Mac Pro Line
2.4ghz Core 2 Duo (2.1, 2.6ghz optional)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
250GB Hard drive
16x DL Super Drive
Geforce 7300GT with 256mb of memory
Geforce 7600GT with 256mb of memory optional
Radeon x1900xt with 512mb of memory optional
Radeon x2800XT with 1gb of memory optional
$1699
Dual 2.66ghz Xeon processors (5150) (2.0, 3.0 optional)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 fully buffered ECC memory
250GB Hard drive
16x DL Super Drive
Geforce 7300GT with 256mb of memory
Geforce 7600GT with 256mb of memory optional
Radeon x1900xt with 512mb of memory optional
Radeon x2800XT with 1gb of memory optional
FireFL v3300 with 128mb of memory optional
Fire GL V5200 with 256mb of memory optional
Quadro FX 4500 with 512mb of memory optional
$2499
iServe line
1.83ghz Xeon processor (5010)
512mb of 667mhz ECC DDR2 memory
80gb Serial ATA hard drive
24x combo drive
64mb Radeon x1300
single 350w power supply
$1799
xServe line
Dual 2.0ghz Xeon processors (5130)
1gb of 667mhz fully buffered ECC DDR2 memory
80gb Serial ATA hard drive
24x combo drive
64mb Radeon x1300
single 650w power supply
$2999
Cinema Displays:
20-inch Apple cinema display with iSight
1680x1050 resolution
5ms response time
300 cd/m2 brightness
800:1 contrast ratio
iSight camera
Infrared receiver for Apple remote or Apple multi-function remote
2-port USB 2.0 and firewire hubs
$599
24-inch Apple studio display with iSight
1920x1200 resolution
6ms response time
500 cd/m2 brightness
1000:1 contrast ration
iSight camera
Infrared receiver for Apple remote or Apple multi-function remote
2-port USB 2.0 and firewire hubs
$999
30-inch Apple studio display with iSight
2560x1600 resolution
6ms response time
300 cd/m2 brightness
1000:1 contrast ration
iSight camera
Infrared receiver for Apple remote or Apple multi-function remote
2-port USB 2.0 and firewire hubs
$1999
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Revised Apple lineup (consumer desktops)
Mac Mini Line
1.6ghz Celeron M (520)
512mb of 533mhz DDR2 memory
60GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$499
Retail Only
1.66ghz Core2 Duo (T5500)
512mb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
60GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$599
1.83ghz Core2 Duo (T5600)
512mb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
80GB Hard drive
8x superdrive
GMA950 Graphics
$799
iMac Line
19-Inch (consumer quality)
1.6ghz Celeron M (520)
512mb of 533mhz DDR2 memory
80GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$799
Retail Only
19-Inch (consumer quality)
1.83ghz Core 2 Duo (T5400)
512mb of 533mhz DDR2 memory
160GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$999
19-Inch (consumer quality)
1.83ghz Core 2 Duo (T5600)
512mb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
160GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$999
20-Inch (consumer quality)
2.0ghz Core 2 Duo (T7200)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
160GB Hard drive
8x DL Super Drive
Radeon x1600 with 128mb of memory
$1199
20-Inch (professional quality)
2.16ghz Core 2 Duo (T7400)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
250GB Hard drive
8x DL Super Drive
Radeon x1600 with 128mb of memory
$1499
24-Inch (professional quality)
2.16ghz Core 2 Duo (T7400)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
250GB Hard drive
8x DL Super Drive
Geforce 7300GT with 128mb of memory
Geforce 7600GT with 256mb of memory optional
$1999
iMac Cube
2.16ghz Core 2 Duo (T7400)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
250GB Hard drive
8x DL Super Drive
Georce 7300GT with 128mb of memory
Geforce 7600GT with 256mb of memory optional
$1299
Studio Displays:
19-inch Apple studio display with iSight
1440x900 resolution
5ms response time
300 cd/m2 brightness
500:1 contrast ratio
iSight camera
Infrared receiver for Apple remote or Apple multi-function remote
$349
1.6ghz Celeron M (520)
512mb of 533mhz DDR2 memory
60GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$499
Retail Only
1.66ghz Core2 Duo (T5500)
512mb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
60GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$599
1.83ghz Core2 Duo (T5600)
512mb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
80GB Hard drive
8x superdrive
GMA950 Graphics
$799
iMac Line
19-Inch (consumer quality)
1.6ghz Celeron M (520)
512mb of 533mhz DDR2 memory
80GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$799
