[Gamoe]

March and April have come and passed, with no new iBooks. And now AppleInsider has this to say:

Next wave of Apple hardware shipments expected
May 01 - 9:00 pm EST Based on information from industry contacts, it's expected that Apple this week will begin shipping to dealers several new consumer hardware offerings. Specifically, sources are expecting new iMac G5 and eMac G4 systems. However, revised iBooks are not expected to be part of this next wave of product announcements. Still, unconfirmed reports indicate that the current line of iBooks could see some form of price reduction in the next few weeks.

Ugh. This is just cruel.

[GSixZero]

What do you really expect? The iBooks are already RIGHT on the heels of the powerbooks, which incidentally aren't going anywhere soon. The iBooks could jump from 1.33Ghz to 1.42Ghz or 1.5Ghz, but that's a silly bump even without considering the current state of the powerbooks.

Functionally, the iBooks are already a pretty damn good deal. Adding new features, would invariably draw sales from the Powerbooks. We would either get brand new features or pb features (scrolling trackpad, sudden motion sensor, etc), but I think Apple had to add new features to help the PBs limp along until the next major break through. You're right it's frustrating that Apple's portable line up is essentially in a traffic jam at the moment, but not terribly surprising.

If we saw a price drop on the iBooks, that would be pretty significant. They're already a great deal I think, and dropping the price and bumping the ram would make them a killer deal!

[Voch]

A price drop would be tempting for me to finally upgrade from my TiBook. I'd at least get it as an interim machine and maybe pass it on to my Dad in the future...

Voch

[pantalaimon]

Originally Posted by Voch

A price drop would be tempting for me to finally upgrade from my TiBook. I'd at least get it as an interim machine and maybe pass it on to my Dad in the future...

Voch

i'd hold out for a new ibook if it was going to get a better video card... anyone know how likely that is?

If apple drops the price of the ibook i'd be very tempted, I may be selling my 20" iMac G5 and replacing it with the 12" ibook. I can't justify having a G5 at the moment for what i'm using it for and I could do with the money.

[discotronic]

I would guarantee that the iBook line gets an upgrade before the end of summer. The back to school buying season is very important for Apple. At this point who knows what will happen with the line. I would say that it is about time for a design change. The current design has been going for too long.

[Gamoe]

Yes, it is a bit frustrating. And, I agree with you, the iBook is right on top of the PowerBooks. But, as others have mentioned, a slightly better (Core Image supported) graphics card, or just a different design would give many users further incentive.

Lower prices would be great. But, I am undecided as to whether I would go for a lower priced iBook or wait for a revision, simply because I expect the iBook I get to be my portable machine for a while, and I want to get the best specs I can now (without breaking the bank), and to be honest I'd like to see a different design too, myself.

[ccsccs7]

I'm just waiting until I have some money to buy a nice little 12" Powerbook. (Sorry iBook people, but I've had my iBook for 3+ years and the sleek smaller Powerbook calls to me.) Good grief! I should just off myself. Too much stress. Sorry, sorry. I'll go away now.

[Captain Obvious]

Originally Posted by Voch

A price drop would be tempting for me to finally upgrade

They are already sub $1000 and come with the Airport card. That is as low as it will get.

[Gamoe]

Originally Posted by Captain Obvious

They are already sub $1000 and come with the Airport card. That is as low as it will get.

Voch may be refering to another model, and although I also doubt Apple will go much lower than the starting price, who's to say for certain?

[Randman]

With the mini, prices on the iBooks aren't going to drop much, if at all. There's likely to be a slight bump in performance, maybe 512 ram standard, maybe a few other improvements.

[zenwhen]

My iBook just shipped. Screw this waiting crap.

[Voch]

Captain Obvious is probably right that at $999 the iBooks are likely at their lowest price point. I'm just waiting for a killer feature or redesign, I guess. No rush...the TiBook is runnin' great...

Voch

[Gamoe]

Originally Posted by zenwhen

My iBook just shipped. Screw this waiting crap.

I don't blame you. I'm starting to get sick of it myself.

Oh, and welcome to the forums!

