First Intel Macs on track for January

[AppleInsider]

Apple Computer is on track to introduce the first Macs with Intel processors as early as January, which should help the company avoid any potential sales slow down in the first half of 2006 and appease concerns voiced by shareholders and industry-watchers, AppleInsider has learned.

Although Apple has only committed to introducing the first Intel-based Macintosh systems by mid-2006, extremely reliable sources and a several-month-long investigation have revealed that January's Macworld Expo in San Francisco is being primed as the launch-pad for at least one of the Mac maker's next-generation Intel systems.

Surprisingly, the most reliable information indicates that the iMac and PowerBook -- two of the company's most recently revised Mac offerings -- are targeted to be the first two Mac models to receive Intel processors in January. The iMac and PowerBook are also believed to be Apple's best-selling Mac models, which explains why the company will be upgrading them with Intel processors first and refreshing their associated product lines for the second time in as little as four months.

While it's too early to be certain if the Intel-based 15-inch PowerBook will be completed for its targeted introduction during the second week of January, a company roadmap described to AppleInsider lists both a 17- and 20-inch Intel-based iMac as being "on track" to debut at the annual Macworld Expo conference planned for the same week.

According to sources familiar with Apple's plans, the first Intel iMac won't usher in a slew of new bells and whistles, and instead will be based largely on the design and feature set of the current iMac. In fact, recent rumblings reveal that Apple will reuse the 'media center' iMac enclosure introduced at last month's special event in San Jose, Calif.

Apple service providers who specialize in selling and servicing Macs have told AppleInsider that the media center iMac enclosure and internals are far less elegant than the model it replaces, requiring that technicians gain entry to the machine by removing the face of the computer (rather than the rear). Additionally, the only system component in the computer to remain user-servicable is memory. However, the new design is slightly thinner than its predecessor and appears to run quieter and cooler, they say, making it an ideal fit for use in further revisions.

Aside from a more steady supply of processors, one of the strongest motivations behind Apple's switch to Intel is to obtain chips that could be used to fuel the further development of its laptop offerings, which have seen speed increase of only several hundred megahertz over the past two years.

In a bid to sustain the sales momentum of PowerBooks -- which have continued to be best sellers despite lackluster speed increases -- sources say Apple is working feverishly to ship a 15-inch Intel PowerBook around February, with a likely introduction alongside the Intel iMac during the second week of January.

The 15-inch Intel PowerBook has been described by reliable sources as looking very similar to the company's current offering, but 20- to 25-percent thinner. The model is also expected to pack a built in iSight in the same fashion as the latest iMac G5 models.

Sources say at least one of the two aforementioned Intel Macs appears to be based around Intel's upcoming dual-core "Yonah" mobile processor, which is expected to top-out at 2.16 GHz in its initial rev. However, further processor specifications remain largely unconfirmed at this time.

True to recent rumors, Apple also plans the release of an Intel-based Mac mini, but reliable information indicates that this model will debut closer to the Spring, around the same time that the company revamps its consumer-oriented iBooks with 13-inch widescreens. Like the PowerBook, the new iBook design is likely to be noticeably slimmer than its predecessor and adopt design elements from the iPod and iMac.

"I wouldn't be surprised to see smaller consumer notebook designs that resonate well with iPods," said Jupiter Media analyst Joe Wilcox. "Svelte, sharp Intel-based consumer Mac notebooks could easily appeal to iPod buyers, particularly those people considering a switch from Windows"

The analyst went on to say that Apple is likely to ship Intel chips inside consumer-oriented products -- like laptops -- first, because the company tends to include with those computers most of the software consumers initially need and want. "I see mostly benefit if applications like iLife are ready for Intel processors," Wilcox added. High-end applications not yet compiled natively for the first Intel Macs will continue to run seamlessly -- albeit slightly slower -- via Apple's integral Rosetta technology.

