Apple PowerBook and iBook Updates - Next Week?

[craigiest]

color

I'm hoping, if there are any cosmetic designs to any of the PBs or iBooks, they bring back the color. Perhaps the PowerBooks should keep its aluminum color, but the iBooks could use some color for consumer machines. Either a nice plastic color like the old iMacs and iBooks, or perhaps some metal casing with the colors of the iPod Minis. I can tolerate those colors, even if they aren't as exciting as, say, the old Bondi Blue color.

You aren't going to see those plastic colors brought back. Apple is about cool. Those colors were cool when Apple introduced them. Once every product at Wal-Mart, from pencil sharpeners to boom boxes, could be bought in them, they were no longer cool.

Apple is also about class. When a $1000+ computer was the only thing made out of colored plastic, it could be seen as upscale. Once colored plastic was associated with $1 throw-away items, it became decidedly chincy.

Obviously Apple will have to move beyond white and brushed metal at some point to stay fresh. But it will be in some surprising, unanticipated way.

 

[aswitcher]

You aren't going to see those plastic colors brought back. Apple is about cool. Those colors were cool when Apple introduced them. Once every product at Wal-Mart, from pencil sharpeners to boom boxes, could be bought in them, they were no longer cool.

Well the ipod minis coloured -metal- finish is pretty attractive. I think the silver would work well for the iBook. Not sure how many pink and lime green would sell, but its not unreasonable to think they might revist this, even as a limited release slightly higher cost. But then Apple Insider only mentions 3 model numbers, and given they claim to know model numbers I tend to think they have some good info. So we probably will just see the same shell with slightly updated hardware.

 

[dieselg4]

Hrmm, a metallic pink iBook . . . I'm not sure how I feel about the though of that. A metallic gold one would be pimpin', and the metallic blue one would be kinds spiffy

 

[Sped]

From my point of view, the difference between a G4 and a G5 (right now) doesn't matter for a laptop.

I hear what you're saying, but sometimes I wonder if buying a 32 bit computer will mean you won't get the lifespan one normally expects from a Mac. Clearly 64 bit computers are the way ahead for Apple. Eventually even the eMac will have a G5. In fact, it seems to me that eMacs would have G5s with this latest update if it weren't for the fact that they are supposed to be the low end and right now nothing else has been updated. I assume once Apple can squeeze a G5 into the Powerbook, the iBook won't be too far behind, and by then, the iMac and then eMac should be running on G5s.

 

[mulanzo]

Why would you think it is a piece of junk?

...computers will always be updated. Do you lose sleep when Honda brings out the 2004 civics and yours is still a lowely old 2003?

Id lose sleep if i owned a honda civic period... those things make me vomit
...not to mention seeing those ugly suped up ones that think they can beat ferraris and lamborghinis.. its repulsive

.... but even still... a powerbook update the day after you bought an "older" model means nothing, since you made a fabulous investment anyways. I know people running pismos and even older model macs and are perfectly content. Infact, the guy im talkin about also has a newton which he uses regularly, even though infinitely better PDA's are available. Take that in stride I just got $2000 bucks in the mail from the govt, however, so needless to say ill wait till atleast next week before i buy a powerbook

 

[segundo]

If you had ordered an iBook or PowerBook this would be an excellent sign.

But PMG5 2GHz...mmm

I checked the PowerBook's by placing a standard 12" Combo unit in the order . . . it shows up as 5-7 days . . . surely that means that . . . well, you know.

 

[Nemesis]

Not rumor

i just want it to be true so we can get the next round of rumors started.

Not a rumor, this is the latest report that I've got from one very reliable source!
- The 17" model will utilise 1.6 GHz G5 processor!
- Top 15" model will utilise 1.4 GHz G5 processor!
- Other models, plus iBooks, will run on updated G4s ...

17" and 15" PBook case is redesigned to fit new G5.
12" model slightly redesigned too, but won't go for G5 for more than year ...

Yeah!!

 

[hello world]

My guess is as follows:

PB:

17" 1.5 GHz G4, 512 MB RAM, 128 MB VRAM, other specs same as on current 17"
15" 1.5 GHz G4, 512 MB RAM 128 MB VRAM, other specs same as on current high end PB 15"

15" 1.25 GHz G4, 256 MB RAM, 64 MB VRAM, backlit keyboard, other specs same as on current low end PB 15"

12" 1.25 GHz G4, 256 MB RAM, 64 MB VRAM, other specs same as on current PB 12" (no FW 800, no backlit keyboard!)

iBook:

12" 1 GHz G4, 256 MB RAM, 32 MB VRAM, 40 GB HD, BT built in, other specs same as on current iBook 12"

14" 1 GHz G4, other speces sames as on 12" iBook

14" 1 GHz G4, 60 GB HD, other specs same as on 12" iBook

I hope they do more than minor speed bumps to the Powerbooks.
I reasons I've held out buying a 15" is that I hope the add:

- 80GD drives across the board, maybe even at 5400rpm (7200rpm in the 17"?).
- Backlit keyboards in every model
- Airport built-in in every model

I'd rather see these features as standard, as part of what makes a powerbook a powerbook, and a pro model a pro model, than this small incremental shove to the G4. The only thing that will make a real difference is the processor is the jump to the G5.

