A return to black in '05? [Archive]

kscherer

2004-11-11, 14:10

You got a point there...but ever since the Titaniums were introduced, I've thought Apple was getting a bit too much form over function. They claimed the physical strengths of the Ti's, and less so with the Aluminums.

I harken back to those black Lombards. While heavy, they were tanks that could take quite a beating. No scuff marks. Perhaps there's a middle ground between durability and sexyness.
If you recall, Apple claimed the strength of the G4 Powermacs until just shortly before the end of their production run. I would guess that Apple is no longer touting the strength of the PowerBook line because they are nearing the end of the production run and are gearing up for a new release.

By the way, keep in mind that Carbon Fiber objects of the complexity required for a PowerBook are difficult to mass-manufacture and would be extremely expensive. While Carbon Fiber is very light and very strong, the strength/weight ratio would likely be offset by the high price. I don't think there are many Mac faithful who would like to see the return of the $4000.00 plus PowerBook. In fact that kind of pricing would likely kill the forward momentum Apple has created in the PowerBook line.

pscates2.0

2004-11-11, 14:45

white for the consumer products is NOT attractive. it's cheap looking.

That's your opinion, nothing more. Others might share it, but I'm guessing plenty more like the clean, "goes with anything" look of it. Otherwise there would be this HUGE outcry of reviewers, customers, Macworld, Walt Mossberg and David Pogue types, artists, writers, etc. slamming Apple from every angle over this dreaded white plastic look, and demanding a change.

I don't see that happening, and in every review I read of consumer Apple gear I don't recall the white plastic EVER coming up as a negative or "con". If anything, most reviews and articles comment on how nice, clean and modern it looks.

What would you suggest for the consumer line (be serious...I'm genuinely curious)? Black? Gray? Platinum/beige? A return to colors? Clear acrylic? Graphite? Dark IBM blue? Earthy tones?

:confused:

pscates2.0

2004-11-11, 14:50

You got a point there...but ever since the Titaniums were introduced, I've thought Apple was getting a bit too much form over function. They claimed the physical strengths of the Ti's, and less so with the Aluminums.

I recall upon the intro of the 12" and 17" PowerBooks in January 2003, Jobs talked about how this aluminum was stronger (or lighter)? Can't remember, but he framed his comments in such a way that it seemed as though he was praising aluminum over the previous Titanium.

Someone can check the keynote to confirm, but I swear I remember him praising the new aluminum quite a bit. Whether or not he was engaging in RDF-enhanced marketing hyperbole isn't the point...the point is he mentioned it, talked about it, compared it to Titanium in a more favorable way, etc.

I'd bet my eye on it. Someone have the video? :)

kscherer

2004-11-11, 15:10

One big problem with white is that it shows dirt and stains quite readily. It does look nice, when new and shiny, but can get kind of worn looking pretty fast. I like the look, but I do think that alternatives should be explored in the next true revision of the iBook. Colors are nice and I think that anodized aluminum enclosures would kick butt on the white stuff, although it is more expensive. How about anodized PowerBooks? Ti-dye, anyone?

BuonRotto

2004-11-11, 15:47

White shows dirt. Black shows dust. Both show fingerprints. :p

Jay

2004-11-11, 16:38

White shows dirt. Black shows dust. Both show fingerprints. :p

Thats what I love about my Powerbook I can hardly see any fingerprints and it takes quite a bit of dirt to really be noticeable. Even then a little window cleaner on a rag and it's back to new.

Mac+

2004-11-11, 16:53

'scates I think Jobs did mention the Al favourably in comparison to Ti, but you and I both know he is *the* master of "spin".

Although I can't remember it exacty, I think it was something along the lines of lighter and still strong. Perhaps not as strong as Titanium - they certainly touted that as one of the lightest and strongest metals known to man when the TiBooks were introduced.

