Analyst: iMac and MacBook Updates Coming Within Weeks? [Archive]

MacRumors

Sep 15, 2009, 08:25 PM

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/09/15/analyst-imac-and-macbook-updates-coming-within-weeks/)

Tech Trader Daily reports (http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2009/09/15/apple-new-macs-coming-soon) on a note to clients from research firm Wedge Partners predicting the release of updated iMac and MacBook models within the next several weeks. The refresh is expected to bring a significant redesign to the iMac, while the MacBook is likely to see only limited enhancements on the design front.Wedge sees a redesigned iMac witjh a "thinner, organic design, likely with smoothed or rounded edges. The MacBook redesign "is likely to be limited," Wedge asserts.The note also suggests that the updates will bring lower price tags in order to aggressively compete against Windows 7-based PCs and the low-cost netbook segment.

Wedge Partners' report echoes previous claims suggesting that Apple is working on refreshed iMac (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/08/07/next-generation-imac-to-offer-two-compelling-new-features/) and MacBook (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/08/25/macbook-to-see-design-refresh-in-near-future/) designs to be accompanied by lower price points later this year, but is the first to point to a release window for the new models in the very near future.

Article Link: Analyst: iMac and MacBook Updates Coming Within Weeks? (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/09/15/analyst-imac-and-macbook-updates-coming-within-weeks/)

slipper

Sep 15, 2009, 08:27 PM

At $999, the Macbook is a bit overpriced for its market segment. Although i would still pay a premium for an Apple product, a price drop is very welcome.

MacMini2009

Sep 15, 2009, 08:27 PM

They spelled "with" wrong.

New backlit black keyboards and a new mighty mouse please!

thegoldenmackid

Sep 15, 2009, 08:28 PM

Kilamite

Sep 15, 2009, 08:28 PM

So nothing affecting the design of the MacBook Pro then?

Just the White MacBook?

wizard

Sep 15, 2009, 08:30 PM

IMac needs to be able to employ desktop chipsets to help lower the price and incease performance. A thinner machine really isn't desirable.

Dave

Eidorian

Sep 15, 2009, 08:31 PM

A new body on the Macbook would be nice to see. Besides Core 2 Quad what can Apple do for the iMac? Arrandale is just starting to be produced. Is Apple really that special to get Arrandale within the first few days of production?

macfan881

Sep 15, 2009, 08:33 PM

sounds good so im guessing the Minis wont be updated till after or around macworld? i keep forgeting apples not there any more but i wont fell bad on just buying a mac mini 3 weeks agao.

Rocketman

Sep 15, 2009, 08:35 PM

The Tech Trader link is worth clicking on. The comments are on-point and amusing too.

Rocketman

dlastmango

Sep 15, 2009, 08:36 PM

IMac needs to be able to employ desktop chipsets to help lower the price and incease performance. A thinner machine really isn't desirable.

Dave

I honestly believe that using notebook parts allows the imac to be manufactured cheaper than if they used desktop parts. Apple's best selling line of computers are notebooks.... if they use similar or even exact parts on the iMacs they should get a better price for the incredible bulk they buy. Thus making the cost to build cheaper... Now weather they past that cost savings on to us... thats another story!

in my opinion of course.. :D
Chris

kevinklinkmulle

Sep 15, 2009, 08:36 PM

i hope this is just for the white macbook, because i only just bought a 15 inch macbook pro today at the apple online store.:confused:

noodle654

Sep 15, 2009, 08:40 PM

Didn't the iMac just get redesigned in 2007? It took like 7 years for the MBP to get a redesign!

mdntcallr

Sep 15, 2009, 08:41 PM

no new mac laptop for me until BLU-RAY!!!

sorry, time passes and Apple continues to just stonewall this new technology

The Samurai

Sep 15, 2009, 08:42 PM

Bring it on :D

mikemakin50

Sep 15, 2009, 08:45 PM

Bregalad

Sep 15, 2009, 08:46 PM

Mr. Giver '94

Sep 15, 2009, 08:46 PM

I don't really understand why they feel the need to thin the iMac any more. I really don't see any major changes in the design just because it already matches where they are taking the rest of their line up. No real internal changes either. Maybe an OLED panel to match the ACD and Blu-Ray support. That'd be nice.

MacBook updates? Meaning only the white one? I'm not sure, but I doubt we'll see anything other than bumps in speeds/memory for any of the devices just because they've been adding more options since the original release last year.

Macbook Air. Maybe a change up here. It'd be great to see a 15" version. Probably new options for processor, SSD, and graphic chips. For design, maybe they'll go black around the screen to match the rest of the portables. Also a glass trackpad with multi-touch.

Mac Mini. I feel like this should be the focus of the next computer update. It needs a true overhall and redesign. It could be a great device, but it's been neglected for too long. Even though it was "updated" recently, I think it really needs to be recreated to fit into current consumer needs and wants for a machine of its size and computing power. Basically do or die time coming up. I personally would want to have it be the base for the whole "Home Network" idea that was talked about before. Like to have it replace the Apple TV and serve as a home server. (no pun intended :P)

Just my thoughts/predictions.

Doctor Q

Sep 15, 2009, 08:47 PM

Whether or not this claim is true, I'll be glad to see Apple release new models before the holiday shopping season gets into full swing, rather than releasing products after the ship has sailed, the fat lady has sung, and Elvis has left the building. Anybody remember when Apple used to attend a conference named Macworld and release products in January?

OmiKnight52

Sep 15, 2009, 08:47 PM

Apple should make imacs more customizable say besides the ram, make the cpu and gpu upgradeable if possible in a all in one pc.

i make movies

Sep 15, 2009, 08:49 PM

Do quad core notebook chips exist yet? That would be a nice upgrade for the iMac. If not, what's the latest chip out and what are the benefits to the current iMac chipset?

Cartman356

Sep 15, 2009, 08:50 PM

i hope we see a macbook pro update before the holidays, cause i wont get a macbook pro before the next update

superstrikertwo

Sep 15, 2009, 08:52 PM

Well that's good to hear I'm planning on buying a MacBook within the next year.

sherwinzadeh

Sep 15, 2009, 08:52 PM

I predicted the exact same thing over two months ago :)

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=739810&highlight=winter+2009+macbook

tingly

Sep 15, 2009, 08:53 PM

Redesigns for imacs are only announced in Januarys and Augusts (so far). It's due for one in 2010-11. Moving the 'chin' to the top or removing it would be nice, cuz the screen is too high for people in dire need of bifocals. Making the screen height adjustable would work, too.

the1payday

Sep 15, 2009, 08:53 PM

I can see the iMac getting more of a curved back body, kind of like how the iPhone did, but being slightly thicker in the back then it is even now. For the MacBook...I don't really see what they can redesign and still keep plastic. Maybe just thinner and more powerful, and the reintroduction of multiple models and configurations, at a possible entry price of $699, or is that way too low to consider?

sauer228

Sep 15, 2009, 08:56 PM

Lower MB prices and a rumored tablet for $799-$999? I'll take the MB please.

