13.3-inch iBook?

[aswitcher]

Instead of 12" iB and 13" iB replacing the 14", they should drop the 14" iBook and use the 13" idea to replace the 12" powerbook.
We then get something like this:

12" iBook, 1.6GHz Pentium M Dothan system -> $1599
64MB Graphics, FW400, USB2, DVI, Superdrive optional
RAM: DDR, 1GB built in and a user slot

13.3" Widescreen Powerbook, Dual 1.6GHz Yonah System ->$2499
64 or 128MB Graphics, FW400 & FW800, USB2, Dual Link DVI, Superdrive standard, possible backlit keyboard.
RAM: DDR2, 512MB built in + 1 user slot.

15" and 17" Powerbooks, Dual 1.8GHz Yonah Systems ->$?
128MB Graphics, PCMCIA, FW400 & FW800, USB2, Dual Link DVI, Superdrive standard, backlit keyboards.
RAM: DDR2, 512MB built in + 1 user slot

I think a switch to intel should also see a switch to HDMI connectors over DVI. That way we get HDCP covered plus have a smaller form factor, and you can always use a HDMI to DVI cable for legacy issues.

I would also hope to see new developments like GPS, UWB, OLED external displays for wifi detection battery life clock alarm notices etc, higher res screens for all, OLED keyboards for partial (function keys) or total key changing, inbuilt isight, dialup modems dropped, 2 button keypad,
on board flash for lightning startups, a gig of ram on the logic board plus 2 slots, etc I might be waiting a few years...

 

[Chundles]

I think a switch to intel should also see a switch to HDMI connectors over DVI. That way we get HDCP covered plus have a smaller form factor, and you can always use a HDMI to DVI cable for legacy issues.

I would also hope to see new developments like GPS, UWB, OLED external displays for wifi detection battery life clock alarm notices etc, higher res screens for all, OLED keyboards for partial (function keys) or total key changing, inbuilt isight, dialup modems dropped, 2 button keypad,
on board flash for lightning startups, a gig of ram on the logic board plus 2 slots, etc I might be waiting a few years...

Very good ideas all except dropping the dial up modems. On desktops, fine, no problem, but for portables sometimes the only access you can get is by a hotel's phoneline. Broadband and wifi need to be far more prevalent before you drop the modems from the laptops.

 

[Chundles]

You're suggesting the price of a 12" iBook be raised $600 ????

No, that's exactly how much they cost now. a 12" iBook is $1599, a 14" is $2049. Now, a $1000 iBook would be fantastic but I don't see Apple dropping the price by $600 just because they've gone over to Intel.

 

[-hh]

Very good ideas all except dropping the dial up modems. On desktops, fine, no problem, but for portables sometimes the only access you can get is by a hotel's phoneline. Broadband and wifi need to be far more prevalent before you drop the modems from the laptops.

I've been thinking that its also probably going to be awhile until you can drop the Ethernet RJ jack...and that there's got to be a way to figure out how to plug in a little dongle or something that could let it do double duty as a phone jack...afterall, most people won't have both of them plugged in at the same time.


-hh

 

[reflex]

I've been thinking that its also probably going to be awhile until you can drop the Ethernet RJ jack...and that there's got to be a way to figure out how to plug in a little dongle or something that could let it do double duty as a phone jack...afterall, most people won't have both of them plugged in at the same time.-hh

I was going to post something like "no way should they remove the ethernet jack" ... but in reality it might be nicer to have 4 usb 2.0 ports and no modem/ethernet/<insert old connection type here> ports.

Not sure if it would be fast enough for gigabit ethernet though.

 

[Chundles]

I was going to post something like "no way should they remove the ethernet jack" ... but in reality it might be nicer to have 4 usb 2.0 ports and no modem/ethernet/<insert old connection type here> ports.

Not sure if it would be fast enough for gigabit ethernet though.

I'm sure they could figure out a way to get more USB ports in (you're right, 4 would be great) and still keep the connectivity options, especially in the iBook with the lack of a PC Card slot.

A bit of a rethink of the internal design could free up a good bit of space.

 

[iDave]

No, that's exactly how much they cost now. a 12" iBook is $1599, a 14" is $2049.

Sorry, was unaware you were talking Australian dollars. I guess I need to think internationally.

 

[AidenShaw]

you'd want a dongle?

I was going to post something like "no way should they remove the ethernet jack" ... but in reality it might be nicer to have 4 usb 2.0 ports and no modem/ethernet/<insert old connection type here> ports.

