Why do we have to wait until September to get our hands on the
iBook?
One rumor is hardware problems - Apple hasn't quite got all the bugs
out yet. News from Macworld Expo was that the display units were all
near-final prototypes with hacked versions of Mac OS 8.6, so that may
be one reason for the delay.
Applelinks wonders, "Is
the FCC Holding Up the iBook?" Computers themselves have to receive
FCC certification, but Applelinks and MacProvider speculate the problem
might be the AirPort wireless networking.
Although that could be an issue, I can't see Apple postponing
release of the iBook simply because the AirPort may not have FCC
approval.
No, I think it's a marketing move.
iMac, #1 since August
Month after month, consumers buy more iMacs than any other computer
model. There was some confusion over total sales due to multiple colors
for a while, but total iMac sales have topped those of any other model
since August 1998.
Steve Jobs predicted that there would be 1.9 million iMacs out there
by August 15, the iMac's first birthday. That puts iMac sales at an
average level of 160,000 per month.
But I don't think the iMac will be #1 in September.
iBook, #1 in September
Apple has contracted for 250,000 iBooks per quarter. Rumor has it
that production began in late June or early July. That means that by
the time September arrives, Apple could have 160,000 iBooks ready to
go.
With another 80,000 or so scheduled for production in September,
total iBook sales for the month could be in the 200-250,000 range -
about 50% higher than sales of the industry-leading iMac.
The iMac will rest on its laurels after being the best selling
computer for twelve consecutive months. The iBook will probably score
well in October, but simply won't be made in the same quantity as the
iMac. My prediction: both will be in the top five for October.
The next iMac, iBook
The iMac is almost a year old. By releasing the iBook after the
iMac's birthday, Apple will temporarily turn the spotlight from their
best selling model ever, giving them the opportunity to refocus on an
improved iMac, rumored to have a 17" screen.
It seems likely that Apple will work on updating each part of its
product line quarterly. Faster iMacs, Power Macs, and PowerBooks have
become the norm. Is there any reason to expect anything less than that
for the iBook?
Further Reading
