[Cody Dawg]

So, the new Macs are here.

Is anyone here running out to buy any of the latest offerings from Apple?

I read Pogues review here of the new Macs and though they're faster, there are drawbacks.

Apple says that according to technical benchmarks, the new laptop, for example, is four times as fast as the previous model. In the real world, even a few minutes of testing on these Macs proves that Web pages appear nearly instantaneously, huge photo libraries scroll briskly, and programs pop open after only a second or two. These Macs even start up faster - so fast that the big Apple logo makes only a fleeting appearance.

But there is a hitch: you get all of this speed only when you're running programs that have been rewritten especially for the Intel chip.

Apple has already rewritten Mac OS X and its constellation of programs (like its e-mail program, Web browser and the iLife suite). Other programs, including Microsoft Office and Photoshop, still work - the new Macs seamlessly translate older software so that the Intel chip can process it - but they run at the old speed, or even slower.

Apple warns that programs requiring speed, like professional video and sound editing software, may not run at all in this translation mode. That includes Apple's own Final Cut Pro, Aperture and other high-end software, but Apple says you can "crossgrade" to the Intel-based versions in March for $50 each.

If such programs are critical to your work, wait until they've been updated to speak the Intel chip's language before buying an Intel-based Mac.

Normally a new PowerBook offering would have me seriously considering a new purchase since it's been a year since I bought this one and I buy new annually (one of the luxuries I afford myself from time to time) but this new PowerBook is rev A and who knows if it gets really hot, has bugs in it, etc.

Anyway, let us know if you're tempted or not and if so (or not) why.

[Mastrap]

I was really tempted, but this time I am waiting for the next revision. Moving everything to a new processor and architecture isn't easy and I just feel more comfortable waiting for a little while.

[Mrjinglesusa]

I'll wait 2-3 years until all software is Universal and my 6 month old iMac is really outdated. I'm still pissed at Apple for having two iMac revisions within ~ 4-5 months of each other. I bought a Rev. B 20" iMac G5 in May/June (right after it came out). Then in October (?) they release an updated enclosure, iSight built-in, Front Row, remote, etc. for a bit less money. Grrrrr. Now, 2-3 months after that, they release an iMac with an Intel chip. Product cycles of 3-4 months is a little ridiculous IMO.

[Cody Dawg]

I hear you, Jingles.

I agree, also, BTW. Apple totally screwed people on that from that standpoint.

I'm tempted also, but I'm also afraid.

I was checking out the new notebook online and I swear, I had dreams last night about buying a new notebook and I dreamt that I got 2nd degree burns from picking it up. Weird dream.

I'm wondering how hot it's going to be (notebook).

If anyone has seen one (or even bought one) let us know what you think?

[paul w]

well somebody has to buy them or there will be no further revisions and Apple will become a media/iPod company.

So I'm taking one for the team here. It's been so long since I've upgraded, this will suit my needs just fine. I suspect that even running Photoshop with Rosetta will seem zippy to me. Sure I'm somewhat concerned as I've never bought a rev a Apple product before, it could be one of those disaster machines, filled with bugs and kinks to work out and so on.

But what the hell.

[Dakar]

Well I'd love to see a Rev B machine in 4-6 months.

[Y3a]

I wonder if the 10.4.4 update, which seems to have probelms on many machines, is intended to push us towards the purchase of the new mactel boxes?

[ShotgunEd]

I'm waiting for the MacMini Duo or whatever it'll be called.

I'm working with a 2003 iBook and am too broke to get an AIO or a laptop, I'll get a mini and use a 3rd party display.

[Cody Dawg]

WAY TO GO paul w!!!

When are you going to bite the bullet?

WE ALL WANT A *COMPLETE* DOCUMENTED REVIEW FROM YOU.

Seriously, post it here, from opening the box all the way to actually using the machine - post your complete first impressions here.

I can't wait.

[MindFad]

I'm waiting for the Power Macs (or whatever they will be called). The universal software will come. We knew it all wasn't going to be universal from the get-go.

[davesimondotcom]

I think the $50 "crossgrade" thing from Apple is a mistake and they'll eventually end up giving the new discs for free. After all, if someone is "crossgrading" that means they just bought NEW hardware. Give them some new discs with "Universal" bianaries and make them happy.