[TiDual]

Apple store is down now! iBooks and iMacs on the way ... well ... probably just iMacs ... oh well

[toffe]

Originally Posted by TiDual

Apple store is down now! iBooks and iMacs on the way ... well ... probably just iMacs ... oh well

It is atleast a sigth of hope... Something is happening.
If there are no new iBooks, i will probably buy one anyway.
But. It would be sooo cool if they had done something to them,
I would hope most for core-graphics [and/or frequency boost.]

[toffe]

I just reloaded the Apple Store page...
They had changed for the iBooks so that it says they come with Tiger instead of Panther....

But they have a new iMac
up to 2Ghz
512 RAM
Wireless...
Os X Tiger & iLife 05

[toffe]

Would it be best to place an order now, since they haven't done anything else to the iBooks?

[irus]

OS got bumped to Tiger, but that had to happen anyway. RAM increase to 512 MB would've been a nice and inexpensive bump, giving you a truly usable machine with no immediate need for upgrade while maintaining the distinction between iBooks and PBs.

[toffe]

For me it's ok to buy some additional memory from elsewhere (http://eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/Upgr...Show+Upgrades), since i want more than 512 anyway, that would only have caused that both slots were filled, and i had to throw away one 256 if i want more...

But i don't know about the graphics and Tiger. tried one today at a mac store, it was ok, but much smoother on a PB

[galarneau]

Well, if the eMac now has a Radeon 9600, I fully expect the iBook and mini to soon follow.

Just to restate the obvious... anyone thinking of buying an iBook now, should wait a week or two.

[toffe]

Originally Posted by galarneau

Well, if the eMac now has a Radeon 9600, I fully expect the iBook and mini to soon follow.

Just to restate the obvious... anyone thinking of buying an iBook now, should wait a week or two.

That toatlly renewed my hope. Thank you
I'll wait.

[Voch]

Am I correct in assuming that the Radeon 9600 GPU in the latest eMacs, iMacs, and Power Mac G5 is comperable to the Radeon Mobility 9600 that we saw in the first aluminum PowerBooks way back in September 2003?

If so it sounds like the eMacs, iMacs, and Power Mac G5s just got updated to what PowerBooks had two revs ago and we're hoping that the iBooks get the same sometime soon.

Sorry. Just had to rant.

Voch

[Simon]

Actually I thought the Radeon 9600 was more comparable with the Radeon Mobility 9700...

[Voch]

Originally Posted by Simon

Actually I thought the Radeon 9600 was more comparable with the Radeon Mobility 9700...

You're probably right. I'm considering them as the "same generation", I guess. It's just something that caught my eye. After adding/subtracting whatever the Mobility 9700 needs to be a mobile-friendly GPU it's probably comperable to the full-blown 9600.

EDIT: So I guess the question is, what will the next iBook GPU be?

Voch

[Simon]

Originally Posted by Voch

EDIT: So I guess the question is, what will the next iBook GPU be?

I hate to be the one to say it, but I'm afraid it's going to be the dreaded Go5200 with 32MB VRAM.

[galarneau]

Originally Posted by Simon

I hate to be the one to say it, but I'm afraid it's going to be the dreaded Go5200 with 32MB VRAM.

I sincerely hope you're wrong... but at least it would have programmable pixel shader 2.0 support.

Just trying to think of it as a glass half full kind of thing.

[storer]

I price drop would be fantastic. I'm thinking about purchasing one very soon.

EDIT: I just noticed that the eMacs are now faster than iBooks. They are both aimed at EDU right? Surely they've got an update coming soon then?

[Voch]

I think the Radeon 9600 was a no-brainer for Apple to put in their desktop-class machines right now. Determining the next GPU for their best-selling low-cost portable will likely be a compromise (the Go5200 32MB is cheap and runs cool).

I just can't see myself blowing $2000 on another Apple portable. I've been fairly frugal with my latest tech purchases. That's why I'm lingering in the iBook forums lately. I want something earth-shattering to happen to the iBooks that makes 'em so compelling I'll upgrade from my trusty PowerBook.

