"MWSF": THE thread

[fieldor]

What is MWSF? Why MWSF? WHat will be seen at MWSF? What do we know and what do we antcipate? This is the thread for facts and speculations for upcoming hardware.

PowerMac : fact : IBM is going or is switched to the 0,09nm process with the G5. Speeds are unknown but we specutalte 2.2 to 2.6 Ghz and probably will top out at 2.4 for Powermacs.
fact: Apple has updated the G5 line with the 1.8 GHz DP just recently. Speculation: It wouldn't be the first time Apple broke their product cycle.

Powerbook: We know 1 thing: Apple is working on cooling system to fit in the small case. We hope it will have a G5 , but 'Apple' said it wouldn't be for early 2004 but for mid 2004

IBook: they just got G4's, we 'll see update mid 2004 i think.

iMac : fact They just got the 20" in the line. Specutlation : new form factor and possible G5 transition.

Xserve : Fact : IBM made their 1.6 GHz blade server. Speculation: Apple might wait for new G5's for termal reasons.

Displays: Specutation: Some expect the 30" and new design and maybe pricedrops.

Add your ideas and facts to this and possible new info from the rumor communtiy.


MerryChristmas


PS: I know this is thread # about these subjects, but this gives a better view on what we know and what we don't.

[Outsider]

There will be 3 things:

Speed bumped G5's.

Newly designed monitors.

And the G5 Xserve.

[Nebagakid]

PowerMacs: Updates
PowerBooks: Please give the G5 Updates
iMac: No Update
iBook: No Update
iPod: miniPods
XServe: G5 XServes
Displays: Nothing New
Software: Updated iLife. Come on, give the new AppleWorks..please?


:smokey: :smokey: :smokey:

[Fran441]

Originally posted by Nebagakid

PowerBooks: Please give the G5 Updates


:smokey: :smokey: :smokey:

This is why you are the insane elite member. Also, pass it over. I'll have some of what you're smoking. :lol:

[Leonis]

PowerMac - will be "quietly" updated one week after the Expo

iMac - will be completely redesigned and sports a G5. The "one more thing" thing in the Steve's show.

PowerBook - Not a chance. Wait til April

eMac - no physical change. Will only have a slight speed increase to 1.25GHz G4 on the keynote day but it's a silent upgrade.

iPod and iTMS - Cheaper iPod and some iTMS related announcement for sure. But I am afraid Steve will talk about this Music sh!t for over an hour. If so I am going to fall in sleep :mad:

[Nebagakid]

Originally posted by Leonis
[B]iMac - will be completely redesigned and sports a G5. The "one more thing" thing in the Steve's show.

PowerBook - Not a chance. Wait til April
/B]

When was the last time he did a "one more thing" thing?

I better get my PowerBook update before June, education reasons, that's all.

Oddly enough, I have never smoked.:smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey:

EDICT::smokey:

[MacsRGood4U]

Think Secret reports the Keynote will concentrate on music. Look for the MiniPods and announcments of iTMS in several countries on line immediately. Hardware updates will be minimal and probably in the weeks after MWSF. iLife updates are probable as well. The new iMac looks like a Spring release with a G5 chip in my opinion.

I don't think Apple updates or introduces more then 1 or 2 new CPU's per MacWorld. 12 days and counting.

[Carson O'Genic]

PowerMacs: Not yet, I'm sure with the recent addition of the dual 1.8 they are selling well. My guess is Feb/March

PowerBooks: WWDC for August delivery-back to school.

iBook: They're good, no updates

iMac: They're up. Maybe G5 time, if it wasn't for TS-i'd say big yes.

eMac: Quite upgrades sometime soon.

iPod: minpods and new iTunes with DJ mixing functions-http://www.apple-x.net/index.html

xServe: Boy, there up for the G5 but it just doesn't sound like an Expo thing. Maybe if they also release clustering software for use with all CPUs

Software updates: iLife and intro iWrite (please!).

[Nebagakid]

Originally posted by Carson O'Genic
PowerBooks: WWDC for August delivery-back to school.


They should make them released in time for graduations. Graduations!:smokey: :smokey: :smokey:

[Fran441]

Well, my sister just ordered a 1 GHz 14" iBook G4 with max memory, Airport Extreme Card, Bluetooth, and a carrying case, so that means the chances of them being updated just shot through the roof. :lol:

[trebuchet]

My wish:
Rev. B aluminum 15" Powerbooks, with possible price drop. I know the price cut is unlikely, but hey, I'm wishing here. I really want to get a 15" PB and I am waiting until after the big show.

Likely:
Some sort of iPod deal. Either low capacity, more affordable model or added features to current line.

iMac: Speed bumps, possible move to G5. But I think a redesign before G5. But we have been surprised before.

eMac: Due for speed bumps I think.

[Chucker]

They won't do PowerBooks at MWSF. Those were updated four months ago and seem rather decent right now, so I see updates for them in late Feb at earliest.

They won't do PowerMacs at MWSF. Those will probably be updated in late January - or later.

They won't do Xserves at MWSF. Such upgrades will probably quietly happen around Feb, or, if the Xserves get different form factors due to the G5 change, there might be a press event again.

They won't do iBooks; those were updated recently. They'll probably talk about them briefly though.

iMacs are a possibility, and so are definitely eMacs. Where's the eBook, Apple? $699 low-end laptop, 12 inches, doesn't even have to be a G4, just make it real affordable and the perfect companion for students, network admins, etc.

iPod is quite a possibility; if the low-end iPod rumors are true, we may be seeing iPods placed around $99 - $149 and that'll make the iPod the real winner in the market, finally (numbers aren't everything).

iTunes? Oh yeah, they'll talk about it. Maybe new features; I would really love to see user ratings, user exchanges, etc. And work on the GUI a little; its flaws start bugging me now.

Keynote. Will see an upgrade, I'd say, to 1.5 or maybe 2.0 with some groundbreaking new features that make PowerPoint look so 20th century-ish (if it doesn't already look like it).

QuickTime 7? I think it's a bit too early; maybe NAB, or as late as QuickTime Live / WWDC 2004.

More productivity software. ME WANT... Will do more free marketing than I already do for Apple if they do that :P (err, three times "do" in a sentence can't be good ;) )

And finally, iLife, of course. I already mentioned iTunes, which I see as being upgraded to 4.5 or 5.0 (I do realize that it just recently jumped to 4.1, 4.1.1 and 4.2; those were minor changes). iPhoto *needs* work, and iMovie could use some. I don't know iDVD, really.

Did I miss anything? Pro Apps -> NO upgrades at MWSFs.

[onlooker]

Originally posted by Outsider
There will be 3 things:

Speed bumped G5's.

Newly designed monitors.

And the G5 Xserve.

That's what I hope for.

[Aquatic]

Well, my sister just ordered a 1 GHz 14" iBook G4 with max memory, Airport Extreme Card, Bluetooth, and a carrying case, so that means the chances of them being updated just shot through the roof

I hear that!

Leonis is spot on, small eMac bumps and a belayed G5 silent update later, and maybe just maybe a One More Thing iMac G5. Small iBook bump most likely because they suck. I'm guessing no XServe. That will have a separate event or something, it's not consumer.

[Nebagakid]

Originally posted by Aquatic
I hear that!

Leonis is spot on, small eMac bumps and a belayed G5 silent update later, and maybe just maybe a One More Thing iMac G5. Small iBook bump most likely because they suck. I'm guessing no XServe. That will have a separate event or something, it's not consumer.

oh man, a One More Thing™ iMac G5 would be awesome.
Didn't Steve one time do a "One More Thing..well, actually, one more SMALL thing" ?:smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey:

[ipodandimac]

mwsf will be geared towards the average, dumb user (windows users). i doubt announcing new xserves is gonna help apple win marketshare. mini ipods, faster g5's, and perhaps new imac's would surely do the trick though.

[Myst]

Are you all forgeting just how close this event is to the 20th anniversary of the Mac? They're going to do something special. Thought I doubt it but pray for it, G5 CUBE!!!!! Even if I already have my G5 I just love those lil' cubes.....then again maybe not.

[Nebagakid]

Originally posted by Myst
Are you all forgeting just how close this event is to the 20th anniversary of the Mac? They're going to do something special. Thought I doubt it but pray for it, G5 CUBE!!!!! Even if I already have my G5 I just love those lil' cubes.....then again maybe not.

who knows how this Apple compares to the apple when the "20th Anniversary Mac came out" with a sticker price of something like 7000 smackers or more... it was horrible..aint no point as I see it.:smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey:

[kupan787]

Originally posted by Nebagakid
who knows how this Apple compares to the apple when the "20th Anniversary Mac came out" with a sticker price of something like 7000 smackers or more... it was horrible..aint no point as I see it.:smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey:

Actually it was $10,000 and a dude in a tux came arrived in a limo to your house to set it up. No joke.

But I don't think Apple needs to break the bank on some crazy machine for a 20th anniversary mac. Just throw a single 2.0GHz G5 into a cool enclosure (cube, pyramid, sphere, etc). Also include a Bose soundsystem again, and no monitor. Sell it for like $2500-3000. It would be a collectors item, so only make like 5000 of them.

[Nebagakid]

could it be a floating orb?

because things that float, and are orbs, they kick serious ass:smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey:

[willywalloo]

If their 20th anniversary 'mac' were a G5 in an all in one aluminum flat computer, much like their other, I would be plenty happy. The TAM was stylish and simple, just like the current G5. This is a style I respect.

-walloo.

[neutrino23]

It seems odd that so much product was released this fall. Apple could have held off a short time on some of those updates and gotten more press for them at MWSF. In light of all the R&D Apple has been doing the last couple of years I have to think this will be a good MW. I'm thinking they got these out the door to make room for the exciting stuff. I'll be there up front to watch, whatever it is.

[Gamblor]

Alright-- here's what I'm hoping for:

2.0 GHz single proc G5-- $1500
2.2 GHz single proc G5-- $1800
2.2 GHz dual proc G5-- $2500
2.4 GHz dual proc G5-- $3000

... or something like that. maybe the price points for the 2.2GHz machines could be messed with to close that gap a bit. I'd be all over that $1500 G5 like a cheap suit.

[imacFP]

I'm going with Think Secret. New iPods, iLife but nothing else except for a new xserve, maybe. No new desktops at all.

[knappa]

I hope they upgrade the middle Powermac G5 to at least dual 2.2 GHz and a Radeon 9800 XT. That would be lovely, I've been saving for that one. And fieldor (my not so little brother) wouldn't be happy if I didn't get it. ;)

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Originally posted by Leonis
PowerMac - will be "quietly" updated one week after the Expo

iMac - will be completely redesigned and sports a G5. The "one more thing" thing in the Steve's show.

