We're not sure why John Gruber and Dan Lyons are having some sort of megalomaniacal Apple super-pundit standoff, but we'll sit here and take the spoils: Gruber's just one-upped Lyons's
earlier vague tease of new Apple gear tomorrow with a pretty specific list of things he's apparently heard we'll see, including new iMacs and plastic MacBooks, revved Mac Minis (including one that runs OS X Server), a new multitouch "Magic Mouse" (
ha!) and some sort of multitouch desktop trackpad accessory. That pretty much covers
every rumor and
vague whisper we've heard over the past few months, so it's actually a fairly conservative set of predictions, outside of that trackpad -- which itself may or may not be related to this
multitouch input device patent from a couple weeks ago. We'll see what happens tomorrow morning -- at this point we're half expecting a tablet, a pony, and some sort of multitouch waffle maker as well.
posted Oct 19th 2009 8:51PM
I hope he is right, I'v been holding off on getting a new Mac to see if they will bump them up. Hopefully they will update the specs on the MacBook Pro and I REAALY WISH FOR BLURAY.
Ha, you know, I wanted Blu-ray like its a big thing, but after realizing how much I would use it, it became more of a "Mac needs blu-ray, although I wouldn't use it much". You know, because everyone uses optical drives SOOO much these days.
They should go with what HP did with Envy: Make the laptop more powerful (SERIOUSLY needs better GPUs) and make the optical drive external, w/blu-ray.
Blu-ray is a bag of hurt.
Mac Mini could really use blu-ray...though I just pirate my HD
It would be cool to have a Blu-Ray burner for video editing... but:
I don't have an HD camcorder...
I don't have an HDTV...
I don't have a Blu-Ray player...
None of my friends or family who I would want to show my HD videos have a Blu-Ray player either...
I do, however, still have a kick-butt standard-def camcorder and I still burn and sell DVDs for clients:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/406855-REG/Panasonic_AGDVX100B_AG_DVX100B_3CCD_24p_Mini_DV.html
Blu-ray simply seems like a luxury that Macs don't need right now, seeing as how they'll probably eventually push to be selling a bigger selection of HD movies on iTunes.
laptops were just respec'd in June so don't hold your breath on that one.
as for Blu-ray, i doubt it. perhaps as an option on the Mac Pro and maybe the highest imacs, but I can't see them putting it in all the machines as a standard after the Extras on itunes last month. remember that Apple doesn't do cause everyone else did. especially when the sales are only like 12-15% of machines sold at this point (cause who wants to watch a blu-ray on that tiny screen)
what I also can see is perhaps native playback via a revised DVD player/data burning support and maybe a SuperDuper Drive like the one for the MacBook Air only this one is for all machines and is a blu-ray burner.
Considering Macs are touted as the end-all be-all for media consumption and creative video-producing types, doesn't it seem like a glaringly obvious omission?
@kazbaeden >> "Considering Macs are touted as the end-all be-all for media consumption and creative video-producing types, doesn't it seem like a glaringly obvious omission?"
Plus... you CAN buy a Blu-Ray burner for a Mac:
http://www.mcetech.com/blu-ray/
And it's probably cheaper than if Apple optioned it.
From a hardware only perspective, I agree that a blu-ray BTO for mac pros and a FW800 external for the rest of us would be nice, but it doesn't fit with Apple's strategy.
Apple has placed its bets....
Optical drives are becoming less relevant every year, the future for content and software delivery is online, that is one of the reasons the app store and iTunes is so important
At the same time though I tried justifying Blu-Ray for an HDTV I was getting, really couldn't do it, since the prices are still too high overall for everything from the players to the disks themselves. As of now Blu-Ray just seems like an in between format from DVD to Holographic Versatile Disc, the terabyte holding format that hardware makers are almost guaranteed to spring on us in another 5 to 7 years, whether or not we actually need it.
@Fan-of-iTech: You are right that optical drives are seldom used these days but that's because whatever content on a DVD may be obtained by download. Content on Blu-ray disc, on the other hand, is more difficult to download due to its sheer size. So, if you want to enjoy Blu-ray content, e.g. true HD movie, you have not choice but get a blu-ray player. Thus, most people consciously opting for a blu-ray player with their computer will most likely use it.
Subtle processor/HDD/RAM refreshes make sense, maybe even price adjustments, but new products and new form-factors without a press-conference? That seems unlikely.
Original plastic MacBook came out with no event.
you do know that the new ipod shuffle came out without an event right? and i still hate it.
