New iMacs announced

[rdowns]

Apple's New iMac G5 Line Delivers Faster Performance, Built-in Wireless & Mac OS X 'Tiger'


PR Newswire 8:30 am May 3, 2005

Apple(R) today unveiled a new iMac(R) G5 line with faster 2.0 GHz PowerPC G5 processors, built-in AirPort(R) Extreme and Bluetooth wireless connectivity and Mac OS(R) X version 10.4 "Tiger," the latest version of the world's most advanced operating system. The new iMac G5s also include faster graphics, a new 8X SuperDrive(R) with double-layer support, built-in Gigabit Ethernet for faster networking, and 512MB of memory across the line. Every new iMac G5 comes with iLife(R) '05, Apple's award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications, making it the ultimate consumer desktop for today's digital lifestyle.

"Reviewers have called the iMac G5 'the most elegant desktop computer in the world' and now it's getting even better," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "With a faster processor, built-in wireless networking, Tiger and iLife '05, the new iMac G5 offers the best consumer desktop computing experience in the world."

The iMac G5 makes the ultimate statement in design simplicity with the entire computer, including the power supply and slot-load optical drive, built right into a two-inch thin display. The new iMac G5 offers gorgeous widescreen displays including a 20-inch model with 1680-by-1050 pixel resolution or a 17-inch model with 1440-by-900 pixel resolution. With built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11g and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) wireless modules, it's even easier to reduce cable clutter with the optional Apple Wireless Keyboard and Apple Wireless Mouse.

Featuring the breakthrough performance of the PowerPC G5 processor and offering up to a 667 MHz front-side bus, the new iMac G5s include 400 MHz DDR memory expandable to 2GB and storage capacity up to 400GB. All new iMac G5s offer the ATI Radeon 9600 graphics processor with 128MB of dedicated video memory to deliver high-performance graphics and effects for next-generation games and provide ultra-fast, pixel-accurate image processing when combined with the graphics capabilities of Tiger.

Offering the latest high-performance I/O, the new iMac G5s include built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking, built-in AirPort Extreme for fast 54Mbps wireless networking*, built-in Bluetooth, a total of five USB ports (three USB 2.0) and two FireWire(R) 400 ports for easy plug-and-play connections to popular peripherals such as Apple's market-leading iPod(R) digital music player, digital video camcorders, digital still cameras and printers.

Every new iMac G5 includes Tiger, the fifth major release in four years of the world's most advanced operating system. Tiger delivers more than 200 new features and innovations including Spotlight(TM), a revolutionary desktop search technology that lets users instantly find anything stored on their Mac(R), including documents, emails, contacts and images; and Dashboard, a new way to instantly access important information like weather forecasts and stock quotes, using a dazzling new class of applications called widgets.

The new iMac G5 includes iLife '05, Apple's award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications featuring iPhoto(R), iMovie(R), iDVD(R), GarageBand(R) and iTunes(R), the world's number one online music store. iLife '05 continues to lead the industry with the most innovative and comprehensive suite of software for organizing, editing and sharing digital photos; creating stunning digital movies and DVDs; and purchasing, managing and creating digital music.

A collection of productivity and entertainment titles is included with every iMac G5, including AppleWorks, Quicken 2005 for Macintosh(R), 2005 World Book Multimedia Reference Suite, Nanosaur 2 and Marble Blast Gold.

Pricing & Availability

The new iMac G5 line is available immediately through the Apple Store(R) (www.apple.com), at Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.

The new iMac G5, for a suggested retail price of $1,299 (US), includes: -- 17-inch widescreen LCD with 1440-by-900 pixels; -- 1.8 GHz 64-bit PowerPC G5 processor; -- 512MB of 400 MHz DDR SDRAM; -- 24X Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive; -- ATI Radeon 9600 graphics processor with 128MB video memory; -- Built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0 +EDR; -- 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet networking, 56K V.92 Modem; -- 160GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm; -- Two FireWire 400, three USB 2.0, two USB 1.1 ports; and -- Built-in stereo speakers and microphone. The new iMac G5, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US), includes: -- 17-inch widescreen LCD with 1440-by-900 pixels; -- 2.0 GHz 64-bit PowerPC G5 processor; -- 512MB of 400 MHz DDR SDRAM; -- 8X SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive; -- ATI Radeon 9600 graphics processor with 128MB video memory; -- Built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0 +EDR; -- 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet networking, 56K V.92 Modem; -- 160GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm; -- Two FireWire 400, three USB 2.0, two USB 1.1 ports; and -- Built-in stereo speakers and microphone. The new iMac G5, for a suggested retail price of $1,799 (US), includes: -- 20-inch widescreen LCD with 1680-by-1050 pixels; -- 2.0 GHz 64-bit PowerPC G5 processor; -- 512MB of 400 MHz DDR SDRAM; -- 8X SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive; -- ATI Radeon 9600 graphics processor with 128MB video memory; -- Built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0 +EDR; -- 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet networking, 56K V.92 Modem; -- 250GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm; -- Two FireWire 400, three USB 2.0, two USB 1.1 ports; and -- Built-in stereo speakers and microphone. Build-to-order options and accessories include up to 2GB of RAM, 250GB and 400GB hard drives, AirPort Express(TM) and AirPort Extreme Base Station, Apple Wireless Keyboard and Apple Wireless Mouse and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

The new iMac G5 line is also available to education customers in the US and Canada through the Apple Store for Education at www.apple.com/education/store or by calling an Apple education sales representative at 800-800-APPL.

[iGary]

OK, no more bitching about video cards, mmkay?

Nice update.

AirPort and Bluetooth built in!

[Blue Velvet]

Wonder where you scooped that from... :) :p

Right, we're getting one of these to replace our crap plasma PC at work.

[mad jew]

But the store's not up yet. :eek:

After the Amazon thingy, Apple won't be very happy about this at all (assuming this is right).

[Blue Velvet]

But the store's not up yet. :eek:

After the Amazon thingy, Apple won't be very happy about this at all (assuming this is right).

Demi-magic. ;)

[Moxiemike]

But the store's not up yet. :eek:

After the Amazon thingy, Apple won't be very happy about this at all (assuming this is right).

rinky dinky linky (http://www.marketwatch.com/tools/quotes/newsarticle.asp?guid=%7B6A7427C8-D0BA-4824-A85A-310B0C46E995%7D&siteid=mktw&dist=nbs&symb=)

[iGary]

BTO options: 3 USB 2.0 and 2 USB 1.1 - Wow! :eek:

[wordmunger]

But the store's not up yet. :eek:

After the Amazon thingy, Apple won't be very happy about this at all (assuming this is right).

I think a 30-minute leak is a little different from a several-day leak.

[Moxiemike]

rinky dinky linky (http://www.marketwatch.com/tools/quotes/newsarticle.asp?guid=%7B6A7427C8-D0BA-4824-A85A-310B0C46E995%7D&siteid=mktw&dist=nbs&symb=)


Just posted:

http://www.apple.com/imac/

It's true. :) Great Specs. Might buy a 20" to complement my dualie g5

[Fredstar]

Very nice update indeed. I am bloody tempted to sell my iMac and get these, probably means my iMac is worth a lot less :(

[Moxiemike]

BTO options: 3 USB 2.0 and 2 USB 1.1 - Wow! :eek:


Where did you see this? i can't find it at the store....

m

[wordmunger]

BTO options: 3 USB 2.0 and 2 USB 1.1 - Wow! :eek:

How many did it have before? I'm sure the 2 1.1 ports are on the keyboard -- sorta cheating, since the keyboard uses one of the 2.0 ports.

[Moxiemike]

Very nice update indeed. I am bloody tempted to sell my iMac and get these, probably means my iMac is worth a lot less :(


Sell your iMac AND your mini. :)

m

[iGary]

BTO options: 3 USB 2.0 and 2 USB 1.1 - Wow! :eek:

Derr. Nevermind. :rolleyes:

[Josh396]

I'm glad to see this update. I love the double layer superdrive and the APE + BT 2.0 standard. I just wish the 400 GB drive was a little cheaper but I guess a for a 150% increase $200 isn't that bad.

[Josh396]

Looks like Apple forgot to update the description of the available hard drives on the 20". They only say 80 GB and 160 GB are available but they only offer a 250 GB and 400 GB. Someone must have started to change it but stopped since the 250 GB was available in the first one.

[zelmo]

Nice update, Apple. You did everything you needed to do with the iMac line. Our order for 4 iMacs goes in today!

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Today Apple updated (http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2005/may/03imac.html) the iMac G5 line of desktop computers. The new models come in three configurations as before, with two 17" models and a 20" model. Processor speeds are now 1.8 and 2.0 Ghz, with an ATI 9600 video card, built-in bluetooth wireless/airport extreme and 512 MB of RAM as standard equipment. Shipping times from the Apple online store are from 1-3 days, so availability should be immediate. The new machines are as follows:

17-inch widescreen LCD - $1299
1.8GHz PowerPC G5
600MHz frontside bus
512K L2 cache
512MB DDR400 SDRAM
160GB Serial ATA hard drive
Slot-load Combo Drive
ATI Radeon 9600
128MB DDR video memory
56K internal modem

17-inch widescreen LCD - $1499
2GHz PowerPC G5
667MHz frontside bus
512K L2 cache
512MB DDR400 SDRAM
160GB Serial ATA hard drive
Slot-load 8x SuperDrive (double-layer)
ATI Radeon 9600
128MB DDR video memory
56K internal modem

20-inch widescreen LCD - $1799
2GHz PowerPC G5
667MHz frontside bus
512K L2 cache
512MB DDR400 SDRAM
250GB Serial ATA hard drive
Slot-load 8x SuperDrive (double-layer)
ATI Radeon 9600
128MB DDR video memory
56k internal modem

[bpd115]

New eMacs too.

[jrober]

This is a great update especially the power / price level on the 20" model. Is this a Tiger related upgrade and if so are there related iBook updates close to ensure they are graphically up to the full Tiger experience?

John

P.S. Installed Tiger this weekend and was blown away by the new features even on my lowly 1.33Ghx 12in Powerbook.

[dbauer]

eMacs were also updated.

[germ war]

Man, I sort of feel foolish going to the store to buy a 20" ACD yesterday now. I *knew* the iMac updates were coming this week, but I just couldn't wait. I bought the display solely for my Powerbook. I actually get a discount through my work, so the new iMac would've only cost me about $400 more (since I didn't go for the discount on the display because I was antsy and wanted it right away!).

Of course, I did buy it as sort of a bridge to eventually buy a Power Mac, so I guess by the time I'm ready to get one they will be updated once or twice more and should hopefully be pretty sweet, but the new iMacs now come standard with everything I wanted to BTO anyway.

D'oh!

[gavsim]

Great Upgrade, im off to buy one now! :)

[unknownfairy]

GO APPLE!

P.S. Where's my ibook, though?

[JRM PowerPod]

Those updates are awesome

for AU$3000

You can get a:

2.0GHZ G5 processor
2GB RAM
160GB
BT2
AirPort
17" Widesceen LCD
128mb Graphics Card

SIMPLY AWESOME!!!

From those dodgey PM updates to this.

Seems as if the 9600 is the new 5200Ultra

[minesgeek]

bus speed decreased? wonder what the benchmarks look like compared to the last batch...

[BartoK]

FINALLY!!!

