The updated TiBook (code-named Onyx) was originally slated to be released in September, then rumors suggested that it could be announced as soon as Macworld Expo NY 2001 next month. The real date is probably somewhere in between.
The updated TiBook (code-named Onyx) was originally slated to be released in September, then rumors suggested that it could be announced as soon as Macworld Expo NY 2001 next month. The real date is probably somewhere in between.
Several factors contribute to the TiBook rev. B announcement date, including inventory levels of existing TiBook models and the amount of lost sales because of the lack of a DVD/CD-RW combo drive. Apple has answered the combo drive argument with a new promotion that offers a free external VST FireWire CD-RW with the purchase of a TiBook. The promotion ends on 03 September 2001 supporting a Fall Onyx announcement date.
More supporting evidence for the TiBook rev. B is Apple’s recent push to clear out the remaining TiBook 500 MHz inventory by offering the high-end model to Apple employees and their friends and family at a steep discount. Apple’s internal quarterly promotion is offering the 500 MHz TiBook for US$2,799, a whopping US$700 off the retail price and only US$200 more than the 400 MHz version.
I think that Apple will hold the TiBook rev. B announcement until inventory levels of existing TiBooks are reduced to almost zero as this will minimize the negative effect of price cuts on the balance sheet. Apple will probably make it a “silent” upgrade without fanfare when current TiBooks are sold out. There is no reason for Apple to announce the new TiBook at Macworld when there are as many as two iBooks, a new desktop G4, a new LCD iMac and a raft of new software taking the stage at the Jacob K. Javitz Center in July.
Onyx is likely to ship with a DVD/CD-RW combo drive (like the iBook) and possibly a speed-bump and a color change to a dark gray/black or smoke anodized Titanium. Prices are expected to be the same or close to that of the current models.
