A hardware announcement from Apple next week?

[AppleInsider]

So far there isn't much to go on, but rumblings indicate that Apple is gearing up to make some form of final hardware-related announcement as early as next Monday. With seemingly all of its holiday-focused consumer products already on the market, sources speculate that the announcement could range anywhere from the externally-rumored pink Madonna iPod (her new album is due on Tuesday) to dual-core versions of Apple's Xserve enterprise servers. In somewhat related news, Apple this week dropped the price on its Xserve Apple Drive Module 74GB Serial ATA 10K RPM and also added Bell Micro as a distributor of its Xserve and Xserve RAID products in the US. Bell Micro joins two existing US-based Apple distributors: Tech Data and Ingram Micro.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[fahlman]

Originally posted by AppleInsider
sources speculate . . . dual-core versions of Apple's Xserve enterprise servers.[/url][/c]

In the distant future I'll be in the market for an Xserve. I was wondering when the dual-core version was going to be available. Maybe by the time I'm ready to buy the rev. b dual-core or even an Intel-based Xserve will be available.

[hmurchison]

Dreaming of a 2U Xserve based on Woodcrest/Greencreek with FB-DIMM and a nice helping of SASsy storage.


Ah hell forget that. Bring on the Madonna iPod!!

[macFanDave]

Intel-based Mac mini.

[Benton]

SC05 scheduled November 12-18. This event is not listed on Apple's site under Events. However, exhibitor list indicates Apple is located in Booth 2107. Wonder why Apple is keeping a low profile at a Super Computing conference? NAB Post+ in New York November 12 -14 is listed under Events. Either of these events reason to roll out new product?

[a_greer]

Originally posted by Benton
SC05 scheduled November 12-18. This event is not listed on Apple's site under Events. However, exhibitor list indicates Apple is located in Booth 2107. Wonder why Apple is keeping a low profile at a Super Computing conference? NAB Post+ in New York November 12 -14 is listed under Events. Either of these events reason to roll out new product?

I can understand why Apple is keping a low profile at the super computer show: Their current archatexture has 18 months to live, no one in their right mind would buy into Apple PPC for a super computer right now: a super computer is a LONG term thing.

I do however see new servers at the NAB event, great way to build a Maya/FinalcutHD studio rendering cluster with 8 cores for under 15 grand!

I say look for two form factors on the hi-end: 1-u 2x Dual core g5/1GB-16GB/10k RPM hdd and another at 2-3u with 4x-dual core G5, 32gb ram limit

[wmf]

Originally posted by a_greer
I can understand why Apple is keping a low profile at the super computer show: Their current archatexture has 18 months to live, no one in their right mind would buy into Apple PPC for a super computer right now: a super computer is a LONG term thing.

Yeah, because all PowerPC Xserves will turn into pumpkins when Apple ships the Intel Xserve.

I say look for two form factors on the hi-end: 1-u 2x Dual core g5/1GB-16GB/10k RPM hdd and another at 2-3u with 4x-dual core G5, 32gb ram limit

A 4-socket 970 system would require a new, very expensive chipset. Ain't gonna happen. (But then I said Intrepid 2 ain't gonna happen...)

[TednDi]

Intel based iPod!!

WoOt!

[Chucker]

Originally posted by wmf
Yeah, because all PowerPC Xserves will turn into pumpkins when Apple ships the Intel Xserve.

Well, for supercomputers to scale, they need the ability to keep adding systems; Apple so far hasn't given assurances that that will be possible. It won't be easy to integrate Intel-based Xserves into a grid/cluster of PPC-based ones.

[mynamehere]

Originally posted by TednDi
Intel based iPod!!

WoOt!

well, you may laugh but Apple already hasb intel-based products (iPod? XServe RAID? or both...I can't remember)

[Chucker]

Originally posted by mynamehere
well, you may laugh but Apple already hasb intel-based products (iPod? XServe RAID? or both...I can't remember)

The iPod has two StrongARM-based processor cores, manufactured by STM Microelectronics, enhanced with a PortalPlayer chipset. Intel manufactures ARM processors, but is not involved with this one, as far as I know.

The Xserve RAID has Intel chips, yes. That's nothing unusual.

