The look of the new macs

What was the PowerMac, PowerBook, and eMac will probably change for sure being that they are getting old, but there is a good chance that Apple would like to update everything with it being a new transition, so maybe we'll see updated Apple designs across the board. Actually, now that I think about it I would be pretty surprised if they didn't update everything.

Originally posted by monkeyastronaut
Here are two lines of thought:

1. PowerMac and PowerBook came from "PowerPC" processors... but since we have no more PowerPC processors coming, the name doesn't make sense anymore. Is a new name coming?

2. PowerMac and specially PowerBook are strong brand names now (like IBM's ThinkPads) and it would be foolish to change them. Are they keeping the name?

I don't see a reason to change the names.

The first Power Macintosh had a PowerPC chip in it but the first PowerBooks had Motorola 68000 series chips in them. I see no need for name changes except, obviously, dropping the G4/G5 moniker.

I do expect (some) new enclosures for Intel Macs, starting with the iBook. Chances are, Power Macs will no longer have to be the big honkin' boats that they are, if indeed Intel chips will be cooler.

As mentioned, the first PowerBooks didn't have PowerPC chips in them. In fact, the PowerBook line was available before the PowerMac line. So I expect these brands to remain, although the naming scheme will likely change. No more PowerBook G4, PowerMac G5, etc. I don't think Apple will switch to a number based scheme (PowerBook 2600 just doesn't have the same panache) nor an intel CPU-based scheme. Perhaps it will revolve around a yet undisclosed technology... PowerBook Septron?

As far as designs go, I expect the most change from the PowerMac line. The G5 case is designed the way it is because the processors and cases were hot and Apple wanted to maximize cooling. If the CPUs don't need gigantic heat sinks / liquid cooling, the case itself will shrink down. The mac mini is good example of what can be done when heat is reduced.

I'd expect the iMac to remain the same for a while. It may just converge with the laptop lines, getting thinner and the like. The key for its cooling is, unlike laptops, the iMac is vertical rather than horizontal.

i don't think apple should really change their naming schemes, especially to something related to the processor name. One of the good things about the current naming scheme is the simplicity.
ie minimum resquirements, any g3,g4 or g5 mac.

with the new scheme it would be more and semptron, xeon or petium - m processor. It would become to confusing for non techcial compputer users.

They should either:
A) go straight to a higher number Ie start all the petium macs off as G6's so they could say g6 and above for petium macs

or

B) change to a different letter, but hopefully not p as that would get confusuing, mayb D cos that also rhymes.
so the power pc macs are g3,g4,5 and the petium macs start a d1

stu

...Apple always wants us to buy new products, and we all want the latest - that means it must look latest, so it will look different, all the lines

Originally posted by quamb
the current pm cases are big, but not huge- ie most standard pc cases are a similar size. it'll probably shrink, but not by much.

Really? While I've seen pictures of giant PC towers, most of those I've seen are about two thirds the size of the Power Macs. Admittedly, I don't see a lot of PCs, so maybe there are lots of big ones out there.

I wouldn't be surprised if Imtel subsidized advertisement; but usually the split is 50/50 or something along those lines in the cases I've seen (in other industries, granted). If I were Apple, in order to capitalize on the Intel angle and possibility of a new market segment opening up, I would make damn sure the first Intel machines were it's best, most user centric, whiz bang designs ever. If only for the simple idea of first impressions of those on the fence between Macs and PCs.

Originally posted by monkeyastronaut
2. Cases will look the same. After all, you don't want to throw all those great designs away. And you want people to see some continuity.

There is absolutely no way the powermac cases will stay the same. No body really likes them unless they have dual g5's in them. And that's only because its necessary. Those cases are WAY too big and fit WAY too little to keep that design. I guarantee this will be a change. There isn't any reason to have that much airflow on a pentium. The newer ones (630's and 530js) run extremely cool (have a p4 3.6 530j running at 38deg underload at 3.96ghz with air cooling).

Apple WILL change this case... I have a feeling the first thing they will change is the height and storage capacity.

The PowerMac case reduced to the proportions of the 'El Capitan' case would be very sexy and there should be room to more drive bays in there without the G5 cooloing. The styling won't change.

I would love to see the fabled rack mounted X-Station at last - there is a market for such a machine.

I dont think we will see any major redesigns for the intel comps when they first apear. Apple wants to slip this under the rug as much as possible so the transition appears more seemless. In addition, I wouldn't consider the "G" officialy dead. It may be, partly beacuse G6 dosnt have the same market appeal and ring that G3, G4, and G5 did.

i find it wierd you guys complain about the pmG5 case - it looks amazing. a house mate just got a new pc, spent quite sometime spec'n it, and found the best looking PC case one could buy (custom built). That being a plain black box, just as big as the G5 if not bigger. There weren't any cases out there that even came close to the beauty of the powermac.

sure it'd be great if they slimmed the powermac case down, but i still believe its the best looking desktop tower on the market today.

alienware, while looks cool, is very dominating and plasticy. no class.

its all a matter of taste i guess. but for me- the current powermac is a flawless work of design - the best looking desktop ive ever seen. anything close always has some kind of anoying flaw, like a panel that needs to be opened to access front usb ports, inconsistent materials, and just plain ugliness.

pc folk seem to throw linyang cases, alienware rah rah stuff at mac folk saying "see we have stuff that looks good too" - but personally it all just looks computer geek- with extra 'futuristic' grooves and crap for no reason.

for example- http://www.savrow.com/nsite/deuterium-eg.html
aparently the fat cat niche of pc hardware. sure, looks great- but still, next to a g5pm - i know which one is the king.

but for good reason- apple obviously spends alot more money on the cosmetics of their hardware.

where they certainly delivered when given the brief to create a sophisticated and powerful looking desktop with x-amount of interior space- and am sure they'll create something even better with the new line (which my mind boggles to think what they are going to improve? all i can think of is more compact).