Concerns that Apple could see a sharp fall-off of Mac sales as a result of its transition to Intel chips began to mount immediately following the company's announcement of the move this past June. With Apple providing guidance that suggested the transition period would span 18-months, analysts and even the Mac faithful began to question how the company could expect to sustain strong sales of PowerPC-based Macs after announcing to the world that Intel processors would form the future the platform.

Analysts and some shareholders worried that a significant percentage of consumers would choose to postpone their Mac purchasing plans until the middle of next year -- when the first Intel Macs were expected to debut -- potentially stunting the Mac's recent market share gains and the company's largely Mac-based revenue stream. However Apple, usually one step ahead of its own guidance, appears to have anticipate such fears and has internally planned to circumvent any fall-off in Mac sales by introducing the first Intel systems immediately following the holiday shopping season.

Sources familiar with Apple's Intel plans now believe the Mac maker is striving to complete its transition to Intel chips in the fall of 2006, several months ahead of schedule.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[hmurchison]

That's not a surprise at all.

The first Yonah chips coming will be the Dual Core variety.

The single and low voltage Yonahs will follow in 2-3 months after that is what I gather from roadmaps on the net.

[dcwatts]

Dutifully listening to my inner parent chide me on extravagant spending has left me still using my G3 600MHz iBook as my only machine - but no more!
To all those who shy from gen-1 offerings, I volunteer to be an early adopter guinea pig. Come January, I'm listening to my inner child.
Still ... it would be easier if my iBook drive's SMART status would change to "about to fail" ...
.

[DifferentLee]

This is great news! I'm tempted to hold off on any major purchases now.

[1984]

Originally posted by hmurchison
The first Yonah chips coming will be the Dual Core variety.

The single and low voltage Yonahs will follow in 2-3 months after that is what I gather from roadmaps on the net.

I'm sure Apple will be using the single-core/low-voltage versions in the Mac mini and iBook to lower costs. That would explain why they will not be the first to go Intel as originally thought. The situation with the unannounced new specs for the Mac mini is odd though. It's been about a month now and still no change. Can they keep this up for several more months?

[SpamSandwich]

This doesn't make business sense. Why would Apple introduce new models in January, AFTER the holidays and before the end of the first quarter to prop up the stock price. January is not a peak selling season, like back-to-school, or Christmas, or tax time, or hell, even Mother's Day.

Doesn't fit... I'll believe it when I see it.

[ascii]

Hmmm... a home computer without games. Viable product?

I say this because:
1. Though I have not used Rosetta, emulators are typically no good for games
2. I have not heard Aspyr or MacSoft release any universal binary patches yet

[cubist]

Explains why the current iMacs use the single-core G5 rather than the dual-core tho. Dual-core Yonah, hm. For switchers, if they don't like MacOS X, they can install Windows if they want, so they have a little "safety net".

It is a shame they miss the holidays, but if the prices are even close to PC prices, Apple could move a boatload of new hardware.

[AquaMac]

Originally posted by SpamSandwich
This doesn't make business sense. Why would Apple introduce new models in January, AFTER the holidays and before the end of the first quarter to prop up the stock price. January is not a peak selling season, like back-to-school, or Christmas, or tax time, or hell, even Mother's Day.

Doesn't fit... I'll believe it when I see it.

It dose sound a little fishy.

[Chucker]

Originally posted by SpamSandwich
This doesn't make business sense. Why would Apple introduce new models in January, AFTER the holidays and before the end of the first quarter to prop up the stock price. January is not a peak selling season, like back-to-school, or Christmas, or tax time, or hell, even Mother's Day.

Yeah, why would Apple host an expo in early January, AFTER the holidays and before the end of the first quarter. Honestly... I mean, wtf? And even release products there. Software and hardware. Apple would never do that, sheesh. Doesn't make business sense.

[Chucker]

Originally posted by ascii
2. I have not heard Aspyr or MacSoft release any universal binary patches yet

You should keep more up-to-date then.

They may not have released patches yet (why would they? there's not a single machine to officially, legally run them), but I have no doubt they will be able to release them once needed.