Angelchild

Sep 15, 2009, 08:57 PM

Wedge Partners' report echoes.....but is the first to point to a release window for the new models in the very near future.

That's not so true. Appleinsider did (http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/06/26/briefly_more_affordable_imacs_from_apple_expected_by_fall.html) first.

macadociousone

Sep 15, 2009, 09:00 PM

Well, I called this back in March.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=7308724#post7308724

More to come.

Thomas Davie

Sep 15, 2009, 09:01 PM

Whatever happens, whether it is more computing power for the same money or a slight drop in prices is good. I was saving up to buy my girlfriend a Macbook for xmas, so this just makes it a little bit easier.

Tom

LAS.mac

Sep 15, 2009, 09:02 PM

Well, I really hope in a slight improvement of the MBA, more Ram and a slight faster processor, for instance. I don't see how they could make a new policarb MB. I'd soppose they can increment processor speed a bit more, and make it slightly cheaper, in the 800-850 USD range.
I have an iMac and I'm quite happy with it. The only thing I'd like to see is an integrated multicard reader (to get rid of the one standing on my desk).

zap2

Sep 15, 2009, 09:02 PM

We do need a MacBook redesign...I'm using a Core Duo MacBook, and I walk into the Apple store and see basically the same Mac, faster, but design is still similar.

I like that upgrading RAM and HDD is easy, but make it look a bit more "2009" vs "2006"

charlituna

Sep 15, 2009, 09:03 PM

At $999, the Macbook is a bit overpriced for its market segment. Although i would still pay a premium for an Apple product, a price drop is very welcome.

a mild price drop is probably all you could get. no actual refresh.

recent announcements seem to play to the notion that they are shifting their calendar, putting laptop changes at the start of their back to school promo (which is a big time for them) and desktops right before the holidays when parents might think of getting a new computer for the house (which would more likely be an imac than a laptop)

danielwsmithee

Sep 15, 2009, 09:07 PM

I wonder if this has anything to do with the fact that intel has announced that the new Mobile Quad core i7 (clarksfield) will be shipping by the end of september.

I'm seeing the clarksfield going into the high end iMac and MBP. While the Arrandale (2 core - integrated graphics) will go into the MacBook and low end iMac.

Also I hope the iMac will now line up with the LED Cinema Displays, contain an SD Card slot, and 4 memory slots instead of just 2.

ilmolto

Sep 15, 2009, 09:08 PM

Hopefully Apple will update the Mac Pro as well.

Eidorian

Sep 15, 2009, 09:08 PM

joueboy

Sep 15, 2009, 09:09 PM

Bring it on! And don't forget to put a Blu-ray drive, okay.

AidenShaw

Sep 15, 2009, 09:09 PM

Mac Mini. I feel like this should be the focus of the next computer update. It needs a true overhall and redesign. It could be a great device, but it's been neglected for too long. Even though it was "updated" recently, I think it really needs to be recreated to fit into current consumer needs and wants for a machine of its size and computing power. Basically do or die time coming up. I personally would want to have it be the base for the whole "Home Network" idea that was talked about before. Like to have it replace the Apple TV and serve as a home server. (no pun intended :P)

Interesting, since HP just did a nice upgrade to the MediaSmart server....

http://www.mediasmartserver.net/images/mss_135square.png

http://www.mediasmartserver.net/2009/09/14/hp-announces-mediasmart-server-ex490-and-ex495/

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=787116

Merge the Apple TV and the Mini into one system, and make the "new Mini" larger and much more like the MediaSmart.

The Apple Mini-TV would be the tiny box for limited applications (small system or set-top box), and the Apple Mini-Server would be true home nexus.

mgridgaway

Sep 15, 2009, 09:13 PM

Does this really deserve to be front page news? It's rumor mongering at its worst.

gkarris

Sep 15, 2009, 09:13 PM

LOL...

I guess the release of Windows 7 and the Laptop Hunters Ads made an impact... :eek:

:D

macadociousone

Sep 15, 2009, 09:13 PM

I can see the iMac getting more of a curved back body, kind of like how the iPhone did, but being slightly thicker in the back then it is even now.

That's precisely where it's going. Nice call.

Ramashalanka

Sep 15, 2009, 09:13 PM

Do quad core notebook chips exist yet? That would be a nice upgrade for the iMac. If not, what's the latest chip out and what are the benefits to the current iMac chipset?

Yes, quad core notebook chips exist, e.g. the Q9000 and Q9100:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Core_2

Seen here in a dell laptop:

http://configure.ap.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=nz&l=en&s=dhs&cs=nzdhs1&kc=&oc=S510605NZ&~lt=alienware

At 45W, probably to warm for an Apple product. Make thicker computers please, apple.

Unfortunately, all of the Arrandale chips (which Apple will probably use) are two core/four thread. :-(

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Nehalem_(microarchitecture)

danielwsmithee

Sep 15, 2009, 09:14 PM

Does this really deserve to be front page news? It's rumoring mongering at its worst.Isn't that the whole point of this website?

theLimit

Sep 15, 2009, 09:14 PM

MacBook changes will likely bring a move to the internal battery, replacing mini-DVI with Mini Display Port, dropping FireWire, and maybe adding the SD slot. Hopefully a price drop to a more reasonable $799, unless they move back to the Unibody design, but then there isn't enough to differentiate the 13" MacBook Pro until they get updated. But that isn't a new practice for Apple. Back in the PowerPC days, the iBook specs would equal the PowerBook specs for several months.

macdoofus

Sep 15, 2009, 09:15 PM

okay, so I guess I wait another 2-3 weeks? to buy my White MB. That is if I were chasing the proverbial dragon, which it seems I am. Trying to get back into the Mac fold with a MB or iMac plus 32gb iPod Touch. Hurry up man!!! edit; opps, I do need the Firewire though, I already have FW externals.

Frisco

Sep 15, 2009, 09:15 PM

Bring it on! And don't forget to put a Blu-ray drive, okay.

I have to think that the first Mac to get Blu-ray will be the Mac Pro.

danielwsmithee

Sep 15, 2009, 09:17 PM

Unfortunately, all of the Arrandale chips (which Apple will probably use) are two core/four thread. :-(

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Nehalem_(microarchitecture)The Arrandale are meant for thinner lighter laptops. I can see them going into the 13" and MacBook. The Clarksfield is targeted and high end 15 to 17" in laptops. They are quad core i7 mobile processors 4 core / 8 thread. Toping out at 2 GHZ (turboboost to 3.33 GHZ).

iMJustAGuy

Sep 15, 2009, 09:17 PM

Does this really deserve to be front page news? It's rumoring mongering at its worst.

