PowerMac 2.0GHz Machines - 10-15 Business Days

[damondog]

Rev. B

Here's a thought: while it's great to have the newest version of anything, I have to wonder if it isn't a bad idea. When I bought my G4/400 a few years back, as luck would have, I ended up with Rev. B, and avoided the numerous problems reported in Rev. A. I'm upgrading the CPU of the G4/400 to 1.25 and waiting for Rev. B.

 

[testnull]

Anyone who ordered theirs through ADC should call ADC hardware purchase program, because apparently Manufacturing has got the orders and has now set estimated delivery dates. Thursday when I called they told me a delivery (to me) of 9/4, however they said that may not take into account the holiday. Now they show 9/6, which is a Saturday (odd).

Last week they told me to call back around the 5th, but now they have estimated dates.

The number for the ADC hardware purchase program is: 1-800-793-9378. They're open Mon-Fri 7:30-6 Central (I assume they're closed this Monday). Have your order number ready.

Remember Fred Anderson said that developer and educational orders would ship first.

Also I can confirm that the Virginia Tech order was being discussed quite seriously and thus probably is quite real. If I get any more information on it I'll pass it along.

 

[MattG]

Re: Re: get a grip

Originally posted by reiggin
Bravo! Well said! People, it's a computer for crissakes. It's not like your wife's baby is being delayed another 4 weeks (and if it is, I think you should demand that the OB/GYN give you a free overnight shipping credit). And why the heck is everyone just blaming Apple? They order component parts from dozens of suppliers, some of which are brand new parts (PCI-X, for instance). Do you really think Apple has utlimate control over when it receives these parts? They said "end of August" based on all the commitments they received from these suppliers. What do you want Apple to do? Put a few paper clips in your machine instead of the 8x AGP slot they promised? Meanwhile, in the real world, people in many parts of this country and the world as a whole can't get basic necessities for daily living, including food, fresh water, and medical supplies. And you have the audacity to bitch and moan about your precious computer being a couple weeks late. Gimme a break. While you wait for it, how about you go out and volunteer at a soup kitchen and see how the rest of the world lives without a Dual 2ghz G5.

Huh? What does volunteering at a soup kitchen have to do with anything?

Furthermore, I think everyone that ordered one of these after being told "they'll ship in August" has a right to be a little annoyed. Don't make promises you can't keep. They should have just said "the G5's will ship in Q4 2003." Maybe you don't realize it, but some of us are students or just people with a relatively low income and have to budget for purchases like this. I had to sell my iMac to fund this purchase, and I waited until the end of this month to do so (my DP is supposed to ship by next Tuesday). Now, I'll be shipping it out the iMac early next week, and by the looks of things, it looks like I won't have a computer for a while.

And yes, if my order does ship on time, I WILL come back to this forum and apologize to Apple for doubting them, but at this point, it looks like they're going to be the ones apologizing.

 

[ryaxnb]

So much for shipping buy "end of August"!

 

[tazznb]

Re: G5 Processor configurations

Originally posted by jj2003
So Apple is once again slipping from annouced delivery date. On one hand it seems very strange to do this again and again but this time I was not surprised.

When I look at the G5 models and their pricing I do not see the logic of it. Usually processors with a higher frequency are harder to produce than slower, but Apple decided to make the processor configurations so that the model that uses the fastest processor is also dual.

Then they priced the models so that the top model is definately the model with the best value. This combined with the previous fact means trouble.

Could someone please explain what Apple was thinking when they chose this strategy, why not 1x1.8 1x2.0 and 2x1.6 or something similar? Or at least make the price of the top model so high that it would not give as good value compared to the other models.

I think they all should have the option to be configured as single or dual procs.

I believe you'd have more sales, and a leveling off of the most purchased systems; I know that many buyers wouldn't mind getting a dual 1.6Ghz G5.

 

[MattG]

Re: Re: G5 Processor configurations

Originally posted by jj2003
So Apple is once again slipping from annouced delivery date. On one hand it seems very strange to do this again and again but this time I was not surprised.

When I look at the G5 models and their pricing I do not see the logic of it. Usually processors with a higher frequency are harder to produce than slower, but Apple decided to make the processor configurations so that the model that uses the fastest processor is also dual.

Then they priced the models so that the top model is definately the model with the best value. This combined with the previous fact means trouble.

Could someone please explain what Apple was thinking when they chose this strategy, why not 1x1.8 1x2.0 and 2x1.6 or something similar? Or at least make the price of the top model so high that it would not give as good value compared to the other models.

