Limited iMac Availability Suggests Possible Refresh [Archive]

MacRumors

Jan 30, 2009, 03:16 PM

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/01/30/limited-imac-availability-suggests-possible-refresh/)

Several forum users (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=642823) have reported that that they have been told by various resellers that iMac availability is currently limited. Meanwhile, another user (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=642847) reports that their orders for 20" iMacs have been unexpectedly delayed:This certainly falls in the realm of speculation, but I ordered a number of baseline 20" iMacs for work, with no custom configuration, and I've had my order delayed for a week, followed by this message today:

"Due to an unexpected delay, we are unable to ship the following item(s) by the date that you were originally quoted:

MB324LL/A, IMAC 20/2.66/2GB/320GB/SD-USA will now ship on or before Feb 05, 2009"AppleInsider was able to confirm (http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/01/30/apple_warns_of_reduced_imac_availability_in_near_term.html) from their reseller sources that supply of Apple's iMacs are indeed "constrained" for the immediate future. The rumor site believe that this means that new models are nearing production.Apple is said to have braced its partners for limited availability of the remainder of the iMac line in the coming weeks, a sign which this late in the product's life-cycle "only means one thing" -- namely that the company is drawing down inventory levels ahead of new models.Reseller supplies tend to be rather crude in predicting product revisions, but the many have expected iMac revisions early in 2009.

Article Link: Limited iMac Availability Suggests Possible Refresh (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/01/30/limited-imac-availability-suggests-possible-refresh/)

BRLawyer

Jan 30, 2009, 03:21 PM

The iMac definitely does NOT need a refresh, but anyway...my 24" is simply wonderful and speedier than 95% of the PCs out there...so I am fine. :rolleyes:

shanmugam

Jan 30, 2009, 03:21 PM

bring it on Apple...

first real rumor ??? :p

shanmugam

Jan 30, 2009, 03:22 PM

$999 3.00 Ghz Dual core
$1299 2.33 Ghz Quad Core
$1549 2.66 Ghz Quad Core
$1899 2.83 Quad Core

price point will be sweet (stole the idea from refurbished mac section) but not sure whether LED display will allow these price point
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/hom...deals/mac/imac

Interested
-----------
Quad Core CPU
Desktop componenet
Better and latest GPU
LED backlit Display
DVI and Mini Display Port
2GB RAM standard

Not interested
------------------
Blu Ray

inventory low is the first sign of new iMac, hopefully with in few weeks ...

fcb

Jan 30, 2009, 03:23 PM

There was also a bunch of speculation about a possible Superbowl ad.

25 years since 1984 ad ....

I'm ready to upgrade my G4 iMac desklamp ...... it's been a great machine ...

Icestorm815

Jan 30, 2009, 03:25 PM

ZacUSNYR

Jan 30, 2009, 03:25 PM

Quick someone order 20+ Mac Minis and see if the order gets delayed lol

jellomizer

Jan 30, 2009, 03:26 PM

There was also a bunch of speculation about a possible Superbowl ad.

25 years since 1984 ad ....

I'm ready to upgrade my G4 iMac desklamp ...... it's been a great machine ...

With the economy the way it is I doubt any thing big will happen. Apple hasn't done a complete wow since the G5 iMac. Some would argue from the G4 iMac Desklamp

iPaddy

Jan 30, 2009, 03:28 PM

Could it be?
Finally!!!

I'd love for them to come out this tuesday.

arn

Jan 30, 2009, 03:28 PM

With the economy the way it is I doubt any thing big will happen. Apple hasn't done a complete wow since the G5 iMac. Some would argue from the G4 iMac Desklamp

also I think advertisers for the superbowl are pretty public, so I think the story would have come out before now.

arn

amusiccale

Jan 30, 2009, 03:29 PM

It would be nice to see some quad core iMacs in the near future.

The Samurai

Jan 30, 2009, 03:29 PM

Bring em on.

Nice to see these machines are getting upgraded. Maybe a strategy to keep the media off Steve's health.

omnautic

Jan 30, 2009, 03:30 PM

MacPros need the refresh!

Peace

Jan 30, 2009, 03:32 PM

MacPros need the refresh!

iMac's come first. New Mac Pro at WWDC so all the techies can tout the dual crossfire video and 3 FSB on Snow Leopard.

Unspeaked

Jan 30, 2009, 03:33 PM

also I think advertisers for the superbowl are pretty public, so I think the story would have come out before now.

arn

I don't know how different things are today than in 1983, but I remember hearing that back then Apple was able to fly under the radar with their airtime purchase by buying it through a third party.

I'm guessing it could be done in theory, but in practice there's too many middle men nowadays that would probably leak the news somewhere along the line. At the very least, you'd think there would have been rumors of a commercial being filmed.

Tallest Skil

Jan 30, 2009, 03:34 PM

iMac's come first. New Mac Pro at WWDC so all the techies can tout the dual crossfire video and 3 FSB on Snow Leopard.

We won't be getting CrossFire or SLI, but yeah, Snow Leopard will be cool.

Unspeaked

Jan 30, 2009, 03:34 PM

iMac's come first. New Mac Pro at WWDC so all the techies can tout the dual crossfire video and 3 FSB on Snow Leopard.

Isn't the Mini really the one most in need of an update...?

Peace

Jan 30, 2009, 03:36 PM

Isn't the Mini really the one most in need of an update...?

But of course but I'm hoping Apple comes to their senses and makes the Mac Mini/Apple TV Tablet thing I've been wanting for over a year.:D

amac4me

Jan 30, 2009, 03:38 PM

The ENTIRE desktop lineup needs a refresh.

- iMac last updated in April 2008
- Mac Pro last updated in January 2008
- Mac mini last updated in August 2007

MrPlywood

Jan 30, 2009, 03:38 PM

I'm ready to buy. The Tangerine is barely holding on! I would like to see a matte screen option, but it's not a deal breaker.

shanmugam

Jan 30, 2009, 03:39 PM

what is the cost difference between LED backlit and LCD display?

Will there be price drop if Apple moves with Desktop CPU (cheaper by $50 to $200) ???

shanmugam

Jan 30, 2009, 03:39 PM

The ENTIRE desktop lineup needs a refresh.

- iMac last updated in April 2008
- Mac Pro last updated in January 2008
- Mac mini last updated in August 2007

we all second that :D

iPaddy

Jan 30, 2009, 03:39 PM

I have my card ready.
I've memorised the details so that if I was away from my home computer, I could rush into an eCafe or college and buy!

Le Big Mac

Jan 30, 2009, 03:43 PM

I'm ready to upgrade my G4 iMac desklamp ...... it's been a great machine ...

Same here.

BTW, what is "limited availability"? Either a store has a mac or it doesn't. If it doesn't, either they can order more or they can't. I don't get it--if a store doesn't have the model you want, why don't they just say "right now we can't reorder those machines from Apple, they seem to be on "backorder" or something."?

morespce54

Jan 30, 2009, 03:46 PM

What?
They already settled for the quad cores? :eek:
I though the debate about the processor would postpone the release much further in 2009... ;)

MarkW

Jan 30, 2009, 03:49 PM

FWIW, I ordered an iMac (24" 3.06GHz) - mine too was delayed (estimated delivery Feb 5th), but I received an E-Mail today saying it's been shipped, so I don't think new machines was the cause of the delay

Stridder44

Jan 30, 2009, 03:50 PM

The iMac definitely does NOT need a refresh, but anyway...my 24" is simply wonderful and speedier than 95% of the PCs out there...so I am fine. :rolleyes:

Oh, well if you're fine then I guess we should just hold off on doing any more updates for a while. :rolleyes:

Seriously, the iMac "doesn't need a refresh"? Are you kidding?

Tallest Skil

Jan 30, 2009, 03:51 PM

Seriously, the iMac "doesn't need a refresh"? Are you kidding?

He bought it less than a week ago and is pathetically trying to justify his purchase. ;):D

Yvan256

Jan 30, 2009, 03:55 PM

If you forget about the minor speed/capacity bumps, the Mac mini is still the same as when Apple switched to Intel processors. The Mac mini better get an upgrade around the same time as the iMac and the upgrade better be worth over 2 years of waiting.

t0mat0

Jan 30, 2009, 03:58 PM

also I think advertisers for the superbowl are pretty public, so I think the story would have come out before now.

arn
When's the deadline to get an ad in? I thought I read today that some places were basically able to take very last minute purchases (presumably as long as the buyer is able to get the advert to them in time).

Make an advert prior to SuperBowl, then decide when to air. Or create a teaser trailer.... Like the MWSF - The spotlight falls on.. - why not a similar one, for desktop Macs?

VoidQC

Jan 30, 2009, 03:59 PM

I've been holding my iMac purchase since early december because of the upgrade rumors. I hope this one is true, even though it doesn't seem significant. Damn I want 24" LED iMac with a real graphic card! Let's keep the fingers crossed!

Le Big Mac

Jan 30, 2009, 04:06 PM

When's the deadline to get an ad in? I thought I read today that some places were basically able to take very last minute purchases (presumably as long as the buyer is able to get the advert to them in time).

Make an advert prior to SuperBowl, then decide when to air. Or create a teaser trailer.... Like the MWSF - The spotlight falls on.. - why not a similar one, for desktop Macs?

Apparently there were still 4 spots available earlier this week.

Anyway, if Apple wanted to do it it would be easy enough to have a "false" ad for say iPhone or iPod, and then change it up at the last minute. But I haven't seen Apple in any of the lists of advertisers, so unless they're going through someone else (Budweiser), I'm guessing they're on the sidelines. Unless it's revolutionary, though, why would they bother with an ad for what's likely to be a speed bump with some other tweaks?

Airforcekid

Jan 30, 2009, 04:07 PM

Isn't the Mini really the one most in need of an update...?

They need one badly also I heard that two ad spaces were bought. But undiclosed to the public. Where can you find a list of ad spaces?

billystlyes

Jan 30, 2009, 04:08 PM

Blah, blah, blah... Wake me up when the update the Mac mini or come out with a better headless Mac.

Grasbak

Jan 30, 2009, 04:08 PM

My iMac G5 just died, I am gonna hold out for the refresh!

Lots of debate about what CPUs they migh go with - it's not unheard of Apple to get custom ones is it? How about some bespoke low power quads!!!!

JDee

Jan 30, 2009, 04:13 PM

I bought an iMac in September - if there was a new iMac coming out... I wish this one would brake down epically so I could get a new one :(

could that ever happen? I'm sure they would find an old iMac in the warehouse or something.

Unspeaked

Jan 30, 2009, 04:14 PM

They need one badly also I heard that two ad spaces were bought. But undiclosed to the public. Where can you find a list of ad spaces?

LINK (http://adage.com/superbowl09/article?article_id=133081)

No Apple, though...

iParis

Jan 30, 2009, 04:16 PM

Just called my local Apple Store and they said they still have a good amount in, although I suspect they are probably only going to get a few more shipments in.
If the iMac is updated I suspect the Mini will be too.
*crosses fingers*

Peace

Jan 30, 2009, 04:23 PM

LINK (http://adage.com/superbowl09/article?article_id=133081)

No Apple, though...

That's not a complete list because Disney has an ad and they aren't listed there.

