mactactic

I'm not a poker player, but I think Steve Jobs exhibited a tell on today's earnings conference call. Steve Jobs pooh-poohing the additional iPhone SKU, and the misdirection about the iPhone being the netbook is clearly reminiscent of when he denied that Apple would be introducing a phone.

As always, wildly unfounded rumor with no backup.

So we were less than 2 weeks out with our iPhone replacement estimate!

The 16gb iPhone has been released ... we're not changing our model estimate based upon this, but it's a welcome bump in capacity.

Not to toot our own horns again, but the latest Mac Pro has been released, and it was within 9 days of our estimate. Mactactic has constantly proven the most accurate estimator of Apple releases.

Macworld is on Jan 15-18th, and we're expecting at least one new model and replacements of the Macbook Pro and Apple TV (or perhaps an update).

The iPhone may also get a refresh, but this is less likely. We're keeping our original replacement estimate intact, but as the iPhone is a new line there is no historical data to back this up with.

Our MacBook estimate was very close again; we had been recommending caution on purchasing MacBooks as they were about to be be replaced. Today, the new model with a Santa-Rosa chipset and Intel GMA X3100 graphics has been released.

The MacBook Pro now has a new 2.6GHz option, and due to this we have pushed back our replacement estimate for the MacBook Pros until early next year.

Turns out the iPods are expected on September 5th. Considering the iPhone launch, we're expecting some new technology under the hood (Like OS X).

So for a wild stab in the dark, we're guessing that the cinema displays will be updated with a high resolution option when Leopard arrives (estimated October), particularly to take advantage of the resolution independance of Mac OS X 10.5. A high resolution display might become available on other models too, such as the 15" Macbook Pro.

Additionaly, we're wondering when the new iPods will arrive. Surely not as late as October?

My wife and I went to the Brent Cross Apple store in London virtually at opening today to buy a new iMac. We were fortunate to get one of the only ones in stock, and we were the first to buy one today.

First impressions are that it's fantastic, much thinner than the previous ones, and the glossy display is significantly better than our MacBook.

Worth the wait!

TUAW have come to the party (among others) with a revised prediction of Aug 7th for the new design iMacs. Get the full rundown here.

The release history part of the Mactactic website is now filling out with more information, and it's an interesting read. Over the next 12 months or so, once the Intel release roadmap and Apple events calendar is laid over the top, it might be even easier to predict Intel Mac releases.

So there were some new MacBook Pros released today. Check out the info on the main page, or look at the press release on Apple's website. Great news!

We suspect that there may be some wide-ranging product rearrangements or announcements at WWDC.

Most models, with the exception of the MacBooks, are well overdue for replacement, and this may indicate that there are changes to the lineup come WWDC.

Some sites are suggesting the Mac Mini will be discontinued, and that there is a small form factor PowerBook on the way.

Our tip is that the smaller PowerBooks are likely, but the Mac Mini may be with us for a bit longer, despite it's limited appeal.

I've added an iCal feed to mactactic. It's available in the right hand side sidebar, and it exposes the dates that the predictions will hit 100%, so obviously, don't buy a Mac after those dates.

I'm considering adding Apple event rumors to the iCal feed too, but at this stage, I'm just sticking to the predictions. Interesting how most predictions line up within 5 weeks of April 15!

OK, so an actual good source for this rumor, MacWorld are saying that there will be a special event at NAB (the National Association of Broadcasters trade show) on the 15th of April.

Chances are, the products that we are saying are at or close to 100% life will have replacements announced then, or even before.

At the moment, we're rating the 5th Gen iPod as about to be discontinued.

Gizmodo (among others) reckon that there's new iphone-esque iPods on the way soon, but personally I doubt Apple would dilute the iPhone launch by releasing new iPods with the widescreen and touch interface ahead of the iPhone.

So, although the homepage and the widget are telling you that the 5th gen iPod is up for replacement, my gut feeling is that you shouldn't hold your breath for a new one before the iPhone release.