Upcoming iMac Features/Pricing

[MacRumors]

With Powermacs and LCDs (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/01/20030128084214.shtml) updated on Tuesday... all eyes turn to the iMacs as the next updates. Scattered rumors of iMac updates started spreading prior to MacWorld Expo SF 2003. Rumors were dampened (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/01/20030104183532.shtml) immediately before MWSF with reports from ThinkSecret (http://www.thinksecret.com) that the iMacs would not be upgraded at that time.

Despite unconfirmed reports (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/01/20030126000753.shtml) that the iMacs would be coupled with the PowerMac and LCD updates... the iMacs remain unaltered.

The high end iMac should bring the following features and price:

High End iMac
$1799
17" Screen (no 19")
1GHz
4x DVD-R
DDR RAM
Bluetooth and Airport Extreme capabilities

While ThinkSecret (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/01/20030123172422.shtml) initially mentioned February 3rd, 2003 as a possible date... it appears February 4th will bring us the new iMacs.

[Rajj]

I smell new iMacs and iBooks right around the corner!!!

Also, dude you spelled February wrong!!!


:rolleyes: :rolleyes: ;) :p

[DeusOmnis]

They wouldnt use a 19" lcd, would tehy? they'd use a 20" one. The problem with that is that it costs 1.3k base and the imac is suppose to be the cheap route. If you have a 20" lcd, then you want to have a fast compy, and we're instantly way over 2k total.

[Freg3000]

Seems logical. I guess the only surprise is the DDR Ram. I suppose that means we'll see the 133Mhz bus in the iMac because Apple will probably use 266 DDR Ram (which implies the 133 bus). That's good to see. :)

[Shrek]

Originally posted by DeusOmnis
If you have a 20" lcd, then you want to have a fast compy, and we're instantly way over 2k total.

Shhh. Now now now. There are prosumer PCs that cost $3,000, so let's not even go there.

[dricci]

I hope the 17" carries down to some lower models. I want to get an LCD Mac, but can't afford the current 17" right now. My only option is a used tower + 3rd party LCD, but not many people make wide screen 17"s :mad:

[funkywhat2]

I do see 20" as the next logical step in screen size. Monitors keep getting bigger and bigger, and prices are bound to fall (if not in this lifetime) to the point where the 20" would be logical.

I remember the rumors about moving ports to the front of the machine, anyone think it will happen?

Also, any word on new graphics cards? The GeForce 2 and 4 just aren't cutting it anymore. Yeah, they're just as good as a consumer Dell, but OS X is so graphics heavy, all the video RAM you can get, right?

Also, a quick question on AirPort Extreme. I read reports that Bluetooth had serious effects on 802.11b speeds, is it the same with 802.11g? Also, does AirPort Extreme have some proprietary system to fix any issue that may occur?

[MacKid]

Originally posted by funkywhat2
I do see 20" as the next logical step in screen size. Monitors keep getting bigger and bigger, and prices are bound to fall (if not in this lifetime) to the point where the 20" would be logical.

I remember the rumors about moving ports to the front of the machine, anyone think it will happen?

This is just my opinion, but 20" just seems way too top heavy (remember when you first saw the 17"s IN REAL LIFE? ;) ) Also, I sorta think the iMac would lose its appeal with white cords sticking all out the front.

But it's just an opinion!:D

[SoonToGetAMac]

I feel the same way with wires on the front. Also, do Macs always come out on Tuesdays like DVDs, CDs, major books, etc.? This has always puzzeled me, but I was thinking that it could be from like the 50's and 60's (mabye later) when stores didn't open on Sunday or Monday, so the first day of the week that items could be sold was Tuesday. Sorry this was off topic, it has just always been a qustioion of mine.

[funkywhat2]

Originally posted by MacKid


This is just my opinion, but 20" just seems way too top heavy (remember when you first saw the 17"s IN REAL LIFE? ;) ) Also, I sorta think the iMac would lose its appeal with white cords sticking all out the front.

But it's just an opinion!:D

Personally, I think the 17" looks too small still. I also don't like the front ports idea, but it could also lead into a base revision, which may lead into larger screens.

Domino effect based on sketchy rumors, I love it!

[psxndc]

Originally posted by SoonToGetAMac
Also, do Macs always come out on Tuesdays like DVDs, CDs, major books, etc.? This has always puzzeled me, but I was thinking that it could be from like the 50's and 60's (mabye later) when stores didn't open on Sunday or Monday, so the first day of the week that items could be sold was Tuesday.

I think this has to do more with even if they ship them Saturday, they won't get there till Monday and then the crews have to unpack and set them up that night for Tuesday.

That's my guess at least. Most videogames have ship dates of Mondays but you can't get them in the stores until Tuesday.

-p

[Moxiemike]

I have a feeling that all new iMacs will come with ports on the front. Sort of at least....

They'll all come with one of these (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000065DNR/qid=1043899536/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/102-5534664-7383336?v=glance&s=home-garden&n=507846)

[SoonToGetAMac]

Originally posted by Moxiemike
I have a feeling that all new iMacs will come with ports on the front. Sort of at least....

They'll all come with one of these (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000065DNR/qid=1043899536/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/102-5534664-7383336?v=glance&s=home-garden&n=507846)

ExtremeMac already makes a similar thing http://www.xtrememac.com/formac/ufo.shtml

[SoonToGetAMac]

Originally posted by psxndc


I think this has to do more with even if they ship them Saturday, they won't get there till Monday and then the crews have to unpack and set them up that night for Tuesday.

That's my guess at least. Most videogames have ship dates of Mondays but you can't get them in the stores until Tuesday.

-p

Okay, thanks, I geuss I was just over analyzing.

[Moxiemike]

Originally posted by SoonToGetAMac


ExtremeMac already makes a similar thing http://www.xtrememac.com/formac/ufo.shtml

but the iSusan is only 13 bucks. :)

[SoonToGetAMac]

Originally posted by Moxiemike


but the iSusan is only 13 bucks. :)

:p :D ....haha! but the iSusan implies that the purchaser's name is Susan and that she doesn't know what a verb is....it should be the iAmSusan :)

[Moxiemike]

Originally posted by SoonToGetAMac


:p :D ....haha! but the iSusan implies that the purchaser's name is Susan and that she doesn't know what a verb is....it should be the iAmSusan :)

and apparently, she's a lazy one. ;)

[Kid Red]

I hope they drop the top one down some, $1799 seems a bit high now that Apple re-priced everything else.

[shadowfax]

Originally posted by SoonToGetAMac


:p :D ....haha! but the iSusan implies that the purchaser's name is Susan and that she doesn't know what a verb is....it should be the iAmSusan :)

or iAmAPhoto, or iAmAPod, or iAmADVD, or iAmTunes (WeAreTunes?), or iAmAMovie...
the only apple one with the semblance of a verb is iMack, and that's just plain dirty.

i think iSusan comes from the classic rotating condiments rack thing, the lazy susan.

as astutely notice by moxiemike before me! darn!

also, if we wanted to make more sense, we could say iDoMovies, iDoTunes, etc..
well, iDoSusan.

[Kid Red]

Also, Apple releases on Tuesdays, so I think it would be the 4th not the 3rd, I'm a little surprised TS would say a Monday.

[SoonToGetAMac]

Originally posted by Shadowfax


or iAmAPhoto, or iAmAPod, or iAmADVD, or iAmTunes (WeAreTunes?), or iAmAMovie...
the only apple one with the semblance of a verb is iMack, and that's just plain dirty.

i think iSusan comes from the classic rotating condiments rack thing, the lazy susan.

as astutely notice by moxiemike before me! darn!

also, if we wanted to make more sense, we could say iDoMovies, iDoTunes, etc..
well, iDoSusan.

Yeah, but IAmSusan is the only realistic one, unless you know an animate DVD, in which case I think you my not be mentally stable.;)

[shadowfax]

Originally posted by SoonToGetAMac


Yeah, but IAmSusan is the only realistic one, unless you know an animate DVD, in which case I think you my not be mentally stable.;)

shoot, you know how many DVDs i have lost? the darn things just get up and fly away!

:eek:

[CybrCyfr]

I would really love to see colored iMacs.

I bought an iMac and after hooking it up to an external monitor I came to the realization that I was limited to 1024x768 resolution. Way to large for my taste on a 21" monitor.

I guess I should have read the specs more. But the arm on the iMac is so damn sexy I had to have one.

I guess my next mac will be a new PowerMac... Unless someone knows a trick for changing the graphics card in the 15" iMac (I assume it can't be done?)...

[jholzner]

What about the eMacs?? New iMacs are great but a little to pricey for my cousin (a student). Right now he's lookin' at the Combo drive eMac. If they update the iMacs but not the eMacs...they shoull at least drop the price on the eMacs.

[Rocketman]

Steve Jobs wants a new job.

1. Steve Jobs is President of Pixar which is a wonderkiind success story if there ever was one.

2. Steve Jobs has overseen the start-up of Apple Computer, perhaps the definitive leader in computer R&D and later rearrived to revive the believers. In financially successful fashion no less.

3. AOL/Time Warner needs a President.

4. Steve Job's company is the Apple in AOL. Time Warner has actual assets in need of management with value independent of the internet.

5. Apple/Jobs has experience in accumulating and managing large assets.

Rocketman

[vniow]

Might want to PM arn about that, have you changed your e-mail recently?

[MOM]

OK, can somebody please let me know if there is a law in this Universe against an 18" lcd? Everyone assumes they have to go 15-17-19-20-22-23 etc. An 1" increase in lcd size is something. Its not like Moore's law applies to lcds. It was something when CRTs were all the rage and we know that the now extinct 22" was woth a lot less than a 23" lcd. So why can't Apple make an 18" lcd as the next step up to show improvment and keep price down? Go ahead, enlighten me....

[ibjoshua]

Originally posted by CybrCyfr
Unless someone knows a trick for changing the graphics card in the 15" iMac (I assume it can't be done?)...

There is a pretty well known hack for Radeon based iBooks that allows monitor spanning: http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/systems/ibook_dual_display_mods.html#storytop

There are mixed reports about people getting it to work on the 17" iMacs too.

If you decide to give it a go, remember it will almost definitely void your warranty. Make sure you read ALL the feedback first then try and temporarily change the hex settings - don't commit the changes to firmware before you're sure it works.



ExtremeMac already makes a similar thing http://www.xtrememac.com/formac/ufo.shtml
Nice idea. I was about to knock up a sketch of someting almost identical as a discussion point for possible solutions to the argument over front and back ports. If I owned an iMac I think I'd definitely go for one of those.

i_b_joshua

[SoonToGetAMac]

Originally posted by Shadowfax


shoot, you know how many DVDs i have lost? the darn things just get up and fly away!

:eek:

yeah CDs seem to do that to me...when will they learn? I've tried lecturing them;)

[rafaelperini]

Any rumors/new about slot loading drivers for the iMacs?
I think that would be nice, but I would not expect for this next update.
The truth is, the new updates will probably bring:

1) Small speed bumps (1Ghz max)
2) Larger HDs
3) Bluetooth integrated
4) Airport extreme ready
5) Possibly firewire 2

Price drops? Probably! And that's what makes me really happy, because I am waiting for this update to buy one (hopefully the 17'').

The U.F.O. is definetly a good idea, if Apple don't put the ports on the front, I wil think about buying that thing (despite the quite heavy price)

[mityx]

I've been to the online Apple Store tonight to check out the iPods.
But of note to me was the inability to purchase the 5GB model....only the 10 and 20 GB.

Out of curiosity I went through the process of selecting a new Power Mac, and customized to my liking.
When I got to the "Anything Else?" stage, again the 5 GB iPod was listed, but no way of selecting it.

Any thoughts?
Upgrades soon?

