MWSF 2002 Rumor Roundup
PowerMacs
Speed has been the primary focus... with a range of reports of 1ghz G4's (MacUser UK) to G5's entering production (The Register). With the hype surrounding this launch, people are focusing on expectations of huge speed increases... however, if past experience is any guide - it is very unlikely that Apple/Mot will be able to meet such high expectations. Note during the last 6 month period prior to MacWorld NY, Mhz increased by 134mhz.
iMacs
The buzz around the rumormills ever since the iMac was first introduced in 1998 has been the possibility of an LCD iMac. With hints (Quanta Order) around, it seems this may finally be due. Continuing at least one model of the "classic" iMac CRT seems possible (MacMinute) to keep prices reasonable (sub $1000). 1 Ghz speed of the iMac G3 has been suggested (IBM 750FX), however, that particular chip was only supposed to begin "sampling" this month, and it's unlikely Apple would fit their entry level Mac with a faster (in Mhz) processor than their Pro Macs.
iBooks/Powerbooks
TiBook has been recently updated, so not much speculation surrounds it... and there are only hints of speed-bumped multicolored iBooks (ThinkSecret)
Monitors
Railhead Design reported that Apple would drop it's low end 15" LCD, and introduce a 19" Studio Display to fill out the line -- with hopeful price cuts as well. Of note, EETimes introduced the possibility of a larger Cinema Display with max res of 2048 x 1280 as well as research into "stereoscopic" displays.
Other...
Of PDA's and Transporters... a lot of hype was generated by the iWalk story... however, likelyhood of this seems very low - especially since SpyMac themselves dismiss the chance of it being introduced. If Apple is to live up to the hype, I feel this category is where it will fall. However, information in this area is lacking.
As tomorrow approaches... One thing to keep in mind is to keep your perspective.
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To me, any new device that I would consider groundbreaking or even exciting would be something totally unexpected or hereforto unavailable from Apple (at least recently). I'm placing my hopes on some type of wireless, tablet device (i.e. PDA). The supposed iWalk device is questionable at best, but everyone here would certainly lust for a similar device. I hope that "Danger" device isn't it - what a dog.
C'mon Apple. Wow us with a computer-centric device. I don't need a home entertainment system.
Perspective, as they mention, is key here. What bears mention is that people were reportedly leaving last MWSF crying in disappointment. (Okay, that's a little sad, but it's indicative of most everyone's reaction.)
Listen, Apple is responsible for hyping this event. They want people to attend the conference itself and to engage in Apple-based conversations. Well, it is certainly working; has anyone noticed the number of comments streaming in here?
Keep your thoughts in line -- rumor sites (as much as I welcome them), have a tendancy of inflating our expectations. As the admins here remind you, maintain perspective!
There will be a fair number of disappointed users... as there always is.
No matter how successful a product eventually becomes there is a percentage of people who hate it, love it, and are indifferent to it.
the iMac drew a lot of criticism in this respect... but did very well.
arn
Those iWalk photos and video that was supposedly pulled by a "legal" department of some kind? Well, MacAnonymous.com still has them up and even notes that they haven't recieved any legal warning.
Based on Apple's hype, I think the new products need to be "Way Beyond" this rumor site's predictions. Your predictions will not leave me "blow away."
I think the show is about the continued evolution of the "Digital Hub" concept with new software (iPhoto) and a new A/V component that will work as a PVR and Audio Jukebox. This box will allow for transfer of audio and video from Apple's line of software products (Send iMovies, DVDs and audio files to your home A/V setup for playback).
P.S. I would also love to see the new iMac have a LCD screen that pulls out to become a wireless iPad.
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