Shiner

Jan 30, 2009, 04:24 PM

Eric S.

Jan 30, 2009, 04:27 PM

I don't know how different things are today than in 1983, but I remember hearing that back then Apple was able to fly under the radar with their airtime purchase by buying it through a third party.

Fly under the radar? It was publicized to the hilt. Everyone knew that a "special" Apple commercial would be aired during the Super Bowl, and rumors about the content were rampant.

minik

Jan 30, 2009, 04:28 PM

You are going to be waiting a long time!! iMac has never had a decent video card.

THe nVidia GeForce 8800 GS is okay.

crisss1205

Jan 30, 2009, 04:29 PM

That's not a complete list because Disney has an ad and they aren't listed there.
Maybe Apple bought an ad using Disney as a deterrent. Jobs is on Disney's board of directors.

Unspeaked

Jan 30, 2009, 04:31 PM

Fly under the radar? It was publicized to the hilt. Everyone knew that a "special" Apple commercial would be aired during the Super Bowl, and rumors about the content were rampant.

Hmm, I must be confusing it with something else then. I know I remember hearing about someone buying a Super Bowl ad under the name of a holding company of some sort. I could swear it was Apple...

minik

Jan 30, 2009, 04:35 PM

Hmm, I must be confusing it with something else then. I know I remember hearing about someone buying a Super Bowl ad under the name of a holding company of some sort. I could swear it was Apple...

Why does Apple need a TV ad during the SuperBowl in 2009?

TheAshMan

Jan 30, 2009, 04:36 PM

Apparently there were still 4 spots available earlier this week.

Anyway, if Apple wanted to do it it would be easy enough to have a "false" ad for say iPhone or iPod, and then change it up at the last minute. But I haven't seen Apple in any of the lists of advertisers, so unless they're going through someone else (Budweiser), I'm guessing they're on the sidelines. Unless it's revolutionary, though, why would they bother with an ad for what's likely to be a speed bump with some other tweaks?

25 years in a tough business, being the founder of the Personal Computer industry, and being at a high point business-wise. Having a historical angle like and that fantastic ad from 25 years ago would be a nice connection and get people talking about Apple and help their image. Most consumers don't know it is the 25th anniversary.

danielwsmithee

Jan 30, 2009, 04:36 PM

I hope the 24" iMac has 4 SODIMM slots instead of just two. You could max at 16 GB or just upgrade the base 2GB to 6GB on the cheap. Quad-core too please.

crisss1205

Jan 30, 2009, 04:41 PM

Why does Apple need a TV ad during the SuperBowl in 2009?
It's their 25th anniversary and 25 years ago they had their first ad during the superbowl.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYecfV3ubP8

Skorpion24

Jan 30, 2009, 04:46 PM

Jonny75

Jan 30, 2009, 04:48 PM

The iMac definitely does NOT need a refresh, but anyway...my 24" is simply wonderful and speedier than 95% of the PCs out there...so I am fine. :rolleyes:

I see this sort of nonsense posted so much here. If the machine is good enough for you, and you'd likely want to hold on to it for a few years, should Apple sit still until 2012? It might be fast enough for you, but you have to be less solipsistic and look at the industry at large.

It is similar to the iPhone posts: just because many are happy with the camera, not looking at the wider picture they miss the iPhone looks quite puney in spec to the competition. (We continue to have EDGE defenders too.) And this is harming the sales.

Apple has a plan for Grand Central, Snow Leopard and processor upgrades and the iMac is well behind the schedule. This has shown in sales where the upgraded notebooks flew out the depots but many are waiting for rightly expected iMac upgrades.

Yes the current iMacs are fast, but the processors are now well behind the curve and the longer term architecture for Snow Leopard and should have been revised November 2008.

I know this might upset the reality-refusing-fanboys.

Yours in asbestos clothing!

designgeek

Jan 30, 2009, 04:49 PM

Thank god, the chipset is crap. I think the Nvidia chips will make these things ringers if that's the case. The Mini is in the worst shape, The MBA is almost a better computer and its graphics card is run slower on purpose. I'm excited. I'm all for a refresh of all desktop computers.

minik

Jan 30, 2009, 04:49 PM

It's their 25th anniversary and 25 years ago they had their first ad during the superbowl.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYecfV3ubP8

I understand that, but what will the ad be [if there is one]? I just don't see the reason. Sure it is a big deal for us, that's all. Sorry for OT.

crisss1205

Jan 30, 2009, 04:53 PM

I understand that, but what will the ad be [if there is one]? I just don't see the reason. Sure it is a big deal for us, that's all. Sorry for OT.
Maybe they will show us the new iMac in an AD!! probably not.

Jonny75

Jan 30, 2009, 04:54 PM

There was also a bunch of speculation about a possible Superbowl ad.

25 years since 1984 ad ....
...

Has anyone checked cable in Idaho....?

http://www.macworld.com/article/138519/2009/01/macat25_ads.html

Eric S.

Jan 30, 2009, 05:00 PM

Apple's ad campaign has been doing the "cool media" thing for so long now that you wonder if they'd even be capable of a revolutionary ad any more.

dwl017

Jan 30, 2009, 05:01 PM

I see this sort of nonsense posted so much here. If the machine is good enough for you, and you'd likely want to hold on to it for a few years, should Apple sit still until 2012? It might be fast enough for you, but you have to be less solipsistic and look at the industry at large.

It is similar to the iPhone posts: just because many are happy with the camera, not looking at the wider picture they miss the iPhone looks quite puney in spec to the competition. (We continue to have EDGE defenders too.) And this is harming the sales.

Apple has a plan for Grand Central, Snow Leopard and processor upgrades and the iMac is well behind the schedule. This has shown in sales where the upgraded notebooks flew out the depots but many are waiting for rightly expected iMac upgrades.

Yes the current iMacs are fast, but the processors are now well behind the curve and the longer term architecture for Snow Leopard and should have been revised November 2008.

I know this might upset the reality-refusing-fanboys.

Yours in asbestos clothing!

90% of the post on this web site are written by geeky drama queen fan boys, same applies to 90% of the lies and rumors that are posted here. Lets see there have been almost two years of lies and rumors about a new Mac Mini posted here none of which ever came true. There is not a single member of this site with any credible information at all.

MasterNile

Jan 30, 2009, 05:09 PM

I'm hoping for an update by Feb 10th cause that's when the IRS says I'll be getting my tax return :D

AidenShaw

Jan 30, 2009, 05:10 PM

90% of the post on this web site are written by geeky drama queen fan boys, same applies to 90% of the lies and rumors that are posted here. Lets see there have been almost two years of lies and rumors about a new Mac Mini posted here none of which ever came true. There is not a single member of this site with any credible information at all.

You mean we won't see the Core i7 Mini-Tower and the Apple Netbook on Tuesday?

Drat!

t0mat0

Jan 30, 2009, 05:11 PM

90% of the post on this web site are written by geeky drama queen fan boys, same applies to 90% of the lies and rumors that are posted here. Lets see there have been almost two years of lies and rumors about a new Mac Mini posted here none of which ever came true. There is not a single member of this site with any credible information at all.

Ergo we shouldn't see your comment as credible? ...

GottaLoveApple4

Jan 30, 2009, 05:21 PM

Apple is obviously masked behind Hulu's Super Bowl time slot!! With Apple and NBC being such good friends and all, this has to be the case...:rolleyes::apple:

Xtremehkr

Jan 30, 2009, 05:28 PM

If it's true, I'll seriously consider getting one the day they are available. If it's a quad core, I'll definitely be getting one.

srl7741

Jan 30, 2009, 05:30 PM

I luv my iMac and would also love to see any new iMac released. Quad Core, faster processor, more memory. Heaven in the shape of an iMac :)

AnDi86

Jan 30, 2009, 05:34 PM

It's their 25th anniversary and 25 years ago they had their first ad during the superbowl.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYecfV3ubP8

how awesome would it be for them to have another revolutionary advert for something as revolutionary as the macintosh in 1984 on the 25th year anniversary! It would be rather fitting

But I don't see it happening! :apple:

But hey you guys in the states keep us posted here in the UK and the rest of the world too i suppose!

RichardI

Jan 30, 2009, 05:36 PM

Well, I've had my iMac for two years now and I love it, BUT I'd still like to see the line continue to improve. It is already the best home PC in the world IMHO, and the thought of quad core processors combined with SnowLeopard makes me drool.:D
I won't be upgrading any time soon, but I keep a close eye on what Apple is doing with my baby. As long as they don't ever change the keyboard - I don't think it's possible to improve on it anyway.
Bring on the changes!!

Rich :cool:

Eric S.

Jan 30, 2009, 05:47 PM

how awesome would it be for them to have another revolutionary advert for something as revolutionary as the macintosh in 1984 on the 25th year anniversary! It would be rather fitting

Sure, if they had a revolutionary product to advertise. What are they going to hype now? iMac and mini refresh?

When was the last time Apple had a truly revolutionary computer product?

fleshman03

Jan 30, 2009, 05:50 PM

The iMac definitely does NOT need a refresh, but anyway...my 24" is simply wonderful and speedier than 95% of the PCs out there...so I am fine. :rolleyes:

Well that made me think of something.....

When I was getting my MBP repaired (The SuperDrive kicked the bucket) the Mac-Guru for my campus computer store said something.

He thinks they are getting rid of the 20" model. He said that they haven't really be getting in 20" models to sell and he thinks Apple is going to move to 24" only.

bathurstguy

Jan 30, 2009, 05:55 PM

It's only delayed due to iLife 09.........

Xtremehkr

Jan 30, 2009, 06:02 PM

Sure, if they had a revolutionary product to advertise. What are they going to hype now? iMac and mini refresh?

When was the last time Apple had a truly revolutionary computer product?

It's arguably the iPhone, which is a move towards really usable mobile computing in very small form. We keep hearing about this tablet thing that is going to revolutionize computing, it's basically a supersized iPhone.

Detlev

Jan 30, 2009, 06:27 PM

I know it isn't as sexy as a rumored upgrade but it is entirely possible that the delay is actually due to an unexpected event or even expected. This economy is having major effect on supply chains.

gmcalpin

Jan 30, 2009, 06:29 PM

That's not a complete list because Disney has an ad and they aren't listed there.

Either they are now, or you didn't notice them at the bottom under Walt Disney Pictures.

iMacmatician

Jan 30, 2009, 06:38 PM

These might be how the CPUs will transition (hard to guess because of the custom 1067FSB CPUs in the iMac):

2.4 GHz dual » 2.33 GHz 65 W quad
2.67 GHz dual » 2.67 GHz 65 W quad or 2.0 GHz 45 W quad?
2.8 GHz dual » 2.83 GHz 65 W quad or 2.0 GHz 45 W quad
3.07 GHz dual » 2.27 GHz 45 W quad
» 2.53 GHz 45 W quad

That leaves a gap above the 2.83 GHz quad-core. Apple could just have three iMacs or have one speed for two iMacs. Or, Intel will make a special 3.0 GHz quad at a premium just for Apple (mass release later). This would mean that the GHz would barely go down from the current top-end dual-core (3.07 GHz). If Apple goes for the very pricey mobile quad-cores, the top-end iMacs could almost have a Mac Pro-like configuration, with up to three CPU choices.