True. I am in desperate need of replacing my G4 windtunnel tower, so press-conference or not, I'm hoping for in-stock Mac Mini refreshes tomorrow.
I'm hoping for the multi-touch waffle maker, but only if its self cleaning.
I'll be pissed if there's a new Macbook Air.
That's right, I have a MBA. Screw you guys and your thinkpads and your gentoo and your GNU+Linux and your repositories and your Winders 7 and your vidya gaems.
I am confused as to what message you are trying to convey. If it's sarcasm is doesn't make sense, if its not sarcasm it's just stupid.
I believe he's saying.
"Hey, I have a MacBook Air. Aren't I cool?"
@marcomera & cam: I think he has a sense of humor. I know you don't. Memo: get one.
BTW ... in a mixed house and work environment, I'm a freakin' pc.
his username is poo_and_wee... my guess is he's just stupid.
I do, in fact have a sense of humor, thank you.
Sarcasm doesn't come across in text.
@maveric101
I agree. Any self-respecting nerd/geek on this site would have used "poo_and_wii" instead of what he put.
"Screw you guys and your thinkpads and your gentoo and your GNU+Linux and your repositories and your Winders 7 and your vidya gaems."
And USB ports and removable batteries and dvd players.
The taste of Apple news... :)
Too bad I don't eat Apples much.
Yay new macs NEED CORE i7 or something ABOVE CORE 2 DUO!
This.
Must have Quads or i7/i5s. I mean that's a given, right?
Not to bothered about the rest - a tablet is kind of a white elephant and multitouch mice seem a bit pointless given the increasing switch to portable computing.
Yes, upgraded hardware would be nice. Multitouch, on the other hand, has proven to be a worthless gimmick, and it's time everyone moved on. In what, four years of hype, we've seen multitouch do two things: zoom and rotate. Who gives a shit? You could do both of those just as easily with a mouse and a modifier key. And exactly how often do you perform those actions anyway? Almost never.
Oh, and waving your arms around in front of you all day to use your computer? Also a stupid idea.
Let the multitouch shit die. This is the last thing Apple should be dicking around with while their laptop keyboards still don't have a real Delete key and the 13-inch MacBook Pro still lacks an ExpressCard slot.
Oh, and need we mention the idiotic glossy screens?
What, no Magic Fairy Dust and Unicorns?
Tch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDU0CTDMk2g
Sign me up for that multitouch iWaffleMaker!
WAFFLEMAN! He's the waffler, golden crispy, bad guys are history!
Hit 'em with some truth syrup!
mmm... apple waffles...
iwafflemaker. Only $299.*
*does not include waffles. We are not responsible for quality taste, only looks.
Well, that sure would stomp all over Barnes and Noble's eReader thing tomorrow.
Unless they bring out an epaper - touchscreen waffle maker
....You know, a lot of supposedly "Mac Haters" are just pissed off Windows users who are told by their Mac using counterparts that windows is an OS that 50% has a virus, 40% of the time has a BSoD, and 10% turning on.
I could care less what the hell some internet person thinks is the better OS, but QUIT TELLING ME that my decision was a bad one. I choose Windows, let me be in peace.
There's also a black hole that eats your money. And it comes in white.
If they don't finally add BR drives/recorders to their MacBook Pro line... Arrrrg!
Apple hates blu ray, they want their HD itunes crap to succeed.
If they do add blu ray I wouldn't expect it to be in the macbooks, it will come to the macpro first. Apple has been trying to get the price of macbooks down while keeping their apple tax intact and adding blu ray is not a very effective way for that to happen.
Hahaha, Apple trying to stay relevant with a "me to" news release trying to steal steam from Microsoft's crushing Windows 7 launch on the 22nd.
Well it's no use Apple, Windows 7 is the be all and end all of Operating Systems. It's faster, more stable, capable and secure. It makes coffee and even organizes your sock drawer!
Apple, you will rue the day you messed with Microsoft, count your blessing because you are doomed.... DOOMED!!!!!!
Hey, I've never tolled before and a benign post like this seemed like the best place to get it out of my system :)
Have a nice day.
While yes, if this was MS or some other company announcing something around the same time as an Apple product launch, you would never hear the end of the canter-walling of the Engadget writers/iTrolls, however it could be better stated than that.
People like you piss me off.
Someone please post a message on Engadget that isn't either an Apple fanboy or a Microsoft fanboy, please! I need it.