Retail Only
19-Inch (consumer quality)
1.83ghz Core 2 Duo (T5400)
512mb of 533mhz DDR2 memory
160GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$999
19-Inch (consumer quality)
1.83ghz Core 2 Duo (T5600)
512mb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
160GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$999
20-Inch (consumer quality)
2.0ghz Core 2 Duo (T7200)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
160GB Hard drive
8x DL Super Drive
Radeon x1600 with 128mb of memory
$1199
20-Inch (professional quality)
2.16ghz Core 2 Duo (T7400)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
250GB Hard drive
8x DL Super Drive
Radeon x1600 with 128mb of memory
$1499
24-Inch (professional quality)
2.16ghz Core 2 Duo (T7400)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
250GB Hard drive
8x DL Super Drive
Geforce 7300GT with 128mb of memory
Geforce 7600GT with 256mb of memory optional
$1999
iMac Cube
2.16ghz Core 2 Duo (T7400)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
250GB Hard drive
8x DL Super Drive
Georce 7300GT with 128mb of memory
Geforce 7600GT with 256mb of memory optional
$1299
Studio Displays:
19-inch Apple studio display with iSight
1440x900 resolution
5ms response time
300 cd/m2 brightness
500:1 contrast ratio
iSight camera
Infrared receiver for Apple remote or Apple multi-function remote
$349
Revised Apple lineup (notebooks)
Macbook Line.
13.3 inch
1.6ghz Celeron M (520)
512mb of 533mhz DDR2 memory
60GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$799
Retail Only
13.3 inch
1.83ghz Core 2 Duo (T5600)
512mb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
60GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$999
15.4 inch
1.6ghz Celeron M (520)
512mb of 533mhz DDR2 memory
60GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$999
Retail Only
15.4 inch
2.0ghz Core 2 Duo (T7200)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
80GB Hard drive
Dual Layer superdrive
GMA950
$1299
Macbook Pro Line
15.4 inch
2.1ghz Core 2 Duo (T7400)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
120GB Hard drive
6x Dual Layer superdrive
Radeon x1600 with 128mb of memory
$1999
15.4 inch
2.33ghz Core 2 Duo (T7600)
2gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
120GB Hard drive
6x Dual Layer superdrive
Radeon x1600 with 256mb of memory
$2499
17 inch
2.33ghz Core 2 Duo (T7600)
2gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
160GB Hard drive
8x Dual Layer superdrive
Radeon x1600 with 256mb of memory
$2799
13.3 inch
1.6ghz Celeron M (520)
512mb of 533mhz DDR2 memory
60GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$799
Retail Only
13.3 inch
1.83ghz Core 2 Duo (T5600)
512mb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
60GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$999
15.4 inch
1.6ghz Celeron M (520)
512mb of 533mhz DDR2 memory
60GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$999
Retail Only
15.4 inch
2.0ghz Core 2 Duo (T7200)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
80GB Hard drive
Dual Layer superdrive
GMA950
$1299
Macbook Pro Line
15.4 inch
2.1ghz Core 2 Duo (T7400)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
120GB Hard drive
6x Dual Layer superdrive
Radeon x1600 with 128mb of memory
$1999
15.4 inch
2.33ghz Core 2 Duo (T7600)
2gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
120GB Hard drive
6x Dual Layer superdrive
Radeon x1600 with 256mb of memory
$2499
17 inch
2.33ghz Core 2 Duo (T7600)
2gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
160GB Hard drive
8x Dual Layer superdrive
Radeon x1600 with 256mb of memory
$2799
Monday, January 29, 2007
Apple computer?
Last months Macworld Expo was conspicuously missing one thing: Macs. Coming off the first quarter where Apple's consumer electronics were more profitable than the Mac was a near no show at its signature event. The keynote was dedicated to two halo-type consumer devices: the AppleTV and the iPhone. No demonstration and barely even a mention of Leopard to steal Vista's thunder. In an ironic twist, Vista has now been released and we're wondering where Apple's next operating system is at. We haven't seen it since WWDC almost six months back. Likewise, the quad core Xeons that Intel released in November are MIA. Hell, they even dropped computer from their name. While Apple has shown a strong commitment to iPod and it's offshoots, the Mac is seemingly neglected.