I'm calling the Apple Store in Charlotte as soon as they open this morning! If they have them in stock - one will be MINE!

What an update!!!

[EGT]

Nice update. I'm tempted to get an iMac now! :D

[macridah]

This is more than I expected. This is super super awesome.

Cha-Ching time !!!!!!!

[joecool85]

Wow, this was a welcoming note after getting out of my Political Science final.

[asif786]

wow, i always wonder why people complain when they buy hardware and then apple updates it so soon..i guess now i know..

i bought the middle imac g5 in december, and i still feel like an ass after seeing this update. for the same price, you get a faster processor, bigger hd, more ram, better superdrive, built in AE & BT, and a better video card.

i'm glad apple's keeping up with the times. but i do feel bad for people that bought imacs and emacs at the tiger launch.

[MisterG5]

This is a wonderful update, they upped the speed, graphics, RAM, hard drive, they are including APX and BT (2.0). They dropped the price on the high end $100. I'm very pleased with you Apple!

[iGary]

Very, very, very nice update.

Talk about bang for the buck - especially the 20"

[Swinny]

Top-end is a bargain I think - £100 off the previos price too, and that didnt have the built-in wireless etc.

Time to see how much I can get for my iMac G4 on eBay I feel!!

[Blue Velvet]

Nice update, Apple. You did everything you needed to do with the iMac line. Our order for 4 iMacs goes in today!


I'm very pleased for you. I know you've been waiting on this for a while and it means you'll get a 'new' machine on your desk as well. :)

[MattG]

Nice :) Thanks Apple!

[Josh396]

A question on the Superdrive. When you select an iMac model it says it is only a DVD+R/DVD+RW, what happened to the DVD-R/DVD-RW? I'm guessing someone just didn't add it in. It doesn't matter that much but it would suck for people who only were able to use DVD-R's on the first G5 iMac but now can only use the DVD+R's.

Edit: In the PR it says it is -RW so I guess I found my own answer.

[840quadra]

Cool, now the imac lineup is refreshed!! Now I wonder if I need my 2.0 Powermac!

Good to hear needless to say!

[neoelectronaut]

Of course the REAL question now is...

"Will everyone stop bitching about the damn videocard already?"

[Belly-laughs]

Very nice specs, AND price!

[G.Kirby]

Arrrrg! The wife now wants the 20" i Mac and I have just had the new PMac 2Ghz delivered.

O Well she will have to wait. Good Specs tho. :D

[Fredstar]

Sell your iMac AND your mini. :)

m

Lol the Mini's is the families so i don't think they would be impressed!
The main reason would be the better gfx, the FX5200 is awful!
It is either a new 20" or a dual 2.7 with an ATi X800 this August :)
Just seen that the price includes BTO 2 and Airport! grrr my iMac is worth a lot less :'(
Superb update for anyone who is buying

[obeygiant]

dude, i just got one of these things in february and paid like 2100 for a
160gb hd
BT
AE
64mg vid card
20inch screen

this is an awesome deal.
I might just buy one out of principal.

[joecool85]

bus speed decreased? wonder what the benchmarks look like compared to the last batch...

no...before they were 533/600 now they are 600/667

[MacsRgr8]

Wasn't the eMac also updated?

Now 1.42 GHz!

[Josh396]

Wasn't the eMac also updated?

Now 1.42 GHz!
It's obvious that no one really cares for the eMac. ;)

[Chaszmyr]

Very nice! Too bad the PowerMac updates weren't this good.

[Trekkie]

Nice incremental upgrade. Wish you could upgrade the FX5200 in mine for that radeon. That'd be really nice. Oh well not like I didn't know that'd happen no reason to trash my kid just for a better video card, only play world of warcraft.

[MadMacCT]

Nice to see an update like this after a dismall PowerMac update. I find it funny how no Mac news site has picked up on the eMac update as well? 1.4GHz G4, ATI 9600 and double layer superdrive. Wierd.

[neoelectronaut]

It just dawned on me how awesome this update is... 160GB HD STANDARD and 512MB STANDARD...

[JRM PowerPod]

THE PROPHECY:

Apple to reach 7.5% Market Share by end of 2006 (I know double!)

Seriosuly the value in these machines is immense and with Tiger vs XP vs Longhorn, Apple is getting all the good press.

(Dual Core Powerbooks + iMac's)(iPod + Tiger) - Powermac's) = 7.5% Market share

[keysersoze]

I'm very pleased for you. I know you've been waiting on this for a while and it means you'll get a 'new' machine on your desk as well. :)

Yes, and I bet Mr. Anderson is SUPER psyched as well... his wife's been waiting awhile for one of these! :)

[rdowns]

But the store's not up yet. :eek:

After the Amazon thingy, Apple won't be very happy about this at all (assuming this is right).

But the press release was sent a while ago.

[unknownfairy]

It just dawned on me how awesome this update is... 160GB HD STANDARD and 512MB STANDARD...

Awesome indeed. Now if they'd only give us an update of similar proportions for the ibook... :)

[torn80]

eMacs were updated to 1.42 ghz as well. I have not seen the press release but the store has the updates.

[iGary]

Nice to see an update like this after a dismall PowerMac update. I find it funny how no Mac news site has picked up on the eMac update as well? 1.4GHz G4, ATI 9600 and double layer superdrive. Wierd.

I posted it.... :(

[G.Kirby]

If the 20" could take a 256Mb Graphics Card I would really be pissed. The new iMacs ARE a great deal.

Modem options should now have an ADSL option. Who is still using 56k modems?

[MisterG5]

Also to note, did anybody note that the new low price for the closeout, old model iMac G5? The 17" start at $899 and the 20" at $1499

[Platform]

Well now the 1.8 PM must be the worst buy ever.... :rolleyes:

[eji]

What about the voltage? Is it still 120V in the US, dual-voltage auto-switching everywhere else? This is important for us ex-pats.

[kornyboy]

This is stinking awesome. Good for the iMac. I really like the faster graphics and more ram standard plus who doesn't get excited about a speed jump.

Kornyboy

[BakedBeans]

Well now the 1.8 PM must be the worst buy ever.... :rolleyes:


quite simple put

YES

[Josh396]

Now I know the 9600 is a much better card then the 5200 and I'm not complaining but I was wondering how good it really is. Could this card last for 3 or 4 years and be able to play games at that point in time? I know it's hard to predict where exactly games will be at in the future but my current iMac that I got 4 years ago isn't even able to play CODUO. Just curious.

[AmigoMac]

WTH! Great updates apple! tempting! I'm waiting for iBooks updates, I need (no, I don't need, I want a new one) :D !!!

[iJaz]

Great update! Nice to see that Apple's still in the game after those lousy PowerMac updates.
Will be ordering a 20" iMac tonight! :D

[vouder17]

These are truelly pimpin' specs. I have just bought an iMac...well last year but i am seriously thinking about selling this one and upgrading. If not i am just gonna save up for september..then i can take it to school :D :D

[WaRrK]

Wasn't the eMac also updated?

Now 1.42 GHz!


It has been - quiet update really! Here's the specs:
£549 - Combo
1.25Ghz -> 1.42Ghz
40GB -> 80GB
Radeon 9200 32MB -> Radeon 9600 64MB
Still 256MB (Grrrrr!)

£679 - Superdrive
1.25Ghz -> 1.42Ghz
80GB -> 160GB
Radeon 9200 32MB -> Radeon 9600 64MB
256MB -> 512MB

[G.Kirby]

eMacs were updated to 1.42 ghz as well. I have not seen the press release but the store has the updates.

Yup. The eMacs have had a few updates to which is cool for schools, but the price has also gone up which is a bummer. However, for what you are getting they are still as cheap as chips.
:D

[Blue Velvet]

When the new iMac outshines the PowerMac that you bought a couple of years ago which once was the fastest and biggest gun in the west...

[aswitcher]

Those updates are awesome

for AU$3000

You can get a:

2.0GHZ G5 processor
2GB RAM
160GB
BT2
AirPort
17" Widesceen LCD
128mb Graphics Card

SIMPLY AWESOME!!!

From those dodgey PM updates to this.

Seems as if the 9600 is the new 5200Ultra


I agree. I think this iMac update realy makes the Mac Mini look old (at 4 months). Try fully specking a Mac mini (with a Gig) and add a screen and keyboard, and this baby is only $700 more...and obviously completely wipes the floor with it in every respect (except size ;:)

[cosmoed]

I don't know a lot about grfx cards but how good are the 9600's?

[aaronsullivan]

Who needs a modem? Even with a broadband connection, the 56k modem is great for faxing. That would be a sorely missed feature for many people.

I'll just chime in and say incredible iMac update. Sadly, it makes the PM G5's even more dismal looking. Hmm, wonder why they didn't announce them both on the same day? :rolleyes:

[NewtypeCJ]

So, can the brick and mortar Apple Stores put in the larger HD and more RAM? I think I'd really like to get the 400GB HD, at least... if not more RAM too. I'm gonna be buying one of these today.

[lifeboy001]

as of 9:08am EST, I've switched...now the wait for delivery begins...

Out with the old:
Homebuilt Athlon 1100mhz with XP, 256 PC133, 250+160+120+80+30 gigs internal/external, GeForce2/Matrox 3-monitor setup, wires everywhere

In with the new:
iMac G5 2.0ghz + bluetooth and airtunes, finally no wires....

[Bear]

...

Modem options should now have an ADSL option. Who is still using 56k modems?The 56K Modem is useful for faxing. And not everyone has access ro ADSl yet in the US (and other countries.)

Also, depending on the ADSL provider is what format ADSL modem/adapter you would need - there are at least 2 or 3 standards in use in the US alone, never mind the rest of the world might be using. It's not a can of worms that a computer manufacturer wants to get into. And what happens if someone moves and they have to switch providers to one using a different standard?

[N10248]

damn, i want a 2.0 imac now, but i only recently got a mini and was planning on a 23" hd display for it.

now i have to think really hard now - do i want a giant screened G4 or smaller screened 20" g5

the price is almost i denticle too ARGGGGHHH.

[coolfactor]

as of 9:08am EST, I've switched...now the wait for delivery begins...

Out with the old:
Homebuilt Athlon 1100mhz with XP, 256 PC133, 250+160+120+80+30 gigs internal/external, GeForce2/Matrox 3-monitor setup, wires everywhere

In with the new:
iMac G5 2.0ghz + bluetooth and airtunes, finally no wires....


Congratulations, and welcome to the family.

[Yvan256]

Seems as if the 9600 is the new 5200Ultra

Indeed, it even seems as if Radeon 9600/64MB is the new low-end and Radeon 9600/128MB is the new middle-end (or top-end of consumer models).

Next Mac mini and iBook revisions with Radeon 9600/64MB anyone?! :eek:

[Mr. Anderson]

Very nice specs on the new machine - and blue tooth and wireless are standard, so its even less expensive than the $100 price difference on the 20".

