Next gen iMac wish list

[cyberska]

My trusty iMac G5 has given up the ghost. I plan on buying a new iMac soon, but I refuse to do so until they finally come out with Blu Ray. This would probably involve a redesign and hardware upgrade and I wouldn't wanna be stuck with an old model.

Anyway, what would you guys like to see in the next iMac revision?
These are my 2 cents:

1. Upgraded optical drive- Read/write Blu Ray, DVD & CD
2. OLED Screen
3. HD iSight (maybe add movement tracking)
4. Two button Apple laser mouse- (would be sweet if they had a wireless rechargeable model with dock)
5. Wireless keyboard WITH numeric keypad (backlight would be nice, even if only available in wired models)
6. USB 3.0 (which beats the pants off eSATA and FireWire 3200 for super speedy external hard drives)
7. HDMI port

[Tallest Skil]

1. Nope. No Blu-ray.
2. Let's get a screen that would actually be affordable first. Say, LED.
3. Sure? Bandwidth disallows it right now, but sure.
4. How about a multitouch trackpadesque-surface mouse instead.
5. That isn't the way they're going, so nope.
6. Only in mid-2010.
7. Never. It isn't a TV.

[txnoob]

My trusty iMac G5 has given up the ghost. I plan on buying a new iMac soon, but I refuse to do so until they finally come out with Blu Ray. This would probably involve a redesign and hardware upgrade and I wouldn't wanna be stuck with an old model.

Anyway, what would you guys like to see in the next iMac revision?
These are my 2 cents:

1. Upgraded optical drive- Read/write Blu Ray, DVD & CD
2. OLED Screen
3. HD iSight (maybe add movement tracking)
4. Two button Apple laser mouse- (would be sweet if they had a wireless rechargeable model with dock)
5. Wireless keyboard WITH numeric keypad (backlight would be nice, even if only available in wired models)
6. USB 3.0 (which beats the pants off eSATA and FireWire 3200 for super speedy external hard drives)
7. HDMI port

You plan on buying one soon, but refused to do so until they come with Blu Ray?

I think (just my opinion) your soon is going to come a lot later than you think as Mr. Jobs doesn't seem interested due to the supposed extreme licensing issues/fees involved in Blu Ray.

[wwooden]

1. We'll only see Blu-Ray after the Mac Pro gets it. So I would assume around 6 months after the Mac Pro is a safe bet to guess when the iMac may get it. Since the Mac Pro probably won't be updated for another year, I'm thinking it is going to be while (if ever) before we see Blu-Ray in the iMac.

2. Next will be LED

3. An update to the iSight is needed, I could see that happening in the next major revision.

4. The Mighty Mouse already has two buttons, more if you use the scroll wheel and sides.

5. Black keys and backlight would be sweet. Also a multi-touch pad to give desktops all the extra features.

6. Again, I think the latest technology will go into the Mac Pro first, then 6 months later trickle down.

7. The mini-display port can do everything HDMI can do, so only an adapter is needed.

[DPA]

1. Nope. No Blu-ray.
2. Let's get a screen that would actually be affordable first. Say, LED.
3. Sure? Bandwidth disallows it right now, but sure.
4. How about a multitouch trackpadesque-surface mouse instead.
5. That isn't the way they're going, so nope.
6. Only in mid-2010.
7. Never. It isn't a TV.

Thank you Tallest Skil, txnoob, and wwooden!

David

[Tomorrow]

Not that it's likely to be changed, but the only thing about my iMac that I find really disappointing is the internal speakers. I bought external speakers to get better sound quality, but now I've added more wires to was was previously a nearly-wireless setup.

I agree with the OP, a wireless keyboard with num pad would have been great. The num pad is the only reason I chose the wired keyboard.

Another nice-to-have would be some side- or bottom-mounted USB ports. I did buy an iMac stand with USB ports, largely because I use an external card reader and thumb drives on a regular basis and that's easier to use than reaching (blindly) to the back of the iMac to plug them in all the time.

[TEG]

1. I can see this happening, especially now that the licensing is easier.
2. I doubt we will see an OLED screen for several years, mainly because of the poor life of the color blue, and cost. Higher resolution would be nice though, without larger screen sizes.
3. An HD iSight might be interesting, but not practical due to the fixed nature of the device, there would be almost nothing useful you could do with it.
4. Laser is just a buzz term, because few, if any, Laser Mice actually use laser tracking. The mouse that comes with the computer should be enough for everyday use, if you want something more, go buy it.
5. I would like to see this too, even if it is just an option. Definitely needs to be addressed, because I HATE keypad lacking keyboards.
6. USB 3.0 will have higher bursts than FW3200, but not faster sustained speeds, then again, they only just finalized the chipset a few months ago. I would like to see WirelessUSB and Certified-WirelessUSB (two different standards) integrated, and UWB which now falls under the umbrella of Bluetooth.
7. We HAVE HDMI via the Displayport->DVI->HDMI. There is no need for HDMI ports on the computer itself.

