What direction could new Powerbooks go?
I was just on a board at another prominent Mac web-publication (not a rumor site, mind you) in its portables section discussing the merits between a 667 TiBook and the 800 model. Once again, near the end of the thread, it was hinted that Apple plans to release new blood into the Powerbook channel in September.
If the current 800 MHz DVI model could be the last of the "Titanium" form factor as many possibly foresee, where do you, as loyal Apple users think Apple could go with its best-selling pro Powerbook line in terms of design and technology?
I've heard many different feelings about this, but let's try to condense it all.
A power-filled, huge notebook station that's barely considered portable (the notion that Apple's branching out from the current professional line to introduce a ultra-heavy-duty systems in portables and desktops)? A return to plastics after the lackluster performance of the metal casing?
Frankly, for the Apple design team, their current design is hard to one-up -- but they will ---how do you see it happening?
If the current 800 MHz DVI model could be the last of the "Titanium" form factor as many possibly foresee, where do you, as loyal Apple users think Apple could go with its best-selling pro Powerbook line in terms of design and technology?
I've heard many different feelings about this, but let's try to condense it all.
A power-filled, huge notebook station that's barely considered portable (the notion that Apple's branching out from the current professional line to introduce a ultra-heavy-duty systems in portables and desktops)? A return to plastics after the lackluster performance of the metal casing?
Frankly, for the Apple design team, their current design is hard to one-up -- but they will ---how do you see it happening?
Comments
Rotate the keyboard 90 degrees, and put the hinge on the short side. Voila! First portrait-aligned portable.
ting5
<strong>What direction could new Powerbooks go?</strong><hr></blockquote>
North!
So far there has been no information in the mix about new case designs for the PowerBooks. That certainly doesn't preclude it, but doesn't make it very likely either. I think apple will continue to make incremental adjustments to it, maybe a processer speed bump at Seybold, maybe higer resolution screens in the future(although current resolutions kick butt.), superdrive eventually... but i think apple is happy with the current design for now. Incidentally, so are most laptop buyers.
Now that apple has nailed down a design that seems to be working, isn't it time they started working on making the price and features comprable to the PC laptops that are floating out there? Granted the Powerbook is head and shoulders over most PC laptops, how many PC laptops ship with Gigabit ethernet? or a DVI port? For that matter, how many even come with firewire? Sure, plenty of PC Laptops are starting to ship with 1394, but its mainly iLink or 4pin, and its not usually standard.
Apple could do a couple things to boost powerbooks, such as a faster bus speed, built in bluetooth, Airport STANDARD on the moBo, longer battery life, and FASTER PROCESSORS.
Incidentally, all those things also apply to the rest of Apple's hardware line.
<a href="http://eleksen.com"; target="_blank">folding fabric keyboard</a>
<a href="http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/54/25372.html"; target="_blank">flexible lcd</a>
or perhaps <a href="http://ds.dial.pipex.com/cam3d/news/48_02.pdf"; target="_blank">pdf on lenticular 3d "near holographic" displays</a>
<img src="graemlins/surprised.gif" border="0" alt="[Surprised]" />
seriously,
a minor mod to the current Ti case would allow for a slot loading superdrive and improved airport (both rumoured) as well as an upgrade over 1 Ghz (RIO would rock, but 1G for the same heat would be ok too)
this would allow Apple to honestly advertise the world's only portable dv-fcp-dvd studio and move a lot more of the "current" generation in advance of a major architectural shift to "G5" by MWSF with the rest of the power line (which may get new mobos and cases -but not cpu's- as soon as august)
if you go with the logic of smaller everything except apparent screen size, how about an adapter cord to virtual "cinema hd" glasses and a smaller k/b base?
c'mon man, dick tracy must've been sporting a wrist-G5
that's where I see the PowerBook going....its small enough...powerful enough....cool enough....the only thing I could see being added are more digital I/O connectivity....maybe if Apple begins to support 5.1 sound or some improved sound capabilities...then more sound options.
super HD lcd screen(like the 23" display)
super drive....I don't know...there are things that could be done....but I can't see any new directions that it could head...its already a beautiful staple for digital video and music on the go.
Changes I expect to see:
Display: Improved display, possibly higher resolution, but it could be improved without bumping the resolution.
Mobo: DDR RAM, improved graphics chipset (how about a Geforce 4 Ti w/ 64 MB vRAM).
CPU:Faster G4s...MUCH faster. If the Powermacs get bumped to 1.5 high end, then there is no reason that the Ti can't get bumped to 1.2 GHz or so....at least if moto can provide a cpu that runs cool enough. Can they?
Between the CPU and mobo, Apple could basically redesign the Ti but keep the same LCD and case. It would go a long ways towards making the Ti competitive again.