I'll be picking one up tomorrow. :D

D

[isgoed]

Now I know the 9600 is a much better card then the 5200 and I'm not complaining but I was wondering how good it really is. Could this card last for 3 or 4 years and be able to play games at that point in time? I know it's hard to predict where exactly games will be at in the future but my current iMac that I got 4 years ago isn't even able to play CODUO. Just curious. Games in 3 to 4 years probably won't be playable on the iMac. Game development just goes fast. 4 years ago people had radeon 7000 and geforce 4's. You just have to keep up. This new mac can let you play doom3 the wayt it was ment to be played (1024x768 high), but the next generation of doom-like games will be only possible on lowest settings or unplayable even.
I don't know a lot about grfx cards but how good are the 9600's? They are a lot better than the FX5200. To quote another post of my:

Doom3 performance just went op with 50%. see:

http://www.macologist.org/viewtopic.php?t=1104

PM G5/2.0 R9600XT: 18.2 (24.8)
iM G5/1.8 FX5200 : 12.1 (16.9)

(1024x768 high)

That is quite a difference

Granted the Powermac is dual core (although it wouldn't matter much) and the pmac has a higher bus + dual channel memory (maybe imac can get dual channel as wel when adding ram in pairs. Also the PowerMac has a radeon XT, but apple underclocks the cards anyway so type extensions mean bogus.

[iGary]

I'm really psyched about the update.

I was planning on getting my partner one in June for his birthday anyway, but it is nice to finally see an update that makes most everyone go WOW!

Thanks, Apple.

[SilentPanda]

Wow... I think these new iMac's are the first machines I've ever seen at Apple that I have no desire to upgrade anything on them immediately... I mean... yeah I would probably put more RAM in them but it's not necessary right away. I might consider more HD space if I had the money but I really don't need that either (I am only using 40 of my 100 gigs right now)...

And well... there's really nothing else to upgrade... :)

It's just nice that the base price is actually a realistic price and not a "lure you in until you see the real price with all the stuff you really need"...

[Yvan256]

I don't know a lot about grfx cards but how good are the 9600's?

A lot better than the GeForce FX 5200 Ultra. :D

[Le Big Mac]

Very, very, very nice update.

Talk about bang for the buck - especially the 20"

Yeah, I'd say value all around. The low-end is also impressive, even compared to the previous version. More speed, bigger HD, built in BT and Airport, more memory. Talk about a great starter machine.

[Sunrunner]

The 56K Modem is useful for faxing. And not everyone has access ro ADSl yet in the US (and other countries.)

Also, depending on the ADSL provider is what format ADSL modem/adapter you would need - there are at least 2 or 3 standards in use in the US alone, never mind the rest of the world might be using. It's not a can of worms that a computer manufacturer wants to get into. And what happens if someone moves and they have to switch providers to one using a different standard?


The problem is paying $40 a month just for the sake of having an active phone line for faxing... I use my cell for everything else... I wonder, is there a way to get faxes thru a cell phone?

[G.Kirby]

as of 9:08am EST, I've switched...now the wait for delivery begins...

Out with the old:
Homebuilt Athlon 1100mhz with XP, 256 PC133, 250+160+120+80+30 gigs internal/external, GeForce2/Matrox 3-monitor setup, wires everywhere

In with the new:
iMac G5 2.0ghz + bluetooth and airtunes, finally no wires....

Welcome! :D

Only a few more million like you and we can have that lame dog Microsoft put down. :D

[Platform]

When the new iMac outshines the PowerMac that you bought a couple of years ago which once was the fastest and biggest gun in the west...

Yes that is the only thing that is sad with the rapid devlopment of computers..........buy a brand new dual PM now and next year you will not even be able to play videoes a full res even :rolleyes:

[cosmoed]

When do the stores get them?

[Yvan256]

Welcome! :D

Only a few more million like you and we can have that lame dog Microsoft put down. :D

Between Apple and Linux/BSD switchers, it might happen sooner than we think.

It will be more difficult in the business world, but once a few suits buy Macs for home and get used to "it just works", they might want to do a company-wide switch.

[Yvan256]

Yup. The eMacs have had a few updates to which is cool for schools, but the price has also gone up which is a bummer. However, for what you are getting they are still as cheap as chips.
:D

I'm not sure but I think the Canadian prices have actually gone down for the new eMacs.

Edit: Nope. I just checked my apple.ca folder and the prices are the same as before.

[Jawbreaker]

Great updates! I was thinking I would trick out the middle model, but thanks to the price cut and the wireless options being standard, I could afford the 20", sweet!

[catch07]

The problem is paying $40 a month just for the sake of having an active phone line for faxing... I use my cell for everything else... I wonder, is there a way to get faxes thru a cell phone?

Here's an idea:

http://www.efax.com/en/efax/twa/page/homePageFlash?CMP=OTC-bb

Great updates.

[Yvan256]

The problem is paying $40 a month just for the sake of having an active phone line for faxing... I use my cell for everything else... I wonder, is there a way to get faxes thru a cell phone?

You need to have an active phone line to get DSL... (with Bell Canada anyway).

[iMetalG5]

me very jealous :( i just got my poor 1.6Ghz back in March. I could not wait as I had no desktop since my main one bit the dust.

oh boy, these updates are so much better than the PowerMacs. If you are buying one you are lucky. They did good on this update. so sad for me....

[iJaz]

Really nice to see bigger hard drives, more RAM, BT and AE built in but no price increase. But I think Apple will still make more $/unit since LCD prices have dropped significantly since Rev. A.

[NevadaJack]

Just One Clicked the real NEW 20" iMac! Ordered with the single DIMM 512 and will add a 1 GB stick later. Great update and I am really glad I waited for the update. Great move by Apple...this is a killer package at a great price!

BTW...also got the BT mouse and keyboard and AppleCare.

No more rumors to read...feels great :D

[adam1185]

I'm not sure but I think the Canadian prices have actually gone down for the new eMacs.

Edit: Nope. I just checked my apple.ca folder and the prices are the same as before.


They did go down for the iMac's that's for sure. Yesterday the middle of the ine education model was $1749, today its $1725 with all the great upgrades! The 20" saw a rather nice price drop as well

[JFreak]

I wonder, is there a way to get faxes thru a cell phone?

yes, but it depends on your cell carrier. not every carrier offer every cell service known to man...

[cosmoed]

Is it faster to go through the store instead of online?

I know I am asking a lot of ?'s but I am excited. :D

[swy32x]

Pow pow.

Ordering base model 17" with bt keyboard and mouse tomorrow.

it's nearing midnight, time for sleep ... but when I wake up ... :D

[G.Kirby]

The 56K Modem is useful for faxing. And not everyone has access ro ADSl yet in the US (and other countries.)

Also, depending on the ADSL provider is what format ADSL modem/adapter you would need - there are at least 2 or 3 standards in use in the US alone, never mind the rest of the world might be using. It's not a can of worms that a computer manufacturer wants to get into. And what happens if someone moves and they have to switch providers to one using a different standard?


Point taken about the different types of ADSL. Have never had any success with the Mac fax. I find the phone fax more reliable.

I only got BBand about a month a go my self due to location. What a difference! Those of you without access to an ADSL connection get intouch with you local provider and give them an ear bashing. One voice can be ignored 1000's can't. Power to the people! :D

[emw]

i'm glad apple's keeping up with the times. but i do feel bad for people that bought imacs and emacs at the tiger launch.Apple does have their "10-day price guarantee." I wonder if that applies here - where you could return or upgrade to the new devices without penalty?

We've been considering a second iMac, and with these upgrades we may just jump in and do it. Nice.

[JFreak]

You need to have an active phone line to get DSL

in europe this is illegal. if you are a telephone company, you will have to let dsl carriers rent your phone lines, and if you are a dsl carrier you do not have to be a telephone company ;) i myself have a dsl connection and have not had telephone line for ages.

[iProbot]

I REALLY cannot wait to buy this new iMac!!! :)

[AndrewMT]

OK, no more bitching about video cards, mmkay?



I don't know much about the ATI 9600 on the Mac, but the PC ATI 9600 is a solid card with a good amount of performance for today's games. For once, I will not be bitching about Apple's choice of video cards.

[G.Kirby]

Great updates! I was thinking I would trick out the middle model, but thanks to the price cut and the wireless options being standard, I could afford the 20", sweet!


Who ever said 'size doesn't matter' was a total lier :D

[isgoed]

What will happen to the single PowerMac G5. I just bought an LCD screen and contemplated that my next mac will be a powermac, but this update just ruins it all. The new 1.8 Ghz iMac is cheaper and comes with more features + a screen. the 2.0 is slightly more expensive but is fully loaded

1,8-GHz PowerMac G5
600-MHz "frontside"-bus
256 MB DDR400 SDRAM
80-GB Serial ATA
8x SuperDrive
NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra
64 MB DDR-videoram
Eur 1.439,00

1,8-GHz iMac G5
17-inch LCD
600-MHz "frontside"-bus
512 MB DDR400 SDRAM
160-GB Serial ATA
Combo drive
ATI Radeon 9600
128 MB DDR-videoram
Eur 1.299,00

2-GHz iMac G5
17-inch LCD
667-MHz "frontside"-bus
512 MB DDR400 SDRAM
160-GB Serial ATA
8x SuperDrive
ATI Radeon 9600
128 MB DDR-videoram
Eur 1.499,00

The single Powermac just seems completely off right now

[darkwing]

All right! Now a computer that costs half as much is faster and better than my top of the line 17" powerbook. What a great company. Maybe they should just put the iMac in the "pro" line.

Steven

[edesignuk]

Nice update. First time Apple have impressed me since it first came out. Well done :)

[zelmo]

I'm very pleased for you. I know you've been waiting on this for a while and it means you'll get a 'new' machine on your desk as well. :)

Thanks you for remembering, BV. Yeah, I'm happy this finallly came about. I knew if it didn't I'd just wait one more week (again). Glad we can finally throw these old G3's to the curb. Or maybe make a slooow Folding farm... :rolleyes:

Mr. Anderson's wife willl no doubt be pleased, too. I know she has been wanting a new iMac.

[MustardMan]

She's been waiting for an imac for a while, and will be psyched about the great value in the new 20" imac. I just bought the new dual 2.0 and a 23 inch cinema display. While it's not quite as good a value as the imac, I'm still happy with the purchase. The extra processor, expandability, and larger ram capacity make it worthwhile for me. Then again, I do scientific programming for a living so I actually stand to gain from this stuff. I would have been DAMN excited if the powermac updates added the kind of value these imac updates did though!

[kkrista]

Very nice updates. There is, however, one thing that really bothers me about the update. I just bought one of the new Power Macs. I'd really like to understand why Bluetooth and the Airport Extreme card are standard on the iMacs, but are an upgrade on the Power Macs. A little bit disappointing. :(

[alywa]

I agree, nice updates!

Could someone price the following out for me (for whatever reason, the store pages don't render correctly for me at work) (All US prices)

1. 17" Superdrive with 1Gig RAM and applecare (EDU pricing)?

2. 20" with 1Gig RAM and applecare (EDU Pricing)?

3. 20" with 2 GIG RAM and applecare (EDU Pricing)?

Thanks,

alywa

[drlunanerd]

I'll just chime in and say incredible iMac update. Sadly, it makes the PM G5's even more dismal looking. Hmm, wonder why they didn't announce them both on the same day? :rolleyes:

Totally agree. I think the PMs are a scandal - so overpriced for their specs. The single 1.8GHz model is a sick joke at a thousand quid for so-called pro hardware. Real shame they didn't reduce the PMs prices or I would have bought some. As it is I'll be going for these new iMacs now. I really cannot understand why Apple is dropping the ball so badly with the pro offerings.

[the future]

Even better value! The iMacs have gigabit ethernet now! :D

[jharju]

Great update from Apple but there is something I would like to write. I have rev A 1.8 iMac G5 with lousy 5200 Ultra gfx card and rev B models comes no with Ati Radeon 9600. Many has asked how much better it really is. First I admit it IS better but in my opinion not enough.