PowerBook - Not a chance. Wait til April

eMac - no physical change. Will only have a slight speed increase to 1.25GHz G4 on the keynote day but it's a silent upgrade.

iPod and iTMS - Cheaper iPod and some iTMS related announcement for sure. But I am afraid Steve will talk about this Music sh!t for over an hour. If so I am going to fall in sleep :mad:
Amen.

[vinney57]

Normally, a quiet mid-Jan speed bump for the Powermacs would be logical. However, Steve raised the bar somewhat with the 'fastest PC in the world' schtik and the column inches generated were 'shock and awe'. I can't believe he would not want a 2.6MP bake-off with Xeon's (easy) and Athlon 64's (borderline). I cannot believe that he would not also like to mention the 500-600k Powermacs being sold in the last quarter.

[@homenow]

Originally posted by Leonis
PowerMac - will be "quietly" updated one week after the Expo

iMac - will be completely redesigned and sports a G5. The "one more thing" thing in the Steve's show.

PowerBook - Not a chance. Wait til April

eMac - no physical change. Will only have a slight speed increase to 1.25GHz G4 on the keynote day but it's a silent upgrade.

iPod and iTMS - Cheaper iPod and some iTMS related announcement for sure. But I am afraid Steve will talk about this Music sh!t for over an hour. If so I am going to fall in sleep :mad:

If the iMac gets a G5, even at the low end of today's speeds, then there is absolutely noting holding the eMac at 1.25 Ghz, and Apple would be better off using the 1.4 Ghz chips. Though that is my opinion, and it is probably wrong in the eyes of Apple's marketing dept.

[wizard69]

Like your reading my mind. I suspect that when the G5 updates come they will be substantial. I would not be surprised if the 2.6GHz MP ended up in the middle of the pack. The ability to market the G5's as the fastest desktop PC's is a huge advantage. Since the i686 world is not standing still Apple will need to have a significant upgrade available soon to maintain the ability to say we have the fastest personal computer going. It just isn't Steve the company needs the attention that the claims bring to its lines.

What I really wonderign about is what improvements the .9 mircon device brings to the table. This is one subject I see little in the way of discussions on. I do hope that at a minimal they doubled the cache size on the rev'ed 970. Of course any other tweaks would be welcomed also. It would not look to good for Apple and IBM if they come out with a new 970 that offers very little in the way of extensions to the current design. I mean sure speed an power improvements are a good thing, but it is just as good to demonstrate that the team is moving forward with other improvements. You know just an indication that we are not going to repeat the days of Motorola.


Dave



Originally posted by vinney57
Normally, a quiet mid-Jan speed bump for the Powermacs would be logical. However, Steve raised the bar somewhat with the 'fastest PC in the world' schtik and the column inches generated were 'shock and awe'. I can't believe he would not want a 2.6MP bake-off with Xeon's (easy) and Athlon 64's (borderline). I cannot believe that he would not also like to mention the 500-600k Powermacs being sold in the last quarter.

[Ompus]

From what I've read, the 74X7 is good for 1-4 to 1.6 Ghz when run at 1.6 volts. It's also a drop in replacement for all current 7455s. So I think we'll see an approximate 25% speed bump on the eMac, iMac and G4 tower.

We'll also see a $100 price drop on the low-end G5, $150 on the mid-range, and $200 on the high end. Why: the G5 was priced to tap pent-up demand...with initial demand satisfied, a minor price drop is in order.

[Clive]

Originally posted by Ompus
So I think we'll see an approximate 25% speed bump on the eMac, iMac and G4 tower.

You won't see any G4 tower updates, they already *downgraded* them from 1.4GHz to 1.2GHz (by way of deleting the MacOS X only G4 towers, and reinstating the previous dual boot models).

[fatbarstard]

This all sounds too boring for words.....

A speed bump here, an upgrade there... maybe a price drop over there... com'on people, Big Steve doesn't go into his wardrobe of 10,000 black shorts just to announce minor things like that...javascript:smilie(':no:')

What about something really big?? Another business application to go with Keynote... have seen rumours about a word processor type application.... what about a completely new piece of hardware... why have we just see a plethora of software upgrades and updates??

[Merovingian]

Originally posted by Nebagakid

iPod: miniPods


Am I the only one who thinks the new miniature iPods will be called the: iPodlet? :lol:

Edit: It sorta has a nice ring to it. Personally, I like it! m. :D

[Aphelion]

MWSF will feature lots of talk about the iTMS and the iPod, but no $99 iPod of any type. Perhaps a slight price reduction across the board and bundling the base and wired remote with the low end, but that's it.

The iMac is needing an update to the G5, and with it a new case design. But seeing as the 17" iMac is currently the best selling Mac at the Apple store it's upgrade may be pushed to the back burner.

The Power Mac has done extremely well this quarter, but sales are dropping of in anticipation of rumored 90nm G5's at faster speeds. If these are ready we will see them at MWSF. The low end will be a the last single processor Power Mac, probably at 2 GHz.

The Powerbook needs to differentiate itself from the iBook, but I doubt if the heat problems for the G5 in a small case are solved yet. An entirely new mobo is needed for the G5 for both the iMac and Powerbook. This is where the R&D is going right now.

To be price competitive Apple has to go for economies of scale, so I think that we will see the basic mobo for the Powerbook appear in the G5 iMac first. This will allow a small form factor that is not so heat sensitive.

With larger fans and hard drives (3.5") than we will see in the Powerbook. It makes perfect sense to design a mobo that can be used in both products. What better way to test out the design than by putting a variant out by the thousands in the iMac first?

I would love to think that they will have this ready by MWSF, and hope springs eternal from my optimism that they will, but the need to boost the Power Mac to keep it on track for 3 GHz next Summer will make this more likely for MWSF than the G5 iMac. If not then, when?

A completely new iMac will be a rather big deal, I see it as tied into the Super Bowl Ad, they will want a "Big Bang" for this new iMac and the Super Bowl dovetails nicely with the 20th anniversary of the Macintosh. So in short, I see the G5 iMac as being the 20th anniversary Macintosh, introduced at the Super Bowl.

G5 Powerbook? I see it announced along with the 3GHz Power Macs sometime next Summer.

[crayz]

But seeing as the 17" iMac is currently the best selling Mac at the Apple store...

I hope this is a joke

[rmendis]

Originally posted by Aphelion
A completely new iMac will be a rather big deal, I see it as tied into the Super Bowl Ad, they will want a "Big Bang" for this new iMac and the Super Bowl dovetails nicely with the 20th anniversary of the Macintosh. So in short, I see the G5 iMac as being the 20th anniversary Macintosh, introduced at the Super Bowl.

No. Super Bowl add is most likely to be a Pepsi-Apple joint ad, or Apple advertising the iPod and the iTMS as part of a revolution in the commercial music industry.

[Aphelion]

Originally posted by crayz
I hope this is a joke

See for yourself at the Apple Store (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore/), number 5 best seller (with a bullet). The bullet might be applied now that Christmas sales are over, but still a pretty good seller.

[Aphelion]

Originally posted by rmendis
No. Super Bowl add is most likely to be a Pepsi-Apple joint ad, or Apple advertising the iPod and the iTMS as part of a revolution in the commercial music industry.

That's the conventional wisdom, and most likely true, but I don't think there would be any problem running a second ad unveiling the third generation iMac.

Personally I'd like to see the "1984" ad run one more time, this time with a G5 iMac as the punch line.

[Ompus]

Originally posted by Clive
You won't see any G4 tower updates, they already *downgraded* them from 1.4GHz to 1.2GHz (by way of deleting the MacOS X only G4 towers, and reinstating the previous dual boot models).

You miss the distinction between the 74X7 and the 7455. The original 1.4 G4 towers were over-pumped 7455s. Apple probably paid an arm and a leg for these chips. On the other hand, a run of the mill 74X7 shouldn't have any problem running at 1.4/1.6 Ghz. The fact that the low power version is already doing 1.33 in the Powerbook makes that clear. If Apple had too, and thank god it doesn't, I'm willing to bet select 74x7s could hit 1.8 Ghz (i.e., @30% better than the old 1.4 Ghz 7455s.)

The above, coupled with the fact that, there's no redesign costs involved in dropping the 74X7 wherever you see a 7455, and the fact that the 74X7s smaller size should translate into lower costs, suggests the we'll see it replace the 7455 in all areas in the short-term.

[mattyj]

They'll bump up the PowerMac line. Jobs will mention it because it will have the option of having up to a quad processor configuration. :smokey: :smokey: :lol: :lol:

The iMac will sport 1.6Ghz and 1.8Ghz G5s and a radeon 9600 as standard in the 1.8Ghz model.

Pewrbooks will receive an upgrade to 1.4Ghz - G5 processors.

iTMS Europe will open. iPod update, with cheaper models and a more expensive iPod with a colour screen.

For the grand finale Jobs will announce that Apple has created a time machine and will in two weeks time have shipped enough units to sell G5 Powermacs, Powerbooks, and iMacs in 1997. This boosting Apple's shares considerably, they will "now" have 100% of the professional market, from 3d, to music etc. Microsoft will not has Windows XP professional, as no 'professionals' will buy it. They'll all be on 10.3.2, introduced in 1998. ;) :p

[geekmeet]

you guys got squat!
you got nothing!
these threads are so sad and pathetic and the worst part is many of you take yourself WAY too seriously!
just sit back and wait for apple to deliever the goods.
the worst part is the purpoted spec list that you guys put up all the time.
what a joke!
im sure steve jobs gets a kick out of reading them!

[Lemon Bon Bon]

That's it, get it off your chest. Let it all out.

I've got a stress pip if it helps...

Lemon Bon Bon

[Aphelion]

Originally posted by geekmeet
you guys got squat!
you got nothing!...

Of course we don't, but guessing, and wishing, and hoping are part of the Macintosh ecosystem this time of year. It goes with the joy of Christmas, and the anticipation of New Year.

Trying to guess what surprises Mac World will bring is part of the Apple Way. Go with the flow, enjoy the spirit of the Season. Don't forget we all get to bitch after the Show, when Apple, as usual goes it's own way.

[Mark- Card Carrying FanaticRealist]

Reading some of these posts iit becomes clear that, Expo by Expo by cease-and-desist, The Steve is slowly beating the imagination out of us.

I don't mean this in a nasty way, but Apple - by controlling leaks in a way that most governments would love to achieve - have so starved us of the oxygen of information that - when combined with out of cycle product releases and special announcements - we have no idea what makes sense anymore.

A case in point: the iMac!

Crying out for a major update, the iMac would have been my call for a "one more thing" on 01/05 - it's the 20th anniversary, we think the 970FX is available and Panther is now out of its cage.

But then Apple give it the 20" update just before Thanksgiving; Is that a curveball designed to throw off speculation about a 20th anniversary iMac? Is it a piece of engineering/market research designed to validate that the iMac customer wants a 20" screen and is willing to pay? Is it a way of using an excess of 20" panels in the marketplace?