MacRumors

philipt42

Sep 15, 2009, 09:18 PM

The iMac is getting thinner again? Will it be moving to the Atom processor to reduce energy consumption and cooling requirements?

At a time when the Windows/Linux crowd is celebrating the new Lynnfield Core i5 and Core i7 this rumor is beyond disappointing.

I don't think they will use the atom processor just yet. That's a little extreme.
I agree, though, a thicker imac for more processing power would be a great trade.

Lesser Evets

Sep 15, 2009, 09:19 PM

I'm guessing they will be redesigning to make iMacs look more like iPhones on stands? -_O??

Could be interesting, but I'm more concerned about what they can actually do. The present design isn't bad--just needs Blu-ray, faster processing, perhaps dual processors, a HD you can change without opening the thing up, etc.

Ramashalanka

Sep 15, 2009, 09:20 PM

The Arrandale are meant for thinner lighter laptops. I can see them going into the 13" and MacBook. The Clarksfield is targeted and high end 15 to 17" in laptops. They are quad core i7 mobile processors 4 core / 8 thread. Toping out at 2 GHZ (turboboost to 3.33 GHZ).

The 2GHz version (920XM) is 55W. I don't see it as likely in an Apple laptop. I would love to be wrong.

ziggyonice

Sep 15, 2009, 09:23 PM

I can't wait for a MacBook redesign. I still remember May 2006...

http://img.skitch.com/20090916-rhx4wetx9h67fnf9dwp1jujknt.png

...And it's been the same ever since.

Shake 'n' Bake

Sep 15, 2009, 09:25 PM

iMac needs a redesign. Something as radical as the G3 and G4. The current design is almost five-years-old. Price needs to be $999 or less. Something like the iMac G3 would be even better [in terms of price]. Core 2 Quad (I know, not happening) or a Nehalem variant is necessary.

MacBook has a design around ten-years-old. It's boring. We need something new, not necessarily groundbreaking, but a multi-touch trackpad would be nice. I find the current one too wide and too short. White/black combo is welcome, but I'd like black available at all price points, like the iPod line. Price drop to a Mac mini area (around $700 or so) would be great.

Bregalad

Sep 15, 2009, 09:25 PM

I honestly believe that using notebook parts allows the imac to be manufactured cheaper than if they used desktop parts. Apple's best selling line of computers are notebooks.... if they use similar or even exact parts on the iMacs they should get a better price for the incredible bulk they buy. Thus making the cost to build cheaper... Now weather they past that cost savings on to us... thats another story!

in my opinion of course.. :D
Chris

While Apple probably gets great deals because they essentially buy one chip for their entire lineup, they simply do not have a machine with desktop performance at any price under $2500.

Apple and Intel both like to talk about "performance per watt", which is a nice concept that saves electricity.

I prefer to think about "performance per dollar", something Apple seems determined not to offer.

Now some will look at my sig and see I've got a Mac mini and question my interest in performance, but my dual 2.7 G5 died and I didn't have the money to replace it with anything better.

The current iMac has several flaws in my mind including fluorescent backlighting, uneven color, buried hard drive and weak performance per dollar when compared to anything in a typical desktop PC.

kjs862

Sep 15, 2009, 09:27 PM

Lets hope the new iMac has a touch display!

J Radical

Sep 15, 2009, 09:29 PM

MacModMachine

Sep 15, 2009, 09:30 PM

12" widescreen macbook , 6hr battery @ 599

thats competition for the netbook segment.

RazHyena

Sep 15, 2009, 09:31 PM

I second the iMac redesign. :) Something cool.

gkarris

Sep 15, 2009, 09:32 PM

The iMac & Mini are overpriced and seriously underpowered.

By insisting on making the iMac thinner and thinner Apple are gimping the product long term. The most expensive machine is already outperformed by a Dell costing half as much.

Can we please have a i5/Quad Core iMac with 4870 GFX.

As for the Mini, knock $150 off the price and it's a good deal.

They do need to lower the price of the iMac - have an entry level one at $899...

I can see them lowering the Mini to its original price of $499 (for maybe a 2/160), remember you're getting an awesome OS as well as iLife...

flopticalcube

Sep 15, 2009, 09:34 PM

gianly1985

Sep 15, 2009, 09:35 PM

What I see (or maybe hope) for the iMac:

- NO MORE boring-Penryn cpus (PUH-LEASE....)

- SURPRISE: Intel bless new iMac with Westmere 32nm CPUs 2 months earlier than the rest of the market

- DESIGN: going to get closer to the ACD 24" Led design

- GREEN: no more CCFL, only LED backlit

- HOPE: easyly swappable HDD, maybe drop 3.5" for 2.5"? (good SSD-wise, also not bad for capacity ----> WD Scorpio Blue 1tb is out, so there would still be the 1tb option)

- BLURAY: not gonna happen

- ONE MORE THING: new 30" ACD Led, with matte option

About the Macbook, I don't really know what to think.....at the moment it is CRAP compared to unibody......making it crappier and cheaper doesn't look like a good idea....

RazHyena

Sep 15, 2009, 09:39 PM

The iMac & Mini are overpriced and seriously underpowered.

By insisting on making the iMac thinner and thinner Apple are gimping the product long term. The most expensive machine is already outperformed by a Dell costing half as much.

Can we please have a i5/Quad Core iMac with 4870 GFX.

As for the Mini, knock $150 off the price and it's a good deal.

So true, but man an iMac like that would run at really high temps. :eek:

J Radical

Sep 15, 2009, 09:39 PM

They do need to lower the price of the iMac - have an entry level one at $899...

I can see them lowering the Mini to its original price of $499 (for maybe a 2/160), remember you're getting an awesome OS as well as iLife...

This is very true, but remember Apple notebooks are competitively priced*, so there is no excuse for the desktops.

*i.e in addition to their excellent build quality, they have comparable performance to similarly priced PC laptops.

Lesser Evets

Sep 15, 2009, 09:40 PM

What I see (or maybe hope):...

Those are horrible. If THAT is what they are offering, it's like Apple is going backwards. Might as well boast the 256 color monitor next.

LESS DRIVE SPACE!
GREEN! (like anyone intelligent cares)
NO BLU-RAY!
DIFFERENT TYPE OF MONITOR! (as if it helps productivity or function)

Though it could go in that direction...

inkling23

Sep 15, 2009, 09:40 PM

This is for the MB and not the MBP, I take it. Anyway, bring on some Blu-Ray love across the line, especially the mini! I don't want to buy a hulking PS3!!!

ziggyonice

Sep 15, 2009, 09:44 PM

What needs a refresh more: the iMac or the MacBook?