I'm about ready to buy the Macradobe Suite but am tempted to wait until they announce their policy regarding Universal bianaries. I don't want to have to buy it all over again when I get a new MacBook Pro.

[paul w]

Originally Posted by Cody Dawg

WAY TO GO paul w!!!

When are you going to bite the bullet?

WE ALL WANT A *COMPLETE* DOCUMENTED REVIEW FROM YOU.

Seriously, post it here, from opening the box all the way to actually using the machine - post your complete first impressions here.

I can't wait.

No problem, it'll be new mac pron for all to see and enjoy.

(PM me though for a "private session" )

[Big Mac]

I don't understand it when people claim web pages draw so quickly with a processor change. Web page drawing certainly doesn't peg a G5, so if Mactels are across the board faster at drawing web pages there's something else obviously at play. The same thing applies to application launch times - that's a matter of drive speed.

[wdlove]

I'm very excited about the new Intel Mac.

Like others prefer to wait on reviews. The Rev. B model is of interest.

[Cody Dawg]

When are you "doing" it, paul w?

[paul w]

February 15th, plus time for express shipping. I'm not the only one here who's bought one, but we'll have a little race and see which lucky member gets to satisfy Cody first.

[Cody Dawg]

Satisfy me?







NOW you're talking!

I'm stupid I guess...is that when they're available? They're not in the stores yet?

[paul w]

I ordered one shortly after the announcement. Apple says it will ship by then. That is all I or anyone knows.

[Cody Dawg]

So they're not in stores then?

Hmmm...



Well, that's okay, I guess.

Maybe they'll have Rev B out by then too.

[Leia's Left Bun]

Really they are only faster for Universal Apps? Who would have thought? Good thing that informative story was there to enlighten us.

[Cody Dawg]

Yeah, Pogue is good that way.

I had no clue about that either. There could've been a mass stampede to buy them except for that crucial bit of information.

Also, I REALLY want to know if they're in stores. People are taking a chance buying online sight unseen aren't they?

Like how hot IS the new notebook, for instance? Remember when the Titaniums FRIED people? Remember those stories about men with baked afrotesticles? (Hi Rob)

[Stradlater]

Originally Posted by Leia's Left Bun

Really they are only faster for Universal Apps? Who would have thought? Good thing that informative story was there to enlighten us.

And whodathunk that most non-altivec-enhanced programs were equally fast on G3s and G4s.

[Leia's Left Bun]

Originally Posted by Stradlater

And whodathunk that most non-altivec-enhanced programs were equally fast on G3s and G4s.

I remember encoding MP3's was much faster on a G4 when apps supported Alti-Vec.

[Chuckit]

They shouldn't be in stores yet — due for release in February like Steve said.

That said, yeah, we're missing two important bits of information. One is heat. The other is battery life. For all we know, it heats up to 150° in half an hour and then shuts off immediately. I wouldn't want to buy a laptop with both of these things unknown.

[Cody Dawg]

That's exactly what I'm thinking, Chuckit.

It's kind of like when a studio releases a movie without advance screenings to critics for review.



When that happens that usually means that there's something to be kept quiet about - they don't want the bad news getting around.

[Leia's Left Bun]

Originally Posted by Chuckit

They shouldn't be in stores yet — due for release in February like Steve said.

That said, yeah, we're missing two important bits of information. One is heat. The other is battery life. For all we know, it heats up to 150� in half an hour and then shuts off immediately. I wouldn't want to buy a laptop with both of these things unknown.

I can't see it being hotter or not lasting as long as the G4's did.

[Chuckit]

Smaller space, better graphic card, dual-core processor — I could see it. Even being as hot as the TiBook could be bad. And the fact that they aren't telling the battery life, even though they apparently know every other specification and have working machines, is worrisome. It looks like they aren't pleased with it.

[Cody Dawg]

Chuck is right, you know.

He usually is.

[Leia's Left Bun]

Originally Posted by Chuckit

Smaller space, better graphic card, dual-core processor — I could see it. Even being as hot as the TiBook could be bad. And the fact that they aren't telling the battery life, even though they apparently know every other specification and have working machines, is worrisome. It looks like they aren't pleased with it.

