AI: Fresh consumer kit coming


In line with earlier rumors carried here on IGM, AppleInsider (AI) reports that Apple is preparing to ship refreshed consumer desktops and notebooks. Though mostly involving modest changes, here are some highlight's gleaned from AI's report:

eMac--With the release of the new eMacs, sources say Apple will begin to extend its Do-It-Yourself Repair and Upgrade program to the product line.

Aside from built-in upgrade functionality--wireless, RAM--it's very difficult to access the eMac's internals. So, this news would seem to indicate that Apple has re-engineered this product.

We will see a faster CPU (1.3, 1.4 GHz?), but a look at ATi's available solutions isn't particularly encouraging. A 9600 and 64MB of video memory, anyone?

iBook--1.2GHz to 1.33GHz G4 processor, while the 14-inch models will likely obtain a 1.5GHz processor. Both models are also expected to adopt an improved ATI Mobility Radeon graphics processor.

There hasn't been a rework of this line since Oct 2003. Whether or not Apple feels that time has come is another story... Is the Mobility 9600 pin-to-pin compatible with the 9200?

iMac--Apple has been dropping hints that it may release an iMac G5 equipped with a high-definition display (22-23-inches), and [has been] quietly gathering feedback on the subject from certain market sectors.

Perhaps there will be some sort of tie-in with Sony that delivers more value? Otherwise, this pundit can't see beyond HD's high prices and low adoption. That doesn't mean it won't happen--it's just a little difficult to see where the value will be.

Also, as previously noted, the iMac will be speed bumped to 1.8GHz at the low-end and 2GHz at the high.

What's your take?