|
The iTeen Solution For Apple's G4 Speed Limit Sure, I know we've all dreamed of getting the newest, fastest Mac on the market, but I've got a suggestion for Apple. Currently, they're stuck at 500 Mhz for the PowerMac G4 product line, and could be so for several months if the rumor sites have it right. So instead of penalizing the low end market by artificially limiting their speeds to protect the image of the G4, they could make the higher end models more powerful in ways other than the processor speed. Stuff like adding another PCI slot or two, bumping the AGP slot to 4x instead of the current 2x), a CD-R, a new system bus architecture, or something else new and innovative. By beefing up the feature set of the high end PowerMac G4 line, Apple could increase the speed of the lower end iMacs and iBooks without threatening the image of the flagship model. While the average consumer wouldn't see the differences in the new G4s, the experienced professional would. This is a win-win situation for Apple, at least until Motorola is able to move over its current speed bump. See, there seems to be a fundamental difference between that of the consumer and the professional. Like it or not, if a new user sees an iMac at 400 Mhz, and a PC at 600 Mhz for $300 cheaper, which do you think they will choose? If I didn't know anything about the Mac (putting looks aside) I would go for the PC. Yet, if I were working for a Web Design firm, my mindset would be completely different. Professionals tend to buy the solution that is best going to help them do their jobs. So instead of just letting the Pro product line sit there until Motorola works out the kinks in G4 production, wouldn't it be better to consistently update it with new features, even if the speed doesn't increase. You would attract more buyers and press attention this way, and wouldn't leave the low end stuck in quicksand either. So, how would this affect you, the teenage or on-budget buyer? By adding more features to the higher end, Apple no longer has to worry about the iMac and iBook taking away from it's professional sales. By offering higher speeds at the low end and maybe change the design a little bit, Apple could sell more machines and make more profit. Plus, with newer consumer models out, older models would drop in price. Sounds great doesn't it? You win, Apple wins. Just my two copper pieces of national currency. Jordan Streiff
|