As for black - sure it would be a great change ... would suit music equipment and definitely look good on stage as well, but I agree with Paul, the aluminium look for the Pro gear is what ties it all together nicely. If they changed the PowerBook casing colour, I would think that would necessitate a display and possible G5 case colour change at some stage in the future too. Considering those displays were finally updated this year - not before time http://forums.applenova.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif - I don't see it happening too soon in the future.

BarracksSi

2004-11-11, 19:37

One big problem with white is that it shows dirt and stains quite readily.

That's so that everyone cleans it more often.

I honestly also believe that it's a side effect of the iPods' mirror-and-ice finish that people are more careful with them than with other music players.

I've had people say that the carbon fiber spoiler/wing on my car makes it look "ricey", as in tasteless riceburner car fashion. Imagine a riced-out carbon fiber Powerbook.

Carbon fiber does look awesome as a texture, though... but it's electrically conductive, too.

El Guardo

2004-11-11, 20:27

For what it's worth, carbon fibre doesn't necessarily mean black. As the below pictures show, and as any good cyclist willl tell you, carbon fibre can be made into any colour now - and the below silver/pearl colouring would suit a Powerbook offering.

http://www.bikyle.com/images/BianchiLuna.jpg
In this picture, the frame, seatpost, seat, cranks, stem and handlebars are all carbon fibre.

http://www.bikyle.com/images/BianchiLunaStem.jpg
A closer look.

kscherer

2004-11-11, 22:29

Yeah, but Bianchi sucks. Crappy Italian bike! :D

Satchmo

2004-11-12, 09:25

I'll pass on the carbon fibre idea if that bike is any indication of what it can look like. That patterned look is so bling, not even a blind rap artist could appreciate it. :)

BarracksSi

2004-11-12, 11:50

I'll pass on the carbon fibre idea if that bike is any indication of what it can look like. That patterned look is so bling, not even a blind rap artist could appreciate it. :)

You think a carbon fiber laptop is bling bling?

Ah, my friend, think again...

http://www.mrbling.com/

(found by googling the phrase, "this is bling"... lol ;) )

colonelforbin

2004-11-12, 12:26

i love the wall street/pismo style powerbooks - i for one would definitely put durability above the aluminum look. if apple released new powerbooks in a similar form factor, especially with interchangeable drive bays, i would buy in an instant.

mind you, i will likely buy in an instant as soon as the new ones come out anyways.

Messiahtosh

2004-11-12, 13:25

A return to colors in the consumer line is what I'm looking for. iPod mini colors.

patrik_l

2004-11-12, 14:11

Yeah, but Bianchi sucks. Crappy Italian bike! :D

Actually, it's swedish ;)

DMBand0026

2004-11-12, 16:05

I like the look of the AlBooks. I'd be really happy to see Apple stick with the current form factor and materials, if possible.

Messiahtosh

2004-11-12, 18:05

The aluminum PowerBooks are cool, compared to the plastic trash the PC laptops are made out of. I would think that a black, with a wet-looking jet black would be even better than the aluminum though.

Dave Hagan

2004-11-12, 19:23

I have been thinking "black" for awhile now. Now just to be different and to fence with the regulars here, what if the PowerBook G5 had a pleasing use of both black and silver?

Messiahtosh

2004-11-12, 22:53

I see no reason why Apple has to stick to a Pro/Consumer industrial design scheme. It does not matter. During the color days, all of their products were colorful, except for the black PowerBook. ;)

Just because some people here think it's cute and convenient, maybe even logical and easy to differentiate products based on design...does not mean that it works. Who the hell knows, other than Mac fans, that Apple does this?

The iPod is the perfect example of where Apple has contradicted this supposed law of differentiation. Metal/Plastic, wtf mate? :cool:

Mac+

2004-11-12, 23:26

I have been thinking "black" for awhile now. Now just to be different and to fence with the regulars here, what if the PowerBook G5 had a pleasing use of both black and silver?I could dig it! :D

Miko

2004-11-13, 00:22

Lets not forget that Apple's hidden agenda is to be taken more seriously in the corporate world. So I do not see any carbon fiber PB coming out unless it is colored not to look like carbon fiber.