The AppleTV for those who don't know is Apple's version of a media center extender, a device that takes the computer's media center interface and extends it to the television using wired or wireless networking. In Apple's case we're talking about Front Row. Apple even managed to add a couple features over the windows side such as 802.11n draft wireless networking and a hard drive. It isn't without it's drawbacks though. First, unlike the afore mentioned windows versions AppleTV lacks PVR capability because the Mac lacks a first party PVR capability. If you're staying Mac, you're VCR or TIVO isn't going anywhere. Second, it requires you a have a widescreen HDTV. Not everybody has quite gotten around to the $700 minimum investment to replace their old CRT televisions yet. Third, it's limited to a 720P resolution. Lastly, it's more or less limited to the same kind of files iTunes plays. If you have windows media files or some other file format that you would like to play on your big screen, it looks like
you're out of luck.
Also introduced was the iPhone. Think of it as a smartphone mixed with elements of OSX and whatever Barry, Sammy, and Big Mac have stashed away in their lockers. It may have to be renamed though as Apple through either arrogance or stupidity forgot to get the legal right to use the name. That's right, Apple does not hold the rights to the iPhone name, Cisco systems does. Whatever it's permanently called, it's a very cool device... if you're willing to pay the king's ransom and 2-year contract it takes to get it. The only thing hotter than the iPhone will be the inevitable introduction of new 30 and 80 gig video iPods using its form factor and technology.
While these are both neat little items, I'm waiting on something a little more usable to such as iLife '07 with EyeTV (make that iTV) 2.0 and the announcement that Apple has purchased Elgato or iWork '07 with consumer level spreadsheet and database apps, a word processing mode for pages, and oh yeah it ships on all new Macs. To be honest I'd just be happy with a proof of life concerning anything Mac related right now.
The AppleTV for those who don't know is Apple's version of a media center extender, a device that takes the computer's media center interface and extends it to the television using wired or wireless networking. In Apple's case we're talking about Front Row. Apple even managed to add a couple features over the windows side such as 802.11n draft wireless networking and a hard drive. It isn't without it's drawbacks though. First, unlike the afore mentioned windows versions AppleTV lacks PVR capability because the Mac lacks a first party PVR capability. If you're staying Mac, you're VCR or TIVO isn't going anywhere. Second, it requires you a have a widescreen HDTV. Not everybody has quite gotten around to the $700 minimum investment to replace their old CRT televisions yet. Third, it's limited to a 720P resolution. Lastly, it's more or less limited to the same kind of files iTunes plays. If you have windows media files or some other file format that you would like to play on your big screen, it looks like
you're out of luck.
Also introduced was the iPhone. Think of it as a smartphone mixed with elements of OSX and whatever Barry, Sammy, and Big Mac have stashed away in their lockers. It may have to be renamed though as Apple through either arrogance or stupidity forgot to get the legal right to use the name. That's right, Apple does not hold the rights to the iPhone name, Cisco systems does. Whatever it's permanently called, it's a very cool device... if you're willing to pay the king's ransom and 2-year contract it takes to get it. The only thing hotter than the iPhone will be the inevitable introduction of new 30 and 80 gig video iPods using its form factor and technology.
While these are both neat little items, I'm waiting on something a little more usable to such as iLife '07 with EyeTV (make that iTV) 2.0 and the announcement that Apple has purchased Elgato or iWork '07 with consumer level spreadsheet and database apps, a word processing mode for pages, and oh yeah it ships on all new Macs. To be honest I'd just be happy with a proof of life concerning anything Mac related right now.
What the Mac side should look like if apple were a little more serious about picking up customers.
Macbook Line.
