what's gonna be left for macworld in jan?

[whoami]

it seems like everything has already recieved substantial updates or will between now and then......what's in the grapevine for macworld? :D

[Eugene]

Power Mac speedbumps or we may see the iRate...

[pscates]

I was wondering that too!

It's been an amazing year (check out my "to those who like to whine" thread in General Discussion) and it seems that by year's end we'll have new iTunes/Windows iTunes, new iBooks, updated eMacs. We've already had recent iMac updates, the PowerBooks are new and so are the G5s, pretty much. There's talk of new displays and G5 xServes coming soon as well. And, of course, Panther will already have been released.

In other words, nearly everything Apple has hardware-wise has been tweaked in the past couple of months (or may be shortly). The OS will be brand new.

I don't know. A new iApp or altogether new hardware of some sort? This bullcrap tablet thing (please, no) or some sort of cute "mini G5"? I have NO idea.

Maybe Steve will just do a little tap dance or he and Phil can perform an updated "who's on first?" routine for an hour or so?

:???:

:D

[Aries 1B]

Originally posted by pscates
I was wondering that too!



I don't know. A new iApp or altogether new hardware of some sort? This bullcrap tablet thing (please, no) or some sort of cute "mini G5"? I have NO idea.

:D

Yes, yes, yes! No new T-t-tablet!

In regard to:
"Am I wrong to wish for a bedside seat to a Laura Ingraham vs. Ann Coulter pillow fight? I don't know, I'm asking.."
Yes; you are unequivocably wrong to wish for a seat for yourself. You should be trying to get one for me too.

:lol:

Aries 1B

[whoami]

the tap dance is CONFIRMED! hehehehe

[pscates]

:D

They'll start a big build-up on the website, two weeks out:

"Gene Kelly would be proud"

"In the proud tradition of Gregory Hines"

"Bringing the noize AND the funk"

:p

Yes, the tap-dancing CEO.

[whoami]

i just hope he doesn't come out wearing a mock turtle neck that says iTap on it! hehehe

all jokes aside, what really is gonna be left for the show? it seems like there really isn't anything left to wow us with! we've had a amazing year!

[pscates]

Well, that's kinda the point then. We're reduced to making silly jokes and tapdancing references because we honestly can't think of what there will be.

I offered up a couple of things, but as far as I can tell all their main gear has been - or will be - accounted for.

Perhaps these rumored new iBook and/or displays won't make it in 2003 after all and THOSE will be the things unveiled in Frisco?

Other than that, I can't imagine what else. The G5s are just now seeming to be shipping in any sort of true, store-stocking volume (particularly the dual 2GHz), so would they update the line in less than three months from now, knowing that anything they announce in January realistically won't hit the streets, shelves and people's desk until March-April!

:D

[Brad]

In case you didn't notice the death of the summer MacWorld, it would appear that Apple has finally wised up and started announcing things when they are ready (or near-ready) rather than wait around for these biannual geek get-togethers. I expect Apple's role in future MacWorld events to be reduced dramatically as well.

[Lemon Bon Bon]

I think Rev B PowerMacs.

Lemon Bon Bon

[celestial]

Originally posted by whoami
it seems like everything has already recieved substantial updates or will between now and then......what's in the grapevine for macworld? :D

Well I agree with some of the other posts and think Christmas sales will get updates and new product out before January. I think we will hear about 2004 and the expectations for the year ahead after a summary of the success of the year that has passed.

As to what else wish list

That new iPOD software/update harddisk/portable file rumor sounds like a potential. I'd love to see an iPod with bluetooth that allowed my bluetooh phone to pause and cut in when it rings :) Coupled with bluetooth headphones/headset is another dream but not sure about quality. Maybe in 2004.

Also 20th anniversary should yield something special for attendees. Wish I could go but not sure about going during what appears to be San Frans worst month for weather.

I would like web/multicasting for iSight/AV Chat to allow more than peer to peer so many can see one. Also ability to record for business purposes without resorting to hacks and third party software.



In the meantime I hold off buying by G5 until Panther and new monitors come out...

Jason

[average]

Maybe the iWorks suite to replace appleworks.

[bsharp]

The release of the 20th Anniversary Mac - G5 Cube. Just in time for the Superbowl Ad.

[ryaxnb]

*10.3.1
*iBook [new formfactor, or just updates]
*eMac [updates to bring up to iMac levels]
*Power Mac G5 [up to 2.2 or 2.3 Ghz, 2 duals]
*Discontinuation of Power Mac G4?
*[No] Tablet
*New displays, as rumored
*iTunes Europe
*iTV
*iSticky, iMail (both will probably never happen, though)
*iPhoto 2004 - By then it will have been [roughly] a year since iPhoto 2003 - More editing, selectable photos from camera?
*iMovie 2004 - About 9-10 moths [then] from iMovie 2003.
*Xserve
*ADC 2
Random specs, while we're at it:
iBook:
New formactor?
900Mhz-1Ghz or 900Mhz/1Ghz-1.1Ghz
CD-RW or DVD on low-end (not combo, but next-best)?
SuperDrive optional? [No]
256MB RAM on base? Use new PB 12" RAM architcture (256MB soldered?)
384MB RAM on high-end?
13"? Wide-screen 13 or 14"?
DDR RAM?
1.2" thin?[No]
eMac:
1Ghz and 1.25Ghz
256MB RAM on base?
GeForce 4 on low-end and GeForce FX on higher-end
PowerMac G5:
Better graphics on middle model?
At least 384/512MB RAM on all?
1.8, Dual 2, and Dual 2.2/2.3 or 1.8, 2.0, Dual 2.2/2.3
Displays:
17" widescreen? - 1440x900
20"
23"
30"?
Price cut on 17" or widescreen 17" ($525-$600?)
ADC 2? Compatibile with ADC 1 displays, but supports higher resolutions (as practically needed for 26"/27" or bigger)
XServes
1.4/1.5 G5
Dual 1.33 G4
Dual 1.6-2.0 G5s?

[KANE]

When do you think that the new Al Powerbook 15" will get a revision B? I was hoping to buying one but having read these forums and the Ars Technica review I am starting to think that maybe I should wait and see. There seems to be a lot of problems with that computer. Defective screens, "lids" that won't close and that are curved rather than straight. Short battery life and so on... Any thoughts?

Personally I'd rather get the last revision Powerbook G4 than the first revision Powerbook G5! Am I nuts to think that?

[CubeDude]

Originally posted by ryaxnb

*iBook [new formfactor, or just updates]
*eMac [updates to bring up to iMac levels]
*Power Mac G5 [up to 2.2 or 2.3 Ghz, 2 duals]


YES!

*Discontinuation of Power Mac G4?
*[No] Tablet
*New displays, as rumored
*iTunes Europe


Yeah, I guess.


*iTV
*iSticky, iMail (both will probably never happen, though)
*iPhoto 2004 - By then it will have been [roughly] a year since iPhoto 2003 - More editing, selectable photos from camera?
*iMovie 2004 - About 9-10 moths [then] from iMovie 2003.
*Xserve
*ADC 2


Jobs already said he hates TV.

iSticky; iMail: What's the point?

[ryaxnb]

Originally posted by CubeDude
YES!



Yeah, I guess.



Jobs already said he hates TV.

iSticky; iMail: What's the point?
As to the TV, I know. It'll never happen. Ah well... Note: I don't like TV eithier, but it would compete with Media Center.
iSticky: Categories, iTunes interface, searching, Palm sync. iMail: iGot carried away.:)

[Amorph]

Well, let's see here.

On the one hand, this looks sort of like the rush of releases leading up to WWDC that had us all wondering what would be left for the keynote. Which means Apple's preparing for a whopper.

On the other hand, given that Apple can release things whenever now that they have everyone's attention, and given that MWSF falls into no known shopping season, Apple can use it as they have been using it, as a "big picture" event where Steve draws all their announcements together into a trajectory for Apple, and shows how they're executing on their strategies (spun positively, of course). This will be as much for the benefit of the media and analysts as for the Mac faithful - although the faithful will no doubt be heartened at some of the news as well.

For Really Big Product Announcements, it's gotta be WWDC. Why? Because it appears that the time I have hoped for for three years has arrived, and OS X has given Apple a liberty to do hardware and software design that OS 9 never allowed. Also, the new Apple will not release new technologies to fend for themselves, as they did in the bad old days. The first people who need to know about any serious new direction or technology are the developers, and Apple will support both its own initiatives and its developer base in a way that it hasn't in decades by rolling out the serious new stuff at their developer conference.

So my guess is that if there's something that Apple could release sometime around January 5th, they'll throw it in the keynote just 'cause. But the meat of it will be a lot of big picture stuff.

[Smircle]

Originally posted by whoami
it seems like everything has already recieved substantial updates or will between now and then......what's in the grapevine for macworld? :D

XServe G5 (featuring a RevB G5)
iBook (900 Mhz, 1.1 Ghz)
Maybe RevB G5 towers
Software updates: iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD
Appleworks update
New line of Displays, featuring a 30"-top model (with brag-o-matic)

[DHagan4755]

Originally posted by Smircle
[B]XServe G5 (featuring a RevB G5)
iBook (900 Mhz, 1.1 Ghz)
I'm thinking these are going to come before the end of the month, nevermind MacWorld in Jan.

I think sizeable G5 speedbumps and a revamped display line may indeed come at MWSF. I think Dual 2.5 is very possible at this point. I think those two items would be the capstone of this event. Fuggetabout G5 PowerBooks, special new iDevices or anything of the sort. It's all about the G5 and the success of the iPod and the iTMS.

[celestial]

Originally posted by DHagan4755
I'm thinking these are going to come before the end of the month, nevermind MacWorld in Jan.

I think sizeable G5 speedbumps and a revamped display line may indeed come at MWSF. I think Dual 2.5 is very possible at this point. I think those two items would be the capstone of this event. Fuggetabout G5 PowerBooks, special new iDevices or anything of the sort. It's all about the G5 and the success of the iPod and the iTMS.

A rumor I heard from an Apple reseller was the appearance of Dual 1.8GHz G5's due to high demand on 2GHz and low sales of 1.8s versus 1.6s. Must say for home use a dual 1.8 at a decent price difference would be attractive to me.

Jason

[Barto]

Apple resellers don't know shit.

As someone who works at one, I should know ;)

[xype]

iWorks? SoftImage + 3DLabs on OS X? iLife Update? 1.8, 2x 1.8, 2x 2.2 GHz G5s?

Speculation is fun.

[kraig911]

maybe they'll introduce a midline powermac'ish g4 to replace the old one... kind of like the headless imac hopefully, now that they got a g5 to run with in the powermacs.

[Smircle]

Originally posted by kraig911
maybe they'll introduce a midline powermac'ish g4 to replace the old one... kind of like the headless imac hopefully, now that they got a g5 to run with in the powermacs.

I rather doubt we are going to see another different product based on a G4 - I can see the iBook switching from G3, but that's about it - the future is undoubtedly the 970.

[MacsRGood4U]

New form factor iMacs (not completely differrent, more like when the original iMac was updated with a newer form factor). A new personal digital device. Updates to G5, Panther and some new iApps. Appleworks will be replaced with a new office suite. Quicktime 7.

[unemployeed]

Completely redesigned iMac, Sources say.

[ipodandimac]

its already been said, but new imacs!

[Rhumgod]

iMac replacement...hmmm could be quite different.

xServe updates to G5...gotta be soon. Clustering/Grids should be out soon enough.

New monitors....the 30" HDTV / Computer combo....should be an interesting 2004. Can't wait til Spring though.

Superbowl ad? Just hope it ain't a special anniversary thing. I think Steve learned the lesson with the 20th or the Cube. Not worth the millions spent for the ad. Stockholders would probably freak!

[jade]

how about a new snappier ilife suite. DVD + R compatibility in iDVD.

And I really think a new budget tower for the enterprise. something maybe along the lines of a thin client that will allow corporations to utilize their existing mice, keyboard, and monitors, but implemment os x on the desktop. This will also tie in with the xserve and ibms high end unix servers. Unix on the desktop and the server. Hopefully to go with this new hardware, a huge fortune 1000 customer win to announce.

Apple has already announcesd the 1000+ university puchases (VaTech and Uni of Tokyo)

Once a large fortune 1000 customer is announced, apple will be able to get the attention og more IT dept itching to switch.

Or if the "new imac" is the right price it may fit this mold.

How about an imac with detachable/replaceable monitors.

[gobble gobble]

Hopefully iPhoto 3. My iPhoto library has gotten to the point where it's so slow that I can barely use it. I have about 3 Gb worth of photos, which I don't think is that uncommon. And, they need a command to delete photos from the library that aren't in any albums. That would help slim things down.

[cubist]

iPhoto has an empty trash feature, but I haven't used it. I think iPhoto is in need of a lot of work. Maybe the photo library could be displayed like iTunes' music library, without thumbnails. That said, I don't think it's that high of a priority at Apple, altho it should be. iPhoto is good enough, and has little or no competition.

I expect to see a cheaper LCD iMac intro'd at MWSF (plastic arm?) and the eMac discontinued a few months later. A 12" or 14" iMac, perhaps?

[Flounder]

Originally posted by cubist
I expect to see a cheaper LCD iMac intro'd at MWSF (plastic arm?) and the eMac discontinued a few months later. A 12" or 14" iMac, perhaps?

Good lord, you can't be serious!

A plastic arm? A 12 for 14" screen? That's called an ibook.

[jade]

Originally posted by Flounder
Good lord, you can't be serious!

A plastic arm? A 12 for 14" screen? That's called an ibook.