But I'm not corporate so I will buy whatever they put on the shelves as long as it's fast & cool.

gar

2004-11-13, 04:44

I have been thinking "black" for awhile now. Now just to be different and to fence with the regulars here, what if the PowerBook G5 had a pleasing use of both black and silver?
NO!
please not that cheap looking combination of black and silver/aluminium, used on almost every windows based laptop. it's ugly. the looks are so corporate-bussiness-chique.

DMBand0026

2004-11-13, 11:51

NO!
please not that cheap looking combination of black and silver/aluminium, used on almost every windows based laptop. it's ugly. the looks are so corporate-bussiness-chique.

I agree. Yet another reason that I like the aluminum look so much. It's so different, and that's so Apple.

Messiahtosh

2004-11-13, 12:38

It should not be different for the sake of being different, which is where Apple was going in design for some time. Now, their minimalist approach seems to be a massive success, and they should stick to that. Minimalism would work with black too though.

There's nothing wrong with having a sleek black PowerBook.

Messiahtosh

2004-11-13, 13:15

http://www.colorwarepc.com/_inventoryImages/images/color_choice_power/carbon.jpg

Looks kinda cool, minus the two-toned areas.

applenut

2004-11-13, 13:58

That's your opinion, nothing more. Others might share it, but I'm guessing plenty more like the clean, "goes with anything" look of it. Otherwise there would be this HUGE outcry of reviewers, customers, Macworld, Walt Mossberg and David Pogue types, artists, writers, etc. slamming Apple from every angle over this dreaded white plastic look, and demanding a change.

I don't see that happening, and in every review I read of consumer Apple gear I don't recall the white plastic EVER coming up as a negative or "con". If anything, most reviews and articles comment on how nice, clean and modern it looks.

What would you suggest for the consumer line (be serious...I'm genuinely curious)? Black? Gray? Platinum/beige? A return to colors? Clear acrylic? Graphite? Dark IBM blue? Earthy tones?

:confused:

that's your opinion. nothing more.

you're reasoning for maintaining the white plastic look is ridicuously weak however. why would there by public outcry? even with the white plastic Apple's products design wise blow everything away. It's hard to be critical when there is nothing else better. That doesn't mean the design is at its best though. Walter Mossberg, David Pogue? These two guys would give Apple shit-kabobs 5 stars. I really don't care what they think of products because they are bias in every piece of writing they produce and are no better than the fan boys on this site and others.

As it is, I have seen the white plastic brought up as a negative, especially in regards to the iBook and the last iMac. Especially when Apple switched the iBook to that opaque shit.

As for what they should do..... I think offering color choices again would be very successful. Apple is a boutique company, I don't understand why they dont offer more customization/options on their store site. Or special editions. If they wanted to go a standard color I think the new iMac would look outstanding in a sleek silver/graphite look or deep blue or just a glossy black. I think a darker color would also help reduce the chin's in your face appearance.

Messiahtosh

2004-11-13, 14:50

I agree with Applenut. :|

Dave Hagan

2004-11-13, 15:02

Trains of thought.

1. I'll bet that the aluminum PowerBook design was the original design for the PowerBook G4 series, but was canned in favor of the Titanium design, and;
2. The aluminum PowerBook design is a stop-gap design.

The Titanium PowerBook G4 was more expensive to produce than the current aluminum-clad PowerBooks. But there were several glitches with the Titaniums (peeling paint, bad hinges). I recall an article following the Titanium PowerBook G4 introduction where Steve Jobs insisted black for the the new Titanium PowerBook G4, but engineering said that was going to be problematic.

(Alas, we now know just how ugly that situation might have been.)

So I think that when PowerBook G5s finally get introduced to the world, they will be as different from the current PowerBook G4s, as the PowerBook G3 Pismo was as different from the Titanium PowerBook G4.

