Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Apple's Focus, Digital Music and More to Come?
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I am waiting for a lovely game console from Apple. Heck! Everyone else is going to use the IBM chips including Microsoft's XboxNext , Sony's PS3, and Nintendo's MarioCrap128. I want Apple to step in and destroy the competition. Something similar to the Japanese PSX by Sony w/ DVDr, G5 2ghz or higher, tivo-like features, firewire 800, a mini OS for basic settings (OSX ce ?) lol, and builtin 120GB HD w/ a special Safari and iLife features built-in. Airport 802.11g builtin. I'd buy it, and the iPDA. 🙂
stoid
macrumors 601
Re: Re: Re: Re: more Macs
My friend has a Wallstreet and IS running OS X. I understand that at some point my computer won't be able to run the latest OS, but Wallstreets are at least 4 years old and can still run the latest OS. For my computer to go THAT obsolete in 2 years just seems ridiculous.
In fact with the added speed of 10.3, the high school I attended will be upgrading fully to OS X including a low-intensity (typing) lab of old Ruby iMacs.
My friend has a Wallstreet and IS running OS X. I understand that at some point my computer won't be able to run the latest OS, but Wallstreets are at least 4 years old and can still run the latest OS. For my computer to go THAT obsolete in 2 years just seems ridiculous.
In fact with the added speed of 10.3, the high school I attended will be upgrading fully to OS X including a low-intensity (typing) lab of old Ruby iMacs.
iMeowbot
macrumors G3
There were also the iBook G4 and revised PB 15" in October, the 20" iMac around November, the 2x1.8 G5 about December, and the G5 Xserve is about to ship.
IBM is scheduled to officially present its 90nm 970 in one week. I'd wait until then to see if they announce availability dates before getting too antsy about when Apple is going to ship more impressive updates.
things to come...
First Powerbooks with the low wattage g5 then iMacs with the same.
Right now it seems the low end Powermac is the best deal, with an LCD.
Only time will tell.
I.
First Powerbooks with the low wattage g5 then iMacs with the same.
Right now it seems the low end Powermac is the best deal, with an LCD.
Only time will tell.
I.
premium
You know, so long as Apple/Steve0 is going to charge a premium for all their products, they may as well bring out the updates a bit more quickly rather than milking product lines.
I've got three fat ones I'll spend on a 30", but bring it out already! IT'S NOT THAT HARD.
Ditto for the G5 Powerbook. Or at least cut the prices on the outdated G4 powerbooks. $3000 for a laptop built around a plodding near obsolete processor incapable of running the nextgen (64 bit) OS? Color me a sucker.
Okay, so I bought one anyway... don't make me hate myself...
You know, so long as Apple/Steve0 is going to charge a premium for all their products, they may as well bring out the updates a bit more quickly rather than milking product lines.
I've got three fat ones I'll spend on a 30", but bring it out already! IT'S NOT THAT HARD.
Ditto for the G5 Powerbook. Or at least cut the prices on the outdated G4 powerbooks. $3000 for a laptop built around a plodding near obsolete processor incapable of running the nextgen (64 bit) OS? Color me a sucker.
Okay, so I bought one anyway... don't make me hate myself...
CmdrLaForge
macrumors 601
Well said. And thats the point. Not that I need a faster computer for my daily task (except gaming 🙁 ), but if I pay premium price I like to get a premium product. And one of the parameters is speed. 😡
Come on Apple - release the G5 cube !
Just to get some points out...
1. Consumer machines will NOT be upgradeable. People who upgrade their computer make up a very small percentage of the entire computing market. There is no reason for Apple to make consumer products upgradeable. Apple doesn't get money from parts being bought, the third-party companies do. To reiterate, consumer machines will not be upgradeable. I am not saying that it is impossible that they will every be upgradeable, but it is EXTREMELY unlikely. (In other words, no.) If you want upgradeability, get a Powermac--Apple will thank you for it. (Higher profit margin 😀 )
2.Apple is not going to make a 64-bit OS. Although it is definitely the next step for the future, Apple is not going to make a 64-bit OS until AT LEAST 5 years from now. They wouldn't desert customers like that, just trust me.