Ati Radeon 9600, 9600pro and 9600XT are Different cards. 9600 is so much slower than for example pro and XT is a bit better than Pro. Normal 9600 is just 4pipeline card with low core and memory speed.

I know you should not compare PC and Mac cards but Tomshardware has made really great article and compared bunch of card in different games and programs and you know what? Normal 9600 isnt much better than 5200 ultra. You dont believe? See for yourself.

http://www20.graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20031229/index.html

Thats all about GFX card. How about noise problem that Rev. A iMac has? I really hope that Apple has fixed this.
:)

Overall very positive update, atleast better than powemac updates.

[Aaon]

I agree, nice updates!

Could someone price the following out for me (for whatever reason, the store pages don't render correctly for me at work) (All US prices)

1. 17" Superdrive with 1Gig RAM and applecare (EDU pricing)?

2. 20" with 1Gig RAM and applecare (EDU Pricing)?

3. 20" with 2 GIG RAM and applecare (EDU Pricing)?

Thanks,

alywa
No Problem!

1. $1630
2. $1930
3. $2245

Good luck with your choice! I'm looking at a baseline 20" myself. I have been jonesing for a powerboor or ibook, but now.... I dunno!

[alywa]

Those are nice prices for the specs. Looks like the Amex card is gonna take a beating!

-alywa

[Eidorian]

This is great! I can hopefully get one by the end of the summer now. Apple has the best education discounts that I know of. ^_^

[berkleeboy210]

I can't understand why they didn't make BT and Airport standard on the Original Line of this Model.

These two features alone make me wanna sell my 20". Anyone interested in the iMac in my Sig?

[germ war]

You know it's a good update when the only thing people have to complain about is that they're paying for a dial-up modem they're not going to use. ;)

[kkrista]

Very nice updates. There is, however, one thing that really bothers me about the update. I just bought one of the new Power Macs. I'd really like to understand why Bluetooth and the Airport Extreme card are standard on the iMacs, but are an upgrade on the Power Macs. A little bit disappointing. :(

[m-dogg]

sigh, I don't have the newest iMac anymore...it's a pretty good update in my opinion, too. oh well, I'm still glad I switched and bought mine back in January rather than waiting 5 months for the update...

[killuminati]

yay! This update is even better than I thought it would be! I might even get two!

[Mausabiest]

The single Powermac just seems completely off right now[/QUOTE]

I agree, I think they just can skip the single Powermac now or lower the price by about 300$ at least. The 20' should be a great mashine. Nice update.

Andy

[w00tmaster]

They gave the iMac a universal power supply! Now I have to actually debate getting rid of my new powerbook and picking up one of these for my 2 years in Germany! Darn you Apple and all your wonderful ways to spend my money!

[jsw]

Man... I go away for a couple of hours, and look what I miss.

An iMac which is finally completely usable. Fantastic choices by Apple - nice graphics card (finally), nice built-ins. I haven't read all of this thread yet, so now I'm going to see what people have been complaining about - hopefully nothing.

[mauly]

Very nice updates. There is, however, one thing that really bothers me about the update. I just bought one of the new Power Macs. I'd really like to understand why Bluetooth and the Airport Extreme card are standard on the iMacs, but are an upgrade on the Power Macs. A little bit disappointing. :(

Why are you moaning here? Us new iMac owners are really happy with this update and don't want you being negative about your New PM.... IMHO there is no need for your post here!!!!

[Fredstar]

I have decided if i can get a grand for my iMac on Ebay i will be getting a new 20"er with my 10% discount for £1080. It is a superb update and i really want a 128mb graphics card and a bigger hd, so i will be going up to Regent street store this saturday hoping that they have some in stock :D

[atari1356]

Hmm... now might be the time to sell my PowerBook and get a 20" iMac. :D

[Xenious]

So is the graphics chip on the main logic board or a daughter board. Any chance at swapping one into a rev A iMac?

[cubedco]

This is ****** rediculous.

The PowerMac was bastardized and the iMac was glorified....

the powerMac doesn't even include builtin wireless or bluetooth.... but Apple can throw in a 20" display, 250 harddrive, 2.0ghz G5, bluetooth, wifi, 128mb g.card, and gigabit ethernet for $1799.00

Absolutely insane. Now i'm waiting for June hoping to hear a revival of the powermac... even if it is in Septemeber.

[cantrdr]

Has anyone noticed that on the Apple Store page that below the powerbook picture links it says "Powerbook from $1599" but when you follow the link into the powerbook options page the 12" still starts at $1499? The ibook page doesn't have this pricing discrepancy.
Is this a sign of something to come?

This may have been flagged by someone already or may be a known thing, i'm just buying a Powerbook in 2 weeks time, and with updates coming fast and furiously i'm really nervous about getting an outdated product 1-2 days before any updates. I have a choice of buying it at the beginning of my trip in New York or at the end of my trip in San Francisco!! ahhhh the stress!

[SilentPanda]

I hearby wish to give this thread an award for the least amount of whining about a computer update.

<insert award graphic here>

[jalain]

I'm very impressed with the features included in the new iMac. I was hoping to see that the Superdrive was updated to 16X. Instead it's still 8X, but with double layer support. What does double layer support mean? Does that make it faster?

Thanks

[MacSA]

17 people rated this as negative!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

This has to be one of Apples best hardware updates in years. :)

[G.Kirby]

I hearby wish to give this thread an award for the least amount of whining about a computer update.

<insert award graphic here>

They just got us on a good day. :D

[jsw]

Nice prices on refurbs as well, if you need a lower-end one... makes it hard to buy a mini+monitor until these are out of stock.

[cubedco]

umm... yeah... i'm pissed.

i want to spend money on a good update (ie: powermac)... not some marginal *********. intially, i thought powermac was a decent update... now it's garbage in comparison.

atleast they could have thrown in wireless and bluetooth FFS to make up for high price tag and lacking GHz.

[virtuapimp]

Wow thats great value. Bluetooth and airport as standard is great, as are the larger standard HDs.

[jsw]

umm... yeah... i'm pissed.

i want to spend money on a good update (ie: powermac)... not some marginal *********. intially, i thought powermac was a decent update... now it's garbage in comparison.

atleast they could have thrown in wireless and bluetooth FFS to make up for high price tag and lacking GHz.
Ah, there we go. I'd hate to see an announcement from Apple without a few negative posts.

As i see it, you're complaining because the iMac updates make them too competitive with the PowerMacs? Or because the updates were marginal (hard to defend)? Or why?

[G.Kirby]

The hi end aint so hi any more thanks to these iMac updates. I hope apple can pull a rabbit out of the hat later this year. Just got the new 2ghz PMac and it will do what i need it to do for the next few years, no problem. I do feel sorry for those of you that need heavy hitting CPU power.

[minimax]

They also lowered ram prices on all macs except the powermac.
And...PM 1.8 STILL shipping with 2x128 MB :eek:

PM 1.8 +20" ACD

• 512MB DDR400 SDRAM (PC3200) - 2x256
• 250GB Serial ATA - 7200rpm
• ATI Radeon 9600 XT w/128MB DDR SDRAM
• Apple Cinema Display (20" flat panel)
• AirPort Extreme Card
• Bluetooth Module
• 56k V.92 modem.
• 8x Super Drive (DVD-R/CD-RW)
• Apple Keyboard & Apple Mouse - U.S. English
• Mac OS X - U.S. English

$ 2702

iMac 2.0 20"

• 20-inch widescreen LCD
• 2GHz PowerPC G5
• 667MHz frontside bus
• 512K L2 cache
• 512MB DDR400 SDRAM
• 250GB Serial ATA hard drive
• Slot-load 8x SuperDrive (double-layer)
• ATI Radeon 9600
• 128MB DDR video memory
• 56k internal modem

$1799

that's an exact 50% premium for a seperate monitor & case !!

[devman]

well, like everyone else, I think these are great updates. I think Apple's really focused on the consumer lines with a view to increased market share. With that in mind, we need the iBooks rev'd and (in a while) the mini too.

The overlap/comparision with the entry powermac is just weird. I mean, they only updated the PMs last week so they KNEW how the iMacs would sit alongside the PM 1.8. It just doesn't seem to make sense that they didn't at least adjust the price of the PM 1.8.

I've already got a mini on order (to use as a server) but man, these new iMacs are really tempting me to replace the only windows (win98) box we still have.

[badlydrawnbear]

This was pointed out on slashdot.

Am I missing something or is the PowerMac severely under spec'd and overpriced compared to the new iMac? I mean the iMac even comes with a display. I really wish they would take a look at improving the PowerMacs price / performance. It is sad when the iMac outpowers the PowerMac and comes in at the same price even after the recent PowerMac updates. These are the latest specs from the Apple store:

iMac $1,499.00
17-inch widescreen LCD
2GHz PowerPC G5
667MHz frontside bus
512K L2 cache
512MB DDR400 SDRAM
160GB Serial ATA hard drive
Slot-load 8x SuperDrive (double-layer)
ATI Radeon 9600
128MB DDR video memory
56K internal modem

PowerMac $1,499.00
1.8GHz PowerPC G5
600MHz frontside bus
512K L2 cache
256MB DDR400 SDRAM
Expandable to 4GB SDRAM
80GB Serial ATA
8x SuperDrive
Three PCI Slots
NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra
64MB DDR video memory
56K internal modem

[Lancetx]

This update today is outstanding. The new iMac is a great deal across the board for what you get for the price now for sure. The 20" is now even tempting for pros and well as consumers. This is one of the better revisions Apple has done for a product line in a good while and their sales should greatly benefit as a result.

[cubedco]

don't get me wrong... i'm very satisfied with teh iMac update (IF i was a prospective buyer). I'm certain i would have bought an iMac last Decemeber if it had half the new features they've announced, specifically -- better g.card.

instead, i bought a cinema display and now waiting for the right powermac to buy.

so for $3,000 -- i get an iMac + one extra processor & DVD burner. Since when does a G5 chip & burner total a grand? AppleCare is also $100 less.

Ah, there we go. I'd hate to see an announcement from Apple without a few negative posts.

As i see it, you're complaining because the iMac updates make them too competitive with the PowerMacs? Or because the updates were marginal (hard to defend)? Or why?

[drlunanerd]

Lol the Mini's is the families so i don't think they would be impressed!
The main reason would be the better gfx, the FX5200 is awful!
It is either a new 20" or a dual 2.7 with an ATi X800 this August :)
Just seen that the price includes BTO 2 and Airport! grrr my iMac is worth a lot less :'(
Superb update for anyone who is buying

Have no fear, eBay to the rescue! People pay whopping prices for secondhand Macs there. You'll be fine, just don't sell anything to the stingy scrooges on MacRumors! :p

[duklaprague]

it does seem a great update - last week the extra ram, hard disk, graphics card, airport card and bluetooth would have added over £200 to the price. so all that as standard, plus a faster processor for the same £999 is a steal.

am i missing something, or is there any reason whatsoever to pay £999 for the 1.8GHz PM, without all that, and still have to buy a display into the bargain? :confused: it looks like it needs dropping from the lineup really.

Iain

[Aaon]

The refurbs are looking like fantastic deals. I mean, $900 for a complete G5 iMac? Thats a bargain!

