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General discussion

What is Apple doing?

Oct 23, 2005 3:43PM PDT

Apple has just upgraded their current G5 desktop offering with dual core processors. I asked my local dealer 3 weeks ago for a fully outfitted "power" desktop(specifically the fastest he could configure, price not an issue) only to discover it is now nearly half as capable as the current offering in under a month. My dealer tells me that there is little he can do to help me and that he was just as surprised as I am. He didn't know of Apple's plans.

I am in full support of any company improving their offering to stay competitive but this is nonsense. My (price is no object) 3 week old machine is effectively lost approximately half its value. My satisfaction after buying my first Apple computer is now very low. I'm wondering if Apple really understands what impact this type of short sighted product marketing creates. I can tell you it makes me feel quite foolish to have made the switch.

Has anyone had a similar experience? Have you had better luck with Apple in fixing this situation?

Discussion is locked

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Problems
Oct 23, 2005 10:01PM PDT

Apple have never announced the introduction of new or updated machines, prior to their arrival. There are always tell-tale signs that something is in the wind though. Stocks become short and the rumor sites go wild. In this case, the rumor sites got it right. The desktop G5, is the iMac, which was updated but not to Dual Core. The professional series, PowerMac G5, was the one that went to Dual Core. Your dealer "could" have done a little better but then again, he would not be informed officially by Apple.
You never did say what you actually purchased, I would be interested. The fastest available, right now, fully configured, would set you back $22K.

Every technology chaser out there has had a similar problem. There is always something bigger, better, faster, out there. Just waiting. Dell do it, Gateway does it, they ALL do it

P

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re: Problems
Oct 24, 2005 12:06AM PDT

The machine cost roughly $12K. It was a twin 2.7 G5 with 30" display, dual 400Gig drives, ATI video and 8 Gigs of RAM. As I said, the cost of the machine isn't really the issue for me but the value I receive for my sizeable investment is. I wanted a good workhorse machine for a CAD environment. I've been down this road with SGI before and they treated their customers better; I could plan out my technology strategy. With Apple, right now, it's a crap shoot in my view.

As a prosumer, the last thing I'm looking for is to be left behind in the dust by my vendor of choice. A major shift in technology value per quarter is acceptable. Per month? It makes me lose interest.

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The move is ...
Oct 24, 2005 12:14AM PDT

Well publicised and IMO not equivilent to the SGI story.

However let's be sure that you are laying blame where it belongs. Apple (the company) may not be the issue here but the CAD software maker as they jump to the new platform next year if they feel it will improve their bottomline.

Besides the PowerPC run was how many years?

Bob

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Not so sure
Oct 24, 2005 1:39AM PDT

that the poster is complaining about Apple moving to the Intel processor but the fact that Apple introduced a new line of PowerMac G5 with Dual Core Processors shortly after he purchased his new machine. Top of this new line is the Dual, Dual Core processor machine.
The poster seems to feel that the machine he purchased is now obsolete and not fit for the job he needs it for. This, apparently, is the fault of Apple for not informing him of their marketing plans. It is always a bummer to find that what you bought recently is now not the top of the line, but no matter how you slice it, it will always happen.

P

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No news here.
Oct 24, 2005 2:25AM PDT

If that is the case, Apple is well known for not preannouncing unless it benefits them. Jobs is all too aware of the Osbourne effect and is a wise person to avoid that pitfall even if the recent buyers scream.

Bob

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Dual 2.7 was first shipped April 27th...
Nov 1, 2005 3:02AM PST

...which would make that particular configuration/model about 5 months old when you bought it, and just shy of 6 months old when Apple announced the new ones on the 19th of October.

Dual 2.7 ship date according to http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/powermac_g5/stats/powermac_g5_2.7_dp.html

''Quad'' announce date according to http://www.apple.com/hotnews/

You still have the hottest machine available, because, while Apple has announced the Quad, the Apple Store is (as of today) is quoting a 3 - 4 week wait before they ship.

