Macbooks Tuesday, May 9?

[eugenef]

Rumor May Be True

just a heads up, I believe the rumor maybe true. The IBOOK on my campus has dropped from the educational price of 1200 to 1000, 200 dollar drop. And I kept asking the sales people on campus for how long the product will remain, and she told me till they ran out... what does that spell out to you? Perhaps this maybe true. I SOOO hope it is.

 

[macgeek2005]

Has anyone given any thought to the possibility that it may be called something like iBook Pro?

Nope. Steve Jobs said that they want Mac in the name of their products.

 

[forrest1992]

Nope. Steve Jobs said that they want Mac in the name of their products.

Yes, I saw that too, but I still think iBook Pro looks nice.

If anyone doesn't know, there are companies that will take your current iBook and have it painted in one of about 12 colours, under the shell so it doesn't scratch. Its a service available on eBay.

I think it would be awesome for Apple and eBay to work together and come out with an easy auction/bidding software for eBay called iBay or something. As an Apple user and an eBay bidder, that would be great.

I'd post these as ideas, but it won't let me, nor will it send me the activation code.

 

[Chundles]

Yes, I saw that too, but I still think iBook Pro looks nice.

If anyone doesn't know, there are companies that will take your current iBook and have it painted in one of about 12 colours, under the shell so it doesn't scratch. Its a service available on eBay.

I think it would be awesome for Apple and eBay to work together and come out with an easy auction/bidding software for eBay called iBay or something. As an Apple user and an eBay bidder, that would be great.

I'd post these as ideas, but it won't let me, nor will it send me the activation code.

Under the shell painting was only an option with the G3 "iceBooks" that used clear polycarbonate painted white to give a translucent effect. The current iBooks use white polycarbonate that can only be painted over the top - a service offered by ColorWare.

iBook Pro does look pretty good but it won't be used.

I don't see you Apple/eBay idea coming to fruition though, Apple has a pretty shocking track record of collaborations with other companies in terms of software (clones, Motorola etc.)

 

[aswitcher]

Timing would be right to build on recent advertising push...

 

[forrest1992]

Under the shell painting was only an option with the G3 "iceBooks" that used clear polycarbonate painted white to give a translucent effect. The current iBooks use white polycarbonate that can only be painted over the top - a service offered by ColorWare.

iBook Pro does look pretty good but it won't be used.

I don't see you Apple/eBay idea coming to fruition though, Apple has a pretty shocking track record of collaborations with other companies in terms of software (clones, Motorola etc.)

Open up your iBook case. Take out the white inserts. There glued in, so it takes force. Some parts are taped in, take them out. Soak the shell in methyl hydrate for about 10 minutes and scrub them with a paper towel, it will strip the white paint, leaving it clear. Pop out the apple logo, its glued in. Paint it with a glassware paint. The inside. Under the case. Let it dry. Might as well clean everything while you are in there. Put it back together the same way you took it apart. You can use an adhesive, such as crazy flue or a thing called Goop.

Tada.

 

[Chundles]

Open up your iBook case. Take out the white inserts. There glued in, so it takes force. Some parts are taped in, take them out. Soak the shell in methyl hydrate for about 10 minutes and scrub them with a paper towel, it will strip the white paint, leaving it clear. Pop out the apple logo, its glued in. Paint it with a glassware paint. The inside. Under the case. Let it dry. Might as well clean everything while you are in there. Put it back together the same way you took it apart. You can use an adhesive, such as crazy flue or a thing called Goop.

Tada.

Yeah, that worked on the G3 iBooks but the G4 iBooks don't use clear plastic, the plastic is white all the way through. No amount of paint stripper is going to remove it.

 

[forrest1992]

Yeah, that worked on the G3 iBooks but the G4 iBooks don't use clear plastic, the plastic is white all the way through. No amount of paint stripper is going to remove it.

Would it be possible to replace the G4 iBook case with that of a G3? It would only need some minor adaptions at most...

 

[nagromme]

I thought the new ad campaign would be timed based on the next big Mac release--the MacBook/iBook.

I still think that--even though no MacBook appeared with the ads. Maybe Apple wanted to start the ads ahead of the MacBook and let the campaign have its own splash, and THEN let the MacBook have ITS own splash. More media attention that way.

So if I'm right and the ad campaign signals a new MacBook, then how long will they wait?

1 week seems at least possible, but I'll predict 2 weeks just to be difficult.

 

[Chundles]

Would it be possible to replace the G4 iBook case with that of a G3? It would only need some minor adaptions at most...

Don't know about that - I suppose it could be possible, oh hang on, the G3 used a tray-loading optical drive whereas the G4 uses a slot-loader. That could pose a problem for the bottom part of the case but it could still be OK for the top shell unless they moved the position of the screws.

 

[Chundles]

I thought the new ad campaign would be timed based on the next big Mac release--the MacBook/iBook.

I still think that--even though no MacBook appeared with the ads. Maybe Apple wanted to start the ads ahead of the MacBook and let the campaign have its own splash, and THEN let the MacBook have ITS own splash. More media attention that way.

So if I'm right and the ad campaign signals a new MacBook, then how long will they wait?

1 week seems at least possible, but I'll predict 2 weeks just to be difficult.

If they want to time it with the new campaign then I'd expect an invitation to a special event to be forthcoming pretty soon - the new ads are definitely not aimed at professionals but the only Intel based portable Mac is the MacBook Pro - they really need a consumer focussed laptop to really make use of the ad campaign.

