Rumor Wrapup: iMac, Keyboard, iWork, iLife. iPod Details?

[joepunk]

I do like the new BT keyboard but I also agree with a few other posters in that why didn't Apple also have a BT extended keyboard as well as the wired.

Is it possible that Apple could have made the smaller keyboard about the size of the first USB Apple keyboard?

 

[bommai]

Where exactly would you put the trackpad?

I think Apple will come up with the solution. It looks like they are researching it. Remember the patent for touch pad on the back?

Do a search for Adesso Wireless keyboard. It looks like a laptop keyboard and trackpad. That is what I want except I want it from Apple. The Adesso one is kinda ugly, made for PCs and uses RF instead of Bluetooth.

 

[Multimedia]

I Don't Like Them. Glad Some Of You Do.

I love the new iMacs and keyboad designs. Personally I like the wireless keboard for their short and compact look versus the old one with all those extra keys that I never use. .

I will miss the "apple key", but change is always good

I love this place. I have the exact opposite point of view about everything the way you view them. It's great to see so many different opinions up here all the time isn't it?

My "old" $49 refurbished Bluetooth keyboard with numeric pad arrives today. Just glad I got one before they become dinosaurs. As for the new ones, I really can't believe it. I am speechless with disbelief. Looks like change for the sake of change to me.

Those new keys have a very limited travel distance - almost none - when you press them and they are unsculpted - missing the finger scoops - so you can't feel your fingers resting IN them and you can't feel any distance when you press them. I guess I'm just too old to understand this kind of "new" keyboard as something anyone would like. Is this the future of all keyboards? If so I find that very disheartening.

Glossy only iMacs without a matt option? This borders on the insane to my way of thinking. Hook up an external 24" DELL or 23" ACD HD to a new 24" iMac and see which one you wind up spending more time with. It's matt every time. I don't get Apple any more. I love Macs. But this new crop is downright weird.

I wonder how much longer we'll be allowed to buy matt MacBook Pros? Scary.

Now I'm not an iMac kind of guy in the first place so not being Apple's target perhaps my taste for the old doesn't matter. Still waiting for the full Harpertown in Stoakley-Seaburg Mac Pro refresh - hopefully by November after Leopard ships perhaps as soon as late September. Who knows? intel? Apple? Crazy times.

 

[reallynotnick]

When they introduced the original bluetooth keyboard they argued it was for esthetics and to free up the USB ports. I use an Apple wireless keyboard on my desktop just for these reasons.

It seems to me that Apple is once again limiting choice so they can save a buck. It's cheaper for them to only make two keyboard configurations over three. And who uses a keyboard on their lap with a desktop computer? Anyone?

Well if they had a track pad on the bottom and it was attachted to my big screen TV I would. IDK, I still don't think I wouldn't mind those other keys missing, would make getting to the mouse a lot less of a pain for all of us righties out there.

As for freeing up USB ports I don't really see that as an issue as the keyboard FINALLY has usb 2.0 ports, which are a lot easier to get at then behind the computer.

Really right now I am getting tempted to snap off those other dumb keys, they are starting to taunt me now. (no really it went through my head ). I think the compactness just adds to it's elegance of the wireless.

It would have been REALLY cool if they had a way to attach the rest of the keys and remove them. Plus on top of that have a rechargeable battery inside that you charge using just the USB cable, so it could become a wired keyboard if you needed also (computer without bluetooth). Now THAT is my dream keyboard. Though I could live without the rechargeable part as they seem to last forever on those AAA's.
Think about it though, one keyboard to fit everyones needs. It is freaking perfect.

 

[Lesser Evets]

I am impressed that so many rumors were actually rather accurate, and that a leaked photo was real. That keyboard, I figured, was totally bogusville.

What bums me severe is that Jobs seemed to say something about 'This is the year everything changes' etc etc in January. Yet, has anything really changed that much?? A new OS, spreadsheets .... an iPhone. Those are the real changes, and a new OS isn;t that big a deal since that happens almost yearly. He built up this gigantic expectation of multi-touch or something truly exceptional, but I find the additions and changes to be mildly innovative while plenty of possibilities for improving his software functionality are left to rot.

Is Jobs 'losing it' a little this year?

 

[Clive At Five]

I think this is a good message to other rumor mongers like myself that ThinkSecret (though sufferring more recently) is still in it. The Numbers app, the echoing of the aluminum enclosure, the Aug 7th date, the price points... They hit quite a few points head on.

