Apple Store Visit Confirms: No Mac Exists

[michaelrjohnson]

Has anyone else noticed that there is currently no such computer as a "Mac"? The product line currently exists as follows:

Consumer:
Mac mini, iMac, MacBook
Professional:
MacBook Pro, Mac Pro

Nowhere in the product lineup is there currently a computer marketed under the name of "Mac", a natural fit for their new naming convention. Some may suggest that the "medium-level" desktop machine exists already, that they just call it the iMac. Others may shrug that off saying that the iMac is no real comparison to a headless, flexible, upgradeable tower. What is your take?

Are the doors wide open for a headless, upgradeable (smaller) tower design from Apple (Paris, MWSF?), or is the iMac just not "in-sync" with their new naming convention?

Okay, it wasn't a press-release or anything, I just visited to get my facts straight.

[LoveMacMini]

i've been rallying for such a device for a long time.

doubtful it's going to happen, but really all i want is a mac mini with some competent onboard video and the ability to use 3.5 inch drives.

[topgunn]

Apple will never release a computer called the "Mac".

"I just got a new computer!"
"Oh, really? What kind"
"A Mac"
"Wow, that's great! What kind of Mac?"
"A Mac"
"I know. What model?"
"A Mac!"
"You bought a Mac Mac?"
"I guess I did."

On a similar note, GM announced a new model Chevrolet today...the Chevrolet.

[triotary]

Apple will never release a computer called the "Mac".

"I just got a new computer!"
"Oh, really? What kind"
"A Mac"
"Wow, that's great! What kind of Mac?"
"A Mac"
"I know. What model?"
"A Mac!"
"You bought a Mac Mac?"
"I guess I did."

On a similar note, GM announced a new model Chevrolet today...the Chevrolet.

:D :D :D :D :D :D

I just bought a Ford today!!!And I totally regretted it!

which Ford?

The ford!

Ya I know, but which one?

The Ford that always been crappy!!!

[mcarnes]

All those machines are Macs. They are just different kinds of Macs. Just like the 128K was a 'Mac' or the iBook was a 'Mac', etc.

[michaelrjohnson]

All those machines are Macs. They are just different kinds of Macs. Just like the 128K was a 'Mac' or the iBook was a 'Mac', etc.
That's very obvious.

-------------------

Their current naming scheme, however, would leave you to believe that the lineup is missing a "Mac". A "regular" Mac, that's neither mini nor Pro.

Mac mini
[ ] <------- iMac or Mac?
Mac Pro
MacBook
MacBook Pro

-------------------

That being said, I totally agree with topgunn, that the confusion that it would create since they started branding the commercials with " Mac".

[mcarnes]

Their current naming scheme, however, would leave you to believe that the lineup is missing a "Mac". A "regular" Mac, that's neither mini nor Pro.

Oh, I see. Well on to next Tuesday then.

[mattcube64]

I always hated the name of the PlayStation 2.

"I've got a Playstation."
"I have a Playstation, too."
"Wow! Really? Can I play it?"
"I guess, but it won't be much different than yours."
"Why do you say that? I have a Playstation, you've got a Playstation2!"

[eidrunner247]

I always hated the name of the PlayStation 2.

"I've got a Playstation."
"I have a Playstation, too."
"Wow! Really? Can I play it?"
"I guess, but it won't be much different than yours."
"Why do you say that? I have a Playstation, you've got a Playstation2!"

very funny :) haha That's also on of the reasons why I hated newer versions that just add a 2 (playstation 2, call of duty 2, home alone 2, etc)

[Mac Rules]

very funny :) haha That's also on of the reasons why I hated newer versions that just add a 2 (playstation 2, call of duty 2, home alone 2, etc)


What if its called the MacBook Pro II, the iMac II..... lol

It might be your worst nightmare!

Cheers

[LeeTom]

I agree that there will never be a computer named Mac, and disagree that the lineup is left "wide open" for such a computer. Mac represents the umbrella that holds all of Apple's computers, and therefore cannot represent just one.

