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Just ran across this by accident and thought I'd post it here to see what you guys thought. What if apple was to start to use green plug in their new products? Green Plug is a Universal Power Adapter that uses a chip in the power cord that is plugged into the green plug adapter and adjusts the voltage to the preset chip. This means one power cord for every product and no power brick. If you take a look at it from a futuristic approach Green Plug could make a power outlet that could eliminate the adapter and could eventually become a standard for homes. Green Plug not to mention is extremely environmentally friendly!
Here's a link to a demo of the product: Here

Well, according to Apple's way of doing things, I would be very surprised to see something like that. I would love it, but it seems that Apple just goes the other way around, designing things specifically for each model. Not only the chargers, but look also at the external DVD unit they made for MBA that only works with MBA.
 
Throw'em ALL away, including that one, and settle for mini USB already instead of coming up with yet another "standard." We're finally making some progress, inasmuch as my PDA phone, GPS, GPS for the PDA phone, and so forth already using the same power supply. One for at home, one for the car. Took only 12 years.
GreenPlug® actually uses a plug derived from mini USB and will charge mini USB devices, too.
However, mini USB is not suitable for high-power devices such as notebook computers; USB only allows 0.5 A @ 5 V – that's 2.5 W. (Compare that to a 18.5 V × 4.6 A ≈ 85 W MagSafe adapter.)
 
New displays would be fabultastic.

Edit: And if Apple ever gets around to it... a REAL mouse. (But I know that isn't coming).
 
GreenPlug® actually uses a plug derived from mini USB and will charge mini USB devices, too.
However, mini USB is not suitable for high-power devices such as notebook computers; USB only allows 0.5 A @ 5 V – that's 2.5 W. (Compare that to a 18.5 V × 4.6 A ≈ 85 W MagSafe adapter.)

Using the plug for a power connector is different from following the standard for a USB data/power connection.

Apple violates the power spec of the USB standard by supplying more than 500mA on the MacBook Air USB port (that's why the external MBA DVD will only work on the MBA).

The amount of power that you could put through the mini-USB connector would be determined electrically by the diameter of the wires used, and the construction of the contacts. It would certainly be able to send a lot more than 2.5 watts.
 
The amount of power that you could put through the mini-USB connector would be determined electrically by the diameter of the wires used, and the construction of the contacts. It would certainly be able to send a lot more than 2.5 watts.
But 85 W? Or 100 W? I doubt it. Furthermore, it would be dangerous – very dangerous – to have fully compatible plugs: If users use the wrong cable (e.g. cables designed for 1 A instead of 5 A), they might overheat and melt.
Then, if you want different voltages (and notebooks usually require 15 V to 19 V), you'll automatically be incompatible. So a better plug does not hurt.
 
But 85 W? Or 100 W? I doubt it. Furthermore, it would be dangerous – very dangerous – to have fully compatible plugs: If users use the wrong cable (e.g. cables designed for 1 A instead of 5 A), they might overheat and melt.
Then, if you want different voltages (and notebooks usually require 15 V to 19 V), you'll automatically be incompatible. So a better plug does not hurt.

Good arguments - but the 500 mA USB spec wasn't ;) ...
 
Absolutely certain.

You can be sure that a couple of high-profile applications will be demoed by partners who were given beta copies of the SDK.

Ok not really what meant. Let me clarify. What are the odds we'll see other products. Like the mbp or new acds?
 
However, mini USB is not suitable for high-power devices such as notebook computers; USB only allows 0.5 A @ 5 V – that's 2.5 W. (Compare that to a 18.5 V × 4.6 A ≈ 85 W MagSafe adapter.)

I wasn't talking about notebooks, but "computer companion devices", a term I just made up ;) Basically those portable devices that occasionally need a computer for updates, syncing and stuff, but are autonomous most of the time. You know, iPods, PDAs, personal nav devices, cellphones, cameras, stuff like that.
 
Ok not really what meant. Let me clarify. What are the odds we'll see other products. Like the mbp or new acds?

Very low...

At least, low probability of anything radically different. In other words, a Penryn upgrade for the existing MBP is a possibility but a new design higher end (I can't use the word "Pro", I'm sorry) laptop is unlikely.
 
