Apple Stores Gearing Up for the Event

[G4scott]

Re: All I'm going to say

Originally posted by utilizer
New products:

-From a friend out in CA: New iPod w/ bluetooth, w/ some capabilities of shooting pictures and some movies like the Sony Clie, hence the patent for the color screen on the device -- Brushed metal exterior (Now you know why the 5GB version isn't going anywhere! i.e., cost) -- 40% chance

Revised products:

-DVD player sometime this year -- Unsure whether this is the place to do it. If it is, then iDVD and iMovie will see major upgrades. If so, then no iPod upgrades
75% chance

-Airport, Rendezvous will make it's debut at Apple on this device; may have bluetooth integrated in it too but unsure at this point
90% chance

-Displays, affirmative -110% chance!

-iTunes: will be one of the highlights of the show, new visualizations that sync with the music being played; absolutely incredible - 110%

-Rumored bundle with iPhoto, iDVD, iMovie together is true (duh) - 299%

Next month on Feb. 12- 60%
PowerMacs, maybe delayed until WDCC: Quieter machines, running the 7457 @ 1 ghz at the low end up to 1.35 ghz or 1.4 ghz depending on supply on hand; Build-to-Order option of ATI 9700 pro, but with the new GeForce FX standard on these machines (the pro version of this card); Debut of Gigawire, NO USB 2.0; integrated Bluetooth -- Later featured in the portables -- New three-button mouse with scroll wheel and keyboard, Bluetooth

65%
iMacs, Feb. 12, possibly even before: Graphics card update, unsure at this point which one (ATI or nVidia), 1 ghz 7457 chip, 120 GB, 17 in. display on the high-end -- No surprises here

To me, most of this sounds good, except for the first part, but I might be wrong... You never know. Apple never really does the same thing twice... You think they're going to do one thing, like make a digital lifestyle device that is better than those that already exist (PDA, cell phone, etc.) but then they do something radically different. It's hard to tell what Apple's going to do next, which may be exciting for guys like us, but for the corporate type and stock people, it can be a nightmare

 

[G4scott]

Originally posted by HasanDaddy
Cingular sucks!

I'd be a lot happier if apple introed an iPhone for Sprint PCS.......then the iPhone will actually be able to receive calls!

I use cingular and it works just fine. My family has some family plan, so we can all call each other anytime for free. The coverage is great on my phone, and the antenna's knocked off! (of course, I don't think that the part that stuck out actually did anything...)

I can also call almost anywhere in Texas to my home area with no extra charges. Great for college. My brother has his phone, and can keep in touch with us at home.

My dad used sprint for a while, but dropped it because the calling areas weren't as big as cingular's, and he couldn't get reception in some places... Of course, in the building where he works, no cell phone calls get through, no matter what provider it is...

 

[pyrotoaster]

My best guess is that Apple "leaked" the info about the shipments to get people to goto their Apple Stores for the keynote, and I'd say it worked pretty well (I want to be there!).
The real question is what is in those shipments. Obviously, the boxes contain something being annnounced around half-way through the keynote. I'm thinking it's the new hardware SJ is going to announce. Either the iPod-like DLD that can play mp4 movies on its color screen, or an iPad tablet. Apple isn't going to make a phone (at least not yet), but Cingular is better than Sprint (Sprint offers 300 anytime minutes for $40, one lousy deal).
Sorry to get off topic there. Boxes either have DLD or Tablet. No iPhone.

 

[zulgand04]

sprint sucks

who ever says spint is good, omg are u high or somthing. I had cinular great service but there phones suck. then whent to sprint cuz their phones are nice but if i wa inside, mall, house, school ect. no matter what phone i had from them no reseption, droped sprint. then got Verizon great service and the new Audiovox 9500 phone is awsome. What i am saying is true in the northeast, i dunno bout other parts of the country.

sorry for going off topic

 

[Unixpunk]

My girlfriend has sprint and she gets better reception with some string and a tin can

 

[theringer]

I think someone may have mentioned this already, but it seems to me that Apple would want to incorporate a Bluetooth antenna directly into its hardware. Having to plug an antenna into your USB port is decidely not the elegant use of technology we expect from Apple. So at the very least, I'd expect to see antennas built directly into PowerBook displays, and hopefully iBook displays as well.

A new Bluetooth-equipped iPod with a color screen would also be really cool, but then you'd have to charge it only from the wall outlet. It's not a problem, but it is kind of cool having it recharge itself while it's plugged into your Mac. Anyway, having just bought a 10GB iPod last October, I'd be bummed if a radically new model came out so soon.

 

[dongmin]

Re: Re: Apple Stores Gearing Up for the Event

Originally posted by lmalave


The few financial analyst types who've gotten a sneak peek say it's going to blow everyone away.

Uh, can you give a link for this? Not that I believe anything financial analysts say but...