[FullmetalZ26]

While a machine simply called "the Mac" wouldn't necessarily make much sense, having a midrange tower machine in the lineup would be really nice. The iMac is all well and good for the 'decent all-around four year throwaway' type of machine, and the Dual-core mini is a capable machine, but I don't want to pay for an LCD that will be useless to me in 4 years, and expansion for the mini is a joke. I have a G4 mini right now, and I've done all that I can to it short of upgrading the hard drive. That's right, I maxed out the memory. And it's a great machine, but I'd rather be stuffing a mid-tower with hard drives instead of adding firewire enclosure after firewire enclosure to my desk. Just one extra model, Apple, please. Maybe a 2/3rds scale Mac Pro case with just one processor, one optical drive, less base configured memory, and a decent, but not expensive, integrated but dedicated graphics card. It doesn't even have to be a Core 2 Duo, provided the processor's not soldered and I can upgrade it myself. Then build it to around $1200-1600, depending on the configuration. That's all I ask.

[dpaanlka]

they should call it "Macintosh" then

[Donz0r]

Has anyone else noticed that there is currently no such computer as a "Mac"? The product line currently exists as follows:

Consumer:
Mac mini, iMac, MacBook
Professional:
MacBook Pro, Mac Pro

Nowhere in the product lineup is there currently a computer marketed under the name of "Mac", a natural fit for their new naming convention. Some may suggest that the "medium-level" desktop machine exists already, that they just call it the iMac. Others may shrug that off saying that the iMac is no real comparison to a headless, flexible, upgradeable tower. What is your take?

Are the doors wide open for a headless, upgradeable (smaller) tower design from Apple (Paris, MWSF?), or is the iMac just not "in-sync" with their new naming convention?

Okay, it wasn't a press-release or anything, I just visited to get my facts straight.

...are you serious?

[macaddicted]

Actually I don't think there has ever been a "Mac", and AFAIK the only "Macintosh" was the original 128K.

[baby duck monge]

I think if they were to do this it would probably end up with a fairly uninspiring name like "Mac Standard" or something. I think we're safe, though, because as much as we want it, Apple doesn't seem to want to give us a machine like that. :(

On an unrelated note, my first car was a 1991 Toyota Truck. And yes, 'truck' was the actual model name - they didn't have a special name for it like "Tacoma" or anything. The naming department was really on the ball when they rolled that bad boy out. :rolleyes:

[someguy]

I'm confused. When the hell did anyone (from Apple) say that there would be a Mac named "Mac" released?

[jholzner]

By that logic Apple will also have to release a software program called just "Logic" and just "FinalCut" Since they have an Express and Pro version. I realized there is Garageband and iMovie...but the names aren't the same so they must release a new app with the name to keep consistent!!

I do agree that there is room for a mid range headless Mac but the product line itself suggests that not the naming convention.

[JAT]

I'm confused. When the hell did anyone (from Apple) say that there would be a Mac named "Mac" released?
This is a user forum on a rumor site. Not all discussions stem from Apple employee commentary.

[dejo]

Their current naming scheme, however, would leave you to believe that the lineup is missing a "Mac". A "regular" Mac, that's neither mini nor Pro.
they should call it "Macintosh" then
I'm leaning towards "Mac Regular" myself... :D

[amiga]

Little Mac
Medium Mac
Big Mac

:D

[LeeTom]

Mac Plus sounds good to me, or maybe the gMac (for games)?

[SteveRichardson]

Mac Plus sounds good to me, or maybe the gMac (for games)?


hahaha for games


that's classic. v. v. v. funny.

[BlizzardBomb]

Mac Plus sounds good to me, or maybe the gMac (for games)?

Can you imagine the insults for that...

"I've got a new gMac."
"Haha, you're gay you bought a gayMac."
*:rolleyes:*

But yes, I like the idea of a small tower, although I see it killing Mac Pro sales.