:lol: :lol: :lol:


imac 2: pocket size with a 10" foldable widescreen screen with 1280 x 1024 resolution. (But i did see a 14" LCD on display a few weeks ago)

[k_munic]

allmighty steve's keynotes are allways very structered: what was, what is, what will be (the one more thing).

in jan04 he can say, 03 WAS the year of the laptop, of panther, of ITMS 2.gen...- very successful, fmpov.-

and:
keynotes are not for "minor" changes as speed bumps etc. but what should need a major change? ... just the imacs, don't they?

so, if 03 was the year of laptops, then 04 is ... :???: absolutley NO idea!

digital hub? isn't it old fashioned? are idevices not lastyears models?

software? ok, iMovie is a mess, still no i"word" - but this is all "maintanance", eccept, the word-processor has some features, nobody would dare to think of...

are you shure, the 20th anni is not a thing to celebrate? i do still dream of a little apple machine, big enough to put cds/dvds in, to stream via airport some audiosignals to very tiny adaptors into my househould's soundssystems and do some tv-recordings...- Cube64 (=4x4x4), plug&play...-

is 3D visualisation a thing, the "minority report input" thing? would look crazy, everybody moves like Karajan in an office. - but 25 years ago, i couldn't imagine, everybody is running around in public with headphones on his heads! 3Dgoggles???? no, still scifi.

:???:

[tomk]

maybe something like this nice box?

Asus DigiMatrix (http://www.asus.com/products/desktop/digimatrix/overview.htm)

[rustedborg]

Originally posted by whoami
it seems like everything has already recieved substantial updates or will between now and then......what's in the grapevine for macworld? :D

I think the rumored speed increases for the PowerMacs are almost certain. We "might" see a new iMac by then.

Apple really can't afford to hold the new iBooks and eMacs until next year.

Given Apple's history, we may see a surprise in 2004 ... something most people won't expect but that will change the Apple lineup considerably. That surprise may just be a completely redesigned iMac, or it may be something else. In any case, I strongly suspect that Apple is going to do something to shake up things in 2004 ... but I doubt we'll see something groundbreaking by January.

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Originally posted by Brad
In case you didn't notice the death of the summer MacWorld, it would appear that Apple has finally wised up and started announcing things when they are ready (or near-ready) rather than wait around for these biannual geek get-togethers. I expect Apple's role in future MacWorld events to be reduced dramatically as well.
Ehrm.... 4 months for the G5, is that annoucing when ready? :err:

Originally posted by CubeDude
Jobs already said he hates TV.
How does he watch his pr0n DVD's then? :err:

[KidRed]

Apple won't carry 4 LCDs. Notice they dropped the 15" when they added the 20"? If they add a 30" (highly doubt it) they would drop the 17".

[jade]

or maybe they will drop the 20" 17" is a good entry level lcd, and that is still necessary. I hope new minitors eliminate ADC, or come withADC to DVI adapters. (recruit PC users with less work)

[Matt Danger]

Originally posted by pscates
Maybe Steve and Phil can perform an updated "who's on first?" routine for an hour or so?

Now THAT would be a Macworld!

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Originally posted by KidRed
Apple won't carry 4 LCDs. Notice they dropped the 15" when they added the 20"? If they add a 30" (highly doubt it) they would drop the 17".
Stupid choice.

[Rhumgod]

Originally posted by T'hain Esh Kelch
How does he watch his pr0n DVD's then?

DVD Player, built into Mac OS X.
:D

[Amorph]

Well, in light of recent events, there seem to be two fairly obvious things on their way:

1) Steve goes over iTMS and the iPod, and the results of the release for Windows: X zillion downloads, X zillion songs downloaded, over 400,000 iPods sold (long shot: over half a million sold). iTMS appears to be sustaining a monthly [edit: I meant weekly!] sales rate of 1 million songs, and it's become profitable in just nine months (or so). Insert a few zingers aimed at the other services here. Show pie graphs of iPod and iTMS market shares.

2) The new iMac. Who knows what this will be?

The rest will be the usual "this is where we are, and this is where we're going" spiel for the press and the analysts to chew on. The stores will rake in their first significant profit from holiday sales.

[jon a thon]

Originally posted by whoami
it seems like everything has already recieved substantial updates or will between now and then......what's in the grapevine for macworld? :D

New iMAC
New iBook
New LCD Displays
iTUNES 5.1

[Chagi]

Originally posted by T'hain Esh Kelch
Stupid choice.

I have to agree regarding the 17" model. Price drop? Possible (they damn well better...). Elimination? Highly doubtful, unless a 19" moves to the current price for the 17" (would make more sense).

[Brad]

Originally posted by jon a thon
New iBook Scratch that from the MacWorld list -- it just got a G4.

More support to my post on the previous page that "Apple has finally wised up and started announcing things when they are ready (or near-ready) rather than wait around for these biannual geek get-togethers."

Heh.

[rustedborg]

Originally posted by Brad
Scratch that from the MacWorld list -- it just got a G4.
More support to my post on the previous page that "Apple has finally wised up and started announcing things when they are ready (or near-ready) rather than wait around for these biannual geek get-togethers."
Heh.

The iBook was WAY past due for an update. Apple upset a lot of potential customers and schools who had planned to buy new, top-of-the-line iBooks in time for the beginning of school this fall. Since most people suspected the new IBM G3 chip was going to land in the iBook, I suspect Apple stuck a G4 into the iBook to make iBook buyers happy ... particularly since Apple wants to release a G5 PowerBook sometime before the end of 2004.

Going back to the IBM G3 (PowerPC 750GX) for a minute, I wonder what IBM will do with that chip? A small, powerful, low-power-consuming chip like that would be perfect for a compact tablet-style notebook ... like the one most Apple followers say will NEVER come. I for one would rather have a small 1.1GHz G3 tablet running Panther than a Palm organizer.

The thing that confuses the heck out of me is what happened to the eMac today. Apple cut the 900MHz chip from the line, included Panther and lowered the price. That's not really an "update" ... and now the eMac looks a little weird being the only Mac without USB 2.0, bluetooth option, DDR SDRAM, and at least two processor speeds. The eMac also now has a worse graphics card that the iBook. What's up with that?

On one level, it makes since for Apple to do this in order to lower eMac prices in time for Christmas. On another level, it seems stupid not to upgrade the eMac ... since it now looks like "last year's computer" compared to all the other Macs in the lineup.

I suspect that Apple plans to do one of three things:

1) Introduce a new, upgraded eMac just before Christmas.
2) Introduce a new, upgraded eMac in January at Macworld.
3) Cut the eMac from the lineup in January and announce a new line of iMacs ... including a base-priced model that takes the place of the eMac in terms of price.

[Rhumgod]

Originally posted by rustedborg
I suspect Apple stuck a G4 into the iBook to make iBook buyers happy ...

You're kidding right? I don't think they would have wasted all the time and money that went into designing a logic board with the 750GX in mind, then scrapping it and starting from scratch and designing one aroung the G4. It's probably just the old TiBook logic board anyway ;)

Originally posted by rustedborg
I suspect that Apple plans to do one of three things:

1) Introduce a new, upgraded eMac just before Christmas.
2) Introduce a new, upgraded eMac in January at Macworld.
3) Cut the eMac from the lineup in January and announce a new line of iMacs ... including a base-priced model that takes the place of the eMac in terms of price.

Agreed. Shitcan that monstrosity! It is the ugliest thing they have made since Jobs came back. They need a headless, cheap model to compete in homes/schools/corporations. Give people a choice of monitors (use their old ones, or a cheap Sony/Viewsonic/Samsung/whatever), and make it small - like they did WAAAAAAY back when with the Quadra 700.

[whoami]

my guesses are getting much more realistic with the releases today.
redesigned imac.
speed bumps across the entire line.
redesigned displays.
even bigger hd for the ipod.
what else could there be on the hardware front?
i suppose i'd be fine with some nice price drops! ;)

[rustedborg]

Originally posted by Rhumgod

Agreed. Shitcan that monstrosity! It is the ugliest thing they have made since Jobs came back. They need a headless, cheap model to compete in homes/schools/corporations. Give people a choice of monitors (use their old ones, or a cheap Sony/Viewsonic/Samsung/whatever), and make it small - like they did WAAAAAAY back when with the Quadra 700.

Better yet, yesterday's eMac "update" just gave me an idea. I can buy a flat panel 17-inch monitor for $200 at Office Depot. The G4 PowerMacs, although just replaced by the G5 PowerMacs, are still GREAT towers ... MUCH better than an eMac or iMac.

Apple could easily drop the price of the G4 PowerMac towers to $1,199 for the single 1.25GHz processor and $1,299 for the dual 1.25GHz processor. Add Panther and a 17-inch monitor for a total of $1,399 and $1,599 repectively.

Then they can trash the eMac and lower the price on the iMac as their single "all in one" option.

Apple NEEDS a cheaper tower.

[cubist]

Originally posted by Rhumgod
... and make it small - like they did WAAAAAAY back when with the Quadra 700.

The Quadra 700! That was the end of the old LC line (didn't LC stand for Low Cost?) which came about to bring down the cost of entry into Mac life... It was headless, simple, small, and low-priced. And it was a convenient size too, nice and small. I think the Performa 6x00 machines were roughly the same size/shape, too. It's a form-factor Apple should definitely bring back.

[jdbon2]

The Quadra was not an LC. in 1991 Apple introduced the Quadra 700 and 900 as the first 68040 macs. They were not cheap. But eh point is well taken in terms of case size. The Quadra 700 and other Mac IIS it shared it's case with were well designed. i really would like a similar design to return as a cheap headless desktop, though it seems unlikely :(

[Amorph]

Originally posted by cubist
The Quadra 700! That was the end of the old LC line (didn't LC stand for Low Cost?) which came about to bring down the cost of entry into Mac life... It was headless, simple, small, and low-priced. And it was a convenient size too, nice and small. I think the Performa 6x00 machines were roughly the same size/shape, too. It's a form-factor Apple should definitely bring back.

I had an LC II for years. It was indeed cheap for a Mac ($1300 educational price, if memory serves, in 1991) but crippled in all kinds of fascinating ways - for instance, it could only address 10MB of RAM, and it didn't have a floating point unit. It was solidly built, though, and never had a problem. Not even after I dropped it three feet onto a hardwood floor. While I suppose it could support other monitors, it was commonly sold with, and designed to be used with, the great old Apple 12" color monitor.

If you think about what you can get for whatever $1300 in 1991 would be in 2003 dollars, Apple has come quite a way.

[Akumulator]

I think we'll only see a small bump in powermacs... more dual options. And brand spankin' new iMacs. But nothing all that exciting. I think the main presentation will be about the future of the Macintosh. Apple has now reached a point where everything seems to be just right. The G5s are near perfect, at least the high end model... and with the release of Panther, OS X is now reaching maturity. So what exactly is left for Apple and Macintosh in general? I think that 2004 will be the year of innovation. I honestly think there will be something new and unexpected coming our way in the year to come....... I just don't know what it is.

[cocoa tree]

Hi there,
I really start wondering what will happen at MWSF, too.
I guess we will see something special at MWSF.
Apple still targets product releases with major trade shows in mind.
Next years show will be in remembrance of the 20th anniversary of the Mac (January 2003). Alone because of that, something special will need to happen.
I highly doubt we will see any 10.4 demos. That is what WWDC is and was for. Why give the competition any clues what you will ship in 8 months and why change the accustomed release schedule (announcement at WWDC, shipping at AppleExpo (this years was delayed))? Pre-announcing OSes is always bad, because customers delay hardware purchases, because the great, new OS comes not yet pre-installed.
Probably the iApps will see major updates and we might see the rumored Office suite and a new iApp on the software front at MWSF.
The PowerBook that were introduced at AppleExpo Paris (hint, hint) were obviously delayed and are in my eyes only a minor update.
I don't see PowerBook G5s announced at MWSF. Given that IBM has surprised us multiple times (We didn't expect a PPC970 at 2 GHz!), we will sure get surprised again. Key is IBMs' fabbing magic. When the PPC970 is at 0.09 micron we will be able to see a G5 PowerBook. It was rumored that the step to the 0.09 micron PPC970(+ = dual-core ?!) will happen by years end.
Hardware related announcements could include an iMac G5 (G5 at 0.09 micron for silent operation), a headless semi-pro Mac (G5 1.8 GHz single, one mini PCI-X and AGP slot) at 1100$ and a headless eMac (1 GHz G4, one mini PCI and AGP slot) at 400$ and more powerful G5 PowerMacs (1.8 GHz single-core, 1.8 GHz dual-core at 0.09 micron, dual 2 GHz dual-core at 0.09 micron and dual 2.4 GHz dual-core at 0.09 micron).
For the PowerBook G5 the system controller must be fabbed at 0.09 micron as well and the layout of the components on the motherboard must be very carefully chosen. Because of those major hurdles I expect a PowerBook G5 in April 2004. I'm pretty sure, that the current PowerBook was designed with the G5 in mind. I guess the heat dissipation of a processor can be estimated quite exactly these days. Because of that I suppose the enclosure of the PowerBook was designed with the G5 in mind. I don't expect an updated enclosure for a PB G5.
I say April 2003 because the iBook G4 puts some pressure on the PBs and because you can't sell a G4 at 1.33 GHz to professional customers, if you're other professional line is at 2.4 GHz. The performance gap between a PowerBook and a PowerMac has *never* been greater!
Apple is very serious about achieving bigger market-share. Their strategy to innovate through the economic downturn is starting to pay "back" ;-).
It would be wonderful if someone could dig up more info on the PPC970 at 0.09 micron and if the PPC970 at 0.09 micron is equivalent to the PPC970+ (dual-core).
See ya.

[celestial]

I wonder if this means we will see claism next year of Apple's year of the most powerful notebook/laptop with introduction of G5 as we saw for desktops this year...