That's an excellent point. When I was trying to decide on which one to buy, it really did make things difficult. The 1.6 doesn't have as fast a bus speed or as fast memory as the upper two models, so I decided I shouldn't get that one. So then I started looking at the 1.8, which does has the faster memory, a slightly faster bus, and PCI-X (which I don't even know if I'll ever have a use for, but it's got it). I almost decided on the 1.8ghz machine, but then I thought for $600 more dollars (which doesn't seem that bad when you're already spending $2400), you get TWO processors, each on their own 1ghz bus, and the better video card. No offense to those who purchased the single processor machines, I'm sure they're great, but I almost felt suckered by the prospect of buying one. I just know that if I had ordered a single processor machine, a little while after having it, I'd have been kicking myself for not having spent a little more money and getting a LOT more machine.

I also don't see why they couldn't have made every model dual processor, or at least the two upper models (remember that rumor from a few weeks ago? dual 1.8ghz G5's? that never came to light...).

 

[viggenr]

I called regarding my G5 this morning and the response I was given was that my system is built, but they were waiting for third party memory cards to arrive. They just need to throw in two cards and it is done! They had no clue when the chips should arrive.

Unsure if that is the truth or they are now trying to back peddle from the whole education announcement.

I am thinking that with panther so close, that like other messagers, I will wait for the G5 that has panther pre-installed.

The dates they are giving are "safe" dates. No company, I hope, can be that ignorant to push back a date by a month and then miss that target. By the end of September we should be seeing Panther.

I have the football season starting soon to distract me from not having the first G5

 

[glowrider]

Re: Re: get a grip

Originally posted by reiggin
Gimme a break. While you wait for it, how about you go out and volunteer at a soup kitchen and see how the rest of the world lives without a Dual 2ghz G5.

So if you don't have a Dual 2ghz G5 you have to go to soup kitchens? I think that statement is just as petty as the ones that you have criticized. As it stands, nobody on this forum has a dp 2ghz. I don't think the majority of the members are eating in soup kitchens.

[mod. edit - Unnecessary language and rudeness.]

 

[tgrundke]

What is so funny about all of is this is how the same lamenting occurred back in January through March when it came to the 17" PowerBook.

I still don't understand ordering a product as soon as it is announced by Apple when you *know* that you won't see the product for another three months.

As far as I'm concerned, if you can wait three months, why can't you wait a few more for demand to die down and incentives to begin kicking in?

Because Apple's products are so much more expensive (relatively speaking), they have to cash in good on the "low hanging fruit" who simply must have the latest and greatest product. I know for a fact from several resellers that numerous people cancelled their 17" PowerBook orders after waiting for about three weeks. Not because they were tired of waiting, but because they suddenly realized that they had dropped $3300 on a *computer*. For those who can afford it, bravo. But for the aggregate, $1000 is a lot of money and $3300 is inconceivable for an item that will only depreciate in value faster than homes next to a nuclear power plant.

By know we should all know how Apple operates and nobody should be alarmed, shocked, angered, hurt, displeased, irritated, etc. by delays in shipping new products. Apple's business model depends on show-and-tell and hype - and THEN getting around to getting the product out the door.

When will people understand that Apple is really just a marketing company that happens to sell computers?

 

[Genie]

Panther is estimated for December. Expect them to try to force you to pay full ptice for it, even if you got your G5 in September/October.

However, note that the Apple Rep said to me yesterday, "they would probably give me Panther under the up-to-date program for a cheap price because I ordered the computer so soon before Panther's release."

BTW- has anybody got a $$ credit from apple for the computer delay, then had Apple revoke the credit? I just got an email indicating that might be happening.

 

[visor]

Everything as expected.

I'm not at all suprised at the unability to deliver the Machines. It's quite common with Apple.
I've been waiting for everythin announced for a date about twice as long as expected - so why should the G5 make an exception?

It's strange though, because it's actually the worst thing that can happn to a company - not beeing able to deliver ordered goods.

I guess anyone who was about to switch, from apple to Wintel - is just beeing pushed over by this kind of sales policy.

Anyway, I didn't order a g5, and am happyly not waiting for delivery. It's so satisfying

 

[visor]

Re: get a grip

Originally posted by rjwill246
I hope all those individuals so rudely indulging in low-class and, IMO, very childish anti-Apple rhetoric have the guts, if not the courtesy to apolgise on these pages, if their machines do arrive in a reasonable timeframe. .

Well, some people don't complain, they just switch development from, say Next step - to windows, instead of OSX - because Windows Computers are faster - and available anytime you need them, not 'some time in the future'.

Already, the Opterons make the G5 look bad.

 

[G5Church]

Shipment confirmed for 1.8

whoppie....!!!!

I just got shippment confirmation for my 1.8.

I guess everyone is writting on this thread now and not the other 2.0 dual delay shipment one.

 

[G5Church]

Re: Shipment confirmed for 1.8

Originally posted by G5Church
whoppie....!!!!

I just got shippment confirmation for my 1.8.

