Apple's entry-level machine for MWSF

[sjs]

By or before MacWorld San Francisco 2003, what do you think Apple should do for an entry-level computer?

Seeing as the new iMac is about $1500 to start (with some RAM, tax/shipping) Apple doesn't really have an entry-level machine currently.

I think they do need one. My gripe with the old iMac is lack of speed and small screen. I don't think it should remain as the entry level machine.

I'd love to see something as simple and beautiful as the Cube was, with a 1ghz G3, 256 mb RAM and the same graphics card as is currently in the old iMac for $799. Let me use any monitor I'd like, including one I may already own (since monitors tend to outlast computers.)

 

[Beej]

How could you not want to see the cube make a comeback? It would make a great low end computer due to it's lack of expandability.

 

[Biggles]

that sounds perfect. just take the mobo from the old iMac and stick it in a little matte white case...simple and cheap.

 

[sjs]

biggles and beej,
Sounds beautiful: a Cube-like case, matte white. Take the componentry out of a $799 Indigo iMac, ditching the case and CRT, add 128 mb RAM and bump the G3 to 1 ghz (this should be possible later this year) and sell for the same $799.

Maybe even add a 13 or 14" LCD to the Studio line?

 

[AlphaTech]

sjs, the G4 iMac starts at $1399, with 128MB of RAM (enough for a lot of home users). Don't get additional memory from Apple, there are plenty of other sources that charge less for the same chips. As for shipping, Apple offers FREE ground shipping. IF you want it faster, you will have to pay extra (as is the case with just about any online/mail order place you go to get a computer). As for tax, well, my last online order from Apple didn't have any, and I live in the tax state (MA).

As for the cube, give it a rest, the thing is dead, buried and not coming back. Why would you want a 13" or 14" lcd in the studio line??? Who knows what Apple will do with the current line of G3 iMac's. They could give them a speed boost, then again, they don't have to.

 

[MacAztec]

Originally posted by Biggles
that sounds perfect. just take the mobo from the old iMac and stick it in a little matte white case...simple and cheap.

Hehe, Biggles, I like your signature. If you guys didnt know, I am Mac_User. said all that stuff because someone started talking about contraversies with numbers. Oh well, I just thought that was pretty funny that you kept that!

 

[Mr. Anderson]

I don't see the cube showing up again. At least not this soon after it died. Apple would redesign something before using a failed computer. Look at the difference between the first Mac (1984) and the iMac. Simillarities, but oh so different. If Apple goes to a new entry level design, it might have something in common with the cube, but I bet in has curves

 

[MacAztec]

Curves

Yeah, Apple should have more curves on their laptops. I personally like the old G3 Powerbook's curves and design. The Titanium is just to blocky and square. As for the iBook, it is a little better than the Ti, but it still needs more curves.

The iPod...leave it the same! Well...drop the friggin price!

 

[jefhatfield]

some desktop machine for $699, g3 processor

some laptop for $1049, but $999 would be sweet, for students especially!

when i was a student, i just used the internet, email, and word processing so maybe an ibook "student version"

...at 500 mhz, 10 gig hard drive, 256 MB of RAM or slightly less, 56k modem, headphone port, a basic video card, airport capability, 1 usb, 1 firewire, no external monitor port, and a CD ROM for $1049 or $999...maybe i am dreaming but this would be a good alternative to the $999 dell or gateway laptop

i still think the sub-$1000 dollar laptop is a gem for sales for students

my 2 cents

 

[jefhatfield]

Re: Curves

Originally posted by MacAztec
Yeah, Apple should have more curves on their laptops. I personally like the old G3 Powerbook's curves and design. The Titanium is just to blocky and square. As for the iBook, it is a little better than the Ti, but it still needs more curves.

The iPod...leave it the same! Well...drop the friggin price!

i will make the confession that i still think my original blueberry ibook is super cool with its shape but it is a little heavy to carry

could apple come out with a smaller and lighter clam shell "curvy" ibook?

 

[MacAztec]

Re: Re: Curves

Originally posted by jefhatfield


i will make the confession that i still think my original blueberry ibook is super cool with its shape but it is a little heavy to carry

could apple come out with a smaller and lighter clam shell "curvy" ibook?

I know exactly how you feel.

I was looking at that "Small Dog" website, and its pretty cool. They have a few iBooks; 600MHz, 15GB HD, 256 RAM, 3YR Apple Warranty, for 1299!

Also, they have like every single G4 tower ever made in stock. I am thinking about getting a 933 or 867!

