Briefly: Apple preparing for fall product launches
It's been less than a week since Apple Computer used its annual developers conference to make several new product announcements, but once again sources are finding themselves encapsulated by the warm fuzzy feeling that typically emerges around the lead-in to major product revelations.
Based on various reports from around the world, the Cupertino, Calif.-based company this week is placing WWDC '06 in the rear-view mirror and shifting gears towards its fall product line refreshes, which are due to start turning up next month.
High-Security Freight Shipments
In particular, the company this week is said to be preparing for massive air-freight shipments from the Far East that are due to drop in the United States around the 5th of September.
Although sources were not specific as to what product(s) Apple is planning to move, the timeframe of the shipments coincides nicely with dates in which the Mac maker is believed to be ready to roll with its first Core 2 Duo-based MacBook Pro notebook systems.
iPod nano Line Nearing End-of-Life
Meanwhile, inventory management systems tied to at least one US-based big-box retailer are reflecting end-of-life notices for Apple's entire iPod nano product line on September 16th. Again, no further details on the subject were readily available.
However, September 16th is the precise date in which Apple's "Free iPod nano" back-to-school promotion is set to expire. This date also coincides with timeframes provided by sources in previous reports pertaining to the expected availability of the company's next-generation iPod nano.
Seagate Boasts of 120GB 1.8-inch Portable Hard Drives
In a tidbit so far unrelated any published reports on Apple's future product plans, Seagate CEO William Watkins recently told BusinessWeek that his company plans to introduce 1.8-inch drives in 60GB and 120GB capacities during the December calendar quarter.
1.8-inch portable hard drives are the same form factor drives used in Apple's current fifth-generation video iPod players. Seagate was previously a major component supplier to Apple during the days of the iPod mini, in which it equipped the company with 4GB, 5GB (capped by software at 4GB), and 6GB microdrives.
However, reading into Seagate's future product plans has not been fail-safe indicator of Apple's own product directions. For instance, in June of last year many believed Seagate's 8GB microdrive would find its way into an iPod mini update. Apple subsequently did away with the microdrive-based iPod mini altogether, introducing the completely NAND flash memory-based iPod nano that September.
Based on various reports from around the world, the Cupertino, Calif.-based company this week is placing WWDC '06 in the rear-view mirror and shifting gears towards its fall product line refreshes, which are due to start turning up next month.
High-Security Freight Shipments
In particular, the company this week is said to be preparing for massive air-freight shipments from the Far East that are due to drop in the United States around the 5th of September.
Although sources were not specific as to what product(s) Apple is planning to move, the timeframe of the shipments coincides nicely with dates in which the Mac maker is believed to be ready to roll with its first Core 2 Duo-based MacBook Pro notebook systems.
iPod nano Line Nearing End-of-Life
Meanwhile, inventory management systems tied to at least one US-based big-box retailer are reflecting end-of-life notices for Apple's entire iPod nano product line on September 16th. Again, no further details on the subject were readily available.
However, September 16th is the precise date in which Apple's "Free iPod nano" back-to-school promotion is set to expire. This date also coincides with timeframes provided by sources in previous reports pertaining to the expected availability of the company's next-generation iPod nano.
Seagate Boasts of 120GB 1.8-inch Portable Hard Drives
In a tidbit so far unrelated any published reports on Apple's future product plans, Seagate CEO William Watkins recently told BusinessWeek that his company plans to introduce 1.8-inch drives in 60GB and 120GB capacities during the December calendar quarter.
1.8-inch portable hard drives are the same form factor drives used in Apple's current fifth-generation video iPod players. Seagate was previously a major component supplier to Apple during the days of the iPod mini, in which it equipped the company with 4GB, 5GB (capped by software at 4GB), and 6GB microdrives.
However, reading into Seagate's future product plans has not been fail-safe indicator of Apple's own product directions. For instance, in June of last year many believed Seagate's 8GB microdrive would find its way into an iPod mini update. Apple subsequently did away with the microdrive-based iPod mini altogether, introducing the completely NAND flash memory-based iPod nano that September.
Comments
Which brings up a new question, will Apple keep the Nano name? Or do away with it like the mini??
So should I mark down Sept. 12 (Mac Expo Paris) or Sept. 19th as the intro day for the long over due nano?
Which brings up a new question, will Apple keep the Nano name? Or do away with it like the mini??
September 19 is Tuesday and Tuedays are favorite introduction days.
Hopefully one of them has a Conroe iMac in it.
Are you trying to answer his question?
I think he wanted to know whether the 12th or the 19th is a good day. BOTH are Tuesdays.
Well, the 12th. Expo will certainly release something. It's just that no one knows what it is.
Apple's not going to release something on the 19th if they just did on the 12th. At least a major, headlining product anyway.
