New G4's based on the IBM 970 may ship earlier than expected. There is talk that single processor, running at 1.4GHz may ship within the next 2 weeks. Dual Processor units (with speeds approaching 2 GHz) will be unveiled at WWDC in June. The first units will not have 64 bit processing enabled, it will require OS X 10.3 which will not ship until the end of summer. It is thought that if you buy a new machine, 10.3 will be free when it's ready.

Apple employees are being offered huge discounts on current G4's as a means of lowering inventory. The discounts also apply to 17" iMacs and they may be upgraded too.

If your thinking of upgrading, I would proceed with caution. New Power Macs are coming, it's only a matter of time now. So, even if you don't want a new 970 based unit, existing G4's will be discounted soon.

How long do you anticipate until the release ? Also what kind of prices will you see say on the dual 1.42 and the dual 1.25 units ? Would it be worth waiting for the new G4s. I am in the process of buying a new G4

The new Power Macs should all be on sale by the beginning of July. The lower speed units may be announced in a week or two. The announcement may also wait until WWDC, the last week of June.

Either way it is a win, win situation if you can wait. If you have the budget the new units will be available. If you go with the older models (the ones presently available) you'll save hundreds by waiting. Apple does not price protect, so if you buy now, there is no future refund or discount. Typical discounts are usually in the $300 to $500 range.

Thanks for the heads up Jeff.

I am also looking to pick up another machine very shortly (for both immediate project needs and to utilize a budget that needs to be spent before end of June.) How much is one forsaking by picking up a current DP machine (ie - 1.25GHz) instead of waiting for the 970 models?

As for holding off on even the purchase of current models, should one just be on the lookout for discounts in the main section of the online Apple store or do these sort of things usually end up on their "Specials" page?

Any additional insights appreciated - thanks again,
Clayton

The price drops on existing products usually occur within two weeks of the introduction or announcement of new products. The price reductions are usually in the $300 to $500 range, depending on the speed and feature set. The price drops will be reflected across the board at all retailers, not just the Apple Store.

I should have prefaced all my earlier remarks with, this is all speculation and rumor at this point. However, this type of information leaks out all the time. You just have to know your sources and who is reliable and who is not. But it is still just speculation as to the timetable etc. One thing that is known is the discounts for Apple Employees. They are being offered substantial discounts on existing products. This can only mean that in the immediate future, new Power Macs will be shipping.

The speculation is the new machines will contain IBM 970 processors and will take Apple Power Macs to new levels. The new Power Macs are thought to be starting at about 1.5GHz and the top machine will offer dual processor 2GHz chips (or near 2GHz). The first of the year should see new Power Macs with speeds approaching 2.5GHZ or higher. How do we know so much about these new chips and their speeds? IBM is not as quiet as Apple with new products. Apple is not the only customer for these new chips. They will be used in the Auto Industry etc.

Apple is also working on expanding it's server line with these new processors. Cost will vary with configuration but a starting price of $10,000 is expected. A top of the line 64 processor unit is expected to weigh in around $70,000.

Thanks Jeff.

Please, please, please

Adopt the Intel or AMD processors. Forget Motorola and IBM's garbage CPU's.

I would pay $5k for a dual 3 gig cpu Apple workstation.

When will Apple make the switch? Damn this is frustrating, Apple has great designs, great software, great innovation and crap hardware.

Why? Oh dear God. Why?

Apple has pretty much sealed that door for a few more years. The 970 is an off shoot of one of IBM's big server processors. Nothing garbage about it. This is not another G3, or G4 processor.

As to their hardware being crap. I disagree. It's just not for you. Apple doesn't need to be all things to all people. They have a market niche they are very successful in. They don't have to be the biggest or even close to be profitable and successful. Apple isn't out to be the challenger to MS any more.

For the last ten years I have supported my family and lifestyle quite nicely on production capability based around Apple computers. It does the job and each day I am thankful to own the Apple computers I do.

I just can't justify paying more for a slower proprietary system versus a cheaper faster upgradeable computer.

I hope the IBM processor is all that you claim it to be. Maybe I will make the switch then. fingers crossed.

Mark

More updates on new machines, three new computers. Single processor running at 1.4GHz and two dual processors running 1.6GHz and 1.8 GHz.

Benchmark between the 1.4GHz PPC 970 and current 1.4GHz G4's indicate speed improvements between 87% and 254% (tests included Photoshop, FCP, Maya renders). Not bad for a single processor vs. dual processor.

Apple is not going to wait for the release of OS 10.3 and the implementation of 64bit processing. Why delay the introduction when you?ll get a 50% speed increase right out of the box. The dual processors should really scream.

Here is the link to the French site (http://www.macbidouille.com/niouzcontenu.php?date=2003-05-05#5440) reporting all this. Some translations are provided.

Just read through the linked page,

Unreal... (said as jaw hangs open)

A single processor 970 matching, let alone whomping the current dual G4's (even on DP aware apps like FCP) is mind blowing. If true, I think I'll have to keep the pocketbook in park until these new machines are announced/released.

So Jeff, all of the little birdies you've come across put the announce (and possibly some release) dates between now and the end of June?

Great news,
Clayton

... I can see myself switching to an Apple with FCP soon. I can't wait to hear more on this subject.

July is just around the corner.

Mark

is it July yet?
is it July yet?

Looprumors (www.looprumors.com) reports that a manufacturing facility in Taiwan now has supplies of 1.4 gHz and 1.6 gHz processors in house and are expected the 1.8 gHz processors shortly. The same article said that IBM was ramping up production on 2 gHz processors for late this summer. Based on volume and previous rumors it would suggest that the new G4s would be a single processor 1.4 and dual processor 1.6 and 1.8.

I understand the bus speeds on the new IBM chips will be somewhere around 200 to 250?

I don't understand what that means - does the question bore you or do you not think that bus speed is an important factor in computing?

Curtis not Chris. sorry bout that!

I don't think Curtis was pointing his comments at you Dean. Curtis is not impressed with Apple hardware, to say the least. I think it would be safe to say, he was hoping for higher numbers.

thanks - just blew off a little steam but you must admit bus speed is a relevant question. I haven't seen anything on that question regarding the new IBM chip. Was hoping someone had an answer!

None of the rumor sites are in agreement. I've numbers from 200MHz to 450MHz. This is one area that most people don't pay much attention to. It not as glamorous as processor speed. If I see anything, I'll be sure and post it.

Yes Dean, Jeff is correct. Sorry.

Hopefully soon I will be impressed. I've seen hype similar to this for past machines and just didn't see much improvement in reality. The difference between my old 450mhz G4 and my new dual 1Ghz G4 is definitely noticable, but not enough to make me say "wow". Just "that's neat". But someday there's gotta be a kickass breakthrough that'll hopefully make me change my mind. I love Apple's software and I would love to see it running on a screamingly fast machine.

hope something good comes out of this new chip. Curtis is right. The difference between the G4s is not that impressive. Had a good talk with a top chip designer about 4 years ago and that is all he talked about. Back then, he said, the key was the bus speed. I'm inclined to agree with him. Chip power is important but if the tube getting the info to/from the disk to chip to whatever is small, it causes a choke. Of course, there's more to it. Multi-tasking is also a big factor. Well, we'll see.

There is a very detailed report on arstechnica. They claim a front-side bus of around 450 (1/4 of the processor speed) but capable of taking full advantage of the DDR RAM.

In this week's "Businessweek" IBM admits to the 64 bit 970 chips and says that they are compatible with Apple.