07/17/01
Tom Trial
editor@ibook-user.com
Make no mistake
the newest version of the iBook is a runaway hit as their
top sales leader and I believe it's due to one main
reason.... size/weight.
Ever since the Powerbook 2400 was discontinued Apple
fans for years, have been begging and clamoring for a
replacement model. Now the New iBook delivers everything
in the way of size/weight and more in features than were
dreamed of years ago.
So is the iBook perfect ? Will Apple rest on their
laurels ?
The answer is, nothing is perfect and no Apple will
not rest easy.
So at MacWorld Expo tomorrow what changes would we
like to see and what do we think Apple will do ? ....
(This is our own best estimates
based on our experiences and what we have observed in the
past.)
Most Likely to
Happen:
1. Make 128MB of RAM standard on the iBook
Let's face it OS X needs it! And ram is dirt cheap
too!
2. Upgrade from 66 MHz bus to 100MHz system bus
- 85Hz video bus
If the Tibook gets the bus upgrade so will the
iBook. If the Tibook doesn't move up don't count on the
iBook getting it.
3.New colors!
Jobs will reach back out to the fans of the old iMacs
& iBooks who were left without a choice in color. Why
leave out 25% to 30% of the market? Just don't give us
Flower Power... please!
4. Bigger internal hard drive option - 30MB
Using iMovie takes up quite a bit of space, look to
Apple to Add it as a High end option. Hopefully they will
drop the price on the 20gb drive.
5. Mobile Radeon or GeForce graphics
chipset
OK, I think this one has about 70% chance.
6. More Mzh (oops forgot this one)
Look for a some kind of jump in speed to be announced
and ship at a later time.
Most Likely to Not to
Happen:
1. G4
With OS X the iBook could really use the power of a
G4.
2. 2 modular RAM slots in lieu of 128 meg hardwired
to the logic board
It would give people better ram config. options.
4. USB on right so folks can use the Apple
mouse
If you don't know, you can't use Apple's own optical
mouse with it.... the cord's too short.
5. Better support under the keyboard
For many people the keyboard "bows" in the top middle
area making 5 or 6 keys "float".
6. An improved track pad
A number of people have complained about the
trackpad.
On the Wish
list:
1. A larger screen
Say, 13."or 14". Maybe on a High end model .Watch the
keynote.
1. I'd like to see a Handle back on it!
I have a rev A. model and I love the handle it's great
to pick it up and go! Remotely possible.
2. Make the Hard Drive is more accessible
I'd like to see them reposition the components inside
so that the hard drive is more accessible. Do you really
think $200 for 20gb is a deal ? When what freezes
over?
3. IR port
A few people who have a Palm or a Visor say an IR port
would be a nice convience over USB. Don't count
it.....ever.
4. A cover for the ports on the side.
Keep dust and lint out. How about a molded rubber
insert ? Maybe from an enterprising 3d party!
5. Expanded desktop when video out is
employed
I want to dock to a desktop monitor with adequate
refresh rates.
6. Better Speakers
I know Apple already improved the iBook with better
speakers, but can't they do a little better ? Not
likely.
7. An Internal Battery
Some kind of internal battery, so the external battery
is hot swappable. Many are getting as low as 3 hrs. with
heavy use. Not likely.
8. An ADC connection
Wouldn't it be nice to hook up a phat Cinema studio
display. Not likely.
9. Duel display support
Teachers would love it even more. We'll see.
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