Personally, I'm leaning toward the MacBook -- the same plastic look since 2006, falling apart and obviously an aging design.

dagamer34

Sep 15, 2009, 09:44 PM

So nothing affecting the design of the MacBook Pro then?

Just the White MacBook?

MacBook Pro was updated in June and is on an 8-9 month product cycle. No updates for that line are expected until February/March (I'd bet on February though).

Shake 'n' Bake

Sep 15, 2009, 09:46 PM

This is for the MB and not the MBP, I take it. Anyway, bring on some Blu-Ray love across the line, especially the mini! I don't want to buy a hulking PS3!!!

BD isn't happening, at least for the iMac. Mac Pro, then MBP, iMac, MacBook/Mac mini.

What needs a refresh more: the iMac or the MacBook?

Personally, I'm leaning toward the MacBook -- the same plastic look since 2006, falling apart and obviously an aging design.

Actually, the same basic design can be found on the iBook G3. So it's much older than four years.

Takeo

Sep 15, 2009, 09:46 PM

Apple should make imacs more customizable say besides the ram, make the cpu and gpu upgradeable if possible in a all in one pc.

That would be awesome for the 0.001% of people who would actually upgrade their CPU.

dagamer34

Sep 15, 2009, 09:47 PM

This is for the MB and not the MBP, I take it. Anyway, bring on some Blu-Ray love across the line, especially the mini! I don't want to buy a hulking PS3!!!

There aren't any slot loading Blu-ray drives. Until some manufacturer makes them, Apple can't use them in their computer lineup. If anything, you'll find them in the Mac Pro first as a tray loading drive.

But regardless, I believe that Apple would have to have a Mac approved as a Blu-ray device before it can be licensed for use. And then they'd have to pay licensing fees. And the miniDisplayPort doesn't send audio either. It just doesn't make much sense to stick in Blu-ray even if the drives were available, as the hardware support isn't really there. It's obvious that Apple is a Blu-ray Forum member in name only. They'd rather sell you their online services which they have MUCH more control over without a ton of DRM.

idea_hamster

Sep 15, 2009, 09:47 PM

Hmmm...I wonder:

Man-Droid

Sep 15, 2009, 09:51 PM

I don't know why people are wanting a redesign on the iMac. Its fine the way it is. I just want the insides to impress me as much as the outside. If I am going to drop $2000 I want a quad.

RyanR.

Sep 15, 2009, 09:52 PM

Lets hope the new iMac has a touch display!

Let's Not!:rolleyes:

3.5 Touch screen iPhone/iTouch =$300-700.
24" touch iMac = $2400 rounding down of coarse:rolleyes:

gianly1985

Sep 15, 2009, 09:53 PM

Those are horrible.

Just to point out, my "hope"-thing was only about: Westmere, easily swappable HDD, LED backlit display.

LESS DRIVE SPACE!
I hope for easily swappable 2.5" drives, with 640gb and 1tb options for HDD capacity lovers and Intel SSDs option for performance lovers.

Maybe two 2.5" HDD slots for convenient hybrid SSD+HDD setups. But now I'm literally dreaming....

GREEN! (like anyone intelligent cares)

LEDs are better than CCFL in many ways....not only greener...
NO BLU-RAY!

Yep.

DIFFERENT TYPE OF MONITOR! (as if it helps productivity or function)

???
I meant: old 30" ACD discontinued, new 30" ACD-Led introduced.

svNautilus301

Sep 15, 2009, 09:54 PM

ziggyonice

Sep 15, 2009, 09:56 PM

What needs a refresh more: the iMac or the MacBook?

Personally, I'm leaning toward the MacBook -- the same plastic look since 2006, falling apart and obviously an aging design.
Actually, the same basic design can be found on the iBook G3. So it's much older than four years.

Well, the "basic" design, sure. Although the MacBook was a nice departure from the REALLY plastic-y feel of the iBook line.

BornAgainMac

Sep 15, 2009, 09:56 PM

I would think the Macbook would get a major redesign. Lose the white case and make it silver. It really doesn't need a DVD drive and make the battery built-in. Give the Macbook a diet with no firewire and just have USB ports. It would cut into Macbook Air sales though. Maybe even have it use the Atom processor to make it the baby brother of the Air.

Bluefusion

Sep 15, 2009, 09:58 PM

Corrode

Sep 15, 2009, 09:58 PM

tempusfugit

Sep 15, 2009, 09:59 PM

IMac needs to be able to employ desktop chipsets to help lower the price and incease performance. A thinner machine really isn't desirable.

Dave

I would love an imac that fit the basic dimensions of a 24" ACD

GeekLawyer

Sep 15, 2009, 10:00 PM

I'm recalling that AppleInsider report from last month that discussed the future of the polycarbonate Macbook.

Once rumored for extinction, Apple's entry-level polycarbonate MacBooks are on the verge of a refresh that will solidify them at the base of the Mac maker's notebook offerings for the foreseeable future, AppleInsider has learned.

People familiar with Cupertino-based company's plans say the 13-inch portables are presently undergoing an industrial design overhaul that will see them reemerge in the coming months with a slimmer, lighter enclosure and restructured internal architecture to boot.

It'll be the first time in more than three years that the plastic Mac notebooks will receive a visual tune-up. Introduced in May of 2006, the white and black systems replaced the PowerPC-based iBook and 12-inch PowerBook as part of Apple's transition to Intel processors and quickly became the best selling Mac of all time, according to statistics from NPD Group.http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/08/25/apple_to_retain_redesign_plastic_macbook_family.html

I'm going to add to this post a link to an earlier AI report about rumored plans for the iMac: http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/08/07/apples_next_imacs_rumored_with_compelling_new_features.html

Dr.Pants

Sep 15, 2009, 10:03 PM

...There is NO need for additional thinness... my god, what is the point? It's a desktop!

Seconded. Its unfortunate Steve Jobs has a fetish that revolves around anorexic machines.

b1wils1

Sep 15, 2009, 10:03 PM

powerbook G5

Gatesbasher

Sep 15, 2009, 10:05 PM

I don't know exactly when the updates will come, but after it all shakes out:

The iPhone/iPod Touch will look like an iPhone/iPod Touch.

The iTablet will look like a big iPhone/iPod Touch (with a foldout stand.)

The MacBook will look like an enormous iPhone/iPod Touch (with a foldout keyboard.)

The iMac will look like a mega-ginormous iPhone/iPod Touch (with a fixed stand.)

Rot'nApple

Sep 15, 2009, 10:07 PM

C'mon Matte Screen iMac!!!!!

I know it's not happing, but a person can dream can't they?! :rolleyes:

cult hero

Sep 15, 2009, 10:09 PM

This is very true, but remember Apple notebooks are competitively priced*, so there is no excuse for the desktops.

*i.e in addition to their excellent build quality, they have comparable performance to similarly priced PC laptops.