[Mr. Me]

Originally posted by a_greer
I can understand why Apple is keping a low profile at the super computer show: Their current archatexture has 18 months to live, no one in their right mind would buy into Apple PPC for a super computer right now: a super computer is a LONG term thing.

...

This is exactly wrong. Scientific supercomputers have a useful lifespan of about 3 years after which they are consigned to teaching or some other purpose. In commercial CGI-based cinema applications, they usually do one major job before they are replaced. If you will remember, the original tower-based Virginia Tech cluster was replaced by the Xserve-based cluster after about a year. In other words, real people who have real work to do will get plenty work done by their PPC-based supercomputers before they are replaced by Intel-based systems.

[sunilraman]

Originally posted by macFanDave
Intel-based Mac mini.

heh. not bloody likely i do hope that they legitimise the whole updated g4 mac minis though ... anyway Ingram Micro is good to hear, in AsiaPacific they carry a lot of tech hardware from high-end to mid-tier niche hardware stuff that isn't well represented in a specific country by the manufacturers themselves. quite a powerhouse worldwide distributor, so good to see they're going to be moving some xserves as well, although of course the impact of xserves in the business/science/creative production market is somewhat debatable

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Who's getting Xserves for christmas?


Apple really has nothing to update right now, so I dont think we'll see anything.

[xflare]

Originally posted by T'hain Esh Kelch

Apple really has nothing to update right now, so I dont think we'll see anything.

.........except the iBook

[niji]

and a bluetooth mouse...

[Both Lips]

An Intel Mini makes sense really -

We've already seen that the iApps work fine on Intel, which is enough software for most switchers needs.

Add the ability to boot Windows or Linux, and you have a perfect machine to tempt switchers.

[cubist]

How about a dongle and remote for FrontRow on other Macs, like the Mini?

[sunilraman]

tee hee hee *giggles* you said "dongle" teee he he he

[sunilraman]

Originally posted by TednDi
Intel based iPod!! WoOt!

i'm not going to dignify this with a sensible response
(edit: yeah yeah, i know my response about the dongle was not a sensible one but anyway....)

[TednDi]

Originally posted by sunilraman
Originally posted by TednDi
Intel based iPod!! WoOt!

i'm not going to dignify this with a sensible response
(edit: yeah yeah, i know my response about the dongle was not a sensible one but anyway....)

you said DONGLE again!!

[IonYz]

I'd just settle for an official release of updated Mac minis. With MW just 2 months away I won't be expecting anything important from now till then. An Apple DVI KVM would be nice though, geez that market NEEDS quality, reliable KVMs that support 30" Widescreen and below.

[rickag]

Well, looking at the $600 price gap between the high end min Mac($699) and the low end iMac($1299), I have to conclude Apple will be filling this void with something.

Let's see now,

SFF computer
1.8/2.0 GHz dual core single cpu 900MHz/1.0GHz FSB
Nvidia Geforce 6600 256 MB SDRAM
Combo Drive for low end Superdrive for high end
160 GB Hard Drive
2 Firewire 800 ports
1 USB 2 port
built in Airport
built in bluetooth

$899 - $1199

Warning: I have been known to not have a clue.

[satchmo]

Originally posted by rickag
Well, looking at the $600 price gap between the high end min Mac($699) and the low end iMac($1299), I have to conclude Apple will be filling this void with something.

Let's see now,

SFF computer
1.8/2.0 GHz dual core single cpu 900MHz/1.0GHz FSB
Nvidia Geforce 6600 256 MB SDRAM
Combo Drive for low end Superdrive for high end
160 GB Hard Drive
2 Firewire 800 ports
1 USB 2 port
built in Airport
built in bluetooth

$899 - $1199

Warning: I have been known to not have a clue.

Nice, but me thinks it's too late into the holiday season to unveil another consumer product...especially a new desktop.
BTW, what is an SFF computer?

[rickag]

Originally posted by satchmo
Nice, but me thinks it's too late into the holiday season to unveil another consumer product...especially a new desktop.
BTW, what is an SFF computer?

SFF = Small Form Factor

By the way you're right and the computer spec's I listed are my own personal wish list and has been something similar for years.