 

[jaykk]

How about a 10' ibook

i wont mind having a smaller LCD for ibook, very basic light entry level for about $999 - a true portable which will replace all PDAs

 

[coeus]

Apple allready have a entry level computer. the original imac.
and the high end version isnt far from the low end LCD mac.

imac:
600mhz G3
256MB RAM
40GB HDD
16MB ati rage pro
CDRW

LCD mac:
700 MHZ G4
128MB RAM (128 minimum from running OSX)
40GB HDD
32MB geforce 2 mx
CDRW
LCD

the highend imac is better than a dell entry level computer minus the price.

 

[iGav]

Its a good idea......

As much as was argued on this subject on another post, it is a great idea!, and if Apple could do it, then great... but I don't think they will..... the New iMac is THE ENTRY level machine to the Apple range, (exc the low end iBook that is price wise the real entry point) As AlphaTech pointed out though, the cheapest iMac is $101 cheaper than the $1500 quoted..... for a basic but swift entry level machine!!

The Cube is dead and buried and will never come back, but why would you want it too!!?? Apple could come up with something just as lustful, and be of a new design, instead of rehashing something that is 2 years old!! Apple is a forward looking company, that Innovates..... there is nothing innovative about re-releasing an old design!!

Oh I hope if they do release a new entry level machine, I like the idea of a cylinder for the machine, or even a ball shape, they don't come any rounder than that!! But not white... please oh please not white........ I think I must be the only one who thinks the iBook's lid doesn't look right!!? White just doesn't look right!! (personal opinion here!!)

I do prefer the colour, design and aesthetic of the TiBook, and would rather see Apple release a 13.2" screen version of this......... Also a sub note book of maybe 10.2" with the aesthetics of the TiBook not the iBook.... for sub $1000 but be G4 based!!

If the much fabled entry level machine is released, I'd rather it be a G4...... 550Mhz chips must be plentiful and relatively cheap to get hold of, and because OSX supports Altivec it really is the way to go, on another thread I suggested the it would be good for Apple to all be on the one family of chips, G4's, rather than short change people with the G3 chip, Jobs has stated that OSX needs a G4, and having the whole Apple range on G4 would mean that you would have a range of G4 based machines from low range entry level machines, mid-range machines all the way through to the Pro-Macs...... (Obviously these will switch to G5's but it would look better to have the rest of the range only a generation behind when this does happen, as opposed to two generations behind!!).....

My idea for basic specs for an entry level machine would be as follows....

• G4 500Mhz to 550Mhz
• 10Gb and 20Gb hardrive
• 128Mb and 256Mb RAM
• ATI 16Mb Video card that can be upgraded when desired.
• CD-RW drive (People need this functionality now).
• 56k Modem
• Ethernet
• 1x Firwire
• 1x USB

My preferred aesthetic would be original and not a juxtaposition of previous designs, and shaped either cylindrical or a complete opposite and make it Monolithic, not in white... as it's horrible....... and would sell for $899 and have a special price option for a Apple LCD display!!!

Actually the above would be disturbingly close to an Apple branded X-Box...

 

[Mr. Anderson]

Re: How about a 10' ibook

Originally posted by jaykk
i wont mind having a smaller LCD for ibook, very basic light entry level for about $999 - a true portable which will replace all PDAs

Apple had a brief entry into the world of subnotebooks. Its still a big collectors item in Japan, of all places. Check this out,

Before the introduction of the iBook, the consumer model of choice was the eMate 300, a newton-based portable that used Newton OS 2.1 running on a 25-mhz ARM 710a RISC proccesor. It connected to a Mac via a serial cable and featured 12-24 hour battery life, a PC card slot, IR, speakers, 6.8 inch display, 8MB ROM, and 3MB RAM (expandable). For things like basic word processing and e-mail, it was a nice alternative to the complexity (and price) of a full-blown Mac. The eMate was also very rugged and capable of surviving a fall from four feet.

http://www.powerbookcentral.com/newspro/talk/984598394,4336,.shtml

 

[sjs]

Part of the reason for an entry level , simple computer is to give a choice to PC users who might like to "come over"

Trouble is, by MWSF, the P4 will be at 3 ghz and the "standard" P4 will be at around 2.2 ghz. P3s and Celerons will be at 1.5 ghz or above.

Come MWSF if Apple is offering ANY cpu below 1 ghz I will be shocked and they can forget converting any PCers.

THINK people.

 

[iGav]

Yes....No...

Part of the reason for an entry level , simple computer is to give a choice to PC users who might like to "come over".... Granted......

But the main reason for an entry level machine, is to allow people that can't afford hi-end expensive machines to get on the Mac ladder, or people that don't care about the most advanced features and will use it for emailing, surfing, word processing to buy a machine that they can afford and will do the job........