[NicoMan]

Originally posted by rafaelperini
Any rumors/new about slot loading drivers for the iMacs?
I think that would be nice, but I would not expect for this next update.
The truth is, the new updates will probably bring:

1) Small speed bumps (1Ghz max)
2) Larger HDs
3) Bluetooth integrated
4) Airport extreme ready
5) Possibly firewire 2

Price drops? Probably! And that's what makes me really happy, because I am waiting for this update to buy one (hopefully the 17'').

The U.F.O. is definetly a good idea, if Apple don't put the ports on the front, I wil think about buying that thing (despite the quite heavy price)
I don't think you will get FW2 (aka FW800) in those machines but that's a guess...

NicoMan

[pgwalsh]

Good!

I hope they lower the price of the iMacs too. Then new eMacs with even lower prices.


We still have not seen any updates with the xServe and what about that xRaid thing or whatever it was? Where is that?

[reyesmac]

Did Apple spend all that time and money developing that THICK metal arm on the new iMacs so it will only hold a maximum 20in screen? I don't think so, Apple will make an iMac with a bigger screen. They will do it when they want to do it, but they will do it.
I don't think they will put ddr ram on the iMac if it is not going to speed it up much more than the current ram.

[daveg5]

Originally posted by CybrCyfr
I would really love to see colored iMacs.

I bought an iMac and after hooking it up to an external monitor I came to the realization that I was limited to 1024x768 resolution. Way to large for my taste on a 21" monitor.

I guess I should have read the specs more. But the arm on the iMac is so damn sexy I had to have one.

I guess my next mac will be a new PowerMac... Unless someone knows a trick for changing the graphics card in the 15" iMac (I assume it can't be done?)...


i believe there is a hack that allows you to get an extended display Non mirrirored at all of the powerbook resolutions on www.xlr8yourmac.com forgot where on the site though

[daveg5]

seems to only support ibooks and 17 imacg4 http://www.rutemoeller.com/mp/ibook/ibook_e.html

[3777]

I would like to see the new iMac top out at at least 1.25ghz. I hope this report is wrong.

[pgwalsh]

Originally posted by 3777
I would like to see the new iMac top out at at least 1.25ghz. I hope this report is wrong. I agree with you, but I don't think it will happen. Look at the size of the heatsink they have in the towers. All the fans and everything to keep them cool. I think the 1Ghz processor must run a lot cooler as they can run it in a portable. The base of the imac is small and I don't think they could keep it cool and stable enought to put a 1.25 in it. But, let's hope that I'm wrong and the report is wrong. Let's also hope for a larger than 17" - say a special edition iMac with a cool new color.

[JW Pepper]

Let's assume that the iMacs are going to get price cuts in the same way that the Powermacs have. That means the 17" model will fall from it's current $1999 price tag.

The difference in price between the 17" and 20" displays is only $600. Would you be prepared to pay $600 extra say $2400 for a 20" iMac, I would.

If Apple wanted to release such a machine they could make it work. These iMacs weigh 20lbs so they can easily support the additional weight.

[pgwalsh]

Originally posted by JW Pepper
Let's assume that the iMacs are going to get price cuts in the same way that the Powermacs have. That means the 17" model will fall from it's current $1999 price tag.

The difference in price between the 17" and 20" displays is only $600. Would you be prepared to pay $600 extra say $2400 for a 20" iMac, I would.

If Apple wanted to release such a machine they could make it work. These iMacs weigh 20lbs so they can easily support the additional weight. That would be a really tough decision for me. When you buy a new machine you'd have to get one with a monitor. You wouldn't be able to use the current one. However, at that piont the prices should come down considerably. So, you may want something even bigger.

Like stereo components I like to buy things separate, just incase something dies.

[reflex]

I don't know if anyone has noted this before, but the cheapest iMac currently has a delivery time of 2-3 weeks. The 17" model says 7-10 days and the other two say 5-7 days.

[Shrek]

Originally posted by reflex
I don't know if anyone has noted this before, but the cheapest iMac currently has a delivery time of 2-3 weeks. The 17" model says 7-10 days and the other two say 5-7 days.

Exactly! That's what I've noted in this thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18711). ;)

[edenwaith]

Originally posted by SoonToGetAMac
I feel the same way with wires on the front. Also, do Macs always come out on Tuesdays like DVDs, CDs, major books, etc.? This has always puzzeled me, but I was thinking that it could be from like the 50's and 60's (mabye later) when stores didn't open on Sunday or Monday, so the first day of the week that items could be sold was Tuesday. Sorry this was off topic, it has just always been a qustioion of mine.

Interesting idea. In the hole of a town where I grew up, the downtown area worked like that...open Tuesday through Saturday, but closed on Sunday and Monday. I guess most people don't go shopping on Monday since they are still recovering from going back to work.

[pkradd]

February 4, next Tuesday would be more likely. Apple almost always intros hardware on Tuesdays, not Mondays. I think they'll be a $999 15" entry level iMac.

[reflex]

Originally posted by Shrek


Exactly! That's what I've noted in this thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18711). ;)

Hehe, I was wondering how soon someone would point out another thread that made my post look silly :)

[Bear]

Originally posted by Kid Red
Also, Apple releases on Tuesdays, so I think it would be the 4th not the 3rd, I'm a little surprised TS would say a Monday.
Actually Apple has been known to release new hardware on a Monday. In specific, the 667/800MHz DVI Powerbook was announced on Monday April 29th. So a Monday release is possible.

[maehara]

Originally posted by rafaelperini
Any rumors/new about slot loading drivers for the iMacs?
I think that would be nice, but I would not expect for this next update.

The thing with slot-loading drives is that although they look great, the loading mechanism can damage your discs - check the scratches on a CD after it's been through a car CD player a few times...

Tray-loading drives = less need to replace discs or patch up scratches, so I don't mind if Apple stick with them.

[BenRoethig]

Originally posted by pkradd
February 4, next Tuesday would be more likely. Apple almost always intros hardware on Tuesdays, not Mondays. I think they'll be a $999 15" entry level iMac.

I sure hope so.

[NicoMan]

Originally posted by reyesmac
Did Apple spend all that time and money developing that THICK metal arm on the new iMacs so it will only hold a maximum 20in screen? I don't think so, Apple will make an iMac with a bigger screen. They will do it when they want to do it, but they will do it.
I don't think they will put ddr ram on the iMac if it is not going to speed it up much more than the current ram.

It personally don't think they will go for a bigger screen on the iMac. I think that the 17" is as big as they can make it without making it look way out of proportion with the base. It doesn't mean that they will never change the screen resolution, or that they won't redesign it to fit a 19"-20".
But the way things are, putting more res (1680*1050 for example) would put it too close to a powermac, I feel.

NicoMan

[yosoyjay]

Originally posted by funkywhat2

Also, a quick question on AirPort Extreme. I read reports that Bluetooth had serious effects on 802.11b speeds, is it the same with 802.11g? Also, does AirPort Extreme have some proprietary system to fix any issue that may occur?

I'd like to hear more about these effects on 802.11b speeds. Could you provide a link?

I'm fairly sure that Airport Extreme is the proposed 802.11g standard. So there is no proprietary stuff...

[wrylachlan]

The larger a screen you go with, the greater a percentage of the total cost the screen is. This can be a problem since people don't want to have to buy the screen twice if they just upgrade the computer.

I know that it would be difficult for a home user to change the LCD on an iMac, but could apple run an upgrade program where you send in your old iMac, they take off the LCD and put it on a new base? Or it could even be done at an Apple Store.

My PC has a 5 year old 19" CRT that shows no signs of dying. Since I've had it I've bought one new computer, and will again soon.

On the Mac side, I know I would consider an iMac at 17" or 20" a much better value if I knew I could upgrade the base without reinvesting in an LCD.

[pkradd]

LCD screens are not made invidually, but in large sheets. Manufacturers have been changing the dimensions of these sheets (and the equipment needed to make them) in the past year to maximize ultimate screen size and reduce cost. An 18 " screen doesn't fall into the parameters. I don't believe Apple will put a 20" screen on the current iMac simply because the esthetics of a too small base and a too large screen would make it ugly. Also there are weight considerations. One thing that may happen is a change from steel to aluminum on the arm. The 15" (possibly a wide-screen version) will remain as an entry level $999 iMac. The eMac will drop in price to $799.

[DharvaBinky]

http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/01/29/hnintelchip_1.html

oh great... now even PDAs running WindowsPocketPC crap have a faster FSB than Macs... *sigh*

Think Clobbered.

:mad:

Dharvabinky

[arn]

Originally posted by JW Pepper
Let's assume that the iMacs are going to get price cuts in the same way that the Powermacs have. That means the 17" model will fall from it's current $1999 price tag.


Did you guys read the first post in this thread?

The high end iMac should come it at $1799.

arn

[primalman]

Originally posted by JW Pepper
Let's assume that the iMacs are going to get price cuts in the same way that the Powermacs have. That means the 17" model will fall from it's current $1999 price tag.

The difference in price between the 17" and 20" displays is only $600. Would you be prepared to pay $600 extra say $2400 for a 20" iMac, I would.

If Apple wanted to release such a machine they could make it work. These iMacs weigh 20lbs so they can easily support the additional weight.

Don't you think that if you could buy a 1ghz iMac with a 20" screen and superdrive for $2400, that it would screw over the sales of the 1ghz PMG4 without a superdrive + 20" Cinema for $3000???? Apple would never do that!

I do not think that Apple will go beyond the 17" iMac screen, at least for the near term, say the next 18 months. LCD prices need to be DOWN before they would increase the size without really adding cost.

I believe Apple has a mandate: the iMac must never be more than $1999. Period. The eMac must never be more than $1499. Period. Yada yada yada.....

[primalman]

Originally posted by pkradd
LCD screens are not made invidually, but in large sheets. Manufacturers have been changing the dimensions of these sheets (and the equipment needed to make them) in the past year to maximize ultimate screen size and reduce cost. An 18 " screen doesn't fall into the parameters. ...

If 18" does not fit in the parameters you speak of, then why do so many companies offer LCDs that are 18"? Let me know when you find out. Thanks. :)

[tcmcam]

I hope the iMac comes in at 1.25ghz, but I think it will probably be 1ghz (boo hoo).

I would still love to see them make a "Headless" iMac. Just give me a DVI and ADC connector on the back. Then the monitor thing goes away. It basically becomes a new "cube" form factor.

Also, I wouldn't mind a single USB port on the front of the iMac base. This would be perfect for plugging in the keyboard.

[SwitchHitter]

What's DDR Ram? I'm a PC user.. going to make the switch...to an imac, and want to understand what it is vis a vis the 256, etc.


Thanks.

[Le Big Mac]

Originally posted by tcmcam

I would still love to see them make a "Headless" iMac. Just give me a DVI and ADC connector on the back. Then the monitor thing goes away. It basically becomes a new "cube" form factor.


Given the failure of the cube, why would Apple make this mistake again? What's odd to me is that the Cube failed miserably, while the iMac has done relatively well, despite having the same limitations on upgradeability. Is the only difference the fact that the cube goes under a desk (normally), whereas the iMac sits on top of it?

Besides, why would I want a hemisphere on my desk?

[js995]

I dont know if i didnt read correctly last time I was browsing the Apple online store, but it now appears that all 14" models are $100 less than previously stated, with the US store displaying this fact and the UK one showing a "New Price" indicator.

Of course .. i could just be unobservant :)

link to image here (http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/2041/251/store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/hp_price_ibook.gif)

[Over Achiever]

Originally posted by js995
I dont know if i didnt read correctly last time I was browsing the Apple online store, but it now appears that all 14" models are $100 less than previously stated, with the US store displaying this fact and the UK one showing a "New Price" indicator.

Of course .. i could just be unobservant :)

link to image here (http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/2041/251/store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/hp_price_ibook.gif)

The price drop was to make "room" for the 12" powerbook...the price was dropped when the powerbooks were released.;)

[sedarby]

Originally posted by tcmcam
I hope the iMac comes in at 1.25ghz, but I think it will probably be 1ghz (boo hoo).

