Intel iBook in Shipping in June?

[galstaph]

June is fine with me... keeps my ibook as leading edge
Maybe it'll be released on the 30th with a 30 day shipping time, just to honour the 30th anniversary

Or maybe Steve is reading what were writing and thinking we're the April Fools

 

[bilbo--baggins]

Need an announcement now!

Even if Apple was going to ship Intel ibooks in June, I think everyone would benefit if they announced them now (and started taking pre-orders)

Benefits:
People undecided may choose MacBook Pro rather than wait
Schools can place their orders
People can save wasting time on rumour sites!

Disadvantages:
Who's going to buy an ibook G4

But who's going to buy an ibook G4 anyway????

 

[SurfSpirit]

Well, first sorry my english!

I am tired of waiting as many people out there, ya, if not june will be sptember, if not it will be January and so long. The truth is that Apple don't give much consideration on the medium consumers, students like me or people that just think 1999$ is too much for a computer are waiting for something more less expensive, smaller or lless heavy.

We need a Mac today and the only alternative in the mac world stills being the olddddd ibook wiith the old G4 processor that will be discontinued as fast as light, so wich is the interest in the iBook G4?

At least apple could start selling it with lower prices. The PC world has better options and definitely cheaper ones for this segment, the only bad thing is the Operating system, not the hardware, remember that now the hardware is mostly the same on Macs and PCs!

So if Mac OS X will boot in a PC notebook and I don´t have an INtel Ibook, I definitely will buy a cheaper PC. Even if would like to have an Apple deign Intel iBook,... but I just can't hold my life/necessities and studies for Apple to lately release it.

 

[NewMacFan]

Here's to hoping that this Asus deal is just a supply deal, and that the iBook will still come out sooner, with Asus just signing a deal to provide extended supply.

 

[dongmin]

I have a good friend who is the manager for an Apple store in Minnesota. I was speaking to him today about the upcoming MacBook (replacement for iBook) and he shared with me that from what he has heard from his sources in HQ, they will be combining the iBook 12", 14" and Powerbook 12" into one 13" WS unit. From there, my speculation is that one model would be intro priced with a core solo, while the upgraded model would have the SD, more memory, bigger hard drive and a Core Duo. My speculation, not his...

This has been addressed, so I'll just say: retail don't know jack. As for consolidating the line into one 13" form factor, that too has been rumored to death. We already pretty much know the specs on these babies: see the Mac Mini. The only question is whether Apple will introduce a higher-end model with better graphics. The bottom end will be $999, most likely with the same specs as the $599 Mini; the dual core version should top out at $1299 ($1199 if we're lucky).

Hmm...The thing is even if the new MacBooks come *out* in June, we can probably expect to see a similar consumer response as was exhibited with the MBPs, in that there will be a significant waiting period before most people get their hands on one due to all the orders... Maybe early July at best? Am I completely off base? Let's hope this is not the case. Better yet, let's hope they come out tomorrow...along with an iTablet or iNewton!

Or it's possible that they'll announce in May with shipping in June. Apple has had up to six weeks lead time on new products. If this thing is totally redesigned and has that instant gotta-have-it factor, they might start taking orders six weeks in advance.

In case you all didn't know, intel has not released a new low-power core duo processor that Gateway accidentaly leaked before Intel has announced it... my guess is that they will want their small laptop to be able to have a really, really good on time without recharging. They can only do this with Intel's new proc. which Apple needs them to announce! For more info on that proc., check out CNET and look for the newest video on a gateway laptop.

There is already a long thread on this leak. It's nothing that exciting, really. The specs on that Gateway bites, hard. Apple WILL NOT downgrade the new MacBooks with a 1.0 and 1.2 ghz CPU. What we see in the Mini is what we will get in the new MacBooks. Period.

This morning Appleinsider is reporting in addition to this "June shipping" of Intel iBooks:

The Commercial Times also recently reported that Intel will cut Core Duo pricing ahead of a new 2.33GHz model in May.