Superdrive? If so then the Ti would have to get thicker.
At the very most, I can see Apple adding another Titanium model that is thicker, and uses the Superdrive.
1) Same case design, perhaps slightly different.
2) Faster processor, no big heat increase or nything.
3) Bluetooth
4) DDR once powermacs go that way.
5) Same size LCD or perhaps 1" bigger....
ummm cant think of what direction it could go..
Frakly all they need to do is put in bluetooth and faster processor and they have a great computer (IMHO the current one is quite fine)
oh oh also: on another note: I was surprised the imac didnt come with bluetooth and a wireless keyboard and mouse, that would have been toooo coool!
PB.
- SuperDrive
- GHz G4s
- modified/tweaked case design (wouldn't mind seeing glossy white, to be totally honest)
Of course, NONE of the above is going to happen (not in September, anyway). I'm just going "hmmm...what if?"
[quote] [3] Portables Team Requests Feedback
Apple's Portables development team would like to know
how they're doing with the PowerBook and iBook. From your
perspective as users and developers, please comment on current
PowerBook and/or iBook product features and functionalities that
are compelling to PC users looking to switch. Please categorize
your comments as hardware, software, and Mac OS, and email to
[snip] before August 10, 2002.
Thanks for helping to make PowerBook and iBook products even more
amazing! (Note: Your comments will become the sole property of Apple
Computer and may be used by Apple or given to others without
compensation to you.)
<hr></blockquote>
And the fact the hardware page has no picture of the Titanium on it suggests an all new design is coming.
<strong>The PowerBooks were JUST revved about a month ago. They added a whole new graphics card and the ability to support an Apple Flat Panel Display. Don't expect anything until 2003 on these.</strong><hr></blockquote>
At least!
Not doubt the next rev of 800Mhz/1 Gz TiBooks will have Bluetooth.
But for the next-generation PowerBook:
Certainly:
- Slimmer.
- Faster.
- Even sleeker.
- Stronger? (One can only hope.)
- Better AirPort reception.
Possibly:
- experimentation with semi-transparent, but still mostly opaque plastics. (Every PC notebook is using silverish metallics these days. Time to move ahead.)
- Dare I dream: a backlit, faintly glowing keyboard?
<strong>The PowerBooks were JUST revved about a month ago. They added a whole new graphics card and the ability to support an Apple Flat Panel Display. Don't expect anything until 2003 on these.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Actually it was 3 months ago (April 29th) which makes a minor update likely in September. Expect Ghz G4s and built-in Bluetooth.
Edit: exact date
[ 07-29-2002: Message edited by: Blackcat ]</p>
#2 - lower prices... let's see $2,199 again
#3 - superdrive
#4 - inkwell compatability on trackpad
#5 - DDR RAM
<strong>
Actually it was 3 months ago (April 29th) which makes a minor update likely in September. Expect Ghz G4s and built-in Bluetooth.
</strong><hr></blockquote>
yes, and the fact that the PowerMac, iBook, and PowerBook are the only items at the Apple Store not tagged as "New", also suggests an update.
<strong>
yes, and the fact that the PowerMac, iBook, and PowerBook are the only items at the Apple Store not tagged as "New", also suggests an update.</strong><hr></blockquote>
XServe too... odd...
I'd like to see a serious price drop - $3800 is obscene for the Ultimate. They need to drop $500 on each really. A Sony Vaio roughly equivalent to the Faster model is $2475 and 1.5Ghz.
<strong>
Superdrive? If so then the Ti would have to get thicker.
At the very most, I can see Apple adding another Titanium model that is thicker, and uses the Superdrive.</strong><hr></blockquote>
There's already a VAIO with Superdrive (but you can't burn a DVD unless your plugged into AC) it is thicker, but I don't think that is main Superdrive consideration. The TiBook is awfully thin and it might have to get slightly thicker but that is a relatively straight-forward change. You could even keep a few thicknesses in production by making everything but the bottom casting the same, like putting a deeper oil pan on car. But I digest...
It's that stupid mother of a slot load. For a number of reasons, slot loads will always lag behind tray loads in availibility. Tray loads are better an IMHO Apple should put an iBook-style side-ejecting tray on the PowerBook. With a PHYSICAL FORCE EJECT button. Too much optical protection wierdness going on today. EASY to get that slot-load stuck, and it's just going to get easier. Putting the tray to the side lets you eject a disk without having to push the unit away from you in cramped quarters. If you're an idiot who would break a CD tray, then you don't deserve a laptop. If you're a normal person who wants to travel with your book, a properly SEALING tray will be better off, even in your meticulously cleaned computer bag.