I would still love to see them make a "Headless" iMac. Just give me a DVI and ADC connector on the back. Then the monitor thing goes away. It basically becomes a new "cube" form factor.

Also, I wouldn't mind a single USB port on the front of the iMac base. This would be perfect for plugging in the keyboard.

And we all know what a success the cube was. :D

[sparks9]

No, all eyes now turn on the iPod for updates...

[sedarby]

Originally posted by Le Big Mac


Given the failure of the cube, why would Apple make this mistake again? What's odd to me is that the Cube failed miserably, while the iMac has done relatively well, despite having the same limitations on upgradeability. Is the only difference the fact that the cube goes under a desk (normally), whereas the iMac sits on top of it?

Besides, why would I want a hemisphere on my desk?

For me the limiting factor for the Cube was the vertical feed drive and the fact that all cables connected underneath it. It was just too cumbersome and small.

[CHess]

Originally posted by Le Big Mac


Given the failure of the cube, why would Apple make this mistake again? What's odd to me is that the Cube failed miserably, while the iMac has done relatively well, despite having the same limitations on upgradeability. Is the only difference the fact that the cube goes under a desk (normally), whereas the iMac sits on top of it?

Besides, why would I want a hemisphere on my desk?

The Cube does NOT go under a desk (normally), it sits on top, like the iMac. That's why it has such a cool case, is fan-less, and has a power switch and a top loading CD/DVD drive.

Funny thing is that while I never wanted one when they came out, I ended up buying a used one last summer and I love it. I'm not sure why it failed, really, except that Apple's desktop line was just too muddy at the time. The Cube didn't really fit it. It wasn't compact like the original iMac and it wasn't as expandable as the tower.

The idea that someone would ask for a 'headless' iMac is interesting, because you'd end up with what is essentially an expansionless Cube. As it is now, you can still buy processor and video card upgrades for the Cube - you can't do that with an iMac.

[dguisinger]

Originally posted by CHess


The Cube does NOT go under a desk (normally), it sits on top, like the iMac. That's why it has such a cool case, is fan-less, and has a power switch and a top loading CD/DVD drive.

Funny thing is that while I never wanted one when they came out, I ended up buying a used one last summer and I love it. I'm not sure why it failed, really, except that Apple's desktop line was just too muddy at the time. The Cube didn't really fit it. It wasn't compact like the original iMac and it wasn't as expandable as the tower.

The idea that someone would ask for a 'headless' iMac is interesting, because you'd end up with what is essentially an expansionless Cube. As it is now, you can still buy processor and video card upgrades for the Cube - you can't do that with an iMac.

Actually, I would have to say the Cube was way overpriced for its functionality. It made much more sense to buy a laptop than it did to buy the Cube. The Cube stock configuration was single processor, yet it was approaching the price of dual processor PowerMacs. The problem? Just because it had a G4 didn't mean people were willing to pay 2x what the machine was worth.....it wasn't that cool........and it didn't get the job done any better.

In my Opinion, Apple should phase out the G3 iMac immediately, and release a new iMac....that way you have the Flat Panel iMac, and a normal G4 iMac without a screen.......its not that hard to add the DVI port, and make an alternate cover with no arm socket. I'd sell it for $699 ... it would bring Apple into the Arena with Dell and Gateway....yet they'd probably make a good size profit from the mass production volume of the iMacs.

[yzedf]

802.11b and g both use the same frequency spectrum. interference similar to microwave oven or 2.4GHz cordless phone with standard airport.

question though... the wintel based notebooks will have tri-band cards in the next few months. how soon for Apple???

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

tri-band = 802.11a/b/g

"b" and "g" are compatible, whereas "a" is seperate, but better for clusters of wireless stations than "g" is.

[jefhatfield]

Originally posted by xrhajj
I smell new iMacs and iBooks right around the corner!!!

Also, dude you spelled February wrong!!!


:rolleyes: :rolleyes: ;) :p

apple inc is in catch up mode across the board and quiet updates as well as macworld announcements are needed

we can't rely on updates only at macworld

1 ghz would be a good place to be for the consumer products on the high end

[pilotgi]

Posted by SwitchHitter

What's DDR Ram? I'm a PC user.. going to make the switch...to an imac, and want to understand what it is vis a vis the 256, etc.
DDR means "double data rate". Right now the iMac only supports SDRAM (single data rate). The PowerMacs, and now some of the Powerbooks use DDR ram but Motorola's G4 processor doesn't take advantage of the extra speed. Once the memory controller gets it however, the memory can then talk to the chipset on the motherboard at DDR speed. The speculation is that upgraded iMacs will get a faster system bus (100 > 133 Mhz) and DDR memory.

[pgwalsh]

Originally posted by pilotgi
Posted by SwitchHitter

DDR means "double data rate". Right now the iMac only supports SDRAM (single data rate). The PowerMacs, and now some of the Powerbooks use DDR ram but Motorola's G4 processor doesn't take advantage of the extra speed. Once the memory controller gets it however, the memory can then talk to the chipset on the motherboard at DDR speed. The speculation is that upgraded iMacs will get a faster system bus (100 > 133 Mhz) and DDR memory.

Also, SDRAM stands for synchronous dynamic random access memory.

DDR - actually means double data rate.

Just in case you thought SDRAM meant single data random acceess memory

[Chomolungma]

Originally posted by MacKid

Also, I sorta think the iMac would lose its appeal with white cords sticking all out the front.

But it's just an opinion!:D

Why not design a keyboard with 2 Firewire 800 and 2 USB 1.1. With this, the only port you'll have on the back is the power, ehternet, keyboard and modem (but who uses modem port anymore). This is a simple and brilliant solution that Apple hasn't carry through to its completion.

I may have neglect the physical limitation of Firewire 800, however, I think this is a brilliant idea.:D

[primalman]

Originally posted by Chomolungma


Why not design a keyboard with 2 Firewire 800 and 2 USB 1.1. With this, the only port you'll have on the back is the power, ehternet, keyboard and modem (but who uses modem port anymore). This is a simple and brilliant solution that Apple hasn't carry through to its completion.

I may have neglect the physical limitation of Firewire 800, however, I think this is a brilliant idea.:D

Yah, I agree. I had tried to promote this to the boards here and elsewhere last year. It would make sense to have a KB that has all the daily use/switching ports ready to go. Make the KB a powered USB/FW400/FW800 hub. Makes very good sense to me for the digital hub strategy.

[maynard]

Originally posted by Chomolungma


Why not design a keyboard with 2 Firewire 800 and 2 USB 1.1. With this, the only port you'll have on the back is the power, ehternet, keyboard and modem (but who uses modem port anymore). This is a simple and brilliant solution that Apple hasn't carry through to its completion.



Strangely, yes they did - back in 1977. Minus Firewire, USB, and ethernet; floppy disk and modem extra as an add on card and/or external peripheral. So did Radio Shack. I still have an original Apple II (not II+) and TRS-80 Model I in my basement collecting dust and looking old. One of these days I'll finish refurbishing those dinosaurs. :) But they sure were fun machines in their day! --M

[chubakka]

The cube wasn't targeted to consumers but to professionals who didn't need expandability... although even pros who don't need it... want to have the option.

But an iCube... i.e. a consumer version might work...sell it for under $1000 and then you have consumers lust for the nice big flat screens... think consumers would spend the $1299 for the 20"?

[arn]

The article has been updated.

arn

[primalman]

Originally posted by arn
The article has been updated.

arn

what was updated? Besides the word "update" at the bottom? Please shed light.

[Freg3000]

Originally posted by primalman


what was updated? Besides the word "update" at the bottom? Please shed light.

Yeah, what changed? Any more info?

[Patience]

I believe the update was to suggest a release date of February 4th rather than February 3rd. Frankly, either would be greatly appreciated!:)

[shadowfax]

Originally posted by SoonToGetAMac


yeah CDs seem to do that to me...when will they learn? I've tried lecturing them;)

i thought of designing a bootcamp inside my Tibook that punishes them as i use them. i wish i could fit them all inside there.

of course, CDs don't bother me. i rip them and forget them. i am only concerned about DVDs. if i had an iMac, i think i would put them under it.

[-hh]

Originally posted by Macrumors
[B
The high end iMac should bring the following features and price:

High End iMac
$1799
17" Screen (no 19")
1GHz
4x DVD-R
DDR RAM
Bluetooth and Airport Extreme capabilities
[/B]


I don't think Apple's probably going to go for it, but if you made the 17" with a Pivot screen, then you would clearly be adding something very different.


-hh

[Shrek]

Imagine if Apple released new iMacs with detachable arms so that they can sell the base and screens separately from each other. This way you can choose your base, and then add whatever screen size you want to it (but you must choose a screen, of course). That would be very neato! :D

[edenwaith]

Originally posted by DeusOmnis
They wouldnt use a 19" lcd, would tehy? they'd use a 20" one. The problem with that is that it costs 1.3k base and the imac is suppose to be the cheap route. If you have a 20" lcd, then you want to have a fast compy, and we're instantly way over 2k total.

Nah, I think a 19" or 20" screen would look way too large especially when compared to the iMac's body. Even the 20" monitor is becoming difficult to tell whether or not it is the 20" or the 23"....they both look pretty good sized. But with the 23" having come so far down in price, I'm problably going to get myself one once I get a decent job...however, considering this economy, that might take awhile! But hopefully not, we'll see.

[iSmell]

What if instead of a headless iMac, they just rereleases the cube? Didn't Jobs say something about it not really being dead? People thought when the iMac came out, that's what he was talking about, but they could put out a cube now with innards similar to an iMac, but without the screen and sell it for $600-$800. That would be sweet.
And yes, consumers will pay $1200 for a 20" screen because they paid $3500 for a 23" screen a month ago (well, some of them did anyway (suckers)).


Yeah, it probably won't happen, but....

[iSmell]

Originally posted by edenwaith
But with the 23" having come so far down in price, I'm problably going to get myself one once I get a decent job...however, considering this economy, that might take awhile! But hopefully not, we'll see.

I'm going to get one when I win the lottery.

Any day now...

[arn]

Originally posted by Freg3000


Yeah, what changed? Any more info?

Feb 4th release day.

arn

[edenwaith]

Originally posted by SwitchHitter
What's DDR Ram? I'm a PC user.. going to make the switch...to an imac, and want to understand what it is vis a vis the 256, etc.

Thanks.

First off, welcome to the family.

Essentially, DDR RAM is supposed to be a faster form of RAM (when compared to SDRAM). And with the improvement in technology comes an extra price. DDR RAM tends to be more expensive than SDRAM.

But if you get yourself a newer iMac (whenever those come out), I recommend that you don't buy extra RAM from Apple since their prices are pretty expensive when it comes to RAM. Go to ramseeker.com to find much better prices on RAM. I recently bought a 512 MB SDRAM chip for $44.

[edenwaith]

Originally posted by iSmell


I'm going to get one when I win the lottery.

Any day now...

You, too, huh? I'm just hoping I can be extra charasmatic and convince the lottery people that just because I didn't get 5 or 6 of the numbers, that I should still get the $200 million jackpot (if no one else wins it, that is).

[IndyGopher]

For absolutely the very last time ever, DDR *IS* SDRAM.

[pilotgi]

OK. My bad for using "SDRAM" to refer to the single rate memory. SDRAM does indeed stand for "synchronous dynamic random access memory".

[MacKid]

Originally posted by -hh



I don't think Apple's probably going to go for it, but if you made the 17" with a Pivot screen, then you would clearly be adding something very different.


-hh

Well, Apple's tradition is to change the form-function of a product every 2-3 years, and I think, although it may be very unlikely. . . .

THE RUMORED DETATCHABLE SCREEN!!!!!

J/K:D

[Bregalad]

Originally posted by iSmell
I'm going to get one when I win the lottery.