Now, if Apple bumped the 15" MBP to 2.0 and 2.16 GHz with a 2.33 GHz option in May, and brought in the 13" Macbook at 1.67, 1.83 and 2.0 GHz core duos, then I *could* live with this delay. Would love to see:

13.3" widescreen Macbook with 1.67 core duo for $999 (combo drive, integrated graphics)
13.3" widescreen Macbook with 1.67 core duo for $1299 (superdrive, no integrated graphics)
13.3" widescreen Macbook Pro with 1.83 core duo for $1499 (superdrive, no integrated graphics, backlit keyboard) (2.0GHz option for $200 more)

Like the iMacs, Apple should keep the core solo out of the iBook line and only put in core duo. Save the core solo for the lowly Mac Mini. Also, with the above, Apple would need to bump the iMacs to 2.0/2.16 GHz at the same price points.

Sounds pretty reasonable, but you never know with Apple. They tend to under-deliver on what people on this forum expect/want.

 

[unigolyn]

So if Mac OS X will boot in a PC notebook and I don´t have an INtel Ibook, I definitely will buy a cheaper PC. Even if would like to have an Apple deign Intel iBook,... but I just can't hold my life/necessities and studies for Apple to lately release it.

According to that logic, your best bet would be to walk into an Apple store and steal a MacBook Pro. Seriously, what do you do with your iBook that a 1.25 GHz G4 isn't sufficient for? I personally use a Dual USB G3/700, and aside from being a bit sluggish with videos, it works just fine.

 

[dialectician]

As for consolidating the line into one 13" form factor, that too has been rumored to death. We already pretty much know the specs on these babies: see the Mac Mini

There is already a long thread on this leak. It's nothing that exciting, really. The specs on that Gateway bites, hard. Apple WILL NOT downgrade the new MacBooks with a 1.0 and 1.2 ghz CPU. What we see in the Mini is what we will get in the new MacBooks. Period.

But what about an ultraportable model? The 13" book will hardly be ultraportable. And yet many users have to buy PCs because they want something lighter and smaller than the current 12" ibook/pb models. Don't you think Apple will add a light model, now that they are no longer bound to the power processors?

 

[ImAlwaysRight]

what do you do with your iBook that a 1.25 GHz G4 isn't sufficient for? I personally use a Dual USB G3/700, and aside from being a bit sluggish with videos, it works just fine.

Your comment wasn't addressed to me, but I will answer. I have a Mac Mini 1.5GHz G4 with 1GB RAM, 64MB Radeon 9200 and 5400rpm 80GB HD at work. At home I have a G5 iMac 2.1GHz with 1.5GB RAM, 128MB X600 and 7200rpm 250GB HD.

Long story short, I recently created a Keynote presentation on my iMac G5. I used the "flash" transition between a few slides which were pictures of people taking photographs -- it was very effective and ultra-cool.

For playback at work I used my work computer, my Mac Mini. I copied the presentation over to the Mac Mini G4 and played it back. Low and behold the dissolve transition was substituted for the flash transition. What the heck?! So I opened the inspector to see why my transition was changed, and Keynote said that computer did not support the flash or burn transitions. So the slower computer ruined what would have been a cool effect, AND which would have played had I had a core duo Intel Macbook 13"!

And that's just one small example; I am sure there are others. Plus, I find the Mac Mini G4 to be kinda sluggish for day to day use, even though mine has the "silent upgraded" specs. I can imagine what an iBook with lesser specs would feel like.

No, they said 10:00 am. It's still only 9:57!

I caught your emoticon, but when I wrote Apple Store should have been down by now if updates were today! it was just after 7AM central time. In the past when Apple has released updated Macs, they take the Apple store offline before 7AM CT. "They" must be mistaking.

 

[boncellis]

I wonder how long I will be able to hold out with my Powerbook when I see the new iBook replacements. The iBook was the first Mac I ever owned, and I was almost sad the day I sold it (to upgrade). I don't think Apple will change the aesthetics of it too much, though I think a widescreen aspect would help.

I think June makes sense from a business standpoint, it just seems far away because the iBook is overdue for a refresh. At what point does the iBook G4 get EOL'd?

 

[WSUkrissy]

In need of good advice...

I have been following this intel iBook debaucle for a while now, waiting out some sort of announcement, much like the rest of you but here is the thing...I need some advice about a purchase really soon...

The Buyer's Guide says "don't buy - updates soon" but realistically (as far as you all know) what might that actually mean? I am a graduating college senior and wanted to purchase an iBook before going home for the summer but at this rate, I have less than a month left here and there is no word in sight. Is it really that foolish to buy an iBook @ this point like the guide suggests?

Any insight would be much apprecited.

 

[ImAlwaysRight]

So I'm digging up old articles on the Intel iBook. ThinkSecret thought they were going to be the first Intel Mac, released in January 2006. WRONG.

