August 13th? New Powermacs?

[ConradG4]

FCP4

i still think it is a little early if they are announcing FCP4, they just bought India & eMagic, my guess, nothing until MWSF at least.

-Conrad

 

[eirik]

postponed due to inventory?

I find the reports of Apple postponing the introduction of a new PowerMac due to its inventory puzzling. Apple has the best inventory control in the industry, touting its inventory not in months, not in days, but in hours of inventory.

I fear that if this inventory thing is true, then maybe Apple intentionally inflated its inventory in the retail channels, recognizing that as revenue. Consequently, Apple made the last quarter look more favorable. This seems an awfully exensive "finance smoothing" move. As I've posted months ago, I said that Apple should be decreasing its PowerMac inventory in the channel to razor thin levels so they can intro the new PowerMac without delay. Further, I pointed out that it may be more beneficial the their finance reporting to release the new PowerMac prior to MWNY because that would ultimately yield more revenue for the fiscal year than what they've evidently done now.

I hope Apple hasn't deluded itself with such short term thinking. The SEC is liable to suspect they've done other things to cook their books. I'm not saying that this stinks of it but it shows a disposition to distort financial success.

Eirik

 

[nickgold]

Re: postponed due to inventory?

Originally posted by eirik
I find the reports of Apple postponing the introduction of a new PowerMac due to its inventory puzzling. Apple has the best inventory control in the industry, touting its inventory not in months, not in days, but in hours of inventory.

I fear that if this inventory thing is true, then maybe Apple intentionally inflated its inventory in the retail channels, recognizing that as revenue. Consequently, Apple made the last quarter look more favorable. This seems an awfully exensive "finance smoothing" move. As I've posted months ago, I said that Apple should be decreasing its PowerMac inventory in the channel to razor thin levels so they can intro the new PowerMac without delay. Further, I pointed out that it may be more beneficial the their finance reporting to release the new PowerMac prior to MWNY because that would ultimately yield more revenue for the fiscal year than what they've evidently done now.

I hope Apple hasn't deluded itself with such short term thinking. The SEC is liable to suspect they've done other things to cook their books. I'm not saying that this stinks of it but it shows a disposition to distort financial success.

Eirik

Gosh, then Apple would only be acting like every other business on the planet at this point... 😉 Seriusly though, doesn't every (large) company juggle its finances, so as to appear as if they are doing as best as they possibly can be, and stil get away with it? Why would Apple be any different? I doubt the SEC plans on taking down every major American corporation, that would certainly be bad for the US economy (or worse, I should say, as it's already quite clearly going down the toilet!)

 

[eirik]

Re: Re: postponed due to inventory?

Originally posted by nickgold


Gosh, then Apple would only be acting like every other business on the planet at this point... 😉 Seriusly though, doesn't every (large) company juggle its finances, so as to appear as if they are doing as best as they possibly can be, and stil get away with it? Why would Apple be any different? I doubt the SEC plans on taking down every major American corporation, that would certainly be bad for the US economy (or worse, I should say, as it's already quite clearly going down the toilet!)

President Bush's new task force ("Swat Team") announced that it would be reviewing thousands of firms financial reports and compelling them to re-submit them with their CFO's witnessed signature on them by Aug 13.

Agreed, Apple's stuffing its inventory is nothing unusual. But with the task force commissioned to look for creative reporting, any anomalies, even common ones, will increase the probability that Apple would be one of those firms.

Either way, if Apple stuffed its inventory, then it was an act of foolishness.

If I were Jobs, I would ask my tax attorneys what the financial benefit would be for donating a large number of PowerMac's to Homeland Security or even the SEC "Swat Team". Would the increased current fiscal year reveneues for PowerMac sales due to an earlier release plus any kind of tax write off add up to a positive net present value (note this figures in the 'cost of capital', which implicitly factors in their expected return on investment for the use of their capital). Please note, I don't not s**t about corporate tax law. And of course, I don't know how much of an inventory problem that Apple has. So, the point of this idea is merely to suggest a direction that Apple may not have considered.

