New NVIDIA-based iMacs Imminent? More Hints.

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/02/23/new-nvidia-based-imacs-imminent-more-hints/)

Over the past week, there have been an increasing number hints that the long-awaited iMac revisions are indeed imminent. Resellers have had low stocks of iMacs and educational Apple sales reps have been authorized (http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/02/23/164441-imac.png ) to give special pricing on the current iMacs.

One image sent to us even claims that new Apple marketing materials describe the new iMacs with "High-performance NVIDIA graphics":


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/02/23/164932-card_300.png


If true, this is consistent with expectations that the new iMacs will be based on the NVIDIA motherboards like the newest MacBooks and MacBook Pros.

Finally, Swedish reseller Dustin.se (http://www.dustin.se/pd_5010208793.aspx) appears to have a new placeholder for an unusual iMac configuration that is labeled as "News". The configuration itself doesn't match an existing configuration, but doesn't necessarily represent any new features either. The price is curiously listed higher than the other existing iMacs, and may just represent a placeholder or mistake on the part of the reseller.

Article Link: New NVIDIA-based iMacs Imminent? More Hints. (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/02/23/new-nvidia-based-imacs-imminent-more-hints/)

[kabunaru]

Tuesday, 24th of February 2009
Could this be the day?

As for some specs I guess:
3.0GHz Quad
Nvidia 9400M, 9600M, and Nvidia 9800M
4GB RAM standard?
same or close to the current price

[Kilamite]

Could this be the start of sly releases onto the Apple website without an actual event?

[kabunaru]

Could this be the start of sly releases onto the Apple website without an actual event?
What is wrong with "silent" releases? :confused:

[Kilamite]

What is wrong with "silent" releases? :confused:

Did I say there was?

Apple said they don't really need events to release new products (in particular MWSF) and the popularity of the Apple website and Apple Stores mean they can get enough publicity through that way.

[iParis]

Tuesday, 24th of February 2009
Could this be the day?

As for some specs I guess:
3.0GHz Quad
Nvidia 9400M, 9600M, and Nvidia 9800M
4GB RAM standard?
same or close to the current price

Eh, 4GB ram standard? Maybe a slight chance of that in the high end, but more likely in an upgraded Mac Pro.
Maybe the new iMacs will support the option of 8GB's of ram.

[Chundles]

We got those flyers here months ago.

It's not really a new development.

[kabunaru]

We got those flyers here months ago.

It's not really a new development.

Well, maybe this time it will come true. :p

[angemon89]

I don't know if we'll see a silent release for these new iMacs. I would think Apple would want to show off the new nvidia GPU's and how they compare to the current ones.

[kabunaru]

I would think Apple would want to show off the new nvidia GPU's and how they compare to the current ones.
Not a good enough reason for an event.

[diamond.g]

I don't know if we'll see a silent release for these new iMacs. I would think Apple would want to show off the new nvidia GPU's and how they compare to the current ones.

The 9x00 series is just a rebranded 8x00. As in they share similar/same (G9x) cores. Not anything one should crow about.

[userblah]

Not a good enough reason for an event.

Agree, I don't see Apple doing another event until the summer or Snow Leopard, whichever comes first. The Nvidia GPUs are nothing new as we already have them in the laptops.

[angemon89]

Yeah, I guess you guys are right about the GPU's. Theres nothing a graph on Apple's website wont solve...

Not a good enough reason for an event.How about quad-cores?

[iParis]

Not a good enough reason for an event.

Unless in addition it has a Mini DisplayPort is quad core and a completely new Mac mini is released at the event!:D

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Tuesday, 24th of February 2009
Could this be the day?

As for some specs I guess:
3.0GHz Quad
Nvidia 9400M, 9600M, and Nvidia 9800M
4GB RAM standard?
same or close to the current price

That would be neat! The 24th is my birthday, so that'd be a cool birthday present.

So I know everyone here has been planning for my birthday. Maybe you all could chip in and get me a new iMac (try and get a matte display somewhere)

[BRLawyer]

We got those flyers here months ago.

It's not really a new development.

This news means absolutely nothing. My current iMac ALREADY has high-performance NVIDIA GFX with the 8800GS...move along, citizens...

[NT1440]

Not a good enough reason for an event.

Did you watch how small the audience for the notebook announcement at apple HQ was?

Sure they wont have a keynote and all that jazz, but I can see a small journalist event.

[RichardI]

Looks like the spec's I see online today. What's new?

Rich :cool:

[iParis]

Looks like the spec's I see online today. What's new?

Rich :cool:

I believe Apple doesn't claim the NVIDIA graphics as being "high performance."

[iMacmatician]

Tuesday, 24th of February 2009
Could this be the day?Could be…but I'm saying March for now just to stay on the pessimistic (read: safe) side.

As for some specs I guess:
3.0GHz QuadHigh-end model, others would have 2.33/2.67/2.83 GHz (if the iMac can handle 65 W, if not, then certain iMacs would have mobile dual-cores). But I guess the more likely CPUs would be updated Core 2 Duos, maybe 1333 MHz FSB.

Nvidia 9400M, 9600M, and Nvidia 9800MBingo.

4GB RAM standard? High-end maybe, don't see it on the low-end.

same or close to the current priceYup. 65 W quad-core CPUs are cheap though, but Apple might use that to increase other components or increase their profit margins.

We may see a $999 or so cheap iMac (like the $999 GMA 950 iMac in 2006) using whiteBook-like components (2.0 or 2.27 GHz dual-core), but that's a different story (and I don't see it likely).

And what about the Mac mini?

[Jack Flash]

Tuesday, 24th of February 2009
Could this be the day?

As for some specs I guess:
3.0GHz Quad
Nvidia 9400M, 9600M, and Nvidia 9800M
4GB RAM standard?
same or close to the current price

It says Core 2 Duo.

[jgbhardy]

This news means absolutely nothing. My current iMac ALREADY has high-performance NVIDIA GFX with the 8800GS...move along, citizens...

Exactly the current Imacs already have high end Nvidia graphics in the top model, that picture proves nothing.

[kabunaru]

Did you watch how small the audience for the notebook announcement at apple HQ was?

Sure they wont have a keynote and all that jazz, but I can see a small journalist event.

I can see an event for a refreshed iMac and Mac Mini introduced at the same time. I just cannot see an event for one without the other.

[iMacmatician]

The Penryn MacBooks and MacBook Pros were released last year on February 28.

[kabunaru]

The Penryn MacBooks and MacBook Pros were released last year on February 28.

Late February is likely for Mac updates.

[aznkid25]

Did anyone notice that it is also Steve Jobs' 54th birthday tomorrow? Could Apple be releasing it because of his birthday?

[kabunaru]

According to parallel universes theory, you "go" to another universe based on your thoughts. It's an ever branching cycle. If you doubt the iMac will be released tomorrow or any time soon, it won't be released for you tomorrow (because you "quantum leaped" to a universe where that outcome didn't happen). If you do believe the iMac will be released soon, good for you. :)

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Did anyone notice that it is also Steve Jobs' 54th birthday tomorrow? Could Apple be releasing it because of his birthday?

Steve and I have the same birthday!

[Anonymous Freak]

I believe Apple doesn't claim the NVIDIA graphics as being "high performance."

You're right, they claim (http://www.apple.com/imac/features/):

With the NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS and 512MB of dedicated video memory, this 24-inch iMac configuration reaches a whole new, blow-you-away level of detail and realism in games, three-dimensional graphics, high-resolution photos, and high-definition video.

[Spock]

Did anyone notice that it is also Steve Jobs' 54th birthday tomorrow? Could Apple be releasing it because of his birthday?

Apple does not even acknowledge the Macintosh birthday, why Steves?

[lazydesi]

may be they will announce during share holders meeting

[Scarlet Fever]

If they have an event, it'll be a big desktop- and possibly display-related one. The iMacs, Mac Minis and Mac Pros all need revisions.

"The Big news is very small..." New Mac Minis!

[Xials]

Exactly the current Imacs already have high end Nvidia graphics in the top model, that picture proves nothing.

The point here is the posters came new from apple yesterday.. it says the 20's and 24's, however none of the standard models have NVIDIA, only the CTO's :p

[kabunaru]

If they have an event, it'll be a big desktop- and possibly display-related one. The iMacs, Mac Minis and Mac Pros all need revisions.

"The Big news is very small..." New Mac Minis!

I can see:
iMac + Mac Mini in an event
Mac Pro = no event, just "silent" update

[kockgunner]

That would be neat! The 24th is my birthday, so that'd be a cool birthday present.

So I know everyone here has been planning for my birthday. Maybe you all could chip in and get me a new iMac (try and get a matte display somewhere)

It's my birthday too! Too bad I have exams so I can't enjoy it. By the way, the 24th is Steve's birthday too ;)

[rikers_mailbox]

Is that a reflection of a white iPhone I see in the photo?

[C00rDiNaT0r]

Special pricing in educational institutes does not mean much.

In my school, the current iMac has an additional $150 off the "education pricing" for the 20" and lower-end 24" models. But that discount has been in place for a long time, along with special MacBook and MacBook Pro discounts: Additional $100 off the 13" and 15" Unibody MacBooks, $50 off white MacBook. No additional discounts on the 17" Pro, the Air, the mini, or the Mac Pro.

Right before the transition to intel (around Thanksgiving), my school offered deeply discounted AppleCare (Only $19 or $9) for the then new G5 iMac with iSight.

Back in September, when the unibody enclosure rumors emerged, my school offered free AppleCare for all the MacBooks, including the Pro and Air.

So I think we should be looking at AppleCare price drops instead.

[OriginalMacRat]

Eh, 4GB ram standard?

Why not? What's the big deal about new iMacs having more memory?

[Le Big Mac]

According to parallel universes theory, you "go" to another universe based on your thoughts. It's an ever branching cycle. If you doubt the iMac will be released tomorrow or any time soon, it won't be released for you tomorrow (because you "quantum leaped" to a universe where that outcome didn't happen). If you do believe the iMac will be released soon, good for you. :)

Well, turn the frozen donkey wheel and maybe they'llbe available.

[kabunaru]

Well, turn the frozen donkey wheel and maybe they'llbe available.

You don't believe in parallel universes theory?

[NT1440]

Why not? What's the big deal about new iMacs having more memory?

Because apple doesnt do that standard.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

You don't believe in parallel universes theory?

It's a theory with nothing to support it. It'd be foolish to invest any belief in it, but foolish to think it's not a possibility.

[GSPice]

Is that a reflection of a white iPhone I see in the photo?

iPod Touch.