Dave Hagan

2004-11-13, 15:15

http://homepage.mac.com/davehagan/260a.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/davehagan/260b.jpg

IMO, the above pictured Sony S260 notebook isn't bad looking as Windows notebooks go. Don't you think that Apple could improve on it in an Apple way? Surely there's no question in my mind! I would forsee the keyboard and enclosure inversely presented with a black enclosure inside and silverish keys. I think an all silver enclosure is too distracting from a form over function standpoint, and I think Steve Jobs knows it.

psgamer0921

2004-11-13, 20:02

I think Apple could do a better black than the PC companies, but personally, I'd kind of like a black Powerbook or iMac...

Mac+

2004-11-13, 21:13

That colorware version that M'tosh posted is not too bad. The black bezel helps frame the screen and offers a greater contrast to the eye. Although, I could see the casing showing scratch marks quite easily. :(

As for the naysayers about black/silver, the key words in Dave Hagan's post were a "pleasing use of both black and silver." What this is - though - is up to the beholder.

Truthfully, though, I'd probably buy whatever Apple puts out when it is time to buy a PowerBook again as, quite simply, it is the only game in town. :)

BuonRotto

2004-11-13, 21:43

My biggest beef with the white finish isn't the color. White isn't any cheaper looking inherently than any other color. It can even look very pricey (http://www.richardmeier.com/). It depends on the quality of the materials and especially how well they last, not so much whether one color (or lack thereof) has connotations of looking cheap. Apple could put out a beige iBook and still make it look a LOT better than the so-called "beige" PCs out there.

The one thing I would change with the various Apple products is their tendency to pick up fingerprints and scratches because they are so glossy. On the other hand, something that is too textured, like the old IBM keyboard plastics, picks up dirt over time that can't be cleaned off. A satin or smooth matte finish is preferable IMO. I don't worry about whether Apple uses metal or plastic for their cases really either. Apple knows plastics inside and out, and not all plastics are created the same. I mean, the power cord for my iMac is drop-dead sexy compared to almost any PC case.

rasmits

2004-11-14, 02:26

I don't really understand the sudden departure from colorful computers, I liked it. A return to transparents or colors, at leased with the consumer line, would go over well I think.

I don't have a problem with the white, but they've been white for a while. We've just been so spoiled with an ever-changing look that we think every time they come out with a new computer, it'll have some wacky new color scheme. Maybe they'll settle on the look they have.

Brad

2004-11-14, 03:24

I don't really understand the sudden departure from colorful computers, I liked it.One word: overkill.

Everybody jumped on the colored plastic bandwagon. Not only were PC-makers selling boxes with cheap, bright plastic panels, you could even get household appliances like irons in the white and bondi blue colors.

IMHO, Apple was smart to jump out of that while it could. It's good to shake up designs every once in a while, but it's also good to more on before people get sick of any one style. That said, Apple may well return to making more colored products in the future (like the iPod Mini), but I doubt it'll happen very soon. With the new G5s, I think Apple is trying to sell its products as being powerful, not necessarily cute and friendly.

pscates2.0

2004-11-14, 09:16

Yes. Apple got slammed with the whole "it looks like a toy" thing for a while. People - idiotic people who never bothered to look past the surface - just saw a green or orange jellybean and immediately assumed the iMac wasn't a "serious computer". Right or wrong, Apple probably tired of that. And, as Brad says, fads and trends come and go, and by 2001, you couldn't swing a dead cat at Target or your local office superstore and not hit blue translucent staplers or orange, curvy see-through lamps or rainbow-hued George Foreman grills.

:)

And the whole PC take on the thing was fairly disgusting and amusing, both at the same time...

Messiahtosh

2004-11-14, 10:04

colonelforbin

2004-11-14, 10:25

that black powerbook didn't look too bad... but i don't know, i think i like matte black more than glossy. maybe matte black with the apple logo and the text "powerbook g-whatever" in gloss black.

pscates2.0

2004-11-14, 11:30

And yet the iPod mini proves there is a massive market for colorful tech gadgets still.

Apple would be wise to extend the color scheme idea (with aluminum or something so obviously not cheap) to their iproducts.

And yet it took several years and it's only one small segment of their line-up. I don't think you compare 2004 and the iPod mini to four years ago, and the whole curvy, translucent color craze, can you?