BTW, don't forget the value of having thousands of PowerMac's in a highly visible government agency. It could create a beachhead there that other IT folks could see with their own eyes and read from 'credible' sources the benefits to Mac's in the office.

Eirik

 

[stonelove]

NEW POWERMACS

Apple's reasons for waiting until august to announce the new Powermacs:
1. So they can be shipped with Jaguar
2. So yields of faster 1.4ghz chips are available (hopefully)
3. Announcing that they will ship with Nvidia's GeForce5 card.

Remember Nvidia weren't too pleased last time when Apple announced that the previous powermacs would ship with the GeForce4, before they themselves announced it, and I've read the GeForce5 will be ready 3rd Quarter, ie anytime soon.

For the money Powermacs just arent good enough and they really do need DDRram and a faster system bus (166?). And all of them should have atleast 2mb of L3 cache (4mb at the topend) to distance them from the iMacs.

Get it sorted!!!!!!

 

[ImAlwaysRight]

Aww, what's this rumor based on anyway?

Where do you think this rumor comes from that no new PowerMacs at MWNY? Do you think it is truely an inside source who knows for sure and leaked this info to some rumor site? OR, is it based on some speculation by some outside the loop who look at the current rebates on G4 + APPLE LCD and they say, "see, because of this rebate ending Aug 12 involving the current PowerMac G4s, no new PowerMac announcement?" I have a hunch it is the latter, and this rumor is not based on insider information. Consider the following:

Point 1: Just because Apple has a rebate ending Aug 12 on G4 + APPLE LCD, it does not mean in the least no new PowerMacs. Note Apple is very specific WHICH PowerMacs may be used on the rebate, only the current 800/933/dual 1GHz G4. The rebate confirms Apple has some stock in the channels it wants to get rid of. But also consider Apple can and has ended rebates early.

Point 2: Apple has announced new PowerMacs in the past and then not shipped for several weeks. I believe Apple will announce new Powermacs shipping with Jaguar, and therefore will not be SHIPPING new Powermacs until August. You can order starting July 17. RARELY does Apple have brand new hardware available IMMEDIATELY (example: iMac G4 at last expo). Usually it takes a few weeks to get new models out. This has been Apple's track record. I believe new PowerMacs shipping August (as rumor sites state), but they will be announced July 17. Why would Steve miss this opportunity at MWNY to get people excited about new PowerMacs, especially if they are shipping 3-4 weeks later? Steve wouldn't pass on this. NEW POWERMACS WILL BE ANNOUNCED!

Point 3: New PowerMacs (possibly with new 2-button mouse) coincides nicely with Apple's new Switch campaign. You know we are going to hear a report on the Switch campaign --- and you know Steve would love to say, with a new PowerMac announcement, that Apple's just given PC users another reason to switch.

If you check the archives of these rumor sites, they are never right 100% of the time. Think Secret predicted the flat panel iMacs in January to have the G3 chip. So, that gives us a little hope. Here's hoping we'll see new PowerMacs of up to 1.4 GHz, and a nice surprise would be with a G5 chip!

 

[nigel_t]

If We don't get G5's or someting, I would like a quad G4

I wish Apple puts 4 processors in a box and sells it, how much of you guys would buy that.
And about fcp, I think we will see FCP 3.5 and Shake. 3.5 will have a realtime audio mixer and some semblance of RT out the firewire, about 3 layers or so. I wish I wish I wish. Do you guys think I'm dreaming.😀 😀 😎

 

[theranch]

Re: If We don't get G5's or someting, I would like a quad G4

Originally posted by nigel_t
I wish Apple puts 4 processors in a box and sells it, how much of you guys would buy that.
And about fcp, I think we will see FCP 3.5 and Shake. 3.5 will have a realtime audio mixer and some semblance of RT out the firewire, about 3 layers or so. I wish I wish I wish. Do you guys think I'm dreaming.😀 😀 😎

What are you smoking? Read another post in here about more than two processors....what it says is that there aren't too many(none) apps built to take advantage of more than two processors.