[TheAshMan]

Exactly the current Imacs already have high end Nvidia graphics in the top model, that picture proves nothing. I agree, this is not new. I am pretty sure that is what is out there now for current iMacs. It just says graphics, the laptops have the integrated graphics, the iMacs have separate card.

[roski11]

Anyone thinking it will come out the 24th is dreaming. Thats way too fast to be believable.

[Jetson]

I thought the new iMac would have an LED display, but no mention is made of that in the flyer.

[macrockbuddy]

And what about the Mac mini?

. . . heard that! I'm getting so excited I think I'm getting a broner

[NT1440]

Anyone thinking it will come out the 24th is dreaming. Thats way too fast to be believable.

Now I agree that it wont be the 24th, but care to explain the underlined?

Apple has had products in the pipeline for months/years now, possibly getting wind of them now is just that, hearing about something thats been going on for a long time.

[kinsei]

I'm not sure what the nVidia graphics has to do with it. This configuration is currently available right now and has been for a while with the 3.06 GHz version.

[lanceh5]

I am holding out for a 20" quad core iMac with OS 10.6. This may be a long wait??

[alexbates]

This sounds about right. I think it will be late March before Apple releases anything else though.

[kabunaru]

Anyone thinking it will come out the 24th in my universe is dreaming. Thats way too fast to be believable. In your universe, Kabunaru, it will happen.

Corrected. ;)

[Trip.Tucker]

Why not? What's the big deal about new iMacs having more memory?

It won't happen.

[Trip.Tucker]

. . . heard that! I'm getting so excited I think I'm getting a broner

A broner? A Bronze-Boner?

[WndrWmn78]

According to parallel universes theory, you "go" to another universe based on your thoughts. It's an ever branching cycle. If you doubt the iMac will be released tomorrow or any time soon, it won't be released for you tomorrow (because you "quantum leaped" to a universe where that outcome didn't happen). If you do believe the iMac will be released soon, good for you. :)

I will now be using this theory for everything in my life. :cool:

[integragsr]

People remember this date April 21, you will have your new macs by this date, the end.

[iMacmatician]

All right now. I'm saying April iMac and Mac mini updates. March if we're lucky. Basically I'm making the release date adjustments given the speculation that Apple is going for a yearly update cycle for their products (except for laptops if you ask me).

[iParis]

Why not? What's the big deal about new iMacs having more memory?

It's not Apple's way and not even the Mac Pro currently has 4GB standard.

[EmperorDarius]

I just hope there'll be quads. And that if there's more RAM it won't cost too much.

[iParis]

People remember this date April 21, you will have your new macs by this date, the end.

+.5

Or the 28th.

All right now. I'm saying April iMac and Mac mini updates. March if we're lucky. Basically I'm making the release date adjustments given the speculation that Apple is going for a yearly update cycle for their products (except for laptops if you ask me).

I would like to think that, but last year was the first time they updated the iMac in April.

[madmaxmedia]

A broner? A Bronze-Boner?

No, a Mini-boner.

[MikhailT]

It's not Apple's way and not even the Mac Pro currently has 4GB standard.

Considering Mac Pro hasn't been updated in years, why compare it at all if you not going to compare the most recent MBP which has 4GB standard on midlevel/high end models.

Apple can do whatever they want. None of us know what could happen in the new iMac.

[twoodcc]

well tomorrow is tuesday, so that would be very nice if this happened tomorrow. i hope the price doesn't go up though

[iParis]

Considering Mac Pro hasn't been updated in years, why compare it at all if you not going to compare the most recent MBP which has 4GB standard on midlevel/high end models.

Apple can do whatever they want. None of us know what could happen in the new iMac.

Listen to your words, you said the current mid/high MacBook Pro has 4GB standard.
This gives me reason to believe that for awhile 4GB standard is only going go be available in pro Macs.
Well, depending on what the new iMac will have, I guess the highend could be considered a pro Mac.

[ingenious]

We know the iMacs will be updated. Even if it drags on into March or April (March is likeliest, I think... end of quarter), the updates will come.

The Mac mini, on the other hand, must see an update, or its fate is all but sealed. Bad idea to drop your low-end computer off a cliff during a recession, Apple.

[iParis]

We know the iMacs will be updated. Even if it drags on into March or April (March is likeliest, I think... end of quarter), the updates will come.

The Mac mini, on the other hand, must see an update, or its fate is all but sealed. Bad idea to drop your low-end computer off a cliff during a recession, Apple.

+2
Well we can be pretty sure it will be updated before May.
We are going to have some very upset and pissed people if the iMac and Mac mini aren't updated by then.
I will be one of the many pissed if the mini isn't updated, I'm already upset as it is since it wasn't updated at CrapWorld '09 back in January.

[roski11]

Corrected. ;)

Nobody will be happier than me if it comes out tomorrow.

But... you know

[Stonewall76]

According to parallel universes theory, you "go" to another universe based on your thoughts. It's an ever branching cycle. If you doubt the iMac will be released tomorrow or any time soon, it won't be released for you tomorrow (because you "quantum leaped" to a universe where that outcome didn't happen). If you do believe the iMac will be released soon, good for you. :)

Then I choose to win the lottery this week!

[pimentoLoaf]

Just went over to the Apple Store online and ...

It says the high-end systems have a 2-4 day wait.

That almost always means a new system is imminent when there are also rumors of imminent upgrade.

:apple::cool::apple:

[Ironduke]

we could see apple drop the mxm card in the low end iMac & go with the onboard 9400M, the iMac has had the same design now for a few years so it should be cheaper then it was to build.

Throw in the standard HD size & 1GB of Ram and we could see apple sell the Bog Standard 20" to $1050-£699.

[tstram]

The spec seem different, am i wrong?

[wizard]

Guys;

Just because Apple doesn't ship a base configuration with 4GB of memory doesn't imply that new machine won't ship configured that way. The price of RAM has really dropped, it is not impossible.

In any event there is the taste of low expectations in this thread that is pretty sour. If Apple believe it's customers are an easy push over that is exactly what they will do. If you are all to willing to bend over and spread your checks that is exactly what Apple will do for you.

In any event if some of the info here is true, the iMac upgrade will be pretty pathetic. In fact I'm not sure how such an update could even be seen as an improvement. The reality is that if Apple stays Core 2 they will have to go quad core. Even then the quads will do nothing for single thread performance. Frankly without i7 there is little that can be done for the iMac to produce a worthwhile upgrade.


Dave

[BlizzardBomb]

Nothing against NVIDIA, but their Mac drivers compared to ATI are a joke, especially Core Image performance. Do the decent thing Apple and put a 4670 in there somewhere. :p:o

[Ironduke]

Nothing against NVIDIA, but their Mac drivers compared to ATI are a joke, especially Core Image performance. Do the decent thing Apple and put a 4670 in there somewhere. :p:o

more chance of a 4300/4500,this is apple after all:rolleyes:

[brisbaneguy29]

Guys;

Just because Apple doesn't ship a base configuration with 4GB of memory doesn't imply that new machine won't ship configured that way. The price of RAM has really dropped, it is not impossible.

In any event there is the taste of low expectations in this thread that is pretty sour. If Apple believe it's customers are an easy push over that is exactly what they will do. If you are all to willing to bend over and spread your checks that is exactly what Apple will do for you.

In any event if some of the info here is true, the iMac upgrade will be pretty pathetic. In fact I'm not sure how such an update could even be seen as an improvement. The reality is that if Apple stays Core 2 they will have to go quad core. Even then the quads will do nothing for single thread performance. Frankly without i7 there is little that can be done for the iMac to produce a worthwhile upgrade.


Dave

I whole heartedly agree. If the iMac is updated now, it will be a still be core2duo, or maybe a core2quad (not likely), and that is basically no improvement over the current model. It is old tech and an old architecture. While core2 is still a great architecture, there is no doubt Core i7 is the way forward, but a mobile version will not be released until the later part of 2009. iMacs use mobile processors, so no i7 for this release, and unless there is a major change, why would you be upgrading?

The same thing happens every time a new machine is due, people sit here and speculate and build up in their mind a massive machine that will never see the light of day, and when reality hits, we all feel ripped off. Apple can never live up to expectations of the fanboi's. Until there is an i7 mobile processor, don't get excited about and iMac upgrade.

I am holding out for new Mac Pros later this year, likely to be May / June at the earliest, and I wouldn't be surprised they hold off and release the new Mac Pros along side Snow Leopard.

If you want to get excited about an upgrade, 10.6 Snow Leopard is what you should be looking forward too. This will certainly make your current iMac run a heap faster. New finder (i am in heaven) and slimmer apps, and highly optimised code. That is an upgrade worth having.

[Ironduke]

I whole heartedly agree. If the iMac is updated now, it will be a still be core2duo, or maybe a core2quad (not likely), and that is basically no improvement over the current model. It is old tech and an old architecture. While core2 is still a great architecture, there is no doubt Core i7 is the way forward, but a mobile version will not be released until the later part of 2009. iMacs use mobile processors, so no i7 for this release, and unless there is a major change, why would you be upgrading?

The same thing happens every time a new machine is due, people sit here and speculate and build up in their mind a massive machine that will never see the light of day, and when reality hits, we all feel ripped off. Apple can never live up to expectations of the fanboi's. Until there is an i7 mobile processor, don't get excited about and iMac upgrade.

I am holding out for new Mac Pros later this year, likely to be May / June at the earliest, and I wouldn't be surprised they hold off and release the new Mac Pros along side Snow Leopard.

If you want to get excited about an upgrade, 10.6 Snow Leopard is what you should be looking forward too. This will certainly make your current iMac run a heap faster. New finder (i am in heaven) and slimmer apps, and highly optimised code. That is an upgrade worth having.

now is a perfect time to simply bump hd sizes & ram at the same prices to give the imac a boost then bump with i7 before christmas.

[talkingfuture]

Just went over to the Apple Store online and ...

It says the high-end systems have a 2-4 day wait.

That almost always means a new system is imminent when there are also rumors of imminent upgrade.

:apple::cool::apple:

The top end always has a longer wait, it has been like this since at least last July.

[Willis]

is it me or does that image look a bit odd?

20- and 24-inch

its the - on the 20 that looks odd, I don't think Apple would make that...

[svndmvn]

That would be neat! The 24th is my birthday, so that'd be a cool birthday present.

So I know everyone here has been planning for my birthday. Maybe you all could chip in and get me a new iMac (try and get a matte display somewhere)

it's Steve Jobs' birthday as well..
EDIT: stated by others as well..

