PowerMacs, iMacs and LCD Rumor Roundup

Rumors continue to trickle in as we wait for the newest updates to Apple's hardware.

MacWorld San Francisco 2003 brought us unexpected updates to the Powerbook line with 12" and 17" models introduced... while the iMac line was untouched.

iMac

The iMac was last updated in July 2002 with the introduction of the 17" iMac, but hasn't enjoyed signficant speed bumps since January 2002.

iMac revisions were widely expected prior to MacWorld San Francisco with various sites posting speculative details on the upgrades.

Upgraded iMacs are reported to be updated to 1 GHz speeds with Bluetooth and Airport Extreme capabilities built in to mirror the recent Powerbook updates. Some unconfirmed rumors have reported that the iMacs will receive price drops.... with a known source cryptically claiming the new iMacs will be "worth the money".

PowerMacs

If Apple stays true to its recent history of PowerMac updates, we can expect PowerMac speed bumps approximately every 6 months. Last PowerMac update occured in August, bringing us soon into the 6th month.

Very few details about PowerMac upgrades have been revealed -- with most attention being focused on the iMacs in the rumor scene. One thing we know is that the new PowerMac updates will top out at Dual 1.43 GHz (though bus speeds multipliers seem to work out to 1.42 GHz)

Apple LCDs

An Apple 20.1 inch display is expected with possible prices/specs detailed by MacWhispers. The only true time frame provided has been from Spymac with a discontinuation of the current 22inch "by March".

So When?

From our best sources, the only hints we've received have been "next few weeks" for the iMacs and "on the way" for the PowerMacs (and eMacs, for that matter). ThinkSecret has suggested that "iMacs and other hardware" upgrades are tentatively expected the week of February the 3rd.

Some unconfirmed rumors claim that this Tuesday (Jan 28th, 2003) will be the date for the release of everything described above. They also mentions a less than $1300 price for the 20.1" LCD and $1799 for the top iMac. As an unconfirmed rumor, it should be taken as such.