And the answer is: :mad: :mad: :mad: I don't ****ing know :devil: :mad: :grumble:

That said, my bets are:

Blurb on success of G5: 350K unit sales during quarter, fastest selling professional Mac since whenever: time to build on success; new models 2.4 dual, 2.2 dual, 2.0 single. Still on track for 3.0GHz by late summer.

Big blurb on iTMS and iPod - cumulative 30m downloads since launch + 550->700K unit sales during quarter ending 12/31. Reminder of Pepsi promotion. Expect some gloating over competition.

iPods 'own' marketplace for user/choosers, but new models needed for children and teenage markets, plus those who - strange as it might seem - don't need 2000 songs to go. Introduces myPod: new 1GB (250 songs) / 2GB (500 songs) models, controls on side edge, touch-resistant strip on side in place of scrollwheel; embedded Hitachi Microdrives.

Both models available in silver or black from Superbowl weekend: 1GB is $175, 2GB is $225.

So that updates one element of the Digital Hub, maybe we need to do some more - introduces new revs of all iLife packages: iTunes gets new mix capability - almost like an entry-level Soundtrack - and iTMS allows purchase/download of production quality royalty-free loops/music clips for iPhoto/iMovie/iDVD productions.

(One more thing coming in a later post)

edit changes capacity of myPod to 1/2 as opposed to 2/4 (for cost reasons) and is more specific on whats in them.

[Dylsexic Manupilator]

Originally posted by Mark- Card Carrying FanaticRealist


(One more thing coming in a later post)

Aaaargh, the agony is unbearable!







:lol:

[michaelb]

If the rumor sites are true and the only new hardware is iPod related, and the emphasis is on music, then it becomes less MacWorld and more cross-platform-music-gadget-World.

Now I'm very pro iPod (had a 1st Gen and now have a 30 GB 3rd Gen) but would anyone else be a bit peeved about this change of focus? That is, using a Mac show to boost Apple's music initiatives.

After all, most of us care about Mac stuff more than music, no?

Hoping at least the supposed non-iTunes iLife updates will balance it a bit.

[Mark- Card Carrying FanaticRealist]

Originally posted by Dylsexic Manupilator
Aaaargh, the agony is unbearable!

:lol:

Well, DM, as you're so keen :D

This is what I said in another thread some months ago: -

What if a G5-powered iMac (which I'll refer to a 3GiM, for 3rd Generation iMac) and a G5-powered Cube (2GC) were, in reality, the same thing?

To expand, what if Jonathan Ive and his little band of industrial design pixies decided - on the basis of some vague prophecy from the Dalai Lama of Integration ((c) 2003 Bono, used under license) - that Apple needs as much as a G5-powered AIO is a new Cube, but also a Cube+ that sports a minimum degree of expansion.

First of all, design a new Cube (2GC) as your starting point using 0.09-based 1.8 and 2.0 G5s as a starting point, 60GB disk as standard (100GB option), 512MB RAM standard (2GB maximum), Side-loading Combo drive standard (Superdrive optional), 2 x 400mb Firewire, 1 x 800mb, 5 x USB 2.0, 10/100/1000 Ethernet; V.92 modem is BTO option in the broadband age.

But this 2GC displays multiple personalities, through a clever edge connector, that docks with a variety of expansion bases (in my head the connector is on the bottom): One base unit - designed for the business market and my so-called Cube+ (2GC+) - has VGA/ADC video interfaces and a PCI expansion slot, a second merely the VGA/ADC interface (2GC), and a third provides the same functionality as 2GC+, but with an integrated 17" LCD display as per the current iMac, thus creating 3GiM.

Such an arrangement would give Apple a variety of systems for a variety of marketplaces: 2GC would address lifestyle computing types who need to drive a larger display than iMac provides, 2GC+ would address business types and allow them to use cheaper VGA-based displays.

3GiM would address the majority of domestic computing needs with the benefit that a user could upgrade the 3GiM base at the end of two years to the current model and get the benefits of GPU advancement, without the hassle/expense of buying a new system. In addition, 3GiM would give iMac users the opportunity for PCI expansion for the first time.


Now apart from the fact that 17" is now possibly 20", that would be a model suitable for marking the 20th anniversary…

AIO for them that needs it; cheap, cheerful and VGA-compatible for them that wants it!

Seems the ideal 'One more thing' to me!

[Nebagakid]

Originally posted by michaelb
If the rumor sites are true and the only new hardware is iPod related, and the emphasis is on music, then it becomes less MacWorld and more cross-platform-music-gadget-World.

Now I'm very pro iPod (had a 1st Gen and now have a 30 GB 3rd Gen) but would anyone else be a bit peeved about this change of focus? That is, using a Mac show to boost Apple's music initiatives.

After all, most of us care about Mac stuff more than music, no?

Hoping at least the supposed non-iTunes iLife updates will balance it a bit.

Not really, it would be a cross-platform-music-gadget-World Keynote if even that. MacWorld also boasts new product releases from dozens of other companies that make the Mac the well rounded platform it is.:smokey: :smokey: :smokey:

[Fat Freddy]

This things should come:

In January at MWSF (announcing):

- Power Mac G5 SD 2.6GHz 1999$
- Power Mac G5 SD Dual 2.4GHz 2499$
- Power Mac G5 SD Dual 2.8GHz 3499$

- Cinema Display 20" 999$
- Cinema HD Display 24" 1999$
- Cinema HD Display 30" 2999$

- iPod Lite 2GB 149$
- iPod Lite 4GB 199$
- iTMS Europe

- iLife 2.0 (iTunes 4.5/ iMovie 3.5/ iPhoto 3/ iDVD 3.5) 49$
- Safari 1.5
- iSync 2.0
- Keynote 1.5 99$
- iWrite 1.0 99$
- iSound 1.0 99$
- Brand new IBM Compiler: XLC 1.0 (incl. autovektorisation) 799$

One more thing:

- The new Cube G4 (Motorola) Combo 1.0GHz 899$
- The new Cube G4 (Motorola) SD 1.25GHz 1099$


In February at MWT (announcing):

- Powerbook G5 (PPC970M) 12" Combo 2GHz 1599$
- Powerbook G5 (PPC970M) 15" Combo 2GHz 1999$
- Powerbook G5 (PPC970M) 17" 2GHz SD 2999$

- iTMS Japan


In March:

- Xserve G5 2.6GHz 2999$
- Xserve G5 Dual 2.6GHz 3999$

- iTMS Australia


In April:

- iMac G5 15" Combo 1.8GHz 1299$
- iMac G5 17" SD 1.8GHz 1799$
- iMac G5 20" SD 1.8GHz 2199$

- iPhoto Pictureservice Europe


In May:

- eMac G4Ultra (IBM) 1.4GHz Combo 899$
- eMac G4Ultra (IBM) 1.6GHz SD 1099$

- The new Cube G4Ultra (IBM) Combo 1.4GHz 899$
- The new Cube G4Ultra (IBM) SD 1.6GHz 1099$

- iBook G4Ultra 12" (IBM) Combo 1.6GHz 1099$
- iBook G4Ultra 14" (IBM) Combo 1.6GHz 1299$

It's the new IBM G4 PPC860, enhanced busprotokoll, enhanced memorybandwidth, 1MB L2C, 4MB L3C.

PPC75x = G3
PPC86x = G4
PPC97x = G5


In June:

- iPod 20GB 299$
- iPod 40GB 399$
- iPod 80GB 499$


In June at WWDC:

- Power Mac G6 (PC980) 3GHz 1999$
- Power Mac G6 (PC980) Dual 2.8GHz 2499$
- Power Mac G6 (PC980) Dual 3.2GHz 3499$

[Dylsexic Manupilator]

@ Mark- Card Carrying FanaticRealist

I was hoping you'd come up with some sort of a portable time machine that also does your laundry, the dishes and puts the garbage outside, but a G5 Cube
would be nice too of course , but I'm not holding my breath... :D

@Fat Freddy

Maybe that crackpipe wasn't such a good idea after all? ;)

One more thing:

- The new Cube G4 (Motorola) Combo 1.0GHz 899$
- The new Cube G4 (Motorola) SD 1.25GHz 1099$



I mean a redux Cube with a Motorola G4 at 1.25GHz ????
Steve would be lynched right on stage....


Keynote 1.5 99$
- iWrite 1.0 99$
- iSound 1.0 99$


While I agree that these would be nice additions/updates to the iLife suite, don't you think the price tag would seem a little steep ?

I'm more inclined to go with what ThinkSecret posted about MWSF, music orientated and no CPU announcements

[mattyj]

No way. :err:

[DaveGee]

Originally posted by Mark- Card Carrying FanaticRealist
iPods 'own' marketplace for user/choosers, but new models needed for children and teenage markets, plus those who - strange as it might seem - don't need 2000 songs to go. Introduces myPod: new 1GB (250 songs) / 2GB (500 songs) models, controls on side edge, touch-resistant strip on side in place of scrollwheel; embedded Hitachi Microdrives.

Both models available in silver or black from Superbowl weekend: 1GB is $175, 2GB is $225.

Dunno...

iPod 01GB $175.00
iPod 02GB $225.00 (Double size for $75 more)
iPod 10GB $299.00 (5X size for $74 more)
iPod 20GB $399.00 (Double size for $100 more)
iPod 40GB $499.00 (Double size for $100 more)

The 2GB seems pretty far outta whack...

2GB for $100 and 4GB for $200 would seem to fit better... (cost of parts to build the devices not withstanding)

Then you'd have

iPod 02GB $99.00
iPod 04GB $199.00 (Double size for $100 more)
iPod 10GB $299.00 (Double+ size for $100 more)
iPod 20GB $399.00 (Double size for $100 more)
iPod 40GB $499.00 (Double size for $100 more)

Again... cost of parts (as far as we know) might not / would not allow for this... but forgoing cost this would seems to be more in line with their current price plan.

Dave

[monkeyastronaut]

Originally posted by geekmeet
these threads are so sad and pathetic and the worst part is many of you take yourself WAY too seriously!
the worst part is the purpoted spec list that you guys put up all the time.
what a joke!
im sure steve jobs gets a kick out of reading them!

:lol: I got the biggest laugh out of that (the spec list thing). I know, it IS pathetic, but that's what message boards are for, I guess.

Let me try my hand at it.

We'll see: :D
-miniPods and iPods, in colored casings.
-new displays to go along with the PowerMacs
-updated iLife

What we won't see: :\
-New digital hub device
-iWrite or Document or whatever they call the Word app
-updated iBooks, iMacs or PowerBooks
-new iSight

Maybe: :???:
-Updated PowerMacs
edit: -and eMacs

[tink]

Since this is rumor, speculation and time for outrageous Mac World predictions,
I'll have to go out on a limb and say...

