New Apple iBooks and PowerBooks to Debut Next Week!

[Barry J. Doyle]

Apple to introduce new PowerBooks, iBooks next week

Rumor has it, that we can expect updated video chips, faster processors and perhaps extended options (backlit keyboard, etc.) throughout the Apple PowerBook and iBook lines.  The PowerBook is certainly expected to move from the ATI Radeon 9600, to the 9700 graphics chips.  Bluetooth is already standard on all Powerbooks, but lets hope to see Airport Extreme come standard also! 

Unfortunately, it seems Apple is still at leas one refresh away from any G5 processor-based PowerBook.  Additionally, as previously rumored, we will not be seeing any "dual" G4 notebooks either.

"Apple is expected to introduce new PowerBooks and iBooks early next week, according to MacNN sources. Apple will introduce revised 12-inch PowerBooks (two models), two revised 15-inch PowerBooks, one new model of the 12" iBook, two new models of the 14" iBook, and a single high-end 17" PowerBook configuration. The laptops are expected to be available early next week in limited quantities. Sources report that each model will feature speed-bumped G4 processors, while some models will feature larger drives and upgraded graphics cards."

full link:  http://www.macnn.com/news/24260

Barry J. Doyle

[Andrew Baxter]

cool news, I wonder if they'll do anything to update the design. I wouldn't expect to see any mention of a G5 until end of year at least...I'm sure there's still heat issues with putting those chips in notebooks that they'll have to figure out how to deal with.

[Barry J. Doyle]

Good Questions Andrew,

Actually, there is no plan for this new refresh to update the form factor or casing of the current models. The new line will only carry faster G4 CPU's and perhaps upgraded video. However, the G5 PowerBook is rumored to surface on the next refresh after this, probably incorporating a liquid cooling mechanism and going for an even thinner case!

Barry J. Doyle