Not sure if it would be fast enough for gigabit ethernet though.

So you'd prefer to carry around yet another dongle to convert USB to GbE ??

And no, it wouldn't be fast enough... GbE controllers are usually in the southbridge, or connected to onboard PCI-X or PCIe busses (often on independent busses).

The GbE controllers also often have their own processing power to help offload network functions from the CPU. (My Dell laptop has a StrongARM CPU in the network chip.)

GbE over a USB dongle would not be well received.

 

[Val-kyrie]

Weak

A 19-inch PB would be a desktop replacement yes? Well as the iMac is light and has a minute footprint, there is no need for it.

Anyway, I was thinking about the graphics they'd put on it. How about:

12-inch w/ Mobility X300 (No on-board memory) - £649/$899
12-inch w/ Mobility X300 (32MB) - £699/$999
13.3-inch w/ Mobility X300 (64MB) - £899/$1299

This is probably realistic unless ATI comes out with their x1000 series of mobile gfx cards very soon, but really there should be at least 64MB VRAM in every consumer laptop with a 128 MB option and 128 MB in a "pro" laptop with a 256 MB option. I would really appreciate ATI's hardware solution to Hi-Def encoding in their upcoming gfx cards. If Apple uses an x300, let's hope it is like Dell's x300 on which it is possible to overclock to x600 speeds. Here's to hoping ATI puts a move on.

 

[Val-kyrie]

i wonder

iBooks come with AppleWorks. . . .

Will Apple include a word processor program on the intel books, and if so, what?

 

[Val-kyrie]

Another option

I use Avast on my PC... and i've still found viruses when i've scanned the computer. If you want proper virus protection you need to pay for it.

You should try the free version of AVG. Intel has purchased a significant but minority stake in the company. Rumor has it they are interested in implementing its technology into future chips. AV on a chip? Anyway, it ranked #4 among all AV programs for 2005--above Norton and McAfee--ranked for their ability to find viruses, ease of use, etc. And IT is FREE!

 

[Val-kyrie]

No overkill

A 13.3" 1280x800 widescreen Intel chipped PowerBook w/ 2GB of RAM sounds awesome! 128MB graphics is probably overkill for this platform, although if they can fit it in great....but just an updated chipset and 64MB of GDDR3 or something , I'd settle. Dual-layer or single-layer SD is a must, a full-size DVI port would be nice, with included converters to s-video and vga for those times when other ports are needed. Speakers aren't a concern to me, I'd rather forgo them all-together if it meant a smaller casing....I use earphones with my laptop more than the speakers.

Give or take a few specs, this machines sounds completely amazing. If it comes in at the current price-point, perhaps $100 to $200 less, I'll be in line.

Actually, Yonah chipsets will support 4GB RAM. 128MB VRAM is not overkill, especially since Vista is going to need at least 128MB to use its better features--some of us need to use Windows too. I think, however, that instead of DVI, I would prefer an HDCP compliant HDMI port for the new monitors coming out. Without HDMI and HDCP support, you will never be able to project a Hi-Def movie from a Blue-Ray drive. This may be a bit premature, but most PC manufacturers will be shipping Blue-Ray drives by January. I expect Leopard to incorporate HDCP technology into the OS.

 

[Val-kyrie]

Express Card Slot

That's exactly what I want, regardless of the backlit keyboard. I'd like FW800 too, as it is a 'pro' machine. Definitely want the extra graphics, it's been 64 for long enough. I definitely wouldn't hold my breath for PCMCIA in a laptop of that size.

How about the new express card slot? This is the next gen tech to succeed PCMCIA.

[EDIT: aswitcher beat me to it.]

 

[BlizzardBomb]

This is probably realistic unless ATI comes out with their x1000 series of mobile gfx cards very soon, but really there should be at least 64MB VRAM in every consumer laptop with a 128 MB option and 128 MB in a "pro" laptop with a 256 MB option. I would really appreciate ATI's hardware solution to Hi-Def encoding in their upcoming gfx cards. If Apple uses an x300, let's hope it is like Dell's x300 on which it is possible to overclock to x600 speeds. Here's to hoping ATI puts a move on.

^First time I've seen 5 posts in a row lol!^

Well doing some research, ATI's X Series mobility chips seem a dead end for what we'd look for in an iBook. A Mobility X300 may not be powerful enough, while a Mobility X600 is far too powerful. Maybe they'd use the regular ones...

12-inch w/ X300SE (64MB) - £649/$899
12-inch w/ X300 (64MB) - £699/$999
13.3-inch w/ X300 (128MB) - £899/$1299

...Or even AGP?