3. Apple is not going to compete with pricing. Apple doesn't need to compete with Dell, or any other company for that matter, on prices. Although Apple will definitely stride to make a computer that is $100 or so less than the current eMac, they WILL NOT sell a computer for less than $700. Lowering prices has less of a benefit than you think, especially since people who shop mainly by price aren't very loyal customers.
Thank you for your time, I don't want to see any arguments in relation to the above brought up again in this thread.
1. Consumer machines will NOT be upgradeable. People who upgrade their computer make up a very small percentage of the entire computing market. There is no reason for Apple to make consumer products upgradeable. Apple doesn't get money from parts being bought, the third-party companies do. To reiterate, consumer machines will not be upgradeable. I am not saying that it is impossible that they will every be upgradeable, but it is EXTREMELY unlikely. (In other words, no.) If you want upgradeability, get a Powermac--Apple will thank you for it. (Higher profit margin 😀 )
2.Apple is not going to make a 64-bit OS. Although it is definitely the next step for the future, Apple is not going to make a 64-bit OS until AT LEAST 5 years from now. They wouldn't desert customers like that, just trust me.
3. Apple is not going to compete with pricing. Apple doesn't need to compete with Dell, or any other company for that matter, on prices. Although Apple will definitely stride to make a computer that is $100 or so less than the current eMac, they WILL NOT sell a computer for less than $700. Lowering prices has less of a benefit than you think, especially since people who shop mainly by price aren't very loyal customers.
Thank you for your time, I don't want to see any arguments in relation to the above brought up again in this thread.
I agree with most of what Nesbutt wrote. I love the Cube, but with respect, most people including Nesbutt, seem to have forgotten that the Cube failed because Apple pricing was waaay too expensive.
The 500 MHZ Cube was about US$500 ($1000 Aussi at the time) more expensive than the low end Powermac 533, which is why I bought a PM. I was on a tight budget at the time.
So bringing back a G5 Cube would not necessarily solve the iMac price/performance equation. A cheaper, G5 iMac would though. But I think this must be outside Apple's control otherwise surely G5 iMacs would already exist.
So while I agree with the criticisms of Apple's consumer line, I think the premise of the article, namely that "Apple" has "taken its eye off the ball" regarding its consumer products, is obviously incorrect.
The 500 MHZ Cube was about US$500 ($1000 Aussi at the time) more expensive than the low end Powermac 533, which is why I bought a PM. I was on a tight budget at the time.
So bringing back a G5 Cube would not necessarily solve the iMac price/performance equation. A cheaper, G5 iMac would though. But I think this must be outside Apple's control otherwise surely G5 iMacs would already exist.
So while I agree with the criticisms of Apple's consumer line, I think the premise of the article, namely that "Apple" has "taken its eye off the ball" regarding its consumer products, is obviously incorrect.
Re: Just to get some points out...
Agreed, but Apple does need to compete in terms of overall value. The basic economics assumptions - consumers are rational and prefer more to less. Until the iMac gets G5 chips, sales will be down, as the value proposition, which was once good, is now poor.
You ARE kidding, right? 😛
Agreed, but Apple does need to compete in terms of overall value. The basic economics assumptions - consumers are rational and prefer more to less. Until the iMac gets G5 chips, sales will be down, as the value proposition, which was once good, is now poor.
You ARE kidding, right? 😛
u obviously dont remember apples last try at this do u?..... neither do most people, i think it was called pippin
Re: Re: Just to get some points out...
No, I am not kidding. Plus, anyone who DOES bring it up again should be ignored immediately.
No, I am not kidding. Plus, anyone who DOES bring it up again should be ignored immediately.