[SpamSandwich]

Originally posted by Chucker
Yeah, why would Apple host an expo in early January, AFTER the holidays and before the end of the first quarter. Honestly... I mean, wtf? And even release products there. Software and hardware. Apple would never do that, sheesh. Doesn't make business sense.

Maybe you can help out. Does Apple TYPICALLY introduce new hardware at this time? Just curious. I don't recall major announcements happening in January. Apple is smarter than that.

[Chucker]

Originally posted by SpamSandwich
Does Apple TYPICALLY introduce new hardware at this time? Just curious. I don't recall major announcements happening in January. Apple is smarter than that.

Introducing new products has been the main purpose of MWSF for many years. At this year's MWSF, for instance, the Mac mini (new), iWork '05 (new), iLife '05 (upgrade), and the iPod shuffle (new) were introduced. MWSF '04 saw the introduction of the iPod mini, amongst other things. MWSF '03 introduced to us the 12- and 17-inch PowerBooks. The iMac G4 came at MWSF '02.

The list goes on.

Your logic assumes that Apple's currently line-up is not good enough for enough customers to buy it. It is. Apple revenues are higher than Apple, and not just so in the iPod space. Macintosh revenues have been going up and away lately. They introduced several minor upgrades to the Macintosh line this fall in order to bump up holiday sales, but that's it -- more than enough people will buy them. Once holiday season is over, they can introduce new products for the next season.

[ascii]

Originally posted by Chucker
You should keep more up-to-date then.

They may not have released patches yet (why would they? there's not a single machine to officially, legally run them), but I have no doubt they will be able to release them once needed.

Yes, I have previously seen that article. However, until things are released they are just vaporware. Also, if they do have the patches ready, there is nothing illegal about releasing them to developers with Aspyrs products and Apple transition kits.

Experience tells us (Virtual PC etc.) that emulators are no good for games. If Apple wants to release Intel Macs as early as January, they need to send an army of engineers over to the game companies to help them.

[Chucker]

Originally posted by ascii
Also, if they do have the patches ready, there is nothing illegal about releasing them to developers with Aspyrs products and Apple transition kits.

No, but there is something illegal (NDA breach) about developers reporting on how well it works. Ergo, there would be not much point to it.

Experience tells us (Virtual PC etc.) that emulators are no good for games. If Apple wants to release Intel Macs as early as January, they need to send an army of engineers over to the game companies to help them.

Virtual PC and Rosetta are not comparable, and people can always buy Windows and Windows versions of the games if they are so inclined.

[Booga]

The thing I'm wondering about is the old 32 vs 64 bit ISA issue. There are quite a few optimizations you can do if you can assume that your code will never, ever run on a chip that doesn't have EM64T and SSE3. In addition, it's said to be much harder to go from IA32 to EM64T than from 32 to 64 bit PowerPC (a feat Apple, alas, never fully accomplished with its OS.) Although Yonah will have SSE3, and thus better floating point than any previous Pentium M, it will not have EM64T which doesn't come until the rumored Merom in Q3 2006. I was kind of hoping Apple would start out on EM64T and leave 32-bit completely behind.

What about the possibility of a Rosetta-like emulation that emulated EM64T on an IA32 chip? Is this even practical at that low a level? It seems like the speed hit for those running the 1.0 hardware would be worth it for the long-term architectural cleanliness.

[ascii]

Originally posted by Chucker
No, but there is something illegal (NDA breach) about developers reporting on how well it works. Ergo, there would be not much point to it.

Have you actually read the NDA?

Virtual PC and Rosetta are not comparable, and people can always buy Windows and Windows versions of the games if they are so inclined.

I have never seen a binary translator that can run modern games at a reasonable speed. Unless Rosetta is some kind of amazing step forward, I will go on the evidence of my experience, and say Rosetta will be similar. I guess we will find out in January.