I guess everyone is writting on this thread now and not the other 2.0 dual delay shipment one.

I thought that I would just add that this morning I got a response to an email that I responded to from Apple last night (the one explaining the delayed ship dates). The one I got this morning confirmed that my single processor order was delayed just like the duals and that my order should ship in 7-10 business days. Maybe she ment 7-10 hours. Beats me.

 

[Multimedia]

Waiting For Bluetooth Keyboard and Panther

Originally posted by Makosuke
I'm sure Apple hates to be in a can't-quite-pull-it-off position, but all things considered this seems to be about the best you could hope for in a constrained demand situation.

They don't have enough to cover anything, so I can't imagine that they even really have any choice other than to make the schools happy first (being that it's right at the start of the school year, and Apple needs all it can get there... plus schools make good testbenches).

As for the rest of the early birds, figure that they fed you the worst possible date. Then, if they end up shipping the things after only two weeks instead of four, great. Isn't that better than underestimating again and having people get even angrier? Besides, if they're kicking in a bonus or two, that's a nice incentive to not get too upset.

Me, I'm waiting till they've been out a bit, then going for a DP2.0. I figure that'll give me time to get the warning if there are eratta with the early versions, or perhaps for Apple to work out any early manufacturing issues. And if, once people've got them in their cold, sweaty hands, if they don't look awesome enough, I'll just wait for Rev2.

I'd love to have one right now as much as the next guy, but be realistic and roll with the punches--Apple seems to be trying hard to make this work, and it's a big change.

I'm in agreement with Makosuke on this subject. My own criteria besides not buying if major problems appear (which I don't expect) is to be able to buy the dual 2 with a Bluetooth Keyboard and Panther pre-installed. I think this backlog will be over by the end of October. I think part of the problem is that Steve needed to announce this at the WWDC which had already been pushed back a month and then Apple had to finish 10.2.7 to fit with the hardware.

These delays are unfortunate, but to be expected given the complexity of the product, the logistics of putting all the pieces together and Apple's need to service the educational, big corporate, government and development communities first. All these fragile markets are more important to the long term survival of Apple than we loyal base of individuals who will wait until hell freezes over, if need be, to get this amazing product.

 

[ImAlwaysRight]

Originally posted by viggenr
I called regarding my G5 this morning and the response I was given was that my system is built, but they were waiting for third party memory cards to arrive. They just need to throw in two cards and it is done! They had no clue when the chips should arrive.

If I were you I would tell them to ship the G5 now and then ship the memory when it is available. Adding memory is about as easy as putting gas in your car (although they are two totally different fuctions, my point is both are easy.)

Genie - Panther is not slated for December. Apple's official statement was "later this year" back in June, and recent rumors anticipate a mid-September date, and these are rumors from developers with past experience with Mac OS builds. I am hopeful for mid-Sept myself.

 

[viggenr]

ImAlwaysRight, I hope you are. I will call and see what they say to that. I am sure they will come up with some excuse. We will see.

I have to go get some gas for my car!

 

[Multimedia]

Rev. B Is Rev Bulls**t

Originally posted by damondog
Here's a thought: while it's great to have the newest version of anything, I have to wonder if it isn't a bad idea. When I bought my G4/400 a few years back, as luck would have, I ended up with Rev. B, and avoided the numerous problems reported in Rev. A. I'm upgrading the CPU of the G4/400 to 1.25 and waiting for Rev. B.

That was my plan to go from a disappointingly slow (to me) Dual 867 MDD I bought in late April for only $1318. I wanted the most powerful dual Mac that could still boot 9. But then I spoke with developers and early buyers of the dual 2 G5. And then I saw one in person - not dual 2 but the 1.6 box. If you haven't pulled the trigger yet, go to a store and see one. Then study the specifications and really think about it. How much do you really need to use 9 any more? That was the question I really had to ask myself. And the answer was NEVER.

I changed my plan. I was fortunate to be able to sell my Dual 867 MDD with two large 250 GB WD SE HDs and the DVR-105 Superdrive I had added to it for a small profit over what I paid for all of them. Next I will survive with this old silent 500 Cube until the queue has disipated and G5's ship with Bluetooth keyboards and Panther. The dual 2 G5 is about twice the price of a new dual 1.25 MDD. But it's about 3-4 or more times the power with so many faster sub systems that it will continue to leave the dual 1.25 MDD further and further behind in its dust. And it is whisper quiet - like my Cube.

Your decision to buy a dual 1.25 MDD may be mitigated by your experience with the VOLUME of all MDDs. You can add a $300 Verax Silent Fan Kit. But by then you might as well have spent the extra few hundred dollars more for the dual 2 G5. I hope you will seriously reconsider your choice to only graduate from the G4 400 to another G4 when the power computing nirvana of a dual 2 G5 is staring you in the face.