[Chicane-UK]

If they announce new iMacs with decent GPU's today, my current iMac will be getting listed on eBay tonight! :)

[blidd]

Is a configur to ordre Mac and not a new model. You can see that on the vendorpartnumber as it starts with W8 That is the unique number we as resellers gets everytime we configure a mac on Apples reseller website. New iMac´s will proberly come when Intel releases the next generation of lowpowered notebook Chips based on the i7 processor series

[adrian.oconnor]

is it me or does that image look a bit odd?

20- and 24-inch

its the - on the 20 that looks odd, I don't think Apple would make that...

It does look odd but it's correct and it's also how Apple have it on their website. It's on this page in the text under "Power on a pedestal":

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

[diamond.g]

Nothing against NVIDIA, but their Mac drivers compared to ATI are a joke, especially Core Image performance. Do the decent thing Apple and put a 4670 in there somewhere. :p:o

Hilarious, considering Apple writes those drivers....

[Airforcekid]

It said some prices are higher I cant see that they should be the same or less maybe entry of $999?

[iParis]

It said some prices are higher I cant see that they should be the same or less maybe entry of $999?

It's a possibility. Although, I don't think two Macs have ever been the same price, current White MacBook is $999. Maybe $1099.
There is the chance of a price increase, the did it with the unibody MacBooks.

[xpla]

Did someone post it that the dustin.se removed the "new imac"? Very interesting, maybe they put the new ones in the system and forgot by one of them to hide it to the public ...

[kornyboy]

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)

I hope this proves to be true. They have really needed to update the iMac for a while now.

[cccjr]

It's hard for me to believe that Apple would introduce a brand new iMac with the Core 2 Duo/Quad processors. Apple always pimps the newest technology and that would be the Core i7 chips. I've always thought the delay of the iMac introduction was do to a Core i7/OS X issue. Just my thoughts.

[diamond.g]

It's hard for me to believe that Apple would introduce a brand new iMac with the Core 2 Duo/Quad processors. Apple always pimps the newest technology and that would be the Core i7 chips. I've always thought the delay of the iMac introduction was do to a Core i7/OS X issue. Just my thoughts.

Not true, and in the case of the iMac not likely.

[xpla]

3,06 Ghz iMac is in Austrian store available during 3 days -> Yesterday he was available in 24hours :eek:

[iMacmatician]

Is a configur to ordre Mac and not a new model. You can see that on the vendorpartnumber as it starts with W8 That is the unique number we as resellers gets everytime we configure a mac on Apples reseller website. New iMac´s will proberly come when Intel releases the next generation of lowpowered notebook Chips based on the i7 processor series1.5+ years between updates not likely, unless the iMac is moving towards Mac Pro update cycle durations.

It's hard for me to believe that Apple would introduce a brand new iMac with the Core 2 Duo/Quad processors. Apple always pimps the newest technology and that would be the Core i7 chips. I've always thought the delay of the iMac introduction was do to a Core i7/OS X issue. Just my thoughts.Core i7 is much too hot (130 W) for the iMac, and the latest CPUs for the mobile and low-power desktop segments are Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad.

[BenRoethig]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/02/23/new-nvidia-based-imacs-imminent-more-hints/)

Over the past week, there have been an increasing number hints that the long-awaited iMac revisions are indeed imminent. Resellers have had low stocks of iMacs and educational Apple sales reps have been authorized (http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/02/23/164441-imac.png ) to give special pricing on the current iMacs.

One image sent to us even claims that new Apple marketing materials describe the new iMacs with "High-performance NVIDIA graphics":


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/02/23/164932-card_300.png


If true, this is consistent with expectations that the new iMacs will be based on the NVIDIA motherboards like the newest MacBooks and MacBook Pros.

Finally, Swedish reseller Dustin.se (http://www.dustin.se/pd_5010208793.aspx) appears to have a new placeholder for an unusual iMac configuration that is labeled as "News". The configuration itself doesn't match an existing configuration, but doesn't necessarily represent any new features either. The price is curiously listed higher than the other existing iMacs, and may just represent a placeholder or mistake on the part of the reseller.

Article Link: New NVIDIA-based iMacs Imminent? More Hints. (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/02/23/new-nvidia-based-imacs-imminent-more-hints/)

I'm hoping this relates to the current machines. If the new iMacs are still using mobile Core 2s when suitable small form factor quad cores exist, someone needs to be fired. Its already behind compared to desktops, but they will fall behind other all in ones which will be using the SFF quad cores.

we could see apple drop the mxm card in the low end iMac & go with the onboard 9400M, the iMac has had the same design now for a few years so it should be cheaper then it was to build.

If the flyer above wasn't taken in the correct context, I could see a scenario where the $1199 (and possibly $899 to replace the 17" EDU iMac) is 20" using the 9400M and the rest are 24" machines with mid-level dedicated graphics.

[manhattanboy]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/02/23/new-nvidia-based-imacs-imminent-more-hints/)

One image sent to us even claims that new Apple marketing materials describe the new iMacs with "High-performance NVIDIA graphics":

If true, this is consistent with expectations that the new iMacs will be based on the NVIDIA motherboards like the newest MacBooks and MacBook Pros.

Finally, Swedish reseller Dustin.se (http://www.dustin.se/pd_5010208793.aspx) appears to have a new placeholder for an unusual iMac configuration that is labeled as "News". The configuration itself doesn't match an existing configuration, but doesn't necessarily represent any new features either. The price is curiously listed higher than the other existing iMacs, and may just represent a placeholder or mistake on the part of the reseller.

Article Link: New NVIDIA-based iMacs Imminent? More Hints. (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/02/23/new-nvidia-based-imacs-imminent-more-hints/)

I think the photo is bogus. Would Apple actually raise prices with the economy in the tanks???
Moreover, high performance NVDIA graphics has been available since the switch over to C2D took place years back???

[manhattanboy]

And one more thing...
the http://www.dustin.se/pd_5010208793.aspx
link is now broken....:rolleyes:

[BlizzardBomb]

Hilarious, considering Apple writes those drivers....

And? One is still better than the other, right?

[cyberwolf777]

I wouldn't be too concerned about the higher priced mentioned because it is a SWEDISH reseller - the Swedish Crown has been going down considerably (from 9 kr. for 1 Euro to 11 kr. for 1 Euro) in the last six months so it could just be an expected adjustment due to the exchange rate.

Would suck for the Swedes though :(

[diamond.g]

And? One is still better than the other, right?

Nvidias drivers would be better than ATIs if they were actually writing them. So yes :p

[xpla]

And one more thing...
the http://www.dustin.se/pd_5010208793.aspx
link is now broken....:rolleyes:

Looking just a few posts above is really a big thing, isn't it? I mean it can't be that people are so lazy and don't read just a few posts if this wasn't already posted.

[ajbrehm]

As for some specs I guess:
3.0GHz Quad
Nvidia 9400M, 9600M, and Nvidia 9800M
4GB RAM standard?
same or close to the current price

I doubt the quad and the 4 GB RAM standard.

I am sure the max RAM will be 4 GB. But I want more RAM and will go above the Apple-supported limit if physically possible.

[maccompaq]

I do not look for an iMac update until the release of OS 10.6. It will be a big event with the new OS, new iMac and new Mac Mini. Hate to see that long a wait, but when it happens, the stock will move upward as will sales.

[cyberwolf777]

Regardless of what's happening on the top of the line, I'd love to see a $999 base model with 2.13 Ghz C2D P7450 processor, 2GB RAM and NVIDIA 9400M graphics (no dedicated graphics). Such a computer would be a bestseller!!!

I know at least three people who would would like an iMac, don't need fancy graphics but don't want to spend $1275 on the base model with 2GB RAM. For them, this would be perfect.

Also, Apple would strengthen its competitiveness on the education market with such a model.

[MikeTheC]

Well, what technical differences are there between the 8x00 and 9x00 series? I agree, according to nvidia.com, their baseline specs are identical. Is there some kind of CPU architectural difference? Anything that can be leveraged later? Is it some kind of "transitional platform"? Or, on the other hand, is this just a revisition by Apple of their marketing verbage?

Maybe there's absolutely nothing which should be read into this, and if that's the case, then so be it. However, there are definitely *some* differences within the 9800 series. Take a look:

Graphics Card 9800 GX2 9800 GTX+ 9800 GTX
Processor Cores 256 128 128
Graphics Clock 600MHz 738MHz 675MHz
Processor Clock 1500MHz 1836MHz 1688MHz
Texture Fill Rate (billions/sec) 76.8 47.2 43.2
Memory Clock 1000MHz 1100MHz 1100MHz
Standard Memory Config 1 GB 512 MB 512 MB
Memory Interface Width 512-bit 256-bit 256-bit
Memory Bandwidth (GB/sec) 128 70.4 70.4

[iMacmatician]

I do not look for an iMac update until the release of OS 10.6. It will be a big event with the new OS, new iMac and new Mac Mini. Hate to see that long a wait, but when it happens, the stock will move upward as will sales.Just like how the 2007 aluminum iMac would be released with Leopard…oh wait…

And it has been mentioned in other threads that releasing the iMac before Snow Leopard would generate more profit due to updating.

[Daim]

Wohooooooooo they did the silent update.. check the website!

[PuckDaddy]

Wohooooooooo they did the silent update.. check the website!

what are you talking about ? I see nothing new

[Daim]

ups sorry.. I had dust in my eye :D

[commander.data]

Well, what technical differences are there between the 8x00 and 9x00 series?
The only architectural difference was between the original 8800GTX and 8800GTS and the later 8800GT. The 8800GT was some architectural tweaks to increase performance, but nothing revolutionary. All subsequent high-end products such as the 9800GTX are based on the same core as the 8800GT just clocked higher. nVidia has also been rebranding their products like crazy. The 8800GT was renamed the 9800GT was supposed to be renamed into the GT1xx series and instead is not going to be renamed the GT240. The GT240 may use a 55nm shrink, down from 65nm, but there are no architectural improvements and the clock speed is exactly the same.

So if Apple wants to make consumers feel better they would name the iMac GPUs using nVidia's new GT1xx/GT2xx naming scheme. However, these are the exact same architecture as the 9xxx and 8xxx series and is not related to the GTX280 or GTX260. Realistically, the majority of nVidia GPUs haven't progressed much since 2006, other than die shrinks to increase nVidia's profit margins and higher clock speeds to fill out the product line.

nVidia's 8xxx and 9xxx series doesn't have 64-bit floating point support unlike ATI's HD3xxx or HD4xxx series which is useful for GPGPU operation like in OpenCL. It'd be beneficial in the long run for Apple to use ATI GPUs like the HD4670 and HD4850 in the iMac. I think people already found kernel extensions for the HD4670 in OS X so it may happen. It's not like a desktop particularly needs switchable graphics, and a faster single GPU is still more worthwhile than Hybrid SLI.