And yet... double the memory, better video, larger hard drives, built in wireless and bluetooth, and a $100 price cut on the high end model? That just can't be beat!

[emulator]

I'm very impressed with the features included in the new iMac. I was hoping to see that the Superdrive was updated to 16X. Instead it's still 8X, but with double layer support. What does double layer support mean? Does that make it faster?

Thanks
Dual format: +/-R
Double layer: 2x4.7Gig

In reality though, DL media is still very expensive, not worth the money imo.

VideoHelp (http://www.videohelp.com/dvd)

[jsw]

instead, i bought a cinema display and now waiting for the right powermac to buy.

so for $3,000 -- i get an iMac + one extra processor. Since when does a G5 chip cost a grand?I see. I agree - the PM lineup is weak from a value point of view. The dual-2.3's and dual 2.7's (especially) will perform better, but most people won't see much if any difference between a new 20" iMac and a dual-2.0 (default specs) and 20" display. Certainly not $1000 worth of difference.

Of course, I suspect PM upgrades soon - even though they were just upgraded.

[jettredmont]

How many did it have before? I'm sure the 2 1.1 ports are on the keyboard -- sorta cheating, since the keyboard uses one of the 2.0 ports.

Sorta, but not really.

If you had a keyboard with no USB ports and a box with 5 USB ports, after plugging in the keyboard you'd have four USB ports open. In the current setup, after plugging in the keyboard you have four USB ports open.

Differences:
1 - The USB port taken by the keyboard is one of the USB 2 ports, even though you'll only use the USB 1.1 (or 1.0) data rates.
2 - The keyboard is a BTO replaceable item; if you go BT you lose two ports.

In any case, don't moan about USB ports. Buy a little hub and get on with life!

BTW, this is the same USB setup as the previous models (3 USB 2 on the back, 2 USB 1.1 on the keyboard).

[Artful Dodger]

Just a few more weeks and now I'll have a 20" iMac :D I've been waiting for this to happen...

[kiwi_the_iwik]

Well -

Ordered and paid for...

2GHz iMac w/400GB HD.

Thought I'd push the boat out.

YAY!!!!

:D

[rsamo]

Any word if these are showing up in Apple stores yet. I called the Houston store and no sign of them. I've been waiting too long. Can't wait any longer. Unless of course there is a store with no Texas Sales Tax and the EDU discount. Anybody know of one?

[dicklacara]

Just ordered by phone-- the US store was throwing server errors.

Now, I will need to sell my (pristine) maxed-out 20" that I bought last September for $3400 including AppleCare.

What's a good price for EBay?

[tamtam]

Impressive update. Now considering updating my second home computer.

[rsamo]

Sorta, but not really.

If you had a keyboard with no USB ports and a box with 5 USB ports, after plugging in the keyboard you'd have four USB ports open. In the current setup, after plugging in the keyboard you have four USB ports open.

Differences:
1 - The USB port taken by the keyboard is one of the USB 2 ports, even though you'll only use the USB 1.1 (or 1.0) data rates.
2 - The keyboard is a BTO replaceable item; if you go BT you lose two ports.

In any case, don't moan about USB ports. Buy a little hub and get on with life!

BTW, this is the same USB setup as the previous models (3 USB 2 on the back, 2 USB 1.1 on the keyboard).

Why do I lose two ports if I go BT? I thought BT was internal and I would not lose any ports for my mouse and keyboard. Am I incorrect?

[thevessels]

just when i thought the dual 2 powermac was the best deal there is ...

i dont think the dual processor is enough to convince me anymore

i just might have to splurge .. aaaaaag

[swissmann]

Much better update than expected especially because of the price drop - at least I think there was a price drop. I have always been a PowerMac man but with Gigabit ethernet, that big of a Hard Drive, etc. I am considering buying a couple of these for my business. If Apple wants me to stay with the PowerMac they will at least need to have a Blue Laser drive in the next version.

[chaosbunny]

Awesome indeed. Now if they'd only give us an update of similar proportions for the ibook... :)

What you don't know yet? 2 ghz G5 ibooks next tuesday! For sure!

ahmmm, hmmm, mm, sarcasm, ahmmm

[dicklacara]

OK so what the hell is left to release at WWDC? Is Steve going to play a game of chess against Bill on stage? Or better yet....

*Steve walks on stage*
*Crickets chirp*

"Ummm we've already debuted all of our new wares a few weeks ago. So instead of my usually speech I thought we would try something new"

*All of Apple's upper execs walk onto stage and they breaks out into a chorus of Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore*

:D

Some good candidates:

1) PowerMac Pro Dual-Dual with CELL chip as Graphics processor & Blue-Ray drive

2) Mac mini with CELL, AV I/O & option w/o Optical drive

3) 17" LCD

4) XGrid Express

5) CELL & XGrid-enabled Pro Apps & QT7

[kkrista]

Why are you moaning here? Us new iMac owners are really happy with this update and don't want you being negative about your New PM.... IMHO there is no need for your post here!!!!


Moaning? Are you serious? Pointing out that Apple made what I consider to be an odd choice that I'm somewhat disappointed in is NOT moaning. I'm sorry that you interpreted it as such; that was very much not my intention. I chose to bring up a point about how the upgrade compares to the Power Mac upgrade -- a point that had not yet been made in this discussion. In doing so I also expressed my disappointment that Apple would choose to make something that is standard on their consumer line an option in their pro line.

[greenfluke]

I agree, the PowerMac should be ashamed of itself. Especially the single 1.8, what would be the point in buying one? That you could upgrad the video card? The new iMac runs circles around around it, and comes with double the RAM. The only reason to buy a PM is to get dual CPUs. Apple needs a dual-core update for the PowerMac G5 in June!

[mootpoint]

Speaking as a UK buyer the new specs make this upgrade a steal at the price (£899 combo, £999 superdrive). Wireless, Bluetooth, more ram, more VRAM, speedier, Tiger. And the price has stayed the same for UK buyers!!.

I'm sure all the UK forumites out there look at that price tag, compare it with the "typical" PC World Advent/HP type Windows system and truly appreciate what an absolute bargain this computer is.

A must buy.

[k28]

Good news is that apple hear customers and make it what they want...but the bad news is i just bought iMac 20" on january....sad

[OnaMacSince1989]

Excellent update! Thanks Apple! Before the announcement, I'd been contemplating a new eMac, but now the iMac is a tremendous value! Love the new features. The price drop on the 20" sold me on going all the way! Plus, now an upgrade to 1MB RAM is $100 less and getting the wireless keyboard & mouse upgrade costs half as much too with the standard bluetooth. Been waiting months for this! Placing my order right now! :p



Edit: Order completed! Got a 20" with 1MB RAM and Wireless KB/Mouse and opted for Apple Care for the 1st time. And, I got a nice little corporate affiliate discount (JPMorganChase employee) that's almost as good as the Education discount. Now I just wait on the porch for the UPS guy to show up any second now...any second now... :rolleyes:

Went ahead and picked up an HP PSC 1610 for a spare. It's only about $30 after the $100 rebate with the iMac purchase. Sweet! :D

[JRM PowerPod]

BRILLIANT UPDATES! But Steve has an ace up his sleeve.

These iMac's are way too good for the price compared to the PM's and destroy the Single 1.8G5. But in a way this update is the best news possible for the PowerMac line. You ask why, well this is why.

- The Single 1.8 G5 wasn't updated for a reason - it won't exist after WWDC
- Stevie has a machine that will go into the top of the line and make the line up complete. Why does all the material on the G5 refer to "Dual" all the time with no mention of the 1.8GHZ! It's a gonner, that's why
- This 'Super' PowerMac will drop the price of the others down a price point each. So Dual 2GHZ down to $1499 or maybe $1799, Dual 2.3 to $1999 or $2299 and the 2.7 down to $2499 or $2699
- The top of the line will be $3499 or $3999

It's obvious, Stevie had to brag about the machine, he wasn't going to let it be updated like any normal update.

SUPER IMAC'S = SUPERPOWERMAC'S

WWDC here we go

Remember "CHUD TOOLS 4 PROCESSORS"

Remember the Report on IBM's Website

There is a mystical machine lurking in Cupertino, I can feel it

[mrzippy]

Does no-one notice the screen spec has never been updated from the G4 iMac on the 17" model, 120° / 90° degrees viewing angle is budget quality these days, and the brightness and contrast ratio are not much to write home about either.

The 20" specs have not changed either, but that size screen was introduced when LCD monitors had progressed in quality hence the better specs. I would imagine both the 17" and 20" have slow pixel response, although I do not play games so I have no reference and specs are not given.

Current model specs:
17-inch
Typical viewing angle - 120° h / 90° v
Typical brightness: 200 cd/m
Typical contrast ratio: 400:1

20-inch model
Typical viewing angle - 170° h / 170° v
Typical brightness: 230 cd/m
Typical contrast ratio: 400:1

If anyone has compared the two in the stores you can notice the poor viewing angle and brightness straight away on the 17" model.

I can forgive the contrast ratio on the 20" as the viewing angle and brightness is good, and the outputted image is excellent.

[BartoK]

When do the stores get them?

The Charlotte, NC store said "by the end of the week". I love the idea of walking into the retail store to buy a new Mac, but I'm not sure I can keep my credit card in the wallet until then!

Anyone have experience with a new product in the store "by the end of the week"? Do they usually have plenty in stock? I'm getting a stock 20", btw.

Side note: kind of shady of Apple to have the big Tiger event on Friday and then drop in such a huge update 4 days later. Thank goodness I waited!

[JGowan]

wow, i always wonder why people complain when they buy hardware and then apple updates it so soon..i guess now i know..Anyone complaining about "too soon of an update" doesn't know Apple. Apple is gaining ground by not remaining stagnant with any of their products. Generally 6 months is all any one product is out before it gets some sort of a boost in power; two years or so for a full overhaul. With design becoming so damn good though, it seems hard to see how improvements can be made to enclosures.

With all that Apple has to offer, keeping their products at such high level (be it software or hardware) is quite an accomplishment.

i bought the middle imac g5 in december, and i still feel like an ass after seeing this update. for the same price, you get a faster processor, bigger hd, more ram, better superdrive, built in AE & BT, and a better video card.Don't feel that way. Yes, if you would have waited, you would be able to get a better computer now, but what about the updates for the iMac in another 202 days (average time between updates)... would you still feel that way? Yes, you would.

Typically, you've got someone who bought "the top of the line" and they're mainly upset that they have just been usurped, which I think is quite childish.

I don't believe at all this is your feeling. There is quite a difference now in the newest lineup, especially with Tiger and iLife'05 being offered and a proper video card to do it justice. I'm sure that you just wish you would've been able to see this coming. Fortunately for you, you bought at the beginning of a new revision so you've been able to enjoy your purchase without feeling badly for 6 months.

In the future, anytime you feel tempted to plunk down money, just resort to the Buyers Guide here on Macrumors. I love it and study regularly as it helps to understand Apple's release trends.

http://buyersguide.macrumors.com

i'm glad apple's keeping up with the times. but i do feel bad for people that bought imacs and emacs at the tiger launch.That's a healthy attitude. As for those the buyers of iMacs and eMacs at Tiger's launch, it's only been four days. Those computers can be brought back under Apple's price protection policy for either a refund or credit of the difference, and I quote:

Price protection
If Apple reduces the price on any product within 10 calendar days of shipment, you can request a refund or credit of the difference between the price you were charged and the current price. To receive the refund or credit you must contact Apple within 14 business days of shipment. To request a refund, just fill out the form below."

http://www.apple.com/support/store/postpurchase.html

Lastly, those who bought more than 10 days ago are probably not the sort that does a lot of research into their purchases or they would've waited. Those in "The Know" know what products are due for an update and simply wait it out. Those who don't research the updates and find out if and when to buy probably aren't even aware that the iMac line has just been improved. That, or they really need a computer and just couldn't wait.