Any day now...

Maybe you should be checking your March 2002 Powerball tickets again. There's a $77million jackpot that's been sitting unclaimed for almost a year now. Most of the state governments would kill for an extra $77mil right now. Maybe one of them did and that's why the prize hasn't been claimed ;)

Back on topic I think the rumor mill has the new iMac pretty well figured out. I expect to see modest improvements to the configurations and pricing of all iMac and eMac models. FW800 might not make an appearance yet and I don't think Steve or Jonathan Ive would ever put a port on the front of the iMac.

On that note I wonder how often the rest of you unplug your scanner, printer and keyboard. Isn't it much more practical to have all those cords plugged in to the back where they can easily run off the back of the desk, down to the keyboard drawer and, unseen, over to the peripherals? If you have more devices than that you probably already have a hub. Just get an extra cable and leave it plugged into the hub all the time. When you want to plug in your digital camera or PDA or whatever, just grab the end of the cable.

[primalman]

Originally posted by Bregalad


Maybe you should be checking your March 2002 Powerball tickets again. There's a $77million jackpot that's been sitting unclaimed for almost a year now. Most of the state governments would kill for an extra $77mil right now. Maybe one of them did and that's why the prize hasn't been claimed ;)

Back on topic I think the rumor mill has the new iMac pretty well figured out. I expect to see modest improvements to the configurations and pricing of all iMac and eMac models. FW800 might not make an appearance yet and I don't think Steve or Jonathan Ive would ever put a port on the front of the iMac.

On that note I wonder how often the rest of you unplug your scanner, printer and keyboard. Isn't it much more practical to have all those cords plugged in to the back where they can easily run off the back of the desk, down to the keyboard drawer and, unseen, over to the peripherals? If you have more devices than that you probably already have a hub. Just get an extra cable and leave it plugged into the hub all the time. When you want to plug in your digital camera or PDA or whatever, just grab the end of the cable.

I think the KB hub idea is more for us users who have a tower and put in under our desks, and use things like digital cameras and DV and, tote around hard drives from home to work. Just a convienience thing really.

[pyrotoaster]

Originally posted by -hh
I don't think Apple's probably going to go for it, but if you made the 17" with a Pivot screen, then you would clearly be adding something very different.
That would be very cool. Putting it on a high-end model (or a maybe a BTO) would make the iMac a useful tool to professionals with a budget (who are also willing to sacrafice some power).
Originally posted by Mac Rumors
While ThinkSecret initially mentioned February 3rd, 2003 as a possible date... according to other reliable rumors, it appears February 4th will bring us the new iMacs.
I just can't help but mention that I predicted a Feb. 4 release last Friday at my Mac weblog... (http://macunderground.blogspot.com/)

[Abstract]

For all the people who have said that a 20" iMac won't happen because the screen is too big in comparison to the base of the iMac are correct. When you look at the iMac, you think its beautiful partly due to the ratio of the dimemsions of the system, and the ratio of the size of the base with the rest of the system. Ever heard of the golden ratio? An iMac with a 20" monitor will not be perceived as beautiful, and so it will not be made. Have you ever seen a girl with a perfect body, beautiful face, but a head the size of a small planet? No, and if you did, you wouldn't think she's pretty even though her individual features are "perfect". Same applies here.

Also, because of the way the monitor can be adjusted via the arms, a 20" screen would shift the center of balance too much for it to stand up. This may not happen at all arm angles, but there would definitely be an angle at which the entire iMac topples over. The only solution is either a bigger base, a heavier base, or a bit or both.

Thirdly, if Apple wanted to keep the cost of iMacs below $1999 like many people have stated, and the top end iMac was upgraded to 1Ghz and DDR RAM, this would completely cannabalize the sale of the 1Ghz PowerMac because the 1Ghz iMac would ultimately be a 1Ghz PowerMac with an lcd display included, correct? A 1Ghz Powermac WITH a 17" display would cost $2200, while the equally well equipped iMac would cost $1999. Also, a 17" display bought for a 1Ghz Powermac wouldn't be widescreen, making this configuration more expensive and worse than the iMac.

Now, if I'm wrong and they upgrade the lcd size to 20" and the price to $2300 or $2400, for example, then this would also cannabalize the sales of any 1Ghz Powermac with a 20" display, which would cost $2800. I'm one of those people who think that the 1Ghz PowerMac is a bad idea, and an iMac upgraded to 1Ghz would step on the toes of the 1Ghz Powermac too much. In fact, a 17" iMac would be a better deal than a 1Ghz Powermac + 17"; and a 20" iMac would be a better deal than a 1Ghz PowerMac + 20" display. Why even release a single processor 1Ghz Powermac if Apple knew they were going to release a better equipped iMac for cheaper?

I think any upgrade to the iMac will be to 900Ghz or 933Ghz, while the lower end iMacs are bumped to 800Ghz. Also, FW800, APE, and DDR RAM will be added, and maybe Bluetooth as well. However, they can't make an iMac a much better deal than the PowerMac + display. The only remedy to this 1Ghz PowerMac versus 1Ghz iMac problem, in terms of the value/money, is to continue selling the iMac with SDRAM. That way, at least people will think that the PowerMac + Display is better than the iMac in some way.

[MOSiX Man]

Originally posted by chubakka
The cube wasn't targeted to consumers but to professionals who didn't need expandability... although even pros who don't need it... want to have the option.

But an iCube... i.e. a consumer version might work...sell it for under $1000 and then you have consumers lust for the nice big flat screens... think consumers would spend the $1299 for the 20"?

The problem with that idea, is that Apple wouldn't be guaranteed any profit on selling you a display. Sure, the price you pay for the iMac display is a pretty good price, but it is still guaranteed income for Apple. If they were to sell "headless" iMacs, they would be cutting part of the profit margin out of what is already probably their lowest margin product.

The fact is, as far as Apple is concerned, the iMac is not supposed to be upgradeable (other than RAM). If you want to buy their cheaper stuff, be prepared to buy the whole deal, all over again, when you want to move up. That's the whole idead behind the all-in-one enclosure.

Mind you, I'm not complaining -- just stating the facts. If you want a Mac with a screen you can upgrade (along with everything else), buy a Powermac. You can get one for $1499. Do you think Apple is going to sell almost the same hardware, in a smaller box, for $799, without making sure they can get a built-in sale on the LCD?! Ya', sure!

[pyrotoaster]

Originally posted by iSmell
What if instead of a headless iMac, they just rereleases the cube? Didn't Jobs say something about it not really being dead? People thought when the iMac came out, that's what he was talking about, but they could put out a cube now with innards similar to an iMac, but without the screen and sell it for $600-$800. That would be sweet.
And yes, consumers will pay $1200 for a 20" screen because they paid $3500 for a 23" screen a month ago (well, some of them did anyway (suckers)).

Yeah, it probably won't happen, but....
I didn't think about that! A new Cube... Maybe not now, but Steve did say (on CNBC) that he had some surprises up his sleeve Apple's desktops. Maybe a PowerPC 970 Cube?

[JW Pepper]

Originally posted by Abstract
Also, because of the way the monitor can be adjusted via the arms, a 20" screen would shift the center of balance too much for it to stand up. This may not happen at all arm angles, but there would definitely be an angle at which the entire iMac topples over. The only solution is either a bigger base, a heavier base, or a bit or both.

... Now, if I'm wrong and they upgrade the lcd size to 20" and the price to $2300 or $2400, for example, then this would also cannabalize the sales of any 1Ghz Powermac with a 20" display, which would cost $2800. I'm one of those people who think that the 1Ghz PowerMac is a bad idea, and an iMac upgraded to 1Ghz would step on the toes of the 1Ghz Powermac too much. In fact, a 17" iMac would be a better deal than a 1Ghz Powermac + 17"; and a 20" iMac would be a better deal than a 1Ghz PowerMac + 20" display. Why even release a single processor 1Ghz Powermac if Apple knew they were going to release a better equipped iMac for cheaper?

I think any upgrade to the iMac will be to 900Ghz or 933Ghz, while the lower end iMacs are bumped to 800Ghz. Also, FW800, APE, and DDR RAM will be added, and maybe Bluetooth as well. However, they can't make an iMac a much better deal than the PowerMac + display. The only remedy to this 1Ghz PowerMac versus 1Ghz iMac problem, in terms of the value/money, is to continue selling the iMac with SDRAM. That way, at least people will think that the PowerMac + Display is better than the iMac in some way.


I agree with the mathamatics, and cearly a 20" iMac would stack up at $2400. However, I do think that the engineering could be overcome, it would not topple over but the spring would have to be set at a higher tension to keep the balance. I also agree that it would affect the sales of the 1ghz PM, but quite honestly I don't think they are going to sell many of those anyway!

Apple should offer a 20" iMac, Apple makes money on turnover and a lot of people who want iMacs would buy the larger model who just don't want a PM, I am one of them. If they don't offer a 20" I will just have to buy the 17" and Apple won't get my $600, I am not going to buy a PM and I am sure I am not alone with this attitude.

I think the 17" laptop is a far wackier idea than a 20" iMac. Nothing would persuade me to carry around that lump and IT does not look right. The 15" is just about perfect, 15.4" may just be better. So given that Apple has released a 17" lap top I would not rule out a 20" iMac at all, but it might not happen at this upgrade.

[jettredmont]

Originally posted by primalman


Don't you think that if you could buy a 1ghz iMac with a 20" screen and superdrive for $2400, that it would screw over the sales of the 1ghz PMG4 without a superdrive + 20" Cinema for $3000???? Apple would never do that!


Why not? I mean, the PowerMac is a completely different beast, and I think lots of folks would value the difference between a PowerMac and an iMac at around that $600. As much as I like the iMac design, I'd still buy the PM model (although I'm looking further up the line for my next purchase ...)

I really don't think Apple designs its lines starting with the dictum that the "least" Pro machine should be more powerful than the "best" iMac. I suspect there is an after-the-fact "reality check" done, but I don't see product-line non-overlap as the primary guiding principle in what they put out.

Granted, Apple's margins on the various lines are likely different, but if Apple were to put a 20" monitor on an iMac at $2400 and thought that that would eat into PM sales they would:

1) Try lowering their margin on the low-end PM or increase margin on the high-end iMac to make the difference less obvious

-or-

2) Drop the inefficient model altogether (which might be the low PM or the high iMac).

And, yes, I suspect that the iMac line high-end (aside from customizations) will remain below $2k for marketing purposes.

[MacKid]

Originally posted by pyrotoaster

I didn't think about that! A new Cube... Maybe not now, but Steve did say (on CNBC) that he had some surprises up his sleeve Apple's desktops. Maybe a PowerPC 970 Cube?

Or. . . .Maybe. . . . . . . .just the PPC 970?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .;)

[pyrotoaster]

Originally posted by MacKid
Or. . . .Maybe. . . . . . . .just the PPC 970?
I think we'll see Powermac 970s this fall, but Apple might want more than one machine with the 970, something that would appeal to lower-budget buyers who don't want to settle for a G4 iMac.
A 970 Cube would be perfect there. A $1000 machine with choices for one of three (or four) different displays. Apple could even toss in a discount on the LCD for Cube buyers.
I would like to see a new cube, though! :)

[jefhatfield]

i think a hint for the 970 will be an end of line thing with the G4 or at least a significant reduction in price

when the 970 or G5 or whatever comes next comes out, it won't mean the G4 is bad or severely outdated, but it will become the consumer chip for apple

the lcd imac and the emac are already in G4 territory

[pyrotoaster]

Originally posted by jefhatfield
i think a hint for the 970 will be an end of line thing with the G4 or at least a significant reduction in price

when the 970 or G5 or whatever comes next comes out, it won't mean the G4 is bad or severely outdated, but it will become the consumer chip for apple

the lcd imac and the emac are already in G4 territory
That's why I think a 970 Cube isn't such a crazy idea. Apple will want a 970 that's more consumer level than the Powermac. That's the Cube!

