I dunno, the MacBook and the iBook seem to be rather different creatures, despite being targeted at the same demographic. Whereas the iBook and the PowerBook had a rather considerable gap, the MacBook is nearly able to rival the MacBook Pro so long as you don't need a discrete graphics chip. Just remember, the PowerBook wasn't always aluminum.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
WWDC Prediction Thread
- Thread starter Mykbibby
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I dunno, the MacBook and the iBook seem to be rather different creatures, despite being targeted at the same demographic. Whereas the iBook and the PowerBook had a rather considerable gap, the MacBook is nearly able to rival the MacBook Pro so long as you don't need a discrete graphics chip. Just remember, the PowerBook wasn't always aluminum.
iPhone -
For sure: 3G.
Maybe: higher MP camera, two cameras (I highly doubt this one though), more battery life, a cheaper price point (if they keep 8GB and introduce 32GB), MMS (pretty please), sdk stuff.
Regarding other things, I really hope they update the Cinema Displays, those have been sitting around forever. And either drop the price or raise the specs of the Mac Mini, I can't understand how it even sells, to be honest.
I don't think they are going to have their cheapest laptop start at $1799. As well as the Macbook Air sells, they need the Macbok because many students buy it, as well as people looking for a good portability-hardware-price ratio.
For sure: 3G.
Maybe: higher MP camera, two cameras (I highly doubt this one though), more battery life, a cheaper price point (if they keep 8GB and introduce 32GB), MMS (pretty please), sdk stuff.
Regarding other things, I really hope they update the Cinema Displays, those have been sitting around forever. And either drop the price or raise the specs of the Mac Mini, I can't understand how it even sells, to be honest.
I don't think they are going to have their cheapest laptop start at $1799. As well as the Macbook Air sells, they need the Macbok because many students buy it, as well as people looking for a good portability-hardware-price ratio.
Don't get me wrong, there were certainly some significant upgrades given to the MacBook, it wasn't just a name change. I'm just suggesting that we not state the MacBook is a new product - such as the MacBook Air - but more the next revision of the iBook. And as you said, the MacBook/iBook is targeted to one demographic while the PowerBook/MacBook Pro is targeted to another. That is a very significant difference.
And while it's true that the PowerBook/MBPro has not always been aluminum, less than 1.5 years after the plastic iBook was introduced it was. So for the vast majority of the time that both have been in existence there has been that obvious distinction. I'd go so far as to suggest that part of the reason the iBook was never available in black was one more effort to keep the distinction between the two, even though it was years before that the PowerBook was black.
I can't see iPhone hardware being released at WWDC, for the same reason they don't release iPods, iMacs or Macbooks at the Developer Conference.
They don't have the right media there, and if start doing that sort of thing, Sure they have tech media but not the real consummer focused ones. If they start getting that part of the media there, they'll no developers and end up with lots of coverage about how dull the event was just talking about boring computer stuff.
I'd predict AppStore Launch date set for say two weeks after WWDC so that those at conference see it as a chance to get last minutes questions answered sort of keynote.
New iPhone released at the AppStore Launch media event.
They might want a hardware launch or two in weeks before to get the hype rolling.
iPod Updates in the weeks after iPhone/AppStore Event.
They don't have the right media there, and if start doing that sort of thing, Sure they have tech media but not the real consummer focused ones. If they start getting that part of the media there, they'll no developers and end up with lots of coverage about how dull the event was just talking about boring computer stuff.
I'd predict AppStore Launch date set for say two weeks after WWDC so that those at conference see it as a chance to get last minutes questions answered sort of keynote.
New iPhone released at the AppStore Launch media event.
They might want a hardware launch or two in weeks before to get the hype rolling.
iPod Updates in the weeks after iPhone/AppStore Event.
Im sorry but I think you are very wrong. There will be certainly no OLED iPhone (ok I will look a tool if there is but Im 99% sure).
And there definitely wont be an optional OLED iPhone, Apple aren't going to market something that will simply confuse consumers and give unnecessary complication in the buying and repair process, its common sense there will definitely 100% unbelievable sure wont be a different screen option.
predictions
Predictions:
-3G iPhone, slightly different in some way to make it cooler looking that the current model in some way (black, thinner, form factor, etc.)
-Some features of iPhone 2.0 software will be exclusive to the new 3G iphone (perhaps video chat, IM, etc.)
On the aluminum Macbook discussion: Although the white plastic used to signify the non-pro line, we now have aluminum ipods, aluminum iMacs, etc. I expect we will see the same thing happen with the Macbook ... perhaps aluminum with a black screen bezel like the iMac/Ipod Touch design.
Good predictions all around ... hopefully there will be something exciting this year that we don't already know about ...
Best,
D
Predictions:
-3G iPhone, slightly different in some way to make it cooler looking that the current model in some way (black, thinner, form factor, etc.)
-Some features of iPhone 2.0 software will be exclusive to the new 3G iphone (perhaps video chat, IM, etc.)
On the aluminum Macbook discussion: Although the white plastic used to signify the non-pro line, we now have aluminum ipods, aluminum iMacs, etc. I expect we will see the same thing happen with the Macbook ... perhaps aluminum with a black screen bezel like the iMac/Ipod Touch design.
