The NEXT Next PowerBook (5/29/00)
SceneLink
 

We're not entirely sure why, but generally it seems that of all Apple's product lines, it's the PowerBook that spawns the most drooling, rabid, foaming-at-the-mouth rumormongering among the loyal fans. In part it's probably because often the people who can afford Apple's top-of-the-line PowerBook in the first place are the same sort of lucky bastards who can also afford to buy a new one every time Apple cranks out a spiffed-up model, so there's a "when can I buy my new toy" vibe. Then again, the flip side also applies: those who need a PowerBook but aren't independently wealthy and living off the blood of the oppressed working class really need to pinch every penny and make sure their purchase counts. The last thing you want to do is scrimp and save for three years, buy a PowerBook, and watch Apple release a faster model with more features and at a lower price only two weeks later, so there's a "smart shopper" aspect, too. And still another reason why the PowerBook draws so much attention from the Apple-watchers is that it's always "late"; can anyone remember the last time Apple actually shipped a PowerBook within a month of the first "widely-accepted release date" bandied about the Web? So there's an innate rumormonger's challenge in there, as well.

Whatever the reason, though, despite the fact that today's PowerBook is barely three months old (and one of the "freshest" products in Apple's stable), speculation about the next pro portable is running rampant. Mac OS Rumors calls this upcoming slab-o'-power "Pismo-B," and it's seemingly just an evolutionary step forward, as its alleged code-name implies. Due in September, Pismo-B will supposedly house faster G3 processors (running at 500, 600, and 650 MHz), faster and bigger hard drives, probably more RAM, and a "new translucent enclosure" with "some" structural design changes, including "higher-performance AirPort antennas." Don't get too excited about that new enclosure, though, but it's reportedly still not going to be a completely new design. All in all, Pismo-B is mostly a speed-bump release that refines the current Pismo design and adds a bit of translucency for style's sake.

Now, believe it or not, some people aren't satisfied just dishing dirt about the next PowerBook expected in three months; the serious rumor hounds are already talking about the PowerBook after Pismo-B, reportedly called "Mercury." This, friends, is the revolutionary model that has PowerBook addicts licking their chops and arranging second mortgages. According to Go2Mac, Mercury is the long-awaited PowerBook G4-- but its supercomputer core is just one of many happenin' new features on deck. Apparently Mercury will also sport a mondo new 15.1-inch (or even a 15.4-inch) LCD display, and its subframe will be constructed of a "new and innovative" material that'll make it "stronger and lighter" than any PowerBook before it. Look for this puppy at January's Macworld Expo, if Go2Mac is correct. (Personally, after last January's embarrassing Pismo no-show, we're impressed that Jason O'Grady's willing to make such a prediction. The man lives on the edge.)

 
SceneLink (2320)
And Now For A Word From Our Sponsors
 

As an Amazon Associate, AtAT earns from qualifying purchases

 

The above scene was taken from the 5/29/00 episode:

May 29, 2000: Wondering what the next PowerBook will be like? How about the PowerBook after that? Meanwhile, Steve Jobs plans to take iCards to the next bandwidth-sucking level, and Microsoft's "due process" argument may not go far in the appeals process after all...

Other scenes from that episode:

  • 2321: Is The World Ready? (5/29/00)   Everybody loves iCards, right? Arguably, it's the most engaging aspect of Apple's whole Internet strategy; iTools is a bit useful, but it's not exactly "gee-whiz" quite yet, and iReview-- well, let's just say it's still got room for improvement...

  • 2322: Due Process THIS, Buddy (5/29/00)   Thankfully, at least one legal eagle seems to think that "Redmond Justice" is still heading for a satisfying series finale-- instead of one in which Microsoft wins its appeal. While we shared many viewers' joy when Judge Jackson flatly denied the Redmond Giant six more months to stall show why a breakup is unwarranted, we were a smidge worried that the judge's "no more process" mandate might give Microsoft a big advantage when the case makes its inevitable way to the appeals court...

Or view the entire episode as originally broadcast...

Vote Early, Vote Often!
Why did you tune in to this '90s relic of a soap opera?
Nostalgia is the next best thing to feeling alive
My name is Rip Van Winkle and I just woke up; what did I miss?
I'm trying to pretend the last 20 years never happened
I mean, if it worked for Friends, why not?
I came here looking for a receptacle in which to place the cremated remains of my deceased Java applets (think about it)

(1287 votes)
Apple store at Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, AtAT earns from qualifying purchases

DISCLAIMER: AtAT was not a news site any more than Inside Edition was a "real" news show. We made Dawson's Creek look like 60 Minutes. We engaged in rampant guesswork, wild speculation, and pure fabrication for the entertainment of our viewers. Sure, everything here was "inspired by actual events," but so was Amityville II: The Possession. So lighten up.

Site best viewed with a sense of humor. AtAT is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Keep hands inside car at all times. The drinking of beverages while watching AtAT is strongly discouraged; AtAT is not responsible for damage, discomfort, or staining caused by spit-takes or "nosers."

Everything you see here that isn't attributed to other parties is copyright ©,1997-2024 J. Miller and may not be reproduced or rebroadcast without his explicit consent (or possibly the express written consent of Major League Baseball, but we doubt it).