The battery is higher wattage and the intel chips have awesome performance per watt. I could see it being the same.

The only thing that might draw more power is the 67% brighter screen.

[Chuckit]

Yeah, it could well be the same. I'm just saying, I wouldn't bet two grand on it.

[isao bered]

Originally Posted by Cody Dawg

So, the new Macs are here.

Is anyone here running out to buy any of the latest offerings from Apple?

been several years since a desktop upgrade, so i went for a bto 20" imactel. i was going to purchase in december, but waited out the keynote - i wanted the imac, but may have gone with a mintel had they introduced it and the performance specs were decent.

not really too concerned with the software/processor issues at the moment. i'm jumping from a 7-or-800mhz g4 machine so i'm figuring it'll be sufficiently faster even under rosetta. hoping that by the time i transfer most of my key software will have updated to universal. so unless the whole processor changeover goes horribly wrong, i'll likely be satisfied.

so i'm looking forward to ridding myself soon of that loud emac and replacing it with a bigger, more beautiful, and quieter machine. :-) and if their estimates are accurate my transition will begin sometime next week.

be well.

laeth

[production_coordinator]

I'm holding off for the Rev B Intel PowerMac (or whatever they are called).

I don't buy regularly enough to chance a bad system.

[typoon]

Well I'm selling my Mac mini and using the money I get from my Tax refund to get one of these Intel iMacs. I can't wait.

[rickey939]

I'll buy new in 2 more years....that is, if Apple is still in business.

[aberdeenwriter]

Imagine if every 2 - 4 years your telephone or your TV or your automobile or your home appliances or your home itself were rendered less functional because of decisions by the manufacturer and the only way you could retain the level of functionality, ease and compatibility you originally had when you bought new was to KEEP ON BUYING NEW or else with every year you would become more and more crippled until one day the only things you were able to completely use were the features, the functionality built-in to your product or, in this case only the programs already loaded onto your computer.

No new applications were being made for your system. Support was being discontinued right and left. Nothing else on the web was likely to work because your machine was outdated so surfing the web became a study in frustration when more than 50% of the time whatever you clicked wouldn't be compatible.

As consumers we have accepted this paradigm, this business model which squarely places us on a moving conveyor belt and unless we continually buy a new computer every few years we will be left behind in the electronic/information dustbin.

All I can say is enjoy your conspicuous consumption and disposable incomes while ye may.

The conveyor belt stops for no one.

OK.

Now back to your regularly scheduled Pavlovian drooling.

[Chuckit]

In what industry does your product keep getting upgrades while you never have to pay another dime?

[paul w]

Originally Posted by aberdeenwriter

Imagine if every 2 - 4 years your telephone or your TV or your automobile or your home appliances or your home itself were rendered less functional because of decisions by the manufacturer and the only way you could retain the level of functionality, ease and compatibility you originally had when you bought new was to KEEP ON BUYING NEW or else with every year you would become more and more crippled until one day the only things you were able to completely use were the features, the functionality built-in to your product or, in this case only the programs already loaded onto your computer.

No new applications were being made for your system. Support was being discontinued right and left. Nothing else on the web was likely to work because your machine was outdated so surfing the web became a study in frustration when more than 50% of the time whatever you clicked wouldn't be compatible.

As consumers we have accepted this paradigm, this business model which squarely places us on a moving conveyor belt and unless we continually buy a new computer every few years we will be left behind in the electronic/information dustbin.

All I can say is enjoy your conspicuous consumption and disposable incomes while ye may.

The conveyor belt stops for no one.

OK.

Now back to your regularly scheduled Pavlovian drooling.

That's all well and good, but for me I just justify it as a business expense. This is a tool - a tool I need, and have become accustomed to. Tools wear in all industries as they get used more freqeuntly than luxury items.

I, being a long time Apple customer, have faith in their tools. I buy the protection plan, sure, but I also have had nothing but good experiences with Apple's support, something I've never heard a PC owner say, quite the contrary.