I think the iPod mini would've sold it it only came in silver and white. The colors are certainly nice, but I don't think people are going to drop $249 just because something is green. It's an iPod first. It's small, cute and colorful second.

On a related note, AppleInsider seems to be pretty sure on Flash-based iPods coming at MWSF. :eek:

709

2004-11-14, 11:37

The colors are certainly nice, but I don't think people are going to drop $249 just because something is green.Now, orange on the other hand... ;)

rasmits

2004-11-14, 14:32

On a related note, AppleInsider seems to be pretty sure on Flash-based iPods coming at MWSF. :eek:No way... Really? That just seems odd with all the talk that no one uses flash players. That they throw them in the drawer and buy an iPod...

But I understand that they'd want to penetrate every corner of the mp3 player market. Sell it while it's hot.

Brad

2004-11-14, 14:39

And yet the iPod mini proves there is a massive market for colorful tech gadgets still. What pscates said.

Plus, it doesn't cost nearly as much to keep a supply of each color of iPod in stock versus whole computers.

NosferaDrew

2004-11-14, 15:18

My biggest beef with the white finish isn't the color. ...
The one thing I would change with the various Apple products is their tendency to pick up fingerprints and scratches because they are so glossy. ... A satin or smooth matte finish is preferable IMO.
I agree. Wish the iBook was a bit less glossy.

Messiahtosh

2004-11-14, 15:57

And the iPod socks are also colorful...slowly but surely my man. ;)

BuonRotto

2004-11-14, 16:54

One word: overkill.

I have a slightly different word, more marketing-speak really: differentiation. :) I mean, you're right that the market was over-saturated with imac knock offs that used cheapo materials and colors, but Apple couldn't differentiate its products with color in that environment.

rasmits: I love repeating (well, paraphrasing) a line from Robert X. Cringley of PBS: Steve Jobs is absolutely sure of something right up until the moment he changes his mind. :)

applenut

2004-11-14, 21:37

I think the iPod mini would've sold it it only came in silver and white. The colors are certainly nice, but I don't think people are going to drop $249 just because something is green. It's an iPod first. It's small, cute and colorful second.

actually, I think the choice in colors is a HUGE part of the iPod mini's success. To suggest otherwise is a huge oversight. The choice of colors is the biggest decision when buying an iPod mini. The range of colors is the biggest attraction. Girls immediately want the pink or green one. People who dont really have a need for one or would not have bought one get attracted by the color. I've seen it happen dozens of times just with my friends. My girlfriend is dying for a green one. She saw her friend's powerbook g4 12 inch which had been painted pink. She wants one. I told her it costs a couple hundred dollars more to get it painted from a third party company. She didn't care. "it's too cute".

Design sells. Apple is all about the form....many times over function.

Messiahtosh

2004-11-14, 21:52

Once again, I agree with Applenut.

I think as long as Apple can manage the inventory, they should offer as many customizable options as possible, or charge more money for colors. Some small fee, say $50 to $100 for a customized color that's different from the standard white or aluminum-silver.

Mac+

2004-11-15, 04:40

The choice of colors is the biggest decision when buying an iPod mini. :err: It's the only decision.

scratt

2004-11-15, 05:57

Hey.... Did any of you see the stuff about Apple patenting a chameleon style casing... That was around in rumours over 18 months ago....

Now that would be ../think/look/different... No idea how it is planning to work other than with some kind of thin film technology... but it would put everyone back on their heels again!!

linky (http://www.techspot.com/story14830.html)

Thekp4a

2004-11-15, 06:04

Carbon fiber would be cool. I think Apple might continue to push the ipod image to the mac and go with anodizing.

KP4A

pscates2.0

2004-11-15, 08:17

Once again, I agree with Applenut.

Once again, I wouldn't go around saying that out loud. :p

Messiahtosh

2004-11-15, 08:23

Once again...Uhm, nevermind, I've got nothin'. lol

Robo

2004-11-24, 15:35

I like the current white look of the "consumer" line. I don't think it looks cheap. But whatever.