12-inch w/ Mobility 9600 (32MB) - £649/$899
12-inch w/ Mobility 9600 (64MB) - £699/$999
13.3-inch w/ Mobility 9600 (128MB) - £899/$1299

 

[LastLine]

I'm sure they could figure out a way to get more USB ports in (you're right, 4 would be great) and still keep the connectivity options, especially in the iBook with the lack of a PC Card slot.

A bit of a rethink of the internal design could free up a good bit of space.

True, bar the superdrive the entire right hand side of the laptop is unused. As is the back.

What about a wi-fi USB Hub?


Hm, seriously though? 13.3 inch doesn't really seem big enough, I think that could seriouslly impact how people buy Apple. A lot of consumers go out looking for a screen similar in size to a Pee Cee laptop, 15". The 14" doesn't appear hugely smaller, and therefore people will still go for it.

Those that like the 15" size will stop buying iBooks. Yes, there's the 15" PowerBook however these are far too expensive for the casual computer user.

 

[Legacy]

^First time I've seen 5 posts in a row lol!^

Well doing some research, ATI's X Series mobility chips seem a dead end for what we'd look for in an iBook. A Mobility X300 may not be powerful enough, while a Mobility X600 is far too powerful. Maybe they'd use the regular ones...

12-inch w/ X300 (64MB) - £649/$899
12-inch w/ X300 (64MB) - £699/$999
13.3-inch w/ X300 (128MB) - £899/$1299

...Or even AGP?

12-inch w/ Mobility 9600 (32MB) - £649/$899
12-inch w/ Mobility 9600 (64MB) - £699/$999
13.3-inch w/ Mobility 9600 (128MB) - £899/$1299

I think I might add my two cents worth into this speculative debate...

iBook 13.3" Widescreen $899 Machine

Intel Yonah 1.66Ghz Processor
512Mb DDR2 Memory (max 1.5Gb)
CD-RW/DVD COMBI Drive (Upgradable to Superdrive...yes Apple please!)
40Gb 5400rpm Hard Drive (Max 80Gb)
ATI X300 64Mb Graphics
Optional Modem (USB), Airport, Bluetooth
NO FIREWIRE

iBook 14.1" Widescreen $1099 Machine

Intel Yonah 1.66Ghz Processor
512Mb DDR2 Memory (max 1.5Gb)
Superdrive
60Gb 5400rpm Hard Drive (Max 100Gb)
Ati X300 64Mb Graphics
Airport + BT 2.0 Standard, Optional 56k Modem (USB)
NO FIREWIRE

Powerbook 14.1" Widescreen $1499 Machine

Intel Yonah Dual Core 1.66Ghz Processors
1Gb DDR2/3 Memory (max 3Gb)
Superdrive Dual Layer
80Gb 7200rpm Hard Drive (Max 120Gb)
Ati X700 128Mb Graphics
Built-in iSight camera and Front Row w/ Crappy Remote
Airport + BT 2.0 Standard, Optional 56k Modem (USB)
Firewire 800 Port

Powerbook 15.4" Widescreen $1999 Machine

Intel Yonah Dual Core 1.83Ghz Processors
1Gb DDR2/3 Memory (max 3Gb)
Superdrive Dual Layer
100Gb 7200rpm Hard Drive (Max 160Gb)
Ati X700 128Mb Graphics
Built in iSight camera and Front Row w/ Crappy Remote
Airport + BT 2.0 Standard, Optional 56k Modem (USB)
Firewire 800 Port

Powerbook 17" Widescreen $2499 Machine

Intel Yonah Dual Core 2Ghz Processors
1Gb DDR2/3 Memory (max 3Gb)
Superdrive Dual Layer
120Gb 7200rpm Hard Drive (Max 200Gb)
Ati X800 256Mb DDR3 Graphics
Built in iSight camera and Front Row w/ Crappy Remote
Airport + BT 2.0 Standard, Optional 56k Modem (USB)
Firewire 800 Port

I think the two models (Consumer vs Pro) will be distinguished mainly by:

For the iBooks

1. Low cost, powerful systems. Look great, feel great philosophy.
2. Some expandability in the form of RAM and Hard Drive space
3. Widescreen architecture.
4. Removal of unneccessary features (Modem and Firewire), costcutting on cheapest model (Airport and BT Optional).
5. Decent gaming performance with modern chip and double VRAM.

