Resellers report shortages on several Mac models
New evidence from Apple resellers suggest that updated Macs are on the horizon, according to a report from AppleInsider.
(Credit:
Apple)
Apple resellers are reporting shortages of both Mac mini models coming from Apple. The company also reportedly issued an advisory earlier this week to its own retail stores that the Mac mini models and all four iMac models would not be restocked.
Reports surfaced in late September suggesting a new iMac with a thinner enclosure and possibly a Blu-ray optical drive is ready to be rolled out by Apple before the end of the year.
The wait time for Apple authorized resellers to get a Mac mini is currently two to three weeks, while the Apple online store lists the wait time as one to three business days. Having to wait one to three days for a computer may not seem that long, but all other systems on the online store ship within 24 hours.
Apple's MacBook could also be in line for an update before the end of the year. While the new models are thought to be similar to the existing MacBook, the update would most likely include processor and hard drive capacity updates.
The timing of the new Mac models makes a lot of sense. With the busiest shopping period of the year fast approaching, Apple is already set for iPods. The release of new Macs now would round out the offerings for the holidays.
Jim Dalrymple has followed Apple and the Mac industry for the last 15 years, first as part of MacCentral and then in various positions at Macworld. Jim also writes about the professional audio market, examining the best ways to record music using a Macintosh. He is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CNET. He currently runs The Loop. You can follow him on Twitter @jdalrymple. 
If there's anything that apple needs to revamp, it is certainly those. Their keyboards are actually very good this generation, unlike their last generation keyboards with tapered keys that are incredibly sticky after a year or two of use).
The Mighty Mouse is pretty tragic, but it's because of poor design, not because it needs more buttons. How about we just get a couple of discreet buttons on the left and right, a mouse scroll 'ball' that is large enough and actually works (including clicking), and a shape that feels right? Some of the things tried in the Might Mouse are the right idea, wrong execution. How about clicking both mouse buttons for your chosen Expose function? Great idea with the scroll ball, now just make one that actually works and doesn't feel like there's a tiny beetle stuck under my finger trying to get out.
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/10/02/apple_plans_mighty_mouse_makeover.html
And before you trolls start whining that Apple has decreased production, GO CHECK THE FACTS. You'll find out this is NOT true, and in fact they have increased production in the last 6 months.
The Mac Mini's enclosure hasn't had and major redesign since its intro so that could use a fresh look. The iMac certainly could go on a diet and slim even further. A consumer line of Macbooks needs to be recreated replacing the white enclosure goodness.
I'll predict some disappointments as the rumormill's hype always creates that.
1) There will be no blu-ray.
2) Consumer Macbooks won't get the SD slots nor firewire
3) The Mac Minis won't get a redesign and will still feel too expensive
4) There will be no 30" iMacs
Let's see if I'm right come this coming Tuesday.
But then again, do people really shop for computers as gifts at Christmas enough to make a real demand at that time of year?
- by cbroumand October 7, 2009 3:09 PM PDT
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(25 Comments)Man & Machine has just received the trademark for Mighty Mouse. Please feel free to email me for the press release if you interested.
Regards,
Clifton Broumand