Good predictions all around ... hopefully there will be something exciting this year that we don't already know about ...
Best,
D
3G iPhone is a must!! But I'm not sure about 64GB, it seems really big and above all pricey.
GPS could be a new feature, but why did they then choose for the Skyhook service?
I don't think MMS is coming. If they didn't put MMS in the first place, I think they will never do it. I don't consider MMS as a BIG hit. I personally have never used it, and I think if you have an iphone which can send emails easy, you'll use that way. Jobs probably thinks the same.
Maybe iPhone redesign, but, how can they make it look much cooler?
I don't believe in a second camera, so i also don't in iChat for the iPhone. 3rd party developers will make some chat solutions.
A camera upgrade is possible, but not necessary.
I also doubt they'll put a better battery in it.
I don't believe they'll use OLED now, isn't it still more pricey?
I also think that the 3G iPhone will fully replace the former EDGE one, and not be a stronger brother.
Macbook will probably stay white/black I think. It would boring to have almost every product in aluminium. Or maybe a macbook in something new, not aluminium, and not the plastic.
Maybe a SSD option for MBP?
GPS could be a new feature, but why did they then choose for the Skyhook service?
I don't think MMS is coming. If they didn't put MMS in the first place, I think they will never do it. I don't consider MMS as a BIG hit. I personally have never used it, and I think if you have an iphone which can send emails easy, you'll use that way. Jobs probably thinks the same.
Maybe iPhone redesign, but, how can they make it look much cooler?
I don't believe in a second camera, so i also don't in iChat for the iPhone. 3rd party developers will make some chat solutions.
A camera upgrade is possible, but not necessary.
I also doubt they'll put a better battery in it.
I don't believe they'll use OLED now, isn't it still more pricey?
I also think that the 3G iPhone will fully replace the former EDGE one, and not be a stronger brother.
Macbook will probably stay white/black I think. It would boring to have almost every product in aluminium. Or maybe a macbook in something new, not aluminium, and not the plastic.
Maybe a SSD option for MBP?
meerkats said:
I disagree.
When Steve announced the SDK and version 2.0 of the software back in March he specifically made it clear that the iPod touch was going to receive the exact same update as the iPhone, the only difference being, iPod touch users have to pay a nominal fee .. which I personally have no quills with, after being milked for the first one.
If 'Jailbreaking' has shown Apple anything, it's that they cannot separate their products just by adding exclusive software features, because if they did, chances are those 'exclusive features' would be on the iPod touch, through some hack, within hours. (Mail, Notes, Weather, Maps and Stocks, anyone?)
It's going to be the same software update, for both devices, but we iPod touch users will have to pay for the privilege.
Loving the idea of an Apple-designed iChat client, although AOL seem to have some of that market covered with their demoed and promised AIM client. Apple won't want to duplicate applications on a new platform.
R-Fly
I meant bundled with other stuff. Maybe they could sell a 3G phone with current design for 399 with 8 GB, but sell a 499 with 16GB, and a 599 with 32 GB, OLED, camera for front and back, increased battery, etc.
By the way, this isn't a prediction, just a thought.
Also, any thoughts on the enterprise for macs idea? Am I right, or way off?
I dunno. Yes there is a greater chance that we won't see a OLED screen on it. But I think there is a chance we will....a slim chance but a chance.
Skyhook is not that accurate. It was a temporary solution (until new phone comes out - hopefully) and prob a permanent solution for the edge phone which does not have gps.
What about a 802.11n wireless card in the iPhone? That's the way of the future and apple must have them lying all over the place since they've been putting them in laptops for so long...
I'm nearly certain I'm getting an iPhone when 2.0 is released, and if they upped the wireless to an n card I might just have to get a Time Capsule or AirPort Extreme also...
I'm nearly certain I'm getting an iPhone when 2.0 is released, and if they upped the wireless to an n card I might just have to get a Time Capsule or AirPort Extreme also...
platinum?
I was thinking of a complete new sort of material, that they haven't used. Could Skyhook update it, so that it's more accurate?
Its not that bad when its working good.
Just out of interest are you a VW Corrado fan, just guessing from your username. I love Corrado's but unfortunately insurance companies aren't so keen on my age the buggers!!!
I'm not convinced about the added value of true GPS and 802.11n when it comes to mobile phones. I'm sure that there is a subset of users who would certainly benefit from these features. However, for the majority of users these features would only represent a powerdrain and add very little in terms of practical features. I believe that whatever added additional miniaturization and power surplus that Apple can achieve would instead be devoted first and foremost to increasing the memory capacity of the device for two reasons.
First, the iPhone in addition to being a phone has been designed and marketed to be an iPod. 16 gigs is good- 32 gigs is near the sweet spot for such a device, particularly when video is taken into account.
And second- applications. All those applications are going to need to fit somewhere and it's going to start to be a tight squeeze on even a 16 gig device when movies, music, and photos are included.
I do think that GPS has a place in this picture for those who desire it, but I would speculate this would come through a third party GPS puck connected to the iPhone via Bluetooth.