You didn't mean a single 1.25 did you? That would almost be like suicide. With OS X made for multiprocessors, I think it is unwise to buy a single processor Mac any more. I could tell that even with the humble dual 867.

 

[rjwill246]

Re: Re: get a grip

Originally posted by visor
Well, some people don't complain, they just switch development from, say Next step - to windows, instead of OSX - because Windows Computers are faster - and available anytime you need them, not 'some time in the future'.

Already, the Opterons make the G5 look bad.

This, of course, should NOT be responded to because it is errant nonesense at best, FUD, at worst. In any case, go back under the bridge and wait for Hansel and Gretel to pass by.


BTW, the Opteron isn't even in its own league of its own, let alone the G5s. What a sorry case of "might have been!"

 

[Multimedia]

Buying Ram From Apple Is Unwise

Originally posted by viggenr
ImAlwaysRight, I hope you are. I will call and see what they say to that. I am sure they will come up with some excuse. We will see.

I have to go get some gas for my car!

Apple charges twice or more than the street price for good RAM modules. You should flat out change your order to the minimum RAM they require. You can pick up excellent RAM later for a fraction of what you where going to pay Apple and still have money left over for a 250 GB Serial ATA drive with 8 MB buffer.

I also recommend changing all SuperDrive orders to the $200 less Combo drive. We all know that the Sony DW-U10A SuperDrive (what's inside a G5) only costs about $150 on the street. You save $50 and get a FREE Apple compatible Combo drive out of the deal that you can throw in a $50 FW case. Wala - two drives for the price of one.

 

[tiktokfx]

Originally posted by Freg3000
Too bad this Virginia Tech story gets lost in the anger of people not getting their G5s. I don't know if VT is a long time Mac supporter, but this is great news as I see it. How cool would it be to have on the world top 5 fastest computers powered by Macs?

Not only is this huge order of G5's cool, it meshes very well with VT's policies in IT regarding Apple. (I used to attend VT as a CS major). Among other things, there's a place at Tech called the Math Emporium where classes have self-metered quizzes etc for all the math classes. Old former department store... It now contains around 600 or so Macs. When I first went, they were all 7300/180's and 8600/200s. About 2 years later, they all got upgraded to DP G4/400's. A significant hunk of these G5's may very well be slated as replacements for the Math Emporium in addition to a cluster in the building; I know there at least used to be a high end SGI lab in the building somewhere.

 

[pjhornak]

I know this is totally off topic here but has anyone every watched a HD cable or sattelite signal on an Apple 23" HD Cimema display...is it true HD and Cinema 16:9 I was thinking about getting an HD box from my cable company.. is it worth it?

 

[Choppaface]

Re: get a grip

Originally posted by rjwill246
Just getting one puts you into an elite group on the planet. Be grateful that you have had the opportunity to partake, even if it falls short of your expectations with respect to timeframe.

So for years status has been tied to things like bloodline and race, but now it depends on the brand of the computer one uses? The G5 was designed to get work done, fast; it wasn't supposed to improve the user's arrogance.

 

[chorizo]

Re: Re: get a grip(e)

Originally posted by visor
Well, some people don't complain, they just switch development from, say Next step - to windows, instead of OSX - because Windows Computers are faster - and available anytime you need them, not 'some time in the future'.

Already, the Opterons make the G5 look bad.

Yeah, I like that advice--get a Wintel machine. I'll sell you our 3 year old server from work. Every time Microsoft comes out with a Windows upgrade, a bunch of machines become obsolete. We have to buy a new server cause it won't run the upgrades we need. Like my brother says, Macs should be more like windows so they can run MORE apps! HAHAHA

 

[rjwill246]

Re: Re: get a grip

Originally posted by Choppaface
So for years status has been tied to things like bloodline and race, but now it depends on the brand of the computer one uses? The G5 was designed to get work done, fast; it wasn't supposed to improve the user's arrogance.

In your state of upset, you confused 'elite' with 'elitist.' It is arrogant to assume you know what you are talking about in a derisive manner and NOT knowing the meaning of the words you use! In no way was that an elitist statement. It was judgemental though ... about the those criticisms and the people making them, that were pointless and puerile. Now, if OS X were suddenly declared to be as full of holes and as unfixable as Windows, then the above might be a fair comment about Apple.

I stand by my post. Apple has done little if anything wrong, except perhaps posting that it was shipping the G5s on the website . Anyone jumping the gun until it was confirmed that Apple was actually delivering made an unfortunate mis-step. But the world won't come to an end as there are really important things in life and the G5s are not one of them... my 'elite' adjective, notwithstanding. (I am, however, looking forward to one of them sometime before Christmas.) M.L.W.o.T.T.