PowerBook to gain iSight, iBook to go widescreen in 2006
Along with its transition to Intel processors, Apple Computer in the first half of next year will introduce new eye-catching industrial designs for both of its laptop offerings, AppleInsider has learned.
Although the Mac maker has only gone on record in saying that the first Intel-based Macintosh systems are due by the middle of 2006, information passed on by extremely reliable sources indicates that the company is on track to begin introducing its first Intel machines much sooner.
With the initiation of the Intel Power Mac project last month, all five of Apple's Intel Macintosh projects are now said to be underway and moving at an exhaustive, yet fruitful pace. It should come as no surprise that Apple chief executive Steve Jobs is reportedly leading the charge, with his heart set on making 2006 the next 1984.
Without getting into specific dates at this time, sources familiar with Apple's Macintosh hardware roadmap say the company is striving to unveil a completely redesigned set of Intel iBook laptops just in time for next year's K-12 educational buying season, which takes place around April or May.
Apple currently offers iBooks with either a standard 12- or 14-inch screen, but looks poised to introduce a completely new model built around (what appears to be) a 13-inch widescreen. Whether the company will offer other iBook models or standardize around the new widescreen model remains unknown.
Expected to make its debut even earlier than the new iBooks will be Apple's first Intel-based PowerBook, sources added. The new 15-inch PowerBook will carry over many of the design elements and styles that have made its aluminum PowerBooks so successful, but will be about 20- to 25-percent thinner than today's model.
The 12-inch PowerBook is no longer on Apple's roadmap -- as reported in August -- and the new Intel-based 17-inch model is slated for release several months later.
Following a trend that began with Apple's new iMac desktops last month (and first predicted in this AppleInsider report), both the new 15- and 17-inch are scheduled to include a built-in iSight video camera. As is the case with the iMac, the cams will be centered in the PowerBook's upper display bezel. The latest version of Apple's Photo Booth application will also be included with the new PowerBooks.
As part of its transition to Intel processors, sources also recently told AppleInsider that Apple wants to be one of the first PC manufacturers out of the gate with Intel's upcoming dual-core processors.
Although the Mac maker has only gone on record in saying that the first Intel-based Macintosh systems are due by the middle of 2006, information passed on by extremely reliable sources indicates that the company is on track to begin introducing its first Intel machines much sooner.
With the initiation of the Intel Power Mac project last month, all five of Apple's Intel Macintosh projects are now said to be underway and moving at an exhaustive, yet fruitful pace. It should come as no surprise that Apple chief executive Steve Jobs is reportedly leading the charge, with his heart set on making 2006 the next 1984.
Without getting into specific dates at this time, sources familiar with Apple's Macintosh hardware roadmap say the company is striving to unveil a completely redesigned set of Intel iBook laptops just in time for next year's K-12 educational buying season, which takes place around April or May.
Apple currently offers iBooks with either a standard 12- or 14-inch screen, but looks poised to introduce a completely new model built around (what appears to be) a 13-inch widescreen. Whether the company will offer other iBook models or standardize around the new widescreen model remains unknown.
Expected to make its debut even earlier than the new iBooks will be Apple's first Intel-based PowerBook, sources added. The new 15-inch PowerBook will carry over many of the design elements and styles that have made its aluminum PowerBooks so successful, but will be about 20- to 25-percent thinner than today's model.
The 12-inch PowerBook is no longer on Apple's roadmap -- as reported in August -- and the new Intel-based 17-inch model is slated for release several months later.
Following a trend that began with Apple's new iMac desktops last month (and first predicted in this AppleInsider report), both the new 15- and 17-inch are scheduled to include a built-in iSight video camera. As is the case with the iMac, the cams will be centered in the PowerBook's upper display bezel. The latest version of Apple's Photo Booth application will also be included with the new PowerBooks.
As part of its transition to Intel processors, sources also recently told AppleInsider that Apple wants to be one of the first PC manufacturers out of the gate with Intel's upcoming dual-core processors.
Comments
Do I get WLAN support as well? Toss in Dual Core Yonahs and dual monitor capability and sold.
Time to reopen that "professional sub-notebook petition".
I truly wonder what could change about the form-factor much. I am beginning to wonder about the same for the iMac...keep making it thinner and reducing the bezel size. The computer disappears.
