$499 Headless iMac?

[izzle22]

You can take the conspiracy in a totally different direction.

Apple, pissed off about the rumor sites, leaks this fake cheapMac information to two of the biggest offending sources (TS and AI, sites it has sued for information regarding the Asteroid leak). They know that the cheapMac (and to a lesser extent, iWork) are possibly the biggest Mac rumors and the most desired products, and would create a huge buzz.

Once January 11 comes and goes, and there is no cheapMac and no iWork, then the credibility of TS and AI is hit hard, thereby reducing their audience. In other words, these big rumors could be a trojan horse to take down the rumor sites.

Why not leak Powerbook G5 info then (since it is probably would be a BIGGER rumor than cheapMac)? Because they do plan on doing a Powerbook G5 someday soon, and the failure to produce at the Expo would shine a huge, ufnlattering light on the older (yet still expensive) Powerbook G4.

So yeah, it could all be a big conspiracy

Finally someone who uses that thing called a brain. This is the first post that sounds like reality!

 

[rdowns]

That'll be the PowerMac in two-three years. Unless Apple gets a G6.

Like they'd ever drive an American car.

 

[barnett25]

Whats with all you guys saying that Apple's dont ship with more than one mouse button? Theres the mouse button for clicking an application, and theres the CTRL button for right click. I just wish they'd put the CTRL key on the mouse if it is supposed to be a mouse button.

But seriously, I can see why they want to ship a 1 button mouse for simplicity, but I don't know why they can't have a "pro" mouse with multiple buttons and a wheel as an option.

 

[Photorun]

Whats with all you guys saying that Apple's dont ship with more than one mouse button? Theres the mouse button for clicking an application, and theres the CTRL button for right click. I just wish they'd put the CTRL key on the mouse if it is supposed to be a mouse button.

But seriously, I can see why they want to ship a 1 button mouse for simplicity, but I don't know why they can't have a "pro" mouse with multiple buttons and a wheel as an option.

I almost flamed you until I got to the end. Considering ALL of the professional high end Mac users have to go out and buy 3rd party buttons for their machines, dozens of my Mac acquaintances and in a couple all Mac design shops we're talking hundreds (thinking of the big picture, thousands) to take advantage of the ease and raw power of Dreamweaver, other Macromedia and most Adobe products, 2nd button saves time, time saves money, keeps your fingers on the other hand free for other things. Screw simplicity, many apps are easier with the extra button(s) and for gaming it's a must. We're now talking tens of thousands of mice every year. Just because you or some people don't use/need another button, about the same amount do, and the pro users (i.e. the ones who blow the big bucks on the machines) absolutely do.

However, on a simpler lower end note, after I convinced my girlfriend to get an iMac the first thing she said was "I hate this mouse, does Apple offer a two button?" My answer "uh, no, and it's friggin' ridiculous they don't but almost all other manufactures make a compatible mouse to the Mac." "Thank GOD, I hate this one button mouse." Next time I went over to her place, not only had she gone to Staples to buy a two button mouse with scrollwheel, it was a Microsuck mouse, and of course it worked just fine with OS X. She didn't need a two button mouse though it comes in handy in Word, Excel (which is what she uses)... and "handy" is what it's all about to many. Most peecee lusers for the converting are going to expect a two button mouse. Pros and gamers can't live without it. My girlfriend couldn't as a switcher. Apple is morons for not offering the option.

 

[areyouwishing]

The eMac still has a G4.

And I severely doubt Apple is going to dump the G4 anytime soon. I expect they'll keep the G4 in the eMac and go 2 GHz once Moto releases those 2 GHz G4's. Eventually it'll go dual core 2 GHz 64-bit G4. w00t.

A lot of people have been showing their concern about the eMac and its future. I remember an article about the G5 eMac being ready, but because of chip supplies Apple is waiting to release it.

My prediction is at Macworld they will release the G5 eMac, and its going to stay the same price. This makes it the powerful, inexpensive, all-in-one for universities, art departments, and anyone that wants a g5 but can't afford the iMac.

My prediction of the product line...

