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Crystal ball gazing time

Here are my predictions for what Apple has in store for us in 2003.

• iMacs will reach 1GHz, with 17" and 19" screens. Dealers are already running out of stock on 15" iMacs, so this will probably happen at MacWorld Expo in San Francisco next week.
  
  

  
  
  

• We'll see faster iBooks, most likely based on the 'GOBI' G3 rather than G4. I'd personally like to see a G4-based iBook, although I doubt it will happen. I plan to replace my 500 MHz iBook Dual USB in 2003, and although I like the speed of a TiBook, I prefer the form factor, more rugged case, and better Airport range of the iBook.
  
  

  
  
  

• We'll probably see a new, smaller desktop system to replace the aging minitower. The minitower form factor will probably be kept for higher end systems where more expansion capabilities are needed, but the entry level and midrange desktops will be smaller & lighter.
  
  

  
  
  

• High end systems and XServes will use IBM's 970 CPU.
  
  

  
  
  

• iPods will gain more PDA functionality & wireless connectivity. We may also see a new iPod-like device designed as a stereo component instead of a portable MP3 player.
  
  

  
  
  

• Quark XPress will finally be released for Mac OS X. As the last remaining major application that hasn't been ported to OS X, a native version will allow the many users who depend on it to finally switch.
  
  

  
  
  

• MacOS X 10.3 will be released, with major Rendezvous enhancements. A laptop will automatically see the user's home directory on the server and share all data. Sharing data between computers on a network will get even easier, as shared folders on other computers automatically appear without having to explicitly mount mount them. iTunes will share playlists between networked machines, as Steve Jobs demonstrated last year. It may also include Apple's own browser based on Chimera, although I doubt it.
  
  

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