Yvan256 said:
Even the Jordana runs WinCE, can't even run 98SE on that. If Apple does make an "iBook mini" it has to be no different than their other laptops (that is, it must run OS X, full, regular, non-modified, non-compact version). Basically take a previous-generation iBook G3, and make it ultra-compact (don't really care about the thickness as long as it stays the same, but the overall size has got to shrink down. Funny how I've seen "iBook mini" concepts, but the guy simply made it thinner... That's not mini at all!)
Depends on taste I guess. I hate touchpads since there's no way to be as precise as a regular mouse, I can use the "trackpoint" from IBM without much problems (you can be precise with practice), but touchscreen is better in my opinion (it's like a touchpad, but you've got a much bigger surface to point, and you point directly at what you want to "click"). Perhaps you're not used to them and/or you've used crappy ones?
In any case I don't think that "slide-out" touchpad is a good idea (moving parts are more fragile, and in such a small laptop it would require too much internal space to be worth it).
How about a compromise solution? I wouldn't say no to a built-in trackball... (and it works better with MAME for Marble Madness).
I've used lots of good touchscreens on laptop styled devices. It's just not a comfortable way to work on a
small computer. It's not to bad on a full desktop with a monitor that isn't right in front of your keyboard. Try it sometime... you have to lift up your arm from the shoulder to do any mouse work. It get's
really uncomfortable after about 15 minutes.
I agree that moving parts is probably a bad idea... that only leaves one of those little eraser head in the middle of the keyboard thingies. I personally can be very accurate with a touchpad (can play fps games with them after a little warming up). I find the trick is not to slide your finger around, but use a fat thumb and roll it around, changing the center of contact, and settign the sensitivity up kinda high. However, I know not everyone is comfortable with them... however, no one can be comfortable with a laptop touch screen for more than 15 minutes of regular mouse work. Your shoulders just can't hold up to that kind of abuse. (It's not bad if you are holding the thing in your lap or something, but if it is up on a desk/table, it's excruciating).
Anyways, I wanted to add that I don't think we will see a G5 eMac or a Dual CPU emac. Probably have one more revision of the G4 before they roll out a 1.6ghz eMac and a 1.8/2.0 iMac upgrade around the same time. I'm guessing:
- PowerMacs - no announcement at MWSF, but short afterwards they will slip in an upgrade. Single CPU version goes to 2.0ghz, with full 1ghz FSB. No more dual 1.8ghz's, but the 3.0ghz's will be announced and ship relitively soon afterwards. The 9600XT will become standard on all dual CPU machines. The single CPU will keep the 5200Ultra awhile longer. Will Apple get a clue and offer 512MB ram as standard on the high end models at least? Probably not, but who knows!
- 1.5ghz G4 eMacs, with the a GPU that is CoreImage ready... either the 5200ultra (much to iMacG5 users dismay =p) or a version of the 5200Go?
- PowerBooks go to 1.33ghz (12"), 1.5ghz (all 15") and 1.72ghz (17"). The top two models will get 128mb VRAM standard, the 12" will go to 9600 mobilities.
- iBook - No change... have to give the PBs a chance to 'pull ahead' for a bit.
- iMac - sadly, no changes in GPU for the iMac. After the eMac goes G5 it will get a better video subsystem and a speed bump, but not till then.
- iPod - mini goes to 5gb, flashPod announced as 512mb for $149, 1gb for $199.
- Tiger - Demo of some new features we have heard about already, and also some sort of 'suprise' feature that isn't in any builds yet, but will be in the final release. Nothing revolutionary, but something that hasn't been done yet. Release will be announced as 2nd quarter or Spring '05, or something else equally vague.
- iPhone - Will be mentioned that Apple has a new product in the works for this summer, with Motorola, but nothing specific will be said.
- Keynote will be featured, of course. No suprises there.
That's what I think... probably wrong all the way down the list, but it's fun the speculate
Happy Holidays,
Rob