For the Powerbook:

1. Form factor (as rumoured) to be much sleeker, thinner, durable and sexier in the Powerbook than the iBook.
2. Resolution of the displays, which will be higher in the Powerbooks.
3. RAM Support, raising expandability up to 3Gb or more in the Powerbooks whereas iBooks will be capped to 1.5Gb despite larger 2Gb chips being available.
4. iSight and Front-Row, to attract consumers towards the 14/15" models and power users in need of a decent camera on-the-go.
5. Huge graphics performance boosts, especially in the 17" model to swey serious gamers towards the Powerbooks.

 

[ooberpongo]

This rumoured MacIntelBook has a 1280x720 screen, which is an aspect ratio of 1.78.

A typical DVD movie is 1.85 to 2.35 aspect ratio, which will give "ugly black bars" of 15 to 87 pixels both on the top and bottom of the screen.

Please get over the myth that "wide screen" means no letterboxing for DVD movies....

Those "ugly black bars" wont stand out against the black Display enclosure. As you all here know the new 13.3 iBook will be available in White and in BLACK . Just like the iPods. I myself will get the black version for better contrast when watching DVD Movies

 

[BlizzardBomb]

I think I might add my two cents worth into this speculative debate... etc etc.

Hey, you deleted the "SE" bit from the cheapo model of the X300 on my post. Some good predictions there but...

The iBooks should come with at least 60GBs as standard now.
Celeron processors should go into the iBooks or else they'd blow a hole in your wallet.
Laptops should come with 56k modems no matter how much they cost.
If the PB went 14", it would kill the 15" in the blink of an eye.
An actual high-performance graphics card like an X700 would use too much power. I see the Mobility X700s on the low-end, Mobility X800s on the rest and a Mobility X1600 as an option for the high-end.

 

[Randall]

I think a switch to intel should also see a switch to HDMI connectors over DVI. That way we get HDCP covered plus have a smaller form factor, and you can always use a HDMI to DVI cable for legacy issues.

Why would they do that? And why are we calling DVI legacy? DVI is the standard last time I checked for monitor connectivity. HDMI is and should remain in TV land. They could just use an DVI High Definition connector if HD is a must, which is the same form factor and fully backwards compatible with standard DVI. That way you eliminate the need for an adaptor, unless HDMI is required. Let's not forget that the form factor needs to be at least as thick as the components inside the box (hard drive, CPU + heatsink, etc.) switching the connector to HDMI doesn't do anything to lessen the IMO already slim form factor of the Powerbooks.

For the select few that need to hook up their Powerbook to an HDMI device (probably an HDTV) they can just use this http://www.monstercable.com/productPage.asp?pin=2942

 

[aswitcher]

Why would they do that? And why are we calling DVI legacy? DVI is the standard last time I checked for monitor connectivity.

It is now, but in 2-5 years with Bluray drives, Hollywood going nuts, a bluring of lines between monitor and TV (expect to see many dual machines in 2-3 years with decent price and resolution), multimedia computer/home theatres, downloadable video DRM etc etc, a shift to HDCP/HDMI seems inevitable for all computers that want to connect and play DRM video - say from the likes of ITMS

HDMI is and should remain in TV land.

Computers have already been playing in "TV Land" for a couple of years. The lines will blur a lot more over the next few years.

SNIP switching the connector to HDMI doesn't do anything to lessen the IMO already slim form factor of the Powerbooks.

Physically the connector is half as big (or smaller) width and height wise. (I cant vouch for how big the internal size difference would be though. Any engineers about?)

 

[steve_hill4]

Hey, you deleted the "SE" bit from the cheapo model of the X300 on my post. Some good predictions there but...

The iBooks should come with at least 60GBs as standard now.
Celeron processors should go into the iBooks or else they'd blow a hole in your wallet.
Laptops should come with 56k modems no matter how much they cost.
If the PB went 14", it would kill the 15" in the blink of an eye.
An actual high-performance graphics card like an X700 would use too much power. I see the Mobility X700s on the low-end, Mobility X800s on the rest and a Mobility X1600 as an option for the high-end.

I agree, but maybe even having an 80GB HDD on the larger iBook. Sony and HP have lower end laptops that have 80-100GB built in, so all they have to do is cut back on other specs and enlarge the HDD to an extent. Storage is getting more important for those who are using a laptop as their main computer.

Also, I agree for laptops, dial-up modems are a must. Not only to ensure sales to those who need them, but if you take it away somewhere and you want to just use a standard pay as you go dial-up internet service, (where wi-fi and such aren't available), you have the ability out of the box.