3GHz G5's.:D

[tink]

and one more thing...
for the anniversary.

[pjn23]

What about a .Mac update? I could easily see the inclusion of a .Mac blog service where you can subscribe to your favorite blogs and have them synched with your iPod.

[Fat Freddy]

Originally posted by Dylsexic Manupilator
[B]@Fat Freddy

Maybe that crackpipe wasn't such a good idea after all? ;)

Why? Do you remember MWSF'03 or WWDC'03 ;)

I mean a redux Cube with a Motorola G4 at 1.25GHz ????
Steve would be lynched right on stage....

At this pricepoint? No

While I agree that these would be nice additions/updates to the iLife suite, don't you think the price tag would seem a little steep ?

Hmm, ok.

I'm more inclined to go with what ThinkSecret posted about MWSF, music orientated and no CPU announcements

May be you are right, but it would be a fine thing nevertheless and don't forget the Forbes article ;)

[Rhumgod]

Originally posted by Fat Freddy
This things should come:

God, for a second there I could've sworn this was another Kormac posting...:wow: ..... :no:

[Curufinwe]

Steve comes out on stage looking really angry and says

"We wanted to keep milking the 1.6 and 1.8 Ghz G5 for a couple more months like we were used to doing with Motorola, but as of last week IBM is just refusing to make us any G5s below 2 Ghz! Something about great yields or something. . . . Well, we're really upset, so we're gonna keep Moto around for a year or two to slow things down while wean our design teams off taking 3 month long vacations after we update a product. In summary: Look forward to 6 Ghz G5 desktops and 1.3 Ghz G4 powerbooks in 2005!"


Just my vision ;)

[Mark- Card Carrying FanaticRealist]

Originally posted by Dylsexic Manupilator
@ Mark- Card Carrying FanaticRealist

I was hoping you'd come up with some sort of a portable time machine that also does your laundry, ....


Yeah, did that - but when I took the clothes out it was all like tie-dyes and flares which isn't a good look for me
:D

[Mark- Card Carrying FanaticRealist]

Originally posted by DaveGee
Dunno...

iPod 01GB $175.00
iPod 02GB $225.00 (Double size for $75 more)
iPod 10GB $299.00 (5X size for $74 more)
iPod 20GB $399.00 (Double size for $100 more)
iPod 40GB $499.00 (Double size for $100 more)

... <snip>

Again... cost of parts (as far as we know) might not / would not allow for this... but forgoing cost this would seems to be more in line with their current price plan.

Dave

Actually, it goes the other way:

40GB is 499
20GB (50% of the capacity of the 40) is 399 (80% of the cost of the 40)
10GB (50% of the capacity of the 30) is 299 (75% of the cost of the 30)
2GB (20% of the 10) could be 225 (75% of the 10)
1GB (50% of the 2) could be 175-180 (80% of the 2)

The only realistic component in town - at this time - is the Hitachi 2GB microdrive; Cornice only produce in 1.5GB and the 4GB microdrive is ridiculously expensive UNLESS Apple has managed to cut some amazing deal (around 30% of the standard 'street price').

Introducing at 225 is the way forward, if you want to have an upgrade path that ultimately builds a secondary product family - initially on Microdrive - that looks like 4GB/2GB/1GB for $225/$180/$125, but ultimately becomes 0.85"-based 4GB/3GB/1.5GB for the same price points in around two generations (or in time for Xmas 2005).

Apple needs to sell at 225 initially, because:

a) it has the premium product in the marketplace, and there is a whole 'perceived value' equation going on. My case: the iPod is more expensive than any of the competition, yet occupies 3 out 5 market leadership positions because the value and quality it represents - cost is not the driver here.

b) if it is "going small' for myPod, there will be product engineering and tooling costs that need to be recovered in the early-adopter phase.

c) The component costs - even at 2GB - will be a killer to Apple, unless it resorts to 'cheaper' concepts like Sony's version of a jog-wheel and really small LCD displays. Then you have to add in marketing costs, shipping, etc.

Seriously, I'd bet my remaining bottles of DeLoach Zinfandel - not easy to get hold of over here - that the market would bear $225 in the US (£199 here) and $180/£150 for the smaller model.

[Flounder]

I just want MW to get here so apple takes down that stupid aol ipod thing on their front page!

[cubist]

Originally posted by tink
Since this is rumor, speculation and time for outrageous Mac World predictions,
I'll have to go out on a limb and say...

3GHz G5's.:D

Me too! I'll go out on a limb and say...

1.7, 1.9 and 2.1GHz PowerMac G5's.
1.33GHz G4 iMacs.
1.33GHz G4 Powerbook 15", and 1.25GHz Powerbook 12".

Oh, and in fall 2004:
1.8, 2.0 and (wow!) 2.2GHz PowerMac G5's.

I like Curufinwe's response, too, but I wouldn't expect such brutal honesty.:D

[OverToasty]

Originally posted by cubist
Me too! I'll go out on a limb and say...

1.7, 1.9 and 2.1GHz PowerMac G5's.
1.33GHz G4 iMacs.
1.33GHz G4 Powerbook 15", and 1.25GHz Powerbook 12".

Oh, and in fall 2004:
1.8, 2.0 and (wow!) 2.2GHz PowerMac G5's.

I like Curufinwe's response, too, but I wouldn't expect such brutal honesty.:D

Yes Bob? Oh, what has contestant #4 bid? OK, I'll bid ...

1.81, 2.01 and 2.21 PowerMac G5's ...

Geez, what's with the faddish lowballing?

... Moto is GONE remember?

[Leonis]

Originally posted by cubist
Me too! I'll go out on a limb and say...

1.7, 1.9 and 2.1GHz PowerMac G5's.
1.33GHz G4 iMacs.
1.33GHz G4 Powerbook 15", and 1.25GHz Powerbook 12".

Oh, and in fall 2004:
1.8, 2.0 and (wow!) 2.2GHz PowerMac G5's.

I like Curufinwe's response, too, but I wouldn't expect such brutal honesty.:D


Nothing worse than the speed dump in the early G4 days.

[mattyj]

Powermacs:

Single 2.2Ghz
Dual 2.4Ghz
Dual 2.6Ghz
Quad 2.6Ghz

[Rhumgod]

Originally posted by mattyj
Powermacs:

Single 2.2Ghz
Dual 2.4Ghz
Dual 2.6Ghz
Quad 2.6Ghz

I would guess the next rev, while it may not happen at MW, will be Single 2.0GHz, Dual 2.4 and Dual 2.6. Quad? Not without a case redux, which would make for an interesting "big cube" maybe more along the lines of the NeXT cube but a bit bigger. Truely, who the hell would buy them though? It's not a big seller - I think the G5 xServe is more suited for those people.

[Merovingian]

Originally posted by Rhumgod
I would guess the next rev, while it may not happen at MW, will be Single 2.0GHz, Dual 2.4 and Dual 2.6. Quad? Not without a case redux, which would make for an interesting "big cube" maybe more along the lines of the NeXT cube but a bit bigger. Truely, who the hell would buy them though? It's not a big seller - I think the G5 xServe is more suited for those people.

I was thinking:
• Dual 2.0 GHz
• Dual 2.2 GHz
• Dual 2.4 GHz

But I am dearly hoping that we can see a Dual 2.6 GHz instead of a Dual 2.4 GHz. m. :D

[onlooker]

Originally posted by geekmeet
you guys got squat!
you got nothing!
these threads are so sad and pathetic and the worst part is many of you take yourself WAY too seriously!
just sit back and wait for apple to deliever the goods.
the worst part is the purpoted spec list that you guys put up all the time.
what a joke!
im sure steve jobs gets a kick out of reading them!

I totally agree with what this guy said. :\ You guy's are all out of whack.
Some of this sh*t is so unreal it's making me laugh while I read it. Get a grip will you. You do realize you are going to be the same guy's that b*tch about these things not happening, and then your all going to blame Apple for not producing the products that YOU are Promising for your self's.

It's stupid sh*t like this that drove me away from posting in here as often as I used to. :\

[Ensign Pulver]

Originally posted by Flounder
I just want MW to get here so apple takes down that stupid aol ipod thing on their front page!

:D

[Lemon Bon Bon]

I just want MW to get here so apple takes down that stupid aol ipod thing on their front page!

I'll third that.

Happy New Lyear...

Oopsllls...

So much for touch typing...

:D

;)

:e,pm BPm Bpm

[monkeyastronaut]

Originally posted by onlooker
It's stupid sh*t like this that drove me away from posting in here as often as I used to. :\

Well I don't hear anyone missing you. 8)

As stupid/bogus/weird/pathetic as it may seem, I think there are threads suitable for stuff like this; posting what we'd like to see coming from Apple.

[whoami]

how many days til macworld?:lol:
there is a very familiar vibe around here! ;)

[Republic]

Not that anyone cares about eMacs, but someone on another Macintosh forum brought attention to this:

"Listed below are great deals on Previous Generation iBook G3 and eMac products as well as quality Refurbished products. These Previous Generation and Refurbished Products are covered by Apple's One-Year Limited Warranty, and the AppleCare Protection Plan can be purchased for these products."

That's from the special deals section of the Apple Store, as of 4:51 PM EST. An entry underneath shows a new, unopened "previous generation eMac" with these specs:


eMac 1GHzG4/256MB/80GB/SuperDrive/E/56K
All-in-one, compact design
17-inch flat CRT display
PowerPC G4 processor
ATI Radeon 7500 graphics w/ 32MB DDR memory
Two FireWire 400 ports and five USB ports
10/100 BASE-T (Fast Ethernet)
AirPort Extreme ready with built-in antenna
$1099.00

That looks oddly like the specs for the higher-priced eMac that's still in the (current) hardware section of the site. This is being discussed at MacNN, and those replying are questioning a next-gen eMac, but the link is: http://forums.macnn.com/showthread.php?threadid=195143

[Gandalf the Semi-Coherent]

Okay, you guys want a *real* surprise at MacWorld? Here's my guess for the unexpected next week.

No new G5s (per se, I'll get to that later)
No new iMac
No new "miniPods" (those will be unveiled one week prior to the Super Bowl at a special event, then pushed heavily via the Pepsi ads)

Instead, Macworld will be an *all-enterprise* event.

New G5 XServe and XServe RAID
New, competitively-priced G5 boxes designed primarily for the enterprise market
New Apple Office suite with Document, Keynote and a new database program, with full compatibility with previously-created MS Office documents and killer features designed to be catnip for business

Steve Jobs will heavily emphasise Apple's longstanding commitment to business, and mention repeatedly the solid nature of Panther and its relative impermeability to security breaches. Their newly-forged relationship with IBM will also be praised, and a representative from IBM will join him on stage as well at some point.

