September 7th, 2006
Is Apple About to Re-Launch the Apple Cube?
By Alice Hill
RealTechNews
We are starting to chafe from all the hype we must endure before every Apple announcement. But this one caught my eye. It seems that Apple recently filed a patent for what looks like round two of the Apple Cube. The Cube as you recall was marvelled over but soon gave way to complaints over cracks and overheating. (Where have we heard that before?) But you tell us:
It seems that Apple too did not completely forget the Cube idea. Recent patent filing for “Ultra compact computer arrangement” shows that Apple is working on another Cube computer which solves many of the problems that plagued it’s predecessor. The new Apple Cube should be easy to ugrade and expand. It will have two removable sides for the easy access and upgrade of components such as hard drive, memory and PC cards. Apple has designed innovative heat sink that can use separately inserted cooling fan, but can work without it in some cases. All of that packed in a nice compact cubic case. Source: Unwiredview.com
We Say: Only Steve will tell, September 12th, 2006. The Cube was cool but the Mini seem more in line with the times.
David Johnston says:
The cube was a really cool machine. At least, it looked good. I’m not sure where this will fit in between the Mini and the iMac, especially now that you can choose your iMac with up to a 24″ monitor. I’m sure it will have better graphics options than the Mini though, and very possibly the iMac as well.
September 7th, 2006 at 4:11 pm
Alice says:
If they launch it as a media bridge between the TV and iTunes, it could be interesting. But aagain, the Mini is a bit like that now.
September 7th, 2006 at 4:51 pm
Michael says:
A new Mac Cube would fit perfectly between the Mini and the Pro. I’ve long considered getting a Mini, but would like options for upgrading the video card. Doing this is impossible on the Mini, but would definitely be possible with a Cube…
September 7th, 2006 at 5:01 pm
Locutus says:
Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.
September 8th, 2006 at 4:59 am
Andy Atkinson says:
I think the next revision of the Apple Mini will have the same GeForce GO video card that the new iMacs have. No dedicated video card is what has kept me away from the mini. I think once that is in place, Apple has no reason to continue with the Mac PRO desktop platform for consumers. This could be an enterprise development or professional machine, but the consumers could have “mini” for most users, Cube for “power” users that need more customization (but not too much). On the other hand, I think Apple in general tries to consolidate models where possible, going for “less is more” approach to computer models, so I won’t be surprised if this post is all for naught anyway, and no new cube is introduced (but the hype machine is fueled, so mission accomplished).
September 8th, 2006 at 6:37 am
Leo says:
Why in the hell is something patentable just because it is square and not rectangular? Stuff like this is why US patent law needs to be wiped clean and started over.
September 8th, 2006 at 7:50 am
Lockergnome's Tech News Watch says:
Is Apple About To Relaunch The Apple Cube?
Alice Hill of RealTechNews writes: We are starting to chafe from all the hype we must endure before every Apple announcement. But this one caught my eye. It seems that Apple recently filed a patent for what looks like round two of the Apple Cube. The C…
September 12th, 2006 at 6:17 am