But I haven't seen Apple in any of the lists of advertisers, so unless they're going through someone else (Budweiser), I'm guessing they're on the sidelines. Unless it's revolutionary, though, why would they bother with an ad for what's likely to be a speed bump with some other tweaks?That's what I'm thinking. If it's big enough for an ad like this, then quad-core and a new chipset aren't enough. There will most likely be other stuff, maybe a small design change and a new feature or two.

Or the ad could be for another product entirely.

Yes the current iMacs are fast, but the processors are now well behind the curve and the longer term architecture for Snow Leopard That's right, the CPUs used in the iMac were (at least at launch) 800FSB Penryn CPUs overclocked. The 1067FSB Penryns pulled ahead of the iMac CPUs, not in GHz, but in GHz per W and most likely GHz per $. Then we have the small speed bump from not long ago.

and should have been revised November 2008.I think Apple's original plan was to do a November update with 1067FSB Penryns etc. (hence the AppleInsider rumor), but they switched to quad-core 65 W CPUs some time ago and so the release was pushed back.

Ergo we shouldn't see your comment as credible? ...Ka-pwned!

WATCHDOG

Jan 30, 2009, 06:39 PM

$999 3.00 Ghz Dual core
$1299 2.33 Ghz Quad Core
$1549 2.66 Ghz Quad Core
$1899 2.83 Quad Core
+++

All things being equal,
is the 'speed' of a 2.33 Quad in an iMac
roughly 2.33/2.83ths the speed of a 2.83 Quad?

How about the comparitive "speed" of the 3.00 Dual with the 2.33 Quad?

Also, are we possibly looking at 4 G's (or more) max RAM?

Any other considerations - besides price - amongst those choices?

Thanks

+++

JoshJosh117

Jan 30, 2009, 06:39 PM

The iMac definitely does NOT need a refresh, but anyway...my 24" is simply wonderful and speedier than 95% of the PCs out there...so I am fine. :rolleyes:

Are you kidding me???!

PinkyMacGodess

Jan 30, 2009, 06:45 PM

Our distributor shows:

2.4 20" Quantity 1,002 On order 401
2.66 20" Quantity 445 On order 149
2.8 24" Quantity 313 On order 218
3.06 24" Quantity 0 On order 0

They also have over 600 mac mini's and 150 on order.

This doesn't mean much though because they may have a price protection and stock swap agreement with Apple in the case of updates. They were carrying a large stock of older iPod's that 'disappeared'...

PinkyMacGodess

Jan 30, 2009, 06:48 PM

crisss1205

Jan 30, 2009, 06:52 PM

Lesser Evets

Jan 30, 2009, 06:53 PM

I BELIEVE THIS IS TRUE....ly speculative.

Wild-Bill

Jan 30, 2009, 06:56 PM

So where is the Mac Mini refresh? Apple is so ridiculous with ignoring this machine, it's pathetic. :rolleyes:

I want to set up a Mac HTPC, but I am smart enough not to pay the ridiculous $599 pricetag for old, antiquated tech when there is so much better out there now.

If they don't update it soon, my HTPC is going to be a Hackinto0sh for sure.

On the other hand, good news for those of you waiting for an iMac update.

iMacmatician

Jan 30, 2009, 06:58 PM

All things being equal,
is the 'speed' of a 2.33 Quad in an iMac
roughly 2.33/2.83ths the speed of a 2.83 Quad? Theoretically, core-wise, then yes. But there are other limitations like FSB speed etc. that change actual results.

How about the comparitive "speed" of the 3.00 Dual with the 2.33 Quad? Dual = (2·3.00)/(4·2.33) = .64x quad

Again, that's theoretically, with 4-core-aware tasks. For single- or dual-threaded tasks, it's just dual = 3.00/2.33 = 1.29x quad.

Also, are we possibly looking at 4 G's (or more) max RAM? Given that the 17" MacBook Pro supports 8 GB, then I'd say there's a fairly probable chance that at least the 24" models will support 8 GB.

I wouldn't expect more RAM than 4Gig on any new iMac. They use what could be described as mobile on the desktop technology and most notebooks are limited to 4Gig RAM... 17" MacBook Pro can hold up to 8 GB. So I don't think there's a technical issue here.

(Windows 32bit is limited to 4G too)Mac OS X isn't.

Rocketman

Jan 30, 2009, 07:01 PM

There was also a bunch of speculation about a possible Superbowl ad.

25 years since 1984 ad ....

It could be 1 second long.

Rocketman

sphoenix

Jan 30, 2009, 07:03 PM

Woulda been nice if they updated the iMac on it's birthday. :(

crisss1205

Jan 30, 2009, 07:05 PM

It could be 1 second long.

Rocketman
That will still cost them $100,000 just for that one second!!!

earthandtone

Jan 30, 2009, 07:19 PM

nice......;)

PinkyMacGodess

Jan 30, 2009, 07:20 PM

17" MacBook Pro can hold up to 8 GB. So I don't think there's a technical issue here.

Mac OS X isn't.

True but the 17" isn't the only notebook Apple sells and I understand that the 15" MBP's only do 4 Gig?

And thank God OS X isn't like Windows... Eventually Microsoft will have to bite the entire Windows using world on the ass and make a version of Windows that has none of the hangups of the current versions... Eventually...

t0mat0

Jan 30, 2009, 07:20 PM

It could be 1 second long.

Rocketman

Or Maybe covering a year a second roughly, goingn over Apple's product history? Scrub through the history of Apple, then 5 seconds to end

Eric S.

Jan 30, 2009, 07:20 PM

Woulda been nice if they updated the iMac on it's birthday. :(

It's the Mac's birthday (actually Jan. 24). The iMac's birthday is August 15. ;)

Or Maybe covering a year a second roughly, goingn over Apple's product history? Scrub through the history of Apple, then 5 seconds to end

Now that's a good idea. But probably mostly of interest to us Mac-o-philes.

PinkyMacGodess

Jan 30, 2009, 07:25 PM

Isn't Windows 32-bit limited to 3GB? The MacBook Pro has an option of 8GB.

Nope, it's 4G. On their servers too. 32-bit stuff. That's the driver to go 64-bit with the new Server 2008 stuff... I have active servers running SBS 2003 and running Exchange and SQL Server (required on the same box, changed in 2008) is a real PITA! Some require weekly reboots! Nice stuff, that Windows.

jreed91

Jan 30, 2009, 07:25 PM

Dont know if anyone else has noticed this but there are now more imac refurbs online. Dont know if this is just a coincidence?

Peace

Jan 30, 2009, 07:29 PM

Dont know if anyone else has noticed this but there are now more imac refurbs online. Dont know if this is just a coincidence?

There's tons..

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/imac

jreed91

Jan 30, 2009, 07:32 PM

There's tons..

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/imac

Yeah there is! I think this is just more evidence to an upcoming refresh

MasterNile

Jan 30, 2009, 07:34 PM

and yesterday they were down to I believe 2 models, I'm waiting for the new imacs so i can get the low end refurb 24" iMac for less so I've been keeping track of the refurbs

YahonMaizosz

Jan 30, 2009, 07:52 PM

The iMac definitely does NOT need a refresh, but anyway...my 24" is simply wonderful and speedier than 95% of the PCs out there...so I am fine. :rolleyes:

I would not be too sure about that.. From what did you based the "95%" judgement???

Airforcekid

Jan 30, 2009, 08:04 PM

There's tons..

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/imac

:apple:This is sweet after the refresh I will buy the top refurbs or clearance depending on their price.:apple:

mabhatter

Jan 30, 2009, 08:04 PM

Well, It's called MacRumors for a reason... ;) I'll believe it when I see it. I don't think that a reduced stock is something get all hyped up about. Remember when we all thought there might be a Apple TV refresh when they had to pull down all the advertisement? Oh well, we'll just have to wait and see! Hopefully I'm wrong! :D

i see graphics being updated to 9400 on the low end and maybe something like the 9600 in the macbook pro on the high end, just like Macbook getting ready for Snow Leopard. I see processors upgraded to whatever fits on the Intel roadmap as that's what Intel likes to sell and Apple is way behind. Remember, Apple doesn't use "desktop" processors in any devices, only laptop or server processors so they get a better deal buying in volume but you won't see quad cores because those aren't for laptops. I don't see an new format coming out so soon after changes to the "aluminum & black" format that the iMac started a year ago, but maybe another matching display. And of course, there won't be no new mini... but we can hope!!!

queshy

Jan 30, 2009, 08:11 PM

I don't think we can expect anything huge. Mini Displayport is a guarantee. 2GM ram standard on the low end. Faster processor, bigger standard hard drive.

powers74

Jan 30, 2009, 08:16 PM

MacPros need the refresh!

iMac's come first. New Mac Pro at WWDC so all the techies can tout the dual crossfire video and 3 FSB on Snow Leopard.

What?
They already settled for the quad cores? :eek:
I though the debate about the processor would postpone the release much further in 2009... ;)

Are they waiting for this (http://9to5mac.com/intel-8-core)?

snberk103

Jan 30, 2009, 08:16 PM

I like the Superbowl anniversary speculation.

There was some report a week or two back that the iMacs were being delayed because Apple couldn't decide on a couple of issues. That would distract some of speculators away from an imminent refresh, and would be to Apple's benefit if they are trying to create a splash for Superbow - so the iMac problem could have been a deliberate false leak.

I'm also convinced that Apple is getting ready to do something really interesting with the Mini. The rumours for the past few months just seem to well rooted to be pure speculation. The new LED display feeds into this.

Its been awhile since Apple has had a big computer announcement - and as much as they seem to be getting into consumer electronics, people still think of them as a computer company - and I think they need to keep that connection in people's minds in order to sell the software solutions.

So.... I'm laying odds that a Superbowl ad is in the offing. They could have kept it quiet if they wanted.... its just a question of how much money they want to spend.

Too bad I won't be watching the Superbowl. Four downs? Real football has 3 downs! :D :D :D run run run..... joke joke joke

Tallest Skil

Jan 30, 2009, 08:18 PM

Are they waiting for this (http://9to5mac.com/intel-8-core)?

That's Beckton. We're waiting for Gainestown, which JUST went on the market.

Peace

Jan 30, 2009, 08:19 PM

i see graphics being updated to 9400 on the low end and maybe something like the 9600 in the macbook pro on the high end, just like Macbook getting ready for Snow Leopard. I see processors upgraded to whatever fits on the Intel roadmap as that's what Intel likes to sell and Apple is way behind. Remember, Apple doesn't use "desktop" processors in any devices, only laptop or server processors so they get a better deal buying in volume but you won't see quad cores because those aren't for laptops. I don't see an new format coming out so soon after changes to the "aluminum & black" format that the iMac started a year ago, but maybe another matching display. And of course, there won't be no new mini... but we can hope!!!

There are a lot of quad-core laptops in the market right now.

PCMacUser

Jan 30, 2009, 08:38 PM

Nope, it's 4G. On their servers too. 32-bit stuff. That's the driver to go 64-bit with the new Server 2008 stuff... I have active servers running SBS 2003 and running Exchange and SQL Server (required on the same box, changed in 2008) is a real PITA! Some require weekly reboots! Nice stuff, that Windows.