[cyberska]

You plan on buying one soon, but refused to do so until they come with Blu Ray?

I think (just my opinion) your soon is going to come a lot later than you think as Mr. Jobs doesn't seem interested due to the supposed extreme licensing issues/fees involved in Blu Ray.

Well, I think that whenever they do include Blu Ray in iMacs its going to be big enough to announce in a press conference instead of a silent online store update. If the iMac revision is indeed presented this way, I'm guessing they would make substantial hardware changes to warrant the presentation. So, let's say I buy my iMac now and they do this revision in 1 year, I would be annoyed to miss out on all the new features. I figure I'll wait a bit and see what happens- specially with Snow Leopard coming around the bend!

I do agree that Blu Ray in iMacs is a bit uphill given the issues (i.e. bag of hurt) explained previously by Steve Jobs, but that's one thing Sony is changing as we speak (http://www.homemediamagazine.com/high-def/sony-philips-panasonic-team-reduce-licensing-costs-14743) to attract more customers. Blu Ray rights will be paid thru only one entity, reducing licensing costs by up to 40%. We'll see what happens.

[Whackintosh]

If all you're waiting for is a Blu update, I suggest you just buy now and get a used or rerurbed stand-alone Blu-Ray burner as an external option. The LED screen of course, isn't so easy. That's the one I think we were all hoping to see in the current lineup!

[cyberska]

If all you're waiting for is a Blu update, I suggest you just buy now and get a used or rerurbed stand-alone Blu-Ray burner as an external option. The LED screen of course, isn't so easy. That's the one I think we were all hoping to see in the current lineup!

But I don't want the wire clutter! I would much prefer a built-in Blu drive.

Plus, I don't have the $$$ for the new Mac right now, so I can wait a bit.

[cyberska]

Ok, ok- This is my updated dream iMac wish list:

1. I STILL WANT BLU RAY R/W!
2. LED Screen
3. HD iSight
4. Two button mouse- I would love a beautiful Apple designed mouse but with a change: The gimmicky "buttons" on the current Mighty Mouse are not as responsive as real buttons and sometimes don't register right clicks. It would be sweet if they had a wireless rechargeable mouse with dock, too.
5. Wireless keyboard WITH numeric keypad and built-in card reader on the side (Thanks, Tomorrow)- Backlight would be nice, even if only available in wired models
6. USB 3.0 & Wireless USB (Thanks, TEG)
7. Internal Bose speakers- Hey it's a wish list, you know? (Again, Tomorrow)

[txnoob]

Ok, ok- This is my updated dream iMac wish list:

1. I STILL WANT BLU RAY R/W!
2. LED Screen
3. HD iSight
4. Two button mouse- I would love a beautiful Apple designed mouse but with a change: The gimmicky "buttons" on the current Mighty Mouse are not as responsive as real buttons and sometimes don't register right clicks. It would be sweet if they had a wireless rechargeable mouse with dock, too.
5. Wireless keyboard WITH numeric keypad and built-in card reader on the side (Thanks, Tomorrow)- Backlight would be nice, even if only available in wired models
6. USB 3.0 & Wireless USB (Thanks, TEG)
7. Internal Bose speakers- Hey it's a wish list, you know? (Again, Tomorrow)

Those would all be great things to have, no doubt. Just get a mini temporarily. When you get the most important things on your list, sell it and put the proceeds towards your new iMac.

[cyberska]

Those would all be great things to have, no doubt. Just get a mini temporarily. When you get the most important things on your list, sell it and put the proceeds towards your new iMac.

Oh, don't get me wrong- I WILL get myself a new iMac and I can use my old Windoze laptop in the meantime. I just have a wedding to take care of first (you're sorry, I know).

This post was just meant to see what hardware features you guys wished to see on the next iMac revision.

[RichardI]

I just want a true quad core (not likely ever I think) and a speedier super drive. I don't personally care about BluRay but I'd like to be able to rip CD's and DVD's quicker. A true desktop vid card would also be nice but not critical.

Rich :cool:

[txnoob]

I just want a true quad core (not likely ever I think) and a speedier super drive. I don't personally care about BluRay but I'd like to be able to rip CD's and DVD's quicker. A true desktop vid card would also be nice but not critical.

