Originally posted by pat++:
I would bet we won't see any new PowerBook before end of june (announced) and available sep/oct.
I think it will be significantly sooner, but no one really knows, so it is all just speculation...
Just to point out a few reasons I think that it will be sooner...
1) been quite awhile since any changes to PB line. 6+ months
2) Alot of people feel that the lack of a G5 in the PB (a 'professional' level line of systems) is what is keeping them (the G5) out of the iMac models. While I don't think that the PB will get a G5 soon, I do think that a bump there is needed before a bump in the iMac line.
3) The gap between the iBook and PB needs to be widened some, and Apple knows it. iBook sales shouldn't be stealing potential PB sales.
4) The new 90nm G5 cores are shipping (finally) but in seemingly limited quantities (no dual XServes, for example). I think that Apple will wait to update PowerMacs until they can incorporate the new G5 core (setting them up for just 2 more revisions to get that fabled dual 3gh machine out the door... a switch to the new core, with a good 2.5-2.6 dual machine, and then the big move to the 3ghz machine). That said, they need to do SOMETHING to move some units this summer. Revamping the laptops followed in a few months by a new 'consumer' level system (new e/iMacs) will do just that.
5) The Mac laptops aren't very competitive price/performance wise with current PC offerings. I think most -* EDIT: maybe not MOST, but alot of *- switchers start with laptops (you can keep your WIntel box at home, and try out this spiffy little iBook as a 'second' machine on the road). But if consumers feel that the laptops aren't up to snuff with the PC alternatives, where's the incentive to 'try it out'?
6) I, too, am in the PowerBook market, so I am trying to envoke all my stored up karma to get some new systems out before I buy.
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