I'm guessing that you spent the $12K and got the best available because you make good money sitting in front of it. If you had waited for the quad (about 2 months longer if they ship on time), how much profit would you have lost?

With the information given, I just don't see how the situation is as bad as you make it sound, but I might help you out and buy your old hardware If you're really that dissapointed with your purchase.

You say it's worth about $6K now?

Let me know.

Lampie ''The Clown''

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Don't hold your breath
Nov 1, 2005 5:17AM PST

I really don't think you are going to get a "cheap" system out of this Happy

P

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You never know...
Nov 1, 2005 5:46PM PST

Tom Jones once told me, "Always hit on the hottest girl in the club the moment you walk in. It probably won't work, but you'll never go home wondering if you could have pulled a better one, and every once in a while... " Well, you get the idea.

Lampie

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I can't wait either.
Oct 23, 2005 10:22PM PDT

Having heard what the developers are saying I can't wait to see the Mactels. However, there are plenty of current owners that would buy what Apple refreshed.

A rumor going around is that the dual core may be available from day zero.

Bob

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Dual Core
Oct 23, 2005 10:54PM PDT

Dual Core available right now in all three of the PowerMac G5 range.
I'm sure the ones you are waiting for are the Dual Core with the new processor and the ability to boot Windows.

P

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(NT) What If?
Nov 1, 2005 1:26PM PST

?Apple got out of the computer manufacturing all together and relied on their tremendous success with the music business. Namely ipod and imusic, etc? Is it really worth the hastle for 15% of the computer market place? Their business with ibooks still looks good supplying school systems. Mac-mini is looking good. Towers and dual processors with intel, who knows?

Here on CNET, Mac is 2% of the Forums. Kind of pathetic don't you think? Certain of my posts contain a disclaimer of sorts: I am on a Mac! That is only for PC. (Graphic Forum.)
I personally love to work on a Mac. Pretty easy to learn on and use. No Viruses thank goodness and very stable program. I have never had a crash using my G4 for over four years. I can screw-up my system occasionally. My fault!!

Just want to put a bug in your ear, Bob, and view you comments. What if?

-Kevin

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Taboma, you've got it wrong way around!
Nov 1, 2005 5:25PM PST

It's never been worth it for 15% of the computer market, but to be able to hold, even for a moment, a full 2% of the CNET forums...

Yea Baby! That's the brass ring!


Lampie "the Clown"

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The Brass Ring
Nov 3, 2005 2:55PM PST

Got that 2% from the Boss's mouth while down in Braintree speaking to Lee Koo. Lee mentioned the 2%. That is fact and still pathetic.
Lampie, you owe me a brass ring! :

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What is Apple doing?
Nov 3, 2005 10:21PM PST

I would look at getting third party products to increase RAM, processor speed, hard drive capacity, etc. Apple has a tendency to be secretive with their forth coming computers, so you could only go by rumor control atricles in terms of finding out what's coming out. At this point, I think you have an excellent machine with the Power Mac G4 and the bumps given to the new G5 are not such a wide gap from the G4. Apple still rocks in my book in terms of performance.
Peace
Lionloks

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What is Apple doing?
Nov 4, 2005 12:58PM PST

lionloks, I have a Mac Quicksilver Server and would not want to have anything else right now. G5?
I think the Mac-Mini has more potential for updates, don't you think?
You and I are part of the Mac Computer Market right now that is about 15% of the total market.
Doesn't bother me. Mac used to be 8% in the market place. Almost went out until Steve Jobs got back at the helm.

I'm with you. My G4 still rocks also!
So does ipod. Steve Jobs caught the world's interest with the Apple ipod. Used to be the Sony Walkman that was the hot item. (RIP)

Maybe after making Zillions of dollars with this ipod and imusic, we may be looking at next year's Mac Symposium and an announcement by Steve Jobs with more excitement! I hope so.

lionloks, here's a question for you. Steve Jobs last name was pronounces with a long-O. Now, recently I have heard it on the news as being pronounced as jobs??
What has happened to the TV media?

-Kevin