[shadowfax]

Originally posted by pyrotoaster

That's why I think a 970 Cube isn't such a crazy idea. Apple will want a 970 that's more consumer level than the Powermac. That's the Cube!

i am dying for a cube. those things were the coolest computers apple ever made, i think. even cooler than the LCD iMac. something like that turns heads. i personally dislike the style of the powermac. it seems so... god, i dunno. they have used that annoying box for so long, changing it only slightly every time. it's not nearly as cool as, well, every other mac design. not that i think they should use a more traditional tower shape. i was thinking something less conventional, yet more of an industrial design, something simple like the cube's, powerbook's and iBook' cubic shape, or the iMacs dome. bah, i dunno. it's an OK design, but it's been how long? shoot, they have used that same box shape since the G3s.

[NicoMan]

Originally posted by edenwaith


First off, welcome to the family.

Essentially, DDR RAM is supposed to be a faster form of RAM (when compared to SDRAM). And with the improvement in technology comes an extra price. DDR RAM tends to be more expensive than SDRAM.

But if you get yourself a newer iMac (whenever those come out), I recommend that you don't buy extra RAM from Apple since their prices are pretty expensive when it comes to RAM. Go to ramseeker.com to find much better prices on RAM. I recently bought a 512 MB SDRAM chip for $44.
I agree about the prices charged by Apple on the RAM, but on the iMac there is another issue: one of the 2 memory banks is very difficult to access, so it might make sense to upgrade memory (on order) on your iMac up to 512 MB (always specify 1 DIMM) and then put a 3rd party 512MB in the easily accessible bank. Of course that is only if you want to max the RAM out (which is not a bad idea with OSX). But then again some shops are tooled up to open up the iMac to access the inside bank (I wouldn't advise to do it yourself but...) so you can get 3rd party RAM for that bank too.

My 2 cents.

NicoMan

[NicoMan]

Originally posted by Bregalad
FW800 might not make an appearance yet and I don't think Steve or Jonathan Ive would ever put a port on the front of the iMac.

On that note I wonder how often the rest of you unplug your scanner, printer and keyboard. Isn't it much more practical to have all those cords plugged in to the back where they can easily run off the back of the desk, down to the keyboard drawer and, unseen, over to the peripherals? If you have more devices than that you probably already have a hub. Just get an extra cable and leave it plugged into the hub all the time. When you want to plug in your digital camera or PDA or whatever, just grab the end of the cable.

I agree with you 100%. I also want to add that at there is one free USB port on your keyboard (2 if you plug your mouse at the back) that are very easy to access. Now I know that those are not powered but that will be good enough for most USB gizmos (as we speak my Bluetooth adapter is plugged in the keyboard, 'cause I need to carry it from home to the office often so I prefer to plug it in easily accessible ports on my PowerMac). So I wonder what the fuss is about. And like you said, you can leave the Firewire cable of your iPod plugged permanently at the back...

NicoMan

[NicoMan]

Originally posted by Abstract
Thirdly, if Apple wanted to keep the cost of iMacs below $1999 like many people have stated, and the top end iMac was upgraded to 1Ghz and DDR RAM, this would completely cannabalize the sale of the 1Ghz PowerMac because the 1Ghz iMac would ultimately be a 1Ghz PowerMac with an lcd display included, correct? A 1Ghz Powermac WITH a 17" display would cost $2200, while the equally well equipped iMac would cost $1999. Also, a 17" display bought for a 1Ghz Powermac wouldn't be widescreen, making this configuration more expensive and worse than the iMac.
I understand what you are saying, and I have to say that DDR SDRAM doesn't seem obvious to me for the next upgrade. However, besides the fact that FW800 is almost sure not to make it in the next revision, there are other considerations for the purchase of a PowerMac:
1. the screen, you might not want to buy a screen with your computer, let alone an Apple LCD. You might have a screen already from your previous computer, or you might need a CRT like the LaCie for colour accuracy or something, or you might want a LCD from a different brand...
2. expandability (for example in my company we run 2, 3 or 4 screen configs and to achieve that i need PCI slots for Radeon 7000 cards)
3. more RAM (even though it is a bit dubious in this instance, because there is a good chance that if you need 2GB of RAM you also need 2 CPUS or something...)

Anyway you get my point.

NicoMan

[firestarter]

Originally posted by Shadowfax


i am dying for a cube. those things were the coolest computers apple ever made, i think. even cooler than the LCD iMac. something like that turns heads. i personally dislike the style of the powermac. it seems so... god, i dunno. they have used that annoying box for so long, changing it only slightly every time. it's not nearly as cool as, well, every other mac design. not that i think they should use a more traditional tower shape. i was thinking something less conventional, yet more of an industrial design, something simple like the cube's, powerbook's and iBook' cubic shape, or the iMacs dome. bah, i dunno. it's an OK design, but it's been how long? shoot, they have used that same box shape since the G3s.

The cube is another Apple development that was before its time and is now making money in the PC world.

Check out Shuttle's systems:

http://www.shuttle.com/

This is a small Taiwanese PC maker - who have cornered the market in small PC systems. They expect to ship 500000 of these things this year (shipped 200000 last year). These are respectable volumes!!!

The G4s are unnecessarily large for most folks, and the iMacs are an upgrade dead end. It should be possible to make something shuttle-sized but much cooler, with a graphics and PCI card slot, and space for a spare disk. I'd buy it!!

[dstorey]

while I think its a bad idea to move the ports to the front of the iMac, I think one thing should be....The power button. it seems strange having to reach round to switch it on. I think a better idea would be to have a power switch on the screen like the lcd displays that glows blue when you touch it or possibly built into the apple logo with the same nice blue hue coming out the edges of the logo when you switch it on. It would be nice to have the powerbook style keyboard too so that you can still see the keys when it suddenly gets dark and for it to be bluetooth to remove the wire clutter. I'd like the mouse glow to be blue too but i dunno if it is possible or wether it has to be red?

[-hh]

Originally posted by MacKid


Well, Apple's tradition is to change the form-function of a product every 2-3 years, and I think, although it may be very unlikely. . . .

THE RUMORED DETATCHABLE SCREEN!!!!!

J/K:D


I personally think a pivot screen is far more likely than a detachable one, for a couple of reasons:

a) The automatic screen flip software already exists on non-Apple LCD's, so all that's really needed is some reengineering of the arm's stop to allow it to rotate 90 degrees of pivoting, verify that the hidden wiring harness can tolerate the twist, an orientation sensor (tiny), and a software extension. IMO, this is all a "piece of cake" to pull off.

b) Detatchable means yet another unique/proprietary I/O plug for Apple to support, and the higher production costs that come along with it. But what's really going to hold it back is that the cost of the LCD screen is no longer as nicely hidden within the base unit's cost: it will be difficult for them to NOT have a base + 17" that exceeds the current cost for the same non-detachable system.


FWIW, if you wanted a "neato-gizmo" that can distract customers from MHz issues and that's not really a major form factor change, add a couple of small servo motors to the arm assembly, and control them with a software update.

The idea is to make the screen able to automatically adjust to the user's preferred location/orientation, just like how new luxury cars adjust your seat position, steering wheel, and rearview mirrors for different drivers based on settings kept in memory that are identified with the chip in the car key.

So your iMac's screen "pulls back" when you log out/shutdown, and as different users log in, the screen moves to the height & orientation that each user has identified as their personal preference.



-hh

[MorganX]

Originally posted by Abstract
For all the people who have said that a 20" iMac won't happen because the screen is too big in comparison to the base of the iMac are correct. When you look at the iMac, you think its beautiful partly due to the ratio of the dimemsions of the system, and the ratio of the size of the base with the rest of the system. Ever heard of the golden ratio? An iMac with a 20" monitor will not be perceived as beautiful, and so it will not be made. Have you ever seen a girl with a perfect body, beautiful face, but a head the size of a small planet? No, and if you did, you wouldn't think she's pretty even though her individual features are "perfect". Same applies here.


I disagree. The shoulder to waist ratio, commonly referred to as the "V" taper, is the most sought after physical feature in health clubs across the country. It is one of the things women find most physically attractive in a man.

That taper in the femal form also accentuates her hips, however large or small. Shoulderpads in womens blouses and jackets aren't for playing football you know... :D

Seriously though, I feel the current iMac is bottom heavy but not terribly so. As a matter of fact, I was shocked when I first got a chance to play with a 17" iMac. It was clear to me that photos of iMacs have disguised the disproportionately large base (my opinion of course, see photos) I would gobble up a 20", 19", or 18" iMac under $2500 with AE, BT, and FW800 in a second.

Typical photo at Apple.com

[MorganX]

More accurate bottom-heavy pic from igo4mac

[NicoMan]

Originally posted by MorganX
More accurate bottom-heavy pic from igo4mac
That's not really fair, the picture is taken from the side. Of course it is going to look bottom-heavy from that angle... (you know I'm talking about the iMac, don't you?).
Seriously, I agree the base is quite big, but if you look at it as if you were in a typing position, then the proportions are quite good.

NicoMan

[jefhatfield]

i have a bad back so i can only compute lying on my back...i didn't quite have the money for a 14 inch ibook, so i got an lcd imac

the only problem is when i rest the imac on my stomach, it gets a little heavy at times so i can't eat before i compute. plus i have a pet pig that also likes to lay on me next to the imac because she likes the vibe of the computer

all in all, i have about 100 pounds total resting on me when i boot up

[funkywhat2]

I just got a call from Lisa from Apple. She said that in a few days there will be more 17" iMacs in stock and she can help me get one then. She also said that when those shipments come in, she can help me get a "price-break." Is this a sign?

[NicoMan]

Originally posted by funkywhat2
She also said that when those shipments come in, she can help me get a "price-break." Is this a sign?
If that's not a sign, I don't know what is.

NicoMan

[sammy]

Where did you get the photo of that iMac and the interesting desk that seems built for it? Does it include the girl ;)

[SwitchHitter]

Hey Funky, how can Lisa from Apple give you a price break?

QUESTION FOR ALL: If I want to buy the new iMac on Tuesday, assuming that they are introduced that day - will the Apple stores have them in stock, and if so, should I go there early .. or will they have sufficient stocks in place?

Finally, is it possible to get a price break at the store? Or are there discounts, etc. available?

I want to SWITCH!!!!

In addition, I want a really good color photo printer. Should I buy one from Apple or online? If so, which should I buy - I'd like it to do larger format color prints as well - and would like it to be fantastic quality!

And a scanner.. want to get one of those as well. Don't need the best, but want a good one.

[MorganX]

Originally posted by sammy
Where did you get the photo of that iMac and the interesting desk that seems built for it? Does it include the girl ;)

Igo4mac.com, it is built for the iMac.

[SwitchHitter]

Folks, I just called up the manager of the Oakbrook Center Apple Store in Oakbrook, IL, to ask about the iMacs..

I phrased the question as "if Apple announces a new iMac on Tuesday, would you have them in stock, or in another way, if Apple announces a new product on a particular day, do you have it in stock that day?"

His response was that he always hears that something is coming in, and he hasn't heard that this week, meaning that he would have heard by today about it...

Is he bluffing? Is Apple not going to announce on the 4th? Thoughts?

[yzedf]

Originally posted by SwitchHitter
Hey Funky, how can Lisa from Apple give you a price break?

QUESTION FOR ALL: If I want to buy the new iMac on Tuesday, assuming that they are introduced that day - will the Apple stores have them in stock, and if so, should I go there early .. or will they have sufficient stocks in place?


NO.

I went to an Apple store in NY (Palisades) the day that the iBook 800 was released... every employee there said "there is a new iBook? cool. no we don't have any." and they didn't for a few days. :(

[yzedf]

Originally posted by SwitchHitter

Is he bluffing? Is Apple not going to announce on the 4th? Thoughts?