 

[theranch]

Re: Aww, what's this rumor based on anyway?

Point 2: Apple has announced new PowerMacs in the past and then not shipped for several weeks. I believe Apple will announce new Powermacs shipping with Jaguar, and therefore will not be SHIPPING new Powermacs until August. You can order starting July 17. RARELY does Apple have brand new hardware available IMMEDIATELY (example: iMac G4 at last expo). Usually it takes a few weeks to get new models out. This has been Apple's track record. I believe new PowerMacs shipping August (as rumor sites state), but they will be announced July 17. Why would Steve miss this opportunity at MWNY to get people excited about new PowerMacs, especially if they are shipping 3-4 weeks later? Steve wouldn't pass on this. NEW POWERMACS WILL BE ANNOUNCED!

That's what I'm going with....exactly what you are talking about. MWNY is too big not to announce the much needed new Powermac.

 

[eric_n_dfw]

Re: Re: If We don't get G5's or someting, I would like a quad G4

Originally posted by theranch

What are you smoking? Read another post in here about more than two processors....what it says is that there aren't too many(none) apps built to take advantage of more than two processors.

What are you smoking?

Any multi-threaded application (i.e. most) would automatically gain advantages by scaling up to 4 processors. As Apple has been saying for at least 2 years, OS X supports SMP. Just like any other modern OS (NT, Solaris, HP-UX, Linux)

The only app's that wouldn't "take advantage" of them are classic apps and (possibly) carbon ones that aren't written well. (Admitedly, I am not a Carbon developer, but I believe Apple has stated that Carbon app's would take advantage of SMP)

Now, OS X may not scale as well to 4 or 8 processors as it does to 2 due to some kind of tuning issues, but 4 would still be better than 2.

 

[davidbea]

New G4 and OS 9

I am looking forward to the new G4s no matter what the speed increase to get Photoshop moving but have a concern:
Someone has posted somewhere-sorry I can't remember the souce- the possibility that the new G4 will not be able to run OS 9.
Can anyone confirm or deny this?
My Epson printers and scanners can't do OS X.

 

[nigel_t]

4 processors

Hey Guys:
As far as I know OS X can support up to 8 processors at least that is what uncle steve said. And as for me smoking, a computer with 4 chips in it will not be meant for people typing letters in word and doing spreadsheets in xcel. This will be for pro users who need horse power, video/film guys, analysts, 3D guys and such. Can you imagine having 4 1.4GHz processors in a box, heavy composits will seem like text files. Anyway it's a dream we'll see what happens on wednesday.

 

[davei]

FOUR processors? I know the G4 runs cool, but jeez, if that's the case (highly unlikely) I hope they ship them with earplugs 🙂

 

[eric_n_dfw]

Re: 4 processors

Originally posted by nigel_t
And as for me smoking, a computer with 4 chips in it will not be meant for people typing letters in word and doing spreadsheets in xcel. This will be for pro users who need horse power, video/film guys, analysts, 3D guys and such. Can you imagine having 4 1.4GHz processors in a box, heavy composits will seem like text files. Anyway it's a dream we'll see what happens on wednesday.

Yeah, but I was replying to where "theranch" said that apps wouldn't take advantage of them. All (non-classic) apps would. And for the guy doing Word and Excel, they would be able to have more app's open without noticing slow-downs. (But yes, most Word/Excel users wouldn't need quad G4's!)

 

[Grokgod]

OK okok!

This is the way that I see it.

I understand that APPLE has said that they want to take the pressure offa MW,
by saying that they will announce products when they become available.

But, that doesnt take away from the fact that MW is still a very large event.
ANd as much as APPLE would love to DO whatever they want WHENEVER THEY
want to.

This is STILL going to be a huge MW and Jobs has enough of a showmanship character to WANT to create something thats interesting for a MACWORLD this big.

People will be disappointed if there isnt something great there.
Not to mention the great free publicity!

So as much as APPLE tries to take peoples expectations off of MW.
There is still going to be HUGE ones.
I dont think anything will change that.

APPLE would be very STUPID not to take advantage of it.
To propell the company and induce sales through this venue.