It depends on the version of server. Some Windows Server 32-bit products can go up to 128Gb, but the Standard edition is 4Gb. Microsoft is pushing 64-bit for a reason: their 64-bit server products go up to 2Tb, and Vista 64-bit goes up to 128Gb!

Source (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778.aspx)

BTW, if your servers require weekly reboots, there is a serious configuration issue, or possibly hardware. As an administrator, I would reboot servers maybe once or twice per YEAR, and that would only be as a result of an RFC-approved patch or update.

powers74

Jan 30, 2009, 08:38 PM

That's Beckton. We're waiting for Gainestown, which JUST went on the market.

I knew I'd miss something!... Are those 8core or just quad?

ctucci

Jan 30, 2009, 08:41 PM

So where is the Mac Mini refresh? Apple is so ridiculous with ignoring this machine, it's pathetic. :rolleyes:

Agree, but that mini did it's magic. I converted my processes to the mini to see what the Intel/OS 10.x buzz was about, and to see if I could.

Just bought a refurb 3.06 Imac from the apple store, so the strategy works wonderfully. I know I'll be left behind with the first hardware refresh, but core2duo 3.06/4gigs ram with the 512 graphics should hold me for quite a while.

And this 22inch monitor I bought about a year ago will come in handy for the windows apps.

I friggin' can't wait.

danny_w

Jan 30, 2009, 08:47 PM

The entry level 20" iMac is listed at $999 in the refurb store right now. How much do you expect it to go down if new iMacs are announced? According to the terms of service, any price reduction within 14 days after the product ships will be refunded. Do you know if this applies to refurbs (it sounds like it does)?

Should Apple reduce its price on any shipped product within 14 calendar days of shipment, you may contact Apple Sales Support at 1-800-676-2775 to request a refund or credit of the difference between the price you were charged and the current selling price. To receive the refund or credit you must contact Apple within 14 calendar days of the price change.

QCassidy352

Jan 30, 2009, 08:53 PM

THe nVidia GeForce 8800 GS is okay.

I'll do you a step better. What exactly is it that you want to do that the 8800 GS cannot do? Please, do tell.

AidenShaw

Jan 30, 2009, 09:02 PM

I wouldn't expect more RAM than 4Gig on any new iMac. They use what could be described as mobile on the desktop technology and most notebooks are limited to 4Gig RAM... (Windows 32bit is limited to 4G too)

Isn't Windows 32-bit limited to 3GB? The MacBook Pro has an option of 8GB.

Nope, it's 4G. On their servers too. 32-bit stuff. That's the driver to go 64-bit with the new Server 2008 stuff...

Nonsense, PinkyMac.

Windows 32-bit supports up to 64 GiB of RAM, and has since the Windows 2000 days. It is limited to 4 GiB of Virtual Address space per process (about 3 GiB of actual usable VA), but you can have about 20 of those 3 GiB Processes running simultaneously on the same box. You should check out the PAE boot flag, it turns on extended memory support (36-bit physical addressing).

Windows supported 8 GiB and bigger systems long before Mac OSX, and long before 64-bit Windows shipped.

Without PAE (and the Windows desktop systems don't support extended addressing - that's a server thing) Windows supports 4 GiB of RAM.

In practice, though, you get somewhere between 3.25 GiB and about 3.8 GiB. The hardware needs some of those 4 GiB to map device memory (for example, if you have a 512 MiB graphics card, you have 256 MiB less available than with a 256 MiB graphics card).

I have active servers running SBS 2003 and running Exchange and SQL Server (required on the same box, changed in 2008) is a real PITA! Some require weekly reboots! Nice stuff, that Windows.

Your system administrators are incompetent then, you should replace them.

Our Exchange and SQL servers are up for months and months, as are most of the well-run Windows servers - at the last shutdown they had been up 237 days - and only had to be shut down then because the power utility cut the power to the data center to replace a transformer. The Domain Controller is on a UPS - it's been up for 308 days. (I did have to replace a power supply in it around Thanksgiving, but that's a minor thing that doesn't need a reboot. It's also had two disk drives fail - but nobody reboots because of failed disk drives anymore.)

If you try to say that Windows Server needs weekly reboots - only the fanbois will believe you. Any competent admin knows that Windows Server boxes just sit there and run month after month. Give them good hardware (and make sure to enable the bits that will SMS you messages when pre-failure situations occur) and they run themselves.

There are a lot of quad-core laptops in the market right now.

Yes, there are some killer laptops out there now. Ones that would cream most Apple desktops.

Look here for a discussion (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=7018105&postcount=191) of the Lenovo 700 Mobile Workstation - quad core, dual disks, Quadro graphics with 1 GiB VRAM, Blu-ray burner, eSATA, DisplayPort, Dual-link DVI, VGA, 1394, 3g wireless, ... - what Apple could make if it still cared about bona fide professionals.

Instead, Apple only cares about being able to say "world's thinnest" on each new product announcement. Who cares if the product is useful - as long as it's thin and pretty....

Rocketman

Jan 30, 2009, 09:11 PM

Or Maybe covering a year a second roughly, goingn over Apple's product history? Scrub through the history of Apple, then 5 seconds to end

That's actually a good idea. A commercial ONLY viewable by DVR in slo-mo.

All the commercials after it would be missed . . . . . .

:)

Rocketman

click, click, click

ivladster

Jan 30, 2009, 09:20 PM

I think its gonna be very soon!!! Tuesday is ready for refreshed iMacs. I wonder if they gonna look any different.

I would love new Mouse too. Apple is so behind with small things like that.

lanceh5

Jan 30, 2009, 09:23 PM

I have money in the desk drawer for a new 20" quad core iMac with OS 10.6.

Bubba Satori

Jan 30, 2009, 09:28 PM

We won't be getting CrossFire or SLI, but yeah, Snow Leopard will be cool.

How come ?

Bubba Satori

Jan 30, 2009, 09:30 PM

I'll do you a step better. What exactly is it that you want to do that the 8800 GS cannot do? Please, do tell.

Uh, faster gaming and rendering ?

Yamcha

Jan 30, 2009, 09:40 PM

Man i am waiting and hoping that the new iMacs do come out in the coming weeks :]!! very excited about it!

PinkyMacGodess

Jan 30, 2009, 09:41 PM

I tried PAE mode on a server and the damn thing crashed like a house of cards. We went back to pre-pae and everything worked out better.

Yes, I exaggerated a little. I've had Novell Netware servers that ran for nearly three years before needing a reboot. (One 3.12 ran for four years+ with no problems) I have a Windows 2003 server that has been up for well over a year, probably closer to 2 than anything. Our server here has been up over a year too. It's a lot better than NT...

Yes, I have a server with a memory leak. SBS 2003 Premium and it goes through memory in spurts. I spent time with Microsoft support and with CA as well and they couldn't figure out what was going on. By all symptoms it appears to be SQL Server causing it. Everyone says 'reinstall' and I can't justify it, yet. It's an active server that has Solomon and a active Exchange server component. It will go months and then start eating memory and then coast for a while. That is the server that wouldn't do PAE. Now we wait for the OK for upgrading to SBS 2008 and a seperate SQL server. Solomon will upgrade then and SQL too.

Sorry to be so long on Windows but I have had issues with Windows and memory. Life goes on...

whitecrossnatha

Jan 30, 2009, 09:45 PM

Do you think the price is going to be more than $500 increase and will the new iMac be noticeably better?

Just wondering whether to get a current model or wait for the suspected ':DNEW:D' iMac!

Tallest Skil

Jan 30, 2009, 09:47 PM

How come ?

In the Mac Pro? Well, okay, CrossFire is already there, in Windows, and nVidia has allowed SLI in Tylersburg (the board on which Gainestown sits), so we can even see THAT in Windows...

But I just don't see it in OS X. One of the reasons being... they're using a chipset with Hybrid-SLI right now and it's not... hang on...

I have just figured out how they are going to get away with selling Snow Leopard for $129.

Snow Leopard will enable SLI in OS X in the current MacBook Pro, next iMac, and Gainestown Mac Pro. They will market SLI as a means of getting even MORE "locked-away" GPU power from your machine.

Not that it won't turn the GPU into a GPGPU in single-GPU models, of course; it will... It's just... it'll be that much better when you can use the 9400M+9600M combo, 9400M+9800M combo, and GTX 260+GTX 260 combo in the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac Pro, respectively.

Wouldn't it be cool if I was right?

I don't believe this for an instant, but don't you think that it is a fairly logical conclusion to which someone could have come? :curious:

PinkyMacGodess

Jan 30, 2009, 09:47 PM

Apple mice take a little getting used to...

I use my Microsoft mouse instead. No worries but it would be better if their mouse was actually more usable... IMO. Although it *could* be worse... Anyone remember 'TrackPoint' or whatever it's called...

A real delete key would be nice on the MBP keyboard unless there is a way to do it somehow... Did they put one on the new ones? I haven't noticed...

Oh, I have gotten used to the new USB keyboard. I never thought I would. I cringed when keys died in my older keyboard... Peace!

PinkyMacGodess

Jan 30, 2009, 09:49 PM

Do you think the price is going to be more than $500 increase and will the new iMac be noticeably better?

Just wondering whether to get a current model or wait for the suspected ':DNEW:D' iMac!

I'm waiting but can't wait too long...

PinkyMacGodess

Jan 30, 2009, 09:52 PM

Man i am waiting and hoping that the new iMacs do come out in the coming weeks :]!! very excited about it!

It will be a hell of a day if the iMacs the Mini and Snow Leopard come out the same day... Well, and a updated Mac Pro too...

Works4Me

Jan 30, 2009, 09:54 PM

Instead, Apple only cares about being able to say "world's thinnest" on each new product announcement. Who cares if the product is useful - as long as it's thin and pretty....

Yeah, I have to say, that's starting to get to me. Sure, thin is nice, but it seems to me Apple is putting too much emphasis on it at the expense of performance...

Oh, and I'll keep buying Apple for a while, yet. But some of their decisions are really making me wonder. Nice products, but perhaps too much a focus on aesthetics....

Yamcha

Jan 30, 2009, 09:59 PM

Im pretty sure there wont be a snow leopard release just yet :P, and anyway it's not that exciting because the interface is gonna be the same.. and its not like 64-Bit is super fast.. you probably wont even notice difference.. i've used Vista 32-bit & 64-bit..

Denholm

Jan 30, 2009, 10:02 PM

It would be nice to see some quad core iMacs in the near future.

Totally agree, that's what I'm holding out for myself. :cool:

alexbates

Jan 30, 2009, 10:12 PM

Yes, and maybe there could be an Apple event to go along with it!

I can't wait to see what the new iMac will look like, unless they only upgrade the existing ones.

MasterNile

Jan 30, 2009, 10:14 PM

Yes, and maybe there could be an Apple event to go along with it!

I can't wait to see what the new iMac will look like, unless they only upgrade the existing ones.

More than likely they will look the same, they just updated the look not too long ago and are just now getting the other Macs in line with the current iMac design.