13.3 inch
1.6ghz Celeron M (520)
512mb of 533mhz DDR2 memory
60GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$799
Retail Only
13.3 inch
1.83ghz Core 2 Duo (T5600)
512mb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
60GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$999
15.4 inch
1.6ghz Celeron M (520)
512mb of 533mhz DDR2 memory
60GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$999
Retail Only
15.4 inch
2.0ghz Core 2 Duo (T7200)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
80GB Hard drive
Dual Layer superdrive
GMA950
$1299
Macbook Pro Line
15.4 inch
2.1ghz Core 2 Duo (T7400)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
120GB Hard drive
6x Dual Layer superdrive
Radeon x1600 with 128mb of memory
$1999
15.4 inch
2.33ghz Core 2 Duo (T7600)
2gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
120GB Hard drive
6x Dual Layer superdrive
Radeon x1600 with 256mb of memory
$2499
17 inch
2.33ghz Core 2 Duo (T7600)
2gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
160GB Hard drive
8x Dual Layer superdrive
Radeon x1600 with 256mb of memory
$2799
Mac Mini Line
1.6ghz Celeron M (520)
512mb of 533mhz DDR2 memory
60GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$499
Retail Only
1.66ghz Core2 Duo (T5500)
512mb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
60GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$599
1.83ghz Core2 Duo (T5600)
512mb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
80GB Hard drive
8x superdrive
GMA950 Graphics
$799
IMac Line
19-Inch (consumer quality)
1.6ghz Celeron M (520)
512mb of 533mhz DDR2 memory
80GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$799
Retail Only
19-Inch (consumer quality)
1.83ghz Core 2 Duo (T5400)
512mb of 533mhz DDR2 memory
160GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$999
Headless iMac
2.16ghz Core 2 Duo (T7400)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
250GB Hard drive
8x DL Super Drive
Georce 7300GT with 128mb of memory
Geforce 7600GT with 256mb of memory optional
$1299
19-Inch (consumer quality)
1.83ghz Core 2 Duo (T5600)
512mb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
160GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$999
20-Inch (consumer quality)
2.0ghz Core 2 Duo (T7200)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
160GB Hard drive
8x DL Super Drive
Radeon x1600 with 128mb of memory
$1199
20-Inch (professional quality)
2.16ghz Core 2 Duo (T7400)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
250GB Hard drive
8x DL Super Drive
Radeon x1600 with 128mb of memory
$1499
24-Inch (professional quality)
2.16ghz Core 2 Duo (T7400)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
250GB Hard drive
8x DL Super Drive
Geforce 7300GT with 128mb of memory
Geforce 7600GT with 256mb of memory optional
$1999
Mac Pro Line
2.4ghz Core 2 Duo (E6600)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
250GB Hard drive
16x DL Super Drive
Geforce 7300GT with 256mb of memory
Geforce 7600GT with 256mb off memory optional
Radeon x1900xt with 512mb of memory optional
GeForce 8800GTS with 640mb of memory optional
$1699
Dual 2.66ghz Xeon processors (5150)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 fully buffered ECC memory
250GB Hard drive
16x DL Super Drive
Geforce 7300GT with 256mb of memory
Geforce 7600GT with 256mb off memory optional
Radeon x1900xt with 512mb of memory optional
GeForce 8800GTS with 640mb of memory optional
FireFL v3300 with 128mb of memory optional
Fire GL V5200 with 256mb of memory optional
Quadro FX 4500 with 512mb of memory optional
$2499
iServe line
1.83ghz Xeon processor (5010)
512mb of 667mhz ECC DDR2 memory
80gb Serial ATA hard drive
24x combo drive
64mb Radeon x1300
single 350w power supply
$1999
xServe line
Dual 2.0ghz Xeon processors (5130)
1gb of 667mhz fully buffered ECC DDR2 memory
80gb Serial ATA hard drive
24x combo drive
64mb Radeon x1300
single 650w power supply
$2999
Studio Displays:
19-inch Apple studio display with iSight
1440x900 resolution
5ms response time
300 cd/m2 brightness
500:1 contrast ratio
iSight camera
Infrared receiver for Apple remote or Apple multi-function remote
$349
Cinema Displays:
200-inch Apple cinema display with iSight
1680x1050 resolution
5ms response time
300 cd/m2 brightness
800:1 contrast ratio
iSight camera
Infrared receiver for Apple remote or Apple multi-function remote
2-port USB 2.0 and firewire hubs
$599
24-inch Apple studio display with iSight
1920x1200 resolution
6ms response time
500 cd/m2 brightness
1000:1 contrast ration
iSight camera
Infrared receiver for Apple remote or Apple multi-function remote
2-port USB 2.0 and firewire hubs
$999
30-inch Apple studio display with iSight
2560x1600 resolution
6ms response time
300 cd/m2 brightness
1000:1 contrast ration
iSight camera
Infrared receiver for Apple remote or Apple multi-function remote
2-port USB 2.0 and firewire hubs
$1999
13.3 inch
1.6ghz Celeron M (520)