Appleinsider posted these paragraphs in an article titled PowerBook to gain iSight, iBook to go widescreen in 2006, way back on Nov. 4, 2005:

Without getting into specific dates at this time, sources familiar with Apple's Macintosh hardware roadmap say the company is striving to unveil a completely redesigned set of Intel iBook laptops just in time for next year's K-12 educational buying season, which takes place around April or May. ...

Expected to make its debut even earlier than the new iBooks will be Apple's first Intel-based PowerBook, sources added. The new 15-inch PowerBook will carry over many of the design elements and styles that have made its aluminum PowerBooks so successful, but will be about 20- to 25-percent thinner than today's model.

The 12-inch PowerBook is no longer on Apple's roadmap -- as reported in August -- and the new Intel-based 17-inch model is slated for release several months later.


So far, Appleinsider seems to be SPOT ON. I'm betting we'll be seeing Intel iBooks (Macbooks) in April or May, so hopefully only have to sit tight a few more weeks instead of a couple months. You just KNOW Apple wants to get the Intel iBooks out for the EDU buying season.

Also note the words, "redesigned set of Intel iBook laptops." I have a good hunch we'll see 3 Macbook models, to fill the price gap in the $999 to $1499 range, maybe coming in at $999/$1299/$1499.

 

[Demon Hunter]

I don't. We like discussing what we hope for, yet soem people may get too excited, so they become dissapointed. BTW, it's June, not Juni (dansih n00b!)

I hope for:
$999:
1.5 Ghz Core Solo
512 MB RAM (same as the other intel macs)
60 GB HDD, 5.400 rpm.
ComboDrive
Frontrow
Magsafe and thinner
13.3" Widescreen, 1280x768 (HD! )
Intel GMA/950 64 MB DDR

$1349:
1.67 Ghz Core Duoo
512 MB RAM (same as the other intel macs)
80 GB HDD, 5.400 rpm.
8x DVD+/-RW/DL SuperDrive
Frontrow
Magsafe and thinner
13.3" Widescreen, 1280x768 (HD! )
Ati Radeon X1300 64 MB DDR

Congrats... that's the most realistic thing I've heard all day.

As promising as the ThinkSecret report is, I don't know if I can wait until May. I'm about to say screw it and just get a 12-inch.

Woe unto us, why Apple WHY?

 

[emate]

Edu

I don't know how much experience all of you have purchasing for schools, but the educational buying season begins June 1. No public or private school budget has any cash come June. It's all gone, and every IT person in a school is waiting for July 1 when the new fiscal year begins. That's when the new budget becomes available to them. So, often times, orders are placed in June with a recognition that an invoice allows them 30 days to pay, and that means they can charge the purchase to the next fiscal year, while the vendor can book the sale for the April-June quarter. However, many school business managers frown on that practice, and will not allow a Purchase Order to be sent out until July 1.

If Apple ships a device by June 30, 2006, they will not miss the EDU purchasing season as long as they make announcements prior to June, then schools will simply play the game based on their own rules and their own philosphy. Some will order June 1 and work out a deal to get cheap iBook G4s to clean out the last inventory Apple has. They will say that it's better to have a tried and true device for cheap than a new untested device for normal Ed prices. Others will wait to order the new device because they are willing to go with the newest thing and they have the budget to do it.

Also, there isn't a school department in the nation that has signed an NDA to learn about future releases. I would wager that there isn't a K12 sales rep (or Apple store employee for that matter) who knows anymore than the readership of this web site.

 

[ezekielrage_99]

They might update them tomorrow with PPC processors, as they really need an update - to carry over until Intel hits the streets in the iBook/MacBook.

That is so true, the iBook is the saddest looking product in the Apple line. We have the MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac Mini all using the Intel Core Duo processors but the iBook looks like it has been left behind in a big way.

Really who would want to buy an iBook with a G4 when you know full well that the rest of the Apple line has Intels Inside. I think Apple is doing a disservice to themselves if they don't release the Intel iBooks within the next month or two.

 

[pavetheforest]

That is so true, the iBook is the saddest looking product in the Apple line. We have the MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac Mini all using the Intel Core Duo processors but the iBook looks like it has been left behind in a big way.