Oh...and while we're at it...world peace would be nice too.

EDIT: I *was* lucky enough to wait for the iBook/500's new design back in 2001. I almost bought a graphite iBook/466 SE.

Voch

[Dave N]

Basing my prediction on basically nothing, I predict new iBooks at the June WWDC

...with a total redesign

[storer]

^^ That would be nice. That's sort of what I want.

[alimunnik]

I would love to buy an iBook, because of its superior airport reception, but in this new Tiger era 256 Mb RAM and a 32 M video card are a little insufficient. Perhaps when the 128 M video card becomes standard on all Powerbooks, Apple will see fit to equip new iBooks with 64 video and 512 RAM. At current prices I would purchase one right away.

[iDaver]

Originally Posted by Dave N

Basing my prediction on basically nothing, I predict new iBooks at the June WWDC

...with a total redesign

Yep, me too. Refreshes are overdue. The design is four years old. What else is Steve Jobs going to talk about?

My guess is that both (12" and 14") models will be discontinued, replaced by a 14" wide screen; 1280x800 with 64MB VRAM. Memory, hard drive size and SuperDrives will be the only variations; two or three options from which to choose.

[toffe]

If they boosted the memory standard memory, do you think that there will just be an extra 256 stick in the second slot, or bigger built-in memory with still one empty memoty slot. Havent pb's 512, but both filled or something?

I'd hate to "throw one away" if i wanted more memory. But perhaps it isn't necessary then if it'l come standard..

[iDaver]

Originally Posted by toffe

If they boosted the memory standard memory, do you think that there will just be an extra 256 stick in the second slot, or bigger built-in memory with still one empty memoty slot. Havent pb's 512, but both filled or something?

I'd hate to "throw one away" if i wanted more memory. But perhaps it isn't necessary then if it'l come standard..

Problem is, two 256s is always cheaper than one 512, and Apple always takes the cheap route. I wish they'd change this policy because a lot of people feel like you do and it's wasteful. I'll bet there are a lot more memory chips sitting in desk drawers, than are sold on eBay or given to someone who could use them.

[galarneau]

Originally Posted by iDaver

Yep, me too. Refreshes are overdue. The design is four years old. What else is Steve Jobs going to talk about?

My guess is that both (12" and 14") models will be discontinued, replaced by a 14" wide screen; 1280x800 with 64MB VRAM. Memory, hard drive size and SuperDrives will be the only variations; two or three options from which to choose.

If they move the iBook to a 14" 1280x800 screen, who would buy the 15" PowerBook at over 2x the money and with a 15" 1280x854 screen?

The only scenario I see the above making sense is if Apple also makes the PowerBook screens a higher resolution (i.e. 15" to 1440x900 and 17" to 1600x1050 or something like that). Since the PowerBook were just updated a little while ago, I see this as unlikely very soon.

[iDaver]

Originally Posted by galarneau

If they move the iBook to a 14" 1280x800 screen, who would buy the 15" PowerBook at over 2x the money and with a 15" 1280x854 screen?

Those who want DVI out, faster hard drives, better (and lighted) keyboards, gigabit ethernet, two-finger scrolling, PCMCIA slots, audio-in, and aluminum enclosures.

[zenwhen]

Originally Posted by iDaver

Those who want DVI out, faster hard drives, better (and lighted) keyboards, gigabit ethernet, two-finger scrolling, PCMCIA slots, audio-in, and aluminum enclosures.

I agree with the person you are disagreeing with. Apple will not pull the iBook THAT close the the Powerbook right now.

[iDaver]

Originally Posted by zenwhen

I agree with the person you are disagreeing with. Apple will not pull the iBook THAT close the the Powerbook right now.

You all are probably right; the iBooks might remain stagnant until Apple can upgrade PowerBooks with major new features. It's a shame though, I'll probably never buy a PowerBook again but might buy a new iBook, if they are made better; i.e. brighter, higher resolution, wide screen displays.

[Gamoe]

So after all this time waiting, I unexpectedly found what I was looking for. I bought a dual USB iBook off of sledsbehave, instead of going for the next gen. iBook. I figure an update won't really satisfy me, and this way I can hold out for a year or two longer at least, until a new re-design, or something very compelling in the iBook (or portables) line comes along.