I'd *love* to see that.

GTSC

[Carson O'Genic]

Originally posted by Gandalf the Semi-Coherent

I'd *love* to see that.

GTSC

Me too! I like. iLike!

[nwhysee]

As boring as it may seem, Gandalf the white is probably right on this. As neat as it would be to see a dual 2.8 g5 or whatever, that likely won't be the case. There will not be any "run to the apple store" product. *but i won'd mind apple proving me wrong.*

[MacsRGood4U]

On Monday, Mac Rumors - as usual, will have some real information on any new stuff to be unveiled at MWSF. There also may be some info late on Sunday. Don't forget to check the News Magazine sites on Monday as well! :D

[Nebagakid]

wow, tuesday, we are so close...... :smokey: :smokey:


4 Days Left


:wow: :wow: :wow: :wow:

[MacsRGood4U]

Keynotes on Tuesday the 6th.

[echo]

What we're wanting to figure out is how early one must start waiting in line to get a great seat for the Stevenote.

Does anyone know the number people that get the preferred seating, that would give us an idea of how far back the regular seating starts?

[mpls244]

I have this odd sense that there's some serious disinformation going on. There seems to be a G5 2.0-2.4 (maybe 2.6) consensus, which seems too easy to me.

I really wonder if Jobs is lowering expectations for MWSF, so he can then blow us away.

Maybe the surprise is not G5-GHz, but something else.

I have an odd feeling about this MWSF.

[Big Mac]

Originally posted by echo
What we're wanting to figure out is how early one must start waiting in line to get a great seat for the Stevenote.

Does anyone know the number people that get the preferred seating, that would give us an idea of how far back the regular seating starts?

I went to MWSF last year. I got there around 7 something, and the line was SUPER long. Once they begin to seat people, the line breaks up and you get to run for position to some extent. The preferred seating is about six rows, I believe. Next time I go I'm going to get there in the dead of night.

2.6GHz is a good conservative estimate, mpls. SJ said we would have 3GHz a year from the G5's intro in July, so must of us are thinking with the assumption that there will have to be an intermediate update before we get to 3GHz. It would be quite extraordinary to go 1 whole GHz in one revision. Note, additionally, that Power Macs usually aren't introduced at Macworlds.

[mattyj]

iPod, flash memory based, £65 with 500 song capacity. Wait and see.

[Anders]

Originally posted by mattyj
iPod, flash memory based, £65 with 500 song capacity. Wait and see.

That would be 1.5-2 GB flash ram. Any idea how much that costs?

Hint (http://www.ramseeker.com/pc/scripts/sortModelByName.php?modelId=38&sortSize=1gb)

[mattyj]

It was in either the Times Newspaper or Evening Standard, which mentioned the new iPods. I don't know whether they'll be flash based or not... :P

[Krassy]

did you see this date from ibm?


IBM and Chartered co-sponsor Semico Impact Conference Series in Taipei - 90 Nanometer and Beyond!!

When: January 8, 2004
Where: Taipei, Taiwan, Grand Formosa Regent Taipei

[wizard69]

Well PowerMacs may not have been traditionally introduced at Mac World but lets face it the longer they waite the more likley we will see a jump to 3GHz. The operative words where "with in a year" so there is nothing to hold them back for debut of new machines this month or next.

The other issue that potentially may push them into early release is the need to get the new enterprise product out the door. Of course this could just as well be an excuse to hold off updates to the G5.

All the public comments about this being a very good year for apple products, intoroduction wise, tends to lead me to believe that we are going to see alot of stuff in the next month or two. A big jump in performance of the G5 would help keep momentum going with this product line in light of all of the other product activity. Well we can only wish that it would or that Steve would se it that way.

Thanks
dave



Originally posted by Big Mac
I went to MWSF last year. I got there around 7 something, and the line was SUPER long. Once they begin to seat people, the line breaks up and you get to run for position to some extent. The preferred seating is about six rows, I believe. Next time I go I'm going to get there in the dead of night.

2.6GHz is a good conservative estimate, mpls. SJ said we would have 3GHz a year from the G5's intro in July, so must of us are thinking with the assumption that there will have to be an intermediate update before we get to 3GHz. It would be quite extraordinary to go 1 whole GHz in one revision. Note, additionally, that Power Macs usually aren't introduced at Macworlds.

[gfeier]

Originally posted by wizard69
Well PowerMacs may not have been traditionally introduced at Mac World but lets face it the longer they waite the more likley we will see a jump to 3GHz. The operative words where "with in a year" so there is nothing to hold them back for debut of new machines this month or next.

The other issue that potentially may push them into early release is the need to get the new enterprise product out the door. Of course this could just as well be an excuse to hold off updates to the G5.

All the public comments about this being a very good year for apple products, intoroduction wise, tends to lead me to believe that we are going to see alot of stuff in the next month or two. A big jump in performance of the G5 would help keep momentum going with this product line in light of all of the other product activity. Well we can only wish that it would or that Steve would se it that way.

Thanks
dave

I think we'll definitely see an intermediate jump before 3GHz. That's almost certainly why Apple scheduled this year's WWDC for the end of June.

[NETROMac]

Originally posted by gfeier
I think we'll definitely see an intermediate jump before 3GHz. That's almost certainly why Apple scheduled this year's WWDC for the end of June. I agree with you on the first part, but I dont think Apple has set the date for the WWDC after a possible introduction of the 3 ghz powermac. This is because it's probably very (?) difficult the predict the date a hardware product will be ready for introduction, and they are always dependent on how well their suppliers (read IBM) has products ready for them. It's possible Apple has got words or promises from IBM for when the can expect the 3 ghz chips to arrive, but there is always time needed for ironing out bugs, doint test runs and so on, and the 3 ghz powermac is not so big a deal after all. The first G5 was a milestone, the introduction of the 3 ghz G5 will just be a minor update compared to this. And june is probably a bit early for it to arrive too. Not any sooner than August I predict, along with the introduction of a fully 64 bit native OSX 10.4 :D

[neutrino23]

Originally posted by echo
What we're wanting to figure out is how early one must start waiting in line to get a great seat for the Stevenote.

Does anyone know the number people that get the preferred seating, that would give us an idea of how far back the regular seating starts?

Always an interesting puzzle. Actually two puzzles. How early to arrive and where to try to sit.

The preferred seating is a block in the center. I don't recall how far back it goes ( 20 rows?). You can get close to the stage at either the far left or right.

Last year I got there at about 7:00AM and I was standing just outside the door to Moscone Center. I got a fairly good seat at the far left.

This year I might try to get there a little earlier and aim for something a little more towards the center. I'll trade off a little distance to have a more direct view.

The seating area is a flat floor, not theater type seating. However, the stage is about four feet high so the viewing angle is not bad.

[eprom]

I can't believe Apple will release the iMac G5 before the Powerbook G5.
The powerbook is the portable version of the Powermac and thus the proffessionals Mac. While the iMac is a consumer Mac.

Whadayathink?

[NETROMac]

Originally posted by eprom
I can't believe Apple will release the iMac G5 before the Powerbook G5.
The powerbook is the portable version of the Powermac and thus the proffessionals Mac. While the iMac is a consumer Mac.

Whadayathink? I think they will release the G5 iMac first because of these to reasons: The 970 is VERY hot and VERY power hungry, and they will probably have to wait until the 970 moves to another process before we'll see it in a powerbook. It's much easier to come around these limitations in the iMac that has a mains powersupply and have better possibilities of cooling it enough to avoid melt-down. It will probably take another few months before IBM switches processes, and the iMac really needs a faster processor NOW. I wound't dream of buying one of the current iMacs, at least not at the speeds Apple currently offers. The iMac is after all a premium product much like the PowerMac and the PowerBook. It deserves the G5 equally much as the PowerBook in my eyes.

[stjobs]

"The iMac is after all a premium product much like the PowerMac and the PowerBook. It deserves the G5 equally much as the PowerBook in my eyes."

Premium in the sense that you pay extra, maybe. Not premium in terms of performance or reliability. Why would the iMac "deserve" a processor equal to a PowerBook or PowerMac? You are mistaken. The iMac is a consumer model Mac, and Apple is very mindful of the demands of that market. Grandma checking AOL e-mail doesn't need a 90um G5.

Apple has models targeted at different market levels. The iMac is entry level and is always going to be a step or two back in technology from its "Power" named counterparts. The same goes for the iBook.

[Eupfhoria]

Steve and co are sitting in a boardroom deciding on when to release the 20" iMac.
Some board member: "We could do it in september!"
Steve: "No"
Some other board member: "We could do it at MWSF!"
Steve: "Hmm, I guess so..."
Yet another board member: "Wait a sec, we should release it before MWSF to throw off the rumor sites! Yeah!"
Steve: "Promotion!"

Guys, AAPL doesn't "Try to throw off the rumor sites." They release what they have when they have it or when they think it will make the most money. The rumor sites predicting things has virtually no effect on sales. It is the major media that they are avoiding publicity from.

[applenut]

Originally posted by stjobs
"The iMac is after all a premium product much like the PowerMac and the PowerBook. It deserves the G5 equally much as the PowerBook in my eyes."

Premium in the sense that you pay extra, maybe. Not premium in terms of performance or reliability. Why would the iMac "deserve" a processor equal to a PowerBook or PowerMac? You are mistaken. The iMac is a consumer model Mac, and Apple is very mindful of the demands of that market. Grandma checking AOL e-mail doesn't need a 90um G5.

Apple has models targeted at different market levels. The iMac is entry level and is always going to be a step or two back in technology from its "Power" named counterparts. The same goes for the iBook.

uhg. i wish i wasn't a moderator when i see these posts :P


The iMac and PowerBook have virtually mirrored each other for years now.

It'll happen.

[NETROMac]

Originally posted by stjobs
Grandma checking AOL e-mail doesn't need a 90um G5.:wow: Then you haven't met my grandma. GRANDma needs GRAND iMac :p

[CosmoNut]

Originally posted by stjobs
Grandma checking AOL e-mail doesn't need a 90um G5.
People probably used to say, "The iMac doesn't need a G4!"

[Mike Eggleston]

Originally posted by eprom
I can't believe Apple will release the iMac G5 before the Powerbook G5.
The powerbook is the portable version of the Powermac and thus the proffessionals Mac. While the iMac is a consumer Mac.

Whadayathink?

NETROMac said it best, it is easier to put the G5 into the iMac because it would have an easier time cooling the chip, plus there is a constant supply of power, whereas the PowerBook there is only the battery (worst case scenerio).

However, there is another reason. All of those people who like to edit their iMovies, and then burn them with iDVD. Or how about all of the gamers who want a Mac that matches, or exceeds his PC counter-parts. There are the low-budget Web Designers who would want this, along with anyone who is just amazed at what a G5 can do. The market is there. It is just as rich and diverse as the PowerBook people. To say that it shouldn't because it is consumer, is awfully short sighted.