Really who would want to buy an iBook with a G4 when you know full well that the rest of the Apple line has Intels Inside. I think Apple is doing a disservice to themselves if they don't release the Intel iBooks within the next month or two.

right on

 

[macpastor]

That is so true, the iBook is the saddest looking product in the Apple line. We have the MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac Mini all using the Intel Core Duo processors but the iBook looks like it has been left behind in a big way.

Really who would want to buy an iBook with a G4 when you know full well that the rest of the Apple line has Intels Inside. I think Apple is doing a disservice to themselves if they don't release the Intel iBooks within the next month or two.

I agree with your statement. I wonder how many iBooks are in the inventory pipeline right now though. Could they be waitng to dilute inventory before they come out with a new product? If they had to much, they would probably have to offload them at a serious discount.

 

[mrweirdo]

arg Im starting to get realy flustered if i cant have a new ibook in my hands by june 30th Im out of luck and will be forced to go to a pc laptop. I'm going on vacation for the month of july and need a laptop computer during that time. Not having the cash flow needed for a macbook pro and not wanting a screen so large the 13.3 ibook seems to be the perfect choice. So looks like i have eather two options try and bumb a dell laptop off one of my friends for that month or purchase a pc laptop myself. $)#(*$#& DAMNIT!! I hate pcs LOL

 

[iKucing]

intel iBook comes in colours??

i read in http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/25/macbook-a-13-inch-widescreen-with-magsafe-and-isight/#comments that the intel iBooks will come in colours:

"8. The new Macbook will be similar to the one shown above but it will be thinner. It will come in several colours: lime green, sky blue, pearl white, jet black, and bold red. Instead of a single hinge to hold the screen this new one will be a dual hinge design.

what's taking apple so long to launch it

 

[gunm]

June seems about right, although I'm a bit disappointed Apple hasn't done anything in conjuction w/the 30th anniversary <yet>.

I'm still a least a year or two away from even considering getting a new laptop, so any new Mac(i)book news is just icing for me.

Although I'm really curious what kind of improvements the next rev of Mac Mini will have.

 

[Derwood]

I ain't gonna love it, I ain't even gonna wanna be seen with it but damn if them MacBooks don't show up soon then I'm going Linux and getting a cheap Dell

Dell Inspiron 6400
Intel® CoreT Processor Duo T 2300 (1.66GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB)
ATI MobilityT Radeon® X1300 128MB
1024MB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
60GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (5400 RPM)

All for £729.

I'll give you £200 headroom Mr Jobs. So, the challenge is to give us a similar spec top-end MacBook (combined replacement for iBook & 12" Powerbook) for £929. I'd be well happy with that.

I'm slobbering for a MacBook like a hungry dog.

I'm so ashamed.

 

[coffey7]

If the solo version is $999.00 and the duo is near $1200.00 I would be so happy. That would be good pricing. Steve Jobs would jump 5 tax brackets. If the solo is over $1500 then I might fall on a sword.

 

[mrweirdo]

I ain't gonna love it, I ain't even gonna wanna be seen with it but damn if them MacBooks don't show up soon then I'm going Linux and getting a cheap Dell

Dell Inspiron 6400
Intel® CoreT Processor Duo T 2300 (1.66GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB)
ATI MobilityT Radeon® X1300 128MB
1024MB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
60GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (5400 RPM)

well i would be carefull if u actualy did do that expecialy about geting a dell for runing linux on as alot of the hardware will be for windows only drivers and wont work corectly under linux. Infact alot of pc notebooks are like this. the best supported ones that i have found in my research when i was looking at geting a laptop runing linux was lenovo thinkpads.

Now give us MACBOOKS!!!! APPLE!!!

 

[tosoil]

Sick of waiting

I don' think I can wait that long. Do you guys think that the current iBook 12" is worth $750 including tax? My school sells it at the price, and I am thinking of buying it instead of waiting forever.

 

[bobber205]

That's good for me. I could now not spend 2000 dollars for a dual XP and Mac OS X laptop if I get a MacBook.

Sweet.

 

[ImAlwaysRight]

Macbook wannabe

Has 13.3-inch WXGA widescreen display, color white, obviously no Macbook but just blur the image a little in your daydreams and you'll see a Macbook

EDIT: I must be loosing it ... I just ordered a 13" laptop case in anticipation of my new 13" Macbook, but Apple hasn't even officially announced it will be selling a 13" Macbook. Somebody stop me!!!

Case Logic 13" Lightweight Laptop Case