Well, I'd say the price us competitive at the time they're released. Apple's cycles are longer than say... Dell's. (Which is why I always wait for a new release before buying.)

People generally do not want or care about MHz, GBs or anything like that when they buy a Mac and that's why Apple's sales continue to do quite well. If you think they need to be more concerned about that, just go to your nearest Apple Store and observe the crowd for about 20 minutes.

fun173

Sep 15, 2009, 10:11 PM

powerbook G5

lol

mgridgaway

Sep 15, 2009, 10:14 PM

MacRumors

There's a difference between rumors with valid ground and an "analyst" blowing steam out his ass. He has absolutely no evidence, and, especially with Apple, is probably completely wrong.

Ramashalanka

Sep 15, 2009, 10:17 PM

GREEN! (like anyone intelligent cares)

Lot's of intelligent people care about green production. Just because you don't agree with them, doesn't make them stupid.

FoxHoundADAM

Sep 15, 2009, 10:29 PM

I see some new BluRay (http://9to5mac.com/LED-iMAC-NEW-BluRay), "Organic design" means OLED?

Can you imagine what Apple would charge for an OLED iMac?

I'm skeptical about this release, after all Apple just announced Mac sales were up some 26% this year. No need to refresh now, save it for when the sales dip again.

igazza

Sep 15, 2009, 10:32 PM

i want a 30 inch imac

gri

Sep 15, 2009, 10:32 PM

i hope this is just for the white macbook, because i only just bought a 15 inch macbook pro today at the apple online store.:confused:

How about FINALLY an upgraded MBA v3 with 4 G ram and 256SSD...? Some rumors were pointing to November as a date (see the MBA forum)

mr_matalino

Sep 15, 2009, 10:33 PM

Quad core!! Quad core!!

joeshell383

Sep 15, 2009, 10:34 PM

witjh? (see MR bot post)

danielwsmithee

Sep 15, 2009, 10:34 PM

The 2GHz version (920XM) is 55W. I don't see it as likely in an Apple laptop. I would love to be wrong.You are probably right they may be able to in an iMac though.

twoodcc

Sep 15, 2009, 10:34 PM

yeah a price drop makes sense. let's hope it does happen soon

gri

Sep 15, 2009, 10:38 PM

Does this really deserve to be front page news? It's rumor mongering at its worst.

Right -shame on that. How could they. Its a webpage called MacRUMORS...:rolleyes:

gri

Sep 15, 2009, 10:40 PM

What needs a refresh more: the iMac or the MacBook?

Personally, I'm leaning toward the MacBook -- the same plastic look since 2006, falling apart and obviously an aging design.

...the MBA...

bagelche

Sep 15, 2009, 10:42 PM

I'm still rooting for the inclusion of an esata port (keeping a FW800 port alongside).

Ramashalanka

Sep 15, 2009, 10:46 PM

I'm still rooting for the inclusion of an esata port (keeping a FW800 port alongside).

Would be nice for an external drive, but not gonna happen I'm afraid.

thebez

Sep 15, 2009, 10:48 PM

powerbook G5

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D
http://www.rkdigital.net/news/17085pBookG5.jpg
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D

hotpotato123

Sep 15, 2009, 10:51 PM

irontony

Sep 15, 2009, 10:52 PM

yeah a price drop makes sense. let's hope it does happen soon

Please within the month... I have a pre-approved loan and would love a new iMac at a lower cost. The last iMac revision saw a huge price increase in NZ where the price is absolutely insulting.

The old 24" 2.8GHz with 2600 was $2,899 NZ
Now the new entry level 24" 2.66GHz 2400M is $3299 NZ
And the Mid level 24" 2.9GHz with GT120 is $3999 NZ

Really wishing for a price drop

MacMini2009

Sep 15, 2009, 10:56 PM

I agree with others here, I think the Mac Mini needs a major redesign, somewhat with aluminum and black glass. Needs better specs, 8GB RAM, 500GB hard drive standard, and SSD options. Drop the price to $499 and $699. If Apple does this, I'm sold. As to the Macbooks, I can see Apple somehow making it thinner, replacing some ports with newer ones, and dropping the prices to $799, $899, and $999. The iMac, well all I can see is that they take off the chin for more screen space, and faster specs. Price drops, $999, $1199, $1499, and $1899.

theneweyes

Sep 15, 2009, 11:02 PM

I think Apple is trying to find a way to maintain its high market share with the mark up they have traditionally made on computers. Five years ago you could get away selling a computer for $3,000, but in today's market technology has gotten progressively so cheap, computer parts are de-escalating exponentially, hence the mark up is going down. I'm curious how they'll handle it. By the year 2020 it will be physically impossible to make the processor circuits any smaller.

illegallydead

Sep 15, 2009, 11:02 PM

While I am curious what possible re-designs might bring, personally, I am waiting until at least the next refresh. The next machine I buy WILL have USB 3.0 in it, and I am thinking it will be a Mac. So 2010-2011 is looking good from my point of view: might actually be able to afford it by then, and will have the specs I want.

I agree that the iMac should not get any thinner. That would be ridiculous.

There aren't any slot loading Blu-ray drives. Until some manufacturer makes them, Apple can't use them in their computer lineup. If anything, you'll find them in the Mac Pro first as a tray loading drive.

But regardless, I believe that Apple would have to have a Mac approved as a Blu-ray device before it can be licensed for use. And then they'd have to pay licensing fees. And the miniDisplayPort doesn't send audio either. It just doesn't make much sense to stick in Blu-ray even if the drives were available, as the hardware support isn't really there. It's obvious that Apple is a Blu-ray Forum member in name only. They'd rather sell you their online services which they have MUCH more control over without a ton of DRM.

I am pretty sure you are wrong on every point, buddy.

Slot loading drives were available on the first feasible Blu-Ray player, the Playstation 3. They are widely available, and I am pretty sure I have seen them in other products besides just the PS3. Additionally, Mac's are already "licensed" as Blu-Ray devices: I think all you need is HDCP certification, and all current Mac's and Mac displays are HDCP-compliant. You are right, mini-DP does not send audio, but I am sure it could. And you can still output via optical if I am not mistaken...

miki66

Sep 15, 2009, 11:02 PM

strongly agree with those who said about the current overpricing
I'm planning to buy a mini but really cant decide....hope they'll either drop down the price or bring faster processor in:p

JoeG4

Sep 15, 2009, 11:02 PM

Knowing apple's obsession with battery life, thinness, and silly things, I suspect the new, lower priced iMac and MacBook may come in at the following price points/specs:

* MacBook: $599
Atom processor, same basic body but thinner

* iMac: $699
1.25cm thick, 20" screen, atom processor, the lightest, thinnest imac ever

Since the MacBook Pro took the old MacBook's place..