@ Phobophobia
"<i>2.Apple is not going to make a 64-bit OS. Although it is definitely the next step for the future, Apple is not going to make a 64-bit OS until AT LEAST 5 years from now. They wouldn't desert customers like that, just trust me.</i>"
You are wrong there.
While i cannot make predictions when they will got 64 bit on the os side; and while i think that there are still some carbon apps out that needs to be remade (finder, appleworks, whatever...), i think they will go 64bit when windows goes 64 bit (=intel uses amd64bit x86 extention too)
most important is that the g5 (and g6 for sure) will have 32/64 bit hybridity.
once in time apple will clean out mac os x and kill off all their apps that relay on legancy apis.
this will be the time when they will change internal structures to 64bit imho.
while 32bit applications will still run, the os wont run on non 64bit cpus anymore.
many ppls here claming that old g3 and g4 systems still run ox 10.3 are right, still the end of the g4 line will get a faster target than back in time, while the first g5 products will offer longlivety (or however that is spelled)
"<i>2.Apple is not going to make a 64-bit OS. Although it is definitely the next step for the future, Apple is not going to make a 64-bit OS until AT LEAST 5 years from now. They wouldn't desert customers like that, just trust me.</i>"
You are wrong there.
While i cannot make predictions when they will got 64 bit on the os side; and while i think that there are still some carbon apps out that needs to be remade (finder, appleworks, whatever...), i think they will go 64bit when windows goes 64 bit (=intel uses amd64bit x86 extention too)
most important is that the g5 (and g6 for sure) will have 32/64 bit hybridity.
once in time apple will clean out mac os x and kill off all their apps that relay on legancy apis.
this will be the time when they will change internal structures to 64bit imho.
while 32bit applications will still run, the os wont run on non 64bit cpus anymore.
many ppls here claming that old g3 and g4 systems still run ox 10.3 are right, still the end of the g4 line will get a faster target than back in time, while the first g5 products will offer longlivety (or however that is spelled)
Mac
macrumors member
Re: Just to get some points out...
Phobophobia, you have some very well founded points, and I get what you are saying. The consumer line is of necessity the line that´s supposed to be the "all in one" solution for the consumer - also generating more cash to Steve-O and the cash bin.
One point caught my attention - point 2. You seem very certain - what´s your inside relation with Cupertino here? Maybe it´s just me, but do you work for Apple?
Phobophobia, you have some very well founded points, and I get what you are saying. The consumer line is of necessity the line that´s supposed to be the "all in one" solution for the consumer - also generating more cash to Steve-O and the cash bin.
One point caught my attention - point 2. You seem very certain - what´s your inside relation with Cupertino here? Maybe it´s just me, but do you work for Apple?
billyboy
macrumors 65816
Dont panic. There are some big changes in trends happening or soon to be underway in computers. Trends take more than a couple of months to get going and bear fruit, and Apple are, I think, going to benefit at last from being ahead of the game. They have been practicing and working on the next generation way of computing for a while already.
The MHz myth is gradually being turned on its head with Centrino. AMD are also positioning themselves to promote their chips which will be lower MHz but supposedly better performance than Intel. So Apple are already there and can only benefit from the news that will percolate and explain to the masses that big MHz on the label of a PC means very little - but relatively big MHz on a Mac means hell of a lot.
XP is going to be replaced in the next whenever years, but Apple are 3 years if not more ahead of the mighty Longhorn, and every mention of what Longhorn might be able to do is going to be used by Apple, who will show that any future Longhorn feature is precisely what Mac users have access to now.
Viruses are going to be getting a really thorny issue, and Apple have the solution, and have had the solution for years. The masses will get to hear about that too as iTMS grabs the attention of the masses.
Trusted Computing the MS way is going to pee more and more people off, so a growing percentage of PC users will be looking for alternatives to Windows.