[MacAddict178]

I hope that these new imac are same height as the monitors, that I could have dual monitor setup next to each other

[Bregalad]

That leaked image looks fake to me.

I'm sure the new iMacs will cost more than the current ones in Sweden and probably every other country outside the US. Thanks to America's huge trade deficit with China the US dollar has risen substantially against most world currencies since the iMac was last refreshed in April 2008.

I'm expecting some nasty sticker shock when a new iMac hits Canadian stores. Unfortunately for Apple, PC prices haven't been rising here so the gap between PC and Mac is going to widen dramatically. The triumvirate of a weak economy, netbooks and other low priced PCs, and increased Mac prices should temporarily put a halt to Apple growth in Canada.

[mikecorp]

Gosh, it takes them ages before they release something.
My wife is waiting for me to get her upgrade. :D (waiting 4 months already, and she is not happy)

I hope one day, we could have 3d party companies for hardware and then install OSX.

Anyway, any news about MP, graphic cards?

[Bregalad]

Regardless of what's happening on the top of the line, I'd love to see a $999 base model with 2.13 Ghz C2D P7450 processor, 2GB RAM and NVIDIA 9400M graphics (no dedicated graphics). Such a computer would be a bestseller!!!

I know at least three people who would would like an iMac, don't need fancy graphics but don't want to spend $1275 on the base model with 2GB RAM. For them, this would be perfect.

Also, Apple would strengthen its competitiveness on the education market with such a model.

Apple doesn't go backwards on clock speed unless they have to and they have no interest in buying market share with low prices.

As for your friends, Apple makes a lot of money on suckers like them. Apple wants $75 to pull a 1GB SO-DIMM and replace it with a 2GB one. They want a completely outrageous $225 to install a pair of 2GB DIMMs. Compare that with the following prices for iMac RAM at a store near me (prices converted from Canadian dollars to US using today's official exchange rate).

Buffalo TechWorks 2GB 1X2GB PC2-6400 DDR2-800 200PIN SODIMM Memory for New Apple iMac In Stock $25.35
Buffalo TechWorks 4GB 2X2GB PC2-6400 DDR2-800 200PIN SODIMM Memory Kit for New Apple iMac In Stock $45.79

OK so installation isn't included, but a chimpanzee could upgrade the RAM in an iMac.

Sadly it's a nightmare to swap the hard drive in an iMac. I'm waiting for that to change (and a few other things) before I'll buy one.

[wizard]

I whole heartedly agree. If the iMac is updated now, it will be a still be core2duo, or maybe a core2quad (not likely), and that is basically no improvement over the current model. It is old tech and an old architecture. While core2 is still a great architecture, there is no doubt Core i7 is the way forward, but a mobile version will not be released until the later part of 2009.

Apple does have the option of intels new small form factor chip but even so it won't be a huge performance increase over what is in the machine now for single thread performance.

I do reject the idea that the current i7 processors are impossible. Yeah the chip is hot when runned at max speed but that doesn't mean underclocking a bit isn't possible. Even if they don't do that one has to remember that the chip also has most of the North bridge on board so when looking at power you are really competeing against two chips on older motherboards. So effectively you have something less than 100 watts going to the CPU. That really isn't that bad, the trick is in removing the combined wattage which really isn't a problem these days. Apple has choices that range from heat pipes to carbon fiber technology. Plus there is nothing to keep them from making a high end i7 model and a quad or dual Core 2 model for the low end.


iMacs use mobile processors, so no i7 for this release, and unless there is a major change, why would you be upgrading?

Apple did use mobile processors and they also use to use desktop processors. Dwelling on what was in a machine in the past will not help to predict the future. Unless Apple comes out with an XMac ( a low cost desktop box ) they almost have to put in an i7. They need to do that to fill the performance gap. Also they need to go i7 to get Quick Path now for external GPUs. I just can't see intels up coming processors with built in GPUs as meeting Apples need.

By the way I'd like to be wrong about Intels built in GPUs in future processors but let's face it intel GPUs are barely passable and they haven't committed to having them capable of running OpenCL code.

The same thing happens every time a new machine is due, people sit here and speculate and build up in their mind a massive machine that will never see the light of day, and when reality hits, we all feel ripped off. Apple can never live up to expectations of the fanboi's. Until there is an i7 mobile processor, don't get excited about and iMac upgrade.

This is exactly the type of negative thinking that I was trying to highlight earlier. If we as a community don't put Apple on notice to do better then how do you expect to be able to buy the hardware that you expect? It is not just the processor in the new iMac but also things like Firewire, USB ports and the like.

Maybe you don't think people should speak up about things like Firewire and simply accept that Apple is free to jerk their chain when ever they feel. I don't personally fit into that group as I feel we should be free to express what we want in a machine Apple builds.


I am holding out for new Mac Pros later this year, likely to be May / June at the earliest, and I wouldn't be surprised they hold off and release the new Mac Pros along side Snow Leopard.

Probably a few weeks after Intel gets the chipset out for them. The one thing about the Pro that bothers me is the constant whinning that it needs an update. To that I just ask to what! It will get updated when Intel has the chip sets to make a difference in the machine.

This is a far cry from the Mini where the apparent optimal chips already exist. If there is one machine at Apple that makes me wonder what the help is up it is the Mini as it should have been upgraded early this year. It is the only Apple machine with a clear upgrade path based on common public info.

If you want to get excited about an upgrade, 10.6 Snow Leopard is what you should be looking forward too. This will certainly make your current iMac run a heap faster. New finder (i am in heaven) and slimmer apps, and highly optimised code. That is an upgrade worth having.

Well that is what Apple is telling us but you will have to believe it when you see it. I know there is a lot of potential for improvement as the current implementation of Leopard is sluggish but I'm not convinced that Apple has the chops to pull off a significant upgrade. Yeah that sounds pretty bad but I've not been to impressed with the combo of Objective C and Aqua.

I'm certain some of the coming features will be worth having. In fact if they can do two things for me I'd lay out the money for SL today. The first item is to fix WiFi on early 2008 MBP and the second is to GPU accelerated video playback on the same machines. Everything else would be gravy.

Dave

[Outsider]

Yeowee!

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/4931/img011x.jpg
A crappy crappy photo but you can still make out the words I think.

[tralioc81]

If you're gonna post a blurry picture at least post it reading the right direction lol.

Wouldn't that be nice if it were real...and available like now.

[dmmcintyre3]

Yeowee!

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/4931/img011x.jpg
A crappy crappy photo but you can still make out the words I think.

what is this?

By the way apple would say built in airport not built in wifi

[TuffLuffJimmy]

what is this?

Something he made in word and then took a picture of. That's FAAAAAAAAKE

[MikhailT]

Sssssssh.

Let us dream.

[Outsider]

Something he made in word and then took a picture of. That's FAAAAAAAAKE

Of course it's fake. Just like the topic of this thread. I think it's amusing that the one I put up was determined to be fake because of the use of the term "Wi-fi" when the original uses the same term, hah! :D

[Outsider]

Think about it. Apple's not going to send out "Marketing material" (brochures) out a week or weeks before sending out the actual machines. If iMacs weren't released today, those "marketing materials" were faked.

[Eidorian]

The 9x00 series is just a rebranded 8x00. As in they share similar/same (G9x) cores. Not anything one should crow about.A few more antics happen on the mobile side but there's still no budget 256-bit memory interface mobile GPU.

[diamond.g]

A few more antics happen on the mobile side but there's still no budget 256-bit memory interface mobile GPU.

Memory interface is one of the easy things to cut to save money. No surprise there.

[Eidorian]

Memory interface is one of the easy things to cut to save money. No surprise there.True but there was some hope for the 8800M GS before it was a 8700M GT.

The 9700M GTS and 9800 GS look hopeful this time around if you can find it in something that isn't a desktop replacement monster.

[Outsider]

There are some new NVIDIA mobile chips coming out, the 260M and 280M (http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12222&Itemid=1). I'd like to see these in the iMac.

[brisbaneguy29]

The one thing about the Pro that bothers me is the constant whinning that it needs an update. To that I just ask to what! It will get updated when Intel has the chip sets to make a difference in the machine.

Dave

Where did I whine it needed an update? I said I was waiting for one, not whinning it needed one. And what do you mean to what? How about Nehalem based Xeon processor. Thats what. Hence why I stated it would be May / June at the earliest, seeing as the updated Xeon isn't released until end of March.

[brisbaneguy29]

Yeowee!

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/4931/img011x.jpg
A crappy crappy photo but you can still make out the words I think.

You even stuffed it up when you typed it. The all new Mac, since when does apple have a product called Mac. Imac, MacPro, but just Mac. Nice try. Fix it and start a new tread, see how far it goes. LOL

[iParis]

You even stuffed it up when you typed it. The all new Mac, since when does apple have a product called Mac. Imac, MacPro, but just Mac. Nice try. Fix it and start a new tread, see how far it goes. LOL

I think he would get laughed at if he made on called Imac or MacPro.:rolleyes:

[MattInOz]

If you're gonna post a blurry picture at least post it reading the right direction lol.

Wouldn't that be nice if it were real...and available like now.

Given Intel and NVidia are doning wigs and heading to court over nVidia Chipsets with Intel core i7 processors, I think it's safe to call this a fake.

[Eidorian]

There are some new NVIDIA mobile chips coming out, the 260M and 280M (http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12222&Itemid=1). I'd like to see these in the iMac.Goodie more G92 spin offs.

[Baunkjaer]

Getting sick and tired of the waiting. Are setting 1st of april as last stand. If no new iMac at that time, I´ll just buy the current model.
Needs a bigger screen, so a new Mac Mini with a nice LCD is also an possibility for me.

[winterspan]

I don't see the connection with "high performance Nvidia graphics" and the iMac containing the Nvidia chipset... Surely they won't (solely( use integrated graphics, and its not as if they benefit much from having switchable IGP/discrete graphics...

The 9x00 series is just a rebranded 8x00. As in they share similar/same (G9x) cores. Not anything one should crow about.

Well, it depends on the model. Some of the 8 series were 65nm compared to the newer 55nm generation of other 8 series and (i believe) all 9 series.

[thomasthompson]

Hi everyone!

Normally I don't post here, just reading the rumors.

Every post, like this one here about a possible new iMac, made me hope because I am waiting for the new iMac for some time now like many of you too. Untill I realized how stupid it was.

I am 40 years old and had several Mac Desktop Machines since I was 16. And had no reason to chance that. Untill now.

