MacBook Delays? Next Tuesday?

[KaiMac]

What I'm praying is not true is the PiperJaffray report expecting no MacBook release until July (based on no uptick in Apple's guidance for the quarter, plus Apple's own statement describing JULY & AUGUST as their primary educational buying months).

This makes more sense than anything else rumored on this board. If Wallstreet isn't expecting an uptick in sales this quarter, you can expect it will be a bit longer until we see the Macbooks. The Street always knows first. An early 3rd quarter release makes a lot of sense for the Macbook.

I know you don't want to be anywhere near the Raleigh Apple store on "tax free" school supplies day in late July when they sell a ton of Macs.

I just don't see them rolling out hardware when they are trying to show off a new store in NYC. I see this event as more of an architectural showoff in the big city.

 

[galton1.3]

This makes more sense than anything else rumored on this board. If Wallstreet isn't expecting an uptick in sales this quarter, you can expect it will be a bit longer until we see the Macbooks. The Street always knows first. An early 3rd quarter release makes a lot of sense for the Macbook.

I know you don't want to be anywhere near the Raleigh Apple store on "tax free" school supplies day in late July when they sell a ton of Macs.

I just don't see them rolling out hardware when they are trying to show off a new store in NYC. I see this event as more of an architectural showoff in the big city.

Well, I half-agree with both of us. Apple may not have upped their guidance because any or all of the following:

1) They were/are unsure of the release schedule themselves and are being cautious due to potential production problems... like hammering out any possible replication of MBP problems on the MB.

2) They were/are unsure of the real world (aka non-forums-like-these) demand levels for this upgrade - for example, there was just a report about Intel Mac Mini sales being somewhat higher than originally expected.

3) They want to play a bit of the "woo hoo, check out how our earnings totally trounced analyst estimates!" game.

All this being said, I would really, really like to be able to walk over to the new store next week and lug home a brand new MacBook.

 

[7on]

Erm, I doubt that very much. My Mini with 2gb of memory barely opens it - it doesn't have all the shader abilities required. If you think you'll get very good HL2 performance out of a Mini you'll be very disappointed (as much as I love mine).

-Leemo

http://www.crackin.com/hl2mm/hl2mm.mov

 

[Machead III]

The gaming industry is huge. Just because you're not interested doesn't mean that a lot of Mac users wouldn't like to play the odd game on the road.

Anyway, you try doing the sort of image work that many students will want to do on integrated graphics. Case closed. Optional dedicated graphics or APple will have made a major booboo.

 

[4God]

O.K., can somebody tell me why Apple is at E3 then? 😕

 

[pjkelnhofer]

You know what I meant... I've used a PB 1.5Ghz machine and the iBook G4, I can hardly notice the difference at all in speed, theyre both slow as hell. I own an iBook 1.33 myself. The G4 truthfully sucks big time😱 There is more of a diff/ between two cores increasing than one core I would argue and even if that was not completely true and we held it to be a $100 instead of $50 increase, then it would still make the PowerBook $450 more expensive c.f $400 over the proposition I have made. Surely between a year of launch, one would expect to get more bang for their buck?! Therefore the $50 is probably irrelevant anyway...😛

I really did know what you meant. I would guess that the difference you would feel between going from the Core Duo 1.66 to the 1.83 would really not be very noticeable. If you were coming from the G4 (1.33 or 1.5) the would both seem much faster (for universal binaries).

I think the biggest thing you pay for with the MacBook Pro vs. the theorectical MacBook, is the same thing you paid for in the PowerBook vs. iBook. The professional look and feel (metallic case vs. plastic, back-lit keyboard, thinner design).

Apple could get away with selling indentically specs on on the MacBook vs. the MacBook pro and still having a few hundred dollars difference just for the "coolness" factor of the MacBook.

I think that is where the price difference comes in.

 

[gloss]

What I'm praying is not true is the PiperJaffray report expecting no MacBook release until July (based on no uptick in Apple's guidance for the quarter, plus Apple's own statement describing JULY & AUGUST as their primary educational buying months).

That will be really annoying, because I'd have to buy a PC laptop instead. Apple must bow to my personal scheduling and release it sometime this month.

Please.

 

[Leemo]

http://www.crackin.com/hl2mm/hl2mm.mov

Yeah that does run well you're right!

There's no way that's running on that Mac Mini though - mine is a topped out Mini with full spec, and it doesn't run like that at all.