[iDaver]

Originally Posted by Gabriel Morales

So after all this time waiting, I unexpectedly found what I was looking for. I bought a dual USB iBook off of sledsbehave, instead of going for the next gen. iBook.

Sounds like a good option; buy used, save money, no more waiting.

[jamil5454]

I just hope they update them before I go to college. I'm thinking about a new iMac and iBook combo.

[alimunnik]

Because many people now purchase laptops as desktops replacements, the next generation of laptops will have to include a quantum leap in specifications (2 - 3 Ghz processor speed, a minimum of 160 Gb hard drive, at least 128 VRAM, widescreen monitors, etcetera). This places Apple in a bit of a quandry as far as the iBook is concerned. The G4 is probably maxed out as far as Processor speed is concerned, and anything larger than a 100 Gb hard drive is too large to fit into present laptops. The upper end Powermacs require a liquid cooling system, so it is not very likely that we will see a G5 notebook any time soon. To upgrade the specs on the iBook to Powerbook levels would make no economic sense to Apple unless it were possible to make significant upgrades to the latter.
A good compromise would be to upgrade all the PB's to the 17 inch specs and drop their price somewhat. Then they could upgrade the iBooks to 1.5 Ghz, 512 RAM and include a 64VRAM card. For owners of more recent editions of the iBook it wouldn't be worth the money to go out and buy a new one, but for those with older models running at speeds less than 1 Ghz, it might be a worthwhile investment.
When a new generation of laptops surfaces in a few years, complete with innovations such as Flash Cards rather than a conventional hard drive, the initial prices no doubt will be well out of iBook customer range.

[Gamoe]

alimunnik, I think the iBook still has room for improvements and leaps beyond what it is today for a while to come, at a consumer-entry price. We just have to wait till Apple is able to pack the PowerBook with more punch, and pass on other feature/innovations to the iBook. I don't think this is will be the next generation, though, which is part of the reason I decided to go with an older iBook.

[alimunnik]

Well, Gabriel, it has been more than 2 years since the G5 surfaced, and it has yet to find it's way into a laptop. We were promised a speed of 3 GHz by the summer of 04 but all we have so far is 2.7 GHz which produces so much heat that it requires a liquid cooling system, just like an automobile!
Perhaps Apple will have to develop a processor chip specific to laptops, like Intel's Centrino.I think it is Toshiba that is working on Flash Memory as a substitute for hard drives because they will take up less space.
I really wouldn't buy any laptop at the moment. It is telling that the iBook is the only product line that still ships with 256 RAM. It's still okay, but marginally so, for running Tiger, but the next OS X version is probably only two years away, and it's doubtful the the iBook as it is today would be able to handle that.
Ideally, a laptop should run at least 75% of the specs of the comparable desktop. I would wait until the next generation of laptops arrive, although their initial price will probably be exorbitant.

[Gamoe]

Originally Posted by alimunnik

Well, Gabriel, it has been more than 2 years since the G5 surfaced, and it has yet to find it's way into a laptop. We were promised a speed of 3 GHz by the summer of 04 but all we have so far is 2.7 GHz which produces so much heat that it requires a liquid cooling system, just like an automobile!

This is true, nevertheless, it does not mean that Apple has to come up with a "quantum leap" (Sam?) in specs. I think the obsession and need with raw power and speed are beginning to stabilize, and many people are realizing that they do not need ever-faster CPUs. Instead, I think the focus is beginning to shift to features and real world functionality.

Perhaps Apple will have to develop a processor chip specific to laptops, like Intel's Centrino.

Perhaps. This is not necessarily a bad idea. Although I think the PPCs in the 'books may be modified to be more efficient.

I think it is Toshiba that is working on Flash Memory as a substitute for hard drives because they will take up less space.

And less power, and produce less heat. Your hopes may soon be realized. Take a look at this.