Originally posted by Placebo
No, that would be stupid. The Powermac is a workstation. They'll use the extra space for expansion bays and Crossfire/SLI compatibility.

I am not talking mini size, just smaller. That case is HUGE.

Originally posted by vinney57
If anybody seriously thinks that Apple adverts will have the 'Intel Inside' sticker and jingle you must be out of your frickin' minds. Jeez :no:

3 months ago I could have said:

"If anybody seriously thinks that Apple computers will have intel processors you must be out of your frickin' minds. Jeez :no:"

Yet it's happening. There's no reason why Apple won't play the Intel jingle.

Originally posted by onlooker
[b]They borrowed the design straight from BOXX; I think to give it a more workstation class appeal

Where do you get this crap from? Do you have any idea the size and quality of the Apple design studio? Jonathan Ive (twice Designer of the Year) 'borrowed' the design form Boxx? Utter bollocks.

It may be, partly beacuse G6 dosnt have the same market appeal and ring that G3, G4, and G5 did.

Well, Pontiac thought "G6" sounded good enough to use it as a model name. Maybe Apple won't use G6 for that reason alone. Gotta avoid those nasty "TigerDirect" lawsuits. ;)

Originally posted by CosmoNut
*IF* Apple were to advertise their Macs on TV, I'm pretty sure we'd hear the jingle...but when was the last time Apple advertised their Macs on TV?

(CosmoNut goes back to listening to his iPod)

Maybe you should take you ear buds off and listen to the world every once in a while... I will cite just one example: Switcher Campaign. I've got a few others in my brain just dying to get out, but I will resist. I'm not the kind of guy who likes kicking people while they're down.

Originally posted by Nutty
...I have a very classy black, brushed aluminum case. Not plasticy and does not look like the older beige Mac cases,
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/11-133-143-14.JPG
Hotswap HDDs and Multiple CD/DVD drives, the futer is brite, or hopefully a little black ;)

Get outta here with that thing! It is so cheese-ball Star Wars Fanboy looking it makes me want to vomit.

I know two things:

1. The Intel-based Powermacs will be redesigned.
2. Apple will come up with a new design none of us could have ever thought of.

What I would like most is if the towers were split into two lines, to make a total of three desktop Mac lines (not AIO).

Low end: Mac Mini. Not upgradable, not expandable, basically a chump's computer. Single CPU, dual core.

Midrange: The Cube with a bit more. A full sized video card, room for two HDs, and perhaps an empty PCI X slot. Single CPU, dual core.

High end: Powermacs even larger than today's towers, with room for 4 SATA HDs, 6 PCI X slots, motherboard support for RAID options, Dolby 7.1 surround audio, and of course twin dual-core CPUs.

This arrangement lets Apple charge even more for the high end Powermacs, while moving Cubes and Minis for the masses. Intel gives Apple the performance breadth to give the Mini and Cube impressive power, while still making the Powermacs blow everyone away.

Originally posted by CosmoNut
Chill out. I'm not saying Apple has NEVER advertised the Macs, it's just been a while and there haven't been any campaigns in recent memory that were very successful. Honestly, how successful was the Switch campaign? Did we ever actually SEE someone using a Mac?

The last Mac ads that I saw were anything close to effective were the Baby Jack ads and such. But again, how long ago were they?

Apple may launch another Mac ad campaign with the Macintels release. Who knows. If they do, I betcha the jingle will play.

hmmm... you've got a point there, Mr. CosmoNut. I guess their ad campaigns, though creative, perhaps haven't been as successful as they could've been. Maybe not the right timing on Apple's part. But, if they were just trying to create awareness, then it was VERY successful...

Oh, and sorry for the attitude... I just hate the idea of the Pentium jingle chiming et the end of an Apple commercial. I REALLY hate it. I hope it doesn't happen. That would really cheapen the company's image.

Originally posted by Junkyard Dawg
Get outta here with that thing! It is so cheese-ball Star Wars Fanboy looking it makes me want to vomit.

I know two things:

1. The Intel-based Powermacs will be redesigned.
2. Apple will come up with a new design none of us could have ever thought of.

What I would like most is if the towers were split into two lines, to make a total of three desktop Mac lines (not AIO).

Low end: Mac Mini. Not upgradable, not expandable, basically a chump's computer. Single CPU, dual core.

Midrange: The Cube with a bit more. A full sized video card, room for two HDs, and perhaps an empty PCI X slot. Single CPU, dual core.