As for 802.11n, the main appeal is doing away with the downshift to 802.11g speed necessary on wireless networks to connect the iPhone. For most on the road use 802.11n is overkill. It only becomes appealing when and if wireless syncing of large media files ever occurs.
I also think that one feature that really needs some attention that could be easily addressed is the photo/video capture abilities of the device. With the integration with iPhoto and the higher capacity storage than most camera's this is a no-brainer. Let's see a higher megapixel chip with some video integrated with both iPhoto and iMovie to make the iPhone/iLife combo a complete multimedia solution.
First, the iPhone in addition to being a phone has been designed and marketed to be an iPod. 16 gigs is good- 32 gigs is near the sweet spot for such a device, particularly when video is taken into account.
And second- applications. All those applications are going to need to fit somewhere and it's going to start to be a tight squeeze on even a 16 gig device when movies, music, and photos are included.
I do think that GPS has a place in this picture for those who desire it, but I would speculate this would come through a third party GPS puck connected to the iPhone via Bluetooth.
As for 802.11n, the main appeal is doing away with the downshift to 802.11g speed necessary on wireless networks to connect the iPhone. For most on the road use 802.11n is overkill. It only becomes appealing when and if wireless syncing of large media files ever occurs.
I also think that one feature that really needs some attention that could be easily addressed is the photo/video capture abilities of the device. With the integration with iPhoto and the higher capacity storage than most camera's this is a no-brainer. Let's see a higher megapixel chip with some video integrated with both iPhoto and iMovie to make the iPhone/iLife combo a complete multimedia solution.
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU like Mac OS X; en) AppleWebKit/420.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0 Mobile/4A102 Safari/419.3)
Well, I was right. Macbooks and Macbook Pros will be redeisgned for WWDC... And the MacBooks will be aluminum. Via Apple Insider...
Well, I was right. Macbooks and Macbook Pros will be redeisgned for WWDC... And the MacBooks will be aluminum. Via Apple Insider...
Appleinsider isn't the most accurate source, but most of us saw it coming. The iMac and the MBA show a new design direction of aluminum and tapers. It's only natural that the MB and MBP see the same evolution, especially with the 2 year industrial design cycle.
I hope they'll change, but not as appleinsider describes. I don't want a macbook in aluminium..
Things to add...
Maybe the new Macbooks/MBPs will finally have built in SD card readers?
Any hope of that? Why does Apple not put in flash card readers in any of their computers?
iPhone: I hope they do get MMS, just b/c some people don't think its necessary doesn't mean they shouldn't put it in. The iPhone, afterall, is supposed to be the best "media phone" out there, right? Just give people the option of sending MMS, if they would rather use email, fine. I feel the same way about GPS. If you put it in there, it will only drain the battery when you use it. You can at least have it for situations where you need it.
Maybe the new Macbooks/MBPs will finally have built in SD card readers?
Any hope of that? Why does Apple not put in flash card readers in any of their computers?
iPhone: I hope they do get MMS, just b/c some people don't think its necessary doesn't mean they shouldn't put it in. The iPhone, afterall, is supposed to be the best "media phone" out there, right? Just give people the option of sending MMS, if they would rather use email, fine. I feel the same way about GPS. If you put it in there, it will only drain the battery when you use it. You can at least have it for situations where you need it.
Ehhh....AppleInsider is getting that from one of their sources, and nothing is official until it's announced by Apple, there is no proof or evidence that MB's will be redesigned for WWDC.
That's only a 3 month period from an update to new chips to a design overhaul. "Intel's roadmap calls for Montevina to splash down this June, around the same time Apple will host its annual developers conference in San Francisco. However, it's unclear at this time whether the Mac maker will use that forum to showcase its new notebook designs, or reserve their unveiling for a different stage at a slightly later date." They aren't even confirming WWDC as their release date. I doubt any other hardware than iPhone/iPod touch related things will be released at WWDC.
Just saying
Two things that did stand out to me as believable in the AppleInsider post are that Apple is changing them because of their effort to go more green (and the first step there really should be their depot shipping process, but I digress) and the intentional continuity of design amongst their products.
"Going green" was stated clearly and changing the form factor/design/materials of a significant line of products is a very obvious, public way of saying, "See! We meant it."
Looking at the entire product line is and making them similar in various ways is something Apple has done a few times in the past and is a great marketing tool, specifically if you're historically and foundationally a computer company that has the most popular music player and ground breaking mobile phone that are getting more and more people looking your way. If you see similarities it's easier to keep heading down the line of Apple products.
My point stands, though: in my opinion, the MacBook and MacBook Pro will always look significantly different, most likely by their basic materials.
"Going green" was stated clearly and changing the form factor/design/materials of a significant line of products is a very obvious, public way of saying, "See! We meant it."
Looking at the entire product line is and making them similar in various ways is something Apple has done a few times in the past and is a great marketing tool, specifically if you're historically and foundationally a computer company that has the most popular music player and ground breaking mobile phone that are getting more and more people looking your way. If you see similarities it's easier to keep heading down the line of Apple products.
My point stands, though: in my opinion, the MacBook and MacBook Pro will always look significantly different, most likely by their basic materials.