[celestial]

I also think its time for a G5 iMac. A G5 with a 20" screen is very expensive, the same in an iMac should save some cash. Apple need a machine that nicely hits the pro-consumer, just like the digital camera market has been doing the last year or so. It should only have big screens, bluetooth should be standard, 2 Gig Ram max and a decent graphics card. Perhaps it needs to be a new line (dare I suggest) SuperiMac rather than phase out the existing iMacs which could do with a price drop.

Better yet, as many have suggested, make the screen easily replacable or even just a mounting arm and make the new scvreen form factor allow for easy mounting.

Yes i know i am dreaming.

Jason

[mattyj]

Based on a market point of view, Apple should put the G5 in the iMac and PowerBook at roughly the same time. The Powerbook will be expensive due to it probably using downclocked 0.09 nanometer chips, while the iMac will probably receive the current generation G5s found in the PowerMac, unless there is some heat dissapation problems and the cooler, smaller G5 is needed.

The Imac should come with a Radeon 9600 in by default, all apart from the base model. The G5 should come with a Radeon 9600 pro as standard (only £50 more ffs) and the top end model wih a Radeon 9800, kitting out a G5 at the moment costs a bit too much. There is no need for the nVidia cards IMO, they are slower than the ATi offerings and are not worth much price/performance wise.

I doubt this will happen soon, but we could be surprised. :)

[s6275]

Uhm, I'm pretty sure that iBooks are at least getting speed bumped.

Of course, I could be wrong.

[hledgard]

Cannot seem to find the Quicktime link for the keynote broadcast.

Thanks, Dr. L

[LudwigVan]

Originally posted by hledgard
Cannot seem to find the Quicktime link for the keynote broadcast.

I'm surprised too nothing's been posted at this late date. I guess we'll find out tomorrow (Monday).

[onlooker]

It doesn't matter which you think it should go in for what ever reason. The G5 is still too hot for the iMac, or the PowerBook as it is right now. So arguing which one it's going in first is pointless at this time. But just to add fuel to the fire - When the G5 can run cool enough it will be in the PowerBook first. NO doubt.

There is the a pro line, and a consumer line. They have always gone in the pro line first. Even when Apple was having serious Moto-blow-ya problems they put it in the pro line fist because that's how it is.

[Nebagakid]

2 days Left

:wow: :wow:

[Aphelion]

Originally posted by onlooker :
It doesn't matter which you think it should go in for what ever reason... So arguing which one it's going in first is pointless at this time... to add fuel to the fire ... it will be in the PowerBook first. NO doubt... they put it in the pro line fist because that's how it is.


Still to hot for the current iMac, but just an engineering exercise for the next. And we may see the 3G iMac sooner than you might think, onlooker, I do know know it doesn't matter what I think ~ nonetheless, I think we'll see a G5 in the next iMac before we will see it in the next Powerbook ~ by about 6 months.

How it was is not necessarily how it is.

[MacsRGood4U]

The Quicktime link was posted in late December then removed a few days later. I'm sure it will be back tomorrow. We'll also start getting some photos of the floor and those mysterious boxes, etc. (Krispy Kreme doughnuts as well I'd think) on Monday. TechTV will have a recap on Tuesday during the afternoon. No live broadcast indicated as of now.

[Tomb of the Unknown]

Originally posted by MacsRGood4U
No live broadcast indicated as of now.
Yeah, and what is up with that. Too cheap for a satellite feed?

[MacsRGood4U]

TechTV hasn't broadcast a MW in two years. It may be that Apple doesn't want them to. Satellite feeds were announced a few weeks ago and Apple Stores with screens will be showing the keynote.

[bka77]

Originally posted by MacsRGood4U
...and Apple Stores with screens will be showing the keynote.

Great, now I only need to get on a British Airways Flight to my nearest Apple Store. :D

[Clive]

Originally posted by Big Mac
Note, additionally, that Power Macs usually aren't introduced at Macworlds.

That's just bollocks.

[Anders]

CheapoPod will happen I am now suddenly convinced. Don´t know how, why or anything. Just had to set the record straight so I can keep up my 100% true prediction record :)

[Dr_Holistic]

I can't wait to buy a CHEAPO iPOD!!!

[Mac+]

Originally posted by Nebagakid
2 days Left

:wow: :wow: What - a post from Nebagakid without the 5 "smokey" smilies in a row! :wow:

[Anders]

Originally posted by Dr_Holistic
I can't wait to buy a CHEAPO iPOD!!!

Me too. But it won´t be that. It will be a cheapoPod. No i in that

[michaelb]

Originally posted by hledgard
Cannot seem to find the Quicktime link for the keynote broadcast.

Don't want to be a downer, but maybe Apple isn't all that keen on many people seeing this keynote... I mean, consider these facts and possible implications:

1) It wasn't confirmed that Jobs was actually delivering the keynote until later than usual. Maybe they weren't sure the only product they have to announce (the miniPods) would be ready.

2) There is no obvious QuickTime stream in place yet.

3) There is no big MacWorld promotion at www.apple.com, no "you ain't seen nothin' yet", "9 days and counting" hype.

4) Apart from miniPods, the rumors of "new" products amount to software updates only. The rumor sites may be quiet NOT because Apple is good at keeping a secret, but there are no secrets to keep.


Being pessimistic, the keynote may only consist of progress reports (x million tunes downloaded, 500K G5s sold, 45% of sales were laptops, etc), iLife updates, and the cheaper 'Pod(s).

That last one may be moderating interesting from an "Apple is getting successful" point of view, but personally, as I've already been a buyer of a 1st gen iPod and a 3rd gen iPod, I could care less about a storage-challenged one, and care more about Mac news.

I very much hope I'm wrong, but as an Australian, I'm not going to be getting up at 4 am for this one. (Just hoping to read how wrong I was on front page news at breakfast!)

[Daver]

Originally posted by Mac+
What - a post from Nebagakid without the 5 "smokey" smilies in a row! :wow: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey:

[Nebagakid]

Originally posted by Daver
snip*

You are trying to steal my thunder? MY THUNDER?

NOTE: I am sorry to have to have posted this, it was necessary...


NOW, Back to the Future (pun intended). Where is the quicktime link to the keynote stream? or the page?

[satchmo]

Of course hardware is more sexy, but could this be the time we see an Apple branded "Office" suite of apps?

[Elmer Fudd]

miniPod is credit card in size. Holds 10,000 songs and costs $249 for the largest size. Plus, new iApp. GarageBand. Music creation tool. Included in $99 updated iLife. Fact.

[kupan787]

Originally posted by michaelb
1) It wasn't confirmed that Jobs was actually delivering the keynote until later than usual. Maybe they weren't sure the only product they have to announce (the miniPods) would be ready.

Really? I don't recall hearing anything about Steve Jobs confirming late. But perhaps it was just because it was thought to be a given?

2) There is no obvious QuickTime stream in place yet.

Someone posted a bit above that there was a link posted for a period of time in Dec, but it has just recently gone missing. I am sure it will resurface.

3) There is no big MacWorld promotion at www.apple.com, no "you ain't seen nothin' yet", "9 days and counting" hype.

Apple did this once, and only once (before the intro of the new iMac). It hadn't been done before or since. This is not an indication of anything really, as I think that the whole thing backfired (caused overhype).

4) Apart from miniPods, the rumors of "new" products amount to software updates only. The rumor sites may be quiet NOT because Apple is good at keeping a secret, but there are no secrets to keep.


The rumor sites always miss the big things. I don't think anyone saw the iPod coming, or the Cube, or Aqua, or the G5 (date of introduction), or the new iMac. They can get the little things pretty good however. Not that I am saying there will be something big, but i wouldn't be surprised if something gets announced/released that none of the rumor sites sees coming. Apple IS good at keeping secrets on certain KEY products.

[TomB]

It's back.....
http://stream.apple.akadns.net/

[Nebagakid]

Originally posted by satchmo
Of course hardware is more sexy, but could this be the time we see an Apple branded "Office" suite of apps?

I bet when they DO release it, it will use AppleWorks to wipe it's metaphorical butt. It will use some great Cocoa built-in stuff, which is already great. They just need to incorporate Sketch and TextEdit with some Spreadsheetin'. :smokey: :smokey: :smokey:

[futuremac]

i DO remember reading a post on appleinsider? about in the spring of the year before the ipod was introduced about someone overhearing some apple employees talking about something called an "ipod pavillion" and i remember the poster said they stopped talking when they noticed the listener. i wondered then what "ipod pavillion" could stand for, now we know.

however steve has clamped down on rumors. it used to be that in the weeks before a mac event we'd have at least blurry photos of new products. remember the pic of the mdd powermac? or the first photo of the "see-through" case of the imac special edition? the "workerbee" mouse?

now nothing...

steve must have these people locked in a room until the stevenote! lol

[gfeier]

Originally posted by NETROMac
I agree with you on the first part, but I dont think Apple has set the date for the WWDC after a possible introduction of the 3 ghz powermac. This is because it's probably very (?) difficult the predict the date a hardware product will be ready for introduction, and they are always dependent on how well their suppliers (read IBM) has products ready for them. It's possible Apple has got words or promises from IBM for when the can expect the 3 ghz chips to arrive, but there is always time needed for ironing out bugs, doint test runs and so on, and the 3 ghz powermac is not so big a deal after all. The first G5 was a milestone, the introduction of the 3 ghz G5 will just be a minor update compared to this. And june is probably a bit early for it to arrive too. Not any sooner than August I predict, along with the introduction of a fully 64 bit native OSX 10.4 :D

I don't expect a 3GHz machine in June either. I DO expect a 3GHz machine to be announced at WWDC. Remember, this is Steve we're talking about. He promised 3GHz within a year and, by God, he's going to announce 3GHz within a year. When it will ship is anybody's guess, but I think early September might be about right.

[CosmoNut]

Originally posted by kupan787
I don't think anyone saw the iPod coming, or the Cube,...
*cough* TABLET *cough*

[Composer]

*cough* Notgonnahappen *cough* ;)

[othello]

Originally posted by Elmer Fudd
miniPod is credit card in size. Holds 10,000 songs and costs $249 for the largest size. Fact.

fiction

[sCreeD]

Originally posted by Elmer Fudd
miniPod is credit card in size. Holds 10,000 songs and costs $249 for the largest size. Plus, new iApp. GarageBand. Music creation tool. Included in $99 updated iLife. Fact.

10,000 songs means a 40GB storage device. If so, it can't be flash based. If it's the new 1-inch hard drives then $249 seems too cheap.

Don't. Do. Crack.

