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Apple Lowers Prices on PowerBooks...12" and 15"

Why are people so sure that we'll never see a 970 in a portable.

If it's true that the 970 will be in the desktops, then it's almost a given that it will follow in the portables, as every chip in the past has on a Mac.

The only way I see a 970 NOT making it into a portable as such, is if Apple/IMB have developed a portable version of the chip - imagine 970-M type thing. It would have a different name but be essentially the same chip.

Apple has a small market share, and that means they have a relatively small developer base. It's always been in their best interest to have a product line that is easy and convenient to develop software/hardware for.

The new chip needs to be an easy transition for developers who currently have G3/G4 optimised products. Adding a different chip to the portables might confuse that situation even more.
 
no one is claiming we won't see 970 in a PB. many of, i believe, feel that we won't see 970 in a PB this month.
 
im with ya gotohamish

I'm with ya gotohamish. People are so anti-970 in a portable, lol. They should be just as equally anti-970 in a desktop? With such lack of evidence, it seems like people are going to be let down when WWDC rolls around.

Maybe, maybe not, but this is a rumor site, so I feel that 970s are equally acceptable and available in desktops and portables. Nobody knew 12/17inch powerbooks were on their way, those came out of nowhere.

If its in a desktop, great, if it's in a laptop, awesome.... point is, the new processor is needed pretty badly. If it is released in a portable first, there will be a completely revampped Powermac line most likely. But who knows? I say we just wait and stop speculating haha on a fact sheet of nothing. :)
 
Originally posted by jxyama
no one is claiming we won't see 970 in a PB. many of, i believe, feel that we won't see 970 in a PB this month.
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Search the forums, plenty of people have said that they believe that even if the 970 appears in desktops, we'll never see it in the Powerbook. They have no evident to support these claims either.
 
Re: im with ya gotohamish

Originally posted by ratspg
I'm with ya gotohamish. People are so anti-970 in a portable, lol. They should be just as equally anti-970 in a desktop? With such lack of evidence, it seems like people are going to be let down when WWDC rolls around.

Maybe, maybe not, but this is a rumor site, so I feel that 970s are equally acceptable and available in desktops and portables. Nobody knew 12/17inch powerbooks were on their way, those came out of nowhere.

If its in a desktop, great, if it's in a laptop, awesome.... point is, the new processor is needed pretty badly. If it is released in a portable first, there will be a completely revampped Powermac line most likely. But who knows? I say we just wait and stop speculating haha on a fact sheet of nothing. :)
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Thanks.

I certainly would be surprised if the 970 comes out in a portable before a desktop, or even for at least 4 months after the desktop introduction.

However, I hope they do!!
 
Re: iBook

Originally posted by SwitchMonkey
So...
what is better buy now?.. the 900Mhz iBook or the reduced 800Mhz 12"AlBook?

It was looking like the iBook was a better buy, before the price drop.
Click to expand...

I would still say that the 900Mhz iBook would be a better deal, if you don't absolutely need the G4 enhancements for iMovie and other graphics apps.

You would also save yourself a few hundered $$.
 
I think its a pretty big assumption to think the phrase "The year of the laptop" subsumed the inclusion of the 970 within powerbooks. I think its pretty safe to assume that the statement was more or less tailored for the SPECIFIC situation of the introduction of the 17 inch and 12 inch version. I make new years resolutions and probably follow it for 3 months but I don't remember all of them today.

Now, I thought about this logically, and came up with the following premises and their conclusions. I'll start the syllogism...
1) It has been previously established that when products from Apple are aggresively discounted, they are due to be discontinued/update.
2) The only products that have been discounted are the 12 and 15 inches.
Therefore: The 17 inch will NOT be updated.

However, people state the the reason the 17 hasn't been discounted is because its selling big, but I would argue that the 12 inch is selling even better since the target market is a lot bigger than the 17 inch. (I may have to think about that statement, because if the target market of the 17 inch is smaller than the 12 inch, then you could still call the 17 inch "successful" per se since its hit Apple expectations. But I think in a comparison with 12 inch sales, the 12 inch out numbers"

Hence, if you think things through correctly, the rumormills will be telling you that the PowerBooks WILL have the 970. However, if you look at things syllogistically, that means that IF a PowerBook is updated to the 970, it will ONLY be the 12 and 15 inch models, being that the 17 wasn't discounted and hence is not likely to be updated.

Now here is where the problem lies, although the 15 inch is the flagship machine, if BOTH the 12 inch and 15 inch get the 970 and the 17 inch don't, then what, the new 12 inches gain bragging rights over the 17 inch in terms of speed? That doesn't make sense.