Professionally, I work with both, PC's and Mac's. At home I prefer Mac's, for several reasons, mainly because I got used to it and the machines look great.

But the waiting game made me think twice. I have enough money to buy whatever I want, so why care? But after some serious research I realized that I need to think twice what I want.

Went to a high end PC store, togehter with one of my best friends who is in the IT-industry himself (and he loves Macs but supported my idea to compare both Macs and PCs).

Long story short: I have a nice DELL PC at home now with all the features you guys dream of in a iMAC - but with the big difference that the PC I have costs me around 35 percent less than a MAC of this power will cost when it ever comes out. Even better: costs me much less than the old iMac right now. Apple mad me blind to realize that all I wanted already exists - just not in an Apple desktop machine. And if it will, it will costs far too much.

Now I am laughing at myself that I even considered to wait another week or so for the new iMac. And if none would have been out, wanted to buy the best they have right now (the old one). Imagine how much I would have overpaid this old Memory and Processor. For what you get right now, the machines should be half price.

Agree, don't have that great looking machine, but the PC's don't look that bad anymore and have more I would have seen with a iMac - and if it would have been in the new iMac, it would have been more expensive. And I am flexible to upgrade for little money.

Don't kill me. I did that with a broken Apple heart. Apple does great stuff like phones, ipods and other thinks, but when it comes to desktops the better look versus poor performance does not justify the high price.

Apple made me blind, I am happy that I woke up.

[xpla]

Interesting, so what was your problem? You said you use your mac at home and it doesn't have enough performance for you?

Anyway i have a MBP Late 2007 and waiting for the new iMac 24" so it isn't that much urgent. Oh and i love my MBP even if i'd get more "paper" performance with an IBM/Lenovo.

[diamond.g]

Goodie more G92 spin offs.

It is looking like GT200(b) is just too big and too power hungry to scale down in any normal fashion. It is pretty rare for a graphics company to hold on to old cores for so long after releasing the new hotness.

[Kaptajn Haddock]

This rumor deserves to be on page 3. There is absolutely nothing to it as is. There may be an iMac for imminent release, but this was not the rumor that told us anything first.

And a moral story: I sold my MacBook pro in November 2008 fully confident that there would be a new iMac in january 2009. I have been without a computer for that long now :eek:

[MikhailT]

Hi everyone!

Normally I don't post here, just reading the rumors.

Every post, like this one here about a possible new iMac, made me hope because I am waiting for the new iMac for some time now like many of you too. Untill I realized how stupid it was.

I am 40 years old and had several Mac Desktop Machines since I was 16. And had no reason to chance that. Untill now.

Professionally, I work with both, PC's and Mac's. At home I prefer Mac's, for several reasons, mainly because I got used to it and the machines look great.

But the waiting game made me think twice. I have enough money to buy whatever I want, so why care? But after some serious research I realized that I need to think twice what I want.

Went to a high end PC store, togehter with one of my best friends who is in the IT-industry himself (and he loves Macs but supported my idea to compare both Macs and PCs).

Long story short: I have a nice DELL PC at home now with all the features you guys dream of in a iMAC - but with the big difference that the PC I have costs me around 35 percent less than a MAC of this power will cost when it ever comes out. Even better: costs me much less than the old iMac right now. Apple mad me blind to realize that all I wanted already exists - just not in an Apple desktop machine. And if it will, it will costs far too much.

Now I am laughing at myself that I even considered to wait another week or so for the new iMac. And if none would have been out, wanted to buy the best they have right now (the old one). Imagine how much I would have overpaid this old Memory and Processor. For what you get right now, the machines should be half price.

Agree, don't have that great looking machine, but the PC's don't look that bad anymore and have more I would have seen with a iMac - and if it would have been in the new iMac, it would have been more expensive. And I am flexible to upgrade for little money.

Don't kill me. I did that with a broken Apple heart. Apple does great stuff like phones, ipods and other thinks, but when it comes to desktops the better look versus poor performance does not justify the high price.

Apple made me blind, I am happy that I woke up.

Oh please, don't give me that Apple made me blind crap. You made yourself blind to the outside world. Apple didn't force you at gunpoint to buy those machines. Anybody who used Macs most of their life would already know about the high cost of Apple machines and how PC would be 1/4 of the cost, and 5x faster, more powerful and so on. They chose to stick with Macs.

Except for laptops, people don't buy macs for the hardware, they buy them for the OS. For them, the money is worth it.

If people don't care much for the OS X, they'll be happy sticking with linux or windows on any PC they can buy. PCs will always be faster, more powerful and less costly than Macs. That's just the way it is.

For people who can't afford Macs but REALLY want OSX, there's always that Hackintosh.

[thomasthompson]

Oh please, don't give me that Apple made me blind crap. You made yourself blind to the outside world. .... PCs will always be faster, more powerful and less costly than Macs. That's just the way it is.



I am with you, I totally agree! Consider it "crap" - but therefore consider 90 percent of all posts here - about what great great great stuff the next iMac should/could have in the next upgrade - as crap as well. The next upgrade will be less than todays PC World already offers. And no OSX is that outstanding to justify the totally overprized machine. But Apple makes you believe it is. And it seems to work when I read most of the posts here.

As stated, I had Mac desktops for decades and their higher prices were ok for me for the extra benefit for this plattform - but it is not anymore. That's why they had to address other fields with that concept in order to survive.

[maccompaq]

It is interesting that you say that Windows is faster than Mac.

My Hackintosh is 13% faster running Leopard than Windows XP Professional according to Geekbench. Both Leopard and XP boot from the same HD.
No big whoop since 13% is not that big a deal.

[iMcLovin]

thomasthompson, I totally disagree. OS X totally justify the difference to me. Because nr.1 do you really need all that extra horsepower a pc can offer for a smaller price? -most people really don´t. I personally work with 3d software and Photoshop and I look forward to play Starcraft 2...3 things that actually sucks up computer power in various ways, but still if I choose pc, the 3d experience will not be that much faster, really, and the games, well maybe I can increase the texture size a notch if the game has that feature and a couple of other things, but other than that there´s really nothing the pc can give me which the mac cannot.

I work on a pc at work with an expensive Nvidia Quadro graphics card based Dimension Precision, but still my MacBook Pro at home with OS X gives me a smoother experience on EVERYTHING else than the fps in my 3d program. But still framerate is more than decent on the MBP and nothing on the mac annoys me nearly as much as staying in Windows XP at work.

So, then if you can see my point, OS X is actually worth the difference, it boots fast, all programs starts fast, the machine doesn´t clog up and get slow over time, it´s simply delightful to work on. And then don´t forget the looks and simply the whole quality impression of an Mac in general (which no pc can compete against), the machine actually fits into a house (that is if you have any esthetic value to your house interior)...

So 40 year or not, you point doesn´t make sense to me :). Unless you care more about spec as in numbers rather than what they do for you. Maybe you need all the horsepower, but 99% of us don´t.

[maccompaq]

Horsepower is a very misunderstood concept.
For example:
I have 2 old Blue & White G3 towers, 350 and 400 MHz respectively running Panther. One has 768MB RAM, the other 448MB RAM. They run Photoshop CS (8) decently, considering their age. I can take any size JPG and crop it instantly. I rarely use these computers now, but they are still very functional.

To contrast, I have a Compaq with a 2.41GHz Athlon 64 processor running Windows XP Home. It has 1.5GB RAM. That same JPG that can be instantly cropped on the above ancient Macs does not fare so well on my Compaq. When I invoke the CROP command in Photoshop, the Compaq churns along until it runs out of memory, and then it locks up. Very frustrating!

To make this post perfectly clear, I am not bashing Windows. I like Windows, but sometimes it is frustrating to use.

I cannot figure out why a 350MHz Mac beats my 2.41GHz Compaq.

[MikhailT]

It is interesting that you say that Windows is faster than Mac.

My Hackintosh is 13% faster running Leopard than Windows XP Professional according to Geekbench. Both Leopard and XP boot from the same HD.
No big whoop since 13% is not that big a deal.

I never said that Windows is faster than OS X. I used the word, PC and Macs which is not the same thing as Windows and Macintosh OS X. Macs are PCs as well just the only ones that can run OS X. So PC != Microsoft Windows. I was talking about the hardware, nothing else and which your post just proved all my points.


Off the topic: does it piss anybody off when seeing the word "Wintel" in some of the IT job postings?

[Eidorian]

It is looking like GT200(b) is just too big and too power hungry to scale down in any normal fashion. It is pretty rare for a graphics company to hold on to old cores for so long after releasing the new hotness.I'll admit that nVidia does have the performance crown with the GT200 but at the cost of performance per watt. Go lord those cards are nuclear piles and need just as much power.

[kabunaru]

Can Nvidia-chipset iMacs use ATI video cards or are they strictly Nvidia video cards?
If so, why not equip them with better ATI cards?

[diamond.g]

Can Nvidia-chipset iMacs use ATI video cards or are they strictly Nvidia video cards?
If so, why not equip them with better ATI cards?

Why use Nvidia chipset if you are going to use ATI video? Losing hybrid sli and gaining extra headaches in bootcamp doesn't seem very Apple-like.

Basically what does Apple gain going with nvidia chipsets versus Intel when they are going to use non-nvidia gps?

[kabunaru]

Basically what does Apple gain going with nvidia chipsets versus Intel when they are going to use non-nvidia gps?

ATI cards are better for video and multimedia production.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

ATI cards are better for video and multimedia production.

You could argue either way...

[diamond.g]

ATI cards are better for video and multimedia production.

That doesn't help the case for using nvidia chipsets versus Intel (X48?).

[maccompaq]

I never said that Windows is faster than OS X. I used the word, PC and Macs which is not the same thing as Windows and Macintosh OS X. Macs are PCs as well just the only ones that can run OS X. So PC != Microsoft Windows. I was talking about the hardware, nothing else and which your post just proved all my points.

Off the topic: does it piss anybody off when seeing the word "Wintel" in some of the IT job postings?
I'm not quite sure what you mean when you say my post proved all your points. All I said was that my PC runs faster with Leopard than it does with Windows.

As far as non-Mac PCs running faster than Mac PCs, they all use pretty much the same hardware. That the Mac PCs cost more than other PCs is accurate.