[hmurchison]

Yonah's volume production is going on now into the new year. Apple couldn't announce new units if they wanted to the CPU isn't available in large enough quantities.

From the roadmaps of Yonah Intel looks to be shipping the higher end parts first. As 1984 said..this lets them revamp the iBook and Mac mini in the spring. Fine with me. I'll purchase the last PPC based Mac mini and look to see how the transition commences.

I don't expect the iMac to change much. Dual Procs will increase sales and value. The Powerbooks should be popular for those who can survive the bleeding edge of software compatibility/incompatibility

This new bodes very well us seeing a quick transition. Intel is obviously fabbing well at 65nm if they don't run into production issues. I'm feeling ...happy.

[nathan22t]

new iMac case definitely is worthy of at least a few rounds of upgrades. very slick. stuffing some intel and a nicer graphics chip in there will be great.

[SpamSandwich]

Originally posted by Chucker
Introducing new products has been the main purpose of MWSF for many years. At this year's MWSF, for instance, the Mac mini (new), iWork '05 (new), iLife '05 (upgrade), and the iPod shuffle (new) were introduced. MWSF '04 saw the introduction of the iPod mini, amongst other things. MWSF '03 introduced to us the 12- and 17-inch PowerBooks. The iMac G4 came at MWSF '02.

The list goes on.

Your logic assumes that Apple's currently line-up is not good enough for enough customers to buy it. It is. Apple revenues are higher than Apple, and not just so in the iPod space. Macintosh revenues have been going up and away lately. They introduced several minor upgrades to the Macintosh line this fall in order to bump up holiday sales, but that's it -- more than enough people will buy them. Once holiday season is over, they can introduce new products for the next season.

I stand corrected. A tip of the cigar to Chucker. And no, I did not assume anything about the current line-up. My question was based on timing.

Why are people so touchy on these boards? 8)

[Chucker]

Originally posted by SpamSandwich
Why are people so touchy on these boards? 8)

Not trying to be, you just sounded a little full of yourself You made some pretty bold statements, and did not to back them up beforehand.

[MacRonin]

Originally posted by SpamSandwich
Why are people so touchy on these boards? 8)

Mostly because we are a bunch of Arrogant Bastard Mac-lovers...

And since those are the majority of folks who even bother seeing what comes out from Apple in the new year, and the IMac & PowerBook are their best selling items...

Those would be the items which just might sell the most to the Faithful Masses, also known as "Beta Testers"...

;^p

[Glamingo]

No ones touchy, you just cant feel the emotion behind the persons text.

Thats were smilies comes into play but im really feeling like this

[vinney57]

Originally posted by ascii
If Apple wants to release Intel Macs as early as January, they need to send an army of engineers over to the game companies to help them.

Rubbish. Games have never been central to Apple sales. These will be the first MacIntels; sales will not be a problem.

[mdriftmeyer]

Originally posted by Chucker
Introducing new products has been the main purpose of MWSF for many years. At this year's MWSF, for instance, the Mac mini (new), iWork '05 (new), iLife '05 (upgrade), and the iPod shuffle (new) were introduced. MWSF '04 saw the introduction of the iPod mini, amongst other things. MWSF '03 introduced to us the 12- and 17-inch PowerBooks. The iMac G4 came at MWSF '02.

The list goes on.

Your logic assumes that Apple's currently line-up is not good enough for enough customers to buy it. It is. Apple revenues are higher than Apple, and not just so in the iPod space. Macintosh revenues have been going up and away lately. They introduced several minor upgrades to the Macintosh line this fall in order to bump up holiday sales, but that's it -- more than enough people will buy them. Once holiday season is over, they can introduce new products for the next season.

Clarification: They Introduce in January MacWorld and then they release in Mid-to-Late March the actual Products and often it rolls into April.

[Chucker]

Originally posted by mdriftmeyer
Clarification: They Introduce in January MacWorld and then they release in Mid-to-Late March the actual Products and often it rolls into April.

Sometimes, not always.