And sure, I may get a lemon, or a "bad" Apple product. But all this whinging makes me laugh. I really only hear it from folks on forums like this one. Out in the real world EVERYONE I know is working on outdated hardware. It's a miracle the world keeps turning.

[JoshuaZ]

I`m waiting for the 13in Macbook Pro.

Or something to that degree.

[G4ME]

looking at the specs of the macbook pro couple things i don't like,

they don't have FW 800 (not that i have anything that has FW 800, but still)

the change in the AC power adapter. the universal power adapter was sweet, if you knew some one with and laptop in the past what 5 years? you could just have bummed their brick and charge her up, now you gotta have the special magnet thingy, oh well.

oh and I am still on a dual G4 500 and a 12 PB 1GHZ on lone from apple. So far I haven't really had the need to upgrade, everything that I want to do works on both comps.

[aberdeenwriter]

Originally Posted by Chuckit

In what industry does your product keep getting upgrades while you never have to pay another dime?

A 1965 Mustang still travels every highway and street in America.

A 1955 Telephone still can call every home in America.

A 1945 House still provides protection, warmth and shelter.

A 1995 Computer is essentially a $40 nostalgia piece capable of doing a few tricks using it's factory installed components and with much investment in upgrading can still surf the web but with the required QT upgrades and iTunes upgrades and this upgrade and that upgrade, many of which require a certain chip speed or RAM or HD capacity the economic decision HAS to be whether it is easier or smarter to upgrade or buy new.

I know people with 1970 era vintage Microwaves that work perfectly.

How long do you expect before Steve rings the bell and your shiny brand new intel iMac is suddenly unacceptable to you and you need the next NEW computer?

Don't be surprised when Apple comes out with what would amount to an I.V. into your pocketbook.

A series of Lifetime Apple Plans. You pay $60 a month and get a brand new iMac and free dial up service. $80/mo gets you DSL. The TOP plan or Lifetime Apple Plan TOP (LAPTOP?) would get you all the doodads and gimmcracks. And rather than it be a credit purchasing plan or lease it would be more like a commodity or utilities company like the phone or gas or electricity company provides you service with the knowledge they know you can't really do without them and they'll always have your business.

They'll save marketing dollars in the long run by just getting everyone signed up and then ringing the bell and everyone clicks a box online and their payments continue or are increased to handle the new higher monthly payment.

They have the needle in us then just open the vein by ringing the bell.

Yes, my way is more streamlined than the current business model.

[aberdeenwriter]

Originally Posted by paul w

That's all well and good, but for me I just justify it as a business expense. This is a tool - a tool I need, and have become accustomed to. Tools wear in all industries as they get used more freqeuntly than luxury items.

I, being a long time Apple customer, have faith in their tools. I buy the protection plan, sure, but I also have had nothing but good experiences with Apple's support, something I've never heard a PC owner say, quite the contrary.

And sure, I may get a lemon, or a "bad" Apple product. But all this whinging makes me laugh. I really only hear it from folks on forums like this one. Out in the real world EVERYONE I know is working on outdated hardware. It's a miracle the world keeps turning.

I don't begrudge anyone their right and ability to enjoy anything they want or need I just want to present the other side of the story. As I said to all here, enjoy your conspicuous consumption and disposable incomes while ye may.

[Chuckit]

Originally Posted by aberdeenwriter

A 1965 Mustang still travels every highway and street in America.

A 1955 Telephone still can call every home in America.

A 1945 House still provides protection, warmth and shelter.

To the same degree that it did to begin with. A 1995 Mac still runs all the same software it did when it came out. What you want is for it to run more programs. Your 1955 telephone can't use touch-tone services, nor can it take pictures, hold calls or store addresses like modern phones. When smart cars come out, your Mustang will still not be able to drive itself. With computers, the difference is somewhat more marked, but it's still the same phenomenon. Devices have limited capabilities. Newer devices will have more capabilities. The more capabilities things have, the more they are able to do.

[TheoCryst]

I had planned on getting a nice little widescreen iBook after MWSF, but unfortunately they don't exist yet. Even worse, my current lappy is about to kick the bucket after less than a year. I think I'm gonna go ahead and just buy a 12" Powerbook (getting one really cheap at my Uni's book store). It'll more than keep up with me, and I love the small form factor. I'm sure that in another year or so I'll grab an Intel iMac to go along with it.

