[Scooterboy]

I could be persuaded to buy one if it's one of the cool PPC products coming out before the switch to the dark side. Especially with a Raeon Mobility 9800 or PCIe x800. That would be nice to ride out the Intel transition. No way will I buy a Revision A MacIntel product.

[Commodus]

It's a distinct possibility. I wouldn't count on the Mobility Radeon X800, as (in my understanding) it's a high power/heat chip. But here's my guesses for what Apple might release anywhere between now and September (red indicates changes between models):

12-inch

1.8 GHz G4 with 1 MB L2 cache
200 MHz bus
512 MB DDR400 RAM (one slot)
80 GB 5400 RPM hard drive
128 MB GeForce Go 6200 video
Combo or 8X dual-layer Superdrive

15-inch

1.8 GHz or 2 GHz G4 with 1 MB L2 cache
200 MHz bus
512 MB DDR400 RAM (one slot)
100 GB 5400 RPM hard drive
128 MB Mobility Radeon X700 video (256 MB dual-link DVI option)
Combo or 8X dual-layer Superdrive

17-inch

2 GHz G4 with 1 MB L2 cache
200 MHz bus
512 MB DDR400 RAM (one slot)
120 GB 5400 RPM hard drive
256 MB Mobility Radeon X700 video with dual-link DVI
8X dual-layer Superdrive


Now my clock speed guesses are somewhat optimistic, based on the assumption that the 7448 will have a lot more headroom for clock speed. You can substitute 1.6 and 1.8 GHz if you want to be more pessimistic.

There's also some room for little surprises here and there, like price cuts on the higher-end or better video. I can conceive of Apple using the GeForce Go 6400 - basically a faster 6200 - in the 12-inch, if it won't melt the system.

[Lateralus]

I'm sure there will be. Freescale is already holding presentations on the 7448 at some processor forum this month. So it sure sounds like it is good to roll.

[pat++]

I bet we will see a 7448 in the next PowerBook revision!
Even if they decide not to use the 200mhz bus, it will be cooler, faster, and with a larger L2 cache. Considering it's pin-compatible with the 7447, I'm sure they will use it. Apple cannot stay without updating the PowerBooks for 1 year...

[Commodus]

What I also hope is that Apple will finally use some higher-capacity batteries that give the PowerBooks some real longevity. If I could have a 15" PowerBook that lasted 5 hours in some moderate real-world use, I'd love it.

[skelotar]

dual core or nothing @ all.. Whats the difference between 1.67 and 2 GHz?

Give me, dual core 1.67 and two extra ram slots and I'll happily call this laptop a powerbook once more.