There are two product lines of Macs:
- Professional: PowerMac, PowerBook, Xserver
- Consumer: iMac, iBook
- PowerMac has been upgraded with G5 processor, 64 bits, fast... a competitive product.
- Xserver needs an upgrade with G5 processor, surely with the new PowerPC 90nm.
- iBook has 1 Ghz G4 processor, too close to PowerBook.
- iMac recently updated.
- Intel Centrino notebooks are fast, with long battery life, 400 Mhz bus, integrated capabilities... a success of Intel.
- No more Motorola G4 upgrades, IBM has the word.
Conclusion?
Apple must become PowerBook a competitive product again, they can't presume in technical terms now. Yes, Xserve needs an upgraded also and Apple will do it, but it is not so important comercially as PowerBook.
When?
As soon as they can do it, sure. It is high priority.
Next?
PowerBook G5 1.6 Ghz with PowerTune... wow, G5 in a notebook, this is an impressive release ...Apple likes this kind of surprises because it gives money. In this business if you don't run you die. 800 Mhz->1 Ghz->1.25 Ghz...->1.6 Ghz, all this upgrades are 25% faster than predecessor. But the important thing is the word: G5, people remember this.
IBM is being to produce PowerPC 970 on 90 nm, less consumption, less hot, less size. And remember that PowerTune is like Centrino technology: slow frequency of processor when it's possible, so it optimize the consumption and the processor dissipates less heat. With 90 nm and PowerTune a PowerBook G5 is possible.
