Introduction
The following are my thoughts on Apple laptops. These are not predictions, but rather some ideas on what I'd realistically like to see Apple doing in the next few months. Suggested specs/prices are obviously only rough.
iBook
The iBook already has most things right, and we can't really expect massive processor speed increases until the Powerbooks have the G5. However all models should get Airport Extreme support and built-in bluetooth, and ideally USB2. I think Apple should discontinue the 14" models, as there are too many models, and confusion between PB and iBook lines. This leaves two models, and with limited scope for processor speed increases, I think there's room for quite agressive price cuts.
CDROM 12" iBook, keep spec similar (CDROM and 128M RAM), but increase CPU to 900Mhz G3 and lower price to $899.
Combo 12" iBook, 1Ghz G3, 256M RAM, Combo Drive. The current combo 12" model is too expensive, with a $300 hike over the entry-level for a combo drive and 100Mhz. It should have more RAM and take a price cut to $1099.
Powerbooks
Until the G5 arrives there can only be realtively modest performance improvements for PB, however using Radeon 9600 on high-end models would be a good step. All models should get DDR RAM, USB2, Airport Extreme, built-in Bluetooth and backlit keyboard. With the G5 on the horizon, developing duel G4 PB doesn't make sense. Instead, I'd like to see further modest price cuts.
12" PB, 1.1GHz G4, 256M RAM, 1M L3 cache, DVI connector, 32M Radeon 9000. Would be good to have a redesign to make it 1" thick and reduce screen bezel, like other PB. L3 cache would improve performance and bring 12" in line with other PB. Price cut to $1499 for Combo, $1649 for 1xSuperdrive.
15" PB, 1.1/1.3GHz G4 256/512MB RAM, 1M L3 cache, Mobility Radeon 9000/9600. For most users the 15" model represents a good balance between size and functionality. Apple should continue to keep this model strong. Graphics should be updated for high-end model to 64M 9600, while the cheaper model would stay with have 32M 9000. 15" should get new Al design. 1.1GHz/256MB/Combo model $1849. 1.3GHz/512MB/1xSuperdrive model $2499.
17" PB 1.3 GHz G4, 512M RAM, 2M L3 cache (if possible), 64M Radeon 9600, 2xSuperdrive, Airport Extreme card installed. Not a huge change from current model, but until G5 arrives about the best that can be done is faster graphics and, if possible, 2M L3 cache. With such a large case it would be good to squeeze in a larger battery to increase battery life. Price $2999.
In summary, I think these changes are realistic, and would help Apple improve sales and marketshare. Once G5s are ready for laptop use then we can see G5 PB and Gobi iBooks.
The following are my thoughts on Apple laptops. These are not predictions, but rather some ideas on what I'd realistically like to see Apple doing in the next few months. Suggested specs/prices are obviously only rough.
iBook
The iBook already has most things right, and we can't really expect massive processor speed increases until the Powerbooks have the G5. However all models should get Airport Extreme support and built-in bluetooth, and ideally USB2. I think Apple should discontinue the 14" models, as there are too many models, and confusion between PB and iBook lines. This leaves two models, and with limited scope for processor speed increases, I think there's room for quite agressive price cuts.
CDROM 12" iBook, keep spec similar (CDROM and 128M RAM), but increase CPU to 900Mhz G3 and lower price to $899.
Combo 12" iBook, 1Ghz G3, 256M RAM, Combo Drive. The current combo 12" model is too expensive, with a $300 hike over the entry-level for a combo drive and 100Mhz. It should have more RAM and take a price cut to $1099.
Powerbooks
Until the G5 arrives there can only be realtively modest performance improvements for PB, however using Radeon 9600 on high-end models would be a good step. All models should get DDR RAM, USB2, Airport Extreme, built-in Bluetooth and backlit keyboard. With the G5 on the horizon, developing duel G4 PB doesn't make sense. Instead, I'd like to see further modest price cuts.
12" PB, 1.1GHz G4, 256M RAM, 1M L3 cache, DVI connector, 32M Radeon 9000. Would be good to have a redesign to make it 1" thick and reduce screen bezel, like other PB. L3 cache would improve performance and bring 12" in line with other PB. Price cut to $1499 for Combo, $1649 for 1xSuperdrive.
15" PB, 1.1/1.3GHz G4 256/512MB RAM, 1M L3 cache, Mobility Radeon 9000/9600. For most users the 15" model represents a good balance between size and functionality. Apple should continue to keep this model strong. Graphics should be updated for high-end model to 64M 9600, while the cheaper model would stay with have 32M 9000. 15" should get new Al design. 1.1GHz/256MB/Combo model $1849. 1.3GHz/512MB/1xSuperdrive model $2499.
17" PB 1.3 GHz G4, 512M RAM, 2M L3 cache (if possible), 64M Radeon 9600, 2xSuperdrive, Airport Extreme card installed. Not a huge change from current model, but until G5 arrives about the best that can be done is faster graphics and, if possible, 2M L3 cache. With such a large case it would be good to squeeze in a larger battery to increase battery life. Price $2999.
In summary, I think these changes are realistic, and would help Apple improve sales and marketshare. Once G5s are ready for laptop use then we can see G5 PB and Gobi iBooks.
One can only hope for a 1.1 ghz 12'' pb 