I think that if they made the Mini a bit bigger, they could put a 1.86 GHz Conroe in (which is cheaper than a Core Solo, with much better performance), a 3.5" Hard Drive (more storage for less money) and a GMA X3000, then added a single Woodcrest option to the Mac Pro, it would eliminate the need for a mid-range Mac.

[LeeTom]

I've never heard anyone call gMail gay...?

[JAT]

But yes, I like the idea of a small tower, although I see it killing Mac Pro sales.


So? It's still Apple. Forcing regular consumers into a high-priced Pro machine isn't good business sense. The problem is that Apple seems to think the iMac is enough in the middle. They really just need a version without built-in screen, and with a LITTLE more adaptibility.

I had to go with a Mini, but add on external stuff.

[bbrosemer]

They could call it aMac,
because that wouldnt be confusing at all...

[GimmeSlack12]

I've never heard anyone call gMail gay...?
gMail is so gay.


There, someone said it :D

As for the Mac thing, I think that would be really lame and confusing. There has never been a "Mac" (even th 128Kb and the likes had a distinguishing name).

No Mac exists? gee whiz, mark another thing on the board of pointless complaints about Apple.

[stevo86]

I think that if they made the Mini a bit bigger, they could put a 1.86 GHz Conroe in (which is cheaper than a Core Solo, with much better performance), a 3.5" Hard Drive (more storage for less money) and a GMA X3000, then added a single Woodcrest option to the Mac Pro, it would eliminate the need for a mid-range Mac.

i really like this sound of this... but i think the mini should be kept at its small stature. maybe just give it a faster core duo chip and stick with the smaller hdd. either way let the customer customize the mini so it can be more powerful, and customize the mac pro so it can be less powerful.

[virus1]

Mac Plus sounds good to me, or maybe the gMac (for games)?
ha now we know why you don't work for apple's marketing department.

[topgunn]

Mac Standard seems wrong. Maybe Mac Stand? No, sounds like an iCurve competitor. Mac STD? YES!! Come and get your fresh, hot Mac STD's.

[Dont Hurt Me]

How about Macintosh?

[dan-o-mac]

[QUOTE=baby duck monge]I think if they were to do this it would probably end up with a fairly uninspiring name like "Mac Standard" or something. I think we're safe, though, because as much as we want it, Apple doesn't seem to want to give us a machine like that. :(
QUOTE]

Could someone please explain why Apple doesn't want to give us a mid range mac?

[Macky-Mac]

Could someone please explain why Apple doesn't want to give us a mid range mac?

probably they figure the imac is their mid range mac

[someguy]

Could someone please explain why Apple doesn't want to give us a mid range mac?
What do you call the iMac? :confused:

[milo]

Having a midrange model is a great idea, hope it happens soon.

Naming it "mac" is a terrible idea. Too confusing.

What do you call the iMac? :confused:

I assume he meant apple doesn't have a *headless* mid range mac.

[someguy]

I assume he meant apple doesn't have a *headless* mid range mac.
Mac mini?


:rolleyes:

[dejo]

Mac mini?


:rolleyes:
I assume he meant Apple doesn't have a *headless* *easily upgradeable* (can swap out an optical drive / hard drive / memory / cpu / ???? on a moment's notice) *more upgradeable* (multiple optical drive bays / multiple HDD bays / plenty of memory slots / plenty of PCI slots / ????) mid range mac.

[mmmcheese]

very funny :) haha That's also on of the reasons why I hated newer versions that just add a 2 (playstation 2, call of duty 2, home alone 2, etc)

Pretend to be French...

Playstation deux.

hehe

[dan-o-mac]

Mac mini?


:rolleyes:


I guess I should have been more specific and said an ugradeable headless mid range mac. ;) a mini tower or dare I say it, a cube. :D

[milo]

Mac mini?

The mini isn't a midrange computer by any stretch of the imagination. It's a barebones budget machine. And since its release, it has become overpriced and underpowered.

Apple needs a midrange machine. Bad.

[osustudent]

Honestly, this has got to be one of the more absurd postings I've seen in awhile. I'm not sure what it says that I've read through all of them, but ...