I really hope this event isn't just SDK-related, new MBP please!

I hope your note trying to down play the importance of the SDK's debut. The SDK is EXTREMELY important for Apple's future as it attempts to establish a permanent stronghold in the mobile device market.
The main thing will be the SDK for this Feb. event and I think that macbook pro just might be delayed til WWDC in the summer.
But, we will find out for sure in just a few days. :)
 
What is the reason for no pro?

I think AS just can't call the laptops that Apple puts out PRO laptops. And by many Apple user's standards they aren't. They are good laptops, decent for the average users and many pros, but they aren't top of the line by far, they make the cut at middle of the road to TOP of the middle of the road.

Other hardware manufacturers are selling machines with dual 2.8GHz and SLI graphics cards. They are fat as hell, but they are screamers. The big thing for me is the lack of dual HDDs and more pro ports like FW400. It'd be nice to have a 512MB gfx card and built-in 3G at least.
 
Then get a desktop, or one of those big PC laptops...the MacBook Pro is Apple's "Pro" laptop


But yea, I'm hoping its a very open SDK...but I'm expecting it to not be.
 
Then get a desktop, or one of those big PC laptops...the MacBook Pro is Apple's "Pro" laptop

I would but I won't be able to run MacOS X and my productivity would suffer even more. The MBP may be Apple's "PRO" laptop, but to the rest of the world and the high-end pros that need the juice it's about mid range.

But yea, I'm hoping its a very open SDK...but I'm expecting it to not be.

I want SDK, but if Apple does make an event solely for the release of an SDK then that, combined with their pulling out of NAB, shows me and I am sure a few others that they have lost their desire to fully take over the professional market, which was already bending toward them as a standard already.

Avid may have pulled out of NAB as well, but they are loosing market share to a cheaper, not as fully featured NLE because people don't want to pay $12,000 for software when they can get the same work done with $1300 software.
 
Since I hope to get a macbook with multi-touch trackpad....soon, I wish for the Apple Event to go something like this:

Jobs: "We have have some exciting news for you today..." (talks about the iphone/ipod touch upgrades to 16/32 GB...) "and today we want to present to you the SDK" (boom!)
Talk about the SDK for about 10-15 Minutes... after that maybe introduce some new games (also 3rd party) for ipod and Iphone to be downloaded through itunes.

After that he continues with a reference towards the upgraded Mac Pro and newly introduced graphic-card-compatibility towards the 2006-modell (please?)

And how best to use your mac pro than with the new cinema displays with integrated isight (boom!)
OR you can use it on your new mac mini(nano)! (boom!)

And finally "there is one more thing": new macbook pro with better graphic-card, new screen, multi-touch trackpad, and a new slim design (Boom!)
"oh, and before we forget...here's his little brother: the new macbook: new screen, multi-touch trackpad, slim new design in silver(see ipod classic for reference).

Within minutes of the presentation the stocks rise by 30%

This is how I want apple to start into 2008 ;-D
 
I think AS just can't call the laptops that Apple puts out PRO laptops. And by many Apple user's standards they aren't.

Right, DS.

In Apple speak, "Pro" just means "costs more than a similar thing that doesn't have the word 'Pro' in its name".

If you'd ask a video professional, or an audio engineer, or a professional photographer what they'd like to see in a portable computer - you'd hear things like "quad core", "dual spindle", "expansion bay", "eSATA", "more ports", "multiple ExpressCard slots (one at least 54)"....

You won't hear "one inch or thinner", "under 6 lbs", ....

My mother-in-law bought an MBP. She has trouble reading mail sometimes (doesn't understand why folders exist), but she bought "the silver one because the plastic ones looked cheap".

"Pro", LOL.
 
If you'd ask a video professional, or an audio engineer, or a professional photographer what they'd like to see in a portable computer - you'd hear things like "quad core", "dual spindle", "expansion bay", "eSATA", "more ports", "multiple ExpressCard slots (one at least 54)"....

You won't hear "one inch or thinner", "under 6 lbs", ....