Jason

[KidRed]

Originally posted by Chagi
I have to agree regarding the 17" model. Price drop? Possible (they damn well better...). Elimination? Highly doubtful, unless a 19" moves to the current price for the 17" (would make more sense).

Then the 30" is as highly doubtful. I don't see Apple carrying 4 monitors.

[gordy]

Expanded line of consumer entertainment devices that support iTunes AAC files. Video on demand in iTMS.

Oh, and that $100 iPod.

[NOFEER]

further develop the very hot, profitable iPod with
--wireless connection to home stereo system, bluetooth for wireless headphones
--connectivity with car stereo systems/ head unit/wireless trunk mount adapter and dash board screen, more car solutions. thus iPod can be taken everywhere

faster combo and superdrives across the board(hope hope hope)

office suite with complete MS office file sharing/compatibility

Marketing development--send the message to all in a MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE WAY. they need better and stronger marketing, switch campaign with solution and results based adds. show the "ease of use"

Battery life improvements--can we get to 6-7 hours real life battery use across the board. maybe fuel cell 15

Complete Apple solutions for most business and consumer apps.

More hoizontal integration

[THT]

Here's my input:

1. Powerbook G5s above $2500 and Powerbook G4s receiving 20% price reductions.
2. G5 Mini
3. Aforementioned new iMac
4. Low priced 5 GB iPod, high priced 60 GB iPod
5. Apple word processor program

[Yose]

What about an Apple/IBM Business solution using IBM branded hardware running OS X. Uh... Don't take this as an attack of the clones sort of idea but with the right *partnership* it could be ideal.

In terms of more Apple stuff I'd like to see what they could do for a redesigned iMac.

[Not Unlike Myself]

I see bumps to the G5 line. I see TONS of talk about how many downloads of songs in iTunes, how many of them Windows users. I expect a Keynote update. I expect AppleWorks to get a dot update. I expect an iMac update. I expect another iPod update (but I can't tell you why). Lastly I expect there to be a new product which will cost $199 available the exact same day (shipping) and it weighs less then a notebook, but more then an iPod. What is it you ask? I can't tell you. But it will be $199 + tax. :smokey:

[cocoa tree]

is this based on inside information?

[Jim Paradise]

I think that faster Power Macs will either be announced in January or February. Obviously, as has been pointed out, there will be all that iPod + iTunes + great store sales speech. With the new iBooks now being G4's, it makes the possibility of a G5 Powerbook a bit higher, but I sincerely doubt that the Powerbook will be moving to a G5 in either January or February. There hopefully will be a new iMac that would make even Matsu happy ;) and then they can really concentrate on keeping the eMacs as very cheap solutions for schools and houses- keep it G4, keep it a bit slower than the iMac, but at least have a good graphics card in there.

Hmm.... obviously uninteresting ideas and nothing new.... but that's I what I think we're in store for in middle of winter. And that would be just fine. :smokey: Keep refreshing the product lines (faster, new iMacs, etc., etc.,) so they don't get stagnant, and keep innovating with the iPod, iTunes, and the stores. Some new displays either reduced in price or upping the 17 inch to a 19 inch would be a good move (or both). Hopefully they'll be aggressive with their sales to schools, the science field, Windows users, and maybe something will come out of that whole Renderman port to OS X too...... ;) And not to forget that at some point those G5's will get stuck in Apple's various servers! It should be a good winter.

[Anders]

AppleOffice

[Commodus]

We can definitely rule out the iBook: there were cosmetic changes alongside the switch to a G4, so we know that they weren't just warming it over.

As for PowerMacs, I think it's too soon. The G5 only shipped in August and Apple is fond of giving at least 5 months between updates. Feburary or March is a more likely candidate.

There are only really two candidates for any hardware releases (barring a whole new model designation): the eMac and the iMac. I personally doubt that it's the iMac, as it did get a substantial update.

Here's an entertaining, if not likely theory: what if Apple revises the eMac? Remember, all we saw was a price cut and the elimination of the 800 MHz model. What if Apple finally responded to people asking for a cheap, headless desktop and decided to call a new tower system the eMac? It could have a basic G4 (like a 1 GHz chip), no Firewire 800, a Combo drive and so forth. They could price it at something like $599.

That way, Apple could better compete in terms of price and also get people to buy the eMac who wouldn't otherwise.

[soulcrusher]

TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY MACINTOSH!! v.2

1984 - 2004

[ThunderPoit]

--wireless connection to home stereo system, bluetooth for wireless headphones

unless you want to put the mp3/aac decoder in the headphones, it aint gonna happen, bluetooth doesnt have the bandwidth.

[kraig911]

20th century mac for the masses

[TiMac]

Originally posted by Anders
AppleOffice
I think this might be the closest one yet. I don't have a clue what kinda of hardware Jobs et al might produce before MWSF, but software I believe will bring at least Keynote 2 and maybe other apps along those lines....

Anyone else noticed that Steve's Keynote presos as of late have been sporting some component and slide transitions not currently available to Keynote 1.1.1 users?

Hardware....well....maybe SOMETHING new (microlaptop?) with the G3 now that it is "dead" from the product line. It's a great efficient chip and IBM hasn't killed it yet....

[ryaxnb]

Originally posted by TiMac
I think this might be the closest one yet. I don't have a clue what kinda of hardware Jobs et al might produce before MWSF, but software I believe will bring at least Keynote 2 and maybe other apps along those lines....

Anyone else noticed that Steve's Keynote presos as of late have been sporting some component and slide transitions not currently available to Keynote 1.1.1 users?

Hardware....well....maybe SOMETHING new (microlaptop?) with the G3 now that it is "dead" from the product line. It's a great efficient chip and IBM hasn't killed it yet.... Microlaptop probably = Tablet. Tablet = :rolleyes:

[DrBoar]

As is to late for consumer stuff, some new pro stuff would be nice.
G5 blade servers
really complete version of Maya,
Pixars rendering program for OS X
Things to give Apple Hollywood glamour and give the video editing eMac user a wiff of being a film mogul.

[othello]

Originally posted by Not Unlike Myself
I see bumps to the G5 line. I see TONS of talk about how many downloads of songs in iTunes, how many of them Windows users. I expect a Keynote update. I expect AppleWorks to get a dot update. I expect an iMac update. I expect another iPod update (but I can't tell you why). Lastly I expect there to be a new product which will cost $199 available the exact same day (shipping) and it weighs less then a notebook, but more then an iPod. What is it you ask? I can't tell you. But it will be $199 + tax. :smokey:


tablet?
mini-tablet device (for remote viewing)

who knows...

...if true

[NOFEER]

what about more partnering with ibm, say ibm office suite, mac emulator, if there a market for an office suite other than MS?

if last year was the year of the laptop, and laptop sales marketshare have been growing more than desktops, what will steve annouce "year of the ......'

how about a backlit keyboard for the PB12?

it's got to be something very very substantial for the 20th year of the mac

[Gamblor]

unless you want to put the mp3/aac decoder in the headphones, it aint gonna happen, bluetooth doesnt have the bandwidth.

Somebody's done just that, or at least they've got a reference product. Check it out: www.implusesoft.com (http://www.impulsesoft.com)

Bluetooth headphones would rock. So would a bluetooth connection to a home stereo, and a car stereo. Be able to listen to a choice of thousands of songs in your car, with no patch cable going to the headunit, and no dumbass FM transmitter who's signal gets clobbered by a REAL FM station when you drive into a new city. It'd be nice if there were a standard for controlling the iPod from the head unit, too.

[k_munic]

Originally posted by NOFEER
… what about more partnering with IBM , …

which brings me to:
anyone remembering the "nubus dos cards" for the 7000 machines?

how about a "dos hardware emulation card" for the G5 :lol:

running windows prgs under the unix surface of 10.3. :lol: :lol:

"the best windows ever!" :lol: :lol: :lol:

[othello]

Originally posted by Not Unlike Myself
I see bumps to the G5 line. I see TONS of talk about how many downloads of songs in iTunes, how many of them Windows users. I expect a Keynote update. I expect AppleWorks to get a dot update. I expect an iMac update. I expect another iPod update (but I can't tell you why). Lastly I expect there to be a new product which will cost $199 available the exact same day (shipping) and it weighs less then a notebook, but more then an iPod. What is it you ask? I can't tell you. But it will be $199 + tax. :smokey:

you're speculatin on this (http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/39/30239.html) by any chance?

:\

[rustedborg]

Originally posted by othello
you're speculatin on this (http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/39/30239.html) by any chance?

:\

Man ... if Apple made a tablet PC just a little larger than the iPod that runs OSX and only costs $199 I would buy one as fast as my hands can click the "buy" button on the Apple Store website. I just hope there is such a device ... and that Apple sells it for just $199.

I like my Palm organizer OK, but I really want something with and OS similar to my Mac ... with added features I can really use, like wireless access to my e-mail accounts, a GREAT handwriting recognition program so I can write down several pages worth of text all on a tablet ... that would be perfect.

If I can also view color photos and play a couple of cheap-o games on it ... all the better. Likewise, if you can plug in a compact GPS attachment to it, you could use your tiny tablet Mac to get directions when you're lost!

The problem is, most of the current high-end tablet-style organizers cost more than $199 ... which is why I haven't bought them.

Once you start getting in the $250+ range, you might as well just buy a used laptop computer ... you can do more with it and used notebooks run anywhere from $300 to $600 for something REALLY useful. Heck, you can buy a VERY nice PowerBook G3 Pismo for $400 (closer to $300 if you get one with less memory, smaller HD, and no Airport card).

That's why Apple needs to keep the price of a compact tablet organizer in the $199 range.

[SonOfSylvanus]

nicely deflected the question there rustedborg ;)

[sc_markt]

"what's gonna be left for macworld in jan?"

Given that the iBook now has G4's, I'd say G5 powerbooks.

[whoami]

bring on the G5 updates!
pretty please!;)

[hledgard]

I think is has to be some new device.

Perhaps one of the many rumors (e.g. Tivo, tablet, phone), or maybe something we haven't thought of.

[job]

I'm guessing software, iTunes and anything related to the music store.

A slight bump to the eMac would be nice, as would seeing a special edition Mac. (Doubtful, but I can dream right?)

[MacGregor]

Illuminated keyboard on 12incher and a 30-minute slide show of the Ginza store.

[Rhumgod]

http://www.rhumgod.com/images/xstation1.jpg

[othello]

nice! :D

[BJNY]

I'd like to see a "Slab".
Basically, a 15" Aluminum Powerbook without the screen to fit nicely under an HD Cinema Display.
It can be as thick as 2" allowing for the possibility of dual CPUs. Dual DVI out would be cool, too.

[Addison]

Here is my take:-

G5 -speed bumps sp,dp,dp line up.

G5 iMac3

Price reductions accross the board on the iPod. Apple will have seen rthe competition coming and has to react. Frankly we don't needbigger and bigger HD's in the iPod... Unless we are allowed to rip DVD's for personal use and convere to MPeg4 at say 180x320 that should make the movie pretty small. Then we could have an iPod- video with a small colour screen. There is already a portable device that can do this and I read how to do it in T3 magazine, it was windows centric so did not commit the details to memory!

Possible updates to iApps, iDVD desperatly needs 16*9 support and iPhoto needs a speed boost and it still has a bug with large images in CMYK.

[ipodandimac]

i'm hoping for a speed bump, so i can finally order my dual g5

[Leonis]

Would like to get a G5

But now I don't even think I can buy it until next summer or later......

I have received a warning from the student loan centre and I have to pay them back $3000 by year end :(

[Eugene]

Originally posted by Rhumgod
http://www.rhumgod.com/images/xstation1.jpg

Ah, the self-orienting Apple! It's going to need a stand in the vertical position of course...

[Rhumgod]

Originally posted by Eugene
Ah, the self-orienting Apple! It's going to need a stand in the vertical position of course...

Yeah just could visualize an Apple in "a stand". Everything I tried looked retarded. Oh well. Either that or a bolt&nut so you can really fasten that sucker down :lol:

[McCrab]

Originally posted by gobble gobble
Hopefully iPhoto 3. My iPhoto library has gotten to the point where it's so slow that I can barely use it. I have about 3 Gb worth of photos, which I don't think is that uncommon. And, they need a command to delete photos from the library that aren't in any albums. That would help slim things down.

Photo Pro for $99. A high end digital resource management product. Offer a family of software for digital photography similar to what Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Express and iMovie offer for video.

[naderby]

Well, my boss said I can get a G5 so I'm going to wait till Jan and see if there's an updated model out. If not, I'll jump anyway.

2Ghz G5 low end?

[whoami]

i'm loving the AI front page news story on dual 2.5's!!!
bring em' on!!!!! i have been saving forever! 8)

[mello]

It would be cool to have a fullsize keyboard built on top.
Kinda like the old apple IIe.

[ryaxnb]

Originally posted by Rhumgod
http://www.rhumgod.com/images/xstation1.jpg yes! yes! yes! yes!

[mattyj]

We could see:

Powermac G5 speed bump:
2Ghz single
2.2Ghz dual
2.4Ghz dual

Powerbook G5

1.6Ghz and 1.8Ghz models - very expensive above current G4 line (to beat AMD to getting the worlds first 64bit laptop out, first).

Sounds like apple, but it would be difficult to pull off.
Processors used would probably be 2Ghz or higher at highest clock speed, but clocked down to keep power consumtion low - would account for a high cost. I heard that this uses less power than having a slower speed processor clocked at its highest frequency (same speed as 'faster' processor)...? :???: :lol:

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

That xStation concept just makes me cum... Thats one hell of a gorgeous design.. I would just love to see Apple make more machines like that! (The design)
Oh well, I for one think the cheese-grates looks like s***... :(

[vinney57]

The slab, brick, cube concept is a great one. It won't be called xStation though. That's our 3U rackmount render monster. XBox maybe? (doh!)