[cmfilms]

The new iMacs are coming out on March 17. How do I know this? Because I am backed into a corner and the 16th is last day I can possibly wait to get a new machine and the new ones will come out the next day. It happens every f'in' time!:o

[PurpleCliff]

I'm getting iMac for the speed and easy use of OSX, the ability for it to work as soon as it comes out of the box, an inbuilt camera that works just like that, quality software, a machine that will last, but most of all I want to play Starcraft II and Diablo III on it ... :D

[BenRoethig]

I'm getting iMac for the speed and easy use of OSX, the ability for it to work as soon as it comes out of the box, an inbuilt camera that works just like that, quality software, a machine that will last, but most of all I want to play Starcraft II and Diablo III on it ... :D

Buy the highest end one you can get then.

[PurpleCliff]

Buy the highest end one you can get then.

Oh, really? Will I need a higher end iMac for Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3? I was thinking of just getting the cheapest iMac when they are updated ...

[Anonymous Freak]

Can Nvidia-chipset iMacs use ATI video cards or are they strictly Nvidia video cards?
If so, why not equip them with better ATI cards?

Yes, an nVidia chipset board can use an ATI video card just fine. You can't use CrossFire (ATI's multi-card equivalent of SLI,) but you can use a single card (even a multiple-GPU card,) just fine.

You would also lose the ability to switch between the two GPUs "on the fly". That only works between chipsets and video cards by the same company. It would theoretically be possible to switch, but it would require a reboot.

However, since all current nVidia chipset Macs are all-in-one units without a replaceable GPU, it's moot.

And a Mac Pro wouldn't use an nVidia chipset. It is possible that we could see an iMac with an nVidia chipset, and have one or more models with an optional ATI GPU, though. But I think if they keep the iMac using mobile chips, they'll just got 100% nVidia, just like the MacBooks.

[kabunaru]

The new iMacs are coming out on March 17. How do I know this? Because I am backed into a corner and the 16th is last day I can possibly wait to get a new machine and the new ones will come out the next day. It happens every f'in' time!:o

These two threads will disagree with you:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=656916
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=657342

[cmfilms]

These two threads will disagree with you:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=656916
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=657342

God, I hope so. My Quicksilver G4 is not going to cut it this summer.

[kabunaru]

God, I hope so. My Quicksilver G4 is not going to cut it this summer.

In my opinion, two threads is good enough evidence (especially if made by separate people).

[Eidorian]

That doesn't help the case for using nvidia chipsets versus Intel (X48?).Why would you use X48 in an iMac? :rolleyes:

You could argue either way...Kind of hard when the benches sway heavily to ATi.

[diamond.g]

Why would you use X48 in an iMac? :rolleyes:

Kind of hard when the benches sway heavily to ATi.

Sorry PM45....

Either way in Apples case there is no reason to use a nvidia chipset if you are going to use a non-nvidia gpu. Especially if you are using the mobile chipset. So if you are not using integrated graphics you may as well stick to Intel.

[BenRoethig]

Oh, really? Will I need a higher end iMac for Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3? I was thinking of just getting the cheapest iMac when they are updated ...

I make no guarantee past the lowest settings. I have problems with WC3 and it was the "mid" model.

Sorry PM45....

Either way in Apples case there is no reason to use a nvidia chipset if you are going to use a non-nvidia gpu. Especially if you are using the mobile chipset. So if you are not using integrated graphics you may as well stick to Intel.

I can think of one, space. Nvidia's design combines the North bridge and south bridge into a single chip.

[L0s7man]

If you had this dual graphic card design, there are 2 possible advantages:

(i) if your second card is really powerful, you might want to use 9400M for daily use and the powerful one for gaming/video processing, etc; this way your computer will run quieter (MBP gets really loud when you play games)

(ii) there's this tech from nVidia that allows to use both cards and get a bit of a performance boost. If they could use that, then say 9800 + 9400 would give yo extra few fps. That might be worth something...

[ceres]

GTX 280 M is due to launch in march/april during CEBIT.
However, it´s a misnomer as we are looking at a slightly beefed up G92 core.
It will probably yield about a 15% increase over the 9800 part which in turn is not much better than the 8800 GS. Of course, we don´t know clock speeds but it´s safe to assume that the part used will be considerably slower than the 4830.
I hope Apple find a way offer a low voltage Penryn Desktop Quad in the lineup.
Cupertino could always opt to use a slightly bigger enclosure to fit heftier cooling kit in there. I don´t like the thinner is better approach that hampers performance so much. If Apple only fit in a faster Dual Core Penryn, they won´t have made substantial CPU power strides forward in a year in the desktop segment.

[mjteix]

(ii) there's this tech from nVidia that allows to use both cards and get a bit of a performance boost. If they could use that, then say 9800 + 9400 would give yo extra few fps. That might be worth something...

If is was that simple...
The fact is that GeForce Boost technology just works with low-end GPUs (9200/9300/9500M or now G105/110M (http://www.nvidia.com/object/hybridsli_notebook.html)).

[iMacmatician]

I hope Apple find a way offer a low voltage Penryn Desktop Quad in the lineup.
Cupertino could always opt to use a slightly bigger enclosure to fit heftier cooling kit in there. I don´t like the thinner is better approach that hampers performance so much. If Apple only fit in a faster Dual Core Penryn, they won´t have made substantial CPU power strides forward in a year in the desktop segment.They can technically fit in a quad-core mobile Penryn, but they are likely to not do so for several reasons. This would likely also mean that Apple would not use Clarksfield in the iMacs either (Arrandale instead). Therefore, if Apple doesn't use the 65 W desktop quad-cores, then they may stay with dual-core until 2010 or later.

[Eidorian]

http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12273&Itemid=41

[xpla]

http://www.macbug.de/2009/02/25/imac-2009-vorstellung-anfang-marz-nachste-woche/

They claim that they have been told by "apple informants" that the new imac will be released definitely on the first tuesday in march (3th of march).

[L0s7man]

http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12273&Itemid=41

I like that. if they cram it into iMac or 17" MBP I buy it ;-)

[mudenza]

http://www.macbug.de/2009/02/25/imac-2009-vorstellung-anfang-marz-nachste-woche/

They claim that they have been told by "apple informants" that the new imac will be released definitely on the first tuesday in march (3th of march).

http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12273&Itemid=41

Both seem to coincide with each other, just like when the 9400M was announced on the same day the MB's and MBP's were announced

I'm betting my life-savings that the 3rd of March will be it.

[Baunkjaer]

Both seem to coincide with each other, just like when the 9400M was announced on the same day the MB's and MBP's were announced

I'm betting my life-savings that the 3rd of March will be it.
Well, after reading this post, my hopes just raised. I´m curious about the price - these things are way too expensive in Denmark were I live.

[Blue Sun]

Both seem to coincide with each other, just like when the 9400M was announced on the same day the MB's and MBP's were announced

I'm betting my life-savings that the 3rd of March will be it.

I'm hoping so badly that you're right.

[GodWhomIsMike]

http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/02/23/164932-card_300.png

If it's just Core 2 Duos again, I am completely underwhelmed. Maybe I will just save some extra money from now, until the next Mac Pro comes out and use the savings + tax return on the next gen Mac Pro.

[Blue Sun]

If it's just Core 2 Duos again, I am completely underwhelmed. Maybe I will just save some extra money from now, until the next Mac Pro comes out and use the savings + tax return on the next gen Mac Pro.

If I'm not mistaken, the current high-end iMac has "High-performance NVIDIA graphics". I'm thinking that picture is referring to the current generation iMacs.

[PurrBall]

If I'm not mistaken, the current high-end iMac has "High-performance NVIDIA graphics". I'm thinking that picture is referring to the current generation iMacs.

Except it says 20 and 24 inch at the top, which would indicate that both have NVIDIA graphics.

[Blue Sun]

Except it says 20 and 24 inch at the top, which would indicate that both have NVIDIA graphics.

Shame, looks like they aren't going to have LED displays or quad processors.

[mudenza]

It is nowhere to be found

[mrfrosty]

It is nowhere to be found

Yeah i was just scouting around and i noticed that at a few places too.

[j5045096]

Oh please, don't give me that Apple made me blind crap. You made yourself blind to the outside world. Apple didn't force you at gunpoint to buy those machines. Anybody who used Macs most of their life would already know about the high cost of Apple machines and how PC would be 1/4 of the cost, and 5x faster, more powerful and so on. They chose to stick with Macs.

Except for laptops, people don't buy macs for the hardware, they buy them for the OS. For them, the money is worth it.

If people don't care much for the OS X, they'll be happy sticking with linux or windows on any PC they can buy. PCs will always be faster, more powerful and less costly than Macs. That's just the way it is.

For people who can't afford Macs but REALLY want OSX, there's always that Hackintosh.

I switched to Mac 2 years ago BECAUSE of the hardware. I had purchased a new Toshiba laptop and sent it back because when it came it just felt like the same old crap I'd been using for 10 years and a friend of mine had a MacBook. I played with it for 30 minutes, asked him what the learning curve would be to master OSX and figured out what I needed to do. Yes, I was sold on the OS, but the hardware was just...different. Felt like some thought had been put into it and it was better designed. Spec-wise, yes, Dell will kick you out a laptop running 3.0ghz but it's WINDOWS. Hasn't the rule with Mac always been that even though spec is lower (processor speed etc.) that architecture/OSX made it comparably faster?

I had heard this dating back to the G4 processor--that a 1.25 G4 was like a 2.4 Pentium 4.

In any event, have fun with your Dell man; it's just like buying a Toyota/Lexus or one of GM's latest flops. Hey like it's the new Chevy... (insert cheap random name here); 15 minutes later you drive it off the lot, it's depreciated in half and will be discontinued as a model in 2 years (after there is a Pontiac, Buick and Saturn version of it with same innerds, yet different name plate); yet your Toyota/Lexus holds it's value and actually runs past 125,000 miles trouble free.

[j5045096]

Hi everyone!
Went to a high end PC store, togehter with one of my best friends who is in the IT-industry himself (and he loves Macs but supported my idea to compare both Macs and PCs).


This means nothing to me; IT-industry people are a dime a dozen. ...and alot of them know nothing about hardware anyway. I've been to a lot of trade shows/conferences and talked to a lot of these guys and I look at what they're using themselves and hardware purchases for the most part have not been well thought out. They look at specs and who sells for cheapest which is fine, because most of them are buying computers for people who don't really know how to use them anyway (at least not to the fullest potential) and who have lived in Windows world forever anyway and care about 2 things: can I still play Solitaire and can I run Word Perfect 3.0.


Long story short: I have a nice DELL PC at home now with all the features you guys dream of in a iMAC - but with the big difference that the PC I have costs me around 35 percent less than a MAC of this power will cost when it ever comes out. Even better: costs me much less than the old iMac right now. Apple mad me blind to realize that all I wanted already exists - just not in an Apple desktop machine. And if it will, it will costs far too much.