I am so glad that you understand this. It pains me to hear the consumers begging Apple for a thinner, cooler, toyish, "Like the other consumer products namely the iMac, MacBook, and Mac Mini, laptop. I don't want a thinner laptop, I want one that actually meets the competition. One that is solid, that has options for professionals outside of the wide screen, and one that can perform as a desktop replacement.

Can I get a 17" book with dual HDDs, and at least three forms of FW ports? Esata would be a very welcomed addition, but even I can live without that and get an eSATA express card. What I can't live without is a beefier gfx card and faster processor in the 17" model.

I would even take the micro DVI port from the AirBook to save space for at least one more FW port. And I pray that people stop begging Apple for more USB ports on the "PRO" laptops. USB sucks for anything other than thumb drives and iPods, and they kinds suck for iPods. Apple really should redesign the MacBook Pro and probably make it a tad bit thicker so I can get my two hard drives in the 17" model like every other PC counter part.

Weight shouldn't be an issue when someone is looking for a 17" book, and neither should battery life. I do hope that Apple does bring in a 14" widescreen MacBook just so users who can't get by with a 13.3" screen don't come over to the "PRO" side of the fence eyeballing the 15" and whining about how heavy it is or the lack of USB ports.
 
Right, DS.

In Apple speak, "Pro" just means "costs more than a similar thing that doesn't have the word 'Pro' in its name".

If you'd ask a video professional, or an audio engineer, or a professional photographer what they'd like to see in a portable computer - you'd hear things like "quad core", "dual spindle", "expansion bay", "eSATA", "more ports", "multiple ExpressCard slots (one at least 54)"....

You won't hear "one inch or thinner", "under 6 lbs", ....

My mother-in-law bought an MBP. She has trouble reading mail sometimes (doesn't understand why folders exist), but she bought "the silver one because the plastic ones looked cheap".

"Pro", LOL.

I am so glad that you understand this. It pains me to hear the consumers begging Apple for a thinner, cooler, toyish, "Like the other consumer products namely the iMac, MacBook, and Mac Mini, laptop. I don't want a thinner laptop, I want one that actually meets the competition. One that is solid, that has options for professionals outside of the wide screen, and one that can perform as a desktop replacement.

Can I get a 17" book with dual HDDs, and at least three forms of FW ports? Esata would be a very welcomed addition, but even I can live without that and get an eSATA express card. What I can't live without is a beefier gfx card and faster processor in the 17" model.

I would even take the micro DVI port from the AirBook to save space for at least one more FW port. And I pray that people stop begging Apple for more USB ports on the "PRO" laptops. USB sucks for anything other than thumb drives and iPods, and they kinds suck for iPods. Apple really should redesign the MacBook Pro and probably make it a tad bit thicker so I can get my two hard drives in the 17" model like every other PC counter part.

Weight shouldn't be an issue when someone is looking for a 17" book, and neither should battery life. I do hope that Apple does bring in a 14" widescreen MacBook just so users who can't get by with a 13.3" screen don't come over to the "PRO" side of the fence eyeballing the 15" and whining about how heavy it is or the lack of USB ports.

Ditto.
By the way, AS, DS, what are you using for a laptop now or are you using a laptop?
Hopefully the next update will be a true pro line.
 
I don't know if this has been mentioned or not because there are too many pages to look through, but has anyone thought about the possibility that Apple may introduce a lineup of iPhone with colors? The colors are a big part of the iPod line and I am kind of surprised it hasn't been brought to iPhone yet. Just a possibility of something that could be announced at the event showing off the SDK. It would work as the "one more thing" portion of a presentation.
 
Ditto.
By the way, AS, DS, what are you using for a laptop now or are you using a laptop?

Dell Latitude D620, 2.33 GHz Merom, 4 GiB RAM, Vista+XP+Linux, 2x320 GB hard drive (one in the bay, swappable with DVD or battery), WiFi+Bluetooth+3G (EV-DO) builtin,....
 
New displays would be fabultastic.

Edit: And if Apple ever gets around to it... a REAL mouse. (But I know that isn't coming).

lol.. i totally agree with you. I hope Apple releases a real mouse. In fact, that's the ONLY Apple thing I don't use. I can't stand their mice.
 
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