Since Apple hasn't had a mid-range tower in recent years, I don't see them heading towards it. All of their current products, Mac Pro aside, have to do with being small, different, unique. Mac minis' are smaller than most external hard drives. iMacs' have the whole computer in a monitor. Macbooks' and Macbook Pros' are the best designed, most efficent laptops designed. And Mac Pro is simply so powerful. Then what, the "Mac" is, um, well, let's see, perfect because, it just works!

Also, I think there would be a monitor issue; Apple would need to look at selling less expensive monitors with that option. I'm not sure how comfortable most computer users would be paying $1200+ for a computer with no monitor. It works with the Mac Mini because the computer is relatively cheap. It works with the Mac Pro because you're shelling out over $2000 for it, what's an extra $600+ for a flat panel monitor? But, with a mid-range tower, the monitor issue would need to be tackled for it to work.

[milozauckerman]

Since Apple hasn't had a mid-range tower in recent years, I don't see them heading towards it.

Of course they have. The Dual 2GHz G5 was under $2000 - $1799 EDU if you go that route, had four RAM slots (maybe the last versions had eight again?), the same number of hard-drive bays and PCI slots as the quad. It also didn't require absurdly expensive RAM that won't benefit most users. Given the lower cost of doing business with Intel, a comparable machine should be an easy possibility for $1799 retail.

And before that, of course, there was the single-processor G5, which wasn't a terrible machine in its own right.

[pianoman]

"I've got a new gMac."
"Haha, you're gay you bought a gayMac."
*:rolleyes:*

is this supposed to be a potential conversation between two people or just the thoughts running through your head? this is so ridiculous i almost didn't want to comment on it.

[dan-o-mac]

Honestly, this has got to be one of the more absurd postings I've seen in awhile. I'm not sure what it says that I've read through all of them, but ...

Since Apple hasn't had a mid-range tower in recent years, I don't see them heading towards it. All of their current products, Mac Pro aside, have to do with being small, different, unique. Mac minis' are smaller than most external hard drives. iMacs' have the whole computer in a monitor. Macbooks' and Macbook Pros' are the best designed, most efficent laptops designed. And Mac Pro is simply so powerful. Then what, the "Mac" is, um, well, let's see, perfect because, it just works!

Also, I think there would be a monitor issue; Apple would need to look at selling less expensive monitors with that option. I'm not sure how comfortable most computer users would be paying $1200+ for a computer with no monitor. It works with the Mac Mini because the computer is relatively cheap. It works with the Mac Pro because you're shelling out over $2000 for it, what's an extra $600+ for a flat panel monitor? But, with a mid-range tower, the monitor issue would need to be tackled for it to work.

Other than the name whats so absurd? Why wouldn't the mac mini's BYOKDM apply? Price wise it would mach up well against a 20" iMac.

[zap2]

No, Mac "Pro" is saying its the "Pro" computer of the Mac Line, Mac Mini is the "Mini"(low end) computer in the line up... if you add Mac, then you start to attack the name for all of Apple's computer... it would not work .. but i do like the type of Mac it would make(headless middle of the road computer)

[zap2]

And before that, of course, there was the single-processor G5, which wasn't a terrible machine in its own right.


Ya, i remeber when Apple upgraded the iMac, and they were faster then it, and i though Apple should just get rid of it... looking back, i think Apple should have upgraded it.. i'd love a 1499 Mac Pro of some type(Core 2, Conroe anyone?)

[bbrosemer]

wait here is another name mid-Mac, or umac, or Mac Midi, or Mac in the Middle, Average Mac, median mac... just a few ideas...

[LBmacman]

what about naming it the TowerMac?

[Origin]

... and what about the TowerMacWithoutTheDamnedSeventeenInchesCrappyLCDDisplay :D

D&#233;sol&#233; :D
(sorry... for english speaking geeks)

[Zwhaler]

Big Mac

:D

New! The Big n' Tasty

[LBmacman]

Mac pro lite
mac pro cube