Announce has nothing to due with when they ship.

Think of the PB 17" announcement if you need a reference.

[funkywhat2]

Originally posted by SwitchHitter
Hey Funky, how can Lisa from Apple give you a price break?

She was trying to get to buy one. But all she claims I needed to do was call the Apple Store Hotline, and enter her extension.

Marketing.....:rolleyes:

[chubakka]

I went to the Soho store to buy a LaCie 80 gig firewire drive, 7200 rpm... their price was pretty good too... $219.... ANWAY.

They had a bunch of 20 inch displays and a couple 12" AlPB but still no 17" AlPB. And they had the new prices on the pwermacs too but I'm not sure if they actually had them in the store.

So going to the store on Tuesday doesn't guarantee that they'll have them in stock... should at least wait for the announcement and call the store before you go.

Also... an apple store person there siad that only the powermacs and powerbooks can connect to the 20inch LCD... seemed wrong... does anyone connect their iBooks to the Apple displays?

[Teleporno]

Reading this thread has been very informative. But one thing no one has mentioned/discussed is what new graphics chipset will be in the iMac update (assuming they come on the 4th). Any ideas as to what one, how much VRAM, etc.?

Peace.

[themadchemist]

Some of these things have already been mentioned, some of them haven't. . .

First, there seems to be, in this forum, a belief amongst a lot of people that we just need bigger and bigger monitors. Now, I can understand where this comes from, but the design of the iMac doesn't seem, to me at least, to lend itself to having a huge monitor. Anyway, everyone has to come to terms with the fact that monitors are going to reach a relative maximum on size, and that for a long time, dimensions will stay relatively stagnant. Then monitor manufacturers will work on getting other features, like refresh rates, resolution, etc., as high as possible. That's when we'll see more focus on quality as opposed to quantity.

The same is true with processors. Even Moore's law is liable to go wrong one of these days. You simply can't vibrate a piece of silicon at infinite speeds. There is a point when the energy necessary and the sheer physics of the silicon are going to make it impossible. . .I could be wrong, but that's how it seems to me.

Nonetheless, I'd say we'll probably get updates on the iMac for sheer marketing reasons. When people look at the G4 vs. the iMac, a lot of the times they don't think about the fact that you have to throw in a monitor with the G4, making the iMac a better deal. They see the fact that the pro line, with a lot of better features than the iMac, is going for a similar (if not cheaper) rate. We talk a lot about lower line modifications suggesting pro line boosts, but we must remember that pro line price cuts and performance boosts demand the same of the lower lines. If there is too much overlap, people will go for something slightly better and neglect the iMac line. Apple would never do this, because the new iMacs have gotten Apple a lot of publicity and a lot of revenue: <b>As always, Apple is going to ride their success out.</b> We saw it with the original iMacs. They totally exhausted the possibilities of odd-colored computers in that shape before they decided to move on: It doesn't take a lot of R&D to come up with a Flower Power color scheme (blech!). . .

the Sunflower iMac still has a LOT of potential. Don't expect to see Apple losing considerable revenue on it through an imbalance in the product offerings. The last thing Apple wants to say at the end of the quarter is that Sunflower iMac sales are down--It wants to emphasize that that design is the most innovative design of anything ever. . .

But this could all be wrong, and it probably is!

[MacKid]

Originally posted by dstorey
It would be nice to have the powerbook style keyboard too so that you can still see the keys when it suddenly gets dark and for it to be bluetooth to remove the wire clutter. I'd like the mouse glow to be blue too but i dunno if it is possible or wether it has to be red?

I would think that most people use lights when they use their computer in the dark, and the light is not made to "glow" in the mouse, it's simply to provide vision for the lens.;)

[MacKid]

Originally posted by -hh



I personally think a pivot screen is far more likely than a detachable one, for a couple of reasons:

a) The automatic screen flip software already exists on non-Apple LCD's, so all that's really needed is some reengineering of the arm's stop to allow it to rotate 90 degrees of pivoting, verify that the hidden wiring harness can tolerate the twist, an orientation sensor (tiny), and a software extension. IMO, this is all a "piece of cake" to pull off.

b) Detatchable means yet another unique/proprietary I/O plug for Apple to support, and the higher production costs that come along with it. But what's really going to hold it back is that the cost of the LCD screen is no longer as nicely hidden within the base unit's cost: it will be difficult for them to NOT have a base + 17" that exceeds the current cost for the same non-detachable system.


FWIW, if you wanted a "neato-gizmo" that can distract customers from MHz issues and that's not really a major form factor change, add a couple of small servo motors to the arm assembly, and control them with a software update.

The idea is to make the screen able to automatically adjust to the user's preferred location/orientation, just like how new luxury cars adjust your seat position, steering wheel, and rearview mirrors for different drivers based on settings kept in memory that are identified with the chip in the car key.

So your iMac's screen "pulls back" when you log out/shutdown, and as different users log in, the screen moves to the height & orientation that each user has identified as their personal preference.



-hh


Um. . . . . .

I wasn't serious. . . .:rolleyes:

[primalman]

dumb-ass idea!

They tried that like 10 years ago and only sold like 5 monitors with the feature.

STUPID!

[Apple][Forever]

Originally posted by primalman
dumb-ass idea!

They tried that like 10 years ago and only sold like 5 monitors with the feature.

STUPID!

If you think they only sold 5 of those (I assume you're talking about Radius) then you've never worked in publishing.

[Dont Hurt Me]

Originally posted by Teleporno
Reading this thread has been very informative. But one thing no one has mentioned/discussed is what new graphics chipset will be in the iMac update (assuming they come on the 4th). Any ideas as to what one, how much VRAM, etc.?

Peace. Just saw your post, My guess is that they will get rid of the geforce2mx and have the geforce4mx filter all the way down the line including the emac. What i would like to see though would be a geforce4 titanium or 9700 pro but dont think that will happen but maybe a 9000 pro which isnt much different then a geforce4mx. I am hoping that apple will surprise us.

[dufus]

I'm about to get either a new Power Mac or iMac. Should I get the AppleCare Protection Plan? What percentage of buyers get the plan?

[Centris 650]

Originally posted by dufus
I'm about to get either a new Power Mac or iMac. Should I get the AppleCare Protection Plan? What percentage of buyers get the plan?

There was a poll here I believe on who had AppleCare and who didn't. (I'll find that poll and post a link) I've never had AppleCare for any of my 4 Macs other than my iBook. I won't tell you what to do but I've NEVER needed/used AppleCare. My reasoning is that if you have a desktop and no kids running around it AppleCare might not be needed. Of course as good as Macs are sometimes things go wrong and AppleCare can save you some buck$.

I guess it boils down to how much of a gambler you are?

EDIT: Here's the post. I thought it was a "formal" MacRumors poll from Arn but it's not.
Click Here for Poll (http://forums.macrumors.com/poll.php?action=pollvote&pollid=280&optionnumber=4)

[MacKid]

Originally posted by dufus
I'm about to get either a new Power Mac or iMac. Should I get the AppleCare Protection Plan? What percentage of buyers get the plan?

It's a pretty good thing to have. You can't get support from Apple without it. Also, any maintenance, repairs, etc. are totally free.:D

[Dont Hurt Me]

Originally posted by dufus
I'm about to get either a new Power Mac or iMac. Should I get the AppleCare Protection Plan? What percentage of buyers get the plan? Have to agree with centris 650. I have never used apple care but if you feel you need insurance there it is!

[MacKid]

Originally posted by Dont Hurt Me
Have to agree with centris 650. I have never used apple care but if you feel you need insurance there it is!

Actually, I must admit, I used AppleCare about 4 times with my iBook, but only once with my iMac (to replace a mouse with severed wires . . .don't ask). Anyway, if you get a desktop, you're probably a little safer, so if you're getting an iMac or PowerMac, you probably don't need it.

[Centris 650]

(Added the LINK (http://forums.macrumors.com/poll.php?action=pollvote&pollid=280&optionnumber=4) to my above post.)

Also, remember that your computer comes with a one year waranty as it is. I've never had the extra money to pay for AppleCare but if you have the cash go for it.

[TheZebster]

I've bought several macs over the past few years, and they've all without exception broken within two years (under normal usage). The broken machines included a notebook and a cube. (The older macs, like the original and mac II, were built like tanks and still work for me 15-20 years after I bought them.) I didn't have applecare for any of the broken machines, and I ended up throwing bad money after bad to get them repaired, although I will say that apple's customer support is nonetheless much better than any other computer manufacturer.

In any case, based on my experience, and my current assumption that any current generation of macintosh will break within two years, I now view applecare as being a necessity. So when I'm at the apple store I add about $350 to get the "real" price of a mac.

It's not just apple--all the machines these days are built cheaply. When I bought my cube, I also bought a canon camcorder, an hp printer, and a maxtor hard drive. They all broke within two years (under normal usage). So I am more and more inclined to buy "extra" warranties, which a few years ago I would not have considered.

The only equipment manufacturer I haven't had trouble with is Sony. I can't think of a single Sony device which has ever broken on me. Which is good, because I hear that their customer service is pretty awful.

[Mikes25thAnnTA]

I sell computers for a living and I can tell you this... after selling them for over 2 years you realize that buying a computer without some type of extended service is crazy... computers are built worse each year...

Luckily I get a discount on service plans, so it's a little easier to swallow... but when I left the store for a few months anything major I bought that was computer related had an extended service plan slapped on...

Besides... Applecare is the best service plan you can get.

[jefhatfield]

for someone like me with very modest uses of a computer who plans to keep any new machine 3 years...or more...applecare is good

but for some high end users who dump their machine every year or nine months, like some of my high tech clients, there is no need

gamers almost never get warranties because some of these guys buy a machine or build one every six months

[wolfywolfbits]

What does AppleCare give you that ordinary insurance doesn't :confused: :confused:

My insurance costs me $200 NZ for everything. My G4 Cube, my new 12" Powerbook, and my house and contents are all covered.

If after 2 years my powerbook broke wouldn't my insurance pay for a new one?

Then why spend $300+ on AppleCare for my powerbook?

[NicoMan]

Originally posted by wolfywolfbits
What does AppleCare give you that ordinary insurance doesn't :confused: :confused:

My insurance costs me $200 NZ for everything. My G4 Cube, my new 12" Powerbook, and my house and contents are all covered.

If after 2 years my powerbook broke wouldn't my insurance pay for a new one?

Then why spend $300+ on AppleCare for my powerbook?

Isn't your insurance covering things like theft or fire or something? I don't know, but I would be very surprised if it covered computer failures...

NicoMan

[dufus]

Thanks, everyone for your help. I'll probably be getting a new high-end iMac when they are (hopefully) released next week. The new dual 1.25 GHz Power Mac is tempting, but then I'd have to add a monitor, and the price of AppleCare would be more, etc.

Based on your comments and my general sense of paranoia (spelling?), I will get the AppleCare.

[dufus]

If you go to the Apple Store and select the new Dual 1.25 GHz Power Mac, and add back what Apple took out to lower the price - which means you'd up the RAM to 512 Mb from 256 Mb, upgrade to the Superdrive, and go from the 80 Gb to the 120 Gb hard drive, you're only about $100 shy of what the old model cost. Granted, the Superdrive is faster, and you get upgraded Firewire and Airport Extreme, but (I think) you also lose 1 Mb of cache.

It seems to me that while it's nice, it's not the huge price cut I thought it was at first.

[dufus]

Does the Superdrive support DVD-RW, so you can do updateable backups?

[Centris 650]

Originally posted by dufus
I'm about to get either a new Power Mac or iMac. Should I get the AppleCare Protection Plan? What percentage of buyers get the plan?