*Plus* if you watch the video there are shader reflections on the floor as he's running around - which mine doesn't support as the integrated graphics don't support the level of shaders required.

Fake I'm afraid.

-Leemo

 

[Macnoviz]

This makes more sense than anything else rumored on this board. If Wallstreet isn't expecting an uptick in sales this quarter, you can expect it will be a bit longer until we see the Macbooks. The Street always knows first. An early 3rd quarter release makes a lot of sense for the Macbook.

I know you don't want to be anywhere near the Raleigh Apple store on "tax free" school supplies day in late July when they sell a ton of Macs.

I just don't see them rolling out hardware when they are trying to show off a new store in NYC. I see this event as more of an architectural showoff in the big city.

I think there is a substantial chance for the release of the Macbook, when looking at a lot of rumors, the dates are really close, and they are making quite a big deal about the opening on the apple site:
http://www.apple.com/retail/fifthavenue/week/20060521.html

I would say about 30 % chance (give or take)

 

[Legacy]

Entry Level Machine

Dell, is currently charging $778 for:

Intel Core Solo 1.66Ghz
512DDR RAM
GMA950 GPU
80GB HDD (special offer, normally 40GB)
Combo Drive
14.1" WideScreen TFT
Windows Media Centre + Remote
Wi-Fi built-in

Notable absent features from the predicted MacBook includes:

Bluetooth, iSight Digicam, SMS, Trackpad Scrolling.

I am in no doubt, that Apple COULD offer, very easily a $999/£699 model looking at these details with a Solo 1.5/60GB/GMA950/iSight/FrontRow

Apple need to ensure the sub $1k price bracket (and sub £700 price bracket in the UK) is sustained.

What do people think? Surely if they could offer this at $999, they could offer a CD 1.66/80GB/Dedicated GPU/Super for $1299?!

 

[mikea]

This makes more sense than anything else rumored on this board. If Wallstreet isn't expecting an uptick in sales this quarter, you can expect it will be a bit longer until we see the Macbooks. The Street always knows first. An early 3rd quarter release makes a lot of sense for the Macbook.

I know you don't want to be anywhere near the Raleigh Apple store on "tax free" school supplies day in late July when they sell a ton of Macs.

I just don't see them rolling out hardware when they are trying to show off a new store in NYC. I see this event as more of an architectural showoff in the big city.

Originally Posted by galton1.3
What I'm praying is not true is the PiperJaffray report expecting no MacBook release until July (based on no uptick in Apple's guidance for the quarter, plus Apple's own statement describing JULY & AUGUST as their primary educational buying months).
ME:
Finally someone is getting it right. As much as it sucks..this is the most accurate guessing job out there. Even though I want the Macbook real bad...and was almost convinced about it coming real soon,,I am not expecting it next week or the week after, or the week after. Thanks for getting these ideas on this board.

 

[bill4588]

I havnt done any "imaginary specs" before, but this is what I think the intro-macbook will be:

Intel Core Solo 1.66Ghz
512DDR RAM
GMA950 GPU
60GB HDD
Combo Drive
13.3" widescreen
Bluetooth
= $999

Notice that I didnt include front row or the iSight because I believe this will be the entry-level system. Apple needs to keep the $999 price and there are PLEANTY of people who simply dont care about dedicated graphics, iSight, or Front Row (and I'm one of those people). I think the main selling point with the new MacBooks will be upgradability. You will be able to upgrade it however much you want, even close to the MBP, but it'll cost 'ya. A maxed-out MacBook may cost $1899. But who knows?

 

[Peace]

I havnt done any "imaginary specs" before, but this is what I think the intro-macbook will be:

Intel Core Solo 1.66Ghz
512DDR RAM
GMA950 GPU
60GB HDD
Combo Drive
13.3" widescreen
Bluetooth
= $999

Notice that I didnt include front row or the iSight because I believe this will be the entry-level system. Apple needs to keep the $999 price and there are PLEANTY of people who simply dont care about dedicated graphics, iSight, or Front Row (and I'm one of those people). I think the main selling point with the new MacBooks will be upgradability. You will be able to upgrade it however much you want, even close to the MBP, but it'll cost 'ya. A maxed-out MacBook may cost $1899. But who knows?

I think Front Row and built-in iSight is becoming standard on all laptops and iMacs..

That's one reason the MacBook might be a little more expensive when it comes out.

 

[Legacy]

I think Front Row and built-in iSight is becoming standard on all laptops and iMacs..