Now I am laughing at myself that I even considered to wait another week or so for the new iMac. And if none would have been out, wanted to buy the best they have right now (the old one). Imagine how much I would have overpaid this old Memory and Processor. For what you get right now, the machines should be half price.

Apple made me blind, I am happy that I woke up.

We're not laughing at you - we're laughing with you. Seriously. You just keep comparing your Apples to Oranges and seeing where it gets you. In all seriousness though you bought what you were comfortable with and that's fine. And I could care less who you are loyal to; it's a computer purchase--means nothing to me, but have fun with Windows Vista--oh and the much anticipated Windows 7. If you ever actually used your Mac for running anything more than your AOL e-mail, it won't take you long--you'll be back.

Everything Microsoft does these days seems to be without reason. The tons of versions of Windows 7 to chose from; the Jerry Seinfeld ad campaign; VISTA; the daily reports of viruses that have spread on PC's...the lack of creativity, innovation and sense. If that's who's running the show I'm staying off that train. Oh, and it has been so nice to not have to reformat my hard drive every 3 months just to keep my computer running fast. ...and so nice to not have to run SpyBot an AdAware and AVG every other day to find the latest cookies/spyware on my computer.

[GonzoRob]

In any event, have fun with your Dell man; it's just like buying a Toyota/Lexus or one of GM's latest flops. Hey like it's the new Chevy... (insert cheap random name here); 15 minutes later you drive it off the lot, it's depreciated in half and will be discontinued as a model in 2 years (after there is a Pontiac, Buick and Saturn version of it with same innerds, yet different name plate); yet your Toyota/Lexus holds it's value and actually runs past 125,000 miles trouble free.

Funny you should use the car analogy, that's what I always do :)
The way I see it:

Mac =Mercedes
Sony = BMW
Dell = Ford

[xpla]

Funny you should use the car analogy, that's what I always do :)
The way I see it:

Mac =Mercedes
Sony = BMW
Dell = Ford

Pls don't compare Sony with BMW because it's an affront against BMW.

[Tallest Skil]

Funny you should use the car analogy, that's what I always do :)
The way I see it:

If Apple made a car:

http://ooyes.net/static2/articles/fun/cars/17.jpg

If Dell/HP/Gateway/Acer/etc. made a car:

http://deangeek.com/blog/kcar.jpg

[j5045096]

Funny you should use the car analogy, that's what I always do :)
The way I see it:

Mac =Mercedes
Sony = BMW
Dell = Ford

See Ford to me isn't half bad these days (I still wouldn't buy one though)...except for that stupid new Flex thing they made--the black one with a white top looks like a hearse...have you seen it? But GM, Chrysler--sure that works!

[Baunkjaer]

Well, the Danish Police drives Ford Mondeo´s in Denmark...:rolleyes:

[xpla]

If Apple made a car:

…

If Dell/HP/Gateway/Acer/etc. made a car:

…

Well, i have to say: EXCELLENT

[mjteix]

If Apple made a car:

http://ooyes.net/static2/articles/fun/cars/17.jpg



That's right but here are the engines available for the "desktop" versions:

http://www.dugnorth.com/blog/uploaded_images/steam-engine-736381.jpghttp://www.healthinajiffy.co.uk/images/duracell-d-2s.jpghttp://www.isu.edu/departments/inse/images/atr.jpg

Where's my V8 (quad-core+hyperthreading) model?
http://www.itechnews.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/bmw-m3-v8-engine.jpg

[Independence]

Oh, and it has been so nice to not have to reformat my hard drive every 3 months just to keep my computer running fast. ...and so nice to not have to run SpyBot an AdAware and AVG every other day to find the latest cookies/spyware on my computer.

If all that is happening to your system, then you're doing something wrong. I suggest you exercise more caution on the internet.

[EmperorDarius]

If all that is happening to your system, then you're doing something wrong. I suggest you exercise more caution on the internet.

Windows does get slower with time, and it's normal to find a lot of tracking cookies. They're useless though, the real problems come with Trojans, viruses and worms.

[MikhailT]

I switched to Mac 2 years ago BECAUSE of the hardware. I had purchased a new Toshiba laptop and sent it back because when it came it just felt like the same old crap I'd been using for 10 years and a friend of mine had a MacBook. I played with it for 30 minutes, asked him what the learning curve would be to master OSX and figured out what I needed to do. Yes, I was sold on the OS, but the hardware was just...different. Felt like some thought had been put into it and it was better designed. Spec-wise, yes, Dell will kick you out a laptop running 3.0ghz but it's WINDOWS. Hasn't the rule with Mac always been that even though spec is lower (processor speed etc.) that architecture/OSX made it comparably faster?

I had heard this dating back to the G4 processor--that a 1.25 G4 was like a 2.4 Pentium 4.

In any event, have fun with your Dell man; it's just like buying a Toyota/Lexus or one of GM's latest flops. Hey like it's the new Chevy... (insert cheap random name here); 15 minutes later you drive it off the lot, it's depreciated in half and will be discontinued as a model in 2 years (after there is a Pontiac, Buick and Saturn version of it with same innerds, yet different name plate); yet your Toyota/Lexus holds it's value and actually runs past 125,000 miles trouble free.

Are you talking to me specifically on both paragraph?
Because if you are,you should read what I said about laptops again.
I'm a Mac guy, has been for as long as I remember. You got me confused with the other dude.

[mrfrosty]

Hi everyone!

Normally I don't post here, just reading the rumors.

Every post, like this one here about a possible new iMac, made me hope because I am waiting for the new iMac for some time now like many of you too. Untill I realized how stupid it was.

I am 40 years old and had several Mac Desktop Machines since I was 16. And had no reason to chance that. Untill now.

Professionally, I work with both, PC's and Mac's. At home I prefer Mac's, for several reasons, mainly because I got used to it and the machines look great.

But the waiting game made me think twice. I have enough money to buy whatever I want, so why care? But after some serious research I realized that I need to think twice what I want.

Went to a high end PC store, togehter with one of my best friends who is in the IT-industry himself (and he loves Macs but supported my idea to compare both Macs and PCs).

Long story short: I have a nice DELL PC at home now with all the features you guys dream of in a iMAC - but with the big difference that the PC I have costs me around 35 percent less than a MAC of this power will cost when it ever comes out. Even better: costs me much less than the old iMac right now. Apple mad me blind to realize that all I wanted already exists - just not in an Apple desktop machine. And if it will, it will costs far too much.

Now I am laughing at myself that I even considered to wait another week or so for the new iMac. And if none would have been out, wanted to buy the best they have right now (the old one). Imagine how much I would have overpaid this old Memory and Processor. For what you get right now, the machines should be half price.

Agree, don't have that great looking machine, but the PC's don't look that bad anymore and have more I would have seen with a iMac - and if it would have been in the new iMac, it would have been more expensive. And I am flexible to upgrade for little money.

Don't kill me. I did that with a broken Apple heart. Apple does great stuff like phones, ipods and other thinks, but when it comes to desktops the better look versus poor performance does not justify the high price.

Apple made me blind, I am happy that I woke up.

Well I have just sold my iMAC G5 iSight for £450 it was just about 3.5 years old...........let's see what the dell is worth in 3.5 years :-) With such a low depreciation you have to take that into account when buying IMHO. I just wish i had the courage of my conviction to pull the trigger on a Mac Pro now. !!! I think i'll just wait for the new iMac's though.

[BenRoethig]

Well I have just sold my iMAC G5 iSight for £450 it was just about 3.5 years old...........let's see what the dell is worth in 3.5 years :-) With such a low depreciation you have to take that into account when buying IMHO. I just wish i had the courage of my conviction to pull the trigger on a Mac Pro now. !!! I think i'll just wait for the new iMac's though.

The iMac will be worth quite a bit more in three and a half years. From personal experience, it will have reached the end of its useful lifecycle long before that though. For a lot of users that Dell might be a much better tool. Apple seems to be interested in only the two extreme ends of the spectrum these days.

[Independence]

Windows does get slower with time, and it's normal to find a lot of tracking cookies. They're useless though, the real problems come with Trojans, viruses and worms.

Windows 9x had issues with getting slower over time. NT is far more resilient so long as you don't load it with garbage.

In regards to your other point, as long as one is behind a router or a firewall and careful about what one downloads, the chances of getting trojans, viruses, or worms are pretty much zilch. I've been a Windows user since Windows 3.11 for Workgroups and I haven't had nearly the amount of problems that many of you claim to have had. What few problems I have had were my own fault when I was younger and less experienced.

[EmperorDarius]

Windows 9x had issues with getting slower over time. NT is far more resilient so long as you don't load it with garbage.

In regards to your other point, as long as one is behind a router or a firewall and careful about what one downloads, the chances of getting trojans, viruses, or worms are pretty much zilch. I've been a Windows user since Windows 3.11 for Workgroups and I haven't had nearly the amount of problems that many of you claim to have had. What few problems I have had were my own fault when I was younger and less experienced.

Well normally people do try new software, install and remove them, and every time they do it Windows gets a little slower.

The of getting infected chance is still pretty much high, you know, USB devices, your local network etc. are a good way to spread worms.

My problems have simply been caused because I installed and uninstalled a lot of programs. Either components didn't get removed completely and drivers made conflicts (resulting in BSODs and slowdowns, crashes, freezes), or I removed too much (by using third party uninstalling programs) and a lot of components where suddenly "missing or corrupted". The fact is that the same thing happened to many of my friends, even though they had less programs installed (I had more than 5 columns of programs from the start menu, xp while they had 1 1/2 - 2) and even to our school computers (not even one column). Windows is just so buggy.

[MikhailT]

Windows 9x had issues with getting slower over time. NT is far more resilient so long as you don't load it with garbage.

In regards to your other point, as long as one is behind a router or a firewall and careful about what one downloads, the chances of getting trojans, viruses, or worms are pretty much zilch. I've been a Windows user since Windows 3.11 for Workgroups and I haven't had nearly the amount of problems that many of you claim to have had. What few problems I have had were my own fault when I was younger and less experienced.

The NT kernel is very good. It is the crap they put on top that makes Windows so bad.

[toonshorty]

Almost certain this is fake...

Apple wouldn't make it 'iMac 20- and 24-Inch'

Because why would it be 20-

If apple would use that text it would be more 'The new iMac, Now in 20 and 24" ' or something

[j5045096]

If all that is happening to your system, then you're doing something wrong. I suggest you exercise more caution on the internet.

