Disillusioned by the Apple dillying!

[Whyapple]

I have been waiting a while to buy an Apple, either a G5 Mac or a powerbook 15"/12" with 20" Apple screen.

Having counted the days down to the Paris Expo, I honestly thought I would be in a position by now with any updates/upgrades to make a final choice and go out and get one of them. However, I am now constantly reading here that the PB's will be going intel later in 2006.

With this in mind, is there any point in buying this year at all until some definite strategies / timings are in place, the last thing I want is to get a new expensive machine that is out of date (severely) within 12 months or less, especially if I go for a PB.

I am really beginning to doubt the Company, and although I have mentally made the decision to switch from a windows pc am really struggling now to make that leap of faith in the light of so much uncertainty!!

What's the best option, to wait it out until approx 12 months time or hope that something definite is announced in the next week or two - it's doing my head in?

 

[macOSX-tastic]

if you want the latest and greatest, you will never buy technology because it becomes obsolete. most technology becomes obsolete whithin a few months of ownership anyway, its the way it works as technology is moving so fast.

the current G5's and PB's are great machines, and they are probably on their most mature (and thus most perfected) revision. i would prefer a rev D powerbook with a PPC than a rev A intel powerbook. it is also a matter of want vs. need, so if you need it, get it. if you dont, then you can play the waiting game, but remember, the rev A's of products often have problems, overheat, have design flaws etc. an exaple it the rev A iMac G5's....they were hell for some users!

PPC products will still be compatable with software for years to come....dont worry aabout the transition...steve has assured he wont leave his crowd in the dark!!!

hope i have helped you decide on a few things.

tastic

 

[PaRaGoNViCtiM]

if you want the latest and greatest, you will never buy technology because it becomes obsolete. most technology becomes obsolete whithin a few months of ownership anyway, its the way it works as technology is moving so fast.

the current G5's and PB's are great machines, and they are probably on their most mature (and thus most perfected) revision. i would prefer a rev D powerbook with a PPC than a rev A intel powerbook. it is also a matter of want vs. need, so if you need it, get it. if you dont, then you can play the waiting game, but remember, the rev A's of products often have problems, overheat, have design flaws etc. an exaple it the rev A iMac G5's....they were hell for some users!

PPC products will still be compatable with software for years to come....dont worry aabout the transition...steve has assured he wont leave his crowd in the dark!!!

hope i have helped you decide on a few things.

tastic

There ya go! Perfectly explained!!

 

[Kelson]

Advice on buying HW....

That's right,you don't wait for the latest and greatest...you set specific criteria...and when that is satisfied, you buy.

Often, it's time based, you need a new computer for when school starts or something. The way that I did it....

1. Power Mac
- Dual 3ghz G5
- PCI Express

Those are not satisifed, so I will not buy, because I don't have a specific time constraint.

2. Powerbook
- 2Ghz (G4/G5)
- Or 1.5ghz Dual Core (G4/G5)
- Mobility 9800 or better
- Improved Screen Resolution (HD LCD)

I'm still operating on my 1Ghz TiBook, and quite happy with it.

I set these criteria because I need to use the laptop for 3 years as a daily machine for doing my job. If the laptop is no longer sufficient after 2 years, I have to pay out of my own pocket for a new one to hold me over until the 3 year point, when my employer will shell out for a replacement.

With the stall in the Powerbook line, I expect I'll have to wait until the Intel books come out, which will allow me to dual boot OS X and Vista, or run Vista in a VNC, which will be a huge advantage for me in trying to operate in a windows work environment, with the need for applications like Visio. Virtual PC is very slow, etc.

Anyway, my point is, look at the different technical aspects, set your criteria, when they are met, you buy. It takes the emotion out of it, and ensures that your purchase meets your needs.

- Kelson

if you want the latest and greatest, you will never buy technology because it becomes obsolete. most technology becomes obsolete whithin a few months of ownership anyway, its the way it works as technology is moving so fast.

 

[revisionA]

Its the OS that makes Mac what it is. I have been using computers since I was 9, 1983 to be precise.

If you like the way it works, get what you can afford when you need it.

Never buy a computer on credit, you will pay way too much.

Dont buy the top of the line machine unless you plan to push your machine every day.