That's one reason the MacBook might be a little more expensive when it comes out.

iThink..haha, so too. The whole 'i' philosophy with the iMac was primarily, if I remember rightly, about it being an 'internet' mac. I think now the word 'i' has come to mean a lot of things. The iLife package is a prime example and so are things like iWork and, iChat...

Where am I getting with all this? The iSight and FrontRow will probably be the new vision of the 'Mac' experience (bar MacMini and MacPro). For the consumer, the Mac is a different computer. A computer that comes with a range of 'i' branded software, and features such as a media center and a camera. It's all part of the Mac experience, all built-in, just like the iMac G3 was in 1998.

This is nothing new, the ever since the launch of 'Macintosh', Apple have aimed to provide the consumer with something different and distinguishable. In the new millenium, I think Media Centre apps+ remote and built-in Cameras are the new thing, and every MacBook/iMac will come complete. It's part of the computer, so you can't sell one 'with' and one 'without'...that guys, means a price hike🙄

 

[bill4588]

I think Front Row and built-in iSight is becoming standard on all laptops and iMacs..

That's one reason the MacBook might be a little more expensive when it comes out.

I think they may be alienating some customers by forcing some features for more money that lots of people dont even care about. Apple needs to remain more open-minded because schools need to buy these computers too, and why would they really need front row and iSight? I guess some good could come out of it, but also some bad - with students stealing them and such.

 

[ImAlwaysRight]

In addition, I looked at my watch and I came to the same conclusion... The MacBooks are on the way!!!!!

I looked at my calendar and said "MacBooks are on the way," then I looked at my watch and said "It's about time." 😉 😛

It's actually about time for a new MacBook rumor. My gosh, it's been over 48 hours without a new rumor. 🙄

I think they may be alienating some customers by forcing some features for more money that lots of people dont even care about. Apple needs to remain more open-minded because schools need to buy these computers too, and why would they really need front row and iSight? I guess some good could come out of it, but also some bad - with students stealing them and such.

Others have mentioned the parts for the camera cost about $3. Plus, once it is part of the design, it is more expensive to come up with two designs than to just have one -- it is easier to manufacture them all the same way. Expect iSight in ALL MacBooks. Sorry if you don't want it. You may not ever play a DVD on your MacBook, but you'll be getting a DVD playback capable drive also. And you may not need speakers as you either wear headphones or have it hooked up to externals, but internal stereo speakers will come standard as well.

 

[Legacy]

I think they may be alienating some customers by forcing some features for more money that lots of people dont even care about. Apple needs to remain more open-minded because schools need to buy these computers too, and why would they really need front row and iSight? I guess some good could come out of it, but also some bad - with students stealing them and such.

Well I am all for the reintroduction of the eMac and eBook for education customers and students ONLY. I.E to actually BUY them, you have to be a student.

The Celeron Yonah processorts are nearly ready, (1.46/1.6/1.73Ghz Single Core 1MB cache). On universal apps these machines would kill the G4 despite being a cut-down chip.

Apple, if your listening!

eMac 17" CRT EDU: Celeron-Y 1.46/512RAM/GMA950/Combo/40GB $599
eMac 17" CRT STU: Celeron-Y 1.6/512RAM/GMA950/Super/60GB $799
Extras: Airport+Bluetooth, NO MODEMS

eBook 12" EDU: Celeron-Y 1.46/512RAM/GMA950/Combo/40GB $699
eBook 14" STU: Celeron-Y 1.6/512RAM/GMA950/Super/60GB $899
Extras: AP+BT, NO MODEMS

 

[peharri]

O.K., can somebody tell me why Apple is at E3 then? 😕

They're always at E3. They probably have a booth showcasing hits from MacGames and Aspyr running on the latest iMacs, though I would imagine more important than that is to have Apple people rubbing shoulders with key game developers to remind them there's more than one easy-to-use desktop computer out there.

 

[Mersen]

Here is the current $2000 MBP
1.83 Core Duo
512MB
80GB
4x SuperDrive
ATI X1600 128MB

Lets assume that there will have to be a $1500 price range Macbook. (If they do indeed get rid of the 12" powerbook which is most likely)

Do think that this is a potential possibility?

1.66 Core Duo
512MB
60GB
Super Drive (Not 4x is that possible)
ATI X1600 128MB (I Hope)

 

[iEdd]

Do think that this is a potential possibility?