* Mac Pro: $1199-2499
The current iMac with a core i5 and neutered P55 chipset, 24" model

lanceh5

Sep 15, 2009, 11:07 PM

As soon as a 4 core or more iMac is released, I will buy it. Earlier this year, I was hoping Apple would ship more than a two core iMac. The money is ready.

Dahl

Sep 15, 2009, 11:12 PM

I know Apple loves their iMac's and MacBooks, but come on...
How about some love for the desktops?

Tower-Union

Sep 15, 2009, 11:16 PM

Knowing apple's obsession with battery life,..., and silly things

Yeah! To hell with battery life, I can just lug a giant extension cord running from my house! :rolleyes:

ironman159

Sep 15, 2009, 11:20 PM

You know that the iMac has been a huge hit in the computer world. A great design. Great software. Great design. YES! Our engineers managed to make it THINNER. We used a new technology called AIRBODY which reduces space in a 50%! Great! Isn't it? And with that we are announcing today iMac air. So thin you could carry it to the coffee shop, and so powerful it can handle Pages. SHIPPING TODAY. 2000$.:D

thebez

Sep 15, 2009, 11:26 PM

I may be wrong about this, but this is what I see being announced:

atom 330
12.x inch screen
no optical drive
internal battery
2 usb ports
mini displayport
SD slot
slender, white plastic construction
$699-$749

and the marketing will say "It's not a netbook. It's a micro-notebook."

KurtangleTN

Sep 15, 2009, 11:26 PM

I honestly believe that using notebook parts allows the imac to be manufactured cheaper than if they used desktop parts. Apple's best selling line of computers are notebooks.... if they use similar or even exact parts on the iMacs they should get a better price for the incredible bulk they buy. Thus making the cost to build cheaper... Now weather they past that cost savings on to us... thats another story!

in my opinion of course.. :D
Chris

Not in comparison to other desktops, for the same price point you can without effort find i7s that blow the iMac out of the water.

The real issue is the lack of offering a real suitable alternative to it for the consumer market and that will probably never happen because Apple doesn't want to cut the Mac Pro market.

It's just become so, so evident now with i7s. Not to mention when they are finally released in mobile we have to wait for Apple to update the iMacs. So it's not a stretch to think it's like a 2-3 year wait and we'll be paying more then current i7 laptops to boot.

dwman

Sep 15, 2009, 11:38 PM

Its unfortunate Steve Jobs has a fetish that revolves around anorexic machines.

Exactly. He wants to model them after himself.;)

bbydon

Sep 15, 2009, 11:38 PM

Why do people want SSD in Desktops? Seems like a huge waste of money for very little if any advantage.

bbydon

Sep 15, 2009, 11:40 PM

i want a 30 inch imac

AMEN!

BShahan

Sep 15, 2009, 11:40 PM

WHAT ABOUT MAC PRO when are they being updated

kernkraft

Sep 15, 2009, 11:49 PM

MacBook update?

Of course, the Firewire will have to go. Also, super-giga-mega glossy scrteen has to be introduced. Less USB, perhaps? Or loss of optical drive?

But seriously, I think some colours would be great to reach younger customers. Apple could milk these cheap portable computers for a few years to come. MacBooks for the kids and MacBooks for the kitchen - a brand new market share for Apple.

meagain

Sep 15, 2009, 11:50 PM

Well, I called this back in March.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=7308724#post7308724

More to come.

Um - When does Apple NOT put out upgrades in Octoberish?

I predict the sky will be blue tomorrow. Sorry.

corinhorn

Sep 15, 2009, 11:51 PM

Lets hope the new iMac has a touch display!

Why? What advantage would that give the end-user?

illegallydead

Sep 15, 2009, 11:55 PM

Why do people want SSD in Desktops? Seems like a huge waste of money for very little if any advantage.

Speed, dude. Speed.

I guess similar results could be had from RAID in a desktop, but still, apple does not sell a desktop. You either have spiffy laptop in a small package, all-in-one, non-portable laptop, or BAD@$$ MOFO WORKSTATION.

chriszzz

Sep 15, 2009, 11:57 PM

Why do people want SSD in Desktops? Seems like a huge waste of money for very little if any advantage.

Some people care about things like speed and reliability.....

MUrhino

Sep 16, 2009, 12:03 AM

I'm running a 5 year old PBG4 and am ready to upgrade to a MBP+24" external display. Any thoughts about whether or not they'll upgrade their display line? It's been quite a while since a refresh, but display updates are almost impossible to predict it seems. Buy or wait? Apologies for this being somewhat off topic from the iMac update/speculation/wishes :D

Mr. Gates

Sep 16, 2009, 12:11 AM

I hope they bring back the Black Macbook.

Dwalls90

Sep 16, 2009, 12:11 AM

corinhorn

Sep 16, 2009, 12:12 AM

I hope they bring back the Black Macbook.
. . . . for an extra $150

rtdunham

Sep 16, 2009, 12:14 AM

...the MacBook is likely to see only limited enhancements on the design front...

matte screen on the 13" MBP?

Mr. Gates

Sep 16, 2009, 12:22 AM

matte screen on the 13" MBP?

A lot of people seem to gripe about the lack of matte . If you were to get matte instead of the glossy , what would you be sacrificing ? Resolution ? It would seem there must be some kind of trade off. I understand the pro's of the matte.
Would anyone be willing to give an honest list of the Con's ?

rhinosrcool

Sep 16, 2009, 12:39 AM

Even though I would like to really get an iMac, unless the iMac gets the anti-glare option, I will not purchase.

Same goes for the 13" uMBP.

Ping Guo

Sep 16, 2009, 12:42 AM

Phew, at first I thought this was a Macbook Pro update, but I forgot about that measly other lappy that Apple offers. Bout time that thing got a decent update or price drop. Who on earth would buy that thing?

And forgetting it would be a big mistake, because it's still Apple's best-selling laptop. Who would buy it? I'll tell you: People who don't need or care about MBP power. People who want a laptop for *gasp* internet and email, maybe some light photo editing? You know, the majority of people.

Top sellers from the Apple Store:

1.iMac
2.MacBook
3.MacBook Pro
4.Mac mini
5.Mac Pro
6.MacBook Air
7.Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
8.AppleCare
9.iWork ’09

LazersGoPEWPEW

Sep 16, 2009, 12:46 AM

sounds good so im guessing the Minis wont be updated till after or around macworld? i keep forgeting apples not there any more but i wont fell bad on just buying a mac mini 3 weeks agao.

Considering the huge gap in updates for the mini I wouldn't expect another update anytime soon.

California

Sep 16, 2009, 12:50 AM

sounds good so im guessing the Minis wont be updated till after or around macworld? i keep forgeting apples not there any more but i wont fell bad on just buying a mac mini 3 weeks agao.

I'm sorry, but why would you be upset about buying a mac mini recently?