SO! ~ I say POWERMAC's announced at MWNY and shipped out later.

~enuff said.

 

[Cappy]

Re: Aww, what's this rumor based on anyway?

Originally posted by ImAlwaysRight
Where do you think this rumor comes from that no new PowerMacs at MWNY? Do you think it is truely an inside source who knows for sure and leaked this info to some rumor site? OR, is it based on some speculation by some outside the loop who look at the current rebates on G4 + APPLE LCD and they say, "see, because of this rebate ending Aug 12 involving the current PowerMac G4s, no new PowerMac announcement?" I have a hunch it is the latter, and this rumor is not based on insider information. Consider the following:

Point 1: Just because Apple has a rebate ending Aug 12 on G4 + APPLE LCD, it does not mean in the least no new PowerMacs. Note Apple is very specific WHICH PowerMacs may be used on the rebate, only the current 800/933/dual 1GHz G4. The rebate confirms Apple has some stock in the channels it wants to get rid of. But also consider Apple can and has ended rebates early.

Point 2: Apple has announced new PowerMacs in the past and then not shipped for several weeks. I believe Apple will announce new Powermacs shipping with Jaguar, and therefore will not be SHIPPING new Powermacs until August. You can order starting July 17. RARELY does Apple have brand new hardware available IMMEDIATELY (example: iMac G4 at last expo). Usually it takes a few weeks to get new models out. This has been Apple's track record. I believe new PowerMacs shipping August (as rumor sites state), but they will be announced July 17. Why would Steve miss this opportunity at MWNY to get people excited about new PowerMacs, especially if they are shipping 3-4 weeks later? Steve wouldn't pass on this. NEW POWERMACS WILL BE ANNOUNCED!

Point 3: New PowerMacs (possibly with new 2-button mouse) coincides nicely with Apple's new Switch campaign. You know we are going to hear a report on the Switch campaign --- and you know Steve would love to say, with a new PowerMac announcement, that Apple's just given PC users another reason to switch.

If you check the archives of these rumor sites, they are never right 100% of the time. Think Secret predicted the flat panel iMacs in January to have the G3 chip. So, that gives us a little hope. Here's hoping we'll see new PowerMacs of up to 1.4 GHz, and a nice surprise would be with a G5 chip!

Unless Apple has some trick up their sleeve or just making stupid decisions, they will not officially announce any new PowerMacs that might be considered replacements for those they currently are trying to clear out with rebates. It's bad business and would kill the sales of the current systems.

It's tough to guess if there will be new PowerMacs at the show. This whole thing is weird. With Apple's resources they should have known where sales and inventory were long before they announced these new rebates which was awfully close to the show dates. It does seem like they're up to something and hopefully it's more than simply generating talk about Apple and Macs.

Frankly I can't help but think Apple is postponing announcement of the PowerMac for other reasons besides the rebate/inventory issue. This is their show and with rumors pointing to new devices coming from them, this would be the time to put it/them on display without anything taking away from that buzz. Remember Apple cares about their consumers but they care more about the media and the attention they give to Apple.

 

[mrMahann]

pm announcement in AUG

it may not be inventory that is the issue, but perhaps at least one more thing or things that came together and have influenced. its a delicate juggling act and lots of things must coincide.

if they announce new macs at mw/ny it very well could undermine the current promotion. i'd spend the extra pesos for a significantly bumped machine if its available. am thinking many others will as well. this points to announcement later.

so, it can be that and perhaps getting enuf high-speed processors in boxes. what are yields over at moto? could very well be behind again. or, they want to be able to ship when announced, say in AUG.

i hear how locked on apple is w/ inventory but things happen, analysts overestimate purchasing. they may be tight, but they have a long history of being ableto get enuf boxes in teh hands of hte people. so many things can happen that we just don't know about.

big news people are saying, "no new macs at mw;" perhaps apple's leaking info, trying to set expectations? to ease the news of .. .no news on p/m front? that we'll have to wait just a bit longer?

i'm expecting new macs announced in AUG, just like c|net says.