Rich :cool:

I agree about the faster SD. But as long as it's a laptop type drive, I don't think we're going to get much of a performance gain.

[txnoob]

I just have a wedding to take care of first (you're sorry, I know).

This post was just meant to see what hardware features you guys wished to see on the next iMac revision.

Why would I be sorry you're getting married. My wife is the best thing that ever happened to me. I never regret a day I've been married. :D

[cyberska]

Ooh!
SATA 6 Gbit/s would be nice! :D

[Shivetya]

I just want a Mac.

No screen, just the same components in a unit which allows me any screen I want.



Still, since this is about the 'imac"

SSD Drives
LED MATTE screens
BluRay DvD
More USB ports on back (8 would be nice)

[BashStreetYouth]

7. We HAVE HDMI via the Displayport->DVI->HDMI. There is no need for HDMI ports on the computer itself.

I think they meant using games console or something on iMac through HDMI.

[Ambrose Chapel]

All I want is a Nehalem processor (Clarksfield please!!) and an LED display and I will be there with my credit card. I have a feeling I will be waiting until next year (and that I'll be settling for Arrandale). :mad:

[Ambrose Chapel]

6. Again, I think the latest technology will go into the Mac Pro first, then 6 months later trickle down.


Not necessarily true: USB debuted in a Mac on the original iMac, and IIRC Airport was debuted on the iBook.

[jmpage2]

1. Blu-Ray R/W
2. E-SATA
3. Quad Core Processor (especially with SL around the bend)
4. ATI Radeon 4870X2 Mobility (we can dream can't we?)
5. 4 Memory DIMM Slots.

Awww, crap, I guess I should just buy a Mac Pro.

[old john]

7. Internal Bose speakers- Hey it's a wish list, you know? (Again, Tomorrow)

Well, if you're going that far, how about CML's (Cambridge Mechatronics Ltd, previously 1 Ltd) digital sound projector? Last year it made the jump from separate sound-bar type products (Pioneer, Yamaha and Lowe) to being integrated into TVs (Mitsubishi, Grundig and Beko). According to a press release (http://www.cambridgemechatronics.com/press-releases/2009/cirrus-logic-dsp.php) this month announcing Cirrus Logic's licensing of CML's DSP, "Both CML and Cirrus Logic are committed to further reducing the cost of the Digital Sound Projector implementation, largely through silicon integration." Surely sooner or later it will get into consumer-targeted PCs. Could Apple be the first to do it?

[cyberska]

Well, if you're going that far, how about CML's (Cambridge Mechatronics Ltd, previously 1 Ltd) digital sound projector? Last year it made the jump from separate sound-bar type products (Pioneer, Yamaha and Lowe) to being integrated into TVs (Mitsubishi, Grundig and Beko). According to a press release (http://www.cambridgemechatronics.com/press-releases/2009/cirrus-logic-dsp.php) this month announcing Cirrus Logic's licensing of CML's DSP, "Both CML and Cirrus Logic are committed to further reducing the cost of the Digital Sound Projector implementation, largely through silicon integration." Surely sooner or later it will get into consumer-targeted PCs. Could Apple be the first to do it?

OOHH YES!! Even better than Bose speakers!
A surround sound Mac would be the bomb!

[AlexisV]

Pretty much how it was in 2007.

20" - high and low end GPU versions
24" - high and low end GPU versions
24" - option for highest end GPU

Prices back at reasonable levels.

[MrZebra]

You plan on buying one soon, but refused to do so until they come with Blu Ray?

He might be up for a very long wait :p

[cyberska]

Still thinking about that sound bar that Old John mentioned...

The tendency is toward bigger screens, but at the same time, the internal components keep getting smaller. So, what about using the space in the iMac's "jaw" to fit that sound bar? If they made ALL the front of the iMac black, then they could hide the holes for the speakers!

Shivetya made these suggestions which I love:
Matte Screens- A friend of mine has the aluminum iMac. I hate it when he stands behind me in a white shirt. IT'S LIKE A MIRROR!!!
SSD Drive option- For people who want a completely silent and (arguably) faster Mac.

[Cynical psymon]

Well, if you're going that far, how about CML's (Cambridge Mechatronics Ltd, previously 1 Ltd) digital sound projector? Last year it made the jump from separate sound-bar type products (Pioneer, Yamaha and Lowe) to being integrated into TVs (Mitsubishi, Grundig and Beko). According to a press release (http://www.cambridgemechatronics.com/press-releases/2009/cirrus-logic-dsp.php) this month announcing Cirrus Logic's licensing of CML's DSP, "Both CML and Cirrus Logic are committed to further reducing the cost of the Digital Sound Projector implementation, largely through silicon integration." Surely sooner or later it will get into consumer-targeted PCs. Could Apple be the first to do it?

