Let's recap, shall we? As far as we can make out, here's the general consensus on the major gear expected for dramatic Stevenote unveilings at Macworld Expo: first and foremost, new iMacs, probably with LCD displays (likely), possibly with G4 processors (less likely), and maybe with some sort of removable tablet stylus-driven wireless web pad functionality (for the "extreme rumormongers" who like to live out there on the edge of sanity). Secondly, new Power Macs, with faster G4s (of course), possibly up to 1 GHz clock speeds (not entirely out of the question), and maybe a spiffy new look (the jury's still out on that one). Thirdly, there's a slim chance we'll see refreshed PowerBooks, with CD-RW options and possibly new colors, though a September intro seems more likely. And then there's the "Son of Pismo" big-screen iBook that at least two or three individuals are still expecting. Did we miss anything?

Probably not, since that covers literally all four corners of Apple's newly-restored product grid-- barring the possibility of an extremely premature Cube resurrection, of course. But wait! Now jaded Apple watchers bored with the usual Expo rumors have still more hardware to consider. Don't forget, Apple makes servers, too-- and word has it that they'll get a boost come Stevenote time, as well. We know, we know; most of you find that singularly unthrilling; after all, Apple's "servers" are just plain ol' Power Macs with some extra software thrown on for good measure. Update the Power Macs, and new "servers" are certain to follow.

Except that this time, maybe Apple has a little surprise up its sleeve. According to Think Secret, Apple is far enough along in development of its real server hardware-- i.e., systems designed with actual server features like a rack mount enclosure, hot-swappable hard disks, and redundant power supplies, not just a desktop Power Mac with the word "server" stuck on at the end-- that the unit code-named "Thing 2" may actually join Uncle Steve onstage at the Javits Center in twelve days' time. That's well in advance of the January 2002 intro date that Think Secret had originally projected. (Evidently Apple's recently-instituted "No Sleep For Engineers" policy is paying off already.)

In addition to Think Secret's scuttlebutt, we've heard whisperings from various other shadowy sources that Apple is planning to leap feet-first into the "real server" market very soon now. We'd be a little surprised for Steve to trot out such a business-oriented chunk of hardware at a primarily consumer-oriented trade show, but hey, if Mac OS X 10.1 is ready by then, there's probably little reason to wait. Apple targeting the enterprise market? Quick, fetch the smelling salts!

You think the processor in your PowerBook runs hot? Check the adapter. As soon as we think we can finally close the door on that whole sordid "Flaming 5300" chapter in Apple's history, up pops yet another "issue" that'll keep the image of smoldering PowerBooks from ever resting in peace. As faithful viewer Jerry O'Neil points out, though, this time it's not a flammable battery being recalled; as MacCentral reports, it's a slew of power adapters that carries the potential of making things overly toasty. Yes, people, this is a full-fledged recall: if you've got a PowerBook G3 AC adapter that shipped "from May 1998 until March 2000," Apple wants it back-- presumably so it can be burned in a controlled environment.

As far as we can tell, the affected adapters shipped only with and for Wall Street and possibly Lombard PowerBooks-- they're the black rectangular units with the two-prong power cord connector, model M4402, labeled "Macintosh PowerBook 45W AC Adapter." (Pismo's UFO-looking iBook-style adapters are apparently safe.) Apparently there have been six reported instances of these things "overheating" in the field; whether that means any actual fires were started is anyone's guess, but at least "no injuries have been reported."

If you've got one of the hot potatoes, Apple "urges you... not to leave your current AC adapter unattended while plugged into any power outlet." Instead, unplug that puppy and use your remaining battery power to check out Apple's PowerBook G3 AC Adapter Exchange Program, whereby you can order a replacement adapter-- presumably one that's less likely to torch your dwelling-- free of charge. All you need to do is enter your PowerBook's serial number and a shipping address, and you'll be charging your batteries again worry-free in no time. And look on the bright side; at least this time the part that can burst into flames isn't actually in your lap.

If we had to pick the one thing we miss most by being Mac users instead of Wintel slaves, we'd have to say it's the constant reminders that mediocrity makes the world go 'round. No, wait, scratch that-- even worse is the fact that we're pretty much missing out on the ongoing PC price war. As Mac users, we aren't affected nearly as much by the violent and bloody tussle caused by starving Wintel manufacturers clawing each other to pieces in a desperate attempt to claim shreds of the ever-diminishing PC market in today's lackluster economy. Sure, when Wintels drop in price, Macs tend to follow (hence the sub-$1000 iMac), but you don't see nearly as much carnage on this side of the fence.

See, after Steve retook Apple's reins and nuked the bewilderingly ill-conceived Mac cloning program, the company has been free to keep its profit margins hovering near the 30% level. Compare that to the Wintellians, who are duking it out over razor-thin margins of just 5 to 10%. Like we said, they're hungry, and they're willing to kill for food. So the question is, who's going to emerge from this slaughter still clinging to life? Enter pundit Tim Bajarin, who ponders that very issue in his latest ABCNEWS.com article.

The way Tim sees it, the consumer market is a virtual bloodbath right now. Dell is still making money by virtue of its massive volume and direct-sales model, while Gateway, with its direct-sales-plus-retail-presence strategy, continues to hang on-- albeit just barely. In the retail space, Hewlett-Packard and Compaq are the only major players with enough weight to have survived thus far, and who knows how long that'll last? Once the dust settles and the blood dries, Tim figures that most of the big boys like Compaq, Dell, and IBM will have high-tailed it out of the consumer sector, focusing almost entirely on enterprise sales to survive and thrive. So who's left to rule the home market? Due to well-established brand recognition and a focus on the "digital lifestyle," Tim's picks are "Apple and Sony."

So there you have it, folks: thanks to the shifting landscape and the changing economy, within "the next 10-15 years," what PC manufacturers remain may only be peddling beige boxes to big business, while it's going to be Apple vs. Sony duking it out for the hearts, minds, and wallets of consumers the world over. Now there's a post-apocalypse mutant battle worth tuning in for!