 

[pyrotoaster]

Bluetooth isn't a replacement for Firewire!

Originally posted by theriger
I think someone may have mentioned this already, but it seems to me that Apple would want to incorporate a Bluetooth antenna directly into its hardware. Having to plug an antenna into your USB port is decidely not the elegant use of technology we expect from Apple. So at the very least, I'd expect to see antennas built directly into PowerBook displays, and hopefully iBook displays as well.

A new Bluetooth-equipped iPod with a color screen would also be really cool, but then you'd have to charge it only from the wall outlet. It's not a problem, but it is kind of cool having it recharge itself while it's plugged into your Mac. Anyway, having just bought a 10GB iPod last October, I'd be bummed if a radically new model came out so soon.

Two things here:

1. Bluetooth would be an added feature for any device like the iPod. It would not replace Firewire. Not just because bluetooth is incredibly slow and best suited for transfering your iCal changes, but because doing so would force people without bluetooth capability to buy an adapter. But mainly because there's no way you're going to transfer your entire iTunes library over bluetooth.

2. It won't be called the iPod II or the color iPod. It'll have a name like iGizmo. The look of this device would have to be fundamentally different than that of the current iPod. A larger screen and possibly a more complex user interface would be critical.

 

[rugby]

Bluetooth in an iPod solely for the purpose of transferring data is beyond dumb. People bitch about usb ports and 11mbps theoretical throughput. Bluetooth has what, 1mbps? That's not enough for streaming anything that sounds good. What I can imagine is the firewire/IP software being released and the iPod being able to get an IP address and broadcast over an IP network to a rendezvous enabled thin client box that hooks to your stereo.

 

[springscansing]

Originally posted by AndrewMT
I have an anonymous source from an employee at my local Apple store. Apparently, on January 7th, you will be able to buy 6" acrylic displays to set your ipods on when they are not on your pocket.

Get out those credit cards everyone!

hahhaa, kickass.

 

[springscansing]

Originally posted by e-coli


[buzzer sound] try again, pal. Sprint has the worst reception and coverage of any of the major players. read the reviews. they're under investigation for false advertising and fraud because their service is so bad.

in chicago, sprint will hardly even work. about 60% of the calls drop.

At&T rocks. it's expensive, but it always works.

Hm.. where I like (crapville, NY), the ONLY service that works is Sprint PCS. I'm not calling you a liar... but it works perfectly here and verizon is crap.

 

[MacFan25]

Wireless Services...

I think that each wireless phone service has it advantages and disadvantages. For me, Cingular has worked pretty well. But, I also know people who have Sprint and it works well too.

 

[Gus]

Once again, Arn has beaten me to it. I was thinking the acryllic displays were for a new AirPort, and then I reload the home page, and there he has changed it. I hope that's not it. How disappointing would that be?

I can't believe some of you bought that joke post about buying acryllic displays. Sheesh, don't get too carried away!

Regards,
Gus

 

[GeneR]

Honestly, what about more A.I. in our O.S.?

Have I been reading too many comic books?

Please forgive my train of thought but I have a few ideas and would love to get feedback on this...

If we step back and look at the direction of operating systems, it appears to me (novice that I am) that the original entire idea of computer systems are based on a mindset to create applications that would help simplify our lives. Hence we have had Microsoft Orifice and other apps and now Apple's iApps.

But our society doesn't seem to be getting easier because the more productivity tools have only been increasing the amount of work each of us is required to do. Consequently we are required to know more and do more.

But then we're back at square one (in a matter of speaking) because our lives are still more complicated. And we need to be able to organize our lives. Hence iApps helps.

But I am wondering: How can we still further simplify our lives? It seems to me that operating systems will have to devise pseudo-intelligent apps (like iApps) that will be the forerunner to artificual intelligence operation systems until we can figure out how to make our laptops and computers anticipate our wants and needs.

But is an A.I. Operating System really so far off? We have different parts of our society whom have created marketing systems based on A.I. to anticipate our buyers' shopping patterns with frightening accuracy . I saw a show a few years ago about an A.I. called "Soulmates" which seemed to confirm this fact. Customer service people in the U.K. seem to be using tis program to anticipate callers' desires. And it seems to be working.

Perhaps an A.I. is still far off, but maybe not. Maybe it's still worth keeping in mind. The idea of having a personal assistant on your laptop who would be able to retrieve news clippings from hundreds if not thousands of news sites online to help you with a term paper, or to simply learn about what's going on in the world seems to be really interesting. The same goes for movie reviews to other common research/fact gathering chores we do without questioning.

What if your Mac could do these things -- sort of like a dog fetching the morning paper (but from 100 different websites around the world?) Or generate a report about the buying and selling trends on Wall Street while you're away from the office?