Arn must be reading this thread! :D He's got a poll up about AppleCare now. AppleCare Poll (http://www.macpolls.com/?ref=macrumors.com)

[Centris 650]

Originally posted by dufus
If you go to the Apple Store and select the new Dual 1.25 GHz Power Mac, and add back what Apple took out to lower the price - which means you'd up the RAM to 512 Mb from 256 Mb, upgrade to the Superdrive, and go from the 80 Gb to the 120 Gb hard drive, you're only about $100 shy of what the old model cost. Granted, the Superdrive is faster, and you get upgraded Firewire and Airport Extreme, but (I think) you also lose 1 Mb of cache.

It seems to me that while it's nice, it's not the huge price cut I thought it was at first.

Are you sure you're not confusing the price of the 1ghz and the 1.25 ghz machines. The 1.25 was originally around 3,300. If you add everything back to the 1.25 machine it ends up around the price of the original 1 Ghz machine (2,400).

Though you are right, they did knock of 1mb off the cache. (From 2 to 1 L3 Cache)

[wolfywolfbits]

Does anyone here know about what normal insurance does and doesn't cover?

AFAIK my home and contents insurance covers accidents, like me doing something stupid like spilling coffee into my cube (almost did that once! yiks)

Then wouldn't it cover something like hardware malfunctions that AppleCare covers? And if not, who's to say it wasn't an "accident", perhaps the powerbook's display stopped working because I opened it to forcefully?

[digitalrampage]

Eat this up guys

COMBO iMac 15"
$1199.00
800Mhz
Nividia 400 ?
128MB Ram
40GB HDD
10/100 Ethernet
NO Pro Speakers
Airport Extreme Ready
Bluetooth Ready

SUPERDRIVE iMac 15"
$1499.00
933Mhz (133mhz bus)
Nvidia GeForce 4
256MB DDR Ram
60GB HDD
10/100 Ethernet
Pro Speakers
Airport Extreme Ready
Bluetooth Ready

SUPERDRIVE iMac 17"
$1799.00
933Mhz (133mhz bus)
Nvidia GeForce 4
256MB DDR Ram
80GB HDD
10/100 Ethernet
FW 800
Pro Speakers
Airport Extreme Ready
Bluetooth Ready

Slot loading drives also quite rumored around my apple circles.. This is due to the issue where when the DRIVE ejects, it smashes into the keyabord if sitting in front of the system.

CD-RW Drive is dead too... Apple wants to have every model have DVD capabilities to allow software to be released on DVD in future, but also have easy RESTORE disks like the new powerbooks.

[Dont Hurt Me]

Originally posted by digitalrampage
Eat this up guys

COMBO iMac 15"
$1199.00
800Mhz
Nividia 400 ?
128MB Ram
40GB HDD
10/100 Ethernet
NO Pro Speakers
Airport Extreme Ready
Bluetooth Ready

SUPERDRIVE iMac 15"
$1499.00
933Mhz (133mhz bus)
Nvidia GeForce 4
256MB DDR Ram
60GB HDD
10/100 Ethernet
Pro Speakers
Airport Extreme Ready
Bluetooth Ready

SUPERDRIVE iMac 17"
$1799.00
933Mhz (133mhz bus)
Nvidia GeForce 4
256MB DDR Ram
80GB HDD
10/100 Ethernet
FW 800
Pro Speakers
Airport Extreme Ready
Bluetooth Ready

Slot loading drives also quite rumored around my apple circles.. This is due to the issue where when the DRIVE ejects, it smashes into the keyabord if sitting in front of the system.

CD-RW Drive is dead too... Apple wants to have every model have DVD capabilities to allow software to be released on DVD in future, but also have easy RESTORE disks like the new powerbooks. geforce4mx or tit also you dream these specs up or is there a shed of truth to these? the 933 does seem reasonable considering the powermacs are at 1 gig.If this is so all i can say is the faster apple gets away from motorola the better!

[digitalrampage]

I base this rumor based on my work in an applecentre, reading all the gossip from around the traps..

But also, You can base this on, If apple has a 1 gig iMac they will kill the new powermac G4 1gig.

Like the old pmac imac line, there was a gap (albeit small) between the imac 800 and pmac 867

[dufus]

Originally posted by Centris 650


Are you sure you're not confusing the price of the 1ghz and the 1.25 ghz machines.


You know, you're exactly right. Sorrry about that!

[Centris 650]

Originally posted by digitalrampage
Eat this up guys

COMBO iMac 15"
$1199.00
800Mhz
Nividia 400 ?
128MB Ram
40GB HDD
10/100 Ethernet
NO Pro Speakers
Airport Extreme Ready
Bluetooth Ready

SUPERDRIVE iMac 15"
$1499.00
933Mhz (133mhz bus)
Nvidia GeForce 4
256MB DDR Ram
60GB HDD
10/100 Ethernet
Pro Speakers
Airport Extreme Ready
Bluetooth Ready

SUPERDRIVE iMac 17"
$1799.00
933Mhz (133mhz bus)
Nvidia GeForce 4
256MB DDR Ram
80GB HDD
10/100 Ethernet
FW 800
Pro Speakers
Airport Extreme Ready
Bluetooth Ready

Slot loading drives also quite rumored around my apple circles.. This is due to the issue where when the DRIVE ejects, it smashes into the keyabord if sitting in front of the system.


If this is true then I'll probably buy a 1G pmac. Add the 17" monitor and it's about the price of the current 17" imac. Not bad at all. I might even shell out the cash for the 1.25.

[jefhatfield]

Originally posted by Centris 650


Arn must be reading this thread! :D He's got a poll up about AppleCare now. AppleCare Poll (http://www.macpolls.com/?ref=macrumors.com)

when i get my "next" apple product, i will buy applecare protection

i didn't with my 300 mhz blueberry ibook because i wasn't sure how long i would use it...now, over 3 years later it is still working like a champ and i use is all the time...nice machine!

so the next machine, due to my modest needs of internet, word processing, email, and very light graphics, i will then keep whatever apple machine i get at least 3 years and purchase applecare

but if i was someone who used a machine only at its bleeding edge and replaced it every six months to a year, like some of the posters i have got to know thru their impressive signatures and their listed machines, i would not bother with applecare

...why pay for protection of a computer you know you will sell before one year is up?

sure, the warranty is transferrable but on a used machine, i never see transferrable warranty info listed in newspaper, classified, or catalog ads mentioning transferrable applecare

[orthodoc]

Originally posted by Centris 650


If this is true then I'll probably buy a 1G pmac. Add the 17" monitor and it's about the price of the current 17" imac. Not bad at all. I might even shell out the cash for the 1.25.

If this is true....I will be very disappointed! The fact that the bottom end powermac is a single 1 GHz processor is not my concern. I believe that apple should put the best available chip in the iMac. The powermac still has advantages... faster bus, faster memory, more memory, can upgrade video cards, hard drives, optical disks, etc.

So, I am hoping for at least a 1 GHz chip, and would really be happy with a 1.25 GHz chip.

I know, I know, everybody is going to say there is no way Apple will do this due to the bottom line powermac having a single 1 GHz processor, but that does not make it right.

[jefhatfield]

Originally posted by orthodoc


If this is true....I will be very disappointed! The fact that the bottom end powermac is a single 1 GHz processor is not my concern. I believe that apple should put the best available chip in the iMac. The powermac still has advantages... faster bus, faster memory, more memory, can upgrade video cards, hard drives, optical disks, etc.

So, I am hoping for at least a 1 GHz chip, and would really be happy with a 1.25 GHz chip.

I know, I know, everybody is going to say there is no way Apple will do this due to the bottom line powermac having a single 1 GHz processor, but that does not make it right.

it certainly does not make it right

in every way i can spin it, i can no longer try and talk over people's heads about some mhz myth, bus speed, pipelines, whatever when we reach 2 ghz when the pc world reaches 4.5 or 5+ ghz

personally, i won't need that speed for what i do, but the average consumer has no problem spending less for a seeminly faster computer

[appleofmyeye]

hope your predictions are right :)

(i've just cancelled the order for a 17 inch screen iMac - supposed to be shipped to me by apple on tuesday, FEBRUARY 4th, after two weeks of patient post-purchase waiting time)

[agreenster]

I talked with an Apple tech today and he's saying un-officially that new iMacs are coming out the 4th of Feb. and the 15.4 inch powerbooks as well.....

[SwitchHitter]

IF Apple does release the new iMacs tomorrow (on the 4th), will the Apple stores or resellers have them in stock?

I'm considering taking tomorrow off from work and going out to buy one - if they are instock? thoughts?

In addition, should I get to an Apple store early (before they open).

I live in Chicago and we have two Apple stores in the metro area.

Thoughts from anyone would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[NicoMan]

Originally posted by SwitchHitter
IF Apple does release the new iMacs tomorrow (on the 4th), will the Apple stores or resellers have them in stock?

I'm considering taking tomorrow off from work and going out to buy one - if they are instock? thoughts?

In addition, should I get to an Apple store early (before they open).

I live in Chicago and we have two Apple stores in the metro area.

Thoughts from anyone would be appreciated.

Thanks.
The hardware is rarely in stock on the day of the announcement (to give you a clue the 12" PowerBook started shipping last week and the 17" doesn't look like shipping soon...). So If I were you I wouldn't expect to see the new iMacs (if they come out tomorrow) in the stores.

I hope I am wrong but...

NicoMan

[CrackedButter]

I personally don't think any new imacs will come out tomorrow, not if they want to get PM sales going, since THEY have only just come out.

In anycase nobody has pointed this out already but in the UK they have an imac + ibook special deal (just started) which lasts till March 31st. Now i know Terms and Conditions can change but why would they create this deal if new imacs are coming out?

Or do apple do these sort of things and would change the deal because of a new release?

Anyway i think (but rather not) the new imacs (and ibooks) will be out after the current deal ends.

[NicoMan]

Originally posted by agreenster
I talked with an Apple tech today and he's saying un-officially that new iMacs are coming out the 4th of Feb. and the 15.4 inch powerbooks as well.....

iMacs OK everyone has been talking about it. Now the 15.4" PBook, that would be a surprise.

NicoMan

[CrackedButter]

Here is the link if interested: http://promo.euro.apple.com/promo/winter_deal/uk/

[Cale]

Is it a given that the eMacs will be upgraded in the same fashion as the iMacs? It seems as though it would be.

I personally prefer CRT in almost every regard. I can't specify why, perhaps it's just what I am used to.

[jhershauer]

Maybe I'm just imagining things, but I could swear that when I visited the "Hardware" section on Apple's website this weekend, the top portion of the page (with the pictures of various offered hardware) did not include the iPod or iMac. Now it does. When I saw them there today, I was thinking it could be preparation for updated products tomorrow.

So, has anybody else noticed this, or is this just my wishful imagination taking over? ...or, perhaps they just rotate the hardware that's displayed on a regular basis?

Jeff

[appleofmyeye]

Originally posted by SwitchHitter
IF Apple does release the new iMacs tomorrow (on the 4th), will the Apple stores or resellers have them in stock?

I'm considering taking tomorrow off from work and going out to buy one - if they are instock? thoughts?

In addition, should I get to an Apple store early (before they open).

I live in Chicago and we have two Apple stores in the metro area.

Thoughts from anyone would be appreciated.

Thanks.

this past saturday, after cancelling shipping for the 17-inch iMac - again, under the suspicion that an update will be released tomorrow - I asked the Apple Tech Support Rep how long is the wait for the powermacs released last week. brace yourself: he said 4-6 weeks!?! Sounds rather crazy to me, but, consequently, I don't think the updated iMacs will be in store anytime soon. :-(

[SwitchHitter]

And then Apple wonders why they have losses... if you can't ship the merchandise, you can't sell it.

Mark

[primalman]

Originally posted by appleofmyeye


this past saturday, after cancelling shipping for the 17-inch iMac - again, under the suspicion that an update will be released tomorrow - I asked the Apple Tech Support Rep how long is the wait for the powermacs released last week. brace yourself: he said 4-6 weeks!?! Sounds rather crazy to me, but, consequently, I don't think the updated iMacs will be in store anytime soon. :-(

We already knew this. The 1.42 PMs are out 4-8 weeks, while the 1.0 and 1.25 PMs are available now, shipping 1-5 days.

