12" PowerBook to be EOL'd?

[wowoah]

Although everyone seems to be discussing the new PowerBook updates outlined by the recent AppleInsider article, no one in that thread seems to have picked up on this tidbit:

Precisely what will become of Apple's 12-inch PowerBook offering is an unknown. Prior to Apple's announcement to switch to Intel-based processors in 2006, reliable sources said Apple planned to abandon its 12-inch PowerBook offering with the release of the current model. It's unclear if these plans have changed in light of the Intel announcement and the fact that all PowerBook G4 models will see no further revisions after this year.

What does that mean exactly? Is the 12-inch PB going to be EOL'd? I always thought the 12-inch was one of the best-selling Macs, so that doesn't seem to make much sense to me. Would they then step-up the 12-inch iBook? What does anyone think?

I'm close to buying a new 12-inch PB so I'm interested in hearing what you all think about this. Look forward to the discussion!

 

[mkrishnan]

That almost seems to be the implication....

I hope it isn't true. I think Apple's light-and-thin portfolio is a major strenght. I don't think I would have bought an Apple notebook if the 12"-ers hadn't existed...I would've gotten a small Thinkpad or possibly a VAIO instead.

 

[eva01]

I am buying a new 12" Powerbook tomorrow for tax free day ^^. So i don't really care what they do as long as i get my powerbook

 

[runninmac]

I picked up on that to and posted it in the thread and got like one comment besides mine last time i checked. Yeah Im going to be shocked/pissed of they EOL it! I can [sorta] see if they wanted to when intel chips come out so they can have the powerbooks be beastly machines but for the PPC powerbooks I think that would be a horable move.

 

[eva01]

Why would it be ok if they even did it for the intel PBs? Is no one going to want a professional super portable computer?

 

[zakatov]

Why would it be ok if they even did it for the intel PBs? Is no one going to want a professional super portable computer?

Maybe the iBooks would be fast enough and small enough not to warrant a 12in PB..

 

[eva01]

But i would want the dual monitor (without the hack) a faster FSB, the better video card, and the DVI.

So unless the iBook 12" got that, i would be pissed.

 

[wowoah]

Could we be misinterpreting the rumor? Maybe it means that they had intended of scrapping the 12" in its current incarnation and completely revamping it in some way, or replacing it with a wide-screen 13"? I honestly have a hard time believing that Apple would get rid of the 12" PB. It fills a much needed gap in the line and it's still one of their best selling Macs.

 

[erickkoch]

I'm more concerned about the price. The only reason I bought the 12 inch PB was that I couldn't afford $2000 for the 15 inch, the 12 inch was the cheapest PB I could afford and a good value for the money. If they phase out the 12 inch I hope they lower the price on the 15.

 

[Chrispy]

But i would want the dual monitor (without the hack) a faster FSB, the better video card, and the DVI.

So unless the iBook 12" got that, i would be pissed.

Amen to that. If they don't give the iBook hardware support for screen spanning and make clamshell mode possible then they are going to lose a lot of customers. For many people, the ultimate setup is a 12" powerbook with an external display

 

[Gordy]

I have the 12in superdrive powerbook and its great. if I had the choice of any of the powerbook line for free I'd choose the 12in everytime.

I cannot understand apple EOL'ing it, that seems a very wierd decision!