Black Powerbook? I could see it, I guess. I think it'd probably be metallic black, but matte black can look nice too (I think Sony pulled it off smashingly on the new "mini PS2."). Would I bet on it? Probably not, unless Apple changes the Power Mac G5s to match. Whether you like their decision to unify the appearance of their lines or not, you can't deny that it exists.

If Apple, say, couldn't make a 12" Powerbook G5 and so they decided to make a G4 convertable tablet in itss place, then I could see that "PowerPad" being black. But of course I would - it is, alas, a figment of my imagination. :(

It would be interesting to see if Apple extends the adonized aluminum look of the iPm to other products. Maybe that 10" iBook people were raving about a while back? Not that I think that'll happen...

And while we're discussing colors, I'm with pscates - Apple should introduce new iPm colors. Orange, Red, Purple, whatever...just as long as they add Yellow. :D

Dave Hagan

2004-11-25, 15:42

I think the thing that Apple needs to do most of all is make the PowerBook easier to service. It must cost Apple a fortune to do a repair on the current aluminum line of Powerbooks. If they had a PowerBook layout in a similar track as the Power Mac G5......Just look at how the new iMac g5 is fully user-serviceable. I would expect this with a new Power Mac G5. I would like to be able to replace my internal hard drive without voiding its warranty.

Fender

2004-11-26, 15:44

I certainly prefer the aluminum style Powerbook. Looks great on the current generation PBs, PowerMac G5, LCDs (and various aluminum accessories). However, black aluminum wouldn't be too bad IMO.

And I think the iBooks should be given the finish that the iMac G5s have. It's a beautiful finish in person. It would make it a little more classy, as the current finish is sort of flat & dull.

BarracksSi

2004-11-27, 00:36

I certainly prefer the aluminum style Powerbook. Looks great on the current generation PBs, PowerMac G5, LCDs (and various aluminum accessories). However, black aluminum wouldn't be too bad IMO.

Agreed, mainly about the current aluminum. There's nothing else like it anywhere, and people can spot it from a block away. Apple computers may have "small market share", but they're certainly pretty damn recognizable.

And I think the iBooks should be given the finish that the iMac G5s have. It's a beautiful finish in person. It would make it a little more classy, as the current finish is sort of flat & dull.

You mean that the iBooks should return to the finish that they used to have. The iMac G5's finish is remarkably like the finish on my two-year-old "ice"Book.

iLuxo

2004-11-30, 07:02

The PB I remember most was the sligtly curvy one in black.

If you want corporate appeal my choice would be a two-tone charcoal and bronze exterior to match a good suit - or a black leather skin over the case - and with a slightly curvaceous exterior.

Carbon fibre has to be high gloss to look any good and that epoxy surface will scratch rapidly. Besides it looks trashy to me, like a flash rat with a gold tooth.

shatteringglass

2004-12-01, 02:01

The current white polycarbonate plastic Apple uses for iBooks looks incredibly cheap in person. I agree that they should go back to painting the insides of clear acrylic shells.

Messiahtosh

2004-12-01, 07:51

I don't think they look "cheap." The iBooks could look better, but they are certainly not cheap-looking.

Satchmo

2004-12-01, 08:58

The current white polycarbonate plastic Apple uses for iBooks looks incredibly cheap in person. I agree that they should go back to painting the insides of clear acrylic shells.

I'm guessing costs may have had a factor in the change in matereials.

Or maybe to simply make it look "less premium" to better differentiate it against the then Titanium PB. With the sleek looking current Aluminum PB , it would be nice for the iBook to go back to acrylic shells.

Gizzer

2004-12-01, 09:13

I'm guessing costs may have had a factor in the change in matereials.

Or maybe to simply make it look "less premium" to better differentiate it against the then Titanium PB. With the sleek looking current Aluminum PB , it would be nice for the iBook to go back to acrylic shells.