 

[andiwm2003]

how much faster is a G5 anyway?

I hear what you're saying, but sometimes I wonder if buying a 32 bit computer will mean you won't get the lifespan one normally expects from a Mac. Clearly 64 bit computers are the way ahead for Apple. Eventually even the eMac will have a G5. In fact, it seems to me that eMacs would have G5s with this latest update if it weren't for the fact that they are supposed to be the low end and right now nothing else has been updated. I assume once Apple can squeeze a G5 into the Powerbook, the iBook won't be too far behind, and by then, the iMac and then eMac should be running on G5s.

I'm planning to buy a 15" PB. Now everybody is asking for G5 PBs. The question for me is, how much faster will a G5 PB actually be? Some journal (I think it was Macworld) had a comparison between the 17" iMac and the 1.6 GHz single G5 Mac, both 512 Ram. The G5 was only about 10-30% faster than the G4 iMac (depending on the application). Well, the iMac would compare to what we get from the new G4 PBs, the G5 would be what we can dream of a G5 PB. If you don't do video, only standard (not professional)Photoshop, moderate gaming and some audio that difference should be not relevant. With the G4s changing their clock speed the difference in power consumtion compared to a G5 shouldn't be to big either (isn't the HD and Display more important for power consumption?).
And there is no 64 bit OS available anyway.
So can someone with experience tell me how fast a 1.25 - 1.5 G4 PB compared to iMacs and G5s really is? Is there any other reason why people are so crazy about G5 PBs?

Andi

P.S.: I know, there are many spelling and grammar mistakes . I know I'm not a power user . I know I'm only a clueless newbie . I know Apple sucks and we deserve G5 PBs . So please give me only a response if you have some useful infos .

 

[dongmin]

Not a rumor, this is the latest report that I've got from one very reliable source!
- The 17" model will utilise 1.6 GHz G5 processor!
- Top 15" model will utilise 1.4 GHz G5 processor!
- Other models, plus iBooks, will run on updated G4s ...

17" and 15" PBook case is redesigned to fit new G5.
12" model slightly redesigned too, but won't go for G5 for more than year ...

Yeah!!

you're joking right? don't toy with our emotions. especially when it comes to G5 powerbooks.

 

[1macker1]

I just spent 500 bucks of my money I had saved for a new PB. I got tired of waiting. Now this. I guess all is well. I'll only be upset if they have a G5 in them.

 

[wdlove]

I couldn't agree more!

Hi I am Mike, and I am new Mac convert. I am a Visual Communication Technologies Major at Bowling Green State University, and they told me Mac's were the tool of the trade. I now see why. They truly are built by designers for designers (and anyone else that wants a kick ass computer)

Mike

Welcome to MacRumors Forums Mike. Its great to have you as a switcher also. Are you a native Buckeye?

This is great news finally an actual upgrade to discuss. Hopefully Apple will wow us. Does anyone know if Steve is speaking on Sunday?

 

[DaBuzz]

no matter what things update all the time!!!
so get what you want
or wait on what you need cause technology updates almost every day!

Man, I could NOT have said it better. I bought a totally maxed out 17" PowerBook - 2 Gb RAM, 5400 RPM drive. Will I feel behind the power curve if new updates come out? Yeah, a little. But my PB is a screamer, and I can't imagine I would see any perceived speed increase if the processor tops out at 1.42 or 1.5.

If everyone here who keeps asking "should I wait" or "i feel screwed, I just bought a PowerBook" DID wait, you would never buy anything. As soon as you get these (rumored) new PowerBooks, you'd be feeling screwed when Apple comes out with its next rev.

If you want to wait on a rumor, then you obviously don't NEED a PB right now. Believe me, if you get one now, you will be happy with it. I'm sure if new models come out, I'll get my usual bout of technolust, but I have a powerful machine now that gets my every day work done like a champ.

 

[Nemesis]

Not just that ...

you're joking right? don't toy with our emotions. especially when it comes to G5 powerbooks.

iMac G5 is ready too (it utilises low speed 90nm G5, 1.4-1.8 GHz) but consumer machine will never go for a new processor before Pro machine. Stupid Apple's rule ...

So we'll have an update in PBooks now, and then come the new iMacs ...

And yes, this will be amazing year for Mac users!

 

[Tomaz]

Not a rumor, this is the latest report that I've got from one very reliable source!
- The 17" model will utilise 1.6 GHz G5 processor!
- Top 15" model will utilise 1.4 GHz G5 processor!
- Other models, plus iBooks, will run on updated G4s ...

17" and 15" PBook case is redesigned to fit new G5.
12" model slightly redesigned too, but won't go for G5 for more than year ...

Yeah!!

I can't believe that...even though I want to.
If you joking, you're just plain mean !!

 

[wdlove]

I can't believe that...even though I want to.
If you joking, you're just plain mean !!

