Faster Macs On The Way?

by , 12:00 PM EST, January 4th, 2001

C|Net is reporting that Apple will indeed announce new Macs at next week's MACWORLD Expo in San Francisco. Originally expected for some time, the evidence for such a release continues to mount, with this week's Apple Store price drops providing the last bit of evidence. While most expected to see 600MHz MP G4's, C|Net says that we are in store for quite a surprise:

At Macworld in San Francisco, the Cupertino, Calif.-based company will introduce four new Power Mac models, including a new top-of-the-line computer with a 733-MHz G4 processor, the fastest Macintosh computer to date. Three other Power Macs will contain chips running at 466 MHz to 666 MHz.

Apple introduced dual-processor systems in July--with either 400-MHz or 500-MHz G4 processors. But the company, at least for now, is expected to return to single-chip Power Macs, sources said. Apple had hoped that many Power Mac buyers would opt for dual-processor systems, but instead a greater number bought the lower-end 400-MHz single-chip machine.

Since the release of the dual processor machines, reports have continually appeared regarding a decided lack of performance increase while also referencing several hardware related technical problems. However, most real world applications will see a far greater performance increase from the extra 233MHz on one chip than they would from a second 600MHz chip.

Also expecting to be released is the highly anticipated PowerBook G4. While the PowerBook G3/500 is a blistering fast laptop, Apple's high end portable line has not seen a significant upgrade in nearly a year. Expected to sport a stylish new case, and longer lasting battery, the PowerBook G4 is one of the most anticipated hardware releases in years.

You can find the full article at the C|Net web site.

The Mac Observer Spin:

More curious is the news of, at least, temporary abandonment of the MP machines. In retrospect, it seems that Apple rushed the MP G4's out the door as a hair-trigger reaction to the increasing "megahertz" gap, and the machines may not have technically been ready for prime time. If the MP's are dropped for now, that sets up a huge announcement at this summer's MACWORLD Expo in New York.

Apple