Denholm

Jan 30, 2009, 10:19 PM

Also hoping that the refreshed iMac will have an nVidia 9600 or better graphics processor. :cool: That and a Quad Core Intel CPU = Pure :rolleyes::apple:

RebootD

Jan 30, 2009, 10:24 PM

Also hoping that the refreshed iMac will have an nVidia 9600 or better graphics processor. :cool: That and a Quad Core Intel CPU = Pure :rolleyes::apple:

I don't really see what everyone can expect unless they drastically change it to a desktop cpu for quad core since mobile CORE i7 quads aren't due until Q4 2009 or even 2010. And yes the Penryn models are out but they come at a costly upgrade option that would put the iMac beyond it's current price range.

AidenShaw

Jan 30, 2009, 10:34 PM

I don't really see what everyone can expect unless they drastically change it to a desktop cpu for quad core since mobile quads aren't due until Q4 2009 or even 2010.

Quad mobile is out now! Do a little research. Quad mobile Penryn chips are shipping and selling.

Quad mobile Nehalem is coming later this year, but Apple isn't yet using the desktop Core i7 (Nehalem) chips that everyone else is already selling. (Probably because a quad Core i7 is faster than an octo Xeon Mac Pro at a lot of things...)

Apple doesn't need to "drastically change the Imac" to use quads. They do need to add a desktop Core i7 Mini-tower to the lineup.

People who buy all-in-ones are looking for a simple, limited system. Most of them wouldn't need, want or even understand a quad core.

If you *need* quad core, you are probably smart enough to understand how to connect a monitor to your mini-tower. You may even already have a monitor.

Now that we're in the post-Jobs era, perhaps Apple will give its customers a little choice.

Eidorian

Jan 30, 2009, 10:41 PM

I don't really see what everyone can expect unless they drastically change it to a desktop cpu for quad core since mobile quads aren't due until Q4 2009 or even 2010.The Core 2 Extreme QX9300 and Core 2 Quad Q9100 have been out since August 2008...

iMacmatician

Jan 30, 2009, 10:41 PM

I have just figured out how they are going to get away with selling Snow Leopard for $129.

Snow Leopard will enable SLI in OS X in the current MacBook Pro, next iMac, and Gainestown Mac Pro. They will market SLI as a means of getting even MORE "locked-away" GPU power from your machine.

Not that it won't turn the GPU into a GPGPU in single-GPU models, of course; it will... It's just... it'll be that much better when you can use the 9400M+9600M combo, 9400M+9800M combo, and GTX 260+GTX 260 combo in the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac Pro, respectively.

Wouldn't it be cool if I was right?

I don't believe this for an instant, but don't you think that it is a fairly logical conclusion to which someone could have come? :curious:I agree that it's a logical conclusion. Either that or Snow Leopard will have a few flashy features just so people would upgrade.

I don't really see what everyone can expect unless they drastically change it to a desktop cpu for quad core since mobile quads aren't due until Q4 2009 or even 2010.One of the widespread pieces of speculation, fueled by several rumors, is the possibility of at least some of the iMacs using the just-released 65 W desktop quad-cores, whose TDP may be low enough to fit in the iMacs.

RebootD

Jan 30, 2009, 10:52 PM

Quad mobile is out now! Do a little research. Quad mobile Penryn chips are shipping and selling.

Why the attitude? Sorry I didn't specifiy 'CORE i7 quad' specifically aren't due until the end of this year. (Since they haven't put Penryn quads in the iMac line yet I don't see why they would now but wait until Core i7 are available to make the switch) Plus the Penryn quad upgrades cost an extra $600-900 as an option on sites like dell etc and would make the iMac as expensive as a crippled Mac Pro and that wouldn't make any sense.

Right now the only way to make it profitable at their current price point is to put a desktop quad chip in there until the overall price of mobile quads come down to a level on par with higher end dual cores.

RebootD

Jan 30, 2009, 10:54 PM

One of the widespread pieces of speculation, fueled by several rumors, is the possibility of at least some of the iMacs using the just-released 65 W desktop quad-cores, whose TDP may be low enough to fit in the iMacs.

I agree with you completely because the price of the mobile quads puts that as a luxury upgrade right now for most companies and I doubt apple wants to cut their profit margin by swapping a $110 processor for a $400-500 (bulk I have no idea I admit it) but keep the same price point.

RebootD

Jan 30, 2009, 10:55 PM

The Core 2 Extreme QX9300 and Core 2 Quad Q9100 have been out since August 2008...

I swear I could shoot myself for not being more specific, doh! I meant specifically the new core i7 mobile that don't exist yet.

Theophany

Jan 30, 2009, 11:06 PM

I've smoked 25 cigarettes and drank several vodkas with orange over the last 5 hours and just did the happy dance after reading this news. I've been waiting since December for the new iMacs.

This has to be good news, right? :D

MasterNile

Jan 30, 2009, 11:11 PM

Meh, I remember there was a 'limited availability' with Mac Minis, we all know how that turned out, this might mean a possible refresh, but it might not mean anything at all.

dwd3885

Jan 30, 2009, 11:23 PM

my bet is Tuesday

Eidorian

Jan 30, 2009, 11:25 PM

I swear I could shoot myself for not being more specific, doh! I meant specifically the new core i7 mobile that don't exist yet.i7 in a Mac? Hahahah...

We can only hope for a Gainestown Mac Pro within the next six months at best.

RebootD

Jan 30, 2009, 11:27 PM

i7 in a Mac? Hahahah...

We can only hope for a Gainestown Mac Pro within the next six months at best.

I can dream a little dream can't I? ... Can't I?

Eidorian

Jan 30, 2009, 11:29 PM

I can dream a little dream can't I? ... Can't I?You're talking to someone who lived through the hopes of Conroe in the iMac.

Eric S.

Jan 30, 2009, 11:40 PM

you won't see quad cores because those aren't for laptops.

There are no Nehalem mobile chips out yet but there are Penryn quad-cores.

Edit: Oops, sorry, you already responded to that.

jaw04005

Jan 31, 2009, 12:04 AM

Sigh.

All I want is an Apple mini-tower with a recent desktop processor, expansion bays for a few internal drives and a decent graphics card. I would gladly pay $1500 for it just like I did my Power Mac G3 (B/W) and Power Mac G4.

I don't want a $2500 workstation, an all-in-one or a small form-factor PC that hasn't been updated in two years. I want a freaking consumer mini-tower that every other manufacturer sells. Are they trying to push "enthusiasts" to the Hackintosh community?

Dell's XPS Studio is now $949 for a quad-core 2.66Ghz Core i7 processor, 6GB of ram and even comes with a 23" monitor! You can chant "Mac OS X" all you want, but at some point that advantage tends to subside.

RebootD

Jan 31, 2009, 12:26 AM

Sigh.

All I want is an Apple mini-tower with a recent desktop processor, expansion bays for a few internal drives and a decent graphics card. I would gladly pay $1500 for it.

I don't want a $2500 workstation, an all-in-one or a small form-factor PC that hasn't been updated in two years. I want a freaking consumer mini-tower that every other manufacturer sells. Are they trying to push "enthusiasts" to the Hackintosh community?

I don't want to sound defeatist but I think we consumers of old that were the loudest supporters aren't exactly 'needed' anymore with their recent success in the mainstream consumer markets.

It hurts I know (I would love what you suggested and have seriously considered going the build a pc route) but the future for them seems to be driveless (macbook air) mobile devices with touchscreen support (iphone) and cloud computing (iwork.com) because that is what the future is to them.
Plus they can push macbooks + LED Cinema making the iMac seem unnecessary because the iMacs are basically those two products smashed into one. (Heresy I know!) But it would be an easier sell "Why buy two computers when you can have one?"

They will keep the Mac Pro around as long as the high end 3D/Video/Science research markets are willing to pay the premium for server components, expandability and massive amounts of available ram.

Am I crazy? Probably but it seems to be heading in that direction to me.

twoodcc

Jan 31, 2009, 12:40 AM

i predict new iMacs next tuesday

MasterNile

Jan 31, 2009, 12:41 AM

i predict new iMacs next tuesday

No way Mac Minis next tuesday :p

Eric S.

Jan 31, 2009, 12:55 AM

iMaggot

Jan 31, 2009, 01:00 AM

Don't get your hopes up guys, this is just a rumor.

fleshman03

Jan 31, 2009, 01:26 AM

No way Mac Minis next tuesday :p

Would they actually do both on the same day quietly? Seems a bit much for a non-keynote release.

Stuart in Oz

Jan 31, 2009, 01:29 AM

brop52

Jan 31, 2009, 01:41 AM

Noooooooooooooooo......

For the first time in my life I've had the current top-of-the-line iMac, since last May.

I don't want the smug feeling to be stripped away and replaced with the black pit of despair of having an old model.

:(

I have a Mid-2007 iMac. It looks exactly the same as the last revision of iMacs and probably will look exactly the same as whatever comes out. It's still a very fast machine and whatever they change won't make much difference. More expensive RAM, faster CPU/FSB, and better GPU? Big deal. I'm waiting on the Mac Minis.

llkennethll

Jan 31, 2009, 01:47 AM

mac mini with a read graphic card plz!
im willing to pay 8-900 cad for it:]

side question: mac is known for its good graphics compared to other comps. so i want to know is it the monitor that apple is using (ex. the mons on the laptops) that cause this or the hardware (ex. if i use a mini, will i still have better colors than other comps?) thx!

arlung

Jan 31, 2009, 01:51 AM

my cash is ready for my new imac :)

hope it release on next tue

2gb ram standard is a must, c2q not sure, maybe just the top-end 24" model

BTW

Jan 31, 2009, 02:06 AM

MacPros need the refresh!

Apple should concede the tower and rack server market to OEMs. Give DELL and others the license to make workstations and servers with OSX Server installed on them. Leave the consumer models (Mac Mine, iMac, and laptops) out of the cloning game. :)

BenRoethig

Jan 31, 2009, 02:32 AM

Apple doesn't need to "drastically change the Imac" to use quads. They do need to add a desktop Core i7 Mini-tower to the lineup.

That would
A) make sense
and
B) require Apple (read Jobs) to admit they were wrong iMac isn't the perfect one size fits all solution their narrow black and white view of the computer industry thinks it is.

People who buy all-in-ones are looking for a simple, limited system. Most of them wouldn't need, want or even understand a quad core.

Really, I thought you were either just doing basic tasks and need an iMac or are making a hollywood blockbuster that requires a MacPro. You mean there are users in between.

Now that we're in the post-Jobs era, perhaps Apple will give its customers a little choice.

You're jumping the gun on this one. Still his company until he officially resigns, is overthrown for a second time, or passes.

boer

Jan 31, 2009, 02:36 AM

Dual = (2·3.00)/(4·2.33) = .64x quad

Again, that's theoretically, with 4-core-aware tasks. For single- or dual-threaded tasks, it's just dual = 3.00/2.33 = 1.29x quad.

That of course is a simplification. Ever heard of multitasking? Even if you have several single-threaded apps running concurrently you benefit from multiple cores.

KissStephanie

Jan 31, 2009, 02:51 AM

The iMac definitely does NOT need a refresh, but anyway...my 24" is simply wonderful and speedier than 95% of the PCs out there...so I am fine. :rolleyes:Of course the iMac definitely needs a refresh.Well, It's called MacRumors for a reason... ;) I'll believe it when I see it. I don't think that a reduced stock is something get all hyped up about. Remember when we all thought there might be a Apple TV refresh when they had to pull down all the advertisement? Oh well, we'll just have to wait and see! Hopefully I'm wrong! :DThere is absolutely no doubt that you're wrong. The current iMacs were released in April last year, and Apple desktop sales have tanked now because an update is so long overdue.