Screed

[onlooker]

Originally posted by gfeier
I don't expect a 3GHz machine in June either. I DO expect a 3GHz machine to be announced at WWDC. Remember, this is Steve we're talking about. He promised 3GHz within a year and, by God, he's going to announce 3GHz within a year. When it will ship is anybody's guess, but I think early September might be about right.

I think he'll go beyond 3GHz at WWDC. He should have no problems doing it either.

[PookJP]

I don't understand how any rational minded person could possibly think the iMac's form factor will be updated, seeing as how they just released a new model -- the 20". When has Apple ever released a new version of an existing piece of hardware, only to replace it with an entirely new one but a month or two later?

Furthermore, why go to all the work to engineer, market, and distribute a new machine only for a month or two? That isn't how economics work. Manufacturers lose money for the first few months on a product, then after having sold them for quite a while, start making the money back. The "quiet a while" varies depending on the product, of course, but there is no way all the costs involved with creating the 20" could be recouped in the short amount of time it has been out.

Don't get swept up in the Mac fervor by reading these boards too much. Step back, think about the situation, and you'll see that a bunch of people posting on here does not a make for a new Mac.

[wizard69]

I see things a bit differrently, with in a month or two we should be able to pick up 3GHz G5's or something very close to 3GHz. WWDC will be where new technology is introduced, a faster 970 is NOT new technology from the perspective of WWDC.

At WWDC we should see the announcement of a Power 5 derived processor with multi threaded capabilities. Part of the announcement will of course be the software support to exploit that capability.

Think about what WWDC has always been about, it is a conference for developers, at this point the G5 is a has been from their perspective. Developers will be the first to be introduced to new technology. Now it would be interesting to see 64 bit OS/X introduced then also. IF that happens then they are farther along than I suspected. In any event expect additions to OS/X to allow multiprogramming and other technologies to exist on the platoform (with Apples ease of use).


Originally posted by NETROMac
I agree with you on the first part, but I dont think Apple has set the date for the WWDC after a possible introduction of the 3 ghz powermac. This is because it's probably very (?) difficult the predict the date a hardware product will be ready for introduction, and they are always dependent on how well their suppliers (read IBM) has products ready for them. It's possible Apple has got words or promises from IBM for when the can expect the 3 ghz chips to arrive, but there is always time needed for ironing out bugs, doint test runs and so on, and the 3 ghz powermac is not so big a deal after all. The first G5 was a milestone, the introduction of the 3 ghz G5 will just be a minor update compared to this. And june is probably a bit early for it to arrive too. Not any sooner than August I predict, along with the introduction of a fully 64 bit native OSX 10.4 :D

[Crusader]

Wow for the first time in... forever I'm not hyped. I have no really interesting technologies to lust after in the next Powermac update, the G5's are here, the iMac probably won't get an update, and I don't see anything really cool like a tablet or Apple PDA coming out. I wish someone would bring back the tablet/PDA rumor, it's sooo much fun researching the different processors (like the G4 or maybe the 440GP) and technologies that could be used. Where is an interesting rumor when ya need one?

[NETROMac]

Originally posted by wizard69
I see things a bit differrently:wow: , with in a month or two we should be able to pick up 3GHz G5's or something very close to 3GHz.Like say the 2.6 ghz G5 being introduced tomorrow ;) WWDC will be where new technology is introduced, a faster 970 is NOT new technology from the perspective of WWDC.I have always thought that the WWDC was more of a software event that a hardware event, and Apple can't introduce "new technology" processors before IBM can ship themAt WWDC we should see the announcement of a Power 5 derived processor with multi threaded capabilities.A few months too early maybe?Part of the announcement will of course be the software support to exploit that capability.

Think about what WWDC has always been about, it is a conference for developers, at this point the G5 is a has been from their perspective.Not quite. I bet a lot of developers are still working hard on optimizing their current software for the 970, and there are always things to learn at the WWDC that can help them on the way to faster 970 optimized code. And the 970 is a preview of the technology to come in the next 9xx series processor, so saying that it is a "has been" is taking it a little to far I think. Nobody will go crazy about a 3 ghz G5 being introduced at the WWDC, but I bet people will be pleased with the upgrade.Developers will be the first to be introduced to new technology.History has shown that this isn't always true, and I bet that important developers of software and accessories probably have information about and test models in their labs long before the public even knows about it.Now it would be interesting to see 64 bit OS/X introduced then also. IF that happens then they are farther along than I suspected.Farther along than everybody suspects I think.In any event expect additions to OS/X to allow multiprogramming and other technologies to exist on the platoform (with Apples ease of use). huh?

[Rhumgod]

Originally posted by Crusader
Wow for the first time in... forever I'm not hyped.

Could be you will be surprised the most. I am sorta expecting something radically different due to the complete quietness of the rumor-aire.

[Lemon Bon Bon]

I think the Wizard shows some insight.

Considering 2 gig was comfortably ready half a year ago and IBM is making an announcement about 0.09 in early Jan'? We should expect 2.4 minimum with 2.6 shipping later if need be. That really puts the boot into Intel. PPC breathing right down their neck! I'd like to see them at the show but it could happen in Jan' SOMETIME...

You'd have to be really sure to pre-announce 3 gig in 12 months.

The next PowerMac announcement should tell us abit about how it will play out...

The WWDC seems to be superceding the Summer Macworld in influence.

A 980 multithreading CPU performing at 40% more per clock would send shockwaves through the Wintel crowd. Add that to the new compiler coming round the mountain under cover of stealth.

That would be the kind of bomb shell I'm expecting at WWDC. Apple have the CPU. But they really don't have a compiler to do the PPC justice. Surely it is about time IBM stepped upto bat for the PPC compiler tech' now they are officially pumping out 970/9** processors for the next five years it seems... 1 recompile later and plenty of apps could have an incredible performance boost.

And like one of the posters above, I suspect a 3.2 gig breakthrough by the Summer/WWDC. I'm Intel keeps having their problems...then it's not inconceivable that Apple could draw level with Intel!

Lemon Bon Bon

[Amorph]

Originally posted by NETROMac
I have always thought that the WWDC was more of a software event that a hardware event, and Apple can't introduce "new technology" processors before IBM can ship them

They introduced the G5 months before IBM shipped them in any quantity. For the purposes of revealing a new processor at WWDC, Apple really only needs the specifications (to, say, tell people how to take advantage of CPU threading). If they want a nice bonus, they can scrape up a couple of samples to stuff in a preproduction mule to show the chip off. Samples of the final design are available 6 months before a full-scale rollout.

Any new technology is of interest to WWDC. It's not the World Wide Software Developer's Conference. ;) Developers include people engineering PCI and AGP cards, peripherals, aftermarket components, etc.

I'm not 100% sure of a PowerMac update at MWSF. On the one hand, they've been doing press release updates recently. On the other hand, that's because the updates had been nothing to write home about. Steve has a lot to talk about, and I consider an iMac update more likely - the line needs one more than the PowerMac does, and it needs the publicity boost as well. But since the PMG5 needs no introduction at this point it might not take too long to announce, after running down sales results and reactions, that the line's been boosted to 2.x GHz, available February.

[joek]

Originally posted by kupan787

The rumor sites always miss the big things. I don't think anyone saw the iPod coming, or the Cube, or Aqua, or the G5 (date of introduction), or the new iMac.

Pictures of the Cube Leaked.
G5 rumors were pretty solid before their release

[cubist]

Originally posted by Elmer Fudd
miniPod is credit card in size. Holds 10,000 songs and costs $249 for the largest size. Plus, new iApp. GarageBand. Music creation tool. Included in $99 updated iLife. Fact.

Don't care about any of that music stuff myself. I suppose it keeps the lights on. But your sig "cill [sic] the wabbit", is this a reference to the classic Wagner opera satire cartoon? I only saw it once, it was terrific!

[LudwigVan]

MacRumors (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/01/20040105161356.shtml) has a strong opinion on what's happening tomorrow at MWSF:

Less then a day away, and last minute notes...

"GarageBand" will be announced tomorrow.
Xserve updates tomorrow, as well.
This Mini iPod information [link (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/12/20031229032549.shtml)] is still considered reliable.

Related Link: our ealier [sic] MWSF 2004 Rumor Roundup.

Readers are reminded that Garage Band was trademarked by Apple in September 2003 and the newly released 2GB mini drives would fit nicely in a new iPod.


Go to the MacRumors site to see the various links included in the quoted text.

[Merovingian]

I still believe this is close to what we'll see tomorrow:
• Updated Power Mac G5's. Ranging from Dual 2.0 GHz to Dual 2.4 GHz, or Single 2.2 GHz to Dual 2.6 GHz.
• G5 Xserves. This tends to be pretty a strong rumour as of late.
• Perhaps a new piece of software? (Gotta have a piece of software as well). :)
• If not the Power Mac G5's, then hopefully severely updated iMacs and eMacs. The consumer line is in dire need of an update — namely a speed bump. "Raise your hands if you think the situation is dire...". :p
• Maybe new miniature iPods, (I like to call it the iPodlet), if one of the above hardware announcements are not made.

Let's just see how close I am tomorrow... :smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey:

Sorry Nebagakid... m. :)

[MacsRGood4U]

We'll see:

Updates of the iLife suite including a new App Garageband.
X Serve Updates using G5
New model iPod
Announcement of iTMS in several countries

We won't see updated PowerMacs or iMacs or iBooks or Powerbooks.

[Foo Fighter]

I'm hoping Time Magazine will publish the a front page story on the MiniPOD tonight, like they did just before the iMac was to be introduced. :lol:

[tink]

3Ghz tomorrow.
:D

\\ ah gota love unfounded optimism!:no:

[onlooker]

I hate to put any faith in rumors, and I'm not going to, but I have to admit that Garage-Band sounds like a F**king Awesome idea. If that is just Vapor I hope Apple gets wind of it, and makes it.

I think It would be somewhat difficult to go to market with Logic. SoundTrack, and a Garage-Band app because I think people are somewhat puzzled by SoundTrack, and what features it has, and doesn't have. Which is why I have a feeling it might be confusing having 3 Apps for Music creation.

I think a Logic-Express could be considered a Garage-Band type application, and would be an easier explanation of such an app, but that still does not cover the confused stigma attached to SoundTrack.

I would certainly be buying some software tomorrow if Logic-Express was released.

[gfeier]

Originally posted by onlooker
I think he'll go beyond 3GHz at WWDC. He should have no problems doing it either.

I sincerely hope so. It will probably be my next machine. :)

[Akumulator]

Originally posted by Elmer Fudd
Plus, new iApp. GarageBand. Music creation tool. Included in $99 updated iLife. Fact.

This is the only thing that's interests me here.... I'd like this. Apple waited too long for displays. I got a Samsung.

