New Powerbooks In July ? ? ?

mm2002,

The liklihood of PowerBook updates at the upcoming MacWorld is very low at this point. Should you wait, however? Yes.

I have read about iBooks with G4's. I tend to have a different interpretation of this rumor. I believe we'll see smaller PowerBook G4s.

[quote]Originally posted by mac_morpheus2002:
<strong>I was going to buy a powerbook in a week, but a freidn of mine who lives in Toronto, Canada, told me to wait until the end of July for new Macs are coming out. Is that true? If so, does anyone know where on the net I can read about the release? :confused: </strong><hr></blockquote>

Apple is mum about future releases. MacWorld New York is coming up in mid-July, and it's almost a given that some new Macs will be introducted, but since the PowerBook was just updated, it's the least likely to get updated. Most of the rumors swirling around concentrate on PowerMacs, and various kinds of peripherals. Steve Jobs himself doesn't always know exactly what he's going to introduce until a few hours before he walks on stage - a complication or show-stopping bug might turn up at the last minute, and force him to go to a contingency plan.

Just to make things more interesting, Apple has taken to introducing new products, and refreshing existing ones, outside of the big expos. That makes it even harder to predict when something will appear.

Of course, you can always get a better machine if you wait long enough, so the questions are: What do you need, and when do you need it? The current PowerBook is an impressive machine. It will remain an impressive machine even if Apple surprises everyone and releases a new model. So, if it does what you want it to do, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. If you think there's something missing in the current model that's worth waiting for, wait. Just be prepared to wait until November or later, which is when most people expect a refresh to the PowerBook line.

[ 06-16-2002: Message edited by: Amorph ]</p>

Anyone who thinks there will be major hardware announcements at MWNY is deluded. Maybe a minor bump, but mostly Jagwire.

It will be the official coming out party for the "world's greatest" (albeit unfinished) operating system. Everything else will be pushed aside for this announcement.

TING5

[quote]Originally posted by There is no g5:
<strong>Anyone who thinks there will be major hardware announcements at MWNY is deluded.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Then I'm deluded. I believe in you Apple!

[quote]Originally posted by There is no g5:
<strong>Anyone who thinks there will be major hardware announcements at MWNY is deluded. Maybe a minor bump, but mostly Jagwire.

It will be the official coming out party for the "world's greatest" (albeit unfinished) operating system. Everything else will be pushed aside for this announcement.

TING5</strong><hr></blockquote>

anyone who thinks the PowerMac and iMac are not both getting updated at MWNY is delusional.

[ 06-16-2002: Message edited by: applenut ]</p>

I agree. The iBook and PowerBook just recently got tweaked, and are both fine.

The iMac is now six months old, with no updates. It's definitely due, if only a 100MHz speed bump and hard drive increase. BUT, you never know: Steve could unveil a 17" LCD iMac.

As for the Power Macs, I think everyone would agree that they routinely seem to be the most neglected, and in need of an overhaul/upgrade/tweaking. Those things should be WELL into the mid-GHz range (1.4-1.6GHz, give or take).

I'd be absolutely shocked if both the iMac and Power Mac G4 weren't updated next month.

pscates,

I agree. The most logical updating would be the iMac and the PowerMac. The portables are off the table.

[quote]Originally posted by mac_morpheus2002:
<strong>... does anyone know where on the net I can read about the release? :confused: </strong><hr></blockquote>

To answer the second part of your question - you can read about the new Macs after they are relased at apple.com, or just about any Mac Sales company (macwarehouse, maczone, etc.). Also, check macworld.com, macweek.com, and macaddict.com.

Finally, check back here after they are released and read about people moaning and groaning that they didn't get their specific wish.

I will SH|T happiness if the iMac gets a 133 bus (i have no idea what i will sh|t if it gets a L3 cache) and a GF4MX.

[quote]Originally posted by mac_morpheus2002:
<strong>Great. Thanks for your replies guys. I'll still wait till mid-July to see if anything will arise from the show. Any of you think that Mac will in 1-2 years release a 18+ inch powerbook? The 16 inch is tie for first place with Sony's new Viao Laptop. They both are 16 inch. I would love to get a mac, that'll be 21 inch. I know it'll look funny for it'll be wide, but hey, think about it . . . portable video editing would be 100X better!</strong><hr></blockquote>

An 18" PowerBook? Not likely. The PowerBook is a tradeoff between power and portability, and the current screen couldn't get much larger before, say, you could no longer use it on an airplane's tray. Or, more to Apple's detriment, before the lucrative Japanese market for the machine evaporated.

Apple might release a PC-style "portable desktop" if there is enough demand, but I'd be surprised if even a big, heavy model came with a screen that big, or as ridiculously over-dense as the 16" 1600x1200 models on PC laptops.

If a big screen portable is what you want, then the PowerBook is your best friend: you can hook it up to any of Apple's mega-badass displays and increase your screen real estate. And you won't even need prescription glasses to read it, like some of those XXXXXXGA laptops out there.

hey guys, it's my personal opinion that our friend here "mac_morpheus2002" is just a troll. He's only got three posts and he's already started one thread about Mac vs. PC in the Future Hardware forum, then started another thread passing gas about new powerbooks, ostensibly to start rumors about new, wildass hardware like 18" notebook computers.

Puh-leeeeze.

Amorph, I expect better of you guys.
Start slamming the door on this yahoo.

D

[quote]I'd be absolutely shocked if both the iMac and Power Mac G4 weren't updated next month.<hr></blockquote>

I would be too.

That's not to say I am expecting earth-shattering updates, but I'm sure they'll both get something.

I still can't get this thought of Apple going "all G4" with an iBook update, but that's a real stretch. I do think we'll be in for some kind of surprise though.

If anything, a PowerBook update is more likely than an iBook one. The iBook was updated even more RECENTLY than the PBG4. And not just that--the iBook just got a new processor (sort of), with that whole SIMD thing they've got going on. Apple seems to be showcasing the iBook as the portable with the ultimate battery life, so I doubt they're going to drop a G4 in it.

PowerMac and iMac updates all around, though.

Hehe. If they make a 17" iMac, count me in! (As long as it has a higher rez than 1024x768) Monitor spanning would rule, but hey, it is "consumer" once again. Oh well. But I would also buy an updated iBook should it get a g4, or at least a 900mhz g3...

Apple will release a 29-inch portable computer only to bundle it with a 50-tons-capable truck.

[quote]Originally posted by drewprops:
<strong>

Amorph, I expect better of you guys.
Start slamming the door on this yahoo.

D</strong><hr></blockquote>

I concur. I'm new but also and will try not to be bothersome. But after reading your analysis of him and reading his posts, I think your right.

The next major revision of the PowerBook will be with the Superdrive, expect to see that either in September or in January. (apple wants to be the first to have portable DVD burning)

I must say that I have it on VERY VERY good authority that there will be a Powerbook revision at MWNY. Yes I think it is crazy and not probable. But this person has been told by someone who is in the know to and I quote: "sell any consumer products to your customers, do not sell any Pro products until after MWNY"..my friend said "even the Powerbook?" They replied all Pro Products.

:eek:

Well, then, this just might be an interesting MacWorld after all.

[quote]Originally posted by Bodhi:
<strong>I must say that I have it on VERY VERY good authority that there will be a Powerbook revision at MWNY. Yes I think it is crazy and not probable. But this person has been told by someone who is in the know to and I quote: "sell any consumer products to your customers, do not sell any Pro products until after MWNY"..my friend said "even the Powerbook?" They replied all Pro Products.</strong><hr></blockquote>

The university computer store at Harvard already has dropped the price on the Powerbooks and thrown in a 3 year warranty, so that would suggest an update sooner rather than later, but then again, there were some promos on Powerbooks previously that were on for a long time.

I agree; a powerbook update is certainly possible, but I wouldn't bet a lot of money on it.

[quote]Originally posted by Bozo the Clown:
<strong>

The university computer store at Harvard already has dropped the price on the Powerbooks and thrown in a 3 year warranty, so that would suggest an update sooner rather than later, but then again, there were some promos on Powerbooks previously that were on for a long time.

I agree; a powerbook update is certainly possible, but I wouldn't bet a lot of money on it.</strong><hr></blockquote>

The current Powerbook was allegedly supposed to have both Bluetooth and Superdrive. Personally I think Superdrive was unlikely as it would have needed a thicker enclosure, but Bluetooth makes sense as IrDA was missing.

So a slightly updated Powerbook might happen, especially if 933 or 1Gig CPUs are available.

I have a heard a enclosure change. Not too drastic, but enough to accompolish two things:

1) Better Airport reception
2) Superdrive

[quote]Originally posted by Bodhi:
<strong>I have a heard a enclosure change. Not too drastic, but enough to accompolish two things:

1) Better Airport reception
2) Superdrive</strong><hr></blockquote>

I will lose self control if they do that! I'm struggling to not max out my credit card as it is!

How long would a Ti800 take to burn a DVD?

man bodhi, thanks for that info.... see that sweat rising in my eyes?? if that turns out to be true i´ll finally kiss my beloved pismo bye-bye!

shyte, this could really become a FANTASTIC mac- year!!!

You know, last year the TiBook was introduced in January and didn't get an update till about October.
The iMac(2002) could easily survive till MWSF.

Well the B&W G3's were bumped and then replaced by G4's 3 months later so anything is possible.

Please do not hold what I say to stone, anything could change. But with the market my friend deals with, Pro market, Apple is hurting there. And the conference call yesterday even re-iterates that. Pro users waiting for Photoshop 7 to buy hardware? Uh...no. That is strictly a PR spin by Apple, they know what they need to do. They need to make a large seperation between Pro and Consumer products. That is why my source is being told that the Power Mac AND Powerbook are being updated at the same time.

Not that I doubt the info, Bohdi. However, it really doesn't fit with Apple logic. The current PowerBooks were revised on April 30th. Apple has not really swayed from their six-to-seven month update cycle. It's highly probable, in my opinion, that there will be nothing new with the pro portable.

Alternatively though, it could be like the 14-inch iBook bone Apple threw as they briskly hustled the spotlight on the new flat-panel iMac. I could see something along the lines of -- "Well, we improved Airport along with adding the Superdrive." Or, "we've filled a need in our pro portable market with a smaller PowerBook G4."

In my opinion, anything that includes the SuperDrive in the PowerBook is major and will consume a lot of time in the Apple Keynote, of which I find already crowded considering it's only ninety minutes. You've got to consider that the New Power Mac will be shown and touted. Along with a revised iMac, Jagwire, Apple Switch Campaign, Quicktime 6, and other peripheral items, the plate is already crowded.

Perhaps later in the summer?

[quote]Originally posted by Dave Hagan:
<strong>Not that I doubt the info, Bohdi. However, it really doesn't fit with Apple logic. The current PowerBooks were revised on April 30th. Apple has not really swayed from their six-to-seven month update cycle. It's highly probable, in my opinion, that there will be nothing new with the pro portable.

Alternatively though, it could be like the 14-inch iBook bone Apple threw as they briskly hustled the spotlight on the new flat-panel iMac. I could see something along the lines of -- "Well, we improved Airport along with adding the Superdrive." Or, "we've filled a need in our pro portable market with a smaller PowerBook G4."

In my opinion, anything that includes the SuperDrive in the PowerBook is major and will consume a lot of time in the Apple Keynote, of which I find already crowded considering it's only ninety minutes. You've got to consider that the New Power Mac will be shown and touted. Along with a revised iMac, Jagwire, Apple Switch Campaign, Quicktime 6, and other peripheral items, the plate is already crowded.

Perhaps later in the summer?</strong><hr></blockquote>

You would say a year ago that Apple re-freshing their product lines without a peep from Steve Jobs would never happen and that it would be against "Apple Logic", and look at us today. Powerbook has been revved twice on the web, one being a new screen and graphics card. Way against "Apple Logic". These days whatever Apple has done in the past means absolutely nothing. Pro sales are suffering. Pro machines are where the money is at. Apple needs to do what it needs to do.

[ 06-19-2002: Message edited by: Bodhi ]</p>

I know you dont want to be bombarded with questions Bodhi but, would you know or venture a guess as to wether the new (modified) enclosure would address the paint chipping, boiling, and scratching problems, as well as say the hinge issue and the heat? I love the current rev. of the Ti Book and am salavating, but I want the enclosure to be pretty and still look pretty good several years from now, under "everyday" wear and tear anyway (taking it to library, classes, friend's room, etc).

All I have read about the physical problems the Ti has really has me on the fence about buying one, but I am hungry to upgrade. I was gonna wait until at least MWNY anyway (which this close is always a good idea IMHO anyway).

Here's to you being right!

[ 06-19-2002: Message edited by: Horned_Frog ]</p>

the current dvi fixes all those problems. but i am not 100% about the chipped paint. only time will tell.

the new pbg4 rate a 100 in my book. new res is great! wait till july if you can but if they don't announce new ones buy a dvi As soon as the keynote ends

I do not know specs and we never will either. It's kinda like an assumed rule. When he is told something like this, you do not ask specifics.

I disagree that a Superdrive PowerBook would take up too much time in a keynote. While the combo would be something new, the Superdrive itself is not- there are already two products shipping with the drive, and it would be enough to just into the new TiBook and list it as a bullet point. No need for a demo, we've already seen it work.

If we get a 933mhz Superdrive TiBook next month, my credit card will throw sparks, that's how fast it will come out of the wallet...

[quote]Originally posted by marcsiry:
<strong>No need for a demo, we've already seen it work.</strong><hr></blockquote>Well, not really. I think this is a major development. Apple: First to burn DVDs on the go. For starters, as many have alluded to, the PowerBook would need a vastly changed enclosure to fit a DVD-R drive in the PowerBook. If any of you recall from the speculation at the time, a so-called "informant" said that the thickness was increased to fit the drive and the drive itself -- tray-loading. Additionally, if we get a PowerBook with a SuperDrive, there are likely to be other changes. As already stated, improved Airport reception is one thing (recall also the rumors of an enhanced Airport coming). Faster processors, too?

[quote]Originally posted by marcsiry:
<strong>If we get a 933mhz Superdrive TiBook next month, my credit card will throw sparks, that's how fast it will come out of the wallet...</strong><hr></blockquote>Likewise. I hope it happens. But...alas, I must return from my fantasy world and come to the realization that this is Apple.

Someone else hit on this as well, and this may be normal price in a couple days but as of tonight, the UCLA Computer Store lists the following as the price for the Powerbooks:

<a href="http://homepage.mac.com/anthonys/.Pictures/Misc./ucla1.JPG" target="_blank">http://homepage.mac.com/anthonys/.Pictures/Misc./ucla1.JPG</A>

Historically they have always been a good gauge as to what is coming out. Probably right after the rebates end the first week of July the 800MHz Power Mac will be $999.

Anyway...along with the Harvard story above...the plot thickens!

{when you click on them it says to "Call for price". I will call tomorrow morning!

[ 06-20-2002: Message edited by: Bodhi ]

[ 06-20-2002: Message edited by: Bodhi ]</p>

***News Flash***

UCLA Powerbook Prices:

667 $1899
800 $2499

:eek:

[quote]Originally posted by Bodhi:
<strong>***News Flash***

UCLA Powerbook Prices:

667 $1899
800 $2499

:eek: </strong><hr></blockquote>

That's $500 less than the Apple Edu Store for a Ti800!

Maybe they are clearing stock.