[ipodandimac]

based on the new appleinsider article, i'd say g5 speedbumps, and displays if not already updated by then. newton II would be awesome

[Tyrihans]

xStation or not.

On the back of VT's "Big Mac" demonstration, Apple could just make a scaled down "xNode". A mini dual G5 with nothing but whatever any Cluster-freak needs. Price it at $ 1500 and a bunch of Universities (and everyone else for that matter) with a supercomputer ambition will wet themselfes...

[Amorph]

Originally posted by Tyrihans
xStation or not.

On the back of VT's "Big Mac" demonstration, Apple could just make a scaled down "xNode". A mini dual G5 with nothing but whatever any Cluster-freak needs. Price it at $ 1500 and a bunch of Universities (and everyone else for that matter) with a supercomputer ambition will wet themselfes...

All they need to do to accomplish that is stuff a G5 or two into their existing Xserve for Clusters. Rack-mountable CPUs beat towers every time for scalability.

As to the "Xstation" - it's not a bad rendering for something that wants to be a low end Dell, but it's not going to happen as a competitor to a low end Dell - even though its logo orients itself automagically. ;) I think its potential as a market share expander is massively overstated, and its profit potential is nil. Also, relative to an AIO, the box + monitor would have to cost more than the two fused together.

That said, the "iMac as Cube" rumors seem to be gathering steam, so I can't entirely rule out the possibility that Apple will release a Cube-like midrange machine. For now, Apple's big switcher machine and chief low-end solution is the iBook.

[ryaxnb]

Originally posted by T'hain Esh Kelch
That xStation concept just makes me cum... Thats one hell of a gorgeous design.. I would just love to see Apple make more machines like that! (The design)
Oh well, I for one think the cheese-grates looks like s***... :(
Yes to 1st point. No to 2nd.

[Leonard]

Originally posted by celestial
A rumor I heard from an Apple reseller was the appearance of Dual 1.8GHz G5's due to high demand on 2GHz and low sales of 1.8s versus 1.6s. Must say for home use a dual 1.8 at a decent price difference would be attractive to me.

Jason

That rumor is 2 months old... and that's all it was, was a rumor.

New displays are due.

A PowerMac G5 speedbump is due sometime in Jan/Feb.

What the heck are some you guys talking about new ibooks, we just got new G4 ibooks. Apple isn't going to update the ibook line again until next Mar/Apr, which would be in time for schools to purchase them.

The G5 Xserve is a possibility.

[palmberg]

Originally posted by Amorph
Also, relative to an AIO, the box + monitor would have to cost more than the two fused together.

Not only that, but I've already had an LCIII. Let's not take our industrial design backwards, shall we?

[neutrino23]

Hmmm...

G5 X-serve
New iMac
Updated G5
Maybe a new display

New version of Keynote
Possibly a hugely updated AppleWorks
Updates to AppleScript Studio, QT, iCal.
Possibly by then we will see OS X 10.3.2 (10.3.1 was an emergency release to fix just a few problems so this release would tackle broader problems such as networking).

It is way too early for a G5 PB. iBooks were just updated. eMac doesn't rate for MWSF.
There certainly is R&D going on regarding new iPods and related products but I don't think we'll see them at MWSF.

Lots of review of information on how things are changing. Success of the stores, size of mobs at Tokyo store opening, growing marketshare, success of iTMS and iPod.

Some of the latter is not as exciting on the surface as getting a new case for an iBook but increasing mindshare in the general population helps us all. It makes it easier for all of us to keep and use OS X in our schools and jobs.

[Amorph]

Of that list:

I'm not sure whether the Xserve (quarterly unit sales: about 5K) is a MacWorld worthy item, even if it is big news within its market. The only exception would be if Steve decides to use the Va Tech supercomputer as a riff, introducing the G5 Xserve ("for the next guy") and the G5 PowerMac as well. My guess is that it'll use the 90nm 970 that's also going into IBM's blades, in which case it might not appear until February.

The G5 PowerMac might have to be a pre-announcement to make MacWorld, since it will apparently use the 90nm 970 as well, and that looks to be bowing in in Jan/Feb sofar. They might want to make a point that they've jumped half a GHz in a few months; they might also want to do a later release that makes it look like business as usual now. Depends.

10.3.x, for any x, will be released with little fanfare, perhaps on the eve of MWSF. Bug fixes aren't anything you can build a strong marketing case around. Panther was supposed to have great networking out of the starting gate, after all.

The iMac is almost a dead certainty, even if they do have to preannounce it (because if it goes G5, it's 100% likely to be the 90nm variety). It's still the product most strongly associated with Apple and with Apple's design philosophy, and if it's getting a total makeover than Steve will want to do the whole dog and pony show.

Don't forget that a fair amount of any keynote is a review of old stuff and some big-picture talking (iTunes and iTMS and iPod will get plenty of air time), and a few iApp updates and some showcasing of third-party stuff (the architect of the Va Tech cluster is a shoo-in here, complete with the announcement that they're releasing their technology for free). These day, the big picture is pretty exciting on all fronts. You don't have to account for enough new stuff to fill the whole keynote. :)

[hledgard]

I think there is one overwhelming need for Apple if they are going to increase market share:

a low cost stand-alone box (cube variant)

Many have mentioned this, often as a headless iMac.

The big point is that replacing all your gear as a PC user is formidable. Much easier, Just replace the Dell, Gateway, on HP box.

Now that we have the G5, a
G5 1.6 gHz )
$799
box might be a big hit.

Oh well,
Dr. L

[Disko]

http://disko.d2.net.au/xstation2.jpg
I reworked the Xstation design so it's got USB, Firwire and a headphone jack at the front.

I also added what would be a "gravity responsive" apple logo, so it would turn if you tilt it. ;)

Sorry for my bad photoshop skills.

[Aquatic]

That actually looks neat, kudos on the Photoshop.

[Disko]

Something else we seem to be forgetting to think about is the patent apple have on the exterior of the computer changing color. Perhaps we'll see the first generation of hypercolor imacs?

The "xstation" could even change colour. :)

[Disko]

Originally posted by Aquatic
That actually looks neat, kudos on the Photoshop. Thanks. :)

[McCrab]

Originally posted by NOFEER
what about more partnering with ibm, say ibm office suite, mac emulator, if there a market for an office suite other than MS?



I've been thinking along these lines for a while...

...particularly given that IBM owns Lotus (123, WP, etc)

[winston smith]

After the last MWSF there was a rumour about Chiat Day being tasked with an Ad for the '04 Superbowl.

20th anniversary of the Mac and all that.

1984 was about Apple being the alternative to Big Blue (IBM). However in the intervening 20 years Dell and Microsoft have become the alternative to IBM.

So my own reality distortion field runs riot:

IBM are allowed to make Apple clones.
IBM moves its inhouse systems to OSX
Apple releases iOffice a suite of Office competing software

All originally trailed at the Superbowl to create Media anticipation.

Revised iMac
Xstation as a headless Mac/in home media streamer to allow switchers to move to Mac with minimal peripheral purchases.

All the other pieces are there already and this allows Steve to ramp it up in radical style.

[Flounder]

The superbowl ad is the Pepsi/iTMS promotion

[O and A]

Originally posted by Flounder
The superbowl ad is the Pepsi/iTMS promotion

...apple can still have a different ad to promote the 2.5ghz g5s that will be out by then.

Whats the speed on the next pentium update and when?

[ryaxnb]

Here's my (mostly) rehash:
xServe
If only xStation...
iMac... either a pushed-back 20"er or G5 iMac line.
eMac... 1.25Ghz or G5
Looking at things, possibly a PowerBook G5 shipiping in March/June (after 90nm G5 comes out)?
iMovie 4, the app is almost a year old
iPhoto 3, almost a year old too
iTunes 5 or 4.5, last notable update was in April, and there have been rumors
Displays: 17" widescreen, 20", 23" and possibly 25" or 30".
Oh please Apple make iSticky with note categories, searching, Palm sync, and iTunes-like interface!
iWorks or iOffice
I may be weird, but I think it will be time for a Safari update, the last major update was in June... and they need a version for Jag.
Maybe even be nice to the competition and mention OmniWeb 5?
Maybe a Power Mac G5 refresh? I've heard rumors...
"We've reinvented the digital hub... again." "Introducing iMovie 4, iPhoto 3, iTunes 5, iSticky Beta, and Safari 1.5!"
I think in many ways, Apple's software is the most lacking, aside form the xServe. Well, not really lacking, but old. Here's the list of old Apple software:
Safari (last major upgrade in June)
iTunes (last major upgrade in April, POSSIBLE but not too likely)
iMovie and iPhoto (almost a year old)
iSync (last major upgrade, I don't know when, POSSIBLE but not too likely)
Stickies (last major upgrade probably came with 10.0)
AppleWorks (last major upgrade over 3 years ago!)
EDIT: More software: Keynote. Apple needs too get on the software track.

[rageous]

Prediction:

Steve Jobs will crank up the RDF to full power... the masses will be salivating... and the "one more thing" über item will be a free Pepsi One under every seat. Jobs will exit stage right leaving everyone scrating their heads wondering what the hell just happened.

What could be more surprising than no surprise at all?

It's genius.

[whoami]

i think you'll have a better chance of seeing this at macworld...
a new michael jackson/pepsi commercial where his hair is on fire, he is then hosed off while the camera pans to a shot of him holding a waterproof ipod in his gloved hand. hehehhehee :smokey:

[murk]

Things have really changed. Not so long ago, something like the 20" iMac and the Dual 1.8 would have been Apple's big announcements at MacWorld.:smokey:

[eddively]

No kidding, there is really no thing besides displays, and i suppose updated G5s that could be put out for MWSF. HMM... I suppose it is 2 months away but this definitely signals a shift in Apple strategies.

[rustedborg]

Originally posted by murk
Things have really changed. Not so long ago, something like the 20" iMac and the Dual 1.8 would have been Apple's big announcements at MacWorld.:smokey:

This just adds to my suspicions that Apple is going to introduce an all-new consumer-level desktop machine early next year. With the PowerMac G4 towers being phased out, and Steve's obsession with keeping all-in-one computers around, Apple needs something to fill the gap for people who can't afford a PowerMac G5 tower but don't like the all-in-ones.

This isn't about market share, it's about filling the holes in the lineup where people are looking for computers.

Additionally, I think we're going to see a new PowerBook (either dual g4 or single G5) at the same time as the new consumer desktop. The new iBook G4 is great, but they can't leave the PowerBooks and iBooks so close to one another in terms of performance for very long unless they want to risk a drop in PowerBook sales.

[CosmoNut]

Originally posted by rustedborg
I think we're going to see a new PowerBook (either dual g4 or single G5) at the same time as the new consumer desktop.
Won't happen. If there's one thing I've learned about Apple, it's that they never ever EVER release more than one new machine at a time. They don't want two products to share the spotlight.

The new iMacs got their day of glory. The G5s got their moment in the sun. They were BIG deals. If a new product is released at MWSF (and I believe it will -- however what, I'm not sure), it will pale the other updates and releases into the shadows.

"It's our BRAND NEW ___________! Oh, and we bumped this, this, and this."

[shabbasuraj]

man....... I am in the market for a new PB right now... but I simply can't force myself to pull the trigger using the plastic at the online store... with January being less than 2 months away...!!!!!!!!!

I hear patience is a virtue...

sux to be me...

[rustedborg]

Originally posted by CosmoNut
Won't happen. If there's one thing I've learned about Apple, it's that they never ever EVER release more than one new machine at a time. They don't want two products to share the spotlight.

The new iMacs got their day of glory. The G5s got their moment in the sun. They were BIG deals. If a new product is released at MWSF (and I believe it will -- however what, I'm not sure), it will pale the other updates and releases into the shadows.

"It's our BRAND NEW ___________! Oh, and we bumped this, this, and this."

Well ... they just added the BRAND NEW iBook G4 ... Oh, and they bumped the eMacs (cutting the slower processors, adding Panther, and dropping the price).

Today they just added the BRAND NEW 20-inch iMac ... Oh, and they bumped the PowerMac G5 line.

I don't think a new desktop AND a new laptop at the same time is out of the question. Still, just my opinion.

[CosmoNut]

Originally posted by rustedborg
Well ... they just added the BRAND NEW iBook G4 ... Oh, and they bumped the eMacs

*snip*

Today they just added the BRAND NEW 20-inch iMac ... Oh, and they bumped the PowerMac G5 line.

Those were all just updates and upgrades to EXISTING form factors, etc.

What I mean is that an absolutely never-before-seen Mac will steal the spotlight for any show.

When the new iMac (sunflower design) came out in Jan. 2002 it was like nothing ever seen before. It stole the show. When the PowerMac G5 came out, we'd never seen a 64-bit processor in a personal computer before. The same can be said for the original release of the first iMac, the iBook (each new form factor), the Cube, Powerbooks, etc.