Dont buy anything for its resale value, that is the dumbest way to operate. You lost 50% of anything's value when you leave the store, or open the package. This may not be true for 2004 or earlier with macs, but its definately true now.

Get a dual 2.0, with pci-x slots... if you can, best machine of the lineup.

I have a single 1.8 g5 revision A tower... but it works flawlessly, and I love it.

 

[al3000]

I am kinda in the same position, before I make the switch from windows to a new PB I think I am going to wait just a tiny bit longer...

 

[nomad01]

What's the best option, to wait it out until approx 12 months time or hope that something definite is announced in the next week or two - it's doing my head in?

Well there's no guarantees but ThinkSecret still seem to think there's an update afoot so I think we might see something in the next couple of weeks.

Hope so anyway. I wanna buy a PowerMac!

 

[Sun Baked]

Well there's no guarantees but ThinkSecret still seem to think there's an update afoot so I think we might see something in the next couple of weeks.

Hope so anyway. I wanna buy a PowerMac!

ThinkSecret has been saying low power and dual cores have been just around the corner for a year.

Sort have given up on them until they actually show.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

I you have to have the latest and greatest, you will be replacing your computer(s) every nine months on the long side.

If that's the case, then go ahead and buy yourself a new Power Mac G5 or Powerbook G4. When the the first Intel powered machines arrive in June '06, sell them and get the new machines, which you will in turn replace with rev.C or D versions another 6-9 months down the road....you can see how this works. Some people do it this way and are happy, which is great.

On the other hand, if you're like me, you replace you primary computer every 4-6 years (not counting upgrades like RAM etc).

If that's the case, go ahead and buy the current machines. They will be fully supported by Apple for the next 4-6 years (if the past and current promises are any judge), so you won't have to worry about them becoming orphans. And they're more than fast enough. You'll be state-of-the-Mac-art for half a year plus after buying them too.

I've owned three primary computers over the last 12 years:

Quadra 610: 1993-1999

iMac rev C: 1999-2004

Power Mac G4: 2004-? (probably another 2-3 years)

I don't think I could get away with using a PC as long as I used my Macs and still be able to run all the software I needed without having to do major upgrades. The only real exceptions are if you are a gaming freak or run pro apps like Final Cut or Motion for a living.

The only reason to not get a computer now is if you feel that you absolutely must have an Intel Mac and can't possibly live with a PowerPC-based Mac. In which case keep suffering with Windows 'till at least summer '06...and I won't pity you.

EDIT: Even if Apple does one more update across the line before the Intel Macs come out, it will be pretty minor (even the dual core G5 won't change things dramatically), so the current crop is a very good buy.

 

[Whyapple]

if you want the latest and greatest, you will never buy technology because it becomes obsolete. most technology becomes obsolete whithin a few months of ownership anyway, its the way it works as technology is moving so fast.

the current G5's and PB's are great machines, and they are probably on their most mature (and thus most perfected) revision. i would prefer a rev D powerbook with a PPC than a rev A intel powerbook. it is also a matter of want vs. need, so if you need it, get it. if you dont, then you can play the waiting game, but remember, the rev A's of products often have problems, overheat, have design flaws etc. an exaple it the rev A iMac G5's....they were hell for some users!

PPC products will still be compatable with software for years to come....dont worry aabout the transition...steve has assured he wont leave his crowd in the dark!!!

hope i have helped you decide on a few things.

tastic

Why thank you for the words of wisdom and Kelson and all, I guess I know it's a big step switching over to Mac from Windows. All the talk on this site about upgrades etc has unsettled me just as I thought I had come to terms with the idea. Obviously I know that you cannot keep abreast of technological advance, I just didn't want to find I was buying at the wrong time completely.
I take on board what you are all saying and will go back to my current needs and take it from there!

 

[macOSX-tastic]

at MR, we love to speculate updates! we get all excited around expo's and conferences!!! this is probably the unsettling info you have been hearing. dont worry, 99% of it is speculation (hence MR). if you want, buy!

 

[MacAficionado]

Why thank you for the words of wisdom and Kelson and all, I guess I know it's a big step switching over to Mac from Windows. All the talk on this site about upgrades etc has unsettled me just as I thought I had come to terms with the idea. Obviously I know that you cannot keep abreast of technological advance, I just didn't want to find I was buying at the wrong time completely.
I take on board what you are all saying and will go back to my current needs and take it from there!