Playing the waiting game only can last so long. Finally you have to buy. Just don't be surprised that Apple has to keep shaking things up to stay in the game.

[rugonnaeatthat]

I just bought one! 2ghz 20inch only upgrade being the wireless keyboard and mouse. I did the math and reasoned I'd upgrade the RAM later.

More power than I imagined I'd be able to buy for sub $3000AUS, and definitely more screen space! Today is a good day :-) I can't wait until it's delivered - 5-7 build time and then 5-7 days delivery! I especially can't wait to get my hands on Tiger!

[rkphoto]

Really a fantastic update. Only other thing that would have been nice would have been Firewire 800 but really what they've done is quite amazing. Hope the iBooks get as big an upgrade.

rk

[afields]

wow......I have nothing to complain about....:eek: Great updates. Makes you wonder what's going on for wwdc. Pretty much everything has been updated.

[minimax]

Moaning? Are you serious? Pointing out that Apple made what I consider to be an odd choice that I'm somewhat disappointed in is NOT moaning. I'm sorry that you interpreted it as such; that was very much not my intention. I chose to bring up a point about how the upgrade compares to the Power Mac upgrade -- a point that had not yet been made in this discussion. In doing so I also expressed my disappointment that Apple would choose to make something that is standard on their consumer line an option in their pro line.

Pro line doesnt mean it has everything the consumer line has AND more. it means different choices and I don't see airport extreme and bluetooth necessary for a porfessional. Are you going to edit movies from the comfort of your lounge or so?

[mauly]

Moaning? Are you serious? Pointing out that Apple made what I consider to be an odd choice that I'm somewhat disappointed in is NOT moaning. I'm sorry that you interpreted it as such; that was very much not my intention. I chose to bring up a point about how the upgrade compares to the Power Mac upgrade -- a point that had not yet been made in this discussion. In doing so I also expressed my disappointment that Apple would choose to make something that is standard on their consumer line an option in their pro line.

I'm sorry I interpreted it as such; and understand your post!

[NevadaJack]

I just bought one! 2ghz 20inch only upgrade being the wireless keyboard and mouse. I did the math and reasoned I'd upgrade the RAM later.

More power than I imagined I'd be able to buy for sub $3000AUS, and definitely more screen space! Today is a good day :-) I can't wait until it's delivered - 5-7 build time and then 5-7 days delivery! I especially can't wait to get my hands on Tiger!

I bought one at 6:18 AM this morning and received confirmation for Shipment in 3-5 business days...so looks like a week of May 9 delivery. Ordered the BT mouse and keyboard and the AppleCare. Came to the same conclusion on the memory. Looks like the wait was well worth it. Good luck with your new iMac!

[ImAlwaysRight]

Woo-hoo!

Been waiting for this day. I ordered a 20" iMac 2.0GHz for myself. Looking at prices, the BEST VALUE is the old 17" model from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002OG6OI/qid=1115134474/sr=2-2/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_2/102-0703514-9942543). It's dropped $400 AND has a $100 MIR, so after rebate is $999 shipped, no tax!!! Under a grand for 1.8GHz G5 goodness, 17" LCD, SuperDrive, and measly RAM and hard drive which are easily upgradable. My dad also wanted an iMac, and I am replacing my Powerbook at work, so I have ordered two of these 17" model 1.8's for $999. It's a great day for the Mac community.

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

[PCM]

This is a great update for imac users...good job, apple. However, it leaves me wondering...why the hell couldn't they include airport extreme and bluetooth in a $3000 powermac if they can do it in the imac???

I don't really care that much as i just bought a dual 2.5 on closeout, but that's kind of weird, no?

[mauly]

Are there any pro's in choosing not to have the modem in the new iMac? I find this odd that apple educational store gives you this option!!!

[Zaty]

That's a great update, for once Apple has surprised me. I wouldn't have expected 128 MB VRAM.

[iMetalG5]

no new iMacs in CT yet. They said Thursday/Friday. But the girl that answered the phone had no idea they had upped the iMac line!? She kept saying, "No PowerMacs sir" ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

anyway I asked if they were going to drop the prices on their old stock of 1.6, etc... and she told me no. they send those back to Apple to sell!? weird.

Anyway i think this update is going to get a few more people to switch. Two co-workers are already curious but they admit they have no knowledge of OS X but are willing to try it.

[kkrista]

I'm sorry I interpreted it as such; and understand your post!

We're cool? Good. Now we can go about our business discussing wild rumors about when the next upgrades will come and how they'll be superior to both our new Macs. :D

[blehpunk]

i knew this would happen today, i just woke up and bought my first mac
• 2GB DDR400 SDRAM - 2 DIMMs
• 400GB Serial ATA drive
• SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD+RW/CD-RW)
• Apple Wireless Keyboard & Mouse + Mac OS - U.S. English
• 56Kbps Modem
• 20-inch widescreen LCD
• 2GHz PowerPC G5
• ATI Radeon 9600 with 128MB DDR Video Memory
• AirPort Extreme
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR

[Trout74]

I was All psyced up to go get Tiger for my 7 week old mini, and then this update!

It is amazing, now I have lost all my love for the mini :(

I feel like it is not adequate any more, I really want a new iMac G5, but my wife says " you dont NEED a new computer" :mad: :mad:
Killing me!!!!
trout

[NewtypeCJ]

Bought one from the Apple online store (called the local Apple Store and they didn't know when they'd get them in, but not today). Whee! It's my first Apple desktop since my old Performa in the mid-'90s. Only upgrade was a bump to the larger 400 GB HD.

Apple says my new baby will ship in 3-5 days. Woo!

[broken_keyboard]

2GHz CPU, Radeon 9600, 512M.

These are nice little computers, I hope they sell a lot.
It is very well rounded - no obvious weakpoint.

[iMetalG5]

I was All psyced up to go get Tiger for my 7 week old mini, and then this update!

It is amazing, now I have lost all my love for the mini :(

I feel like it is not adequate any more, I really want a new iMac G5, but my wife says " you dont NEED a new computer" :mad: :mad:
Killing me!!!!
trout

haha, hey just be happy with your Mac Mini, at least you have a Mac!

I had an iBook G4 for a while and in Feb I had to get a new desktop. I thought i should wait another month to see if Apple would upgrade but I didn't because I needed a more powerful desktop to use as my DELL blew up. So I just went for it knowing I'll be outdated in a month. If i could go back i think I still would have bought it as there would be no way for me to hold out for 2.5months

but it still kills me :D

[plinden]

I hearby wish to give this thread an award for the least amount of whining about a computer update.

What? Only a 10% CPU increase!

[Zigster]

finally! The switching has begun.

Ordering an imac 20" with the Final Cut Studio...

muah ha haaaaaaaaaaa! The world cannot stop me now... :D

[OnaMacSince1989]

I was just about to order one with the wireless keyboard & mouse, then I remembered that Apple's mice are still one-button. Don't know if I could go back to using such a mouse as I use the right-click a lot. Anyone recommend a good wireless mouse that works with Bluetooth (rather than its own adapter)??

[adam1185]

I was just about to order one with the wireless keyboard & mouse, then I remembered that Apple's mice are still one-button. Don't know if I could go back to using such a mouse as I use the right-click a lot. Anyone recommend a good wireless mouse that works with Bluetooth (rather than its own adapter)??

logitech mx900

[Zigster]

Damn! Imac 20" shipping in 3 to 5 days but Studio Pro won't ship for 4 to 6 weeks! :mad:

I hate that!

[DakotaGuy]

Nice update and all, I am kinda mad cause it makes my iMac a POS now. If I wanted to sell it to upgrade to the 2.0 model with better graphics and better HD and Superdrive I could probably only get $800 for this one now so I am stuck. I guess technology has to go forward, but it always makes you feel a little sick to your stomach knowing what you have isn't worth much and so soon after it was purchased, 4 months. Oh well, my mistake for buying this one, I guess I will have to live with it. I never considered it slow, but now knowing there are faster ones, it makes it seem slower.

[DakotaGuy]

I have decided if i can get a grand for my iMac on Ebay i will be getting a new 20"er with my 10% discount for £1080. It is a superb update and i really want a 128mb graphics card and a bigger hd, so i will be going up to Regent street store this saturday hoping that they have some in stock :D

Yeah I would like to upgrade mine too, but now since the new ones are so much better, I would be lucky to sell this one for $700-800 and I have to decide if I want to do that, I just can't afford to take that kind of loss however, so I guess I am stuck for now.

[ifjake]

for the first time i can pretend i'm buying an Apple machine without feeling the need to add on any upgrades. no extra ram, no wireless, nothing. i'm always like, "yeah 1800 before i actually make it a decent machine by adding stuff to it" but now i check it out and it's like "what now bi..."

too bad i'm still pretending. at least Tiger arrives today.

[trose]

Wow, great update. *FINNALY* Apple has a decent video card in the iMac. I was thinking "oh they are going to butcher the lower end models..." but wow, 128MB across the board.

Excellent update!

[Jigglelicious]

Now I know the 9600 is a much better card then the 5200 and I'm not complaining but I was wondering how good it really is. Could this card last for 3 or 4 years and be able to play games at that point in time? I know it's hard to predict where exactly games will be at in the future but my current iMac that I got 4 years ago isn't even able to play CODUO. Just curious.

I guess i'll be one of the first to compalin about the video card then. Yes, the 9600 is better than the 5200 Ultra. But not all that much better. I mean come on, the 9600 is the low end of ATI's midrange releases from 2 years ago! It might be able to play today's games decently (not with all options on, or at high resolutions), but tomorrow's will certainly chug.

Its a nice card for standard computer usage. But for gamers, its still a letdown and a poor performer by today's standards. At least they finally upgraded the VRAM to 128mb!

[rsamo]

UOTE=mrzippy]Does no-one notice the screen spec has never been updated from the G4 iMac on the 17" model, 120° / 90° degrees viewing angle is budget quality these days, and the brightness and contrast ratio are not much to write home about either.

The 20" specs have not changed either, but that size screen was introduced when LCD monitors had progressed in quality hence the better specs. I would imagine both the 17" and 20" have slow pixel response, although I do not play games so I have no reference and specs are not given.

Current model specs:
17-inch
Typical viewing angle - 120° h / 90° v
Typical brightness: 200 cd/m
Typical contrast ratio: 400:1

20-inch model
Typical viewing angle - 170° h / 170° v
Typical brightness: 230 cd/m
Typical contrast ratio: 400:1

If anyone has compared the two in the stores you can notice the poor viewing angle and brightness straight away on the 17" model.

I can forgive the contrast ratio on the 20" as the viewing angle and brightness is good, and the outputted image is excellent.[/QUOTE]


I've never looked into this before, but below are specs of Dell's 24 inch monitor.