So the point I was making is that a G5 Powerbook and new consumer desktop wouldn't be released together, unless the PB kept the same form factor and just got a new chip (which I suppose is possible -- hell, they did it with the iBook). :\

[sobelizzard]

I think macworld could very well be the Apple Office coming out party. The hardware seems to be coming into place as things become available (and in time for the christmas buying season)... last year we saw Keynote and Safari... This year, i think the rest of the office apps could very well roll out. Going over apps like this would take up quite a chunk of time... i'd rather see this than hardware anyways... I have had it up to here with Office v.X

[rustedborg]

Originally posted by sobelizzard
I think macworld could very well be the Apple Office coming out party. The hardware seems to be coming into place as things become available (and in time for the christmas buying season)... last year we saw Keynote and Safari... This year, i think the rest of the office apps could very well roll out. Going over apps like this would take up quite a chunk of time... i'd rather see this than hardware anyways... I have had it up to here with Office v.X

Yes, I too have had it with Microsoft Office ... but I do a lot of work with publishers and all of them say that electronic files MUST be saved in Microsoft Word format (.doc). So, unless Apple finds a way to make a word processor that can save files in Word's proprietary format, I think most Mac users will still be buying Office. :(

[sobelizzard]

well.... if textedit is any clue, it looks like theyre working on it. This totally depends on Microsoft's "ability" to break the .doc format whenever they see fit.. we'll see what Apple can come up with...

[CosmoNut]

It's all about PDFs baby. What more universal format is there?

[rustedborg]

Originally posted by CosmoNut
It's all about PDFs baby. What more universal format is there?

PDFs are great, but have you ever tried importing TEXT from a PDFinto another file like Word or Quark? Word docs are just better about handling text between files/formats.

... But I'd LOVE to see Apple make their own version of Office with a great word processor that runs faster than Word and is more STABLE. Don't get me wrong, I want an Apple version of Office ... I just don't want to have compatibility issues when sending/receiving files to/from my employers and clients.

[whoami]

i guess new displays at macworld are a shoe-in now!
if they would only have component inputs on them i'd be so happy!
my new place is too small for a computer and tv setup...
i'd like to kill 2 birds on my next purchase! hehe

[Zab The Fab]

For those who didn't listen to the conference call:

Steve Jobs proclaimed that they would release totally new iApps next year. Stuff nobody had even thought of yet. He called it "Pretty strong stuff"

maybe we will see hardware to go along with that. Resent releases could point in that direction since almost EVERYTHING has been updated...


we'll see soon enough. 8)

[TWinbrook46636]

I still think we will get an all-new iMac design in January sporting a G5 processor. Despite the initial shock, the 20-inch iMac released today is really just the current 17-inch model with a larger display. Nothing else seems to have been updated. The timing is ideal for increasing Holiday sales but I don't think it means there will not be exciting things in store for Macworld.

[ipodandimac]

Originally posted by shabbasuraj
man....... I am in the market for a new PB right now... but I simply can't force myself to pull the trigger using the plastic at the online store... with January being less than 2 months away...!!!!!!!!!

I hear patience is a virtue...

sux to be me...

i've been holding out since august for a speed bump to the top end g5's... sux to be ME (but i hear ya)

[Addison]

Originally posted by whoami
i guess new displays at macworld are a shoe-in now!
if they would only have component inputs on them i'd be so happy!
my new place is too small for a computer and tv setup...
i'd like to kill 2 birds on my next purchase! hehe

Well I am no MS advocate, but I believe credit where credit is due. I do not have any stability problems with word and quite frankly I can't type any faster so I am not worried about a faster version. World seem to be an excelent business tool and is compattible accross platforms. When it comes to spreadsheets I doubt that anything will ever beat Excel.

[grendal]

Updates to all iApps (most of the keynote will be based around iTMS).

Updates to the iPod line: 20Gb/60Gb/80Gb models (ride that iTunes wave).

Say goodbye to the G4 throughout the desktop range…

iMac goes G5 (1.6Ghz, 1.8Ghz and 2Ghz) with the 15" model eol'd. No price drops, bigger harddrives, better graphics chip, and Superdrive throughout the line. The iMac range will be reoriented towards a home cinema, trendy familly niche market - maybe teamed up with an EyeTV offer.

eMac eol'd. Maybe replaced by a midprice 20th anniversary headless cube thingy, that would have a single G5 processor (1.6Ghz, 1.8Ghz and 2Ghz), built-in ethernet and 56kb modem, 1 full size 8X AGP slot and 1 PCI-X slot just to keep everybody happy when it come to upgrading. It would be rugged enough to be used by the education market, which the iMac unfortunately isn't.

Power Mac goes all dual G5s (1.8Ghz, 2.2Ghz and 2.5Ghz if not faster, come on IBM surprise us!) bigger harddrives blah blah blah…

As for the laptops - no big surprises just speedbumps and they will stay with the G4 (4 cores?) for awhile longer - this is no longer the year of the laptop!

As for G5 XServes, Keynote and Apple/iWorks we'll see those as single Apple events or at the WWDC.

Anway thats what I think…

[Luca]

grendal, those all seem to be somewhat reasonable changes to expect within the next year... you don't actually think they'll all happen at Macworld though, do you? Typically, Apple releases no more than two new products at a major event like this.

I do believe that the majority of the keynote will be extolling the virtues of iTunes and how great it is and how much people love it. Probably there will also be a comparison between iTunes and all the other copycat music stores cropping up (all of which will of course show iTunes as being way in the lead).

iMac won't go G5 yet, I think it has perhaps one more revision with the G4 left. Maybe it'll get a G5 next summer. But who knows? Maybe it'll go G5 this spring. Unfortunately, because of SJ's personal vendetta against TV, they won't have any bundle of the sort, even if it makes plenty of sense. You're definitely right about the no price drops thing - even if LCD prices do drop, I don't think the price will go down, just because it's never gone down before so there's no reason to believe it'll go down now.

eMac will stay around. I really don't think there will actually be some sort of consumer semi-expandable compact desktop thing. No way. Cube II? No, the Cube was a failure and even though everyone here wants one, I don't think Apple will actually re-release it. People have been wanting a new Cube since it was discontinued so I don't see why they'd choose now to make a new one as opposed to any of those other times.

I also don't think the PowerMac will go all-dual. There will be one low-end single processor model at the bottom. But it does definitely make sense to have duals on the higher two models, so I think a line similar to the one we have right now (except 400-500 MHz faster) would be great.

Maybe Apple will surprise me. I think their consumer desktop line is in disarray, but I don't think they'll overhaul it. I think they're going to try and tweak the products currently there to fix it. But maybe they'll do something different and better, and end up surprising me.

[grendal]

I agree with you Luca… the desktop lineup is in a shambles and the situation will only get worse with each speed bump or Apple event.

The idea with this tradeshow is to get things in order and define a product coherence/strategy/roadmap for the year, and I don't see that happening if Apple continues to use two different processors throughout the desktop lineup.

I know (as well as everybody else) its not reasonable to put a G5 in the iMac or dual G5s throughout the PowerMac line, however, it makes damn good marketing and for better sales… and the $ always wins (just look at recent changes in the G5 lineup - just 100 bucks for an xtra 1.8 Ghz processor, that will make people go wow and open up the cheque book or get a visa card out! I know mine nearly did!).

Apple need to harmonize their Desktop line up, hence the G5 throughout, though they have to differentiate the Pro and consumer lineup, hence the single and dual processor strategy… its worked before
and its working at the moment - just look at the laptop range, G4s throughout.

As for the eMac - I just don't like it! Maybe it'll stick around for a couple more revisions, the Cube 2 thing plays upon recent rumors, though the idea isn't that bad. Apple got burnt the first time round (price tag and upgrade possibilities), however, they do have a terrible habit of rehashing ideas (Spartucus became the iMac), so who knows…

Apple have never been a reasonable company, though they have been known to surprise everybody at any moment! I hope 2004 will be a year of great changes…

[Addison]

Well I am pretty happy with the G5 and can envisage a speed bump on or around Macworld. Apple was quite right to change the 1.8 to a dual processor, there was really no reason to buy the single processor 1.8 as it represented such bad value for money.

I am saddened by the introduction of the 20" iMac for one reason only, it seems to push back the date we can expect a G5 version. I am delighted with the screen and very pleased with the resolution and any iMac3 will have to have to include a 20" version.

For January, I really hope for three things:-

1: iPhoto - some serious optomisation and subfolder support and support for quicktime movies perhapps.

2: iDVD to support 16:9 anamorphic.

3: PowerMac speed bumps.

The only thing that bothers me is that this is normally a consumer show, so PM Speed bumps may not be on the agenda.

An outside possibility is a Video iPod. I would love to be able to rip movies from DVD and save as a quicktime movie on my Video pod, and play them on a train etc. Yes I know the screen would be very small, but I would expect a different form factor to accommodate a larger screen. If it could act as a portable storage device for digital cameras as well it would be a very serious too/gadget.

[ryaxnb]

Originally posted by eddively
No kidding, there is really no thing besides displays, and i suppose updated G5s that could be put out for MWSF. HMM... I suppose it is 2 months away but this definitely signals a shift in Apple strategies. I just gave you a list. iMac G5, PowerMac, displays (duh,) plus software. iTunes iMovie iPhoto Safari AppleWorks

[wizard69]

Originally posted by grendal
I agree with you Luca… the desktop lineup is in a shambles and the situation will only get worse with each speed bump or Apple event.

How can one reasonable say that the desktop line up is in a shambles? There really is no justification for such a statement.

The idea with this tradeshow is to get things in order and define a product coherence/strategy/roadmap for the year, and I don't see that happening if Apple continues to use two different processors throughout the desktop lineup.

No shows are for a number of things, one of which is new product introductions. Another is to throw wild parties.

As to your description of what a trade show is, if the present a roadmap showing where the G4 is to be used for the balance of the year (not likely for apple to give out such detals) is that not being coherent. You seem to be saying that there are problems with Apple product line due to the use of the G4 in some of that product. Why? It is a givne that Apple will eventually migrate to 970 or similar based processors in some of its consumer lines. Does that mean that these new machines will meet market requirements and sell. Nope, it just means new product has hit the market.


I know (as well as everybody else) its not reasonable to put a G5 in the iMac or dual G5s throughout the PowerMac line, however, it makes damn good marketing and for better sales… and the $ always wins (just look at recent changes in the G5 lineup - just 100 bucks for an xtra 1.8 Ghz processor, that will make people go wow and open up the cheque book or get a visa card out! I know mine nearly did!).

First you say Apple is in a shambles and does not have a coherent product line then you turn around and say its not reasonable to put a 970 in the iMacs. You are being a bit unreasonable in that you can't have it both ways. By the way I think we will shortly see only dual G5's available, it is rather stupid to buy the single processor form factor. the market knows this, thus Apple having to rush out a dual 1.8GHz unit to get rid of those processors.

A 970 based processor would go very nicely into a iMac machine or a machine targeted at iMacs market. Now there is the real question of Apple having the chipsets to do this, but we can all agree that they are working on it, no?


Apple need to harmonize their Desktop line up, hence the G5 throughout, though they have to differentiate the Pro and consumer lineup, hence the single and dual processor strategy… its worked before
and its working at the moment - just look at the laptop range, G4s throughout.

Now we are back to wanting the G5 throughout the line up. You are hard to satisfy here. I could make the argument that it would be better to go SMP throughout the line up but that would make people squeal.


As for the eMac - I just don't like it! Maybe it'll stick around for a couple more revisions, the Cube 2 thing plays upon recent rumors, though the idea isn't that bad. Apple got burnt the first time round (price tag and upgrade possibilities), however, they do have a terrible habit of rehashing ideas (Spartucus became the iMac), so who knows…

Apple have never been a reasonable company, though they have been known to surprise everybody at any moment! I hope 2004 will be a year of great changes…

I wouldn't go so far as to say Apple is unreasonable, Apple does what it does to survive. One of the things that it has to do is to have products people want to buy. Computers with G4's will quickly become one of the items that people will not want. So Apple will need a response, this may either be a G4++ or a 970 based machine. the 20" imac should make it pretty obvious that there are issues with the G4 line, so we can all geuss where we are going.



Thanks
dave

[othello]

Originally posted by Addison
I am saddened by the introduction of the 20" iMac for one reason only, it seems to push back the date we can expect a G5 version. I am delighted with the screen and very pleased with the resolution and any iMac3 will have to have to include a 20" version.


it doesn't push back the g5 at all...

its there as an interim, and for apple to make some pre-christmas money. its the same base and arm as the 17", but with a different screen. so no major re-tooling or investment. its a short term interim product to catch the christmas buying period. period.

[grendal]

Thanks Wizard69 for some constructive criticism

How can one reasonable say that the desktop line up is in a shambles? There really is no justification for such a statement.

I just remember the time when Apple had a coherent product grid
(the PowerMac G3 and iMac G3 etc), since then the plot has been lost a little, maybe a shambles was a harsh use of words. However, new buyers have a hard time of it trying to chose a desktop model - just go to a computer retailer (like the FNAC here in France) on a saturday and watch those poor buggers get so confused by the overlapping model configurations offered by Apple and end up buying a PC!

You seem to be saying that there are problems with Apple product line due to the use of the G4 in some of that product. Why?

ERR, just that the G4 never delievered the goods promised for a desktop range… Mac users know it, PC users know it, and putting on sale a PowerMac G5 next to a G4 iMac you're going to be certain that a first time buyer or switcher is going to know it, hence why needs to go all G5. Its good marketing.

Maybe I want things changed too quickly, though I think for Apple a brusque change is for the best in the long run. Basically we agree with each other though just word it differently!

Now we are back to wanting the G5 throughout the line up. You are hard to satisfy here.

Not hard to satisfy, just a long time macuser and one that can't wait for January…

[TWinbrook46636]

PowerMac G5 Cube. Seriously.

Okay, it would take a lot of guts to release one with that name after the fiasco with the original but it makes sense to have something between the iMac and the PowerMac. It would essentially be a smaller version of the PowerMac G5 towers. It would be quite different from the original Cube design being larger and resembling the PowerMac G5 towers in appearance and construction. It would feature 1 AGP and 1 PCI slot and a choice of single 2.0 Ghz or 2.5 Ghz (possibly 90nm) G5 processors. Priced at $1599 and $1999 respectively. At the same time we get 2.0Ghz, 2.3Ghz x2 and 2.5Ghz x2 PowerMac G5 Towers and newly redesigned 17", 23" and 30" widescreen displays.