But there are some things to consider though. Had you said you were thinking of buying a PowerBook, I would have said go ahead and wait. If it's an iMac, I would say buy now. If it's a PowerMac, wait. Both PowerBook and PowerMac updates are imminent, so the wait should not be too long. Most likely before Christmas, and I'm saying this not based on personal knowledge, but on experience with Apple revision timeframes. iMac is and will be good for a long time. I have a 15" 1.5Ghz PowerBook that is perfect for me. And still I'm considering buying an iMac, but since I'm setup now, I'll probably buy the first desktop Intel Mac that comes out.

Just figure out if you need a desktop or a laptop, then your decision should be simpler.

 

[bryanc]

While it's perfectly true that progress renders all purchased technology obsolete quickly, there are times when it does not make sense to buy.

The current powerbooks have not been updated in a *long* time, and they are way behind current standards by any measure.

I've been holding off upgrading from my existing 667 MHz TiBook (which has served me very well) for several months, because I can't justify spending $3k on a new PowerBook that is so woefully underpowered.

I appreciate that the G4 is a lame duck, and Apple isn't going to invest much in updating a system that has no future, but the Freescale 7448 CPUs (1.8-2.0GHz, with a much faster FSB) are pin-compatible with the Motorola chips they've been using, so they're a drop-in component that requires no redesign. Comparable PC laptops have significantly faster CPUs, with front side busses that are over 3 times faster, not to mention vastly superior graphics cards and monitors with 75% more resolution, dual layer DVD burners and so on.

Why can't Apple put some of this very ordinary stuff into their PowerBooks to tide us over until the MacIntels ship next year? As long as they're stuck with the PPC, Apple's aren't going to be the fastest machine on the block, but they can still be the best designed, best-equipped, and best value. Unfortunately, that's not currently the case with the PowerBooks (the iBooks are certainly a better deal).

OS X is a better OS, but the PowerBook is starting to be a joke.

 

[nomad01]

EDIT: Even if Apple does one more update across the line before the Intel Macs come out, it will be pretty minor (even the dual core G5 won't change things dramatically), so the current crop is a very good buy.

I'll happily buy one of the current machines but I'm hoping we might see a minor speedbump but with maybe extra ram, better graphics card etc before we get to Intel.

I'll give it a few weeks to see what happens and then if there's nothing happening I'll get a PM.

I'm coping fine with my Powerbook right now so there's no IMMEDIATE need.

 

[SummerBreeze]

I definitely agree with the people here who have said to just go with a computer based on when you need it. I knew that the PowerBook would be updated pretty soon, but I needed one for school and couldn't wait until the next big thing. My 12" PowerBook G4 runs great, and I see improved quality when running Photoshop (espeically on my larger monitor). Sure, it's nice to get the newest thing, but I'm sure you'll be happy on whatever computer you buy (espeically since you're switching from Windows).

 

[macOSX-tastic]

there is always a chance that if you follow and update based on rumor sites such as this, you may end up dissapointed come crunch time (an expo that yeilds unexpected results, today is an example).

ah well, we can only hope....roll on MWSF '06

 

[Lord Blackadder]

While it's perfectly true that progress renders all purchased technology obsolete quickly, there are times when it does not make sense to buy.

The current powerbooks have not been updated in a *long* time, and they are way behind current standards by any measure.

I've been holding off upgrading from my existing 667 MHz TiBook (which has served me very well) for several months, because I can't justify spending $3k on a new PowerBook that is so woefully underpowered.

I appreciate that the G4 is a lame duck, and Apple isn't going to invest much in updating a system that has no future, but the Freescale 7448 CPUs (1.8-2.0GHz, with a much faster FSB) are pin-compatible with the Motorola chips they've been using, so they're a drop-in component that requires no redesign. Comparable PC laptops have significantly faster CPUs, with front side busses that are over 3 times faster, not to mention vastly superior graphics cards and monitors with 75% more resolution, dual layer DVD burners and so on.

Why can't Apple put some of this very ordinary stuff into their PowerBooks to tide us over until the MacIntels ship next year? As long as they're stuck with the PPC, Apple's aren't going to be the fastest machine on the block, but they can still be the best designed, best-equipped, and best value. Unfortunately, that's not currently the case with the PowerBooks (the iBooks are certainly a better deal).