As I recall it was definitely a cost cutting exercise. I think they dropped the clear polycarbonate look when they introduced the G4 iBooks. At the same time I think there was a rather substantial drop in price.

FallenFromTheTree

2004-12-04, 16:30

Personally, I prefer the clean professional look of the aluminum gear,but hate the white keyboards.

For those of you thinking in colors, there's something for everyone here.
/http://www.alienware.com/configurator_pages/details_pages/static_pages/case_changer_start.aspx

Unfortunately, you can't run OSX on these.

DMBand0026

2004-12-04, 16:45

Can't run OS X? I don't want it! :p

If you want to be more colorful than your conformist comrades, I recommend checking out ColorWare PC (http://www.colorwarepc.com/products/default.aspx).

Yum, colors :D

applenut

2004-12-04, 20:31

I don't think they look "cheap." The iBooks could look better, but they are certainly not cheap-looking.

they most certainly do. they look like cheap pcs...only white and designed better of course. but the material used looks just as cheap.

adam_tj

2004-12-04, 21:12

Just got a Powerbook G4 12". Beautiful case. Hope they keep it.

shatteringglass

2004-12-04, 21:40

It's not just the glossy polycarbonate they use for the outer shell either, the iBook G4s and revised G3s also have cheaper top cases, too. The original iceBooks had slightly metallic plastics that surrounded the keyboard and trackpad, while the newer ones have switched to duller, more plastic-like white surfaces, like the kind you would find on a kitchen appliance.

futuretheory

2004-12-04, 22:39

I think anodized aluminum is the next step. It's anodized now of course, but I mean with a color. This process is affordable and can produce a range of impressive colors (look at bike frames, pretty common there). I only worry about wear; scratch through the aluminum that's been anodized and you get a pretty obvious silver scratch.

Carbon fiber would be very interesting, but it would be hard to work the detail areas like corners, vents, hinges, latches, button indentations, etc. Obviously these fixtures would need metal or plastics. Not to mention the insulating aspects, making size even more difficult. I just don't see fiber being very easy to pull off, maybe used for lid and bottom.

One thing I do ask for is hard surface over my LCD that stands up to everyday use and keyboard proximity. Even my Gateway laptop from work has a glass surface and I feel better with that there. Perhaps Apple will consider the new coating from TDK (http://news.com.com/Try+scratching+this+DVD/2100-1041_3-5455621.html)

colonelforbin

2004-12-05, 13:07

I think anodized aluminum is the next step. It's anodized now of course, but I mean with a color. This process is affordable and can produce a range of impressive colors (look at bike frames, pretty common there). I only worry about wear; scratch through the aluminum that's been anodized and you get a pretty obvious silver scratch.

as a mountain biker, i can tell you that anodized aluminum holds up very well. much harder to scratch, and a mountain bike has many more opportunities to get scratched than a laptop.

the thing with colours is that retailers have to keep more in stock, in case a consevative businessman customer doesn't want an ipod-mini-pink powerbook.

however, it would be cool to have a green or blue anodized pb. even the pink has a certain :smokey: factor, if one is comfortable with one's masculinity.

futuretheory

2004-12-05, 13:35

as a mountain biker, i can tell you that anodized aluminum holds up very well. much harder to scratch, and a mountain bike has many more opportunities to get scratched than a laptop.

Agreed. It actually depends on the process, but an deep anodized surface is far better than a coating. The issue is form factor, bike frames are not flat and between the handle bars, pedals, tires, etc. the frame is actually pretty "insulated"; what does make impact tends to get deflected off the a rounded/angled surface.

Sliding a flat piece of anodized aluminum in and out of airport bins with gravel in the bottom (from shoes) or across table with single bit of sand and I guarantee a higher chance for scratches. That said, anodizing is fairly tough especially with treated with a resilient clear polymer.

Sorry, I can't help but talk about this stuff...I'm a material guy....but yeah, anodized pink has it's attraction. Look at the miniPods.

Dave Hagan

2004-12-05, 21:05

The one thing I wonder about if Apple is going black is how will they backlight the keyboard?

jouster

2004-12-17, 21:10

The one thing I wonder about if Apple is going black is how will they backlight the keyboard?