Hence the 970 update for WWDC seems very unlikely.
 
Originally posted by jxyama
i hear ya, evil... if it's within 30 days, doesn't Apple have a price matching policy? you may want to call...

however, you said you've had it for a month... $600 price difference is $20 per day. you can't just compare the price drop... how much use do you think you got out of your machine in a month? $5 a day? 10$ a day? think about that...

but i hear ya. i've had mine for 4 months and i've loved it, but can't help feel a little jealous of other fellows who's gonna get their 12" for $200 less.
Click to expand...

With that logic a powerbook would be completely worthless in 144.95 days.:) :D :D
 
Re: Re: iBook

Originally posted by iShater
I would still say that the 900Mhz iBook would be a better deal, if you don't absolutely need the G4 enhancements for iMovie and other graphics apps.

You would also save yourself a few hundered $$.
Click to expand...

I've used a 900Htz iBook recently, and for all tasks it still seemed really sluggish - and I'm using a G4 TiBook 500 - which is a fantastic machine. Go G4 if you can.
 
Re: Re: Re: iBook

Originally posted by gotohamish
I've used a 900Htz iBook recently, and for all tasks it still seemed really sluggish - and I'm using a G4 TiBook 500 - which is a fantastic machine. Go G4 if you can.
Click to expand...

How much RAM was on it?
 
Re: Re: I just don't see the 970 in the Powerbook at this time.

Originally posted by jamilecrire
How does one compare speed between a 1.42 GHz (DP) G4 and a P4 3.06GHz. I'm seriously wondering.
Click to expand...

Easy. A high end AV website compared Photoshop and Adobe After Effects on a 3.06 to a 1.42 and the 3.06 kicked it's butt.
 
Originally posted by nspeds
Now here is where the problem lies, although the 15 inch is the flagship machine, if BOTH the 12 inch and 15 inch get the 970 and the 17 inch don't, then what, the new 12 inches gain bragging rights over the 17 inch in terms of speed? That doesn't make sense.

Hence the 970 update for WWDC seems very unlikely.
Click to expand...
The reason Apple didn't discount the 17" PB is simple: It's freakishly expensive for a reason.
Apple figures that the amount of additional people who would buy a 17" PB at a $200 discount wouldn't be significant enough to warrant the the slashed price in the first place. Remember: the 17" PB is like the ProPowerbook.

I think that these price drops are a major red flag. A $200 drop is big, suggesting Apple wants to get rid of excess Powerbooks fast (the keynote is only three weeks away...).

Not just is there evidence that Apple will move the Powerbooks to 970s, but you have to consider the situation. If just the Powermacs go to the 970, it creates a massive imbalance in Apple's pro line. That's why the G3 intro is such a relevant example. It was a huge transition for Apple, and leaving the Powerbooks behind would have been a mistake. The same logic applies here.

Also, once the Powerbooks are on 970s, the iBook will finally be able to push away from the G3 (if only to goto the GOBI).
 
Re: Re: Re: I just don't see the 970 in the Powerbook at this time.

Originally posted by Trekkie
Easy. A high end AV website compared Photoshop and Adobe After Effects on a 3.06 to a 1.42 and the 3.06 kicked it's butt.
Click to expand...

Finally, I was about to write the same thing. Well said.
 
Originally posted by pyrotoaster
The reason Apple didn't discount the 17" PB is simple: It's freakishly expensive for a reason.
Click to expand...

It actually the same price as the original top of the line TiBook was when introduced.
 
Final Pricing Set for new 15"

I'm guessing this has more to do with the pricing just being finalized (and lowered) for the new 15" rather than clearing an already low inventory of the current 15" PowerBooks.
 
Yes, if some how we CAN prove (if it already hasn't) that the 17 inch is going to be updated then the possibility of a 970 update is not only possible, but almost certain.

HERE is where my problem lies...

I just auctioned of my iBook and I'm sending it in a couple of days, now, I need a Macintosh and I would be more than willing to buy a 17 inch Powerbook. But if Apple is going to update teh 15 inch, I would gladly buy that because its more portable. But, i wouldnt mind shelling out the extra $$$ for the 17 inch if time warrants me. However, if there is going to be a 970 upgrade, then I'll have to wait.

But, if I don't buy a mac by the 11th, I will be Macless for my out of town trip which i really need a laptop for. I might be able to manage with my windows laptop, but it would be nice to have my mac. I need to hear a well warranted argument telling me how the 970 upgrade is imminent so that I can wait, lol.
 