[Nebagakid]

Originally posted by Merovingian
I still believe this is close to what we'll see tomorrow:
• G5 Xserves. This tends to be pretty a strong rumour as of late.
• Perhaps a new piece of software? (Gotta have a piece of software as well).
• Maybe new miniature iPods, (I like to call it the iPodlet), if one of the above hardware announcements are not made.
Let's just see how close I am tomorrow...
Sorry Nebagakid... m. :)

Definitally new miniPods, new piece of software is an update to AppleWorks, G5s for shure... and no harm no fowl, but if you step again, don't think I will be as nice (well, what can I do over the internet except seem like a jackass)?:smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey: :smokey:

[DHagan4755]

From C|Net

Security during set-up for the show is tight, as always, with Apple's booth obscured by a huge black tarp on all sides. Posted at the main entrance are two rather generic banners for the iPod. Tucked neatly behind each of the 15-foot banners, however, is another banner that is rolled up and whose contents are obscured from view, presumably a banner containing details of at least some of what Jobs has up his sleeve.

Article (http://news.com.com/2100-7354_3-5135192.html)

[Messiahtosh]

In response to Dhagen...to quote Adam Sandler, "Gooooo!":)

[Crusader]

Hey, where are the people in Appleinsider chat? Comeon now...

I predict an Apple tablet powered by the IBM PPC 440GX :D

[atomicham]

Originally posted by MacsRGood4U
We'll see:

Updates of the iLife suite including a new App Garageband.
X Serve Updates using G5
New model iPod
Announcement of iTMS in several countries

We won't see updated PowerMacs or iMacs or iBooks or Powerbooks.

These all seem to be the most reasonable expectations.

My question out there is this: MWSF is the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the Macintosh (okay, a month early). I would think that Steve would address this and give us something to start us for the next 20 years. Convergence? Control of media? I don't know.

I just hope that things like Powermac updates come later (in 2 weeks or so) and instead we are hit with something we haven't thought of.

What could they intro that we would be writing about for an anniversary in 20 years?

[nav3]

Anyone else think that Apple is gearing up to make a new grouping of applications to rival Microsoft's Office?
For some reason I have a feeling we'll see a packaging of Works / Keynote / and XGrid soon...

[Akumulator]

Originally posted by Nebagakid
G5s for shure...

I hope they slap a mirror on the front of it.

[NaplesX]

Originally posted by atomicham
These all seem to be the most reasonable expectations.

My question out there is this: MWSF is the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the Macintosh (okay, a month early). I would think that Steve would address this and give us something to start us for the next 20 years. Convergence? Control of media? I don't know.

I just hope that things like Powermac updates come later (in 2 weeks or so) and instead we are hit with something we haven't thought of.

What could they intro that we would be writing about for an anniversary in 20 years? I for one would like to see a serious revamp of appleworks as I hate using anything MS. Word for mac is the only thing left, even though I try to use textedit as much as I can. I would love to rid my mac of anything MS. That's just me though.

[Texas Flood]

Originally posted by PookJP
I don't understand how any rational minded person could possibly think the iMac's form factor will be updated, seeing as how they just released a new model -- the 20". When has Apple ever released a new version of an existing piece of hardware, only to replace it with an entirely new one but a month or two later? I bought a 1 GHz Titanium Powerbook with a Superdrive on the day it was introduced in November 2002, only to see the 12" and 17" Aluminum Powerbooks rolled out at the 2003 MWSF less than two months later. I agree that it is unlikely that Apple would change the form factor for the iMac, but such a move would not be unprecedented.

[NJANJA2]

Originally posted by Texas Flood
I bought a 1 GHz Titanium Powerbook with a Superdrive on the day it was introduced in November 2002, only to see the 12" and 17" Aluminum Powerbooks rolled out at the 2003 MWSF less than two months later. I agree that it is unlikely that Apple would change the form factor for the iMac, but such a move would not be unprecedented.

Also, the 20" iMac is a very-low-R&D, high-margin product, designed purely for extracting the remaining value from the iMac's current form factor. Selling it for a few months is no problem at all given the money spent developing it, especially considering those months were, in part, the Christmas shopping period.

[NaplesX]

Originally posted by NJANJA2
Also, the 20" iMac is a very-low-R&D, high-margin product, designed purely for extracting the remaining value from the iMac's current form factor. Selling it for a few months is no problem at all given the money spent developing it, especially considering those months were, in part, the Christmas shopping period. Not only that, they planned adding bigger screen sizes. The R&D was done long ago.

[gcarswell]

I agree on this. the 20" imac had christmas stop-gap written all over it. I wouldn't be suprised at all to see them slip a new imac under the rumor radar.

Come to think of it, maybe the G4 ibook was a christmas cash grab too....

I'm sure imac sales are in the toilet in general compared to last year, they need a cosmetic refresh bad...

[ThunderPoit]

no one saw the cube comming?? hey, workerbee, did you hear that?

[Ensign Pulver]

Originally posted by gcarswell
I'm sure imac sales are in the toilet in general compared to last year, they need a cosmetic refresh bad...

There is NOTHING wrong with the iMac cosmetically. What it desperately needs is a tech refresh.

[Orange]

pro card b1g1f next/same day

[Aphelion]

Originally posted by Ensign Pulver
There is NOTHING wrong with the iMac cosmetically. What it desperately needs is a tech refresh.

Oh I don't know, beyond the brilliance of the adjustable arm, I've always thought the base looked lame. As I look at my Cube I can't help but think that Mr. Ives can do better than the current iMac.

[kupan787]

Originally posted by joek
Pictures of the Cube Leaked.

Really? I don't recall that, but you could be right. But still, one thing out of how many big anouncments in the last few years?

G5 rumors were pretty solid before their release

Sure, G5 rumors have been around since after the launch of the G4. But I am tlaking about good rumors. Before IBM anounced the 970, no one had any decent info on the upcomign G5, and Apple had to be working on it before a public anouncment from IBM. Even after we had that info, no rumor site stepped up to the plate on any kind of a release date util AFTER the apple website mishap.

If there are no mini-iPods tomarrow, I think that about proves the amount of "knowledge" the rumor sites have. Almost every single one has laid claim to the so called mini-iPod. This will be the deal breaker in belief for me.

[LudwigVan]

An excerpt from 4 OS X (http://www.4osx.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=4869&st=0&#entry32519)'s site:

[As reported by "insiders" viewing booths at MWSF] Adobe is also featuring a lineup of G5s with Apple Cinema Displays aligned vertically.

[DMBand0026]

Originally posted by Texas Flood
I bought a 1 GHz Titanium Powerbook with a Superdrive on the day it was introduced in November 2002, only to see the 12" and 17" Aluminum Powerbooks rolled out at the 2003 MWSF less than two months later. I agree that it is unlikely that Apple would change the form factor for the iMac, but such a move would not be unprecedented.

You have to remember though, they just added new models, they didn't change your machine. By the time it was updated (over a year later I believe) the machine was severely outdated and due for an update.

[Clive]

Originally posted by LudwigVan
As reported by "insiders" viewing booths at MWSF] Adobe is also featuring a lineup of G5s with Apple Cinema Displays aligned vertically.

While rotatable Cinema displays would be neat (support in the OS would be neater, so that we can use all those third party displays out there), this text could just mean that the displays are stacked up vertically, one above the other.

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-- Clive

[Ensign Pulver]

OK Kiddies, just 6 hours from the Stevenote and I'm off to bed. Here are my official, last minute predictions:


SOFTWARE

iMovie 4 (Speed)
iDVD 4 (more speed)
iPhoto 3 (even more speed)
Garage Band will be an AAC encoding and uploading app for independent bands to get their songs onto the iTMS. It will NOT be a consumer music creation app. Consumers listen to music, they do not create it.


HARDWARE:

iPods:

New 4GB MiniPod (new, small form factor, white only, no colors, no dock) $199
Existing 10 GB iPod discontinued
Existing 20 Gb iPod reduced to $299
Existing 40 Gb iPod reduced to $399
Lots of crowing about Christmas iPod sales figures and market dominance. New models and price points will ensure Apple's dominance in digital music for the new year. Pepsi bigwig is trotted out to pump the Super Bowl giveaway.


Power Mac G5s will be bumped and demoed, complete with bake off.

Single 2.0 GHz $1799
Dual 2.2 GHz $2499
Dual 2.6 GHz (shipping Feb.) $2999

New G5s ship with new 3 button wireless bluetooth mouse and wireless keyboard in matching aluminum. Sold separately for $59 and $99 respectively.


New Displays

Existing 17" ASD discontinued
New 20", 23" and 30" displays with higher refresh rates reskinned in thinner aluminum casings to match G5s. $999, $1499 and $2999.


Xserve G5

Single 2.0 and Dual 2.2, shipping in Feb. The Virginia Tech guy will help with the intro and Steve will quip that it's time for him to upgrade.


iMacs, iBooks and Powerbooks will not be upgraded or mentioned.

[Big Mac]

Originally posted by kupan787
Sure, G5 rumors have been around since after the launch of the G4. But I am tlaking about good rumors. Before IBM anounced the 970, no one had any decent info on the upcomign G5, and Apple had to be working on it before a public anouncment from IBM. Even after we had that info, no rumor site stepped up to the plate on any kind of a release date util AFTER the apple website mishap.

LOL, you're really going to disappoint moki with that comment. He knew about the G5 long in advance of IBM's announcement. He pointed us all to the Power4. One can take whatever he says to the bank.

[gar]

Originally posted by Ensign Pulver

Garage Band will be an AAC encoding and uploading app for independent bands to get their songs onto the iTMS. It will NOT be a consumer music creation app. Consumers listen to music, they do not create it.
Consumers also don't make pictures or videos, the don't type, mail or surf the internet. I think there are hell of a lot amateur musicians outthere who would love to easily record and mix their music on their mac.

[g::masta]

you can already align your monitors vertically. mine are aligned in such a bizaare manner as I type . very awkward, cos I'm so used to the 3200x1200 res I run normally. but we shall se why Adobe are doing that shortly.

low-cost iPod, G5 Xserve, bumped Powermac, pre-announced G5 Powerbooks.

:smokey:

[onlooker]

Originally posted by Ensign Pulver
Garage Band will be an AAC encoding and uploading app for independent bands to get their songs onto the iTMS. It will NOT be a consumer music creation app. Consumers listen to music, they do not create it.


BS! This guy is obviously not a musician. Or never was.
Most kid's, and teens love music. Some of them start to play instruments, some play air guitar. Putting an application out there that has the ability to create music from scratch, or get a semi pro/(Maybe) pro sounding recording from what you've been playing in your garage with your friends is a dream application. If Apple has this they should put more $$$ into this ad campaign than any previous ad campaign they have ever done. You have no idea how many Mac's this would sell. This would be the freaking "why didn't I think of that" application, and campaign that every company would be drooling over for years to come.

Ensign, I think you are totally clueless on how far the infl