512mb of 533mhz DDR2 memory
60GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$799
Retail Only
13.3 inch
1.83ghz Core 2 Duo (T5600)
512mb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
60GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$999
15.4 inch
1.6ghz Celeron M (520)
512mb of 533mhz DDR2 memory
60GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$999
Retail Only
15.4 inch
2.0ghz Core 2 Duo (T7200)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
80GB Hard drive
Dual Layer superdrive
GMA950
$1299
Macbook Pro Line
15.4 inch
2.1ghz Core 2 Duo (T7400)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
120GB Hard drive
6x Dual Layer superdrive
Radeon x1600 with 128mb of memory
$1999
15.4 inch
2.33ghz Core 2 Duo (T7600)
2gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
120GB Hard drive
6x Dual Layer superdrive
Radeon x1600 with 256mb of memory
$2499
17 inch
2.33ghz Core 2 Duo (T7600)
2gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
160GB Hard drive
8x Dual Layer superdrive
Radeon x1600 with 256mb of memory
$2799
Mac Mini Line
1.6ghz Celeron M (520)
512mb of 533mhz DDR2 memory
60GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$499
Retail Only
1.66ghz Core2 Duo (T5500)
512mb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
60GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$599
1.83ghz Core2 Duo (T5600)
512mb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
80GB Hard drive
8x superdrive
GMA950 Graphics
$799
IMac Line
19-Inch (consumer quality)
1.6ghz Celeron M (520)
512mb of 533mhz DDR2 memory
80GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$799
Retail Only
19-Inch (consumer quality)
1.83ghz Core 2 Duo (T5400)
512mb of 533mhz DDR2 memory
160GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$999
Headless iMac
2.16ghz Core 2 Duo (T7400)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
250GB Hard drive
8x DL Super Drive
Georce 7300GT with 128mb of memory
Geforce 7600GT with 256mb of memory optional
$1299
19-Inch (consumer quality)
1.83ghz Core 2 Duo (T5600)
512mb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
160GB Hard drive
24x combo drive
GMA950 Graphics
$999
20-Inch (consumer quality)
2.0ghz Core 2 Duo (T7200)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
160GB Hard drive
8x DL Super Drive
Radeon x1600 with 128mb of memory
$1199
20-Inch (professional quality)
2.16ghz Core 2 Duo (T7400)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
250GB Hard drive
8x DL Super Drive
Radeon x1600 with 128mb of memory
$1499
24-Inch (professional quality)
2.16ghz Core 2 Duo (T7400)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
250GB Hard drive
8x DL Super Drive
Geforce 7300GT with 128mb of memory
Geforce 7600GT with 256mb of memory optional
$1999
Mac Pro Line
2.4ghz Core 2 Duo (E6600)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 memory
250GB Hard drive
16x DL Super Drive
Geforce 7300GT with 256mb of memory
Geforce 7600GT with 256mb off memory optional
Radeon x1900xt with 512mb of memory optional
GeForce 8800GTS with 640mb of memory optional
$1699
Dual 2.66ghz Xeon processors (5150)
1gb of 667mhz DDR2 fully buffered ECC memory
250GB Hard drive
16x DL Super Drive
Geforce 7300GT with 256mb of memory
Geforce 7600GT with 256mb off memory optional
Radeon x1900xt with 512mb of memory optional
GeForce 8800GTS with 640mb of memory optional
FireFL v3300 with 128mb of memory optional
Fire GL V5200 with 256mb of memory optional
Quadro FX 4500 with 512mb of memory optional
$2499
iServe line
1.83ghz Xeon processor (5010)
512mb of 667mhz ECC DDR2 memory
80gb Serial ATA hard drive
24x combo drive
64mb Radeon x1300
single 350w power supply
$1999
xServe line
Dual 2.0ghz Xeon processors (5130)
1gb of 667mhz fully buffered ECC DDR2 memory
80gb Serial ATA hard drive
24x combo drive
64mb Radeon x1300
single 650w power supply
$2999
Studio Displays:
19-inch Apple studio display with iSight
1440x900 resolution
5ms response time
300 cd/m2 brightness
500:1 contrast ratio
iSight camera
Infrared receiver for Apple remote or Apple multi-function remote
$349
Cinema Displays:
200-inch Apple cinema display with iSight
1680x1050 resolution
5ms response time
300 cd/m2 brightness
800:1 contrast ratio
iSight camera
Infrared receiver for Apple remote or Apple multi-function remote
2-port USB 2.0 and firewire hubs
$599
24-inch Apple studio display with iSight
1920x1200 resolution
6ms response time
500 cd/m2 brightness
1000:1 contrast ration
iSight camera
Infrared receiver for Apple remote or Apple multi-function remote
2-port USB 2.0 and firewire hubs
$999
30-inch Apple studio display with iSight
2560x1600 resolution
6ms response time
300 cd/m2 brightness
1000:1 contrast ration
iSight camera
Infrared receiver for Apple remote or Apple multi-function remote
2-port USB 2.0 and firewire hubs
$1999
Friday, November 17, 2006
Hardware change Apple could make to put itself in a better postion.