Originally posted by MacHack
I'm guessing this has more to do with the pricing just being finalized (and lowered) for the new 15" rather than clearing an already low inventory of the current 15" PowerBooks.
Click to expand...
That's a good point (and watch as I use this to forward the Powerbook 970 idea), especially if MacWhispers is right about the 970 being more cost-effective for Apple. Lower the prices now to sell off excess stock, and keep them low while still making a good profit thanks to lessened costs. For Apple, that's Win/Win.
 
Originally posted by pyrotoaster
That's a good point (and watch as I use this to forward the Powerbook 970 idea), especially if MacWhispers is right about the 970 being more cost-effective for Apple. Lower the prices now to sell off excess stock, and keep them low while still making a good profit thanks to lessened costs. For Apple, that's Win/Win.
Click to expand...

Keep those "Win" reference away from your Apple!!! :D :D :D
 
Originally posted by gotohamish
It actually the same price as the original top of the line TiBook was when introduced.
Click to expand...
Just put that into perspective though, the original 450 MHz G4 Powermac was $3499. You can't really compare old computer prices to new computer prices.
Originally posted by gotohamish
Keep those "Win" reference away from your Apple!!! :D :D :D
Click to expand...
Whoops! :p I guess I should call it a Benefit/Benefit situation from now on.
 
An aside....

One of the curious things to me is not how much the next bump in Powerbook performance will be, but the fact that not a single Mac rumor site that I could find predicted this price drop.

You would think that if information such as (paraphrasing) "pallets of new 15" Powerbooks are in warehouses ready to go" is available, then changes in pricing would also be at least hinted at in advance.
 
Originally posted by pyrotoaster
Just put that into perspective though, the original 450 MHz G4 Powermac was $3499. You can't really compare old computer prices to new computer prices.

Whoops! :p I guess I should call it a Benefit/Benefit situation from now on.
Click to expand...

That wasn't my point - it was that the original poster said it was "freakishly" expensive - which it isn't really, if you look at trends.
 
Originally posted by nspeds
Yes, if some how we CAN prove (if it already hasn't) that the 17 inch is going to be updated then the possibility of a 970 update is not only possible, but almost certain.

HERE is where my problem lies...

I just auctioned of my iBook and I'm sending it in a couple of days, now, I need a Macintosh and I would be more than willing to buy a 17 inch Powerbook. But if Apple is going to update teh 15 inch, I would gladly buy that because its more portable. But, i wouldnt mind shelling out the extra $$$ for the 17 inch if time warrants me. However, if there is going to be a 970 upgrade, then I'll have to wait.

But, if I don't buy a mac by the 11th, I will be Macless for my out of town trip which i really need a laptop for. I might be able to manage with my windows laptop, but it would be nice to have my mac. I need to hear a well warranted argument telling me how the 970 upgrade is imminent so that I can wait, lol.
Click to expand...
Look at it this way:
Apple might release a Powerbook with a state-of-the-art (so to speak) 64-bit processor in it. That's worth waiting for. Hell, I've been waiting six months to buy a new iBook!

If you want evidence, here are some quick points:
1. Today's price-drops. A classic sign that something new's on the way.
2. The 15" PB hasn't been updated in 8 months, while new PBs and new standard technology (AirPort Extreme, etc.) have been introduced.
3. MacWhispers has the most recent report on the 970's pricing and an older report on a Powerbook 970.
4. The iBook needs to be updated (not another speed bump!), and that can't happen until the PB sees a major update.

There's more to point out, but just keep this in mind: You have more to lose in the long run if you buy a Powerbook now and it becomes outdated in three weeks. It's worth the wait even if you aren't sure Apple will release PB 970s.

Hope that helps!
-Pyro
 
Re: An aside....

Originally posted by wilburpan
You would think that if information such as (paraphrasing) "pallets of new 15" Powerbooks are in warehouses ready to go" is available, then changes in pricing would also be at least hinted at in advance.
Click to expand...

Not necessarily. By necessity a whole lot more people will have to know about the manufacture of new products than about pricing changes to existing products, so there's a greater chance of leaks.
 
Re: Re: An aside....

Originally posted by 3.1416
Not necessarily. By necessity a whole lot more people will have to know about the manufacture of new products than about pricing changes to existing products, so there's a greater chance of leaks.
Click to expand...

Those people probably get more excited about new products like we do, and think a price drop isn't a big deal, as if we're all waiting for the 970, it doesn't matter if the G4 is cheaper, as we don't want old tech!
 
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