I also would want to see a 13.3" PowerBook, rather than 14.1" being the smallest. There are a fair few who would want to have a small pro laptop. If they have a 14.1, it's not much smaller than a 15.4. Why should someone looking for the smallest Apple portable have to settle for the lowest spec on the market?

 

[Legacy]

Hey, you deleted the "SE" bit from the cheapo model of the X300 on my post. Some good predictions there but...

The iBooks should come with at least 60GBs as standard now.
Celeron processors should go into the iBooks or else they'd blow a hole in your wallet.
Laptops should come with 56k modems no matter how much they cost.
If the PB went 14", it would kill the 15" in the blink of an eye.
An actual high-performance graphics card like an X700 would use too much power. I see the Mobility X700s on the low-end, Mobility X800s on the rest and a Mobility X1600 as an option for the high-end.

Sorry I deleted by accident because I was deleting my one and I must have deleted yours as well! I think I would puke if Celeron was used...even the G4 chip is better IMO than a Celeron..eww. I tried to seperate single/dual core chips in my prediction. I do seriously think the 56k modem will go for an optional USB dongle modem and when I used graphics cards, I assumed they would all be driven by 'mobility' technology...

Some decent predictions IMHO maybe the 14inch should be 13.3inch I guess (although with higher resolution).

Regards

 

[danvdr]

I think I might add my two cents worth into this speculative debate...

iBook 13.3" Widescreen $899 Machine

Intel Yonah 1.66Ghz Processor


I thought the single core Yonah wasn't due until spring '06?

 

[Legacy]

I think I might add my two cents worth into this speculative debate...

iBook 13.3" Widescreen $899 Machine

Intel Yonah 1.66Ghz Processor


I thought the single core Yonah wasn't due until spring '06?

I am unaware of this but if this is the case, then it is very unlikely Apple would release an Intel iBook in January or a Mac Mini for that matter... I think using a Dothan Pentium M is a wrong move..Apple should stick with the newest and best and that is Yonah and Merom.

If only dual core is to be available this would undoubtedly pave the way for a Powerbook update..and a huge one! It seems wiser to me, from a pure marketing point of view, that the Powerbooks receive SOS ASAP! They are currently anaemic with the G4 and poor graphics. We need dual core fast. People need to stop thinking 'I'm a pro but why pay £400 for a Powerbook when all I'm gettin is a 300Mhz processor boost and a slightly faster bus with DDR2 memory.' Back in the days people respected the Powerbook..I remember when the iBook came out it had 300Mhz G3 and only 32Megs of RAM! (Not to mention crappy 4Mb graphics was it?) The gap was HUGE! Nowadays I see too many students using it to type notes in lectures now. It is a pro laptop not a toy.

Bring on the dual-core Powerbooks in January. The Mac Mini is fine as it is at the moment, if you are a power user get a PowerMac..us laptop users have no choice..we are stuck with the G4!

 

[Randall]

I think I might add my two cents worth into this speculative debate...

iBook 13.3" Widescreen $899 Machine

Intel Yonah 1.66Ghz Processor

I thought the single core Yonah wasn't due until spring '06?

You are correct, the single core Yonah (Pentium M) is NOT due until spring of '06. That is why seeing a dual core Yonah in anything other then a Powerbook this coming January would supprise me very much. I posted this in another thread on this forum, but I think it's worth a look. This is just my theoretical timeline I came up with based on extrapolating from the Intel roadmap and from what Steve Jobs said of Apple's plans last June.

My theoretical roadmap to the x86 switch:
January 2006: Powerbook gets dual core 32-bit Yonah
January 2006: ibook gets single core 32-bit Dothan
January 2006: mini gets single core 32-bit Dothan

June 2006: ibook gets single core 32-bit Yonah
June 2006: mini gets single core 32-bit Yonah

January 2007: OS X 10.5 Leopard released as "Universal Binaray"
January 2007: Powermac gets dual core 64-bit Woodcrest
January 2007: Powerbook gets dual core 64-bit Merom

Rest of 2007: Switch to x86 gets finalized, and verious updates are given to the lines, eventully bringing all up to 64-bit processing.

It might be a little bit of a stretch to think that Apple would put an "old" processor in the ibook and mini this January, but this is the only way I can see putting an Intel in anything besides a Powerbook this January. They have to draw the line somewhere as to what constitutes a "high end" machine. And Yonah will only be available as dual core this winter. iBook and mac mini are not high-end machines, so they should get the Dothan chipset, or just wait until June.