Here's my timeframe: (I'm not including details as to what will be 'new' about the product)
Apple Expo Paris (Sept. 12th):
New MacBookPro
New iMac
'New' hardware that was in the pipelines that was never expected
Early October:
Quiet xserve release
Late October:
Apple Special Event releasing new iPods + iTunes updates
MacWorld:
Next Leopard Preview
'New' hardware that was in the pipelines that was never expected
-=|Mgkwho
In particular, the company this week is said to be preparing for massive air-freight shipments from the Far East that are due to drop in the United States around the 5th of September.
Although sources were not specific as to what product(s) Apple is planning to move, the timeframe of the shipments coincides nicely with dates in which the Mac maker is believed to be ready to roll with its first Core 2 Duo-based MacBook Pro notebook systems.
Macbook Pros are possible, although I would vote for the next generation iPod Nano / iPod Video as the high-security "massive air-freight shipments from the Far East" - those things are going to sell like hotcakes. Apple's huge price drop for "refurbished" iPods, in my opinion, is a red flag for a new generation. A Merom-based Macbook Pro will sell well, but massive shipments??? Of course, a redesigned Macbook Pro is a different story...
A Merom-based Macbook Pro will sell well, but massive shipments???
Yes. The demand for Mac Books and Mac Book Pro models will be so high from my research that I don't think Apple will be able to keep up with quarterly demand at the end of the year. They need MASSIVE shipments.
"The demand for Mac Books and Mac Book Pro models will be so high from my research that I don't think Apple will be able to keep up with quarterly demand at the end of the year. They need MASSIVE shipments. "
McHuman Could you clarify/elaborate. "Your research". Please share. I'm intrigued.
Sweeet...I was gonna buy a MBP but now im going to wait it out. Now i just have to decide between glossy or matte. I spent 30 mins in the store comparing them but still cannot make up my mind...
Go with glossy if you don't plan to use outside. My wife has the glossy MB, and I love using it sometimes just for the screen, even though I have a MBP.
Though I would guess that the iPods are more likely the bulk of the air shipment candidates.
re. the comment on MacBook Pro screens, "glossy or matte" --
I have tried them in the Apple store, found the glare reflections coming off the glossy screen way too visible and DISTRACTING (IMO). My thought: WHAT WAS APPLE THINKING? Seriously, i could not buy a glossy screen as it would drive me buggy. At least on the MBPro model you have the option of BTO no-gloss-matte screen. MBook are stuck with gloss-glare.
(Anyone remember when anti-glare was the new design edge for all new monitors and only old stuff was the glare reflecting kind?)
My suggestion for the name of this new step-backwards screen is:
MacBook Mirrored Screen (TM).
with the selling talk point: "Now you can check your hair and makeup right from the MacBook Mirrored Screen (TM) before activating the iChat iSight camera! No more rushing off to the restroom to use a mirror -- Now it's Built-In! "
ok, enough on that.........
As I remember, last year Apple did the back-to-school promo with a free iPod mini and half way through they released the nano. Unfortunately that promo wouldnt allow money off the nano, only the mini. I'm about to buy my 1st ever brand new Mac, as in a Macbook (previously owned 3 2nd hand iMacs & eMate) and have a feeling that as soon as I do there'll be a faster, cooler running, matte screen one out the next week.
Thats usually my luck.
Benton,
Are you trying to answer his question?
I think he wanted to know whether the 12th or the 19th is a good day. BOTH are Tuesdays.
Well, the 12th. Expo will certainly release something. It's just that no one knows what it is.
Apple's not going to release something on the 19th if they just did on the 12th. At least a major, headlining product anyway.
Here's my timeframe: (I'm not including details as to what will be 'new' about the product)
Apple Expo Paris (Sept. 12th):
New MacBookPro
New iMac
'New' hardware that was in the pipelines that was never expected
Early October:
Quiet xserve release
Late October:
Apple Special Event releasing new iPods + iTunes updates
MacWorld:
Next Leopard Preview
'New' hardware that was in the pipelines that was never expected
-=|Mgkwho
I agree completely with the exception to the "new" hardware stuff. The only thing I could see is the iPhone, maybe. Then again, I guess that's why you said "'New' hardware that was in the pipelines that was never expected." I would bet my first born son that the date of release for new iPod+iTunes will be in October.
Sweeet...I was gonna buy a MBP but now im going to wait it out. Now i just have to decide between glossy or matte. I spent 30 mins in the store comparing them but still cannot make up my mind...
I would go for the matte display. My mum decided not to listen to me and decided to buy a non apple notebook. It has a glossy display and when using it outside in the sun its really difficult to see whats on the screen.
I really want a mb the size is great for me but it doesn't have a matte option for the screen so I have to save for a mbp.
Is it good that Apple is really waiting for Paris though? There aren't expos year-round. Intel updates chips all the time (apparently). I'm not sure it is great to sit on a Core 2 Duo refresh to the MBP for an additional month while other companies are already announcing/releasing theirs.
I don't know... Not sure they will wait so long. I can see a refresh in the next couple of Tuesdays. Just leaves more Paris time for cool new stuff
- Mark