They used to be VERY reliable (when Nick DePlume was running the show) and I remember vividly one WMSF where TS nailed the predictions. Since DePlume got into legal trouble, their reliability has suffered a bit, but I keep having faith that they will get back on their feet.

This event has also served to show that AppleInsider is a crock. "Striking new industrial design" my ass. It's a slightly sleeker aluminium "G5 version" iMac. Seriously that site craps up other people's rumors, Shaw Wu the "Analyst" contacts his "sources" (AI forums) and reports, followed by AI re-reporting on Shaw Wu's AI reports! He's such a stooge!

Anyway, MacRumors remains the best at consolodating all the rumors out there on the web.

Bravo, Arn and contributors!

-Clive

 

[bdj21ya]

I've been waiting deperately since December, about 9 months ago, for an updated Mac Pro or at least a price cut. Nada, zip, nothing. I appreciate the $1500 additional 4-core and $1000 RAID BTO's, but really let's move on with it. The Mac Pro is the only Mac our of their entire lineup that is NOT competitive any more. A price cut wouldn't be so hard!!

I'd personally put it to the right, right where they hacked off the number pad, but I'd just have it as an option.

 

[3282872]

So where does this leave the XServe? It has now been over a year since any revision in this lineup - I'd rather not purchase last year's "new" server for my organization.

I feel ya on that, and where are the revised Aluminum Cinema Displays? Apple hasn't given their display line a serious refresh since 2004. I find that to be the most disappointing (and hardly talked about) issue with the Pro line...

 

[bdj21ya]

Actually, I did watch the keynote and that is not what Jobs said. He didn't say Apple doesn't want you to use a wireless keyboard on your desk, he said that users of wireless keyboards like to use them on their laps. He offered no explanation as to why they don't offer both. When they introduced the original bluetooth keyboard they argued it was for esthetics and to free up the USB ports. I use an Apple wireless keyboard on my desktop just for these reasons.

It seems to me that Apple is once again limiting choice so they can save a buck. It's cheaper for them to only make two keyboard configurations over three. And who uses a keyboard on their lap with a desktop computer? Anyone?

I'd like to mount an iMac (or maybe a larger LCD hooked to a mini) on the wall in my bedroom and use the keyboard exclusively in my lap.

I am impressed that so many rumors were actually rather accurate, and that a leaked photo was real. That keyboard, I figured, was totally bogusville.

What bums me severe is that Jobs seemed to say something about 'This is the year everything changes' etc etc in January. Yet, has anything really changed that much?? A new OS, spreadsheets .... an iPhone. Those are the real changes, and a new OS isn;t that big a deal since that happens almost yearly. He built up this gigantic expectation of multi-touch or something truly exceptional, but I find the additions and changes to be mildly innovative while plenty of possibilities for improving his software functionality are left to rot.

Is Jobs 'losing it' a little this year?

Personally, I don't think so. Certainly Apple is never going to measure up to your wildest fantasies. Yesterday's updates to the software were impressive changes, looked like a lot of work went into them. I'm excited about the new iLife, and Numbers looks like a pretty sweet app for anyone who needs to visually share spreadsheet data (still use excel for real power that doesn't need presenting).

 

[Doctor Q]

Perhaps Apple is no longer suppressing every leak because by suppressing the accurate rumors they were essentially confirming them.

 

[bdj21ya]

I love this place. I have the exact opposite point of view about everything the way you view them. It's great to see so many different opinions up here all the time isn't it?

My "old" $49 refurbished Bluetooth keyboard with numeric pad arrives today. Just glad I got one before they become dinosaurs. As for the new ones, I really can't believe it. I am speechless with disbelief. Looks like change for the sake of change to me.

Those new keys have a very limited travel distance - almost none - when you press them and they are unsculpted - missing the finger scoops - so you can't feel your fingers resting IN them and you can't feel any distance when you press them. I guess I'm just too old to understand this kind of "new" keyboard as something anyone would like. Is this the future of all keyboards? If so I find that very disheartening.

Glossy only iMacs without a matt option? This borders on the insane to my way of thinking. Hook up an external 24" DELL or 23" ACD HD to a new 24" iMac and see which one you wind up spending more time with. It's matt every time. I don't get Apple any more. I love Macs. But this new crop is downright weird.

I wonder how much longer we'll be allowed to buy matt MacBook Pros? Scary.