The constant "OS X SUCKS!!!! and WINDOWS 7 IS THE BEST EVARRRR" and the "WINDOWS 7 IS SUCKY LIKE VISTA OS X IS PERFECTTT". I'm annoyed to no end. Someone take the initiative and be an unbiased genius and notice that both operating systems have strengths and weaknesses, neither perfect nor better than the other. Pick one based one what you like and stop trying to force your opinion on other people.
Kthanksbye.
yes, it's not like anything relevant about apple was released today. like, even a few hours ago.
ROFLMAO!!!
Further proof that people don't read entire posts before flaming them LMAO!!!
Well gabriel, even if you were trying to be funny, you weren't, it's just plain annoying. Brian is right, there are too many people that get emotional about this stuff. And it's just stuff.
Point well taken. It was a moment of weakness. I agree with Brian. I fix both Macs and PC's and know they are both POS that have their specific uses.
On the other hand, if the entire post was read, I think it was pretty clear I was joking. As far as I know Windows 7 does not make coffee or organize sock drawers.
From now on I'll keep my jokes (good or bad) to my self.
Radio with iTunes integration on my iPhone please.
Apple trying to combat the awesomeness that is Windows 7?
The only thing even remotely interesting about all of that is the desktop multitouch thing. Who cares about slightly new imacs and macbooks, and a multitouch mightymouse - i can't stand to use a normal mightymouse why would i want an even more complicated one?
Not saying you're wrong or anything, but what's with all the Mighty Mouse hate? I understand the annoyance with the touch sensitive button but to me the trackball more than makes up for it.
The trackball on the mightymouse is the most useless trackball I have ever used. Maybe it's a setting, I'm not sure, but on every mac i've ever used it on it's sooo slow.
I also hate the buttons on the side, how many times do they seem to think I'm depressing them when I'm not. And really, I know it right clicks and all, but what's wrong with a second button. My hand just gets so sore using one. They're not ergonomical.
I have a multitouch waffle maker... it eats my fingers.
then how the hell you type this message
with his tongue
Or maybe with his... you know.
I hope they adjust the prices for the Canadian store due to the strong dollar. They are screwing us on the exchange rate when we are almost on par.
So he fact that Engadget has to keep banning P. A. Chapel just doesn't quite sink in this guys mind that maybe his brand of trolling just isnt wanted?
Without months worth of rumors on Engadget, I doubt anything big will be revealed; probably just upgrades, but not a iTablet. Still, hardware updates are also welcome.
Imagine if they said they would be shipping Windows 7 preinstalled. That could be a big move on Apple's part.
Thank you Kamil.
You speak for many.
John Gruber is a silly blowhard. He pretty much lost all credibility when he published the following:
"A reliable little birdie has informed me that it was indeed AT&T that objected to Google Voice apps for the iPhone. It's that simple."
Turned out it was total bullshit. Why anyone listens to his lame predictions escapes human logic.
because he's been right about almost everything else?
well he's later clarified this, it was his source that misunderstood something, his source thought that GV got rejected because they heard it has "not been approved". which isn't exactly the same, apparently an app can stay in "neither approved nor rejected" state for an indefinite period of time.
I strongly hope they are referring to capacitive multi-touch enabled displays on these new MacBooks. This would ultimately give Apple a 48-hour lead over Microsoft's big debut on Thursday.
If there's a $99 MacBook, I'm gonna cancel my Windows 7 upgrade, and put that money toward the new MacBook. If it's $99. And only it it's $99.
haha yes let's keep dreaming
Won't your Windows 7 upgrade cost more than $99?
Reply to connor @ Oct 19th 2009 9:55PM
Won't your Windows 7 upgrade cost more than $99?
I don't know how to do reply.
But back in June/July MS let all the retailers sell the upgrade for $50. I ordered mine from newegg.
Apple please bring back the black plastic MacBook. Once you have black you never want to go back to white. Love my black 2.2 ghz Macbook. I would get a new 13" Mackbook Pro but I don't care for metal in a notebook. I also vote for an SD slot on the new Macbooks and a build to order option for a matte screen.
Totally seconded on the BlackBook.
>Once you have black you never want to go back to white.
That's what she said...
How can you half expect something?
How do you turn a phrase?
You don't even know what "turn of phrase" means.
Hot. Might even end up getting one of these new plastic MB for my parents if this ends up being true.
Why would you do that when they'd be so much better off with Windows 7 at a much cheaper price?