1) A value Seres.
Apple may make great hardware but it is too upscale in terms of both price and performance for the overwhelming majority of users. As I said in the previous blog, they are also difficult to find for all but the most determined switcher. I propose they deal with both issues at once while retaining Apple's profits and image. by introducing a retail only value line of computers available preferably at Target. I choose Target for three main reasons. First They are present in most metropolitan and even some larger micropolitan areas. Second, they are upscale of the discount retailers like Wal-Mart and the electronics retailers. Lastly, since they do not deal in computers at the retail level as present, there would be no low paid PC zealots to steer customers to a nice HP instead. It would be in their best interest to sell the customer a Mac rather than Wal-Mart or Best Buy sell them a PC.
The computers themselves would be simple modifications of the low end Macbook, iMac, and Mac Mini. The CPU would be changed to a far cheaper single core 1.6ghz Celeron M 420, the SO-DIMMs would be 533mhz instead of 667, and in the case of the iMac, the 160 gig hard drive would be reduced to 80. The front row remote would also be extra, but the iSight camera would be retained. Since they would be retail only and not available direct from Apple, BTO configurations would not be available. Prices would be $799 for both the Macbook and iMac and $499 for the Mini. Intended consumers include budget switchers, Mac users who would like a second computer for the kiddies, or those looking for a light duty laptop as a second computer. As of current, not many of these sales are headed towards Apple.
2) A 15.4" (non-Pro) Macbook
One of the largest markets for computers these days are 15" integrated graphics notebooks. Take a guess who's missing the party? While some may argue that such a machine would steal from the MBPs, I don't believe so. Volume customers are not likely to go for the $2000 price tag of the MBP and MBP customers would not take kindly to the slower CPU and integrated graphics of the Macbook. Taking a cue from both the PC side and iBooks, the 15" Macbook would replace the second level 13" machine at the $1299 price point. the low end 13" model would drop $100 to meet the iBook's $999 price point. Both machines would be available in black for a fee. A value series (see above) 15" would come in at $999.
3) A Core 2 Duo Mac Pro
With the advent of the Mac Pro and the 24" iMac, Apple believes it has the perfect lineup to for users to trade in those old lower end PowerMacs. Unfortunately these users would be quick to disagree, let alone converts from the PC prosumer ranks. While neither computer is lacking on power or features, the Mac Pro's $2200 starting price and the nearly complete lack of expansion capabilities of the iMac make these unattractive to higher end consumers and value professionals that make up the prosumer ranks. Apple could change this somewhat easily though by releasing a Core 2 Duo variant of the Mac Pro. A Core 2 Duo/975x combination would allow a feature set similar to the current Xeon/5000x set up for a a much lower price. $500 less to be exact for a single processor 2.66ghz system using the same 1gb of 667ghz DDR2 RAM, 250GB Hard drive, 16x DVD burner and a low end quadro card using Dell's precision series.
4) A few more graphics choices for the Mac Pro would be nice.
For a professional system, the video card choices for the Mac Pro are surprisingly few graphics options. Three to be exact and only one of those is meant for graphics pros. Ironically that single card is also the most expensive on the market. Dell offers seven, all meant for professionals. If Apple, were to offer the GeForce 7600GT, Quadro FX560 Quadro , and FX1500, Apple would have its bases covered for the most part. If they want to offer a ultra high end consumer card, an option for the new GeForce 8800 series couldn't hurt.
5.) Add more options to the server line.