OS X is a better OS, but the PowerBook is starting to be a joke.

The Powerbook has not kept pace as of late but isn't quite as bad as you make it out to be.

It's true that their LCD screens are under par as far as resolution goes.

The CPUs are hampered by their bus but not vastly slower than the mid-level offerings from AMD and Intel, besides being better than the Celeron M.

Their GPUs are pretty good, especially when compared to the integrated graphics standard on many non-DTR PC laptops. The GeForce 5200 is average but the Radeon 9700 is still quite competitive and not hard on battery life liek the Radeon 9800/X800 Mobility.

Dual layer burners - meh. Have you checked prices on dual layer media lately? I would argue that this technology is not yet mature for most laptop users - but that's just my opinion.

The powerbook is always a source of huge debate on this forum, so I will confine myself to telling the OP that buying a powerbook is not a bad idea - it is not competitive in terms of raw performance with the latest PC laptops but it still runs quite fast.

I'm beginning to doubt that Apple will be putting the 7448 in the Powerbook before the Pentium arrives but we'll see. If they do it my guess is it will either be before Christmas or maybe it will be an iBook CPU with the Powerbooks using a Pentium M, both being announced simultaneously in '06. Or maybe the 7448 will be the next Powerbook CPU, with the Powerbook not included in the first round of Intel Macs. Who knows?

 

[Sun Baked]

Looking at Freescale they have the following available...

PPC7448HX1400NC
PPC7448HX1700LC
PPC7448VS1400NC
PPC7448VS1700LC
PPC7448VU1400NC
PPC7448VU1700LC

Of course it is the 90nm scale, so it all depends on how well Freescale will make the shrink.

 

[carpe diem]

Just go for it, it may sound abrupt but you cant use windows any longer.
Sorry i just had to say it.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Just go for it, it may sound abrupt but you cant use windows any longer.
Sorry i just had to say it.

True to your handle, LOL.

 

[Stampyhead]

I am really beginning to doubt the Company, and although I have mentally made the decision to switch from a windows pc am really struggling now to make that leap of faith in the light of so much uncertainty!!

I don't think there is any uncertainty on the part of Apple. They have their roadmap and they are following it. The problems come when we get in our heads what and when updates should be, and then yell at Apple because they don't go along with it. Sure there are some machines that may be overdue for major updates, but with the Intel switch looming on the horizon we have to expect that major updates may not happen as they did in the past, just temporarily. I have the latest model Powerbook and I love it! Could it be bigger, better and faster? Maybe, but it does the job now and suits my needs just fine. I think they will blow us away once the Intel chips are in place.
Just my thoughts.

 

[MacPassion]

With the stall in the Powerbook line, I expect I'll have to wait until the Intel books come out, which will allow me to dual boot OS X and Vista, or run Vista in a VNC, which will be a huge advantage for me in trying to operate in a windows work environment, with the need for applications like Visio. Virtual PC is very slow, etc.

- Kelson

Is it that really true? Will we be able to dual boot? Will it be possible also for other Inter (PC) machine?

BTW, I was so much expecting an udpate that I put on sale my 6 months old HP laptop....so disappointed now...I love the PBs...but the current screen does not satisfy me at all....

 

[forumBuddy]

if you want the latest and greatest, you will never buy technology because it becomes obsolete...

Except that today's Apple portable lineup already obsolete but offered at the latest and greatest prices.

 

[combatcolin]

The fundamental problem with Apple is that

ONE company make the mac while

11.5426 trillion raised to the power of 7 companys make WINTEL computers.

So while the Apple Mac line gets updated every 9 months or so, the PC line gets updated, quite litreally every day because there are so many companys selling WINTEL machines.

I for one, and i suspect many many other Macrumers members wait until the next rev is out before buying new kit.

 

[obrien234]

Dual layer burners - meh. Have you checked prices on dual layer media lately? I would argue that this technology is not yet mature for most laptop users - but that's just my opinion.

I personally know that dual layer right now is not that matured, but most people plan on having a laptop last them at least 2-3 years. The drives may not be that important now, but what about then? Thats where I see dual layer coming into play.