I really don’t like the new name of Apple’s first Intel notebook. Powerbook just sounds so much cooler, why change the name? I believe this is an attempt by Apple’s marketing department to strengthen the Mac brand. I’m not a marketing expert, but I believe Apple has way too many sub-brands in its hardware line, which can confuse newcomers. iBook, PowerBook, iMac, Power Mac, which is the right one for me?
Is a PowerBook a Mac? Believe it or not, some people might not know this. Calling the new notebook a MacBook puts it right in the name. Now the average consumer does not need to associate PowerBook or iBook with Mac. I think Apple tried to move in this direction with the i prefix brands, so people would know iAnything was an Apple product.
Which is better, an iBook or a PowerBook? Standardizing on MacBook and MacBook Pro will settle the issue.
I still don’t like new name, but I’m sure it will grow on me as I subconsiously get bombared with ads. Lets hope there won’t be a MacPod.