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New Version of Panther (Tachyon) for New Hardware?

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Apr 12, 2001
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ThinkSecret notes that Apple is currently working on a minor Panther version to be released with new hardware after the consumer release of Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther) reaches Gold Master.

As ThinkSecret reports -- this is typical behavior -- as each new Mac from Apple which is released comes bundled with a slightly updated version of the operating system. These minor updates/tweaks simply provide support for whatever new hardware or configurations are provided in the new machines.

They speculate, however, that this new version may herald a new release in the near future. The new iMacs and upcoming PowerBooks are (presumably) excluded as they should ship prior to Panther's consumer release. Our Buyer's Guide lists iBooks as the next consumer model due for an update, as it is is approaching the end of its release cycle.

The Xserve is also approaching time for a revision, with many expectations for a G5 release. However, while not specified by ThinkSecret, the implication seems to be that Tachyon is a version of Panther Client, not Server.
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2003/09/10/new-version-of-panther-tachyon-for-new-hardware/
Just the G5?

http://developer.apple.com/technotes/tn/tn2086.html

edit: See under "Getting the right tools"

"There are three main developer tools components you will want to install to get setup for G5 tuning. The Tachyon 1.0 Developer Preview CD can also be used, although since that tools release is not yet final, it will not be the focus of this technote."

I think this is just Panther for the _current_ G5 boxes.
 
Does that count for upgrades in processor speed as well? (the small differences in OS)

I upgraded from g4 350 to a g4 400 (a long time ago :) )but I couldn't find anything different in the software/os

They only do this the last couple of years?
 
New iBooks...

If there are new iBooks, what would be probable specs, and would costs be the same? I'm guessing something like 900Mhz-1.2 Ghz G3, 30-60 GB HD, 128-256MB RAM, ATI Radeon Mobility Video (16 & 32 MB?), possible new enclosure/other new features (the line hasn't had a facelift in a while...). While new G5 PBs may be cool, Apple needs to have a much better offering for $999-$1499 consumer laptops.
 
So, Apple will introduce Tachyons...
But, I think that Tachyons can disrupt scanner readings and disrupt force fields... They're also problematic because they're unwanted residue of many cloaking devices and technologies.
 
What could it be?

Could it possibly be a tweak for the new G5 Powerbook? Like some new features in the OS to control power consumption and heat issues? As we get closer to the Paris Expo I am becoming more convinced that a minor update to Powerbooks is not likely and a "big" announcement is at hand; but in typical fasion, whatever is announced will not be ready for some time. Panther is nearing completion already and Apple may feel compeled to announce new hardware well in advance of it's release. It would seem to me that they are falling behind in some of their product lines. The G5 announcement was a necesity, but had to be announced well before they were ready to ship; I think G5 PBs have to be next and soon. They may not be ready, but Apple may be forced to announce them anyway and a future update to Panther may reflect this.
 
Why consumer

The article centres on CONSUMER upgrades due.

But what about the XServe?

The G5 may still be too hot to shoe-horn into a powerbook, but the XServe may be able to cope. Just need to jam a few extra thermal zones in there.
 
PowerBook Tablet

That's exactly what it is.
A PowerBook that converts into a tablet. More than likely the 12 in and 15 in will be offerred in this config. Let's face it: They'll have to enter the tablet arena soon and they have the best technology in-house to do it with. Microsoft seriously miscalculated this one and will pay dearly for it once Apple gets in the game.
Think about the education sector, where this would be a perfect industry application for. And already, Apple leads the way in terms of sales of laptops in the education market.
It just makes sense. :cool:
 
Something big is coming I feel... hardware and new software (software other than pather ).

Otherwise why did Apple release the upgraded iMacs this week and not just wait a week and "show them off" at Paris? I'm sure Steve could have done a really good job at how good the iMacs now are - with his reality distortion field! :)

If you take the view that this isn't a big enough upgrade to iMacs for Parading at Paris, then the same could be said about possible new 15" PB - a slightly faster processor at 1.25Ghz and that have alumuim casing. Whoopie do! To showcase new PBs at Paris and to be taken seriously, they are going to have to be some hefty upgrades.
 