An invitation next week with the special event the week after to show off the new MacBook and some other 30th Anniversary products would be a good idea. If it doesn't come soon it won't be till later in the year - suicide if you ask me, the iBook has to be their biggest selling Mac, surely they'd want some attention on it during edu purchasing season.

 

[Tmog]

I have heard a lot of rumours and is sort of giving up hope - when the iBook is out I want it - until then........

But the logic must be - get it out, Apple can't be selling a lot of iBooks right now, they need a fresh design and up to date processing power (the MBP is okay and cool and so on - but the design is not really innovative)

 

[iPie]

I thought the new ad campaign would be timed based on the next big Mac release--the MacBook/iBook.

I still think that--even though no MacBook appeared with the ads. Maybe Apple wanted to start the ads ahead of the MacBook and let the campaign have its own splash, and THEN let the MacBook have ITS own splash. More media attention that way.

So if I'm right and the ad campaign signals a new MacBook, then how long will they wait?

1 week seems at least possible, but I'll predict 2 weeks just to be difficult.

I think that nagromme is right on.

Characteristics of the ads campaign:
1. targeting switchers
2. conincides with education 'season'
3. pictures the 'Mac' as young
4. does not mention anything 'pro'
5. links into iPod

The current offering of Intel Macs does not really match their ads:
- has to be reasonably priced: youths, education
- also many switchers want a decent entry level option: this is missing in the portable market
- must address portable market - iPod reference
- must be cool
- switchers want a full package (why would I buy a mini and then be forced to get the right keyboard, mouse etc.)

I also think that the ads and the product have to arrive at the same time, there's no point in getting people all excited about getting a Mac and then discovering that there is a huge gap in their product offering and that the gap will be filled "before the end of 2007". That's just going to turn them off.

In any case the Macbook will be a great success, how great depends upon how well Apple pulls this off.

 

[liketom]

well it's about time we had a release -

Maybe we are missing something here ? macbooks are a given but maybe Apple will be pushing out something else too , i think in the last Apple finance meeting Jobs said they had the media thing coverd

i still think that Macbooks have been delayed for the release of the iTunes Movie Store


Work/Play/Watch -Macbook

 

[MacQuest]

... at times Apple will send the black pallet... That is, a pallet of new product shrouded in black plastic with orders to not open until instructed to do so.

Yup.

They have not received a pallet like that yet, but he expects them to get one shortly. He is of the mind that Apple will have stock ready to go when they announce.

Yup.

 

[mpw]

They may get unlabeled boxes, not to be opened until a certain date. That's how Apple can have products for sale in retail stores soon after an announcement.

It may be the same for window displays.

I'll believe it when I see pictures of those unlabeled boxes.... in a lift.

 

[cdpilkington]

If they're receiving display materials, maybe they'll be for announcing the impending release of the MacBook? They could send out event invitations at the same time and have the 'Books released a week after the 9th.

 

[Demon]

despite the terrible laptop Apple produces... i'll be the first to order one...

 

[zap2]

If the higher class model has a BTO to 2.0Ghz, i'm getting one.

seems really unlikly seeing how the low end PRO laptop is not that fast

 

[Poff]

The BIG question

The BIG question:

Are the shops ordered to get rid of their 12" Powerbooks aswell?

This could give some clues on the rumour that the Macbook will replace the 12" Powerbook aswell..

 

[Boggle]

And they'll be delivered by little pink furry creatures from Alpha Centauri. Each one will come with a super-model in a French Maid outfit, or a strapping fire-fighter (purchaser's discresion), also 3 karat diamond, & an MBA from Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administation.

 

[DJS1234]

Calm down everyone, reading this thread it sounds like next Tues. is a set confirmed Apple date. Remember this is still only rumour there are tons of threads all over the rumour site forums that say-
"I know because I put a glass on the wall of Steve Job's office and overheard him say the new Macbook will be released in January/Febuary/March/April/May" etc etc etc

Really we have no clue still and thats the only fact available. Remember this is the company who turned 30 and didn't even release a press statement to the effect.

I can't wait for Macbook but this is still only rumour, if next Tues comes and there isn't a Macbook there will be a new thread started saying 16th March DEFINITE for Macbook cos some guy told me so

Powerbook G5 anyone? lol

Come on Apple give us the Macbook (and please before you do take a lesson in how to apply thermal compound to a cpu because laptops are a real pain-in-the-a$$ to take apart to fix your mistakes!)

 

[Willis]

i agree with an earlier post that Apple will release invites on either monday or tuesday of next week for a small press release at the campus. I doubt they'd show much off at E3, but then again, they could.

Bare in mind the 17" never got a formal introduction, but then again, it is just a size update. hmm, all a bit odd i think.

either way, the 'book is coming out soon!

 

[aussie_geek]

Don't you get sick of typing "Duff-Man says" every time? We understand that it's you, Mr. Man.

don't disturb the duffman!! 'Duff-Man says' is his opening signature just like people have their signature at the bottom of every post.

As for the macbooks, i hope they will be on sale next tuesday as one of my workmates is driving me nuts asking when they will be released. I have been answering 'soon - just hold onto your cash' for over a month...

aussie_geek

 

[petej]

My latest apple store discount voucher expires on 21-May.
There has been a noticable tendancy for these vouchers to expire just before a big product launch. I don't recall ever having a valid voucher for any of the big product launches. So I personally don't expect anything in the next few days.

Like others have speculated, I expect that the Macbook launch will be a fully stocked launch with a huge media blitz. It would appear that with the new ad campain running, Apple have booked quite a few slots so could easily switch the content.