Now I'm not an iMac kind of guy in the first place so not being Apple's target perhaps my taste for the old doesn't matter. Still waiting for the full Harpertown in Stoakley-Seaburg Mac Pro refresh - hopefully by November after Leopard ships perhaps as soon as late September. Who knows? intel? Apple? Crazy times.

If you look at where Apple is going with the iMac (media such as movies and photos), it makes a lot of sense to focus on glossy screens, which display these with a lot more contrast. I went into the Apple store yesterday, and the screens do look beautiful. I can understand the concern for some applications, but these are meant to be so media intensive that I think Apple would rather save the money and just go with the option that will be best for most consumers of the iMac.

 

[Object-X]

If you look at where Apple is going with the iMac (media such as movies and photos), it makes a lot of sense to focus on glossy screens, which display these with a lot more contrast. I went into the Apple store yesterday, and the screens do look beautiful. I can understand the concern for some applications, but these are meant to be so media intensive that I think Apple would rather save the money and just go with the option that will be best for most consumers of the iMac.

I agree. Notice Apple didn't come out with glossy cinema displays. I don't think they will either. Cinema displays are primarily for Mac Pro and MacBook Pro users. The real issue here is if pro users prefer matte or glossy for their work. My guess is matte.

But I like glossy, so I'm getting an iMac!

Sucks about the keyboard though. I know, I'm still chewing on that bone.

 

[jellomizer]

Well with the Leaked Keyboard image. How much are you willing to bet that some chinense manufacture is going to loose a big contract. Either soon or when it expires. Apple is tough on this stuff. Most likely because it was leaked on a Chinese site Apple doesn't have the same jurestiction as it does in the states, but they are good on seeing where the leak went probably a manufacture, I am willing to bet that they may be loosing a big client and the guy who did the leak would probably loose his job (due to downsizing) as well as his co-workers, and if they know who did it they may be pissed at him.

 

[Multimedia]

High Color Gamut Anyone? HDCP? Multiple 30" DL DVI Inputs? Get A HP LP3065 For $1350

I feel ya on that, and where are the revised Aluminum Cinema Displays? Apple hasn't given their display line a serious refresh since 2004. I find that to be the most disappointing (and hardly talked about) issue with the Pro line...

Yeah. They can't even offer HCG for their premium price when both DELL and HP have been doing it for a year already for far less.

BTW HP just introduced a new $100 rebate through Halloween on up to five (total $500 if you need that many) of their 30" HCG triple Dual Link DVI input (including one with HDCP) LP3065 monitors. Tiger direct sells it for only $1450 so net $1350 from there. Note the HP is both VESA compatible plus it's the only 30" monitor with a 5" elevator on its included stand. I know some of you think they are butt ugly. But for value the HP can't be beat.

Almost forgot to mention it comes with TWO DL DVI cables as well. Pretty sweet deal if you're in a situation with more than one Mac and/or PS3/XBox etc.

 

[hollywoodmacguy]

I feel ya on that, and where are the revised Aluminum Cinema Displays? Apple hasn't given their display line a serious refresh since 2004. I find that to be the most disappointing (and hardly talked about) issue with the Pro line...

Could not agree with you more. The ACDs have been languishing and no real sense that there are any changes in the works. Changes such as built-in iSight, HDMI in/out, HDCP support and, as you mentioned, aluminum casings. Not to mention LED backlit displays, although, given their size, this may be a ways off still...

Maybe new displays in October to showcase Leopard at the Town Hall?

 

[mainstreetmark]

I'm hoping for a significant improvement in the full screen iPod. THe one on the iPhone has several shortcomings. Also, more disturbingly, the iPod currently doesn't run "OSX", so hopefully whatever app they write for the fullscreen iPod will be the same as the one that runs on the iPhone, which currently is nothing like an iPod:

- No mousewheel. Scrubbing a song, and particularly a podcast, is nearly impossible when you're used to the clickwheel
- The Coverflow browses the entire library, vs the current playlist
- The familiar "album->scrubber->rating" progression is gone, replaced with a "album->list-of-songs-on-that-album-whether-they're-in-the-playlist-or-not, with-some-stars-up-at-the-top-you-can-barely-see"
- "Add to Playlist" is only accomplished by going to the "On the Go" and editing it (which means hunting down songs again). I can't find a "click + hold" equivalent.
- Presumably, being a touchscreen, it'll lock the screen, which means when you want to fast forward, you have to unlock the screen first, or at least wake it up.