[DHagan4755]

Dual Processor PowerBook G4s?

12" - remains the same as current
15" - 1GHz model is killed - 1.25 model becomes low-end 15" w/backlit keyboard, etc.

NEW:
Dual 1.25 liquid cooled 15" and 17"

[hledgard]

I still think:

Headless iMac (G5, low price, e.g. 899)

or

New Device (e.g. phone, tablet, tivo box, etc.)

Any update to the current product line is not enough for the "big show".

[Lemon Bon Bon]

the desktop lineup is in a shambles and the situation will only get worse with each speed bump or Apple event.

I have to agree with this statement. Because I know where you're coming from.

Excluding the G5 Tower desktops(!), the consumer desktops are laughable. The iMac gets it so right and horribly wrong at the same time!

The eMac is the 'impossible' imac that many said could or shouldn't be done due to weight problems...so, how many people actually carry an eMac?

It's not often I have to clash swords with the 'Wizard', but on this occasion I'm differing to beg.

The eMac is a marshmallow lard ass. 'CRT is DEAD, LONG LIVE LCDS?'

Steve soon backpeddled on that when he realised the new iMac 2 line would leave Apple with no sub £1k Mac. Duh.

The eMac is a backwards step.

Most computer stores are offering dirt cheap 15 inch LCD monitors with cheap mini-towers for about the same price as an Apple eMac. AND with more ram, a DVD burner and a faster processor. It goes to show just how out of touch the eMac and iMac2 are! And those PC LCDs aren't crap either. (Apple's displays aren't the best on spec...eg 'brightness' being one such example...)

How long has the eMac got in the face of rising LCD shipments?

Only Apple are charging a premium for LCD machines.

The eMac's design is the 'glom' design that Steve Jobs derided upon the iMac 2's introduction. Irony, eh?

The iMac 2 is gorgeous (though not as much so as the Cube...) and it includes a monitor...er...and a chrome arm...a poxy 1.25 gig G4 and 'last year's' graphic card? A 20 inch iMac. An incredible machine...if you don't mind the fact that it's last year's (or is that three ago?) tech' or that you can a dual 1.8 gig G5 for a little more.

The iMac 2 offers little more than an eMac. Processor, ram, graphics card wise. They're pretty similar. Only the stunning iMac 2 design sets them apart.

Okay. So it's easy to whinge.

So what does iLemon iCeo Bon Bon i-a i-Do?

Well...

Scrap the eMac.

Replace with a mega-cheap iCube box. Pizza/cuboid/Nintendo Gamecube style small white box. Enough memory to run 'X' and iapps. Bundle cheaply with 15 inch LCD/or widescreen 17 inch. One model with built in agp.

Or a bigger iCuboid with upgradeable/config' cpu and graphics?

Re-design the iMac 2 into an iMac3.

iMac3 (the 'iCube') is made of cheaper components so all three models can break the sub-1K Sterling bracket.

OR...

Keep the iMac3 in current iMac2 bracket and redesign the base as a dock for monitor. The monitor and base are separable. The base, a little bigger...can take a standard graphics card and have three/four ram slots. they are currently occupying pro-territory and don't have pro-specs.

As for the G4 towers. Design looks ugly compared to the G5 tower. The G4 looks as hotchpotched as the eMac's 'hi-carb' diet looks ass-fat. When Jan/Feb/Mar's Tower speedbumps come around? Dual the towers...but have single G5 towers at 1.8 and 2 gig at the current G4 tower prices.

Good value? Yep.

Because no doubt G5s at 2.2, 2.4 and 2.6 will arrive at current price brackets.

So how we doing?

iCube £495-£695 Three models. Cheap switcher box.
iMac 3 £895-£1595 Four Models. Semi-Upgradeable pro-sumer.
Single G5 Tower £999-£1295.
Dual G5 Tower £1595-£2195.

Which is pretty much what Apple is doing right now with the G4 towers under the G5 towers...and the eMac under the iMac.

They just need to refine the line and give it the clarity and progression that the rather nice laptops have.

There's room for two pro desktop lines at a lower and higher price.

And two consumer/prosumer lines at a lower and higher price.

The problem with Apple's desktop line is that it:

Looks out of date.
The eMac and iMac2 over lap.
It's waaaaaaaay too expensive compared to the laptop line.
Underspecced.
Slow cpus.
The G4 tower and the eMac are designs OUT OF DATE.
Poor compared to Wintel competition.
Apart from the G4 tower? Inflexible. Lack expandability. At least the graphics card!

Lemon Bon Bon

[Lemon Bon Bon]

As for Apple revamping its whole line?

They had done so in a couple of months from Jan-Feb last year!

Well, San Fran' usually kickstarts the Apple year and sets the theme.

I wonder what theme the master showman will set for us this coming year?

I expect a surprise.

Some little surprises.

1. A device.
2. No device? Then a redesigned iMac '3'..? If this doesn't make the San Fran' because of the current screen bump then it will come later in the Spring. Which would leave us with perhaps a...
3. Headless consumer box to take on the 'growth' market. But it will have an Apple twist.
4. I'd expect faster towers announced. If not, they'll be announced late Feb'.
5. More software. Definitely more software. We MAY yet get the iWorks office suite. Some new iapps. Maybe iChat for Windows. A good profit maker?

All to be announced at once?

Nope.

1. Revision of what iPods/Stores are doing.
2. More Software.
3. One major hardware surprise...
4. ...and another 'minor' one eg ProTower getting bumps.

I'm thinking it's been a while since the iPod...I'd be surprised if another digital lifestyle device is not in the works.

But I'm confident alot of the above will come in time anyhow.

The main concern for me is that inspite of every good thing Apple is doing the 'Switch' campaign hasn't made the impact I would have thought. I think this is largely due to the confusion in Apple's consumer range. The lack of a true £500 machine and a lack of awareness in consumer minds of the Apple brand. US Apple stores...great...but where's the international stores? Where's the advertising? Does anybody know there is a 'Mac OS X'?

Apple still aren't actively taking the fight to Windows in a way that's direct and will get them sales...and growth.

It was interesting that Apple's own people at the shareholder meeting said as much.

This year's San Fran' should be very interesting. Apple's definitely moving in the right direction...

Lemon Bon Bon

[DHagan4755]

Boy, that's lengthy LBB!

I think Apple will be placing more and more focus on portables, than on consumer desktops. I think Steve Jobs said at the analyst's meeting that the shift has been placed by consumers towards notebooks over desktops -- and I'll betcha that's where the focus will be at MWSF 04. That and apps.

[wizard69]

Originally posted by grendal
Thanks Wizard69 for some constructive criticism

As opposed to th numerous overlapping and competeing models in the Intel compatable PC arena? If taken as a whole there is very little overlap in Apples ranges of equipment. The EMac is a product of demand in the educaton sector nothing more, Apple just happens to also sell it retail. Then you have the IMacs and the G5s, how anyone could describe those as over lapping is beyond me! Taken as a whole the Intel side is much more variable in its offerings, I doubt very much that people choose the dark side simple because of confusion with the Mac line. Apple would do well to figure out why people choose the Intel compatiable route, but often it comes down to choice and value. Apple needs to put more effort into sales based on value.

I just remember the time when Apple had a coherent product grid
(the PowerMac G3 and iMac G3 etc), since then the plot has been lost a little, maybe a shambles was a harsh use of words. However, new buyers have a hard time of it trying to chose a desktop model - just go to a computer retailer (like the FNAC here in France) on a saturday and watch those poor buggers get so confused by the overlapping model configurations offered by Apple and end up buying a PC!

The G4 tower exist because a good manufacture is not going to simply abandon previous customers and force completely new technology down their throats. The G4 tower will go away as soon as Apple is confident that the transition has been accomplished smoothly and there are no outstanding issue that require the G4.

ERR, just that the G4 never delievered the goods promised for a desktop range… Mac users know it, PC users know it, and putting on sale a PowerMac G5 next to a G4 iMac you're going to be certain that a first time buyer or switcher is going to know it, hence why needs to go all G5. Its good marketing.

Maybe I want things changed too quickly, though I think for Apple a brusque change is for the best in the long run. Basically we agree with each other though just word it differently!

It should be known that many of us realize the short comings of the G4 but at the same time understand the very real issues of implementing the 970 in a low cost machine. I donot think we will see a 970 based low cost line until Apple has available to them a chip designed for low cost implementations. This may be a 970+ or it may be a '980' with its built in memory and hypertransport support. I don't know as I'm not privy to all of apples secrets, but I do know that stuffing the current chip set into an IMac or a follow on will be a challenge.

I can't wait my self as I'm well over do for a new machine. Like many I can't see an iMac at this time and I'm not willing to pay the price of the current G5 SMP towers. Frankly I want an SMP based machine and will probally just have to wait for fianaces to catch up. The one thing that is absolutely clear in my mind is that SMP is the future and Apple would do well to remove the price premium that thye apply to such systems.


Not hard to satisfy, just a long time macuser and one that can't wait for January…

[wizard69]

Originally posted by Lemon Bon Bon
I have to agree with this statement. Because I know where you're coming from.

Excluding the G5 Tower desktops(!), the consumer desktops are laughable. The iMac gets it so right and horribly wrong at the same time!

The EMac is not an impossible imac it is simple a CRT base all in one machine, nothing more. A machine specifically designed for the education market were a CRT gives it certain advantages. That itis underpowered due to the single G4 is a given that I certain Apple will address soon.

The eMac sits on desks, it is not carried around a great deal. But and it is a big BUT the machine can be moved around very easily and not be subjected to easy damage or seperated parts. For its market it is a vary good implementation, but yes form the processor point of view it is getting on in age.


The eMac is the 'impossible' imac that many said could or shouldn't be done due to weight problems...so, how many people actually carry an eMac?

......snipped

The iMac 2 is gorgeous (though not as much so as the Cube...) and it includes a monitor...er...and a chrome arm...a poxy 1.25 gig G4 and 'last year's' graphic card? A 20 inch iMac. An incredible machine...if you don't mind the fact that it's last year's (or is that three ago?) tech' or that you can a dual 1.8 gig G5 for a little more.

I've always liked the looks of the iMac but to be frank never bought one. My reasons may be grossly different than others but to sum up: 1. its always been underpowered, there is no reason that an IMac can't take fulll advantage of the CPU's avilable. In other words don't throttle the CPU. 2. Accessibility - I want easy access to the memory and disk drive. Maybe not toolless but not more than 5 minutes.

So here we tend to agree. I don't expect to see the absolute fastest video card in the machine but niether do I want last years performance. The same goes with the CPU, maybe not maxed out performance wise but what ever speed it is implemented at the CPU should not be additionally throttled. By this I mena running on a much slower bus interface which in the case of the G4 is a huge problem. I don't know what the furture holds for the 970 in a IMac, I'd have to say that currently it is not doable. If it is not doable then they really need to make significant strides with the G4, that is >1.8GHz with an indepedant memory interface. At this point I don't see why that is not doable on the G4 except for of course we are talking Motorola here.

Agian below we have this discussion about the eMac and the Imac. They are targeted to two differrent markets folks let it go please.

The iMac 2 offers little more than an eMac. Processor, ram, graphics card wise. They're pretty similar. Only the stunning iMac 2 design sets them apart.

The only way that I could accept the emac being scrapped was if Apple had a replacement that fit its targetted market.

Scrap the eMac.


While a small form factor machine has its place and really isn't a replacement for anything I do think that you have hit upon some rahter important topics.

One is the RAM compliment that Apple includes in their base machines. This is one of the marketing practices that leaves the bitterest of tastes in one mouth. It really sucks that they sel there machiens with to little memory to be usefull right out of the box. Sort of spits into the wind of plug and play.

While an AGP port is nice, I would really love to see HyperTransport right into the graphics ship. This would be technology leadership! Get AMD involved on the Intel side of the planet and it might even be cost effective.


Replace with a mega-cheap iCube box. Pizza/cuboid/Nintendo Gamecube style small white box. Enough memory to run 'X' and iapps. Bundle cheaply with 15 inch LCD/or widescreen 17 inch. One model with built in agp.

Or a bigger iCuboid with upgradeable/config' cpu and graphics?

Re-design the iMac 2 into an iMac3.

iMac3 (the 'iCube') is made of cheaper components so all three models can break the sub-1K Sterling bracket.

OR...

Keep the iMac3 in current iMac2 bracket and redesign the base as a dock for monitor. The monitor and base are separable. The base, a little bigger...can take a standard graphics card and have three/four ram slots. they are currently occupying pro-territory and don't have pro-specs.

I see no reason why Apple can't go dual thougout its product range. Atleast everything except for the absolute lowest cost items. The performance cost trade offs are ideal for dual procssor systems and since the acutal chips that Apple are using are about half the size of those in the Intel world they can be implemented without excessive costs.


As for the G4 towers. Design looks ugly compared to the G5 tower. The G4 looks as hotchpotched as the eMac's 'hi-carb' diet looks ass-fat. When Jan/Feb/Mar's Tower speedbumps come around? Dual the towers...but have single G5 towers at 1.8 and 2 gig at the current G4 tower prices.

Good value? Yep.

Because no doubt G5s at 2.2, 2.4 and 2.6 will arrive at current price brackets.

So how we doing?

iCube £495-£695 Three models. Cheap switcher box.
iMac 3 £895-£1595 Four Models. Semi-Upgradeable pro-sumer.
Single G5 Tower £999-£1295.
Dual G5 Tower £1595-£2195.

Which is pretty much what Apple is doing right now with the G4 towers under the G5 towers...and the eMac under the iMac.