1)Powermac, workstation class super computing w/ expandability.
2)iMac G5, Elegant semi-upgradable power computer.
3)eMac G5, Affordable power for the education market.
4)Headless iMac G4, barebones Mac experience at a price ANYONE can afford.

 

[Sir_Giggles]

One button mouse probably was needed when computers were still revolutionary, but most kids born in the age of computers have no use for a 1 button mouse. It's become a hinderance, not a feature. Steve Jobs should really re-think his thinking, considering he'll meet with more success by going with the flow.

Had he was against porting iTunes over to Windows, the iPod would still be a niche product among Mac users.

Dear Steve,

Get your head out of your ass and give us 2-button mouse with scrollwheel as standard equipment! Thank you.

 

[Kagetenshi]

many apps are easier with the extra button(s) and for gaming it's a must.

Bull. Utter bull. Name me one game that you need a second mouse button for.

~J

 

[Sir_Giggles]

Bull. Utter bull. Name me one game that you need a second mouse button for.

~J

Quake.

Button 1. Shoot.

Button 2. Switch Weapons.

Button 3. Zoom.

 

[SiliconAddict]

dude, what the other poster said about dual-core
dualcore!!!!!! yeahhhhhhh

ps thanks for the iSock bit

[sidethought]
hmm.. so there could be down the line a dual dual core g5 running a dual dual link nvidia card with dual displays? im confused

[sidethought#2]
i am going to be an a** here and suggest that given the average gullibility and IQ of a windows user when they market a 2ghz dualcore g4, they will have to call it 4GHZ because that's where intel is/almost is at....

Yah I really need to update that sig. Ultimately all I want is a fast system. If that means a dual core G4 or a single core G5 whatever. As long as whatever solution Apple has is comparative with new PC laptops being release.

As for intel. Don't expect them to hit 4Ghz anytime soon. They are focusing on dual core chips more then anything else. 2005 is probably going to go down as the year of the dual core. Intel is CLAIMING first half of 2005 for their desktop line. (I'll believe it what I see it.) AMD is talking 3rd quarter. Freescale should have something to Apple by late 2nd early 3rd.
I think 2005 is going to put the hardware in place now if only their software developers step up to the plate and make their wares support multi-CPU systems with multiple threading.

 

[SiliconAddict]

You can take the conspiracy in a totally different direction.

Apple, pissed off about the rumor sites, leaks this fake cheapMac information to two of the biggest offending sources (TS and AI, sites it has sued for information regarding the Asteroid leak). They know that the cheapMac (and to a lesser extent, iWork) are possibly the biggest Mac rumors and the most desired products, and would create a huge buzz.

Once January 11 comes and goes, and there is no cheapMac and no iWork, then the credibility of TS and AI is hit hard, thereby reducing their audience. In other words, these big rumors could be a trojan horse to take down the rumor sites.

Umm dude that would be the stupidest thing Apple has ever done. Do you know how far this rumor has spread now? Its gotten as far as the LA times, Forbes, news.com, etc. If Apple intentionally did this and they don't deliver their stock is going to tank. This isn't some little iPod rumor. This is the suggestion of a $500 Mac. Seriously to do this just to teach these rumor sites a lesson....Never mind. That does sound like Jobs. Thinking more about his ego them his company. wow now I'm scared.

 

[Rootman]

And whose going on about one button mice whats it matter how many buttons a mouse has as long as it moves the pointer around the screen lol

They think we can't mentally handle 2 buttons and then they come out with this complicated click wheel on the iPod? I don't get it. I'd like a mouse with the iPod click wheel on it.

 

[Jsmit]

Nope. I'm sitting here with a 2 year old, bordering on 3, 20" Dell CRT. Its as good as the day I purchased it. Why would I want to throw it out when its almost as good as any other CRT out there?

There are some who will want to keep their old monitor. Other people seem to believe that they need to buy a new display. Some will actually need one. Let us say 50 +- 15% will want new monitors and 50 +- 15% will keep their old monitors. With my made up numbers, a minimum of 35% of potential customers would like to buy a new display with their headless mouse. A hard percentage to ignore. I am sure Apple has real statistics and will acr accordingly.