I've given my parents a lot of crap throughout the years. The last thing they need right now is another headache. Not to mention that they're the kind of people that would enjoy attending one of those one-to-ones sessions and all the other workshops at the Apple Store. Plus if something happens they can just take it to the genius bar and have them take care of it, the store is literally 5 mins from where they live.
I love Windoeze 7 sooo much!
I love needing to run registry fixes..
I love Windoze Media Player11
I love having to defragment the disks
I love spending tuns on 3rd party software.
Now how did this PowerMac G5, MacBook Pro, MacBook, MacMini, and two iPhones get into my home.. Oh yeah cuz Windoze is the end all be all *rolls eyes*
Even when trying to make jokes, you're a douche. Apple lovers agree.
Aww name calling on the internet.. Just trying to keep up up with you tool
i think you're talking about windoeze XP... last time i checked i've never run a registry fix, disk defragmenter, zune 4.0 blows windows media player out of the water, and the only 3rd party app i've paid money for is MS office all in my 1.5 yr old installation of vista, and my win7 partition is even better...
hopefully apple does bump up their specs tho, thats a ton of money for last years hardware, esp when apple is making almost $2 billion in profits last qtr...
Yeah XP has its problems, Vista hates upgrades especially to the system bios (learned the hard way). I know there are free options for anti virus and so on. I do have a Win7 install running, its inline with Srever 2003/2008 as far a stability goes. Now we will see how long that lasts when 3 parties make bad drivers (Looking at Nvidia/HP printers)
uh ... Windows 7 actually has Windows Media Player 12
WOW finally something worth spending my life savings on.
Tablets, ponies, and waffles... yum. So there's finally an Apple Tablet that will let me control my pet pony while also eating apple-shaped waffles?!
Huh, I don't think I read that quite right...
how could there be an apple event tomorrow? i heard of no such bruhaha
When Apple decided not to go back to Macworld they said they'd do more releasing stuff just over the internet and not having events.
there won't be an event just a press release and like this whole year with Apple don't expect anything really worth taking about same designed products just some spec bumps and price reductions and thats it. O WELL MAYBE NEXT YEAR!
not an event. an announcement. this is another reason why anything huge is unlikely. this will be a press release and 'oh look the apple store is now for 3 hours and now it looks all pretty and new' type day.
This could be dangerous, i probably should cancel my credit card.
The multitouch trackpad or mouse could be worth a buy. I'm a little sceptical about the latter, but we'll find out tomorrow.
Because they normally are idiots like you to stir things up and to troll around. I don't mind mac users but I hate mac users with the sole purpose to make themselves look stupid and to troll people.
cmon new mac minis/imacs! would love to see core i5/i7 in them :)
Will they introduce Pro models with Clarksfield? I mean Clarksfield is a killer mobile CPU but at the moment the power consumption is ridiculous. Of the currently available laptops Anandtech tested, the longest one last 72 minutes AT IDLE.
I suppose having Clarksfield at the top of the model chain would be useful, as an OPTION. Will be interesting to see if they offer it.
For a work laptop I'd probably consider it, but for my personal laptop I wouldn't go anywhere near it yet.
Probably not. The iMac line badly needs a refresh, and since Clarksfield just came out it makes the most sense. The current iMac is Penryn based.
Kamil, I never heard this before: 'windows is an OS that 50% has a virus, 40% of the time has a BSoD, and 10% turning on.' It's so funny. I'm going to use it. Thanks.
I saw someone in Cupertino is trying too hard to crash somebody else's immient and unstoppable party.
Sure, announce new products just days before your worst nightmare announces its new product
Sure, reduce Mr. SL upgrade fee (scared of losing fan & user base) to $19.99
All of that new product line upgrades and announcements won't stop W7 from triumphing. I among many billions of users will be upgrading to W7 Ultimate irrespective of the stupid reasoning of trying to lure consumers to buying a $1K+ plastic machine as opposed to paying say $100 to backup and restore and not to even talk about hunting for fruity versions of those applications...
It's 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7,7,7,7,7,7, and 7 as seen on TV and tubes.
Actually it's not even a $1K. $999.
And you're making people who use Windows look stupid, so shut up.
"Actually it's not even a $1K. $999."
You're not really that dumb are you? Besides Apple doesn't make "plastic" computers - they make "polycarbonate" computers. All of the Macbook owners who know that polycarbonate *is* plastic raise your hands....one...two..well, that's two more than I expected.