They just need to refine the line and give it the clarity and progression that the rather nice laptops have.

There's room for two pro desktop lines at a lower and higher price.

And two consumer/prosumer lines at a lower and higher price.

The problem with Apple's desktop line is that it:

Looks out of date.
The eMac and iMac2 over lap.
It's waaaaaaaay too expensive compared to the laptop line.
Underspecced.
Slow cpus.
The G4 tower and the eMac are designs OUT OF DATE.
Poor compared to Wintel competition.
Apart from the G4 tower? Inflexible. Lack expandability. At least the graphics card!

Lemon Bon Bon

So while we agre on many things the biggest issues I see are technical. Will Apple have a 970 based or a 970 replacement chip available to allow them to update these long in the tooth machines. Some rumors indicate a qualified yes is in order, but those are rumors. What is obvious is that inorder to deliver those machies with the new hardware Apple needs squeeze alot of capability into a small space. It will be interesting to see if that is possible around January. By squeeze I mean any of todays smaller form factors or those that we have been speculating about here.

Beyond the 64 bit areans there is still a bit of life left in 32 bit systems. Apple can do a lot here if the G4 or 750 manufacturing problems can be resolved. Any desktop system running a dual G4 at 1.8GHz would be an astonding improvement. But it is an issue from the delievery standpoint with Motorola. The 750 update could also be a prospect if it can be delivered for multiproccessing and at a good clock rate. Also assuming of course an Alt-vec tack on.

Thie final possibility is that Apple and IBM may have a new low power chip up their sleeves that don't fit into either the G4 or the 750 mold. In other words a new 32 bit chip. A possibility but I think it is hard to justify R&D expenses in the 32 bit world anymore.

Thanks
Dave

[Lemon Bon Bon]

A well considered reply, Wizard. I shall think upon it.

Lemon Bon Bon

[winston smith]

Some fascinating reading and superbly detailed analysis.
But i think we're missing where Apples at.
The original iMac not only saved Apple but also provided a Mac that anybody felt they could own yet also felt was different, stylish, cool and crucially affordable.
The key premise of the original iMac was to allow easy internet access in a relatively cheap box (if its' not sacriligous to call it a 'box'!)
A similar product is needed now, the original iMac drove switchers to an OK operating system, now there is a great operating system that 90% of the buying public doesn't know about.

An iMac3 (or eMac2) with a 15" screen that has enough spec to run X, the iLife apps and iOffice?! well and is seriously cheap ($699) will drive Apple forward dramatically and needs to be present at MWSF. This machine crucially will also be snapped up for server based set ups.

Then Apple must advertise the strength of the software. Most people may have an idea that Apple does cool expensive hardware but they have no idea that Macs now run software that will likely beat Longhorn in 2005!

What %age of Apple users know about Panther? Let alone Windows users?

[Aquatic]

The gap between the G5 and G4 is amazing. Rest assured Apple knows this and they are working hard. The employees at Apple must be very diligent, Apple has done nothing but kick ass this past year, so let's not hear any crap, we know they're doing all they can to get the hell away from Motorola. And a Cube, for the first time, I think would be a good idea, unless G5s can get cheaper. Even still, it's a good idea, because the G5 is an absolute monster loaded with a lot of things most people don't need.

I just want one thing: an iPod with LINE IN and a MIC.

[NOFEER]

i was going to buy a pb15 for christmas, should i wait???

[DHagan4755]

Originally posted by NOFEER
i was going to buy a pb15 for christmas, should i wait??? It's hard to say. Part of me says "buy when needed," the other part of me is like, "well Apple surprised us all last year at MWSF." Can lightning strike twice? Remember the focus is becoming more and more portables ....

[chipz]

I think the deletion of the iMac from the Apple line-up will floor everyone along with the introduction of the X Station as a replacement for the iMac. Apple Office will also become a reality and replace the aging Apple Works. It's about time Apple gets a new office suite as I fear that MS Office for Mac may soon be phased out the same as they are doing with IE. An update to the iPod line may also be forthcoming.8)

[shabbasuraj]

Originally posted by NOFEER
i was going to buy a pb15 for christmas, should i wait???

join the club...

I am in the same boat...

I need a notebook now...but I think I can wait the less than 2 months...

I would jump out the window if I bought a new 17" PB now, and in Jan. Apple releases a new form factor 17" DP PB with updated screen with a better overall specs (i.e. greater rez & nit brightness)

I know, I know...the focus is portables, and greater mobility...this is why I am holding out right now...

lates...

[wizard69]

I hope all my typing errors did not detract to much from the content. It does seem like a good time ot wait if you can afford to. Between now and the first of the year time flys at a very fast rate so the importance of your current hardware is a bit less than say thre emonths from now.

That is probally a key concept for anybody that want to upgrade their Mac. For personal items why bother now when there are so many distractions. Wiat until after the January intros and the ugliness of the TAX season.

thanks
Dave



Originally posted by Lemon Bon Bon
A well considered reply, Wizard. I shall think upon it.

Lemon Bon Bon

[jade]

My goals/predictions for macworld

1. new iLife: iphoto more responsive, better support for large photo collections and better slideshow controls. imovie: more transitions, more options to burn to vcd or dvd, faster photo rendering. itunes: better tools for mixing (well basic ones at least: iDJ fade in and out control and save playlists as custom mixes) iDVD: more themes, support for DVD+R burning or external drives. ipage: basic web page creation integrated with the rest of iLife to upload to .mac or other homepage

2. iwork: the apple office. Hopefully preloaded on all of the machines. (powerbooks have no word processing?????)But I don't think it will make a huge dent in office for mac. People want office even if the alternatives are better. (everyone uses office and the student teacher version's low price of entry ensures it will stay that way.

3. the new cube: lowers the cost of entry for small business and education market. Uses vga/dvi monitors and other stuff sitting in the closet or just purchased because they bought pcs. small footprint. Replaceable graphics card, hard drive, more dimm slots should cover most peoples needs, pci not so necessary.

4. Superdrives across all product lines (even ibooks, but leaving a sub-$1000 model with combo). And perhaps +/- drives in all desktops. Economy of scale could work out pretty good. (combo drives can be custom built-to order). Don't most people need it for their ilives anyway. And since PC laptops can be found with DVD burning for $1300 it only makes sense (rare but possible). ibooks have 2x, and powerbooks have 4x. ibook super: 12 built to order, 14 $1499 (most consumers want 14....the people who want 12 can do powerbooks or BTO 12")


5. 20th anniversary mac: 20" imac with g5 and more RAM and hard drive: maybe for $2500. (1.6 g5, 512 1 dimm, 160 hard drive, airport and bluetooth built -in, ship w/ wireless keyboard and mouse.) Or a revamped design with 2.0 g5, USB and firwire on the front. Maybe even a card reader.

6. keynote update

7. g5 xserves

8. emac funeral (the only product not availible with USB 2.0, it must be end of lifed or it would have been upgraded when shipped with panther)

9. ichat and isight pc (so we have more people to talk to, but ichat will not necessarily be full screen video on all machines). ichat will be a free client trojan horse for isights. (ichat enterprise to be released later in the year with more options. Bundled on pro machines and sold with xserves, maybe for $69-99 or so. Cheap and high quality and more features like whiteboard and multiuser support)


"Apple brings the award winning superdrive to the masses. Now standard in all products

"Apple offers video conferencing for the rest of us..... cheap solution for small business video conferencing."


A little busy for one week but wonders never cease.

[k_munic]

my five euro-cents:

i'm not interested in specs, GHz, busses etc. i do have a more marketing/consumer/buyer point of view.

what correctly was said above: imac was/is a good start to get connected to the iNet, to have "a computer" at home. it's a all-in-one machine, no fuzz with "what else hardware do i need? can i connect such am monitor to this plug?? what plug????" - a friend of machine unpacked her new imac and within 3 (three) minutes she was online, everything was running...-

emac is very us-cenctric - we don't have colleges, computer-rooms, we still use ink and paper in old europe;) no idea, wether there is any need for such a prodcut.

G5 is for pros - expandable, fast, reliable, state-of-the-art, a good 4 years investment.

iPod is - well, just great!:)

ahh, the year of laptop - very good idea! the all-in-one for the pros ;) again, no probs with "does it fit, what else do i need etc"

------

so, question 1) is the annual keynote of importance for the consumer?

No.

just for the press, the guys from the stock exchange

q2) is the keynote of any importance for the apple afficionado?
YES! ;)

q3) is the 20th anni of any importance?
well, from a PR/marketing pov it is, or it should be...- but ol' steve said allready, for the superbowl itms is the main theme.

q4) does the market needs new products?
what is a NEW product? more GHz, front busses, ram chips...? no.- this is just for nerds, and as we could see in the last months, all the iBook updates etc are done very calm, unexited, "hey, buy the way, the iBook has a G4 instead of a G3 or whatever...."

-----

so, i think, there will be some updates, we will see new software (but this is of no importance for a journalist "apple has is own "office" - so what?? - the allways had their own stuff..."/it will be a revolution for the rest fo us, but not for public...-

a renaissance of the Cube? - "apple gives flop a second try"... no, i own a Cube, the best home-computer/digital hub ever!! - a headless mac maybe is the follow up of an emac...

no, IF 20th anni is important for apple, and IF itms is getting a little out of focus and IF we don't see the überG5 with 4x4GHz...- we will see a device, small & beautiful, easy to handle, plug-n-play. i'm sure, it has to do with pictures! mms/foto mobiles is a big trend over here...-

have you heard about the concept of a "life recorder", a storage device, so small and so big, to record literarly everything of your life? from sound to pics to moving images...? when i go to my clients, i like to "wear" a little usb-stick with all the files i need for working - just plug in, start working (windows/apple/anyhow)... imagine a much mightier solution, including my personalized system... no, no iPod, a little bigger (in Gigs), connectable to monitor, tv sets, stereos, whatever...-

so, in less words:
iWrite and the überiPod

[winston smith]

Another idea is the cPod for your Car.
Rather than connecting the iPod to your current system through cupholders, cable connectors and the cigarette lighter a 1din unit which fits the car and can sync with an ipod or laptop.

Off the wall maybe but I think Apple is going to continue to innovate and surprise.

Or its just a product I want!:D

[whoami]

we all know that new display's are coming, what do you guys think about the possibility of any aux inputs(component or s-video) on them? IMHO this would make them much more worthy of the hefty price tag and would make me jump up and run to the apple store with a vengance! hehehe

[wizard69]

Well I always thought it would be nice to have a monitor with a built in TV tuner doing picture in a desktop so to speak. The problem is that the existing offerings from the monitor manufactures has been far to expensive. So If Apple could show leader ship here then that would be great. Otherwise yes a s-video or better input, still doing picture in a desktop would be great.

Beyond that, with monitors anyways, I hate to see them overloaded with alot of ports, speakers and such. The KISS pricipal really does apply to this item, much as with a mouse and a bikini, less is often better.

Being a technician, one thing I'd love to see is a combination Fluke Multimeter / iPOD / Newton / Data Recorder handheld. Such a device may never have the volumns to make Apple happy, but it would be nice to have all that functionality in one little handheld device. Especially if everything could be cleanly implemented on one interface. Not likely to happen I know, but a guy can dream.

Dave


Originally posted by whoami
we all know that new display's are coming, what do you guys think about the possibility of any aux inputs(component or s-video) on them? IMHO this would make them much more worthy of the hefty price tag and would make me jump up and run to the apple store with a vengance! hehehe

[NOFEER]

Originally posted by winston smith
Another idea is the cPod for your Car.
Rather than connecting the iPod to your current system through cupholders, cable connectors and the cigarette lighter a 1din unit which fits the car and can sync with an ipod or laptop.

Off the wall maybe but I think Apple is going to continue to innovate and surprise.

Or its just a product I want!:D

i would think not to alienate all those that bought one, some kind of adapter or head unit so the new and the old can use it.

[k_munic]

Originally posted by wizard69
…

Being a technician, one thing I'd love to see is a combination Fluke Multimeter / iPOD / Newton / Data Recorder handheld. …

Dave

you want a Startrek TriCorder! :) :) :)

[wizard69]

Now that was worth a good laugh.

On the other hand some of those capabilities would be nice in a handheld device ;) For the present though I would be satisfied with something similar to that described. That is a small handheld device that functions as a multimeter, has an integrated user interface, handles and stores music and maybe a bit of data processing capabilities. Almost as if you took one of those Palm or HP handhelds and slapped it on the face of a multimeter.

Admit it you want one too :) :)

Dave


Originally posted by k_munic
you want a Startrek TriCorder! :) :) :)

[Carson O'Genic]

Me wants:

MacOffice-Marry Keynote with a word processor and watch sales of Quark Express and InDesign fall. I've been very disappointed with the fact that Word X won't accept PDF documents. Keynote is great, however. Make a graphic in any app, print as a pdf and drop it in keynote. Voilá. Words handeling of graphics hasn't improved in ages, but has actually declined in my opinion. Back in Word 5, I was using frames to place graphics in the top right corner for instance. Then they came out with some dumb other manner of handeling graphics which didn't even let me automatically place graphics aligned to margins etc. The frame option has now been buried deeper in the interface, but I still use it. I can't tell you how much time I spend with graphics jumping pages and big white gaps without text (hours and hours-change a period and do it all over again). I'm sure Apple could work its magic with guidelines etc and make a page layout a breeze.

MacOffice also needs a better charting app to go along with a spreadsheet program. Keynote's output looks very nice, but it doesn't offer much choice.

Second, iVideo-I want a solution from Apple to easily hook my portable up to the TV and use it as a digital video recorder. iVideo will be like iTunes and iPhoto so that I can quickly organize my recordings and easily set recording times etc.

