This is a detailed summary of research for potential buyers of mac equipment, most specifically the iMac, however other desktops and laptops are detailed
I've been studying the Buyer's Guide, as well as Apple's share prices over the past five years.
Going by the average days per update on the buyer's guide a new iMac can be expected around November 25th. Also by looking at the features added at each revision there is a common pattern that every other update is a 'major' update. This can be seen with the first Intel iMac, first 24" model, and the Alu iMac most recently. The minor updates have come, most commonly, in the form of a new graphics card, HDD or processor upgrades. All of which hints that the next upgrade should be one of the 'Major' updates.
Looking at share prices, Apple have been most commonly at a low during the summer period rising to a Christmas peak, with this year being the only exception with the low occurring during February.
Moving onto release dates, 6/10 revisions since the iMac's introduction in 2003 have taken place in the second half of the year. For the most part they are upgraded every 8-10 months with it's quickest revision occurring most recently, with just a 4 month gap between models. This would put the date further towards January.
Also looking at the release dates throughout all product revisions suggests iPods suffer the longest between upgrades averaging 10 months between revisions, desktops go 8 months at a time and laptops just 5 months in recent times. This hints at an mid August to first week of September update for the laptops including the Air's first update. Traditionally, however, the laptops gain updates in late October or early November as they are a more highly sought after Christmas item.
iMac wise is a wider time frame. Updates could take place as soon as August or September which would match their own record for quickest revision. They could also receive the laptops coveted Christmas role and take early November updates. If neither of those opportunities are taken then a revision is most likely to occur at the MacWorld convention on January 5th 2009. Any even before would be one of Apple's coveted 'Special Events.'
Also due updates soon is the iPod and iPod nano ranges, not to mention a well over due Mac Mini update (if they don't phase it out) as well as some form of a cinema display update. Oh and don't forget the Pro's are approaching some new fillings. Luckily for Apple the Xserves and iPhones are no where near an expiry date. In fact the last time Apple had to update this many products at once was back in January & February of 2003!
Personally i expect something a little bit special with the next update as, iMac-wise, it's meant to be one of the 'major' updates. There is an expectancy to increase Intel core numbers however i think we won't see that until nearer the release of Snow Leopard.
After giving you all a bit of stats and facts, your guess is as good as mine for what all these updates hold in store for us!
I've been studying the Buyer's Guide, as well as Apple's share prices over the past five years.
Going by the average days per update on the buyer's guide a new iMac can be expected around November 25th. Also by looking at the features added at each revision there is a common pattern that every other update is a 'major' update. This can be seen with the first Intel iMac, first 24" model, and the Alu iMac most recently. The minor updates have come, most commonly, in the form of a new graphics card, HDD or processor upgrades. All of which hints that the next upgrade should be one of the 'Major' updates.
Looking at share prices, Apple have been most commonly at a low during the summer period rising to a Christmas peak, with this year being the only exception with the low occurring during February.
Moving onto release dates, 6/10 revisions since the iMac's introduction in 2003 have taken place in the second half of the year. For the most part they are upgraded every 8-10 months with it's quickest revision occurring most recently, with just a 4 month gap between models. This would put the date further towards January.
Also looking at the release dates throughout all product revisions suggests iPods suffer the longest between upgrades averaging 10 months between revisions, desktops go 8 months at a time and laptops just 5 months in recent times. This hints at an mid August to first week of September update for the laptops including the Air's first update. Traditionally, however, the laptops gain updates in late October or early November as they are a more highly sought after Christmas item.
iMac wise is a wider time frame. Updates could take place as soon as August or September which would match their own record for quickest revision. They could also receive the laptops coveted Christmas role and take early November updates. If neither of those opportunities are taken then a revision is most likely to occur at the MacWorld convention on January 5th 2009. Any even before would be one of Apple's coveted 'Special Events.'
Also due updates soon is the iPod and iPod nano ranges, not to mention a well over due Mac Mini update (if they don't phase it out) as well as some form of a cinema display update. Oh and don't forget the Pro's are approaching some new fillings. Luckily for Apple the Xserves and iPhones are no where near an expiry date. In fact the last time Apple had to update this many products at once was back in January & February of 2003!
Personally i expect something a little bit special with the next update as, iMac-wise, it's meant to be one of the 'major' updates. There is an expectancy to increase Intel core numbers however i think we won't see that until nearer the release of Snow Leopard.
After giving you all a bit of stats and facts, your guess is as good as mine for what all these updates hold in store for us!