[appleofmyeye]

-- I'm not sure if this has already been brought up (sorry if that is the case) --

Do you think the updated iMacs will support rebooting in OS 9? I think that for the updated powermacs it is possible only in custom built, higher end models (see apple store). But then again I remember that at MWSF Apple said they would get rid of it in June-July???

[orthodoc]

As far as I know, Apple has said that any new machines in 2003 will boot into OS X only. So I expect the updated iMacs to be OS X only.

[NicoMan]

Originally posted by appleofmyeye
-- I'm not sure if this has already been brought up (sorry if that is the case) --

Do you think the updated iMacs will support rebooting in OS 9? I think that for the updated powermacs it is possible only in custom built, higher end models (see apple store). But then again I remember that at MWSF Apple said they would get rid of it in June-July???

Basically, about the Powermac, it looks like it is the old model that you buy if you go for a OS9-enabled configuration. It's not coming with FW800, Bluetooth nor Airport Extreme... but it still has the 2MB L3 cache. So basically you're just buying a machine from the old range, that's why.

As for the iMac, being a consumer-oriented machine, I doubt you will still be able to get a OS9-enabled config out of the Apple store. Remember Apple extended the deadline to mid-2003 to accomodate pro users using Quark...

NicoMan

[NewMcMAC]

Question.... When and If the IMAC's become available tomorrow, is at 12 midnight, and if so which time zone. I am very over eager to order. I have been waiting since Decemeber but waited with the word of the updates. I am SICK of waiting. I want to know that it is coming to my home. I am fed up with PC's and this will be my first MAC.

[CrackedButter]

I take it nobody wants to admit that the new imacs AREN'T coming out tomorrow then?

OR even answer my question about the T & C's?

[SwitchHitter]

Cracked Butter... I think we're all cautiously optomistic that Apple will release the new iMacs tomorrow.

Perish the thought that they won't be introduced. Otherwise, there will be LOTS of unhappy campers... and that includes me, a potential switcher.

If they don't come out.. it would and might turn out to be very pathetic. After all, the last iMac update was almost 7 or 8 months ago. I was on the phone to a Apple store manager earlier and he was blabbing on that technology is always changing, blah blah blah... every 3 months at apple - and I said, well Apple hasn't updated the iMAC in almost 8 months and is very outdated.. he didn't have an answer for that.

So, I think the point is... that we're all (perhaps...delusional) optomistic!

BTW, the advertisement that you mentioned ...did cause me pause and concern.. I think it was only the 15" THAT WAS part of the promo though....

[Centris 650]

ThinkSecret (http://thinksecret.com/news/februaryimacs2.html) has an article (be it ever so vague) about the
potential iMac release tomorrow.

It's interesting what they say that caused the price drop. SWITCHERS (or potentail switchers). Apparently people were going into Apple Retail stores with adds comparing systems and prices. Wow.

[SwitchHitter]

hmmmm, my off the cuff thoughts...if apple comes out with a new imac, which is basically just a speed bump and nothing else... i'll probably still switch..

BUT, if they upgrade the imac line again in the next 3-5 months with significant new changes... I WILL BE REALLY PISSED AND WILL DUMP MY IMAC AND GO BACK TO THE PC WORLD.

The problem with Apple is that since they own the mac marketplace, they only introduce improvements when they have milked everything else that they have and when their sales start to go into the dump. This is why the PC world can be better, you're assured of getting cutting edge technologies as they are developed.. not like a year later or even more. which apple seems to do..

I'm not even an Apple owner and already i'm bitter toward them

:confused:

[Centris 650]

Originally posted by SwitchHitter
hmmmm, my off the cuff thoughts...if apple comes out with a new imac, which is basically just a speed bump and nothing else... i'll probably still switch..

BUT, if they upgrade the imac line again in the next 3-5 months with significant new changes... I WILL BE REALLY PISSED AND WILL DUMP MY IMAC AND GO BACK TO THE PC WORLD.

The problem with Apple is that since they own the mac marketplace, they only introduce improvements when they have milked everything else that they have and when their sales start to go into the dump. This is why the PC world can be better, you're assured of getting cutting edge technologies as they are developed.. not like a year later or even more. which apple seems to do..

I'm not even an Apple owner and already i'm bitter toward them

:confused:

You should have been around during the Mac Clone Wars. A dark time indeed....

EDIT: The article does state that the new macs should be BT & APEx ready. I'll bet we'll see an iMac update around Aug/Sept but who knows what it could be like. Go ahead and buy the iMac when it's updated. Use it. Enjoy it but don't regret it when a new version comes around. There's always a new cheaper mac coming out.

I personally can't wait to see what kind of speed it has. I was hoping for a 1Ghz but with the pMac having a 1Ghz lowend machine I doubt we'll see a 1G iMac. :( :mad:

[MacKid]

Tomorrow is the day! (Hopefully). . . . .I hope it comes. . .Sorry, thinking out loud. . .;) :D

Is there a possible reason why it might be delayed further? Just curious.:cool:

[orthodoc]

Originally posted by MacKid
Tomorrow is the day! (Hopefully). . . . .I hope it comes. . .Sorry, thinking out loud. . .;) :D

Is there a possible reason why it might be delayed further? Just curious.:cool:

The only possible reason I can think of is Steve trying to prove the rumor sites incorrect and drive us further into the Mac Institution for the Mentally Insane.

And I agree with SwitchHitter in that if Apple upgrades the iMac tomorrow and then has a substantial upgrade in the next 3 to 5 months, I will be pretty pissed. After all, it has taken them over 1 year to upgrade this time around.

Time will tell. :)

[MacKid]

Originally posted by orthodoc


The only possible reason I can think of is Steve trying to prove the rumor sites incorrect and drive us further into the Mac Institution for the Mentally Insane.

And I agree with SwitchHitter in that if Apple upgrades the iMac tomorrow and then has a substantial upgrade in the next 3 to 5 months, I will be pretty pissed. After all, it has taken them over 1 year to upgrade this time around.

Time will tell. :)

Maybe. . .

After all, five minutes into MacWorld he said not to believe everything you read, so he might just do it for kicks, watch everyone berate all of the rumors sites, and then three days later, watch everyone praising Arn (like the MacRumors god that he is) for such an accurate prediction of the date.;)

[chubakka]

They refresh all their computers every 5-7 months... If you wait for this coming update and they refresh in 5 months... how can you get pissed off? I don't get it.

It's annoying when new mac buyers don't do any research and find out 2 weeks after they've made a purchase that new macs have been released and then blame apple for not warning them.

Buy the latest update and be happy!

[orthodoc]

Originally posted by chubakka
They refresh all their computers every 5-7 months... If you wait for this coming update and they refresh in 5 months... how can you get pissed off? I don't get it.

It's annoying when new mac buyers don't do any research and find out 2 weeks after they've made a purchase that new macs have been released and then blame apple for not warning them.

Buy the latest update and be happy!

That is exactly my point: they did not refresh the iMac after 5-7 months like they normally do (excluding the addition of a 17" LCD). I have been waiting since August for an upgrade. If updates had come out in the Fall, I would have bought then. If they come out with minor bumps tomorrow and then in June or July come out with major bumps, I will be upset. I can wait a little longer since I have been waiting this long. If they have another minor bump in the Summer, that doesn't bother me. The scenario I was referring to was a minor bump tomorrow and a major bump in just a few months.

I understand the technology advances and things change, I just believe that Apple should try to update on a relatively regular cycle. That is all I am saying.

Also, I am not a "new mac buyer" and I have done lots of research and stay very informed on Apple products, so I am not worried about buying a product and having Apple update it 2 weeks later. I tend to buy as soon as new products are released.

[SwitchHitter]

I am a new mac buyer (i.e. switcher), but I also have been waiting since before Thanksgiving for an update.... tap tap tap.. month by month by month.

[Teleporno]

I'm just wondering. If the reports are true and the new iMac is bluetooth and airport extreme ready, what sort of changes would they have had to make to add that functionality to the machine? That is to say, adding any new hardware support, which I understand would be the case for both these, would be no small feat in an iMac, given its form factor, right? What might adding this support mean as far as how the cards would be installed etc.? I don't have any idea really which is why I ask. Perhaps someone could explain...
:confused:

[NicoMan]

Originally posted by orthodoc

I understand the technology advances and things change, I just believe that Apple should try to update on a relatively regular cycle. That is all I am saying.


The problem is that, if they adopt an official policy of updating regularly (with a 'fixed' update cycle), the sales will be massively impacted in the weeks coming up to the update. And it will probably impact the entire Apple community, not a few rumour-crazed Applemaniacs (I am one of them).

NicoMan

[NicoMan]

Originally posted by SwitchHitter
I am a new mac buyer (i.e. switcher), but I also have been waiting since before Thanksgiving for an update.... tap tap tap.. month by month by month.
I admire your patience. Really. I almost cracked in November but then Apple came out with new laptops so I bought myself an iBook.

NicoMan

(Edit) And now i'm pissed off I cracked for that iBook 'cause I would have prefered the 12" Powerbook. Bah... that's life.

[maehara]

Originally posted by SwitchHitter
BUT, if they upgrade the imac line again in the next 3-5 months with significant new changes... I WILL BE REALLY PISSED AND WILL DUMP MY IMAC AND GO BACK TO THE PC WORLD.
Why?? Buy any PC today & it'll be 'out of date' within a month or 2 anyway - if you're going to get pissed at the speed of product updates, you should be far more pissed as a PC user. They also don't have as long a 'useful life' as Macs appear to have (based on others' experience - waiting for the new iMac's before switching myself).

--
maehara

[NicoMan]

Originally posted by SwitchHitter
BUT, if they upgrade the imac line again in the next 3-5 months with significant new changes... I WILL BE REALLY PISSED AND WILL DUMP MY IMAC AND GO BACK TO THE PC WORLD.

You know it is exactly the same in the PeeCee world (some might say worse, but for argument's sake I won't go that far...). In the past 1-2 years, every time you bought a PeeCee, Intel would come out 2 months later with a faster processors which would push your machine out of the range sold by Dell & co. People would come to you with words like: "How much did you pay for it?(...) Now if you had waited you could have got one for the same price with a faster processor."
So don't say it is a Apple-only issue. Every technological item is like that (think digital cameras, video cameras, Palmtops...).

NicoMan

[globman]

Well? Where are they? What time do they usually announce these things, anyway? Thanks.

[NicoMan]

Originally posted by globman
Well? Where are they? What time do they usually announce these things, anyway? Thanks.

Chill, man. It is now about 3 am Cupertino time (should I say: CenterOfTheUniverse time?). I think we have at least 5-8 hours to go until the announcements (if there is one).

NicoMan

[Shaktai]

Start checking the Apple store around 6-8 AM Pacific Time. If it goes down for updates, then you can expect a release. (about 3 hours from this post.)

[menacefm]

Just checked the UK store and it's down for updates, US one still up last time I checked.

Hoping for a suprise or two...

[appleofmyeye]

As of 8:33AM Eastern time, the Italian store is down for updates as well... I'm assuming all European stores are... ;))))))

[primalman]

they are here.......

[SwitchHitter]

I'm hoping that the stores in Chicago have them in stock.....if not, I guess I'll need to order. I'm planning on getting the top of the line iMac.


:)

[SwitchHitter]

I called the Apple store - and they are going to hold one for me when they arrive today :)

IF they arrive..... so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Finally, I'LL BE A SWITCHER!

[MacKid]

Originally posted by SwitchHitter
I called the Apple store - and they are going to hold one for me when they arrive today :)

IF they arrive..... so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Finally, I'LL BE A SWITCHER!

Congratulations, your wish has come true. . .FINALLY!:D