"Diagonal Size: 24"
Display Type: Flat Panel Display / Active Matrix TFT - Desktop
Depth: 9"
Features: 100 mm VESA Mounting, Height Adjustable Stand Included, Detachable Panel mechanism
Height: Compressed: 22", Extended: 25"
Weight: 22.1 lbs
Width: 22"
Image Max H-View Angle: ±89°
Image Max V-View Angle: ±89°
Color Support: 16.7 Million
Connectivity Technology: Cable
Device Type: Flat Panel LCD Monitor with Height Adjustable Stand
Dimensions (WxDxH): 22" x 9" x 22" to 25"
Dimensions (WxDxH) / Weight: 22" x 9" x 22" to 25" / 22.1 lbs
Enclosure Color: Midnight Gray
Image Aspect Ratio: 16:10
Image Brightness: 500 cd/m²(typical)
Image Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (typical)
Max Resolution: 1920x1200 (WUXGA)
Max Sync Rate (V x H): 76 Hz x 81 kHz"

And here are the specs on all 3 of Apple's Cinema Displays.

"Configurations 20-inch Apple Cinema Display 23-inch Apple Cinema HD Display 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Display
Model M9177LL/A M9178LL/A M9179LL/A
Screen size (diagonal viewable image size) 20 inches (viewable) 23 inches (viewable) 30 inches (29.7 inches viewable)
Screen type Thin film transistor (TFT) active-matrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD)
Resolutions 1680 x 1050 pixels (optimum resolution)
1280 x 800 pixels
1024 x 640 pixels
1920 x 1200 pixels (optimum resolution)
1280 x 800 pixels
1024 x 640 pixels
2560 x 1600 pixels (optimum resolution)
2048 x 1280
1920 x 1200
1280 x 800
1024 x 640

Display colors (maximum) 16.7 million
Viewing angle (typical) 170° horizontal; 170° vertical
Brightness (typical) 250 cd/m2 270 cd/m2
Contrast ratio (typical) 400:1
Response time (typical) 16 ms
Pixel pitch 0.258 mm 0.250 mm"


What all does this mean?

Teh veiwing angle confuses me. Please tell me that Dell's brightness and contrast ratio are not that much better on a 24 inch compared to Apple's 30 inch.

[madmaxmedia]

SUPER IMAC'S = SUPERPOWERMAC'S

I think that may be very possible. It certainly makes sense...

[Hattig]

Why do I lose two ports if I go BT? I thought BT was internal and I would not lose any ports for my mouse and keyboard. Am I incorrect?

You don't lose any ports going to BT internally.

Standard: 3 USB2 ports on iMac, 2 USB1.1 on keyboard.
Keyboard uses 1 USB2 port. Mouse uses 1 USB 1.1 port. Free ports = 3 (2 USB2, 1 USB1.1)

Bluetooth: 3 USB2 ports on iMac. Free ports = 3 (3 USB2)

These updated iMacs are really nice, although I don't know why the person a few posts above is upgrading a maxed out 20" iMac of the previous generation to a new top of the line one - the only difference is a faster processor surely!

[rockthecasbah]

Nice update chaps, i hope to see these babies fly off the shelves :)

[Macmaniac]

Let the I'm still waiting for my new iMac threads! Let the b$%#(& begin:)

[admanimal]

Is anyone's order being processed yet? I'm not sure how long it generally takes for them to get moving on that.

[Fabio_gsilva]

Also to note, did anybody note that the new low price for the closeout, old model iMac G5? The 17" start at $899 and the 20" at $1499

Where can I find it???
Maybe it's a very nice option at this price. $899 is very low...

[sorryiwasdreami]

It just dawned on me how awesome this update is... 160GB HD STANDARD and 512MB STANDARD...

DOUBLE what mine came with standard.

[adam1185]

Is anyone's order being processed yet? I'm not sure how long it generally takes for them to get moving on that.

not yet, and I ordered as soon as the store went back up

[jiggie2g]

Well folks most of you already know me as an AMD guy , but I have to admit this is a really great deal for the price. No one should Bitch about the Radeon 9600 128MB DDR , this card easily give double the performance of the 5200 Ultra crap. I have this card in my PC , it will run HL2 and Doom 3 at playable framerates(30fps). The bulit in AE/BT 2.0 , 8X DVD+-R should make this computer fast enough for 90% of the people who come here. I have to admit if I had the money i'd be tempted.

Very good for apple , they may be 1 rev. away from being perfect.

16X DVD-+R , 250GB HD standard , and PCIe. Maybe even a lowend DC CPU :p ...one can hope.

[chibianh]

Wow.. this is a very nice update. Should be a great machine for anyone in the market for an iMac.

[mrzippy]

Does no-one notice the screen spec has never been updated from the G4 iMac on the 17" model, 120° / 90° degrees viewing angle is budget quality these days, and the brightness and contrast ratio are not much to write home about either.

The 20" specs have not changed either, but that size screen was introduced when LCD monitors had progressed in quality hence the better specs. I would imagine both the 17" and 20" have slow pixel response, although I do not play games so I have no reference and specs are not given.

Current model specs:
17-inch
Typical viewing angle - 120° h / 90° v
Typical brightness: 200 cd/m
Typical contrast ratio: 400:1

20-inch model
Typical viewing angle - 170° h / 170° v
Typical brightness: 230 cd/m
Typical contrast ratio: 400:1

If anyone has compared the two in the stores you can notice the poor viewing angle and brightness straight away on the 17" model.

I can forgive the contrast ratio on the 20" as the viewing angle and brightness is good, and the outputted image is excellent.


I've never looked into this before, but below are specs of Dell's 24 inch monitor.

"Diagonal Size: 24"
Display Type: Flat Panel Display / Active Matrix TFT - Desktop
Depth: 9"
Features: 100 mm VESA Mounting, Height Adjustable Stand Included, Detachable Panel mechanism
Height: Compressed: 22", Extended: 25"
Weight: 22.1 lbs
Width: 22"
Image Max H-View Angle: ±89°
Image Max V-View Angle: ±89°
Color Support: 16.7 Million
Connectivity Technology: Cable
Device Type: Flat Panel LCD Monitor with Height Adjustable Stand
Dimensions (WxDxH): 22" x 9" x 22" to 25"
Dimensions (WxDxH) / Weight: 22" x 9" x 22" to 25" / 22.1 lbs
Enclosure Color: Midnight Gray
Image Aspect Ratio: 16:10
Image Brightness: 500 cd/m²(typical)
Image Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (typical)
Max Resolution: 1920x1200 (WUXGA)
Max Sync Rate (V x H): 76 Hz x 81 kHz"

And here are the specs on all 3 of Apple's Cinema Displays.

"Configurations 20-inch Apple Cinema Display 23-inch Apple Cinema HD Display 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Display
Model M9177LL/A M9178LL/A M9179LL/A
Screen size (diagonal viewable image size) 20 inches (viewable) 23 inches (viewable) 30 inches (29.7 inches viewable)
Screen type Thin film transistor (TFT) active-matrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD)
Resolutions 1680 x 1050 pixels (optimum resolution)
1280 x 800 pixels
1024 x 640 pixels
1920 x 1200 pixels (optimum resolution)
1280 x 800 pixels
1024 x 640 pixels
2560 x 1600 pixels (optimum resolution)
2048 x 1280
1920 x 1200
1280 x 800
1024 x 640

Display colors (maximum) 16.7 million
Viewing angle (typical) 170° horizontal; 170° vertical
Brightness (typical) 250 cd/m2 270 cd/m2
Contrast ratio (typical) 400:1
Response time (typical) 16 ms
Pixel pitch 0.258 mm 0.250 mm"


What all does this mean?

Teh veiwing angle confuses me. Please tell me that Dell's brightness and contrast ratio are not that much better on a 24 inch compared to Apple's 30 inch.

The contrast ratio is the difference between black and white, a low contrast ratio means a solid black screen looks grey, my current monitor is a couple of years old with 350:1 ratio, black looks OK as long as it's not a whole screen, then it looks grey. Recent LCD monitors offer up to 1000:1, although it is rated as typical and I doubt they all use the same test.

As for viewing angle I find this more important, on the current 17" iMac (my partner has one) if you look at a screen full of text the bottom is faint but the top us thick and clear, also the color shift is noticeable, say take a yellow background it will appear a lot darker at the top, view the screen from a sharp angle it turns negative or black.

The ±89° angle shown in your list is actually 178° total for one axis, which would just about be the max as 180° is at a right angle to the screen so you could not physically see it.

If you look at the 20" iMac screen it's color shift is much less off axis and I don't recall it turning negative even at sharp angles.

As I said the 120° h / 90° v angles quoted for the 17" iMac are budget quality screens by todays standards and are noticeably poor especially in direct comparison to the 20" iMac.

[GilGrissom]

As an Apple fan and admirer I really am pleased with this update. It strikes me as far more successful than the previous PowerMac updates last week. Im not looking to get an iMac right now (Just ordered my new 12" PB now that Tiger is standard and RAM has come down!!! YEY!!!! :cool: ) but when I move out I sure as hell want an iMac in my study or living room with the current spec!
512, bluetooth and wireless, yes yes :D . Finally got it in as standard. (I know a lot of people wanted it standard when the 1st Gen iMac G5 came out.
It really does way up to be a good machine now, can't see the PowerMacs doing well, but these I hope sell like hot cakes! I genuinly wish I had more money and space just so I could buy one for myself!! but the PB is essential! Our graphics guy at work has an iMac G5, upgraded the RAM to 512Mb (i think) himself. But its a kewl machine, I love to use it and regularly go in and check up on it!! He did buy a PowerMac G5 to replace his aging G3, but sent it back in favour of the iMac when he got it!!...good decision I think.
As always the small bits (such as standard BT and AP) are great. :)

So with this done....let the "I want a Dual iMac G5" threads to emerge!! :p

[dops7107]

Unfortunately, my boss only wants to spend £600 to replace the G3 333 MHz iMac I now use at work... it's painful. How can I convince her that a nice shiney base-model iMac is a better long-term deal that a maxed-out eMac??

To put it into perspective, she won't believe me when I say spending £70 to get a gig of RAM is not worth it... brick walls, brick walls! ;-)

[GilGrissom]

Unfortunately, my boss only wants to spend £600 to replace the G3 333 MHz I Mac I now use at work... it's painful. How can I convince her that a nice shiney base-model iMac is a better long-term deal that a maxed-out eMac??

To put it into perspective, she won't believe me when i say spending £70 to get a gig of RAM is not worth it... brick walls, brick walls! ;-)

Y'ouch!!! I feel for ya!!

To tackle it another way, any chance you can save her £70 in something else??!! Spec, size, value for money, looks, street cred etc etc...all valid reasons to put across to her!!

[jaw04005]

Wow. What an update! Everything looks great except the 667Mhz front side bus. Why slow the bus down? I thought the FSB was supposed to be 1/2 the clock speed?

[m-dogg]

Hmmm....my parents have been thinking about getting a new computer for a while now, and I've been recommending an eMac. Now I might recommend they buy my 17" iMac when they're ready and I'll put that money to a new 20" - They'd be getting a better computer for the money (even if it's used) and I'd have the bigger screen, double layer dvd & more that I wish I had now!

[admanimal]

not (being processed) yet, and I ordered as soon as the store went back up

My order is now being processed!

[geniusj]

A friend of mine bought an iMac on Friday. Are there any options he has to get updated to this new line? This was a very recent purchase. And I did let him know that updates were coming ;)

[ReanimationLP]

Well, now that new ones are out, Apple has slashed the prices on Rev As, starting from 900 for the 1.6 GHz 17"er.

