The question is the future for professional vs. consumer laptops; will there always be a well defined distinction for the high end? I say yes. Before too long, a year or two at the most, Apple will introduce a 64 bit PowerBook that runs high-end applications.
I know a developer who prefers working on his PowerBook, rather than his Power Mac. Also, video folks who work in the field want a powerful laptop. These users will want and need a high performance, 64 bit CPU. Such PowerBooks will come when IBM has the Power5 derivative G5 (or G6) with a built in memory controller, in my opinion.
The consumer iBooks will eventually get the system-on-a-chip PPC, which is aimed at low cost and low power. Screen size will be much less of a factor and will be based on personal preference. Small compact book with smaller screen, or bigger screen and not as easily carried around.
Interesting to read some of the thoughts and predictions of the times the TiBook was initially intrduced and compare them to the actual developments.
I think that in the future laptops will be distingished by three features rather than screen size:
Professional lines (i.e. the more expensive lines):
Either raw power and technical features like a 64-bit G5 or battery time and power efficency and overall built and material quality.
The former (hot desktop CPUs) is not really Apple's style and IMO too much a niche or we would already have the 3-inch-thick-extra-hot-and-loud-battery-eating-G5-book.
The later is what the Centrino laptops are in the WIntel world and I guess it is a general trend.
All garnished with Apple's love for high quality case materials, design and attention to detail.
Consuer lines: On the WIntel side this is where you find thicker machines with soso fast desktop CPUs, low battery time and lesser quality materials. Although more and more Pentium-M/Centrino systems appear in this segment.
Apple tires to offer (and offers) the same power efficency its pro line has but omits some "pro" features (GBit-ethernet, FW800, illuminated keyboard, PC-Card slot, widescreen displays) at very attractive price points.
I hope that Apple keeps its good work up and has a little more luck with its CPU suppliers in the future. Maybe we will see a major architectural change in Apple's future moblie lineup similar to Intel's Centrino initiative.
Comments
I know a developer who prefers working on his PowerBook, rather than his Power Mac. Also, video folks who work in the field want a powerful laptop. These users will want and need a high performance, 64 bit CPU. Such PowerBooks will come when IBM has the Power5 derivative G5 (or G6) with a built in memory controller, in my opinion.
The consumer iBooks will eventually get the system-on-a-chip PPC, which is aimed at low cost and low power. Screen size will be much less of a factor and will be based on personal preference. Small compact book with smaller screen, or bigger screen and not as easily carried around.
I think that in the future laptops will be distingished by three features rather than screen size:
Professional lines (i.e. the more expensive lines):
Either raw power and technical features like a 64-bit G5 or battery time and power efficency and overall built and material quality.
The former (hot desktop CPUs) is not really Apple's style and IMO too much a niche or we would already have the 3-inch-thick-extra-hot-and-loud-battery-eating-G5-book.
The later is what the Centrino laptops are in the WIntel world and I guess it is a general trend.
All garnished with Apple's love for high quality case materials, design and attention to detail.
Consuer lines: On the WIntel side this is where you find thicker machines with soso fast desktop CPUs, low battery time and lesser quality materials. Although more and more Pentium-M/Centrino systems appear in this segment.
Apple tires to offer (and offers) the same power efficency its pro line has but omits some "pro" features (GBit-ethernet, FW800, illuminated keyboard, PC-Card slot, widescreen displays) at very attractive price points.
I hope that Apple keeps its good work up and has a little more luck with its CPU suppliers in the future. Maybe we will see a major architectural change in Apple's future moblie lineup similar to Intel's Centrino initiative.
Originally posted by TWinbrook46636
FYI, This thread is two years old.
Some replies did seem to be a little behind the times. Oh well, it's a timeless topic. I'll start paying attention to posting dates.