JammyW

Jan 31, 2009, 03:11 AM

Dont know if anyone else has noticed this but there are now more imac refurbs online. Dont know if this is just a coincidence?

Just a few:

MasterNile

Jan 31, 2009, 03:18 AM

Yay, 832 of the one I'm getting, none of you better take my iMac :mad:

:p

Peace

Jan 31, 2009, 03:26 AM

Think we have more than the iMac coming. I did some research and the mini is out of stock in most places and online at best buy.

Wal-Mart doesn't even have them anymore.
And the Apple TV is no longer sold at Wal Mart.

MasterNile

Jan 31, 2009, 03:34 AM

48 2.0GHz Mac Minis on Apple's refurb US store, and 9 1.83 GHz
Seems to be a lot more than usual

Stebus

Jan 31, 2009, 03:40 AM

Just a few:

Wonder how much Apple would be coughing up on shipping for all those? Haha.

branjosef

Jan 31, 2009, 03:41 AM

Since Steve took a leave of absence, they 've had no one to work the assembly plants. That's why there is a shortage

MattInOz

Jan 31, 2009, 04:07 AM

Apple doesn't need to "drastically change the Imac" to use quads. They do need to add a desktop Core i7 Mini-tower to the lineup.

People who buy all-in-ones are looking for a simple, limited system. Most of them wouldn't need, want or even understand a quad core.

If you *need* quad core, you are probably smart enough to understand how to connect a monitor to your mini-tower. You may even already have a monitor.

No drastic changes needed, just a re think on cooling to set them up for the next model revision as well. Or just more air intake and exhaust.

As the token I.T. guy for my last two companies i've been buying a mac a month for the last 4 plus years. The iMac has been the machine of choice and we aren't using lightweight software we use full weight CAD software.
Which only in the last 6 months has become multi-core aware. 8 Cores isn't doing a lot for us. 4 would.

Guess what we have no spare monitors the iMac covered us for the transition to LCD as well (great for the eyes by the way when dealing with CAD). So a minitower 4 core isn't going to beat out the iMac after all i'd then have to move 2 pieces of equipement each time a machine rolls down the line or teams shuffle around to better suit the project at hand.

I can see how such a machine would suit a lot of of people but are these people who buy 1+ machines a month. A 4core iMac would be launching at just the right time for us if that is what we were buying next month.

Bonte

Jan 31, 2009, 04:09 AM

It will be a hell of a day if the iMacs the Mini and Snow Leopard come out the same day... Well, and a updated Mac Pro too...

New iMac's, Mini's and Snow Leopard on the same day would be super but was the last osX beta ready to go gold?

thoshino

Jan 31, 2009, 04:54 AM

But of course but I'm hoping Apple comes to their senses and makes the Mac Mini/Apple TV Tablet thing I've been wanting for over a year.:D

I have no idea why you're mixing the mini --> "mac midi" and the "iPhone + Macbook" = Tablet. People who want a more powerful mac mini want a "less" portable device not a "so-portable-we-didn't-give-it-a-hard-drive".
If you mean two separate products I'm with you though. A tablet would be cool, but the mini comes first in my book. :)

preservative

Jan 31, 2009, 05:05 AM

Some of these posts are a classic. It is so obvious some of you work for apple.

MatLane

Jan 31, 2009, 05:17 AM

Could be a sign

Would be good to see a iMac refresh!

branjosef

Jan 31, 2009, 05:17 AM

Im eager for a refresh, my mac is somewhat stinky!! Phew :confused:

BRLawyer

Jan 31, 2009, 05:59 AM

Oh, well if you're fine then I guess we should just hold off on doing any more updates for a while. :rolleyes:

Seriously, the iMac "doesn't need a refresh"? Are you kidding?

Have you played with one lately? It's better than any PC out there...unless you wanna make it EVEN better, of course...:rolleyes:

Actually my point is more in the sense that MacPros and MacMinis are much more in need of an upgrade...the iMac is still highly attractive to 99% of consumers.

kornyboy

Jan 31, 2009, 06:29 AM

kornyboy

Jan 31, 2009, 06:32 AM

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5H11 Safari/525.20)

There was also a bunch of speculation about a possible Superbowl ad.

25 years since 1984 ad ....

I'm ready to upgrade my G4 iMac desklamp ...... it's been a great machine ...

I'd love to see an Apple Superbowl ad. They may have the best commercial this year if they release a new iMac. Bring it on.

AidenShaw

Jan 31, 2009, 06:37 AM

It's better than any PC out there...unless you wanna make it EVEN better, of course...:rolleyes:

You mean EVEN better by giving it:

Quad core desktop CPU
Better graphics card
Blu-ray (BD-ROM and BD-R/BD-RE)
Second optical drive
Second and maybe third 3.5" drives
24 GiB RAM support
PCIe slot(s)
Lower price

Ooops, that sounds like one of the mini-towers on the market, doesn't it.

...the iMac is still highly attractive to 99% of consumers.

Link to that statistic please?

Yamcha

Jan 31, 2009, 06:57 AM

Have you played with one lately? It's better than any PC out there...unless you wanna make it EVEN better, of course...:rolleyes:

Actually my point is more in the sense that MacPros and MacMinis are much more in need of an upgrade...the iMac is still highly attractive to 99% of consumers.

You have absolutely no clue about hardware if you the think the current iMac is better then any PC :P. My pc was bought for $700 in 2007, its faster then the 3.06GHZ! and its C2D too im running mines at @3.2GHZ.. The iMac needs to be upgraded, thats exactly what Im waiting for.. I've saved up for it, I could get a LGA 1366 System, but I've always wanted a Mac and thats the only reason im going for one.. also because I sold Macbook to get an iMac in the first place...

Tallest Skil

Jan 31, 2009, 07:21 AM

Gunga Din

Jan 31, 2009, 07:59 AM

Lack of available Apple hardware can only mean one thing.............INVASION !!

Theophany

Jan 31, 2009, 08:01 AM

We need to establish this: When did you buy your iMac?

Fourteen days ago :D

Grasbak

Jan 31, 2009, 08:15 AM

Just checked on John Lewis (UK retailer). They only have 6 of the base 20" model in stock..... the other 20" & 24" say email when in stock....

royger

Jan 31, 2009, 08:20 AM

I just received a 24" iMac for work...

dwl017

Jan 31, 2009, 09:38 AM

Lack of available hardware means nothing! with over 2 million people currently out of work and the number climbing higher every day it only means that retailers are not stocking high end items that they can not move.

Do you guys have any common sense at all? what is the age of the average poster here? ten years old? :rolleyes:

dwl017

Jan 31, 2009, 09:38 AM

Just checked on John Lewis (UK retailer). They only have 6 of the base 20" model in stock..... the other 20" & 24" say email when in stock....

Lack of available hardware means nothing! with over 2 million people currently out of work and the number climbing higher every day it only means that retailers are not stocking high end items that they can not move.

Do you guys have any common sense at all? what is the age of the average poster here? ten years old?

robwithtwobs

Jan 31, 2009, 09:43 AM

Yamcha

Jan 31, 2009, 10:05 AM

Well Im still hoping there will be new iMacs, and if they do release them in the coming weeks I will rub it in ur faces :P

dwl017

Jan 31, 2009, 10:08 AM

I work for an APR in the UK, We are very short on iMacs, But have been told by our Apple rep that there is definitely no refresh, the shortage is just down to international component shortages.

From my experience, shortages of machines rarely means anything.

Here in the US its just plain common sense! we have millions of people out of work so retailers are keeping just the bare minimum in stock. Given the current state of the economy here in the US I doubt that Apple do anything over the next six months or longer.

Yamcha

Jan 31, 2009, 10:11 AM

Here in the US its just plain common sense! we have millions of people out of work so retailers are keeping just the bare minimum in stock. Given the current state of the economy here in the US I doubt that Apple do anything over the next six months or longer.

What about the shortages in other Countries? People have said there have been shortages outside of US too.. and not to mention someone said that the Apple support on phone said there would be an announcement on super bowl and to expect something new..

dwl017

Jan 31, 2009, 10:33 AM

What about the shortages in other Countries? People have said there have been shortages outside of US too.. and not to mention someone said that the Apple support on phone said there would be an announcement on super bowl and to expect something new..

We are in the middle of a global economic meltdown!

http://www.mysinchew.com/node/20582?tid=14

shanmugam

Jan 31, 2009, 10:35 AM

few things to note

1) i think Tim Cook once said, apple reduced inventory of their products about a weeks worth of inventory ... (so shortage really means something unless Chinese new year affecting production of iMac - I highly doubt this)

2) large number of refurbished items are released when the products goes EOL than in the beginning

3) recession got nothing to do with this (if recession affecting them, apple should have more inventories in the store and themselves rather than less inventory - agree?)

4) damn iMac just needs an update (at least increase in HDD, RAM, CPU, GPU speed bump if not overall design like Quad core CPU or Desktop CPU)

5) add more points yourself :cool:

dwl017

Jan 31, 2009, 10:35 AM

Well Im still hoping there will be new iMacs, and if they do release them in the coming weeks I will rub it in ur faces :P

Who will buy these new Mac's?

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/01/28/jobloss.hard.times/index.html

shanmugam

Jan 31, 2009, 10:35 AM

Just a few:

i checked this numbers, they are very true ...

iMacmatician

Jan 31, 2009, 10:36 AM

(Since they haven't put Penryn quads in the iMac line yet I don't see why they would now but wait until Core i7 are available to make the switch) If they didn't put Penryn quads, what makes you think they'll put Nehalem quads in?

Right now the only way to make it profitable at their current price point is to put a desktop quad chip in there until the overall price of mobile quads come down to a level on par with higher end dual cores.The problem is that the 65 W desktop quads are likely to always stay significantly ahead of mobile quads in performance.

Ever heard of multitasking? Sure have. :)

Here in the US its just plain common sense! we have millions of people out of work so retailers are keeping just the bare minimum in stock. Given the current state of the economy here in the US I doubt that Apple do anything over the next six months or longer.How long have there been iMac shortages? It looks like they have been constrained only recently, which doesn't support your statement.

shanmugam

Jan 31, 2009, 10:37 AM

Who will buy these new Mac's?

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/01/28/jobloss.hard.times/index.html

sure, there will be price cut coming to the Mac at least in the entry level ... Computer purchases always can be deferred ...

shanmugam

Jan 31, 2009, 10:38 AM

when is super bowl? sunday? what EST?

dwl017

Jan 31, 2009, 10:38 AM

sa gringo

Jan 31, 2009, 10:40 AM

Who will buy these new Mac's?

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/01/28/jobloss.hard.times/index.html

Easton's saga began in July 2007 when she traded in her job as a corporate compliance officer to attend law school, what she thought would help advance her career. But after a year of law school, she decided it wasn't for her. By then, her old job was gone and the job market had shrunk.

That was probably a REAL bad idea...

