Q. When is a PowerBook not a PowerBook?
A. When it is an iBook.
In the continuing saga of Son of Pismo (SOP), which I am resisting the urge to call the SOPrano, Go2Mac has learned that SOP may, in fact, be an updated iBook rather that a PowerBook as originally thought. If you haven’t been following the newest PowerBook SOaP opera, we broke the news of a potential third PowerBook in development deep inside Apple’s skunk works that is essentially a Pismo (G3, 14.1-inch TFT) in an updated 2001 enclosure.
Q. When is a PowerBook not a PowerBook?
A. When it is an iBook.
In the continuing saga of Son of Pismo (SOP), which I am resisting the urge to call the SOPrano, Go2Mac has learned that SOP may, in fact, be an updated iBook rather that a PowerBook as originally thought. If you haven’t been following the newest PowerBook SOaP opera, we broke the news of a potential third PowerBook in development deep inside Apple’s skunk works that is essentially a Pismo (G3, 14.1-inch TFT) in an updated 2001 enclosure.
A source close to the project suggests that SOP is an updated iBook with a 14.1-inch screen. This would allow Apple to market two flavors of iBook (12.1 and 14.1-inch) to customers without the worry of cannibalizing sales of the PowerBook G4 Titanium. The G4 processor will continue to be the dividing line between the consumer and professional models at least through the end of the year according to sources.
What about cannibalizing sales of the small (12.1-inch) iBook, you ask? Well, Apple doesn’t call that cannibalization, they call it up-selling, which is great for the bottom line. The current belief is that professionals that need the horsepower will always opt for the higher-priced PowerBook G4 and having used both for extended periods of time, I concur. Especially if you plan on using Mac OS X full time.
PowerBook announcements at Expo: iBook Dual USB with 12.1 or 14.1-inch display in your choice of colors: Pearl, Metallic Silver, Aqua, Bohemian Blue, Orange Sherbet and Taupe. As long as they don’t call it the “iBook Series…”
BONUS out-on-a-limb prediction: Apple will also announce a special custom-painting program for large purchasers of iMacs and iBooks. This will allow educational institutions buying more than 500 units to have their schools colors and logos emblazoned on the machines. The Blue Dalmatian and Flower Power iMacs were a test of the new technology. Schweet!