New :

iMac G5 17" 1.6GHz Combo Drive
512K L2 cache
533MHz frontside bus
256MB DDR400 SDRAM
NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra
64MB DDR video memory
80GB Serial ATA hard drive
Learn More
• Save 24% off the original price
Original price: $1,299.00
Your price: $999.00

Estimated Ship:
5-7 business days

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iMac G5 17" 1.8GHz SuperDrive
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Too bad I'm broke. :(

[jaw04005]

A friend of mine bought an iMac on Friday. Are there any options he has to get updated to this new line? This was a very recent purchase. And I did let him know that updates were coming ;)

Where did he purchase it from? He might be entitled to a least a refund on the price difference.

[iGary]

Zowie.

I might just jump on the 1.6 for my SO's B-Day present now.

[geniusj]

Where did he purchase it from? He might be entitled to a least a refund on the price difference.

He purchased it from the Clarendon Apple Store.

[cxny]

Anyone other than Apple offering the 20" w/BT Keyboard/Mouse bundle?
I'd hate to pay NY sales tax on this puppy.

[fluidinclusion]

If the 20" could take a 256Mb Graphics Card I would really be pissed. The new iMacs ARE a great deal.

Modem options should now have an ADSL option. Who is still using 56k modems?

The majority of the country uses 56k modems for residential use (by area). DSL/Cable just isn't available in most areas. Now, it is available for a large percentage of the population, but for more than 50% of my family, no broadband is available, except for satellite at $80/month, and that ain't happening. Consider yourself lucky you have DSL. I had to convince SBC that my next door neighbor had DSL from them before they would even agree that it was available in my entire area. They don't want it to be available.

[plinden]

Teh veiwing angle confuses me. Please tell me that Dell's brightness and contrast ratio are not that much better on a 24 inch compared to Apple's 30 inch.

Go to www.anandtech.com and read the comparison of the Dell and Apple 20" LCDs. These monitors both use the same panel, but the Dell specs are "better". This is partly because they use different backlights, but also Apple are more conservative about their specs than Dell.

Also, if you're worried about the iMac monitor, you can't really expect a built in 20" monitor on a $1800 computer to be as good as a standalone $800 monitor.

[cubedco]

Pro line doesnt mean it has everything the consumer line has AND more. it means different choices and I don't see airport extreme and bluetooth necessary for a porfessional. Are you going to edit movies from the comfort of your lounge or so?
that's a selective assumption. don't assume everyone that wants/works on a powermac is specifically using it for video/design.

what about the investment banker/broker that wants 8 displays to monitor stocks..

... can't do that with iMac

and since he's such a busy person, wants his bluetooth mobile to sync with address book... respectively, even art directors are constantly talking with print vendors and clients...

and the largest files he transfers on his network is Word docs.... a wireless network... cause he has a laptop too...

... sadly, to this guy a mere $200 extra isn't that big of a deal...

but for me, someone that wants a powermac and NEEDS a powermac specifically for design, wants to save as much as he can.

gg school tuition.

[Hackcomic.com]

So the big question, I bought the $1299 imac g5 less than 2 weeks ago. Can I get money back or an upgrade from Apple? Don't they have to honor the 30 days - if the price goes down I get money back? Does anyone know?

[kjr39]

Okay, so now where is my mac mini update? :P

[FoxyKaye]

Wow. What an update! Everything looks great except the 667Mhz front side bus. Why slow the bus down? I thought the FSB was supposed to be 1/2 the clock speed?

I noticed this too, and not being a deep-core hardware person, I'd venture several guesses:

* A faster FSB on the iMac would mean it would begin competing for the space that the PowerMacs occupy - essentially, the iMac would be a low-end PM.
* I'd venture that Apple has also done some sort of consumer research that indicates the users who would purchase an iMac aren't the same folks who would actually use a faster FSB (or even notice what's missing).
* Cooling also comes to mind, though I don't know if this is as big of a deal on the bus than it is on the processor.

It irks me a little, but then again I remember when the high-speed G4s were only using a 133MHz FSB and these are still very productive machines today.

All in all, this update thrills me - If I hadn't just spent $1700 on vet bills for my cat, I'd be ordering one now. Then again, by the time I save up the cash for a new iMac, it will be the beginning of 2006, at which point I can start hoping for dual-core iMacs. :D

[Snide]

Great update from Apple but there is something I would like to write. I have rev A 1.8 iMac G5 with lousy 5200 Ultra gfx card and rev B models comes no with Ati Radeon 9600. Many has asked how much better it really is. First I admit it IS better but in my opinion not enough.

Ati Radeon 9600, 9600pro and 9600XT are Different cards. 9600 is so much slower than for example pro and XT is a bit better than Pro. Normal 9600 is just 4pipeline card with low core and memory speed.

I know you should not compare PC and Mac cards but Tomshardware has made really great article and compared bunch of card in different games and programs and you know what? Normal 9600 isnt much better than 5200 ultra. You dont believe? See for yourself.

http://www20.graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20031229/index.html

Thats all about GFX card. How about noise problem that Rev. A iMac has? I really hope that Apple has fixed this.
:)

Overall very positive update, atleast better than powemac updates.

Wow, it took 5 pages to get to the first complaint about the video card! ;)

[iGary]

Where did the Negative ratings come from?

This is one of the best incremental updates Apple has done in a couple of years.

[rockthecasbah]

Where did the Negative ratings come from?

This is one of the best incremental updates Apple has done in a couple of years.
They came from annoying people that only like to complain and can never be happy ;) .

[paulypants]

AWESOME UPDATE.

[Trout74]

This is an online petition to take a stand against Apple's Lawsuits regarding trade secrets. Please spread the word and sign the petition.

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/rb9438/petition.html

Thank you,

Ryan Byerly

Ryan,

If you are going to have a petition and expect anyone to take it seriously, ie Steve and apple, you need to check your spelling.

FYI you used the word "server" in stead of Several, very honest mistake, just letting you know.

I signed it.

trout

[iMetalG5]

i gave it a positive but i'm jealous. I couldn't wait in March to get my iMac, needed a desktop.

but i will say this again, this is the best upgrade i've seen.

[calyxman]

I've said it before that the only line I see value in is the iMacs, and this is a good example of it.

The only request I'd have on the next revision is that they drop the 17" screen and make the 20" a base model, while introducing a 24" iMac. I've the seen the 17s in person and they look rather small.

[DakotaGuy]

Wow. What an update! Everything looks great except the 667Mhz front side bus. Why slow the bus down? I thought the FSB was supposed to be 1/2 the clock speed?

FSB has always been 1/3 clock speed on the iMacs, not 1/2 like the PowerMacs. I think heat is one factor also they need reasons for people to choose a PowerMac. 600-667Mhz FSB's are still fast.

[Diavilo1]

Ugh why does apple do this to me? What a great update when i have no funds. Anyone out there want to donate one of the new 20" iMacs to a good cause? I'm a wannabe switcher as soon as i can afford one...

[minesgeek]

no...before they were 533/600 now they are 600/667
my bad...

i thought that i had a little somethin' up on the revs but of course that would be stupid...

there is a black side to being an early adopter. i am just glad the updates didn't come for 9 months or so...

[minesgeek]

no...before they were 533/600 now they are 600/667
my bad...

i thought that i had a little somethin' up on the revs but of course that would be stupid.

there is a black side to being an early adopter. i am just glad the updates didn't come for 9 months or so.

the only thing that i am really burned about is the vid card...

[inkswamp]

As someone who is waiting for a boost to the iBook before buying, I have to say that the iBook "upgrade" they did today (which was totally overshadowed by the iMac/eMac upgrades) is about the lamest thing imaginable. In fact, it's no surprise that nobody seems to have noticed that the iBooks are now shipping with Tiger. Woohoo, Apple (sarcasm.) Now how about some hardware to take advantage of that great new OS? :mad:

If I'm not mistaken, the iBooks are just as overdue for a refresh as the other consumer machines. I understand the fact that Apple might not want to deal with the processor speed issue head-on but gimme a break... at least upgrade the RAM and the video card and maybe the hard drive and let the machine keep pace.

I've wanted an iBook for a couple months now, but have been holding off as it's clear that they are in need of a refresh. Apple's apparent indifference to upgrading the iBooks is annoying... but my credit card is staying put until then.

[Diavilo1]

Ugh why does apple do this to me? What a great update when i have no funds. Anyone out there want to donate one of the new 20" iMacs to a good cause? I'm a wannabe switcher as soon as i can afford one...

[eji]

They gave the iMac a universal power supply! Now I have to actually debate getting rid of my new powerbook and picking up one of these for my 2 years in Germany! Darn you Apple and all your wonderful ways to spend my money!

I thought I'd spotted that too. The eMac's voltage is still "depending on country of use," whereas that niggling little clause disappeared from the iMac description. Do you have any idea how happy this makes me? I'd ranted and raved on my blog for weeks about that drawback. So glad to see it corrected in this revision.

[MacMyDay]

Now, that is a rather fantastic update.

I've been waiting for CWOnline all day to update them, and finally they have, but not with the upgrade options. Guess I'll wait til tomorrow, but I'll definitely order myself one with a 400GB HD + wireless keyboard and mouse.

[fluidinclusion]

I agree, the PowerMac should be ashamed of itself. Especially the single 1.8, what would be the point in buying one? That you could upgrad the video card? The new iMac runs circles around around it, and comes with double the RAM. The only reason to buy a PM is to get dual CPUs. Apple needs a dual-core update for the PowerMac G5 in June!

I will be buying a 20" iMac soon, but there is one advantage of the Powermac over the iMac. For people like me who don't play games or do video rendering, the Powermac 1.8 is just fine, but DOES have the capability to have 2 monitors. The iMac is mirroring only, if I'm not mistaken. I'd be much happier with the iMac purchase if I didn't have to Mirror only.

[DakotaGuy]

my bad...

i thought that i had a little somethin' up on the revs but of course that would be stupid...

there is a black side to being an early adopter. i am just glad the updates didn't come for 9 months or so...

I know I agree mine seems like a piece of crap now next to these, but I have been enjoying it and I still think it is quick. What did make my day however is my Cable Internet company came out with 5MB download speeds up from 1MB that I did have. They just did the upgrade about an hour ago and WOW it is nice and quick on the internet. You can actually tell who has a slow server or a fast one because my connection is always looking for information to be rammed down it's throat. Nice. Can't wait to do those big software updates now!

[SULLY23]

with this really great upgrade to the iMac and the very weak upgrade to the PM their capabilities begin to mearge -- is this evidence of a big upgrade comming in the PM? --- i know i know the PM was just upgraded -- but still -----

[yuy]

Does Ati 9600 support Core Image?

I mean it is NOT in the support list on Apple webpage. only 9600xt

[Trout74]

Does Ati 9600 support Core Image?

I mean it is NOT in the support list on Apple webpage. only 9600xt

YES,
the previous 5200 ultra also did, FWIW

trout

[pcmeissner]

As someone who is waiting for a boost to the iBook before buying, I have to say that the iBook "upgrade" they did today (which was totally overshadowed by the iMac/eMac upgrades) is about the lamest thing imaginable.

Did it occur to you that not all of Apple's hardware will be upgraded on the same day? No one is talking about the iBook update because it didn't happen. I do hope it happens soon. I really would like to buy one.