I don't own a PC anymore - my last one was a Dell Inspiron 300m laptop that I had to reformat about 2-3 times a year with Medium High security settings in IE and no real downloading/heavy web browsing. The main complication was virus software, Windows security updates/patches and then a little bit of spyware that AdAware and Spybot would detect. Lots of Google searches but definitely not a lot of web browsing. Some of it was also just junk Dell's system disks pre-installed on the computer--it all just made a giant mess of the system registry.

[j5045096]

Well normally people do try new software, install and remove them, and every time they do it Windows gets a little slower.

The of getting infected chance is still pretty much high, you know, USB devices, your local network etc. are a good way to spread worms.

My problems have simply been caused because I installed and uninstalled a lot of programs. Either components didn't get removed completely and drivers made conflicts (resulting in BSODs and slowdowns, crashes, freezes), or I removed too much (by using third party uninstalling programs) and a lot of components where suddenly "missing or corrupted".

Exactly my experience as well. Also to the guy talking about his enriched experience since Windows 3.1, 1) it's the only thing you've ever known so you don't know to expect better and 2) it's (Windows) what you're comfortable with - you've learned all the tricks that can give you a better experience than what some have ...again, many of us put up with Windows but when we made the switch to Mac OSX it was that epiphany experience.

My first impression after a month of using OSX Tiger was this: "wow, this just works" which was a direct contrast to Windows. With Mac I don't have to explain things to people like I did before - I cannot tell you how many Windows computers I used to troubleshoot for friends/family and I knew exactly what to do to fix their computers--why? Because you learn when you experience a problem. I always used to remember thinking: "man the average Joe has no prayer in the world at figuring this stuff out". I don't get that feeling with OSX - I really do thing that most folks could do fine with it.

[MyDesktopBroke]

That's the thing. Even though other PCs are vastly more cost effient, you're still getting stuck with Windows.

[I work with/on both Mac & Windows. No comparison for me.]

[Independence]

Also to the guy talking about his enriched experience since Windows 3.1, 1) it's the only thing you've ever known so you don't know to expect better

WRONG. I've also got experience with Mac OS X, Linux, and FreeBSD. I've got a PPC MacMini lying around with OS X 10.4 that I still fire up occasionally.

The only reason I'm using this Pentium III PC as my main machine instead of that Mini is the PPC platform is becoming unsupported and the apps that do still support it are no longer optimized for the platform.

If, and I stress if, Apple releases another MacMini sometime this century, I'll gladly buy one.

[j5045096]

WRONG. I've also got experience with Mac OS X, Linux, and FreeBSD. I've got a PPC MacMini lying around with OS X 10.4 that I still fire up occasionally.

The only reason I'm using this Pentium III PC as my main machine instead of that Mini is the PPC platform is becoming unsupported and the apps that do still support it are no longer optimized for the platform.

If, and I stress if, Apple releases another MacMini sometime this century, I'll gladly buy one.

I had a 1.25ghz PPC G4 eMac that I sold last month that ran like a champ--your Mini has to be either 1.25 or 1.42 so why is it obsolete? Had it not been for a lot of media work and video editing, that eMac would have been fine for me to keep using. I can't see how a PIII PC is a better choice than the Mini but maybe I'm missing something?

[Independence]

so why is it obsolete?

I just answered this question.

EDIT: I suppose this deserves more of an explanation. The number of applications written for Mac OS X these days are increasingly dropping PPC support. Many applications that are still supported are no longer optimized for the PPC platform anymore. I don't know what your experience was like, but, for example, Firefox 3 runs painfully slow on my Mini. Slow enough that even this Pentium III is faster than it. As old as this Pentium III is, my software still runs well enough on it that it's still useful to me. My Mini is past its prime.

[BenRoethig]

That's the thing. Even though other PCs are vastly more cost effient, you're still getting stuck with Windows.

[I work with/on both Mac & Windows. No comparison for me.]

I agree 100%.

[D4F]

That's the thing. Even though other PCs are vastly more cost effient, you're still getting stuck with Windows.

[I work with/on both Mac & Windows. No comparison for me.]

I don't mind being stuck with Windows especially that the software I use it's not even available for a mac to begin with.

I went thru quite a few macs including Pros and honestly it's a nice looking home machine. For the same amount of money you get way better Win system AND I don't need to sell it after 3 years. I just change few things for a fraction of the cost and I do have a up to date system while you have to go over a new machine again.

I just bought a Macbook Pro simply because Macmall is giving great deals on the prev model which is more than enough for travel and etc but I'm wayyyy past the apple fanboy time I had lol. Good to be back on earth and having my eyes wide open :)

[PurrBall]

Almost certain this is fake...

Apple wouldn't make it 'iMac 20- and 24-Inch'

Because why would it be 20-

If apple would use that text it would be more 'The new iMac, Now in 20 and 24" ' or something

Because 20- is proper English.

[j5045096]

For the same amount of money you get way better Win system AND I don't need to sell it after 3 years.

This is true - my experience with Windows was you were obsolete in more like 12-16 months. You kept a Windows PC for 3 years?

[D4F]

This is true - my experience with Windows was you were obsolete in more like 12-16 months. You kept a Windows PC for 3 years?

I have my system for good 1.5years now and didn't change a thing in it. By the end of this year I'll drop a faster CPU and that's about it.
I'm not exactly sure where all of your 12-16 months theory comes from unless you're a gamer that needs to follow up on new Crysis release.

Mac or Win it doesn't matter as none of them ages faster in regards to performance. You aware of that right? 2.4Ghz will be 2.4Ghz in 10 years from now too so it's quite obvious that all this 'game' is about what you want.

[EmperorDarius]

Mac or Win it doesn't matter as none of them ages faster in regards to performance. You aware of that right? 2.4Ghz will be 2.4Ghz in 10 years from now too so it's quite obvious that all this 'game' is about what you want.

Windows gets a lot slower and a lot quicker than OS X does.

[j5045096]

Windows gets a lot slower and a lot quicker than OS X does.

That's the only point I've been trying to make. The thing is that Windows PC's keep cranking out with faster and faster processors but by the time they load all the junkware on them they get really slow. I played on a friend's 3 ghz Dell desktop the other day and I remembered thinking my Mac is way faster than this thing in terms of load times, responsiveness and multitasking and this thing had like 1.0ghz+ front side bus and I think 4 gigs of Ram and a 7200rpm hard drive. The hardware would dictate a very fast computer but it wasn't and I blame Windows!

[EmperorDarius]

That's the only point I've been trying to make. The thing is that Windows PC's keep cranking out with faster and faster processors but by the time they load all the junkware on them they get really slow. I played on a friend's 3 ghz Dell desktop the other day and I remembered thinking my Mac is way faster than this thing in terms of load times, responsiveness and multitasking and this thing had like 1.0ghz+ front side bus and I think 4 gigs of Ram and a 7200rpm hard drive. The hardware would dictate a very fast computer but it wasn't and I blame Windows!

Exactly! That's why *generally* Mac users are happy even if they aren't having the latest hardware, while Windows *generally* continue buying the latest hardware hoping that that will make they're computers faster...What I hate is that a lot of them don't realize that it's the OSes fault, and even worse some of them bash Macs for "not having the latest hardware/being overpriced" and insist saying that Windows is "fast and stable".

[branded07]

Don't you hate how no matter what the topic in this forum, almost all the threads end up being a Mac vs PC debate..Its like so last year!

[iMcLovin]

Mac wins eventually ;)
I mean how many fu**ups can Microsoft make before people wanna start tasting the good stuff?

[CptBucky]

Macs won't gain any significant market share until they make the hardware more configurable. If they offered better graphics chips in their iMacs then gamers might not be tied to a PC.

[Mj2sL]

Macs won't gain any significant market share until they make the hardware more configurable. If they offered better graphics chips in their iMacs then gamers might not be tied to a PC.

I don't think that really matters to most people. Almost no one I know has upgraded their PC. And if they have, they haven't done it themselves and it's generally only RAM that gets upgraded. I think the main things that are keeping people from using Macs is the pricetag and fear of incompatibility. I'm not saying Macs are expensive, but it just has a higher price than your average pc. I think a lot of machines sold are just plain pc's meant for some internet browsing and for typing stuff. A product like the Mini might seem uncapable to some potential buyers, even not looking at the specsheet. I mean, it's just a little box, "how can that be just as powerful as this huge pc for the same price?". Also, there's a lot of people who are still unaware of the compatibility side of things. I was one of them too. I know there's ad-campaigns in the US, but where I live (the Netherlands), Apple doesn't really advertise, especially not for Macs.

The gaming might matter, but too be honest, I think gaming is getting more and more exclusive to consoles, due to copy-protection. Almost every pc/mac game can be found on torrents, while the copy-protection of the PS3 is still going strong. So developers can make more money on console-games. Therefore I don't think Apple is going to make high-end gaming machines. They might provide some decent graphics and cpu to play a few not-so-demanding or older games, but I don't think its their goal to adept Macs to be game-machines.

[milemobile]

We will wait more for new iMac and MacMini

http://www.myappleguide.com/news/2180/apple-event-march-24

http://news.worldofapple.com/archives/2009/03/01/apple-event-scheduled-for-march-24/

[Baunkjaer]

We will wait more for new iMac and MacMini

http://www.myappleguide.com/news/2180/apple-event-march-24

http://news.worldofapple.com/archives/2009/03/01/apple-event-scheduled-for-march-24/
Well, that proofs about... Nothing. Only thing for sure, is that new Mac Mini and iMac are comming.

[BenRoethig]

Don't you hate how no matter what the topic in this forum, almost all the threads end up being a Mac vs PC debate..Its like so last year!

That's because Apple has narrowed the hardware focus on the platform so much that a lot of users have to look to the PC world for solutions they previously got from Apple.

[Baunkjaer]

That's because Apple has narrowed the hardware focus on the platform so much that a lot of users have to look to the PC world for solutions they previously got from Apple.
That´s what I did last year, when I sold my iMac and MacBook, and switched to the PC-platform (IBM T43 and High-end desktop). Got tired of it within one month, and began the re-switch - thus waiting for a new iMac.
This time the switch wil be for good:apple:

[Sehnsucht]

Mac wins eventually ;)
I mean how many fu**ups can Microsoft make before people wanna start tasting the good stuff?

Way too darned mini...er, many. :D

[kabunaru]

We will wait more for new iMac and MacMini

http://www.myappleguide.com/news/2180/apple-event-march-24

http://news.worldofapple.com/archives/2009/03/01/apple-event-scheduled-for-march-24/

That could be for something else. The iMac can come before the event.

[NT1440]

So what do you think guys?

Will apple be using Nvidia!?:p

who brought this thread back? lol