didn't introduce it after (or before) the iBook update during the keynote. I think most of us were looking for a much bigger launch. I heard from Apple dealers that they had been told to clear their entire inventory, so I expected Apple would refresh the entire product line with at least speed bumps. To find that it was only the consumer line that was changing was a major disappointment.
Don't get me wrong, I think the new iMac is great (in terms of specs and price), but this thread is about the PM towers.
I agree with many of you that crossing the Ghz barrier is important for Apple. I personally could care less about processor speed compared to Wintel. The only time that I wish Apple was "at the table" with the Ghz game is when I talk to other Wintel-ers. I'm die-hard Apple, but I have a hard time convincing Wintel-ers that Macs are faster... it always comes back to Ghz... and I feel embarrassed because I can't fight the Ghz fight. Not because I don't believe the G4 is faster, but because the rest of the world depends on the clock speed. Why is there no standard for speed other than M(G)hz? There should be an overall "This computer is fast" standard... something that can really be compared, like MPH or KPH (Unfortunately, I think most people consider Mhz= to MPH/ KPH)
A few notes:
Might be fun for Apple to introduce all dual-processors as a standard on pro machines. I love it when they set trends. I personally think duals are better than double the Mhz because it allows for separate computations rather than concurrent, faster computations. Again, the rest of the world may not see it this way. At the same time, it seems very Apple to make duals a standard. Theyre always trying to make standards (USB, optical mouse, flat panel, to name a few recents)
I hate it that Apple **usually** wait for Expos to introduce new products. To me, this only increases speculation bout new product launches. If Apple was in the habit of all-the-sudden introducing a nw product line I think there might be an increased interest. (Strange as it sounds). As it is now, rumor mills and Apple page views light up close to MacWorld Expos because everyone is **expecting** something. Wouldnt it be better to be in the habit of randomly releasing new products (ie: changing the web site and sending out PRs, or holding last-minute press conferences) in terms of keeping things secret. I mean, Apple goes to great lengths to keep things secret: but wouldnt it be to their **secret** advantage to release products randomly? Sure, they could still to major product announcements at MacWorld if it fit with the schedule, but isnt this about profit? (I own Apple stock, and it is about profit) As a stockholder, Id prefer less hype with sudden appearances that boost expectations, as opposed to introductions that disappoint expectation.
Personally, (I know Ive said that before..), I think Apple hyped MacWorld 2002 CA WAY TOO MUCH on their web site. Its such a small thing, but all the Mac fans watch it and respond. Its not that I think the new iMac is a dud. (In fact, I think the new iMac is a great product. Id buy one INSTANTLY if it offered at least a 17 display. Well, I might buy one anyway.) The point I that I dont think the hype lived up to the expectations. I mean, come on Beyond the rumor sites and yet, many rumors sites had begged for months what was delivered in Jan.
I think Apple is about 1 MacWorld behind each rumor site. Last August, everyone was wanting flat-panel iMacs they got a speed bumped (and minimally improved case) PowerMac. This MW, everyone wanted flat panels iMacs (still) and the moon (moon= G5s, new cube, and portables or consumer products) Apple did not meet (and certainly not exceed) users expectations.
Ive watched Apple (and owned Apple) for years, but I have never seen this amount of hype created for such a mediocre product announcement. (Ok, I know a ton of you have ordered new iMacs I am not at all degrading you or the product I just feel like the iMac announcement was less than expected. The new iMac rocks!)
On another note, I need (and will be ordering) a new Power Mac (pro) at work. I want to get the most for my money. Should I wait until the G5s come out in March? (Is March guaranteed?) Or should I get the new **rumored** dual 1Ghz next week? What do you think? Id rather have a G5. because my company only upgrades new machines every 3 years.) Will the G5 really be released so soon?
(Why do I waste my time reading each and every thread. Am I really that bored? And then, to take time to respond? Whats my deal? I'm not changing the world! Apple is!)