High end: Powermacs even larger than today's towers, with room for 4 SATA HDs, 6 PCI X slots, motherboard support for RAID options, Dolby 7.1 surround audio, and of course twin dual-core CPUs.

This arrangement lets Apple charge even more for the high end Powermacs, while moving Cubes and Minis for the masses. Intel gives Apple the performance breadth to give the Mini and Cube impressive power, while still making the Powermacs blow everyone away.

I'll bite onto the high end being large and the low end being the mini... but I will not bite on the mid range being a cube. All these cube fan boys need to let that design go. It was too costly to produce and offered very little expansion. Besides that... it would be pointless for apple to offer 2 small designs. It would fit into your plan for the midrange to be a midsized tower though. Perhaps with the expansion of today's powermacs, just in a smaller case. I think the high end you listed would not sell as much as the mid range for a few reasons (size and price to name a few).

We'll have ot see how Apple's marketshare changes after all of this though.

Sorry RANSOMED and all you other naysayers, but I have a feeling we will see the Intel logo stuck to Macs and hear the jingle in any ads Apple may put out.

Like it or not, there's probably something in contracts somewhere that dictates that those brandings will be used. It's not the worst thing in the world, so stop being so dramatic. Remember, we're talking about computers here.

Originally posted by RANSOMED
PRECISELY!!! I'd peel it off as soon as I got my hands on it! Any kind of logo, (other than the apple logo) would be an unforgivable blemish on the beautiful and groundbreaking Apple industrial design... especially embossed or engraved... (The thought of it just made me nauseous) That suggestion is absolutely tasteless! GEEEEZZZ! That is one horrific thought! How could you think of such a thing?! That would be an unforgivable blemish on apple's pristine industrial design.

Agreed completely! Stickers are the difference between us and the dark side.

Well, let's hope that Intel gets the thermals under control by then. Right now netburst is a less than stellar design, with probably a higher TDP than the G5. High end P4s run about 125Wmax, and the dual cores are even hotter than that. I for one hope that Apple passes on netburst and uses Pentium M processors. When clocked at 2.4-2.6ghz, they really hold their own in most benchmarks. I imagine the dual core Pentium M (Yonah) will help Intel catch up in those benchmarks where it currently loses.

Originally posted by RANSOMED
PRECISELY!!! I'd peel it off as soon as I got my hands on it! Any kind of logo, (other than the apple logo) would be an unforgivable blemish on the beautiful and groundbreaking Apple industrial design... especially embossed or engraved... (The thought of it just made me nauseous) That suggestion is absolutely tasteless! GEEEEZZZ! That is one horrific thought! How could you think of such a thing?! That would be an unforgivable blemish on apple's pristine industrial design.

So with a choice between a sticker that leaves an ugle mark, even when you peel it off, or an embossed design that MIGHT look cool, you would go sticker?

Of course you could just custom build your own PC tower, and have no stickers at all.

Take it from him.

I don't like the (Dow)...(La)...(Ti)...(Dow) Intel chime either. It sounds so juvenile. I use these at work and I feel like I just truned on a toy. :(
Originally posted by Nutty And not all non-mac cases are ugly, I have a very classy black, brushed aluminum case. Not plasticy and does not look like the older beige Mac cases,
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/11-133-143-14.JPG
Hotswap HDDs and Multiple CD/DVD drives, the futer is brite, or hopefully a little black ;) That kind of looks like a burnt Easter Island, Kon-Tiki reject, sorry. I'll take a fruity or brushed aluminum Mac-Intel any day, Yum! But, Please keep the Handles!

Hmm...for the hating on my case I should buy a G5 case and stick my compaq AMD semphron in it... EAT THAT

....er sorry, but i am serriously considering it

Originally posted by Xool
I expect Apple will further split the Desktop line, into a slightly smaller PowerMac and a beefier workstation-class machine. Some people will pay an arm and a leg for the biggest baddest machine(s) and the workstation class will give it to them, for a price. The rest of us get PowerMacs that are similar to today's G5 as far as features, just in a smaller form factor.

If Apple dropped features, dropping 1 of the 2 HD bays or limiting RAM or PCI cards, many existing Pro users would bitch a lot. Mainly whining actually, as most of them wouldn't actually use those precious features anyhow.

What's really interesting is that depending on the internal components, the differences could be fairly minimal. Through the use of personality cards (the ultimate MacIntel dongle?) like those found in the beige-G3 machine, perhaps the biggest differences between the lines is the size of the case and the BTO options.

Tell me about it Xool-- I'm the guy with a flock of Cubes-- I paid an arm and a leg and got a brick under the desk, but I love 'em still...8)

Originally posted by Carson O'Genic
Agreed completely! Stickers are the difference between us and the dark side.

<offtopic>
In the main Tufts computer lap (~60-70 computers total) when you walk in, the entire left side is black dells with black dell screens, whereas the right is iMacs (lampstand, "the boob", call it whatever you want), which are of course, all white...so there's your light side vs: dark side thing...
</offtopic>

I think there are more important things to consider than stickers, although I must agree that such a sticker would look cheesy.