[aberdeenwriter]

Originally Posted by Chuckit

To the same degree that it did to begin with. A 1995 Mac still runs all the same software it did when it came out. What you want is for it to run more programs. Your 1955 telephone can't use touch-tone services, nor can it take pictures, hold calls or store addresses like modern phones. When smart cars come out, your Mustang will still not be able to drive itself. With computers, the difference is somewhat more marked, but it's still the same phenomenon. Devices have limited capabilities. Newer devices will have more capabilities. The more capabilities things have, the more they are able to do.

Not quite true. Imagine roads you once were able to travel have been closed to you because the municipality increased the requirements.

Imagine having to buy a more powerful engine to continue going to work.

Using your touch tone phone example, how about the bank, municipality, healthcare provider or etc. that once had live customer service reps who answered the phone but who now makes you wait a number of minutes while the opening recorded phone greeting goes through at least two cycles then goes to the default connection to a live operator?

How about the organizations with computerized phone systems that don't have a live CSR default at all? You used to do business with them using the old phone but they changed everything on you and now by doing nothing differently you fall behind and begin losing functionality.

To remain at your current level of functionality you are forced to spend. You are forced to keep feeding the Apple conveyor belt so it can keep turning out new products for you and I and the only time this equation becomes a problem is when our disposable incomes dwindles or stop.

Then, the Apple conveyor belt will still spin like mad but you'll be in the water watching the huge luxury liner full of excited happy carefree partygoers and vacationers and ship staff and crew sail off without you until eventually it will be just a speck in the distance and the only music you hear will be from your outdated iPod that is no longer supported.

It will still play the old songs on it from 5 years ago but can't bring on new songs because the iTMS no longer supports your old computer's Tiger OS and iTunes 7.0.

So all the games and functions and songs you have now will be all you'll ever get...unless you belly up to the bar and grease Steve's wheels some more.

For all of your sakes I hope you can continue buying new computers every two years and on the day you breathe your last may your computer be less than two years old.

Cheers!



Now let's see, where IS that link for the Keynote?

[ajprice]

I think I will be getting a new Mac this year, or between now and what comes out in MWSF 2007 anyway. My G4 runs fine at the moment, with OS X 10.4 etc. When the Intel native/Universal software is more widespread outside Apple's own apps, and more of the Mac range has gone Intel, I'll take a serious look at the options. But at the moment, I'm happy with what I've got, and happy to wait for what is still to come from Intel with the more advanced processors (64 bit etc.). It will probably be a Powermac, because I just like to have the expansion capability (my G4 now has 2 hard drives, a USB 2 card, a wireless 802.11g card, a 16x DVD R drive and bluetooth, which weren't generally available at the release of the computer.)

[residentEvil]

At this time, no. I'm waiting on the mini to be updated to Intel (and hopefully at that time, more of a media center than it is now...the current one missed on a few things).

[ThinkInsane]

Here's a 15 minute demo video of the Macbook Pro. I haven't watched this yet, but it might be interesting to those pondering an upgrade.
http://theory.isthereason.com/?p=650

I'm due for a new machine, but I've been debating the merits of waiting for the next revision also. More than likely though, I'll end up buying one of the new iMacs next month.

[Leia's Left Bun]

Originally Posted by ThinkInsane

Here's a 15 minute demo video of the Macbook Pro. I haven't watched this yet, but it might be interesting to those pondering an upgrade.
http://theory.isthereason.com/?p=650

I'm due for a new machine, but I've been debating the merits of waiting for the next revision also. More than likely though, I'll end up buying one of the new iMacs next month.

that video was horribly done.

[jasonsRX7]

I might get a MacBook if I try it out in the store and it feels impressively fast. I'll definitely get one if VMware or something gets ported to OSx and I can run x86 OS's (Linux, Windows) without emulation.

[demibob]

I might get a new imac.
One thing though. On the apple website it sais that MOST applications will work using rosseta. So not all applications will work and i wont know wich one's until i buy it.