In exactly the same way they do now?

As long as the letter is translucent, what difference does key color make?

Dave Hagan

2004-12-18, 09:21

As long as the letter is translucent, what difference does key color make?Well right now the key cap is silver gray. The letter on each keycap is translucent. So when the backlight isn't active, the key color is dark because it's dark underneath the keyboard. If the keycap was black and the letter translucent, you'd have black on black, until the backlight came on. And for all the time you're using your PowerBook in full light, black on black would be stupid.

BarracksSi

2004-12-19, 21:44

Agreed. It actually depends on the process, but an deep anodized surface is far better than a coating.

I assume that I haven't seen a good anodized surface yet, because that stuff still gets scratched like anything else.

Worse, it's not really a renewable finish. The good thing about the plastics on iBooks, for example, is that it can be buffed and the scratches smoothed out. On the other hand, once an anodized finish is wrecked, it's wrecked for good.

IVIIVI4ck3y27

2004-12-19, 22:56

Well right now the key cap is silver gray. The letter on each keycap is translucent. So when the backlight isn't active, the key color is dark because it's dark underneath the keyboard. If the keycap was black and the letter translucent, you'd have black on black, until the backlight came on. And for all the time you're using your PowerBook in full light, black on black would be stupid.

So they make the text on the keys white or a color (hopefully with a coating over it, the white lettering on my Logitech keyboard is already coming off) with the lettering itself being painting on a clear composite element part of the keys, with the rest of the key being a thicker, solid, non-translucent material. When the lighting shines through, the lettering could glow white, red, green, purple, blue, etc. etc.

If they wanted to get crazy they could take a tip from Ford (Mustang, the gauges), and make the keys standard "white" but when you fire up the backlight could make it so the coloring under the keyboard changes colors via a knob/dial/switch, perhaps even cycling (great for hippy laptop owners needing a lava lamp away from home ;)). It also wouldn't require Apple to produce the new laptops in different colors. They could just change the backlighting color via a dial (mini iPod thumbwheel perhaps?). Maybe take a tip from the old Powerbook 1400's and have removable panels for customization. Although this could scarily make Mac laptops look like some of the newer Dell's that offer this yeeeeeeeeears later. :-P

Better yet... why not just take a tip from the Motorola Razr phone? Nothing to say the keys can't be aluminum (attached to transparent plastic underneath) with engravings so when the back-lighting is on it passes through the engravings and around the keys?

Personally... I have no complaints about staying with silver for the Pro, and white for the lower line. I can't see Apple making their lineup look like the U2 iPod's. Not that the U2 iPod isn't cool, it's just... I dunno... kinda' gaudy in a sense with that red blinging at you. Black tends to look 1980's/1990's on a computer anymore, especially when I think of NeXT. Awesome machines but I think Apple's gone past that by leap's and bound's. The U2 iPod was a statement of sorts... and I'm sure we'll see more. I'm waiting for the Crushed Velvet Snoop Dogg iPod myself. I heard the thumbwheel's gonna' spin and be 5" 'round. ;)

If we talk about going black... hell why not... woodgrain. Go old school, bring back the Apple 1 look. ;) I have mental images of corrugated anodized aluminum (think like the old wooden speedboats) and a nice teak or cherry, maybe a birch. :D Make it have a homey feel to it. ;)

Seriously... I hope Ive can come up with something different than coloring to set the next machines apart for the next "big" thing. I don't think the coloring is the issue, and I think it's a firmly established look that is decisively Apple in terms of the coloring variation. The problem is centered around just how many are aping Apple's pro line for everything they do (I do admit the black lacquer/silver look is sharp but it's been done). Dell went with the anodized aluminum look... but in fairness, it still looks like their old desktop/laptop just in a different material or color. I expect Apple to make the form factor the "wow", not the color. Sort of like the Motorola Razr phone. Lots of phones come in silver. Lots have blue lighting. None look that cool... so far. ;)