I doubt it's a PDA/tablet kind of thing since Steve himself is pretty vocal on his opinions on the uselessness of Apple coming out with such a device. Besides, since tachyons are a common side effect of cloaking devices, it seems obvious that the new OS built will be needed in order to uncloak the new PowerBook for all to see since when Apple was in initial testing, they must have accidentally cloaked it with no way of finding it afterwards. No wonder why even Apple doesn't know where the new PowerBooks are!
 
Gamma radiation!

Originally posted by Nemesis
So, Apple will introduce Tachyons...
But, I think that Tachyons can disrupt scanner readings and disrupt force fields... They're also problematic because they're unwanted residue of many cloaking devices and technologies.
Click to expand...

Hah!

I swear I immediately thought about Star Trek Next Generation when I saw that on Think Secret.

Hmm.. could this be the next generation of something else?

By the way, how are things down in Perth? Is Ben Stinga's record store still around?
 
Apple has publicly discussed Tachyon

Seriously - there may be some cool new version of Panther, but tachyon is not it. Tachyon is just the version for the current G5's.
 
I like that their code name for the G5 version is a name for a particle that always travels faster than the speed of light
 
Re: Just the G5?

Originally posted by edgar_is_good
http://developer.apple.com/technotes/tn/tn2086.html

edit: See under "Getting the right tools"

"There are three main developer tools components you will want to install to get setup for G5 tuning. The Tachyon 1.0 Developer Preview CD can also be used, although since that tools release is not yet final, it will not be the focus of this technote."

I think this is just Panther for the _current_ G5 boxes.
Click to expand...

I love the way people don't let the facts get in the way of a good session of rumour mongering ;)
 
I wish I could post insults in these forums, I'd rip those with their delusional "G5 Powerbook" fantasies new ones, listen up AIN'T HAPPENING FOR A WHILE! Let it go, stop being a naive idiots!

[composes self]

Ahem, anyways, Tachyon isn't really for new hardware despite what ThinkSecret "speculates" (note people, SPECULATE, not fact), Tachyon is simply the after build of Panther which Apple always begins even before the previous major update goes GM. There are things and tweaks under the hood of the OS that, even if they're aware, can't always roll into builds (I know this having worked for a major software company) so rather than rewrite huge blocks of code, they have to create another build, even while there's another one about to be released. It's more efficient this way, especially as Apple's current Beta of 10.3 is very close to completion, why go in there and muck around now.

As a few people mentioned, Tachyon is most likely simply a fix build with minor tweaks customized for iMacs, or the G4 Powerbooks (G4, NOT G5! Get a clue!) coming out next week that they haven't had time to roll into Panther 10.3. It could even simply be special build enhancement for the G5s, some engineering afterthoughts.

That's it, nothing more, nothing less. Go back, there's nothing to see here.
 
Originally posted by Powerbook G5
I doubt it's a PDA/tablet kind of thing since Steve himself is pretty vocal on his opinions on the uselessness of Apple coming out with such a device.
Click to expand...

What I'm referring to is a convertible PowerBook (laptop>to>tablet and tablet>to>laptop) I've been waiting for this for a long time. If not that, then at least give us duals!
 
Originally posted by Stella
Otherwise why did Apple release the upgraded iMacs this week and not just wait a week and "show them off" at Paris?
Click to expand...
Not to shoot your down as you may very well be correct. However, I wouldn't go showing off a minor upgrade. It's better to talk and focus on more exciting things like panther and maybe some additions. Maybe another iApp or something too. Seems like it's about time for the Software cycle or a new software app. Who knows.
 
Actually, I think this is a little unusual for Apple.

Apple normally releases periodic "reference" releases, which are compatible with the current hardware range. Any machines released after this, and before the next reference release ships with a modified version of the OS, with those changes being rolled into the next reference release.

Assuming Panther is such a release, the release of the G5s might have been too close to Panther's (though I wouldn't have though so) for full G5 support to be included. Or, more likely, for full G5 optimizations to be included! Hence the extra release.

Mike.
 
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