There is no indication that the mini will be upgraded any time soon.

It was two years since the last update.

California

Sep 16, 2009, 12:53 AM

Minimoose 360

Sep 16, 2009, 12:56 AM

And forgetting it would be a major oversight, because it's still apple's best-selling laptop. Who would buy it? I'll tell you: People who don't need care or about MBP power. People who want a laptop for *gasp* internet and email, maybe some light photo editing? You know, the majority of people.

Sadly I only use my MacBook Pro for chatting, web browsing, word processing, etc.

California

Sep 16, 2009, 12:57 AM

There aren't any slot loading Blu-ray drives. Until some manufacturer makes them, Apple can't use them in their computer lineup. If anything, you'll find them in the Mac Pro first as a tray loading drive.

But regardless, I believe that Apple would have to have a Mac approved as a Blu-ray device before it can be licensed for use. And then they'd have to pay licensing fees. And the miniDisplayPort doesn't send audio either. It just doesn't make much sense to stick in Blu-ray even if the drives were available, as the hardware support isn't really there. It's obvious that Apple is a Blu-ray Forum member in name only. They'd rather sell you their online services which they have MUCH more control over without a ton of DRM.

Of course there are slot loading blu rays.

My question is, maybe a dumb one, but I really don't know the answer...

How come my Mac won't play Blu ray? Or will it?

LagunaSol

Sep 16, 2009, 12:57 AM

Having bought a new iMac only a few months ago, I think I can safely predict a dramatically improved design, more features, much faster hardware, and a reduced price. :(

Ping Guo

Sep 16, 2009, 01:02 AM

But the Macbook sorely needs a design. Its been ugly as sin since the day it was introduced -- only the black one has ever looked good!

The Macbook has a design. And I disagree with your second point - it's a great looking, iconic product. "White laptop" is pretty much synonymous with the Macbook.

I think the white Macbook, along with the Air, are Apple's best-looking current offerings. I've tried to warm to the unibodies, I really have. But I find the black/silver palette and "I'm a PC" look to be aging badly. I think these will look stale within a year or two, whereas the white Macbook still looks fresh because it is such an original design.

I do agree that as Apple's best-selling laptops, these badly need a redesign/price drop to stay even remotely competitive. Five pounds is way too heavy - weight needs to drop by 1/3. They can ditch the optical drive and add the long-life battery from the MBP. Get a better quality screen in there, and change the polycarbonate for a more durable plastic that is less prone to cracking.

Macminiintel

Sep 16, 2009, 01:07 AM

Oh I really hope this is true, I really want a new Mac in time for xmas, either the iMac or a MacBook Pro. My MacBook's 18 months old, sure its 2.4Ghz, but I want something to keep with times lol.

iSee

Sep 16, 2009, 01:08 AM

Does it take an analyst to predict Apple will get updates out in time for the Christmas shopping season?

LoCarbHotrod

Sep 16, 2009, 01:23 AM

I've been thinking about getting another iMac...

Anyway, I hope they ship it with a touch sensitive Mighty Mouse. It would be very nice to have 2 finger scrolling instead of the faulty might mouse scroll ball. Not to mention pinch zooming etc etc

DetroitRockCity

Sep 16, 2009, 01:37 AM

What is apple's return policy for when new macs release?
I am planning to get a Mac Pro on the 26th, but I will be buying it online.
Say a new Mac Pro comes out in less than 14.... am I covered? Can I bring it back into the store, or do I have to ship it back to get the new model?
Can I do this after the 14 days are up?

I really hope they update the mac pro. I would wait to buy, but I need this machine for October.
I might pick up a new macbook too, as my white macbook is showing its age.

Beric

Sep 16, 2009, 01:37 AM

Eidorian

Sep 16, 2009, 01:40 AM

My question is what's beyond the 9400m? It's been in the Macbook for the past year, and surely is beginning to be outdated, seeing as the 9400m is starting to appear on netbooks. You guys think this will be the last rev with the 9400m? Does Nvidia have something better coming up?ION 2, possibly both MCP89 (Atom/Core 2) and MCP99 (Nehalem/Westemere) should be out. At least the original 32 shader Atom/Core 2 ION 2 was supposed to be Fall 2009.

Beric

Sep 16, 2009, 01:46 AM

ION 2, possibly both MCP89 (Atom/Core 2) and MCP99 (Nehalem/Westemere) should be out. At least the original 32 shader Atom/Core 2 ION 2 was supposed to be Fall 2009.

Ok. Hadn't heard of ION 2; good to know! So maybe on the following update we'll get it. I'm gonna assume there's no reason Apple won't use ION 2 once it's available. Once it's out, I may have to upgrade my old Macbook, which is suffering under an ancient and pathetic GMA 950. :(

Eidorian

Sep 16, 2009, 01:52 AM

Ok. Hadn't heard of ION 2; good to know! So maybe on the following update we'll get it. I'm gonna assume there's no reason Apple won't use ION 2 once it's available. Once it's out, I may have to upgrade my old Macbook, which is suffering under an ancient and pathetic GMA 950. :(The original ION 2 was effectively a drop in for the original ION (a.k.a. MCP79/9400M G) You double the shaders to 32 and keep the memory controller and I/O on one chip. ION 2 has been in the cards for a few months and scheduled for Fall/Late 2009.

There was a big mess with nVidia's license beyond the front side bus so it looked like ION 2 (possibly MCP89) would be it. Then we get the announcement for MCP89/99 and somehow nVidia can make a chipset/MCH for Nehalem/Westmere.

iMJustAGuy

Sep 16, 2009, 02:02 AM

- BLURAY: not gonna happen

If not, then they really need to sort out their priorities. It's not even the fact that I really want one, if they don't add one now they are going to be so far behind the ENTIRE REST of the industry. Because then it would be AT LEAST another year before it was incorporated when they do another refresh. I really won't know what to think of Apple if Blu Ray is not added this time around. Not to mention I'm not buying anything else until this feature is added.

Leo72

Sep 16, 2009, 02:06 AM

Please give us a better video card, Apple. And fix hinge problem :p

Burke

Sep 16, 2009, 02:15 AM

emulator

Sep 16, 2009, 02:22 AM

i must admit, for a person who loves watching HD movies on blu ray id love a blu ray drive in my imac.

also, id be interested to see what they do with the redesign, cant really picture anything replacing my 24"
what's the point of watching BR on iMacs or laptops or 24" LCDs? Even the 30" cinema display would not be sufficient.

djellison

Sep 16, 2009, 02:22 AM

Hands up if you've ever looked at an iMac and thought "You know, I would buy one, if it were only another 1/8th of a inch thinner".

Form over function again. What the iMac needs is POWER for the home user pushing iPhoto/iMovie etc etc. i7 / i5 processor etc.