As mentioned twice in this thread already, the longest thread in recent Mac Rumors history is with 6,159 posts when this was written. Doesn't everyone read the whole post before reading?

As for the one-button v. two-button mouse debate, I almost always use my one button mouse / track-pad, but I do have a two button mouse for the occasional game or windows user using my computers. It is a Microsoft mouse too. They make crumby software but their mice, very nice.

If this rumor is true and not some conspiracy, I am curious to see all the uses people have for this low priced Mac. I am tempted, but don't realy need a new computer. Maybe in a few years when my PB starts become dated I will get one for the work the PB can't handle. Maybe with this low end Mac, I can convince my boss it is time for him to switch. I am tiered of dealing with malware on his XP system.

One last thing. Everyone knows blueberries are better than strawberries which re better than raspberries. Blueberries have more antioxidants and they just taste so good. Can't wait until I can have a nice fresh watermelon again though, but I have quite a wait until watermelon season.

 

[Kagetenshi]

Quake.

Button 1. Shoot.

Button 2. Switch Weapons.

Button 3. Zoom.

I've played Q3 since the demo.

Button: shoot.

E: previous weapon.

R: next weapon.

Shift: zoom.

Try again.

~J

 

[Yvan256]

Quake.

Button 1. Shoot.

Button 2. Switch Weapons.

Button 3. Zoom.

Nothing prevents you from buying a nice Logitech mouse and selling that "Pro Apple Mouse" on eBay (for a profit, even).

 

[Timelessblur]

I've played Q3 since the demo.

Button: shoot.

E: previous weapon.

R: next weapon.

Shift: zoom.

Try again.

~J

Unreal tourment 2k4

1 button shoot.

Wheel up-down change weapons click to zoom

2nd button - altrante fire. It fires the gun 2nd firering mode or the Vechials 2nddarying weapon.

 

[Kagetenshi]

Unreal tourment 2k4

1 button shoot.

Wheel up-down change weapons click to zoom

2nd button - altrante fire. It fires the gun 2nd firering mode or the Vechials 2nddarying weapon.

I play that one too. See what you quoted but replace "zoom" with "secondary fire".

If you'll note, UT2k4 doesn't actually have a zoom feature extrinsic to the weapons, but just to cover my arse in case there really is one, control will do just fine for that.

~J

 

[Photorun]

I play that one too. See what you quoted but replace "zoom" with "secondary fire".

If you'll note, UT2k4 doesn't actually have a zoom feature extrinsic to the weapons, but just to cover my arse in case there really is one, control will do just fine for that.

~J

Yeah, rather inconveniently to any gamer, but you could. You could use the turn signal with your feet when you drive a car, but that doesn't make it a good idea either.

 

[Timelessblur]

sorry that I made that mistake on zooming on 2k4 I must of gotten the zoom crossed with another game but the 2ndare fire I know I am right on since very fire of the weapons zoom. Using the keybored to do the 2nd fireing mod just limits you aiming and movement to a harsh degree.

 

[@HomeNow]

I use a two button mouse at home, mostly becouse my wife replaced the broken Apple mouse with one from Microsoft. It is nice for web browsing and such, I dont play games so dont know about that. However I'm not so sure I would like it for work. My left hand is usually near the keyboard for shortcut keystokes anyway so modifier buttons are just as easy as they would be with a 2 button mouse, and the one button is more ergonomic causing less strain than the Microsoft mouse does. The combination of the modifiers also offers me more "complex" behavior than a mear 2 button mouse does as well. This is my preference based on my experience, so take it as that and not an insult.

 

[Sir_Giggles]

I've played Q3 since the demo.

Button: shoot.

E: previous weapon.

R: next weapon.

Shift: zoom.

Try again.

~J

Yeah you could, but you have to stop momentarily to switch weapons, especially when strafing right. And with button 2, you can bind it to a grenade launcher, while you use button 1 to shoot rockets.