1.66 Core Duo
512MB
60GB
Super Drive (Not 4x is that possible)
ATI X1600 128MB (I Hope)

There would be no point putting in a superdrive any slower than 4x that is only single layer, it would save peanuts for apple + the fact they have to round up new parts.
I can't see there being an X1600 either... 🙁 But yes, still a potential possibility.
An entry level one like this would be nice:
1.66GHz Core Duo
512MB DDR2 SDRAM
60GB HDD
4x DVD±R/W Superdrive
ATI x1400 64MB
iSight and Frontrow [optional extras*]
$999
Am I asking for too much? 😉

*Two reasons, makes a laptop more affordable, AND some people are not allowed to have any image capturing device at work with them and simply can't have an iSight on their work laptop.

 

[retroz311]

That's right. People who want to play Civilization, Unreal Tournament, and other games that require a computer, should get themselves a games console.

Seriously, this kind of comment gives Mac enthusiasts a bad name. I honestly do not know anyone whose primary gaming platform isn't a personal computer. Games consoles are excellent at certain types of environment, but not at everything.

Those demanding a mid-range dedicated graphics card like a Radeon in the latest portables may be wrong in terms of whether such a feature is a good idea or not (because of the power tradeoffs), but the argument that "nobody plays/cares about/etc games on computers" is demonstrably wrong. If people didn't want to play games on Macs, they wouldn't be demanding decent graphics hardware and complaining when it isn't included. Like it or not, they are complaining. They do want to play games. A console - a box designed to play only fixed-content arcade games - is not a substitute, it's a complementary piece of hardware, and will remain so for a long time to come.

I got a Toshiba A4, X600, 1.5 GB DDR, can run Nuendo, SX, and Play Unreal 2004 flawlessly....cost! $899.00
Also includes Blue Tooth, 6 in 1 card reader, wireless that works faster than my wired (can d/l 400K per second upstairs with door closed), touchpad, 6 pin firewire, 3 2.0 USB ports, VGA out, S-Video Out, Buit In Mic,

 

[dongmin]

just got the invitation in my mailbox

I'm ambivalent about the significance of this invite.

On the one hand, this new flagship store with its large theater and other public spaces may provide the stage of future product announcements. Apple loves NYC and they lost a major stage when MWExpo left town. I expect a lot of future announcements to come from this store.

But on the other hand, the invite is a public invite sent to general Apple customers. It's not targeted at the press which is typically what happens before Apple introduces new products. Apple wants to make sure there is a plenty of press people on hand to witness and report on new products. This invite doesn't really guarantee a large press coverage.

 

[dongmin]

Here is the current $2000 MBP
1.83 Core Duo
512MB
80GB
4x SuperDrive
ATI X1600 128MB

Lets assume that there will have to be a $1500 price range Macbook. (If they do indeed get rid of the 12" powerbook which is most likely)

Do think that this is a potential possibility?

1.66 Core Duo
512MB
60GB
Super Drive (Not 4x is that possible)
ATI X1600 128MB (I Hope)

I suspect Apple will drop the price on the baseline 15" MBP in the next round. This is usually how Apple operates. When Apple introduces a brand new product, they really take advantage of the early adopters and start at a pretty high price point. And with each revision after that, Apple typically lowers the price. I wouldn't be surprised if Apple does a 15" 2.0 ghz Core Duo MBP for $1799 when they release the Core 2 Duo laptops.

 

[retroz311]

you want them to include a core duo, isight, remote, 1GB of ram and possibly a superdrive for a base price of $899 or maybe even $799?!?! 🙄

dream on, dude...the MB will possibly have most of those things, but it will probably start at $1099 or maybe even $1199. all the prices of the other intel macs stayed the same or took a price bump up, so the MB will probably do the same...unless, of course, apple was able to get the core duos for really cheap and decide to pass the savings onto us...however, i highly doubt this.

Funny thing is that is cost next to nothing now for these motherboards and CPUs compared to the PPC and MAC motherboards. Yet, they continue to RIP off the consumer with eye candy!

 

[Pokeon]

I'm just wondering but did anyone think about Merom? Apple can aford to let MacBook Pro sells to get hurt when the Macbook comes out cause like 1-3 (Im betting earily July or sometihng like that) months later. MacBook Pro 64-bit. Meaning there will be a big difference and would let the Macbook having fair decent specs. If I was jobs I know thats what I would be hinting about cause lets move the MacBook Pro 15 then the 17... we can get a fair bit of Macbook outs and then hit it with the 64bits and just cash in. I hope apple sees that the long term plan in this case giving the MacBook decent specs even if it hurts the Pro that it would be better to sell more units.