Or maybe monitor your house security while you're away? Or even monitor your children while they are playing in the backyard if they're very young and straying too far from to the deep end of the pool?

Or maybe research your corporation's competitors, their business partners, etc.


Anyway, please let me know what you think. Thanks!

 

[pkradd]

Keynote

Apple Stores will be showing the keynote (at least those that have the big screen in the back). It is also being Quicktime webcast (if you don't mind getting jerky images if you have a modem connection). Keynote begins sometime after 9 AM PST (it usually doesn't start on time).

 

[G4scott]

You do make a good point GeneR. Computers are getting more and more complicated, and aren't doing anything much to help simplify our lives. While the Macintosh is much easier to use, and more friendly than any other OS, it still leaves a lot to be desired from that perspective.

Maybe this new device fits in your pocket, and reads your mind, so it can conform your computer to your lifestyle. Who knows.

Oh, and as for this new device, I'm mostly sure that it's not a PDA, cell phone, video-iPod (or whatever you want to call it), or almost anything else suggested here on these boards. Remember when Apple released the iPod. Everybody thought it was going to be something or another, but it ended up just being a MP3 player (and a darn good one at that...)

Just my 2¢

 

[djniche]

whatever new products we get we should be happy.

I can see apple coming out with an Ipad to compete with microsoft screen pad computers. Let's remember also that we do need an upgrade on the flat screens. I'm hoping a 19" priced at around 1600 or less.

As for the iphone.. I think this is doubtful there are those two products i mention before that seems more important to be upgraded. But as far as apple's digital hub i think it will be filled this way...

Ipod - itunes
Iphoto - an apple branded digital camera
Imovie - a hardware device for movie editing?

 

[sketch22]

AI not so far off

I think GeneR's comments on AI aren't so far off with Apple. Look at the mail app and its use of the junk mail filter and the iTunes app and its abilities of remember your favorite played songs and the use of smart lists. These are all technologies that learn the users habits and adapt to those habits. Apple is definatly experimenting with AI I'm sure of it.

On a side note. Not sure if this is a significant observation but... while at the apple store near st louis i was looking to buy a wacom tablet and they were out of stock. they had one on display but none for sale.

-sketch

 

[pyrotoaster]

Your best guess is as good as mine!

Originally posted by G4Scott
Oh, and as for this new device, I'm mostly sure that it's not a PDA, cell phone, video-iPod (or whatever you want to call it), or almost anything else suggested here on these boards. Remember when Apple released the iPod. Everybody thought it was going to be something or another, but it ended up just being a MP3 player (and a darn good one at that...)

What do you think it is?
I'm predicting (really just speculating) an iPod-cousin DLD. Something that plays mp3 and mp4 with a color screen (like the so-called iPod II), but with a unique name.
I'd really like to know what you think, the more ideas, the better!

 

[8trackmac]

very possilbe...

Originally posted by rugby
What I can imagine is the firewire/IP software being released and the iPod being able to get an IP address and broadcast over an IP network to a rendezvous enabled thin client box that hooks to your stereo.

the most conceivalble prediction yet, in my opinion...

altough, the mention of the A.I. interface make me want one, NOW! (i hope it will be compatible with my soon-to-me-dated-1ghz-superdrive-powerbook)

btw, i heard sprint phones don't opperate the same as other phones, less radiation on the brain, all digital...

 

[christof]

Reading about cellular carriers on this forum is pretty interesting... Here's my two cents, after having tried most of the cellular carriers in California except for Nextel...

From my experience, Cingular really sucks in California. While they have some cool handsets, it should always be set practice that one chooses a carrier before choosing a service plan or handset. I've found many system busy, calls not going through... While coverage may be there, in most locations, service cannot be delivered. And now that T-Mobile is piggybacking on Cingular's network--mind you that T-Mobile gives it customers hundreds/thousands of anytime minutes--the Cingular network is probably congested 24x7, with Cingular customers taking up the evenings with unlimited nights and weekends.

AT&T's TDMA network is great in terms of coverage; however, the technology is aging and is not capable of delivering high-speed 3gish applications to the masses. That is why we now see AT&T moving toward GSM/GPRS, built from the ground up. I hope that their network, with the backing of NTT DoCoMo, grows to become larger/better than the Cingular network in California. And, I also hope that AT&T will be able to deliver the WCDMA network they're "promising" in 2005.

Regarding the two CDMA carriers in California, Verizon and Sprint, the technology has been stellar (for both) and the coverage improving (for Sprint). CDMA sounds better and the upgrade path to 3g has created higher-speed connections--typically 20kbps faster than the comprable GPRS technology.

In terms of service plans, Sprint, while not delivering tons of minutes like T-Mobile or Cingular, has delivered tons of data. The Sprint Free & Clear plans with Vision start a $40/month, with 300 anytime, unlimited nights and weekends, and unlimited PCS Vision. There is no other carrier who has been able to deliver such product. In fact, it can be said that Cingular/T-Mobile are unable to deliver such product because none exists. The network is there, but compelling applications and service have yet to make an appearance.