 

[takao]

Yeah you could, but you have to stop momentarily to switch weapons, especially when strafing right.

depends on how flexible your thumb is

normal i have 1st button: fire
2nd: secondary fire mode
3rd: most of the time reload
4th some else required by game like going prone etc.
clicking scrollwheel: somthing other ... preferable something for fighting etc. like switching firing mode etc.

end after all it's conviniet for browsing with a multiple button mouse
i use the 3rd button for backwards
4th for forward
and clicking the scrollwheel to show the desktop

 

[BillD222]

One button Mouse still better for most

One button mouse probably was needed when computers were still revolutionary, but most kids born in the age of computers have no use for a 1 button mouse. It's become a hinderance, not a feature. Steve Jobs should really re-think his thinking, considering he'll meet with more success by going with the flow.

Had he was against porting iTunes over to Windows, the iPod would still be a niche product among Mac users.

Dear Steve,

Get your head out of your ass and give us 2-button mouse with scrollwheel as standard equipment! Thank you.

It's amazing how people whine over the smallest things. When the MAc first came out Apple did a lot of research on how people interact with computers and their findings still hold true. That's why they went with the one button mouse not the three-button original.

As an "instructional tech. specialist" I train a lot of teachers. For most the right-click is simply confusing. All it is, is a shortcut to menu items, or contextual menus. This was the GUI for the PARC computer. Apple found drop down menus better and that was the big difference - and that's why they're still around today.

For most contextual menus are simply more confusing, especally right-click then left-click your choice, when you could have just click in the menu to begin with. It is also a hinderance to lefties, esp. when the mouse is curved for the right hand. My 3 yo has amazing control of the "buttonless" pro mouse, where many his age get frustrating making sure they stay on the left button.

Personally I don't feel any faster/slower or less/more productive with either mouse, but an option might be nice for Apple to provide. Unil then just get your own mouse!! I just wish my iStick would work with OS X so I can fly better in Battlefield 1942!!!

 

[Sir_Giggles]

As an "instructional tech. specialist" I train a lot of teachers. For most the right-click is simply confusing.

It can be confusing initially, but since 95% of the "idiot PC population" out there seem to be doing fine, I don't see how a 1-button mouse would serve a power user over the course of his/her life versus the initial 1-day confusion over using a 2-button mouse.

 

[geekmeet]

Tremendous hype

The hype about this years Macworld is tremendous.......greater than ANY other Macworld I can remember.
This was shaping up to be a rather boring Macworld......at least in the eyes of rumour site trolls which I consider myself.
There were almost no captivating rumours except for the "flash Ipod" rumour and the garage band breakout box,codenamed asteroid.
Remember last years MacworldSF?
Sort of a let down wouldnt you say?
All that was announced was the Ipod mini............but that product was a phenominal seller.......and initially we all thought it would flop.
All of this brings me to this point:When has the mainstream media ever echoed a "rumour" so widely 2 weeks before a Macworld?
This absolutely DWARFS the G5 rumour in 2003!
The expectations are incredible.
Is Apple playing games with us?
The source of the aforementioned rumour is THINK SECRET.
Nick deplume.
He is by far the most accurate rumour monger......almost ALL of his prophecies have come to pass.
The fact that he dropped the "sub-$500 mac bomb" upon us makes it even more compelling.
He is saying this device is an imac class COMPUTER.
He did not say it was a DLD(Digital Lifestyle Device).
I must admit I am skeptical about this rumour.
We shall see.

 

[Zaty]

Umm dude that would be the stupidest thing Apple has ever done. Do you know how far this rumor has spread now? Its gotten as far as the LA times, Forbes, news.com, etc. If Apple intentionally did this and they don't deliver their stock is going to tank. This isn't some little iPod rumor. This is the suggestion of a $500 Mac. Seriously to do this just to teach these rumor sites a lesson....Never mind. That does sound like Jobs. Thinking more about his ego them his company. wow now I'm scared.

One thing's for sure, Apple will have to cope with bad press if the rumour is based on false information. But I don't think Apple will announce that $499 Mac just because it has got so much attention. If it's not set to materialise it just won't. It's amazing what a well placed rumour can do, in a positive and in a negative sense. Like I said, I'm skeptical, on the other hand, if it's just rubbish, shouldn't Apple say so? What could they win if the keynote comes and goes without the big announcement so many people are waiting for?