[ascii]

Originally posted by vinney57
Rubbish. Games have never been central to Apple sales. These will be the first MacIntels; sales will not be a problem.

Oh well, in that case it won't hurt to put a sign next to the computer says "Warning: there are no games for this computer." It's the truth, and since it won't effect sales, why not be truthful?

[Chucker]

Originally posted by ascii
Oh well, in that case it won't hurt to put a sign next to the computer says "Warning: there are no games for this computer." It's the truth, and since it won't effect sales, why not be truthful?

Nice troll.

[Benton]

Marketing iTunes as a brand name with little reference to Apple.Inc is a defensive legal tactic to thwart Apple Record's proposition it suffers harm by confusion with a computer company.

[

[ascii]

Originally posted by Chucker
Nice troll.

I was not trolling, merely bringing his suggestion from the abstract in to the concrete, to allow people to see what he was really saying.

It seems to me that when he called my post "rubbish" - that was a troll.

[melgross]

The truth is that this is strange.

We've been talking (and mostly agreeing) that PB's won't come until April - May, at the earliest. Later ,if Apple decides to go for 64 bit Merom first.

The iMac wasn't even in the talking points!

Now this seems logical?

The Mini, which seems to be a good idea for first, and possibly January, and reported in several place as being first, is now relegated to spring?

Didn't we just have a discussion about just that?

Maybe we should wait a bit on this.

The other thing that bothers me about it is that several places have reported totally new enclosures, not just thinner.

Even our friend Enderly said that Apple's new x86 designs were going to blow people away.

And you know about him!

[Glamingo]

I partially agree melgross, but we have all just been re-brainwashed with another wonderful story . I just cant tell anymore, what is real ahhh

[mugwump]

As goes January, so goes teh rest of the year.


And I agree with Chucker -- TROLL!!

[1984]

Originally posted by SpamSandwich
Maybe you can help out. Does Apple TYPICALLY introduce new hardware at this time? Just curious. I don't recall major announcements happening in January. Apple is smarter than that.

[melgross]

Let's, for a monent, say that it's true.

I've planned to get a Quad in January. The cost of this will be over $4,000 with the 7800, 2 GB starter RAM, and any taxes etc.

This would be fine if a new x86 model comes out in late 2007.

But, if one is announced in, say, September, that would be a problem.

When I had my lab, I would be ordering 6 Quads in January. In business, you get what you need when you can get it, so the early release wouldn't bother me.

But now, it's for myself. I wonder what those who just got theirs are thinking.

This is the problem with Apple just dropping things like this on us. It's tough to make plans.

[Chucker]

Originally posted by ascii
I was not trolling, merely bringing his suggestion from the abstract in to the concrete, to allow people to see what he was really saying.

What he was saying is that Apple won't stop selling a product just because it lacks the support of several minor third parties. There will be games for Intel Macs soon enough. There will be pro apps soon enough. Neither Apple selling nor customers buying Intel-based Macs in January is a bad decision.

[1984]

Originally posted by ascii
Oh well, in that case it won't hurt to put a sign next to the computer says "Warning: there are no games for this computer." It's the truth, and since it won't effect sales, why not be truthful?

How about a sticker for Windows PCs that reads "Warning: in less than 24 hours this computer will be infested with viruses, worms, trojans and malware". Like you said, why not be truthful?

[melgross]

Originally posted by 1984
How about a sticker for Windows PCs that reads "Warning: in less than 24 hours this computer will be infested with viruses, worms, trojans and malware". Like you said, why not be truthful?

There's such a thing as TOO much truth!

[Glamingo]

Its great that theres so much humor among this board today.

[nagromme]

This transition will have some rough edges for both Apple and users--but it will be well worth it to everyone.

Even Apple may not yet know the final transition schedule, so we shouldn't be surprised at shifting rumors.

And the term "consumer Mac" could mean different things. Some would say that means ONLY the iBook and Mac Mini. Others would say it means everything except the Xserve.