Highly unlikely unless Mr Jobs decides that the speakers can fire forwards but he doesn't like speakers to be 'seen' from the front of the monitor. The speakers could fire downwards but space below the LCD is very tight and any sound ports would need to be shared for ventilation. It's more likely you will see a more forward thinking PC or monitor manufacture in market first.

The Cirrus solution is unlikely to be much cheaper than the current Micronas solution as the main costs are in the speakers themselves and the class D amp's. Combining the amplifiers in banks of 8 would reduce some packaging costs - bear in mind these low cost audio DSP's are able to drive upto 64 individual speakers, each requiring their own amp. A change in speaker design could also reduce costs from the current $25-30 BOM for example a shared frame device, but this has manufacturing/failure issues that would need to be overcome - best to drive the price down through volume.

[Macole]

user removable HD
quad core cpu
reliable dvd recorder / blu ray
and of course BETTER GPU even at the cost of some thicknes
and of course PRICE ...especially here at EU .

[trip1ex]

Add an HDMI-input so folks can use their screen as just a monitor. You have an audio-in why not video-in?

Another USB port couldn't hurt. Kudos for adding another with this latest gen.

Yes - user removable hard drive!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Touchscreen-trackpad option that goes along with the new tiny wired keyboard. (I do not mean a touchscreen monitor.)

BR is worthless on the iMac.

[ZunePod]

All I want is a Nehalem processor (Clarksfield please!!) and an LED display and I will be there with my credit card. I have a feeling I will be waiting until next year (and that I'll be settling for Arrandale). :mad:

That and MiniDisplay IN/OUT not just out.

[OldMike]

user removable HD
quad core cpu
reliable dvd recorder / blu ray
and of course BETTER GPU even at the cost of some thicknes
and of course PRICE ...especially here at EU .

I just purchased an iMac on Friday (due to be delivered this Thursday). It has been a long time since I owned my last PowerMac.

Similar to the list stated above, what would get me to upgrade to my next one would be:

1. Quad Core Processor
2. User Accessible Hard drive
3. eSATA or USB 3.0

I could live without an internal Blu Ray, provided that an external Blu Ray drive is supported.

As far as the GPU is concerned, obviously I would like to have the best graphics performance, but this is one area that I am willing to concede a little and take what I can get...

[spcdust]

- Quad Core (Nehalem Chip family)
- Top end GFX card option
- BR Drive option

[old john]

Highly unlikely unless Mr Jobs decides that the speakers can fire forwards but he doesn't like speakers to be 'seen' from the front of the monitor. The speakers could fire downwards but space below the LCD is very tight and any sound ports would need to be shared for ventilation. It's more likely you will see a more forward thinking PC or monitor manufacture in market first.

Yes, the current restriction to down-pointing speakers is an impediment for Apple to implement CML's surround sound using directed sound beams. One might also expect a more games-orientated PC to get there first, in order to add to the sense of presence or immersion (http://www.itspeaks.org/case5.html) in VR game environments. My suggestion for the wish list was in the spirit of cyberska's light-hearted wish for better sound (internal Bose speakers), just taking it a level further, rather than making a serious suggestion for iMacs! Perhaps the soundbar format (like Yamaha's) will lead the way for PCs, though non-CML-licensed imitations with inferior technology provoke the uninitiated into unwarranted scepticism about what can be achieved.

The Cirrus solution is unlikely to be much cheaper than the current Micronas solution as the main costs are in the speakers themselves and the class D amp's. Combining the amplifiers in banks of 8 would reduce some packaging costs - bear in mind these low cost audio DSP's are able to drive upto 64 individual speakers, each requiring their own amp. A change in speaker design could also reduce costs from the current $25-30 BOM for example a shared frame device, but this has manufacturing/failure issues that would need to be overcome - best to drive the price down through volume.

Thanks, that's interesting extra info. Presumably the volumes will grow as consumers get to know about the technology and other TV manufacturers adopt it. Also the press release I linked to in my original post above states that "CML and Cirrus Logic are committed to further reducing the the cost of the Digital Sound Projector implementation, largely through silicon integration. This will further accelerate the penetration of Digital Sound Projector technology into the 100 Million-unit Flat Panel TV (FPTV) market."

[jnc]

Component and HDMI INPUT.

2 x Mini-displayport output. LED. matte? Cheaper. New Might Mouse that works. Rest is fine, specs wise.


Appearance wise? Bring white back. The aluminium and black clash with horrible bezel is FUGLY. All white looked ten times better.