I think this has more to do with bad timing than our economy is in "trouble" plus look at your source CNN...

jaw04005

Jan 31, 2009, 10:40 AM

We are in the middle of a global economic meltdown!

What are you CNN? I'm sure the vast majority of us are well aware of the economy. Economics is a social science. All you're doing is contributing to mass hysteria.

Anyways, Apple still wants to sell computers in this economic environment. It's hard to sell computers when you don't have any in stock.

But please continue to post "OMG! THE SKY IS FALLING!?!?!" over and over again.

Edit: Just took a look at dwl017's previous posts. Don't feed the troll.

Yamcha

Jan 31, 2009, 10:42 AM

Who will buy these new Mac's?

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/01/28/jobloss.hard.times/index.html

Im in Canada.. and I have the money to buy one =/ Im not rich either, took a while to save up and also sold Macbook that i got free in the first place :p... And aside from these rumors, the iMacs & Mac Mini's upgrades are overdue.. I think thats enough to say that there may be upgrades sometime soon. If Apple updated there Notebook line then I think they will do the same with the iMacs...

shanmugam

Jan 31, 2009, 10:49 AM

Are you blind, dumb and stupid! there is no shortage of inventory! this is just another one of the rumors out of millions that are scatter all over the internet.

:p

Eric S.

Jan 31, 2009, 11:00 AM

As the token I.T. guy for my last two companies i've been buying a mac a month for the last 4 plus years. The iMac has been the machine of choice and we aren't using lightweight software we use full weight CAD software.
[...]

Guess what we have no spare monitors the iMac covered us for the transition to LCD as well (great for the eyes by the way when dealing with CAD). So a minitower 4 core isn't going to beat out the iMac after all i'd then have to move 2 pieces of equipement each time a machine rolls down the line or teams shuffle around to better suit the project at hand.

Do you ever upgrade your systems? If you do, do you mind paying for a new screen every time unnecessarily?

Given the current state of the economy here in the US I doubt that Apple do anything over the next six months or longer.

Yeah, that's a good business strategy - don't spend money updating your product line, and watch your customers drift away to the Windows world.

Some of these posts are a classic. It is so obvious some of you work for apple.

Only in our dreams! :D

powers74

Jan 31, 2009, 11:44 AM

[5] LED backlight

Who will buy these new Mac's?

Myself for one.

shokunin

Jan 31, 2009, 12:03 PM

Do you ever upgrade your systems? If you do, do you mind paying for a new screen every time unnecessarily?

Most business will depreciate these assets over a three year schedule, upgrading, means getting a new complete system. Keeping older hardware is actually more of burden on most IT organizations from a a warranty and support perspective.

shokunin

Jan 31, 2009, 12:06 PM

I am the only who thinks Apple is in dire need of qualified thermal engineers? Come on how difficult is it to cool a 65 TDP processor, Dual Core or Quad Core desktop CPUs? That's the equivalent of cooling 2 laptops in the case of the huge 24" imac. If you can cool 30+ watts in a 13.3" Macbook, you can surely cool 65w in 20 or 24" imac casing.

Eidorian

Jan 31, 2009, 12:08 PM

Most business will depreciate these assets over a three year schedule, upgrading, means getting a new complete system. Keeping older hardware is actually more of burden on most IT organizations from a a warranty and support perspective.Please enlighten me as to how this applies to a display?

Xtremehkr

Jan 31, 2009, 12:12 PM

I really don't know if a refresh is coming or not, it would be nice if it does happen on Tuesday. Unfortunately, after initial exuberance, there is really no point in not waiting until you can purchase on with Snow Leopard installed.

I can hardly believe how long the MacMini has managed to hold on. The mini has had very little done to it, and the price remains steady. Apple really needs to address the Mini, at least drop the price on it if no major improvements are going to be made.

I'd be surprised if Snow Leopard was released for free, but, imagine how well received that would be? Come on Apple, make Snow Leopard a free release, your customers will love you for it, and people sitting on the fence about purchasing an Apple will get a major push in the right direction, it's an investment that would pay itself back many times over.

iMacmatician

Jan 31, 2009, 12:22 PM

DoubleU

Jan 31, 2009, 12:33 PM

I'd say we've seen this rumour crop up several times in the last 6 months without any substance.

iMacmatician

Jan 31, 2009, 12:35 PM

I'd say we've seen this rumour crop up several times in the last 6 months without any substance.Not one about iMac availability though. Plus rumored release dates get pushed back.

shokunin

Jan 31, 2009, 12:38 PM

Please enlighten me as to how this applies to a display?

Display, CPU, printer, doesn't matter, it's an asset. While displays typically have less issues than the CPU, larger organizations that I've work in will replace these when warranties have expired.

Eidorian

Jan 31, 2009, 12:43 PM

Display, CPU, printer, doesn't matter, it's an asset. While displays typically have less issues than the CPU, larger organizations that I've work in will replace these when warranties have expired.The point still stands that it is somewhat needless to replace a display. With an iMac you're stuck with replacing the display.

Half Glass

Jan 31, 2009, 12:57 PM

I have struggled for some time with being locked into a particular hardware configuration and not being able to feel good about what I am getting for the price. I could use a new desktop now but the waiting and waiting is a pain.

"Buy when you need it" Yeah, I know, but I don't want to buy when the parts are already not the most current and you know something newer is coming soon.

I don't mind paying extra for an Apple, but while waiting for a reasonably priced quad core and not purchasing a display I don't need, the efi-x is starting to look mighty attractive...

I'll see what happens Tuesday.

--HG

jena55

Jan 31, 2009, 01:34 PM

Like so many of you, I am also waiting to purchase a new iMac. This will be my first Mac purchase and I am still alittle apprehensive, but I just cant stand how much my laptop locks up these days... just as all my old PC desktops eventually had in the past. I don't like this waiting game either though! So frustrating!

I was going to buy an ipod touch this week thinking I still had plently of time to save up more for an iMac. However, i've decided not to get the ipod touch so that i can have my money ready in case the new iMac really is on it's way. Please let it be!!!

Question though, how many of you also have touch's and do you think they are worth it or should I just be happily waiting for my iMac and when I get it i will forget all about the ipod touch for awhile???

Mr. Giver '94

Jan 31, 2009, 01:43 PM

Jetson

Jan 31, 2009, 02:07 PM

I'd like the new iMac to have:

quad-core processor
refined LED backlit display with billions of colors to eliminate color banding
Blu-Ray Superdrive
low cost terabyte storage
firewire S1600 or S3200 ports
superspeed USB 3.0 ports

I would definitely upgrade from my trusty G5 iMac to get one of those.
:D

johnscott

Jan 31, 2009, 02:14 PM

I work for an APR in the UK, We are very short on iMacs, But have been told by our Apple rep that there is definitely no refresh, the shortage is just down to international component shortages.

From my experience, shortages of machines rarely means anything.

It is always so hard to predict what Apple will do you might as well just bide your time. However as my iMac is a G4 I shall definitely get a new one at the next upgrade. At some point you just have to decide that you are going to buy.

Eric S.

Jan 31, 2009, 02:27 PM

I'd be surprised if Snow Leopard was released for free, but, imagine how well received that would be? Come on Apple, make Snow Leopard a free release, your customers will love you for it, and people sitting on the fence about purchasing an Apple will get a major push in the right direction, it's an investment that would pay itself back many times over.

In case you haven't noticed, Apple isn't really in the business of giving its customers price breaks. :(

Display, CPU, printer, doesn't matter, it's an asset. While displays typically have less issues than the CPU, larger organizations that I've work in will replace these when warranties have expired.

I work for a large organization (~30,000 employees worldwide), and I haven't seen displays replaced until they quit. Some CRTs are now being replaced by LCDs but that is a step up in technology, not just replacement for the sake of replacement.

Question though, how many of you also have touch's and do you think they are worth it or should I just be happily waiting for my iMac and when I get it i will forget all about the ipod touch for awhile???

The touch is an amazing product as far as packing so much capability into such a small package. Whether it's worth it depends on what you're going to use it for. I find it painful to do any real work on the web; light browsing is more or less tolerable. Finding wifi connections is as problematic as with any laptop of course. The music interface is OK but more awkward than a regular iPod. Email is pretty good, especially with push from MobileMe; ditto calendar. Videos, e.g. YouTube are no problem. I've used it for online books and that has been enjoyable; I'm not a game player so can't comment there. I have the 1G touch so I can't say anything about the external speakers on the new one.

dwl017

Jan 31, 2009, 02:47 PM

What are you CNN? I'm sure the vast majority of us are well aware of the economy. Economics is a social science. All you're doing is contributing to mass hysteria.

Anyways, Apple still wants to sell computers in this economic environment. It's hard to sell computers when you don't have any in stock.

But please continue to post "OMG! THE SKY IS FALLING!?!?!" over and over again.

Edit: Just took a look at dwl017's previous posts. Don't feed the troll.

How much is your monthly mortgage payment or do you still live with your parents?

chr1s60

Jan 31, 2009, 02:48 PM

This is interesting, I am debating over what computer I will upgrade next. A new iMac would be nice.

hobo.hopkins

Jan 31, 2009, 03:01 PM

Question though, how many of you also have touch's and do you think they are worth it or should I just be happily waiting for my iMac and when I get it i will forget all about the ipod touch for awhile???

Jena55: I got an iPod touch for Christmas (of '07, not this past Christmas.) I literally use it every day and love it. I'd say that if you have the money - buy it. I love how many things that you can use it for (albeit there are more uses for Jailbroken iPods like me first gen)

But hey - I love my iMac almost just as much! So just make sure you have the cash for both. :P

bassanoclapper

Jan 31, 2009, 03:03 PM

I would be very surprised to see an all Quad Core line up, 24" models more likely and possibly as a BTO option only

Personally, I think we're gonna have to wait a couple of months for refreshed iMacs but I'd love to be proved wrong

Snow Leopard for WWDC 09 I'd say, along with updated Mac Pros

iMacmatician

Jan 31, 2009, 03:06 PM

So will the new NVIDIA 9400/9600 be much better than the current 8800???

I just recently purchased my 24" (September) so I won't be updating, but I am curious to see how much of an improvement the chips will be.They most likely won't be, but the 9800 (probably BTO on 24") probably will be.

I would be very surprised to see an all Quad Core line up, 24" models more likely and possibly as a BTO option onlyIf Apple uses quad-cores, there's no price issue, as these quads are of similar price to dual-cores with similar GHz. Heat and differentiation is another story...

Loudwater

Jan 31, 2009, 03:40 PM

I'm in peaceful waiting mode... LOL

Old Muley

Jan 31, 2009, 03:59 PM

I'd really like to see an upgrade to the line, but after months of waiting and rumors that have come to naught, I'm not holding my breath.

umbilical

Jan 31, 2009, 04:07 PM

Eric S.

Jan 31, 2009, 04:27 PM

I'd like the new iMac to have:

[...]
Blu-Ray Superdrive

We know Apple isn't jumping on this bandwagon, not yet at least.

[...]
firewire S1600 or S3200 ports
superspeed USB 3.0 ports

Totally useless, except of course in backward compatibility mode, because there are no devices. Maybe in next year's iMac refresh.

xDYLANx

Jan 31, 2009, 04:38 PM

I know this is unrelated, and I'm sorry but...

can you believe Psystar has the balls to advertise on MR?!?!?!