Judging by what Steve Jobs has said, Apple are quietly confident that laptops are the way ahead and he has been proven right so far. Apple's laptops are selling in greater numbers than ever, despite only being crappy G4.
G5 clusters and DIY supercomputing is going to grab headlines. The raw power of G5s has not gone unnoticed in university circles and again, in time the non-consumer market share will move Apple's way - and people will be using Macs at home because they use them at work - just how PCs find themselves into the home nowadays..
So things take time, but once underway, the momentum can be picked up very quickly. As far as brand spanking new releases every five minutes, Id say, take your time Apple, keep moving along with the plans that have been gathering pace the last two or three years and just make doubly sure they are focussing all their spare brain capacity on solving the traditional weakness in their line the entry level Mac, and the recently flagging iMac range.
The MHz myth is gradually being turned on its head with Centrino. AMD are also positioning themselves to promote their chips which will be lower MHz but supposedly better performance than Intel. So Apple are already there and can only benefit from the news that will percolate and explain to the masses that big MHz on the label of a PC means very little - but relatively big MHz on a Mac means hell of a lot.
XP is going to be replaced in the next whenever years, but Apple are 3 years if not more ahead of the mighty Longhorn, and every mention of what Longhorn might be able to do is going to be used by Apple, who will show that any future Longhorn feature is precisely what Mac users have access to now.
Viruses are going to be getting a really thorny issue, and Apple have the solution, and have had the solution for years. The masses will get to hear about that too as iTMS grabs the attention of the masses.
Trusted Computing the MS way is going to pee more and more people off, so a growing percentage of PC users will be looking for alternatives to Windows.
Judging by what Steve Jobs has said, Apple are quietly confident that laptops are the way ahead and he has been proven right so far. Apple's laptops are selling in greater numbers than ever, despite only being crappy G4.
G5 clusters and DIY supercomputing is going to grab headlines. The raw power of G5s has not gone unnoticed in university circles and again, in time the non-consumer market share will move Apple's way - and people will be using Macs at home because they use them at work - just how PCs find themselves into the home nowadays..
So things take time, but once underway, the momentum can be picked up very quickly. As far as brand spanking new releases every five minutes, Id say, take your time Apple, keep moving along with the plans that have been gathering pace the last two or three years and just make doubly sure they are focussing all their spare brain capacity on solving the traditional weakness in their line the entry level Mac, and the recently flagging iMac range.
Foxer
macrumors 65816
Re: Apple's Focus, Digital Music and More to Come?
What was he going to say? We've got nothing. Are you happy? We're tapped out. This year will stink.
The line needs refreshing from top to bottom. A sharp new eMac, all new iMac, G5 PowerBooks and faster PowerMacs. What we don't need is a 50GB iPod.
Anyone want to guess which we'll get first?
("Leverage to increase computer market share." Ha! More like "cash cow to milk til it's dry.")
What was he going to say? We've got nothing. Are you happy? We're tapped out. This year will stink.
The line needs refreshing from top to bottom. A sharp new eMac, all new iMac, G5 PowerBooks and faster PowerMacs. What we don't need is a 50GB iPod.
Anyone want to guess which we'll get first?
("Leverage to increase computer market share." Ha! More like "cash cow to milk til it's dry.")
stoid
macrumors 601
Re: Re: Apple's Focus, Digital Music and More to Come?
<rant>
What in the world are you people getting all worked up about??!??!?
Need I remind you IT'S ONLY THR SECOND WEEK IN FEBRUARY!!!! THERE ARE STILL OVER 10 MONTHS LEFT THIS YEAR!!!!
Steve said "great stuff this YEAR!" not "great stuff BEFORE MARCH!" or "HAVE DONE great stuff this year!" it's still coming, PATIENCE.
Just cool your jets!
If Apple hasn't done anything else spectacular by July, then it might be cause to worry, a little, maybe (they would still have 5 months at that point)
</rant>
<rant>
What in the world are you people getting all worked up about??!??!?