Of course evryone wants all Apples ranges to be in the Ghz and this can't be soon enough!! But we've only just hit 1Ghz and you expect the entire Apple range to be on atleast 1Ghz + in 8 months......???

Apple are converting PC users...... it is happening....... but with regards to thinking, sure everyone here could come up with amazing and unbelieveable for the money specs!!

Most people are just been realistic though!!!

 

[teabgs]

Re: Re: How about a 10' ibook

Originally posted by dukestreet


Apple had a brief entry into the world of subnotebooks. Its still a big collectors item in Japan, of all places.

http://www.powerbookcentral.com/newspro/talk/984598394,4336,.shtml

My friend has an eMate. Its really a great little piece of hardware. I think it's apple's most stable(physically) product EVER. He throws it around the room (closed) all the time to show me how durable it is. It never gets anything bad done to it from being tossed around. In fact it doesnt even get scratched!

 

[iGav]

I won't

try that with my TiBook then......

Ouch!!!

 

[Macmaniac]

Schools

I would like to see Apple release something that would be built purely for schools. With built in high speed modems so schools have a fast way to the internet. Schools are great places to get customers, because parents want to buy a computer that is like the one thier child has in school.

 

[Mr. Anderson]

Re: Schools

Originally posted by Macmaniac
With built in high speed modems so schools have a fast way to the internet.

High speed modems? What do you mean by this. Faster than 56k modems? The only way to get faster than that is to network via a DSL line or Cable modem. That's a whole different ballgame. As far as I'm concerned, make the 56k modem an option across all Apple computer lines. I haven't used one in 4 years.

 

[iGav]

I'm glad.....

That my TiBook came with a 56k modem, otherwise I'd be up the proverbial creek without a boat, never mind the paddle....

I actually find the modem handy, when I visit someones house without a fast connection, and they just have a standard fone line connection, it means I can still get online!!

I'd love ADSL, but BT have f**ked up proper, and are only now beginning to get their act together...... I think ADSL prices start at about £23 to £24 a month, and they aren't exactly supa-duper fast connections..... Also you have to have a 12 month contract, and as I rent places, you might not be in the same place for more than 6 months.....

Broadband is so on my list to buy when I get my own apartment, along with a wireless home network.......

I agree about it been an optional extra though, but not too much of an expensive one, particularly in the UK where most people think Broadband is something you put round your head when you're playing tennis!!!

 

[CHess]

As someone pointed out earlier, the only reason to have an entry level Mac, that is other than the low end LCD iMac, is because you can make them cheap and uncomplicated. The original iMac already fits the bill.

You don't want anything optional, everything should be standard. They should just kick the line up to 700MHz with enough RAM to run OS X smoothly, albeit, a little slowly. I'm running off of a 600MHz iMac and OS X runs fine. For an entry level user, this is the perfect machine. Just keep the price down to $899 or so. Keep the standard 56K modem, since low-end home users aren't going to fork out extra cash for DSL or cable. Give it a DVD-ROM drive, no burners at low end, stereo speakers are built in, so there are fewer cables than on the LCD iMac, keeping it simple to set up.

Why should Apple waste any of its R & D money redesigning a low end machine that is already a beautiful piece of equipment? Why spend the money to retool the production lines? Keep the case the same and keep all the components the same. Spend that R & D money on the higher end stuff like we keep asking them to and help keep the cost of the education version iMac down - it's a great machine!

If anything, re-introduce a little color variety on the cases, just to give them some personality. These WILL be mostly for kids, after all.

And on that note, this computer should be in every Child's room in America. So, make it cheap!!! Then, the parents can still afford the higher-end (higher margin) Mac for themselves. Oh, while you're at it, you could bundle a limited client Apple Remote Desktop so the parents can make sure their kids aren't downloading porn off the internet

 

[sjs]

"1 ghz in 8 months?"

As dear old dad used to say "I betcha a peanut":

By the last day of MWSF 2003 there is not a computer in Apple's line below 1 ghz!

 

[AlphaTech]

Re: Re: Schools

Originally posted by dukestreet


High speed modems? What do you mean by this. Faster than 56k modems? The only way to get faster than that is to network via a DSL line or Cable modem. That's a whole different ballgame. As far as I'm concerned, make the 56k modem an option across all Apple computer lines. I haven't used one in 4 years.

Amen to that. I haven't used the modem in my TiBook in over 6 months, since I switched to DSL. Same thing with the G4 tower that I had. I fully intend to remove the dial up modem from the next G4/G5 tower that I get from Apple. I wouldn't do that with a laptop, since there will be times that you need to use the modem (when you are in a hotel where they don't have the high speed connection).