RebootD

Jan 31, 2009, 04:59 PM

The point still stands that it is somewhat needless to replace a display. With an iMac you're stuck with replacing the display.

Very good point. Sure it may have a nice IPS screen behind the glass but once your machine dies or you have to upgrade you basically throw out a perfectly good, high quality screen and that makes no sense to some people. I doubt if you bought a $1,200 Eizo LCD with your Mac Pro that 3 years later when you get a new machine you automatically toss your Eizo and buy another $1,200 LCD.

Tallest Skil

Jan 31, 2009, 05:01 PM

I know this is unrelated, and I'm sorry but...

can you believe Psystar has the balls to advertise on MR?!?!?!

That's a Google ad. It's randomized based on the text content of the page.

If someone blissfully uninformed says "Core i7" enough on a Mac Pro page, there will be Intel ads about the Core i7 at the top and bottom of the page.

pilotError

Jan 31, 2009, 05:20 PM

Anandtech did a review of the low power Q9550s processor. This is going to be an OEM only processor.

Speculation is that it's headed for the iMac.

http://anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/intel/showdoc.aspx?i=3505

simplymuzik3

Jan 31, 2009, 05:49 PM

Do you think that there will be a mac mini update at the same time as the iMac? I have been waiting to purchase a new mac mini for some time now! Also, what new upgrades do you think will be in the mini? Should I wait and buy a new one? Will there be anything significantly better(CPU, RAM, graphics)? I really hope that there are new macs on sunday, but I dont think its gonna happen :(

Eric S.

Jan 31, 2009, 06:04 PM

flyingnome

Jan 31, 2009, 06:20 PM

I just purchased my first Apple computer two week ago: A previous gen Black MacBook 2.4ghz 250 gig hd 2gb ram refurb for school. I love this thing! :) I can't wait to throw my money down for a new IMac for my kids to replace the 7 year old dinosaur pc they are forced to use now.
BRING ON THE NEW IMac.

iMacmatician

Jan 31, 2009, 06:22 PM

I really hope that there are new macs on sunday, but I dont think its gonna happen :(I recall one update to Apple's Pro software on Sunday, but yeah, I don't think we'll see updates this Sunday either.

I replied to your post on the other thread, BTW.

Yamcha

Jan 31, 2009, 07:00 PM

I recall one update to Apple's Pro software on Sunday, but yeah, I don't think we'll see updates this Sunday either.

I replied to your post on the other thread, BTW.

What about that Superbowl ad everyone's talking about? gotta be about something new.. maybe new iphones? im guessing =/ but I really hope it'll be for iMacs..

bassanoclapper

Jan 31, 2009, 07:09 PM

What about that Superbowl ad everyone's talking about? gotta be about something new.. maybe new iphones? im guessing =/ but I really hope it'll be for iMacs..

Alleged Superbowl ad

dwl017

Jan 31, 2009, 07:18 PM

What about that Superbowl ad everyone's talking about? gotta be about something new.. maybe new iphones? im guessing =/ but I really hope it'll be for iMacs..

You guys will fall for just about anything posted on this web site, Super Bowl ad :rolleyes:

Peace

Jan 31, 2009, 07:19 PM

Apple could have a superbowl ad on Sunday then put up the pages for the new iMac the same day with it shipping Tuesday.

Yamcha

Jan 31, 2009, 07:32 PM

You guys will fall for just about anything posted on this web site, Super Bowl ad :rolleyes:

A forum user said he talked to Apple rep and they said watch out for the superbowl for something.. I see no reason why someone would make that up..

cameronjpu

Jan 31, 2009, 07:35 PM

Apple could have a superbowl ad on Sunday then put up the pages for the new iMac the same day with it shipping Tuesday.

Don't you think Apple's smarter than paying that kind of money for a super bowl ad when its ads already make "news" and get pointed out left and right?

cameronjpu

Jan 31, 2009, 07:36 PM

A forum user said he talked to Apple rep and they said watch out for the superbowl for something.. I see no reason why someone would make that up..

If only THAT was a good reason to believe an Apple rumor ;) Sadly there have been hundreds of rumors that turned out false despite the alleged source having no reason to make something up.

Yamcha

Jan 31, 2009, 07:37 PM

Well, i still hope we see new iMacs this February, if theres nothing by March I give up, im going to get that super fast PC instead.

Lesser Evets

Jan 31, 2009, 07:45 PM

PinkyMacGodess

Jan 31, 2009, 08:00 PM

bassanoclapper

Jan 31, 2009, 08:00 PM

Well, i still hope we see new iMacs this February, if theres nothing by March I give up, im going to get that super fast PC instead.

Why wait, just buy your PC tomorrow. I hear Vista is great :D

Eric S.

Jan 31, 2009, 08:04 PM

A forum user said he talked to Apple rep and they said watch out for the superbowl for something.. I see no reason why someone would make that up..

Most "Apple reps" don't know any more than the people on this forum.

Yamcha

Jan 31, 2009, 08:15 PM

Why wait, just buy your PC tomorrow. I hear Vista is great :D

lol :P, i don't know if your being sarcastic or not :P, but anyway main reason cuz I already got a pretty good pc :], and sold my Macbook to get an iMac in the first place.. But again if no updates i'll get LGA 1366 :] which allows for up to 24GB Memory! 3SLI cards i7 Processor, and it would cost me less then the cheapest iMac..

wakerider017

Jan 31, 2009, 08:21 PM

I love how this thread just got carried away with wild eyed speculation and rumor.

Everyone is just too eager for an update of some kind, and making up crazy expectations. Take it easy people. 10 to 1 nothing happens tomorrow, and there is no update Tuesday either. And there will certainly be no crazy updates this year with BLU-RAY iMacs and super processors or high end components you find in the MacPro. Let's be serious--the iMac will update with slightly better specs, not with some "Mac Pro in a monitor".

You could also use a dose of that "take it easy people."

Several sources have pointed to new Intel quad core cpu's being used in a future iMac. I would say that would be more than slightly better than the current configuration ;)

As to the bluray matter, probably wont happen. Maybe we will get lucky and have it as an available upgrade. The drives are getting cheaper by the day and my local Blockbuster now has a respectable amount of bluray movies.

dwl017

Jan 31, 2009, 08:21 PM

Having stock shortfalls is nothing new for Apple...

Anyone remember the change from the bump on a stalk iMacs to the all-in-one current configuration?

They had no stock for a few months as I remember. I even tried to order one of the stalk mounted monitor models and ended up with one of the all-in-one models instead...

Judging stock levels is an art rather than a science. One of our distributors shows over 1,000 models in stock and a ton of mini's too...

Who knows if Apple will shoot themselves in the foot IF there is a change...

Wishing something isn't going to make it happen... Hell, with this ****** economy, I wouldn't be surprised if Apple pulled a Magrathea and held off on the updates for a while. Remember that the current system costs less over time to manufacture so Apple keeping the current model going for a while means more money. Provided people are still able and willing to buy them...

I get the impression that the average poster here on MR is some where between the ages of 10 to 15 years old which explains the reason for most of the post wishing for a dream machines etc.

Your post is spot on and what I have been saying for months now, common sense tells me that the any new hardware will probably not be released until late August 09 which will be just in time for back to school sales.

Yamcha

Jan 31, 2009, 08:38 PM

wow, would you stop putting people down :p, upgrades on iMac and Mac Mini are overdue : Days Since Update 278 (Avg = 211) And of course they updated the Macbooks a while back, that means there should be some updates coming up. Even if you dismiss the rumors...

PS im 21, I think most people here are over 18, but I could be wrong..

AidenShaw

Jan 31, 2009, 08:45 PM

Why wait, just buy your PC tomorrow. I hear Vista is great :D

It's really pretty good now on new PCs. Vista got a lot of bad press two years ago when people tried to upgrade two year old systems (4 years old today) - and the systems just struggled to run Vista. Today with dual core the minimum and quad core very common (except on Apples), and 256 MiB to 512 MiB graphics cards the norm - Vista runs great.

Windows 7 is shaping up to be a nice improvement - you should download the beta and try it out. It probably won't make you give up your Apple - but you may think "oh, Microsoft does learn from its mistakes."

(ps: I jumped on Vista right away - but since I was able to get a dual quad-core Xeon with 16GiB of RAM and two Nvidia Quadro graphics cards it ran fine from the start ;) )

iMacmatician

Jan 31, 2009, 09:04 PM

And there will certainly be no crazy updates this year with BLU-RAY iMacs and super processors or high end components you find in the MacPro. 65 W quad-cores are not high-end.

Your post is spot on and what I have been saying for months now, common sense tells me that Common sense does not say that.

the any new hardware will probably not be released until late August 09 which will be just in time for back to school sales.I'll hold you to that.

I'm only willing to be so pessimistic with release dates.

hakr

Jan 31, 2009, 09:11 PM

Same here.

BTW, what is "limited availability"? Either a store has a mac or it doesn't. If it doesn't, either they can order more or they can't. I don't get it--if a store doesn't have the model you want, why don't they just say "right now we can't reorder those machines from Apple, they seem to be on "backorder" or something."?

I just ordered a new iMac and got a ship date of this coming week.

mrmma

Jan 31, 2009, 09:16 PM

Just a few:

At least you get free shipping with that order...

macfan881

Jan 31, 2009, 09:22 PM

i can very well see new imacs tuesday hopefully new minis as well

NorrisKillsKids

Jan 31, 2009, 09:43 PM

lol at August 09. At first I thought alright you're just being a general party pooper but that's taking things to a whole other level.

macmee

Jan 31, 2009, 09:49 PM

I just bought a 20" iMac mid-December. Oh well:p.

Why wait, just buy your PC tomorrow. I hear Vista is great :D

*cough

bassanoclapper

Jan 31, 2009, 10:20 PM

It's really pretty good now on new PCs. Vista got a lot of bad press two years ago when people tried to upgrade two year old systems (4 years old today) - and the systems just struggled to run Vista. Today with dual core the minimum and quad core very common (except on Apples), and 256 MiB to 512 MiB graphics cards the norm - Vista runs great.

Windows 7 is shaping up to be a nice improvement - you should download the beta and try it out. It probably won't make you give up your Apple - but you may think "oh, Microsoft does learn from its mistakes."

(ps: I jumped on Vista right away - but since I was able to get a dual quad-core Xeon with 16GiB of RAM and two Nvidia Quadro graphics cards it ran fine from the start ;) )

lol :P, i don't know if your being sarcastic or not :P, but anyway main reason cuz I already got a pretty good pc :], and sold my Macbook to get an iMac in the first place.. But again if no updates i'll get LGA 1366 :] which allows for up to 24GB Memory! 3SLI cards i7 Processor, and it would cost me less then the cheapest iMac..

I tried to download the beta with Firefox and Safari but M$ wouldn't allow it so I gave up
Actually, I found Vista to be horrible. Have used it on a friend's brand new C2D Acer Laptop and have not been impressed at all. Just a personal preference

If 24gigs of RAM and an i7 chip running Windows is important for you, then as I said, buy your PC tomorrow. If you want OS X Snow Leopard, then wait a few months for a shiny new Mac