Need I remind you IT'S ONLY THR SECOND WEEK IN FEBRUARY!!!! THERE ARE STILL OVER 10 MONTHS LEFT THIS YEAR!!!!
Steve said "great stuff this YEAR!" not "great stuff BEFORE MARCH!" or "HAVE DONE great stuff this year!" it's still coming, PATIENCE.
Just cool your jets!
If Apple hasn't done anything else spectacular by July, then it might be cause to worry, a little, maybe (they would still have 5 months at that point)
</rant>
Foxer
macrumors 65816
Re: Re: Re: Apple's Focus, Digital Music and More to Come?
I wasn't stating that they have nothing, I was simply pointing out that it is kind of silly to rely on statements of the CEO at the big public event that MWSF is. Of course he's going to say the year will be great.
I, like most everyone else here, have no idea what 2004 will end up being like. I hope it's great, I've got money to spend on a new PowerMac.
I wasn't stating that they have nothing, I was simply pointing out that it is kind of silly to rely on statements of the CEO at the big public event that MWSF is. Of course he's going to say the year will be great.
I, like most everyone else here, have no idea what 2004 will end up being like. I hope it's great, I've got money to spend on a new PowerMac.
Re: Re: Just to get some points out...
I have no inside relations. My certainty is completely based off knowledge available to everyone.
I have no inside relations. My certainty is completely based off knowledge available to everyone.
G5 chips across the line
I would like to see G5s across the entire product line. I'd buy a new iMac for my wife today if they would update.
I would like to see G5s across the entire product line. I'd buy a new iMac for my wife today if they would update.
lewdvig
macrumors 65816
Centrino laptops are selling quite poorly compared to desktop replacements. People buy bigger numbers - AMD's sucfcessful rating scheme proves it.
The real MHz myth is here, and in every other Mac forum or NG, that somehow the lowly G4 is superior to a much faster clocked P4 or Athlon. As the owner of multiple Macs and PCs I can say this with certainty.
michael666
macrumors member
Re: Re: Apple's Focus, Digital Music and More to Come?
Well, I'd like to have a 50GB+ iPod, with video capabilities, and of course something that has to do with wireless. I'm not in the market for Powermacs/Powerbooks. I'm happy with my iBook.
Well, I'd like to have a 50GB+ iPod, with video capabilities, and of course something that has to do with wireless. I'm not in the market for Powermacs/Powerbooks. I'm happy with my iBook.
Awimoway
macrumors 68000
Nesbitt's sentiments have been repeated a lot here lately, especially during that disgraceful rant over no anniversary devices.
I am no Apple apologist--I use Macs, but I don't hesitate to say when the emperor has no clothes (can you guess which side I took over the iLife and iPod-mini pricing debates?).
However this time I think Nesbitt and a lot of Mac fans are way out of bounds. This short-term memory, "What have you done for me lately?" insatiable thirst for new devices is ridiculous. It's spoiled and immature.
We know G5's are on the way for the rest of the line. In the meantime, Apple has picqued our interest with some interesting additions: a 20" widescreen iMac. iChat AV can now be used with Windows users, making iSight devices more compelling purchases.
Let's all chill out and rest easy that new stuff will come soon enough.
I am no Apple apologist--I use Macs, but I don't hesitate to say when the emperor has no clothes (can you guess which side I took over the iLife and iPod-mini pricing debates?).
However this time I think Nesbitt and a lot of Mac fans are way out of bounds. This short-term memory, "What have you done for me lately?" insatiable thirst for new devices is ridiculous. It's spoiled and immature.
We know G5's are on the way for the rest of the line. In the meantime, Apple has picqued our interest with some interesting additions: a 20" widescreen iMac. iChat AV can now be used with Windows users, making iSight devices more compelling purchases.
Let's all chill out and rest easy that new stuff will come soon enough.