I really wouldn't buy any laptop at the moment. It is telling that the iBook is the only product line that still ships with 256 RAM. It's still okay, but marginally so, for running Tiger, but the next OS X version is probably only two years away, and it's doubtful the the iBook as it is today would be able to handle that.

But, some people are not looking for the latest and greatest, but simply a portable to do their daily work on. So, for them it's no big deal. I agree with you, that this isn't the best time to get a 'book if you are, which is why I decided to get a used iBook instead.

Ideally, a laptop should run at least 75% of the specs of the comparable desktop. I would wait until the next generation of laptops arrive, although their initial price will probably be exorbitant.

I don't agree with you. Surely, the top of the line might be. But cheap PC laptops will continue to made and sold, so Apple has to have a competitively priced low end. Maybe they will be more expensive than the low end now, but I doubt Apple can afford to make them much more expensive.

[iDaver]

Originally Posted by alimunnik

Because many people now purchase laptops as desktops replacements, the next generation of laptops will have to include a quantum leap in specifications <snip>

alimunnik, keep in mind that iBooks are budget notebooks. They're not intended to have the latest and greatest (CPU) specs. I think they're an excellent value just as they are and lots of people get a lot of work (and play) done on them. They are really quite fast. PowerBooks on the other hand could use a big bump in specs, should Apple, IBM or Freescale figure out how to do that.

I think what the iBooks need right now are better screens, more memory and more disk space. A cool new redesign is about due too. One with a wide screen, a thinner bezel and a more scratch resistant outer shell would suit me fine. I'm about ready to replace my 12" G3 600.

[toffe]

I need some hope. I have just bougth all the software i need and all the perpiherals i need for an ibook (external haddrive, dvd-burner etc.). It's just the iBook that i lack. Waiting still if there were an update soon. But right now it i don't have much hope at all that a new release (even the tiniest) should come soon.
I would settle for any update, if there only came some update. I just don't want to buy a new computer and realize that: Hey, for that price you would have got a much better one if you had just wainted a liittle bit longer. So here i am, wainting. - ah, the agony!

-ok having gotten this off my chest, i feel much better. Now i'll have some lunch!

[Gamoe]

Originally Posted by toffe

I would settle for any update, if there only came some update. I just don't want to buy a new computer and realize that: Hey, for that price you would have got a much better one if you had just wainted a liittle bit longer. So here i am, wainting. - ah, the agony!

I still think Apple will update before the next school semester/year. I don't think it'll be a huge update, but I think it will happen.

[alimunnik]

All this angst about new, improved iBooks addresses our deepest fears. To lay out $1000 plus for a new iBook a week or two before a new edition is unleashed with greatly enhanced specs and a smaller price tag. I wonder how all those fellows who purchased iMacs in the first half of April are feeling today?
It's been quite a while since the PB's and iBooks have had a significant makeover. Even the lowly eMac now boasts impressive specs. But then the eMac doesn't have a big brother to keep it down in its rightful place.
I looked at what the other laptop manufacturers are serving up and it seems that they have all hit the same wall as the 17 inc PB. So maybe it will be awhile before something significantly better comes down the pike. At least it is possible to beef up the RAM to a respectable 1.25. Too bad about the video card. With people having 64 VRAM venting Old Testament lamentations, how are we to feel about 32 VRAM? With software nabobs devoting all their efforts to satisfying the high-end crowd, we will soon be making all our accessory purchases in museums!

[Mojo]

All this anxiety over feeling the need to have the latest and greatest consumer electronic goody! The marketing folks must love it that their work has paid-off so handsomely for computer companies...

From my point of view, in most cases the better deal is to be had AFTER a new model is released and the previous model can be had for a bargain. I got my G4 1GHZ iBook for $650 in December. Is it worth $350 more for built-in Airport capability and .2GHZ more speed? Not in my (i)Book!

Now, some model upgrades are different... The recent 20" iMac revision is a case in point. If I was in the market for an iMac I would likely go for the new model, unless I found the previous model for significantly less $$$. But the prices I have seen so far haven't been discounted much, so the new iMac looks mighty good.

Life is too short to be worrying about this kind of stuff, unless you don't have a life to begin with...