Future iBook Updates
There haven't been many iBook threads for a while so I thought I'd start a general one. I will probably be looking for a new iBook in the summer after 10.4 comes out, so I can get that and iLife 05, so what are we likely to see in a new iBook range, and when are we likely to see it?
My G4 iBook looks pretty much the same as my G3 iBook, albeit with a classier looking keyboard, so I'm a bit bored of it. What are the chances of a new look sometime this year? I'm crossing fingers and toes for something a little different.
Also, whilst I don't expect G5s in iBooks this year, what does everyone else think? And if there won't be G5s, what will the G4 specs be like? Are we likely to see Bluetooth, better graphics cards, 512Mb RAM? (The latter seem to be a certainty, and hopefully we will get a better graphics card for core image support).
My money would be on 512MB RAM in all models, bluetooth installed, upgrade graphics and processors starting from 1.33GHz or 1.5GHz. Comments?
My G4 iBook looks pretty much the same as my G3 iBook, albeit with a classier looking keyboard, so I'm a bit bored of it. What are the chances of a new look sometime this year? I'm crossing fingers and toes for something a little different.
Also, whilst I don't expect G5s in iBooks this year, what does everyone else think? And if there won't be G5s, what will the G4 specs be like? Are we likely to see Bluetooth, better graphics cards, 512Mb RAM? (The latter seem to be a certainty, and hopefully we will get a better graphics card for core image support).
My money would be on 512MB RAM in all models, bluetooth installed, upgrade graphics and processors starting from 1.33GHz or 1.5GHz. Comments?
Comments
Originally posted by SteveGTA
i am also wondering what we can expect from the iBook because i too plan on buying one after or shortly after the release of tiger. (or a powerbook)
Going by the product cycle, and April update does seem likely, possibly timed by Tiger. Problem is, with speeds pretty low in the powerbooks, there is not much room for the iBooks to grow. I personally would be more interested in an October update which will hopefully be more significant - if there is an April update, I can't see it being more than minor tweaks, eg Bluetooth, new graphics card.
Or do I? Sigh, I've been so confused recently.
Originally posted by zythums
I've been so confused recently.
amen to that lol
Thankfully, once Bluetooth is included with the machine this won't matter anymore if you're willing to get a BT mouse.
Originally posted by Kishan
could we dream about a 10 inch sub notebook model?
of course you can.
some more choices in color, look at the
iPod U2 edition. iBook black maybe.
Originally posted by Kishan
could we dream about a 10 inch sub notebook model?
NO! See a therapist...
Originally posted by Matsu
NO! See a therapist...
Subnotes are popular in Japan but are expensive. They would not be in the iBook line, but in the Powerbook line, if Apple ever gets around to making one.
Your best hope is for Apple to become so hugely popular that they decide to license Mac OS X to IBM. IBM would then make the subnote (they have made them in the past).
I was browsing through laptops today at the campus bookstore, and found the 12" iBook to be relatively dim (even at full brightness), the 15" Powerbook was significantly better, and the 15" Widescreen Sony laptop's display absolutely destroyed the Powerbook's.
Originally posted by G_Warren
One thing I'd really like to see, but won't be holding my breath for, is a USB port on the right side of the iBook, even on the 12in model. Anyone who has ever used a mouse with an iBook will know that it makes no sense to have the ports on the left when most of the population is right handed - the cable has to go all the way round the back, or over the keyboard, so it becomes either too short, or gets in the way.
I was under the impression the ports were on the left side precisely because the majority of people are right handed. Maybe I'm wrong, but isn't the idea to keep the right hand free so you can write and take notes etc... therefor being more productive due to less time, however little, switching things around on a cluttered desk? Right handers, ideally, use the mouse in the left hand and vice versa? After a few hours on the left I was equally as efficient with both hands on the mouse, but I still had my most dexterous hand with regard to typing and writing free.
Hope you are right about the updates cubist, it certainly makes sense that they are a few weeks away. Fingers crossed there will be an update soonish, leaving time for another update in October. I won't have the cash to buy until July/August so I think I'll hold off for the October(ish) update which iBooks have had in the past few years.
Originally posted by Chagi
I personally think that displays are an issue for both iBooks and Powerbooks, though it's a bigger one for the former.
I was browsing through laptops today at the campus bookstore, and found the 12" iBook to be relatively dim (even at full brightness), the 15" Powerbook was significantly better, and the 15" Widescreen Sony laptop's display absolutely destroyed the Powerbook's.
Speaking of Sony laptops... those XBRITE screens are B-E-A-utiful! I'd love to see that on a Mac. Could Apple use them? Anyone know if they are they patented or something?