I don't think that it hurts to be optimistic. Hopefully if his prediction doesn't come true, he will be willing to admit that he was wrong.

I also believe that I heard that Apple will be coming out with Superdrives on all its products.

 

[El Duderino]

a 15" 1.4 G5 will make an awsome gradutation present for me

 

[tsk]

Why would you think that? You must have liked your powerbook two days ago when you bought it. It still does everything that it did before you came to this site. Why would you think it is a piece of junk?

...computers will always be updated. Do you lose sleep when Honda brings out the 2004 civics and yours is still a lowely old 2003?

Enjoy your computer, it's a great model!

Except you know when the Honda Civic is going to be updated. If it's near the end of the year, you're getting a discount because everyone wants to unload the older cars to make room for the new cars. Here he's (and several others) have expressed frustration because they bought at the tail end of 6 month old systems at full price (which is probably the equivalent of 5 year old cars) and with no warning on updates. I'd be frustrated myself which is why I'm glad I haven't bought one.

Of course, if it's within 10 days you can probably get a cash adjustment, but my guess is the "old" systems won't be discounted all that much.

 

[()verBored]

I realize technology is always upgrading....that you can't always be waiting for the next best thing. But I don't want to have my 800 MHz iBook show up in the mail the same day they start shipping a 933 or 1 GHz version for $100 bucks less! A 933 or 1 GHz 12 inch iBook for $999????? Then with government employee discounts, that's a pretty dang awesome deal! BUT, even if they don't drop the iBook price, it will still be a great deal at 1099 (as it is now).

BUT, maybe if Apple dropped the price on the 800 MHz model way down and was willing to refund me that difference, I might consider keeping it!

Anyways, I bet the iBooks will get the GeForce FX 5200 Go graphics subsystem, and the lowend PB's will start with the Radeon 9600, with the upper echelon getting bumped to the 9700. That would make sense with the way iBook's get "hand me down" tech from the PBs. The Radeon 9200 that is in the iBooks now used to be in the PBs!

Just waiting for the Apple Store sales support to open up so I can cancel my iBook order...

 

[Tiauguinho]

If they release a Powerbook with the specs that Nemesis told us... then its gonna be HUGE news at NAB! Mobile power for video editors!!! Mobile power for me too (aint no video editor but i surely want a PB G5!)!

 

[gopher]

I finally gave up on updates and broke down and ordered a new 15" PowerBook on Monday, which should arrive here on Friday.
If this rumor is in fact true...am I going to be screwed? What's Apple's policy on this sort of thing? If updates are announced on the 19th...that would be one week from the day I purchased it (direct through Apple).

Been a lurker for a while, and I look forward to your responses!

B.J.

If a new product gets released within 10 days of your order, you may be able to qualify for a free update. Read the store's sales and refunds policy. The Apple Store has this policy.

 

[aussiemac86]

Not a rumor, this is the latest report that I've got from one very reliable source!
- The 17" model will utilise 1.6 GHz G5 processor!
- Top 15" model will utilise 1.4 GHz G5 processor!
- Other models, plus iBooks, will run on updated G4s ...

17" and 15" PBook case is redesigned to fit new G5.
12" model slightly redesigned too, but won't go for G5 for more than year ...

Yeah!!

Forgive us for our skepticism, wouldnt there be major issues with heat and stuff in laptops using those kind of G5 chips? or are you suggesting the chips are 90nm? and still arent there major problems with the supply of these?

Ahh well if its true i shall eat my words, and whilst skeptical i do hope its true
good to hear from another westralian though.

 

[srobert]

So funny I forgot to laugh! Puhleeeze.....
How long have we been hearing this one?

I'll believe it when I see it.

Which makes me wonder why you're on macrumors.com instead of apple.com.

 

[dongmin]

iMac G5 is ready too (it utilises low speed 90nm G5, 1.4-1.8 GHz) but consumer machine will never go for a new processor before Pro machine. Stupid Apple's rule ...

So we'll have an update in PBooks now, and then come the new iMacs ...

And yes, this will be amazing year for Mac users!

are you saying this is a prediction, i.e. your opinion

or

is this an actual release schedule, i.e. G5 Powerbooks are coming out next week and the iMacs sometime shortly after???

 

[Mokona]

Not a rumor, this is the latest report that I've got from one very reliable source!
- The 17" model will utilise 1.6 GHz G5 processor!
- Top 15" model will utilise 1.4 GHz G5 processor!
- Other models, plus iBooks, will run on updated G4s ...

17" and 15" PBook case is redesigned to fit new G5.
12" model slightly redesigned too, but won't go for G5 for more than year ...

Yeah!!

I don't believe it until I see it. I'm gonna need Steve to call me personally and fax me the documentation until then. Nice thought though. What was the wording he used when the G5 was announced? "not anytime soon..." So maybe soon is now... *sigh* I always get my hopes up, I'm gonna be stuck with this wintel crap for a while...

Damn IBM for making computers that never break and not letting me switch! (again)