[michaelb]

While I'd really like to see a bumped Mac Mini + infrared receptor port + Apple Remote + Front Row bundle, to make a kick ass home theater system, the timing would mean it would have to be something like a 1.5 GHz PowerPC G4, 512MB, 80HD, ATI 9200 system, which though adequate is a bit on the light side.

I'd actually prefer the (wilder) rumors of the first Intel-based Mac Mini appearing at MWSF in January to be true.

(If the former though I'd still buy one the second it was announced, as would many other people for their Christmas stocking! Hell, maybe even instead of an Xbox 360.)

[sunilraman]

heh... here's my revised wishlist rickag..

SFF computer (about the height of a SONY 17" lcd)
2.0 GHz dual core single cpu g5 933mhz FSB
1gb ram
nVidia Geforce 6800GS 256 MB
8x Superdrive DL standard
100 GB Hard Drive SATA
2 Firewire 400 ports
4 USB 2.0 ports
built in Airport 802.11g, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
$999 christmas special
iLife, iWork, preloaded with:
-X-Men 2: Rise of Apocalypse
-Quake4
-UT2004
-Pyschonauts
-Pacific Fighters
-Star Wars Lego

warning: Not going to happen

[Chucker]

Originally posted by sunilraman
2.0 GHz dual core single cpu g5 933mhz FSB

Mathematical nonsense. G5 CPUs only come in 1:2 and 1:3 FSB arrangements. And a 1 GHz FSB on a $999 machine is quite indeed not going to happen.

[sunilraman]

well, aren't we all so serious today

[Chucker]

Originally posted by sunilraman
well, aren't we all so serious today

Yes

[Outsider]

Originally posted by hmurchison
Dreaming of a 2U Xserve based on Woodcrest/Greencreek with FB-DIMM and a nice helping of SASsy storage.


Ah hell forget that. Bring on the Madonna iPod!!

How about a pink Xserve?

[hmurchison]

Originally posted by Outsider
How about a pink Xserve?

I'm cool with that. Pink is the new Black.

[sunilraman]

how 'bout a pink dongle? now that's just rude ah anyway ok i suppose i should contribute to this thread. umm...

i call updated Xserves to reflect quadcore and dualcore goodies for the people into that sort of stuff. end of story. madonna pink iPod released next week? possible, but it really is late to the christmas frenzy so, i don't know 'bout that. edit:
i strongly feel madonna pink iPod will not be released now, if anything, for january-march 2006 quarter which normally is slow due to post-christmas die-down. so that would be a nice booster in that quarter to go with any new macintel/iLife'06/iPodding announcements.

[sandau]

I agree with a previous poster, its just making the mini update official. Which is cool..i'm typing on my neat little silent mini right now...perfect music and web browsing machine.

[sunilraman]

heh. i just completed Switching my cousin's family over to a mac mini. played with it all day. it's awesome. purrs on 10.4.3 even with only 256mb and 4200rpm drive (they got the older model [original combo drive mac mini 1.2ghz] on a relatively decent deal) time with a mac mini is time well spent.

now. to slay the outlook express demons ARGHGHGHGH chargeeeee!!!

[Hattig]

Originally posted by Chucker
The iPod has two StrongARM-based processor cores, manufactured by STM Microelectronics, enhanced with a PortalPlayer chipset. Intel manufactures ARM processors, but is not involved with this one, as far as I know.

The Xserve RAID has Intel chips, yes. That's nothing unusual.

The iPod doesn't have StrongARM-based cores. It has ARM7 cores which are embedded inside the PortalPlayer chip. PortalPlayer are an ARM licensee therefore.

There is nothing Intel in the iPod at all. Intel is merely an ARM instruction set licensee, a license they got when they bought Digital, and hence got the StrongARM, which they have revamped into the current XScale product, which must be pretty lucrative as it is very popular.

[a_greer]

Originally posted by Mr. Me
This is exactly wrong. Scientific supercomputers have a useful lifespan of about 3 years after which they are consigned to teaching or some other purpose. In commercial CGI-based cinema applications, they usually do one major job before they are replaced. If you will remember, the original tower-based Virginia Tech cluster was replaced by the Xserve-based cluster after about a year. In other words, real people who have real work to do will get plenty work done by their PPC-based supercomputers before they are replaced by Intel-based systems.

Corrected I stand, and here I sit