I am a little surprised that they would not release both the 17" and 15" models at the same time.
The line-up sounds interesting:
13" widescreen iBook - $1000 - $1500 (they probably need multiple configurations to fill out this price range...they NEED to keep a $999 consumer laptop)
15" widescreen PowerBook - $2000 (less?)
17" widescreen PowerBook - $2500 (less?)
Possibly super drives across the board.
Originally posted by New
So the 12" will die?
Time to reopen that "professional sub-notebook petition".
Pro subnotebook sounds like an oxymoron.
I moved from my 15" tibook and was concerned that the smaller size would be an issue. This is without a doubt the best powerbook Apple has produced. It's sturdy like a tank, full-featured and quite portable. The 15" and 17" powerbooks seem quite fragile, although full-featured and elegant.
However, this 12" is a great compromise, sitting right between those stripped down ultra notebooks and bulkier and more casual looking ibooks.
If reports are true that the 12" is dead (and nothing similar will replace) it will be a sad day.
I could have saved a few hundred dollars buy gettingn an ibook, which are a steal for the price, but it would have been a much less pleasurable experience compared to this pb. This 12" albook feels designed for the power user who happens to care for the metal look and compact size.
I've seen the number of powerboooks triple around Chicago coffee houses and 12" and 15" pbs.
Anyway, I take it that this means the first intel Powerbooks and iBooks will be based on Yonah? I hope they're both dual-core, the difference being clock speed ... the single core Yonah exists for ultra-thin laptops rather than consumer laptops.
Might be worth not buying the first ones - wait for Merom to come out with its 64-bit support.
In fact, I was hoping that Apple would skip entirely to 64-bit x86, and have the entire operating system running in 64-bit mode from the start. This dashes that, so we'll probably have a 32-bit x86 OS with 64-bit capability for a long time yet.
I hope the new iBook isn't too far ahead of my 12" iBook. I've only had it three months. Then again, it'll be 8 or 9 months old by then, so I'm sure I'll live, and I wouldn't want a revision A first generation Intel machine.
Originally posted by hmurchison
Pro subnotebook sounds like an oxymoron.
Well, I think Apple is missing out on a very important market segment.
But then everything has to be big with you americans, doesn't it?
Originally posted by Chris Cuilla
I am a little surprised that they would not release both the 17" and 15" models at the same time.
Chris,
It would probably be a better business decision to stagger the availability (maybe even the introduction, too) of products, especially in the same family. Apple is well aware of the lust that it creates with its products. In order to capitalize, why not release a higher margined product first?
Although size is an important consumer consideration, I wouldn't be surprised to see the premium products available sooner than the least expensive offering.
19" Powerbook for Power Users.
Samsung makes a 19" widescreen. Toss in LED backlighting and a very thin but strong bezel and you have a kick arse desktop replacement
Originally posted by New
But then everything has to be big with you americans, doesn't it?
Well just *some* things are more pleasurable biggie-sized.
There are quite a few of us that enjoy smaller notebooks, however.
I love my 12incher!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Its perfect size for travelling!!!!
Originally posted by ZO
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I love my 12incher!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Its perfect size for travelling!!!!
Like you have a 12incher!
Who says I don't?
And I sure as hell don't want Apple to take it away!!!!!
Originally posted by Elixir
how much faster will dual yonah's be compared to the current 15inch pb ppc?
Much, much, better. For one thing, dual-core instantly gives it an edge, since it can handle multiple threads at once. Yonah itself is supposed to be quite power-efficient and fast. I can imagine there being 2+ GHz PowerBooks... if Apple doesn't just wait for Merom, that is.
Originally posted by hmurchison
I think it's 'bout time for Apple to develop a
19" Powerbook for Power Users.
Samsung makes a 19" widescreen. Toss in LED backlighting and a very thin but strong bezel and you have a kick arse desktop replacement
Uh huh, attach four legs and you have a kick arse desk replacement.
In guess an early 15" PB introduction should be to avoid losing customers. Since we are lacking detailed infos, Apple can well have created 3 columns in its product grid :
education / dirt cheap | consumer / prosumer | pros
Macmini & eMac | iMac / 1 X dualcore PM | dual-dual/quad and xServe
13" iBook | 15" PBook Yonah | 15, 17 (19?) PBooks Merom