I'm prepared to say that a touchscreen iPod is NOT the way of the future, yet. You all who don't have iPhones may find this hard to understand, but this iPod is much less easy to use, for reasons beyond my rant here.

 

[miketcool]

If you ask me, this is what the 6G ipod is going to be:

Try the screen configurations out, this is just slightly smaller then the current 40GB iPod and it has a nice 3.5 inch display. I am working on the nano, which IMO will still have the click wheel but a possible 2.5 inch display, rotated of course.

 

[FatMax]

Actually, I did watch the keynote and that is not what Jobs said. He didn't say Apple doesn't want you to use a wireless keyboard on your desk, he said that users of wireless keyboards like to use them on their laps. He offered no explanation as to why they don't offer both. When they introduced the original bluetooth keyboard they argued it was for esthetics and to free up the USB ports. I use an Apple wireless keyboard on my desktop just for these reasons.

It seems to me that Apple is once again limiting choice so they can save a buck. It's cheaper for them to only make two keyboard configurations over three. And who uses a keyboard on their lap with a desktop computer? Anyone?

I use my keyboard on my lap on my desktop. I have a mini connected to my 32" lcd tv that i use as a sort of a mediacenter. The problem however is how the keyboard always seems to slide off my thies as I lean back to enjoy macrumors or whatever. I have an Apple BT keyboard. Now it seems as the new one wouldnt do that, but I sure as hell expected Apple to solve my un-sexy cluttering while trying to lie back and relax whilst I´m using the mouse and the way to big keyboard.

Guess they didnt.

 

[Object-X]

Could not agree with you more. The ACDs have been languishing and no real sense that there are any changes in the works.

Actually, Apple has stated that higher DPI monitors are coming. These won't be available until next year. They said this during a Tech Talk I attended while discussing the new resolution independence features of Leopard.

I think the technology between Pro and Consumer machines will likely diverge more significantly in the future.

 

[Clive At Five]

Could not agree with you more. The ACDs have been languishing and no real sense that there are any changes in the works. Changes such as built-in iSight, HDMI in/out, HDCP support and, as you mentioned, aluminum casings. Not to mention LED backlit displays, although, given their size, this may be a ways off still...

Maybe new displays in October to showcase Leopard at the Town Hall?

Re: iSight -- If Apple builds an iSight into the ACD, they will either create another terrible proprietary display adapter or will have to run an extra cord to the unit. Yuck.

Re: HDMI -- HDMI is equivalent to DVI. The only difference is that an HDMI cable carries audio as well. That won't be necessary unless Apple puts speakers in the ACDs... which would give the units an iMac-esque chin. Yay!

Re: LED Backlight -- you said it... WAAAAAAY too expensive... and I'm pretty sure it doesn't even exist for anything over 17"... which is why I laughed at the people who were calling for LED-backlit 20" & 24" iMacs.

hahah. Goofs.

Anyway, the only thing "languishing" about the ACDs are their exterior (and *maybe* their resolution)... but personally, as long as they still match Apple's product line (which they do) I don't see a problem with them.

-Clive

 

[twoodcc]

sounds interesting. i guess this new rumor source is pretty good. we'll see if they're right about the ipods

 

[offwidafairies]

new ipods would be cool. im feeling the "come down" after yesterdays event.

 

[KSB]

Macbook Pro

I hope they'll bump the Macbook Pro 17" at the leopard event, give it the deserved LED screen and macbook keyboard with backlight

 

[iMosaic]

BT Keyboard

I like the slim new look of the bluetooth keyboard. If you still want the long version keep an eye on the Apple refurbs, $49 for BT Keyboard old style.

 

[lazyrighteye]

Actually the 17 inch model (in the old white plastic) is still available in the Education store for $899.

FWIW, I was just at the Aspen Grove Apple Store in Colorado, over lunch, and they have the older iMacs still on display - along with the new ones.
When I asked if they were still selling the old iMacs, I was told they are and that they think at the same price points. The employee immediately said, (paraphrasing) that for the same price you can get a much better iMac.

True, why would anyone buy an old one?
And more importantly, why are those still available in stores??

Anywho... new iMac looks and feels great.
Tho, to my surprise, I did see a LOT of the spinny rainbow ball.
I think I had Safari, Gargeband, iPhoto, iTunes and maaaybe iMovie open. But still, was not expecting that.