[gar]

Originally posted by Carson O'Genic
Me wants:

MacOffice-Marry Keynote with a word processor and watch sales of Quark Express and InDesign fall.

duck shit,

everybody (99,9%) in dtp or graphic design uses quark xpress (4.1.1) or indesign.

word processing is something else than graphic design.

i am also working on a printservice/prepress and it doesn't matter what OS people use, everything made with word is bud ugly.
on the otherhand things made with xpress or indesign looks good or even, in graphic design perspective, perfect. (we have a lot of graphic design studio's as customers)
except for people who use quark xpress under windows. it's almost always ugly or at least bad designed.
:D

no joke, serious :embarrass

people who are using a wintel machine to design on have no taste.
(or at least no education in graphic design)


the problem the graphic industry is facing these days is that people are using the wrong tools for the wrong job.

read: amateur designers.

because of all these computerised wonders of easy to get tools (office. corel draw etc.) people overestimate their own capibilities.
(yes, it excist: out of the box craftsmanship. push one button and your design is ready)

[Carson O'Genic]

I new I was sticking my neck out a bit too far on my MacOffice vs Quark & InDesign comment. Obviously, Quark and InDesign will continue to hold their own in the professional DTP field. However, I think there are a lot of small businesses, SOHO etc that make news letters, etc that do some basic DTP. These folks would probably love to have their projects made easier and better with the help of Apple, just as presentations with keynot just look better than most made with Powerpoint. I don't expect Apple to come out with a real competitor for Quark and InDesign. Maybe just 90% of what these apps do, but simpler and cheaper.

[sinclairZX81]

Originally posted by k_munic
emac is very us-cenctric - we don't have colleges, computer-rooms, we still use ink and paper in old europe;) no idea, wether there is any need for such a prodcut.

what part of old europe do you live in? a cave community in the black forest? ;)

did you mean to say that primary schools (under 12 yrs old) in europe have few computers?

[k_munic]

Originally posted by sinclairZX81
what part of old europe do you live in? a cave community in the black forest? ;)

did you mean to say that primary schools (under 12 yrs old) in europe have few computers?

my mother-in-law heads an elementary school near by the black forrest NO KIDDING! - so, kids of <10.- no computers! even she got hers 2 years ago...- no advise, windows, quote "sis maschine stinks!"

to be very serious: computer training/usage at schools over here in germany is a mess! a computer is a tool as a telephone, a radio, a bike!! and we have here the wiseguys, thinking about concepts! i don't need no bloody concept to use a computer! - ok, i'm an apple user…-;)

PS: no, we don't live in caves, 'cause our dino doesn't fit in.;)

[kraig911]

don't think about what you want... think of what the industry needs, I think Ives said that once. However in the software I think there's going to be some drastic new stuff.

an App to that syncs files like briefcase for windows, and updates them accordingly for the newest version, but also backs up the old ones, kind of like microsoft's sourcesafe but with a consumer feel, for photos, imovies, and what not. I think hard-drives are getting big enough for some kind of backend almost like adobe's version que, which is an excellent idea poorly executed in my opinion.

I think they will do something drastic with .mac, hopefully increase our storage because of it too. something to the extent of iDiary? Like iBlog (didn't Apple snatch that guy up) but extremely beefed up that interfaces with all the other iApps

something in the way off of a charting app? and a beefed up sherlock called something entirely different.

hardware wise - ipod w/ a camera built in, something like the isight but a little more compact and you use the color lcd for preview.

[DHagan4755]

Since Pepsi will likely be the advertiser doing the most with the iTunes Music Store give away, do you think Apple will use the SuperBowl as a venue to announce a new product (like they did 20 years ago)?

[Lemon Bon Bon]

Jade, your no.9 suggestion is one of the more intelligent ideas.

Trojan horse for iSight sales. More computers for Apple users to iChat to. Bundled free with iSight. Available sep' for a modest fee.

Either way. Apple is going to increase revenue steams even further. As a shareholder, I like that. :D

An enterprise edition. Very sharp idea...as part of an Apple 21st Century Office suite? Even better... 'Word' is out...video conferencing is in!

As for the Superbowl Pepsi/Apple thing? Possible.

It would be the ideal time to launch a new product.

I'd like to see the 'CRT is DEAD!' eMac given a resting place in 'Marshmallow Heaven.' It could be replaced with a headless edition bundled with a 15 inch LCD thrown in. Pizza box/iCuboid Box with LCD on top or by side. The eMac is on borrowed time. Naff screen, fat arse with non-upgradeable graphics. Blurgh. Perhaps use the new VX chips from IBM, eh?

Above that the new iMac3. With dockable/detachable tablet monitor? And G5. And better graphics. And then it will justify its lofty boutique price bracket.

I expect more software and a killer device. It's 2004 in Jan'. What a way to kickstart it.

Wireless firewire device? Dockable monitor that works of a 'pizza' client?

Hmmm. I'd be surprised if all Apple does at San Fran is announce iPod sales that have broken the half a million mark...

Lemon Bon Bon

[stingerman]

Originally posted by whoami
i guess new displays at macworld are a shoe-in now!
if they would only have component inputs on them i'd be so happy!
my new place is too small for a computer and tv setup...
i'd like to kill 2 birds on my next purchase! hehe

http://www.miglia.com/products/video/alchemytv/index.html

http://www.elgato.com/eyeTV/index.html

[stingerman]

It's always been my opinion that iChat AV for Windows will be next and it will be tightly integrated with iSight. In addition, I hope Apple will release an iChat AV Enterprise edition, hosted on OS X Server for Intranet/Extranet corporate conferencing. It will sell iSights, OS X Server and xServers.

In addition, Apple can release a consumer/SMB VOIP service for access the PTSN, faxing and Voicemail. That should be a hot business that Apple can legitimize like they did the Music Store. There are providers now, but not the volume and ease of use that Apple can bring to it.

[der Kopf]

Originally posted by stingerman
It's always been my opinion that iChat AV for Windows will be next and it will be tightly integrated with iSight.

Might they break out the USB 2.0 iSight for that purpose?

[NOFEER]

why not make ichat compatible with aol/netscape IM and port it to windows as well

[cubist]

Originally posted by Carson O'Genic
... Back in Word 5, I was using frames to place graphics in the top right corner for instance. Then they came out with some dumb other manner of handeling graphics which didn't even let me automatically place graphics aligned to margins etc. The frame option has now been buried deeper in the interface, but I still use it. I can't tell you how much time I spend with graphics jumping pages and big white gaps without text (hours and hours-change a period and do it all over again). ...

Wow, I thought it was just me. I can't get graphics to coexist with text in Word no matter how hard I try. I've had to resort to copying from Powerpoint, pasting in Paint, copying from Paint and pasting back into Word. (This is on Windows!) I don't know how this got screwed up so badly. How can they have shipped it like this?

[@homenow]

Originally posted by NOFEER
why not make ichat compatible with aol/netscape IM and port it to windows as well

I believe that iChat is already compatible with AOL chat, what Apple needs to do is license the AV portion of the software to AOL so that it becomes part of the AOL service, and a trojan horse to get Quicktime on all computers running AOL. To develop a "Free" program for users of another OS does not make the best fiscal sense, but to have AOL "switch" their AV protocal to Quicktime in the deal does make a lot of sense for Apple, all of a sudden there is a lot larger install base for Quicktime, which means more pressure for web services such as the BBC, CNN, etc. to support Quicktime.

[KANE]

Originally posted by Lemon Bon Bon
I think Rev B PowerMacs.

Lemon Bon Bon

Shortest post EVER by Lemon Bon Bon!!

[soulcrusher]

Originally posted by NOFEER
i was going to buy a pb15 for christmas, should i wait???

Buy. Powerbooks were just updated.

[cubist]

Originally posted by Lemon Bon Bon
... Hmmm. I'd be surprised if all Apple does at San Fran is announce iPod sales that have broken the half a million mark...

I wouldn't.:(

[onlooker]

I think apple will have a G5 Xserve running RenderMan Server. For starters.

That's what keeps coming to mind for me anyway.

Sorry I didn't read the whole thread. Only about 3 posts.

[Lemon Bon Bon]

Shortest post EVER by Lemon Bon Bon!!

;)

Lemon Bon Bon

[Lemon Bon Bon]

Regardless of what happens, Steve Jobs is a master showman/orator and the San Fran' show should be a great watch.

Apple has a fasincating and compelling CEO. His live performances make great viewing. I love getting sucked in by the RDF!

Steve Jobs vs Monkey Boy? No competition...

I think 2004 will be an even better year than 2003 was for Apple.

Lemon Bon Bon :)

[hledgard]

Ditto ! ! !

[KANE]

Originally posted by Lemon Bon Bon
;)

Lemon Bon Bon

Even shorter!! ;)

[whoami]

i think that ichat a/v & isight compatibility with AIM is really gonna make it for macworld! it's obvious that apple likes to tease PC users to the fullest extent. there is no way this will be as big as the ipod, but will be yet another item that will make all the PC mom and pops look at apple in another light. good move if you ask me! :D

[salmonstk]

Originally posted by @homenow
I believe that iChat is already compatible with AOL chat, what Apple needs to do is license the AV portion of the software to AOL so that it becomes part of the AOL service, and a trojan horse to get Quicktime on all computers running AOL. To develop a "Free" program for users of another OS does not make the best fiscal sense, but to have AOL "switch" their AV protocal to Quicktime in the deal does make a lot of sense for Apple, all of a sudden there is a lot larger install base for Quicktime, which means more pressure for web services such as the BBC, CNN, etc. to support Quicktime.

Apple made all of iChat open sourced so people could implement the technology.

I agree it would be good to get AOL doing that. Having just gotten an iSight as a b-day gift its so fun. But I only have one person to talk with.

[Gamblor]

Aparently, this MW will be focused on
Final Cut Pro. (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=77&e=1&u=/mc/20031204/tc_mc/finalcutprototakecenterstageatmacworldexpo)

[whoami]

if final cut pro is the focus, i guess that G5 bumps are a given. wouldn't you want to show off final cut in all it's glory on the latest and greatest hardware? ;)

[Michael Wilkie]

Originally posted by sobelizzard
I think macworld could very well be the Apple Office coming out party. The hardware seems to be coming into place as things become available (and in time for the christmas buying season)... last year we saw Keynote and Safari... This year, i think the rest of the office apps could very well roll out. Going over apps like this would take up quite a chunk of time... i'd rather see this than hardware anyways... I have had it up to here with Office v.X

I just don't understand why everyone thinks an Apple Office suite will come out anytime soon. There's not a chance in hell they would do such a thing before the next version of Microsoft Office rolls out. My guess is that the Apple Office will be based on Open Office and will emerge after the Apple-Microsoft contracts expire.

As for Macworld, I think we'll see either updated PowerMacs or G5 iMacs. I am inclined to lean toward the G5 iMacs because Apple has wisely chosen to release products as they're available rather than wait for a big venue, except for major product revisions. We'll probably see new PowerMacs as soon as they're ready.

I also expect several software updates/releases.

[TWinbrook46636]

How about this?

PowerMac G5 Cube = Single 2.0 Ghz
PowerMac G5 Tower = Dual 2.2 Ghz | Dual 2.4 Ghz | Dual 2.6 Ghz

It doesn't actually have to be a cube. It could just be a smaller Mini Me version of the PowerMac G5 towers. Or maybe they will introduce a 20th Anniversary Macintosh or an all new iMac using the 2.0 Ghz G5.

The fact that they are shipping Apple four chips just make me wonder!

[delerium]

There is lots of talk of hardware and software which IS the meat and potatoes of any Macworld, but what about apple.com?

I was just noticing that it is looking long in the tooth...and with new Panther 'tabs' and such...could use a total remake. Any word on this?

[whoami]

hehehhe...
i sure hope that the "one more thing" isn't a new apple website.... :no:
that sure would be way beyond the rumor sites! :grumble:

[macmike]

There has bee a lot of hardware talk lately... but what about some of the iApps? When will iChatAV be available or work with other apps (Yahoo Messenger for instance) so I can see and hear my (loser) friends who only have PCs?

Is there an iTunes update coming? What might it have?

iPhoto hasn't been updated in a bit either.

The point of all the iApps (and the iPod for that matter) is to get people to look at and buy Apple computers, cause that is where they make their money. So what new iApps might be coming?

Also with the success of the iPod - Apple has got to be thinking of some other digital lifestyle product to release... but what?

[Tomb of the Unknown]

Originally posted by Michael Wilkie
My guess is that the Apple Office will be based on Open Office and will emerge after the Apple-Microsoft contracts expire.
Well, since the agreement you refer to expired about 18 months ago, I wouldn't bet on it.

[whoami]

over 2 months of this topic....
what have we learned, anyone down for doing a recap? ;)

[cubist]

Originally posted by whoami
over 2 months of this topic....
what have we learned, anyone down for doing a recap? ;)

25 million songs, half a million G5's, Apple's doing great etc. Some software updates. A mysterious new iApp. And one more thing... Speed bumps on the PowerMac G5. Enjoy the expo.

That's the consensus.

[thegelding]

what's gonna be left for macworld in jan?

seems to me it shall be thus:

new display lineup--metal??
new PM updates (2.0, 2.4, 2.6--all duals)
new iMac G5---(1.6 and 1.8 single chip)
maybe color iPod
probably iMovie 3.5

in other words, LOTS O' FUN

g

Paging mr NewOrder...what does apple have planned for those 1.6 and 1.8 G5 chips if not for an iMac update??

[BJNY]

With updates to QuickTime, iTunes, Final Cut, etc. this week, I hope this and more is the "clearing of the decks" so that there is some amazing hardware announcements to focus on at MWSF. Bring it Steve.:smokey: