Three Features You Want Added to Each Product
All the lines have been updated within the last 5.5 months so it's a good time to do this once again.
Same rules. three features for each product line but no clockspeed.
PowerMac G4
1.) G5 (or G4 with new bus technolgies/RapidIO)
2.) dual processors standard or a low cost dual option (dual 800 for $1999)
3.) Enhanced audio capabilities (Build in a soundblaster or something)
Powerbook G4
1.) enhanced audio capabilites (optical out maybe, 5.1 support, better speakers)
2.) slightly higher resolution (just a bit)
3.) lower prices (2199, 2799)
iMac G4
1.) 17 inch LCD (hopefully 16x9)
2.) Geforce 4 MX
3.) Color options (graphite, clear, indigo)
iBook
1.) G4
2.) 13.1 nch screen in 12.1 inch skin
3.) radeon 7500
iPod
1.) 20 GB version
2.) line in via firewire adapter
3.) remote on headphone cable
4.) cheaper! (249, 399, 499)
eMac
1.) Superdrive
2.) Geforce 4MX
3.) sturdier optical drive
iMac CRT
1.) geforce 2 or higher
2.) Combo drive option
3.) flat CRT
Xserve
1.) SCSI RAID option
2.) FSB improvement
3.) Cheaper model (733Mhz g4 maybe, 1Ghz is a bit overkill for some markets)
Displays
1.) 18.1 inch CInema Display
2.) lower prices
3.) maybe an optional stand
Apple really has a lot of lines. You don't have to the last 4 as they aren't really that mianstream.
[ 05-27-2002: Message edited by: applenut ]</p>
Same rules. three features for each product line but no clockspeed.
PowerMac G4
1.) G5 (or G4 with new bus technolgies/RapidIO)
2.) dual processors standard or a low cost dual option (dual 800 for $1999)
3.) Enhanced audio capabilities (Build in a soundblaster or something)
Powerbook G4
1.) enhanced audio capabilites (optical out maybe, 5.1 support, better speakers)
2.) slightly higher resolution (just a bit)
3.) lower prices (2199, 2799)
iMac G4
1.) 17 inch LCD (hopefully 16x9)
2.) Geforce 4 MX
3.) Color options (graphite, clear, indigo)
iBook
1.) G4
2.) 13.1 nch screen in 12.1 inch skin
3.) radeon 7500
iPod
1.) 20 GB version
2.) line in via firewire adapter
3.) remote on headphone cable
4.) cheaper! (249, 399, 499)
eMac
1.) Superdrive
2.) Geforce 4MX
3.) sturdier optical drive
iMac CRT
1.) geforce 2 or higher
2.) Combo drive option
3.) flat CRT
Xserve
1.) SCSI RAID option
2.) FSB improvement
3.) Cheaper model (733Mhz g4 maybe, 1Ghz is a bit overkill for some markets)
Displays
1.) 18.1 inch CInema Display
2.) lower prices
3.) maybe an optional stand
Apple really has a lot of lines. You don't have to the last 4 as they aren't really that mianstream.
[ 05-27-2002: Message edited by: applenut ]</p>
Comments
1)Standard implementation of any DDR, OR a 200MHz fsb...
2)Cheap~~$1200 tower
3)Cheap~~$2200 dual
Power Book:
1)Cheaper
2)DVD only option (save $)
3)Scratch-resistant casing
iMac LCD:
1)Ability to switch gfx card in the same way internal ram can be switched (authorized service only)
2)Monitor spanning OR mirroring that goes higher then 1024X768
3)Widescreen LCD
4)133MHz Bus
iBook:
1)G4
2)13.1" screen in current case and minimally larger resolution (like current eMac resolution)
3)monitor spanning OR mirroring greater then native res.
eMac:
1)Colors
2)Superdrive
3)more res (standard 17" res)
iMac CRT:
1)DROPPED
2)eMac low end offered to everyone
iPod:
1)20GB
2)Remote
3)clock
4)line in
5)make rebate permanent
Xserve:
1)pretty damn good right now
2)maybe option for cheaper G4 to cut costs ~$200
3)Keep production stable
4)Offer custom apple rack to get more $ from crazy people...
Displays:
1)price drop (15=$500, 17=750, 22=$2000, 23=$3000)
2)cheaper widescreen option
3)Make rebates permanent (for PB and adapter too)
Edit:
Airport:
1)1/2 price everything
2)make base station with USB port for printing, f/w port for file sharing (adds about $100 to "base" base station with only 1 ethernet port)
3)bluetooth built in on card (possible?)
[ 05-27-2002: Message edited by: Paul ]</p>
[ 05-27-2002: Message edited by: Amorph ]</p>
PowerMac G4
1.) True DDR
2.) Standard DP.
3.) Better Audio
Powerbook G4
1.) SuperDrive
2.) True DDR
3.) lower prices (2199, 2999 like rev.
iMac G4
1.) 133 FSB,
2.) AGP 4x, Geforce 4 MX
3.) higher resolution. 1280x960 would be nice.
iBook
1.) G4, 133 mhz bus, AGP 4x (when PB goes DDR)
2.) 1152x864 res on 14" model
3.) slim it down a bit.
eMac
1.) 133 bus, same mobo as new iMac
2.) Geforce 4MX, AGP 4x
3.) up refresh rate on the highest resolution
iMac CRT
kill it.
Xserve
1.) SCSI RAID option
2.) True DDR
3.) Edu model
Displays
1.) 19" CD, kill 22"
2.) all widescreen frankly.
3.) cheaper
iPod
1.) 5 10 20
2.) 299 399 499
3.) tougher to scratch
<strong>Where are you getting that info about the eMac being available? I didn't see anything about tha on the Apple website. The eMac is still only available through the Educational Apple Store.</strong><hr></blockquote>
yes but before it was only for institutions, now students can get the eMac low end... still not everyone tho
Edit: and yes Amorph, I was aware of this...
[ 05-27-2002: Message edited by: Paul ]</p>
1/ G4 with full DDR or G5 with RIO
2/ Enhanced Sound
3/ New look and a lot quieter
PowerBook G4
1/ New 'cold' look with better airport
2/ SuperDrive
3/ G4 with full DDR or G5 with RIO
iMac
1/ Better screen (no ghosting)
2/ GeForce 4 MX
3/ L3 cache
iBook
1/ G4 with 133mhz bus no L3 cache
2/ Radeon 32 Mb
3/ New look with 13.1 inch screen
iPod
1/ Bigger HD
2/ A case to dock it in your car
3/ A cable to connect it to your hi-fi
Displays
1/ All wide screen 17 / 19 / 23
2/ With no ghosting
3/ Bundle with tower at a better price
For all the line: Bluetooth integrated
Make Special Edition for iMac & iBook
(colors, wide screen for iMac, etc.)
eMac:
1. Available to all consumers at $1000 for CDRW or $1200 for combo drive.
2. 256 MB PC133 RAM w/ 133 MHz system bus standard for all models.
3. Standard modem on consumer models.
G3 iMac:
1. 256 MB PC100 RAM standard in all models.
2. GeForce 2mx GPU with 32 mb DDR vRAM standard in all models.
3. $700 for CDROM model, $900 for CDRW model.
G4 iMac:
1. 17" LCD iMac model added to line up, which is 3 15" models, and 2 17" models, all with 256 MB PC133 RAM on a 133 MHz system bus
2. GeForce 4MX GPU, 32 MB vRAM on 15", 64 MB vRAM on 17".
3. Price: 15" LCD CD-RW $1400, 15" LCD combo $1500, 15" Superdrive 1800, 17" Combo $1700, 17" Superdrive $2000.
Powermac:
1. G5 CPU w/RapidIO bus and pc2700 RAM.
2. New case with two expandable drive bays OPEN.
3. Dual G5 processors on mid and high range models.
iBook:
1. G4 CPU using a 133 MHz system bus.
2. 256 MB RAM standard.
3. Radeon mobility with 32 MB RAM standard.
Titanium:
1. Higher resolution display, 16" widescreen.
2. Radeon mobility w/ 64 MB vRAM.
3. 5400 rpm HDs standard in all models.
NEW!
iNotebook: fully portable laptop, smallest ever, made for presentations and light work on the go, but powerful enough to plug into a dock and use full-time with an external display.
1. Sub notebook with smallest form factor that allows for a full-sized keyboard (~12"wide, 6" deep, 1" thick). Internal HD but no optical drive (but full set of ports for use of Firewire and USB peripherals).
2. G4, 133 MHz mobo with Radeon mobility and 32 MB vRAM.
3. Optional dock for desktop use.
1) Duallies everywhere.
2) True DDR266, on-chip memory controller, per-chip RAM.
3) SuperDrives everywhere.
Powerbook G4
1) Plated/anodized case for greater durability and scratch resistance.
2) True DDR266, on-chip memory controller.
3) SuperDrives everywhere.
iMac G4
1) GeForce4MX
2) True DDR200 RAM, and on-chip controller.
3) Price cut to $1199.
iBook
1) 8 hour battery life, by hook or by crook.
2) Most, if not all, if the ruggedness of the original model.
3) DDR200 RAM hooked up to true 200MHz 60x bus
iPod
1) No more brittle solder connections on FW port.
2) Price cuts to $299, $399
3) There is no 3. There is no 3! *laughter*
eMac
As iMac, but instead of price cuts: HD borrows from XServe: lockable but also easily swappable from the front for ease of maintenance.
iMac CRT
Dead and gone.
Xserve
1) Bus/RAM improvements as PowerMac
2) ATA/133
3) XServe "rackstation" with one or two processors, a single ATA HD, Combo- or SuperDrive, shallower case and quieter fans.
Displays
1) 17" moves to low end
2) 19" widescreen takes the 17"'s current spot.
3) 22" kept at same resolution, but with a new LCD that matches the 17" and the 23" for color accuracy and picture quality.
1. G5 CPU w/RapidIO bus and pc2700 RAM.
2. New case with two expandable drive bays OPEN.
3. Dual G5 processors on mid and high range models."
I agree with Junkie's take on where 'power'Mac needs to be for me.
And Amorph's take on new iMac
"iMac G4
1) GeForce4MX
2) True DDR200 RAM, and on-chip controller.
3) Price cut to $1199."
I'd be happy at that.
With Jaguar on top.
As for crt iMac?
Drive down prices further for schools and 'bargain' buyers.
I'd love to see a £299 imac.
Lemon Bon Bon
[ 05-27-2002: Message edited by: Lemon Bon Bon ]</p>
DDR
Faster G4s or G5
Dual on low-end
Powerbook:
New case design, one that paint doesn't chip off of and is sturdier
1GHz G4
$2199 for the low-end
iMac:
higher res
133MHz bus
lower prices back to what they originally were
iBook:
G4 (or 1GHz G3)
133MHz bus
higher res on 14"
iMac G3:
GeForce 2MX
800MHz G3
Flat CRT
eMac:
133MHz bus
SuperDrive on high-end
let everyone be able to get one
iPod:
20GB
Remote
$100 cheaper
Displays:
17"- lower price a few hundred
19"
23" HD
Powermac:
1. How has no one said this? QUAD G4s!
2. Faster Front-side bus, with DDR
3. slimmer sexy enclosure, Xserve style, baby!
Xserve
1. QUADS!
Um.... pretty damn good otherwise
Powerbook:
1. New case: gloss black metal and better airport reception, make it slimmer!
2. Dualies? (I'm a dreamer)
3. cheaper! $1999 base
iMac:
1. Bigger, wide screen 17" with touchscreen option
2. Faster front-side bus, DDR? Is that too much to ask?
3. 1 USB and 1 Firewire port in the front, right under the CD drive
iBook:
1. G4 and faster frontside bus
2. Slimmer case
3. higher res 14"
iMac G3:
KILL IT, long live eMac!
eMac:
1. Cheaper model, gotta hit that $599-699 price point
otherwise, perfect-o
iPod:
1. 20GB
2. Remote on headphones (and make the buds smaller, damnit)
3. Clock
Displays:
1. all widescreen
2. make the adapter less expensive
3. make all the displays less expensive
1) 1.5 GHz w/DDR333 Rapid IO bus
2)new enclosure w/ TWO FULL SIZE DRIVE BAYS
3) whatever is top of the line graphics card (not some cheap MX model-R300 or GeForce 5)
I wouldnt want a Sound Blaster card built in. Why Sound Blaster when you can have something a lot better (with OS X drivers) in the Audiophile 2496.
Powerbook
1) 1 GHz G4
2) higher resolution display (UXGA+ or whatever)
3) ATI FireGL 7800 Mobility w/64 MB OR nVidia Quadro4 Go w/64 MB
iMac
1) faster processors 1 GHz+
2) higher resolution display and optional 17"
3) GeForce4 MX
iBook
make it more of a subnotebook...
1)G4 ~800 MHz
2) 13.3" high resolution screen, 3 lbs
3) ATI Radeon 7500 Mobility w/32 MB
And or all products slightly lower price points.
PowerMac
1. an accessible drive bay or two to accomodate Apple's Xserve drive caddies
Powerbook
1. dock anyone? How about something that accomodates Xserve drive caddies and has the ADC/DVI adapter built-in, along with the standard i/o ports. Yeah, it would be pricey.
2. add an "executive" micro-TI book, half an inch thin, 12" wide screen, tiny tiny tiny, no internal optical, connects to the dock, which conveniently has a superdrive.
3. integrate airport antenna into the exterior of the lid, put them inside the apple logo, and around the bezel, maybe?
iMac
1. still want a 17" wide format touchscreen
2. wall mountable (you figure it out)
iBook
1. another dock! lets you connect a VGA or DVI display (add ADC support with apple's adapter), and the standard ports,
2. Bring back the handle!
iPod
1. a headset and remote like the one that comes with the Samsung Uproar, lets you connect your cell phone to the ipod, it lets you stop the music when you have an incoming call, and resumes when you end the call. Combine this with the ipod's contact feature, and it could even dial for you.
2. standard laser-engraving when ordered from the apple online store
Displays
1. iMac style design with adjustable swing arm, and wall mount
2. Apple's own Cintiq style tablet (pressure sensitive touchscreen)
3. It would be great to bring back the features of the original LCD studio display, it accepted analogue video input from any source
<strong>Uhhhh....Applenut said NO MHz specs! I think he did that because it's obvious that we all want faster Macs. He want's us to think about features other than MHz, to think about alternatives to enhancing the Mac product lines. Yeah, I sort of cheated, I listed a Powermac with a G5, but let's stay away from MHz please. It's like saying that you like sex...tell us something we don't already know.</strong><hr></blockquote>
what he said
[quote]
I wouldnt want a Sound Blaster card built in. Why Sound Blaster when you can have something a lot better (with OS X drivers) in the Audiophile 2496.<hr></blockquote>
that is hardly a better option. perhaps if all you wanted was high quality I/O but the soundblaster will offer much more especially in terms of gaming which we all know you are a fan of
-------
iMac
1. still want a 17" wide format touchscreen
2. wall mountable (you figure it out)
-------
That make me think, wouldn't it be cool if Apple updated it's displays so that they had wall mountable LCD displays? That would rock for people who use the in studys or bedrooms etc. Just a thought, appeals to me as a home user!
As for updating the line, the main problems are the iBook still with a G3, and the PowerMac desperately needs a new casing and better processors. The PowerMac casing jsut ain't as classy as the new iMac, PowerBook, or iBook. I wis the would do something more in the style of the 20th Anniversary, ie Bang & Olufsen type styling. That would be nice with cool metal and black casing, take at look at <a href="http://www.bang-olufsen.com"; target="_blank">www.bang-olufsen.com</a> to see what I mean, they know how to design stuff!
Go NY, Chicago, LA! But how about London, Berlin, Paris, Rome, Stockholm, instead of plano texas, Bloomington minnesota, germantown tennessee or salem new hampshire??
1. Better memory bandwidth...just better bandwidth in fact.
2. Another 5.25 inch drive bay.
3. Another slot for RAM.
PowerBook
Eh I don't use portables what do i care.
iMac
1. 133MHz FSB and SDRAM 133 to match.
2. Improved graphics card.
3. Strip that price hike back off.
iBook
I have never touched one for a prolonged period so can't comment too much. I would like SDRAM 133.
eMac
I haven't even looked at the specs...
Xserve
Xserve isn't designed for the areas I want it so I don't really expect much of it yet.
Displays
Lower price or better/larger displays.
iPod
Ability to record an interview or seminar.
1.) SuperDrive in all models
2.) 1GHz in single processor configuration
3.) Aduio in
Powerbook G4
1.) SuperDrive
2.) Fix paint issues
3.) Available in Black
iMac G4
1.) Higher resolution or Widescreen aspect ratio
2.) More options for internal expansion
3.) Color options
iBook
1.) Slimmer
2.) Color options
3.) Higher resolution or Widescreen aspect ratio
eMac
1.) SuperDrive
2.) Color options
3.) More expandability options
iMac CRT
1.) EOL
Xserve
?
Displays
1.) Bring back CRT option
iPod
1.) Record to MP3 capability
2.) Flash memory storage add-on
3.) Human-sized ear buds