Nowhere does Apple's one size fits all attitude hurt them more is with servers. Yes, the xServe is a great product and it is much cheaper than Dell's equivalent offerings, but for some of a lighter fare $3000 is a lot of money. Apple needs an entry level 3000 series xServe to go with the current system. An xserve blade wouldn't be a bad idea either.
Apple may make great hardware but it is too upscale in terms of both price and performance for the overwhelming majority of users. As I said in the previous blog, they are also difficult to find for all but the most determined switcher. I propose they deal with both issues at once while retaining Apple's profits and image. by introducing a retail only value line of computers available preferably at Target. I choose Target for three main reasons. First They are present in most metropolitan and even some larger micropolitan areas. Second, they are upscale of the discount retailers like Wal-Mart and the electronics retailers. Lastly, since they do not deal in computers at the retail level as present, there would be no low paid PC zealots to steer customers to a nice HP instead. It would be in their best interest to sell the customer a Mac rather than Wal-Mart or Best Buy sell them a PC.
The computers themselves would be simple modifications of the low end Macbook, iMac, and Mac Mini. The CPU would be changed to a far cheaper single core 1.6ghz Celeron M 420, the SO-DIMMs would be 533mhz instead of 667, and in the case of the iMac, the 160 gig hard drive would be reduced to 80. The front row remote would also be extra, but the iSight camera would be retained. Since they would be retail only and not available direct from Apple, BTO configurations would not be available. Prices would be $799 for both the Macbook and iMac and $499 for the Mini. Intended consumers include budget switchers, Mac users who would like a second computer for the kiddies, or those looking for a light duty laptop as a second computer. As of current, not many of these sales are headed towards Apple.
2) A 15.4" (non-Pro) Macbook
One of the largest markets for computers these days are 15" integrated graphics notebooks. Take a guess who's missing the party? While some may argue that such a machine would steal from the MBPs, I don't believe so. Volume customers are not likely to go for the $2000 price tag of the MBP and MBP customers would not take kindly to the slower CPU and integrated graphics of the Macbook. Taking a cue from both the PC side and iBooks, the 15" Macbook would replace the second level 13" machine at the $1299 price point. the low end 13" model would drop $100 to meet the iBook's $999 price point. Both machines would be available in black for a fee. A value series (see above) 15" would come in at $999.
3) A Core 2 Duo Mac Pro
With the advent of the Mac Pro and the 24" iMac, Apple believes it has the perfect lineup to for users to trade in those old lower end PowerMacs. Unfortunately these users would be quick to disagree, let alone converts from the PC prosumer ranks. While neither computer is lacking on power or features, the Mac Pro's $2200 starting price and the nearly complete lack of expansion capabilities of the iMac make these unattractive to higher end consumers and value professionals that make up the prosumer ranks. Apple could change this somewhat easily though by releasing a Core 2 Duo variant of the Mac Pro. A Core 2 Duo/975x combination would allow a feature set similar to the current Xeon/5000x set up for a a much lower price. $500 less to be exact for a single processor 2.66ghz system using the same 1gb of 667ghz DDR2 RAM, 250GB Hard drive, 16x DVD burner and a low end quadro card using Dell's precision series.
4) A few more graphics choices for the Mac Pro would be nice.
For a professional system, the video card choices for the Mac Pro are surprisingly few graphics options. Three to be exact and only one of those is meant for graphics pros. Ironically that single card is also the most expensive on the market. Dell offers seven, all meant for professionals. If Apple, were to offer the GeForce 7600GT, Quadro FX560 Quadro , and FX1500, Apple would have its bases covered for the most part. If they want to offer a ultra high end consumer card, an option for the new GeForce 8800 series couldn't hurt.
5.) Add more options to the server line.
Nowhere does Apple's one size fits all attitude hurt them more is with servers. Yes, the xServe is a great product and it is much cheaper than Dell's equivalent offerings, but for some of a lighter fare $3000 is a lot of money. Apple needs an entry level 3000 series xServe to go with the current system. An xserve blade wouldn't be a bad idea either.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Welcome
I guess I should have posted this first, but that's not exactly the way it worked out. Welcome to Iowa Mac Blogger. My goal for this site is to offer my perspective on all thing's Mac, iPod, or whatever else Apple may pull out of their rear end. First of all, unlike some others, my intent is not to rubber stamp everything Apple does. I will sing their praise when they deserve it and take them to task when warranted. I'm going to keep this brief, so I'd like to close by thanking those who choose to read this.
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