Yes, Sprint service can be spotty in many areas, but for Apple, a product that is data-capable, cool, and upper-tier should be deployed on Sprint. While it makes sense to deliver the product on GPS/GPRS (which I do expect them to do, if they release some type of cell phone), I would hope that Apple understands the merits of CDMA/1xRTT over GSM/GPRS, the efforts of the CDMA/1xRTT carriers (to go straight to CDMA2000) over the GSM/GPRS carriers (who want to take the cheap way to WCDMA by going to EDGE), and the compelling services that the CDMA/1xRTT carriers are delivering: Verizon's Express Network (designed mostly for Businesses, IMHO) and Sprint PCS's PCS Vision.

Here's to a great Macworld, with some type of revolutionary product that we never imagined!!!

 

[TMay]

the acrylic displays

I'm hijacking this sig for a few moments. My apologies.

I'm deep undercover at Infinity Loop. I'm part of the underground AppleTalk network. We use mac 512's running Forth integrated with Imagewriter II's to communicate over the power grid at baud rates so low as to appear as noise to anyone not looking. We can't use the internet because it's not secure enough, but I'm passing this information on at great danger in the hope that I might save a few of you from certain peril.

I have ultrasecret information that these displays are the new Reality Distortion Field transducers. Yes! The rumors are absolutely true! Need more confirmation? I have the engineering data, plans and drawings that show, indeed prove, that Apple was secretly involved in the Moscone Center design. Oh, you say! What clever engineering to support the roof, but the structure looks so confining.

Those roof structures are antennae for the distortion field!

With hardly a blip on your radar screens Apple has now reduced these RDF transducers to the size of these acrylic displays. Brilliant work yes, but it was the development of the iPod that made this possible. iPod is the bait! Yes, it's true, with the iPod as an attractant, the field area can be made very small, small enough to function from the display.

Need more proof? Apple is closing down the whole Macworld Show "circuit", going to more frequent regional shows and of course, Apple store events. Why else would this occur unless Apple had developed a more sophisticated RDF?

I witnessed this myself. The only way I got out of the test area intact was that I had previously wrapped myself with alternating layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil, which created a shield. If you go into the store, take these precautions, and DO NOT forget the stainless steel spaghetti strainer on your head. I myself wore a lot of Carhart workclothes to cover it up, and it was extremely hot in this outfit, so drink lots of fluids.

I have only one more thing to say. Apple, in conjunction with top universities, have a nanotechnology project to incorporate RDF functionality either on a chip or as a core. I would be pretty sure that this will end up on an airport card, so make sure that you test thoroughly, with protection as described above.

As an aside, it is not only ethical but obligatory for test subjects to be PC/windows users. These give the best results by far, not unlike the proverbial canary in a coal mine.

Got to go now. My power company may be onto me.

Formula 409

 

[deepkid]

Sprint PCS in Chicago DOES suck. vPod, yes!

Originally posted by e-coli
[buzzer sound]
in chicago, sprint will hardly even work. about 60% of the calls drop. At&T rocks. it's expensive, but it always works.

I was with At&T Wireless for a year, then switched to Sprint PCS in May of 2002 (Chicago). I experienced more dropped calls with Sprint in the first month of service than I had with AT&T the whole year.

As an investor, I hope that Apple DOES NOT partner with Sprint PCS becuase the telco's service is ANYTHING BUT free and clear. They forced their customers onto a discombobulated webpage that's never updated in a timely fashion and crashes too often. I think their web customer service team is in India. Add insult to injury by charging $3/call for help with their defective product.

Anyway, let's hope that Apple DOES NOT plan to out a phone. It's a bloody market to enter and doesn't show as much promise as the mp3 market did at the time the iPod was introduced.

It would be nice to add a small cam to the front of the iPod, audio input (auto encode into MPEG-4) and color screen. (black n white mode optional to save battery life)

 

[Timothy]

6" is too small...

Do you guys realize how small a device would need to be to be adequately displayed in a 6" acrylic display? As I recall, the iPod acryllic display is about 12" tall, with enough room on it to tout features and inset the iPod.

So, I don't think we're looking at any new iPod-type device...

My guess? How about a Firewire-based microphone addition for the iPod? Or, some firewire plug-in that increased funtionality of the iPod...

But, if we are basing our speculation on the size of the acrylic display, this item would have to be very small...about the size of the bluetooth adaptor...

 

[Timothy]

Fractured mobile market...

BTW, all of this discussion about the various differing mobile phone services is exactly why Apple would never enter this market. The Apple market is already miniscule, fracture that among competing mobile companies and the market for an Apple-based phone is tiny! There is no chance of it...