The iMac is like the Porsche Cayman. You KNOW they could make it faster without having to make it much more, if any more expensive.

But if they did that, it would be knocking on the door of the single CPU Mac Pro, (like the Cayman would be knocking on the door of the 911) - so they intentionally make the iMac a dual core machine.

As a consumer wanted the best bang for my buck - it's damn frustrating.

macshill

Sep 16, 2009, 02:27 AM

I hope they bring back the Black Macbook.

My guess is just make the plastic white MacBook silver in colour (plastic).

OLED in iMac? Puuuuull-eze! It's not even available in the iPhone and *it* has a much smaller screen. The PP who said a more energy efficient processor being an energy saver and thereby a money saver, is probably more right.

Now that said, it would be quite embarrassing for Apple if Microsoft releases a Windows 7 OLED (touch) screen. They already been have been spanked by the Zune HD with a OLED.

macshill

Sep 16, 2009, 02:30 AM

what's the point of watching BR on iMacs or laptops or 24" LCDs? Even the 30" cinema display would not be sufficient.

Storage. The Blu-ray Group needs to boost awareness of blank discs for high capacity storage. Also a video out would solve the problem of watching on a 30" screen or smaller. ;)

iMaconApple

Sep 16, 2009, 02:32 AM

ill just get a new macbook pro next year..better have black pro's :apple::D

im good with my black macbook 2.2 4GB 500GB for now :) i like to have options :p:apple:

Leo72

Sep 16, 2009, 02:33 AM

- Core i7 (whatever it's called) mobile
- Similar video options to current
- 4 GB standard
- 640 GB standard HDD, up to 2 TB option
- LED backlit IPS screen
- Backlit wired keyboard (black keys), maybe backlit wireless, too
- 2.1 speakers like LED cinema display
- Tweaked design, front looks like LED cinema display, but the body looks kinda like a sideways iPhone 3GS, much more rounded lines than current design

I guess that Apple is going to use GT 240M (which is worse than GTS 160M), despite GTS 160M is suitable for 15 inch notebooks.
http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-240M.17654.0.html
http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GTS-160M.14561.0.html

Meanwhile, removal of ExpressCard slot was a big mistake.

Marx55

Sep 16, 2009, 02:40 AM

What is needed is a LIGHT and SMALL MacBook:

- As light as possible (400 g or so would be great).
- As small as possible (pocketable would be great).
- Video-out to connect to videoprojector via VGA-adapter.
- USB 2 ports for remote control and pendrive support.

Not to work on it, but just for Keynote and PowerPoint presentations. Because even the MacBook Air is too heavy, too large and too port limited.

We need thousands for our University.

expand

Sep 16, 2009, 02:55 AM

The think differently design team appear to be going round in their own muck:
Thin, make it thinner! Ya, ya, ya!
Edges, make them narrower! Oh Ya.
Round corners, make them rounder! Ya, ya, ya, ya?
Chin on imac, put a high contrast badge on it to make it stick right out!
Glass it up, and polish it so the buyer can admire who actually paid for this!
Make it cheaper, blend 100% with mac book parts, makes sense after all!

I do hope they rebuild the design team from the top down.:rolleyes:

Ironduke

Sep 16, 2009, 03:13 AM

I could see the Imac getting very thin if apple totally redesigned the mobo into the base of the stand, then fed the wires & cables upto the screen

Gatesbasher

Sep 16, 2009, 03:17 AM

that said, it would be quite embarrassing for Apple if Microsoft releases a Windows 7 OLED (touch) screen. They already been have been spanked by the Zune HD with a OLED.

Are you under the impression that Microsoft makes computers? And yes, they jumped in with an OLED screen on the Zune HD, just to say they have the latest technology. This is a decision they will come to regret.

The life of OLEDs is severely limited, and their color will change even over that short lifespan, since the blue pixels deteriorate the fastest. Once this problem is beaten, OLEDs will be great for TVs or monitors, but not for mobile devices like laptops or iPods/iPhones/Zunes. They use more power the brighter the screen is overall. Microsoft is trying to get around that by making the Zune's GUI white on a black background, but they can't control what people watch on it.

An ordinary, mostly white webpage like this one would actually force an OLED to draw more power than an LED-backlit LCD screen. The only ones Microsoft are spanking are themselves. (And their customers, but what else is new?)

matticus008

Sep 16, 2009, 03:24 AM

Of course there are slot loading blu rays.
There aren't, actually. I wanted one for an HTPC, and no dice.
How come my Mac won't play Blu ray? Or will it?
Play a BD movie? There's no OS X software player. Apple has not licensed the necessary software and patents to do it, and no third party has stepped up to do so yet. Apple has also not implemented some of the necessary DRM and hardware control necessary to get a Blu-ray license (part of the infamous "bag of hurt"). You can easily connect a BD-R drive if all you want is storage, and presumably one day there will be a software player from Apple or a third party.
If not, then they really need to sort out their priorities. It's not even the fact that I really want one, if they don't add one now they are going to be so far behind the ENTIRE REST of the industry.
Still fewer than 5% of PCs ship with Blu-ray drives. It's not really taking off. 4/8GB on optical storage is sufficient for most people; the desire for watching the discs on computers just isn't there.

For the most part, it's a hollow complaint. There are people with legitimate needs for BD authoring, but clearly not enough to make it a serious problem for Apple.
Not to mention I'm not buying anything else until this feature is added.
You just said you didn't really want one...

AAPLaday

Sep 16, 2009, 03:25 AM

Well in regards to the imac please don't thin it anymore unless it has a practical use being so thin. The thing sits on your desk 24/7! In terms of a redesign id like to see the stand redesigned so that the imac sits more upright and less towards you. I mean so that you can push it further back if you have a small desk.

The no brainer for me would be make the hard drive as easy to access as the ram. I got the late 2007 version with 320 GB hard drive and that lasted me fine for almost 2 years, but im after a larger hard drive now and even though following the guides i know i can fit a new one myself, not everybody is as comfortable doing this. 320 GB was large back in 2007 for imac but as hard drives are getting bigger and faster all the time (not to mention uberfast SSD)it makes sense that if someone is going to keep a computer over 2-3 years that the hard drive would be something that they would look at replacing
:)

hiimamac

Sep 16, 2009, 03:31 AM

At $999, the Macbook is a bit overpriced for its market segment. Although i would still pay a premium for an Apple product, a price drop is very welcome.
i said about 3 months ago with palm pre and flash soon, win 6.5 that looks more like osx then win 7 does, and with I.T. Raving about upgradingbto windows 7 that apple wold have it's hand forced. This time they actually might release something non crippleware ie MacBook better graphics then no FireWire then MacBook pros but no express slot. They need to get to their roots and focus on the enthusiast PROsumer market, this market share makes more money including gaming then the pro market share like avid and final cut pro. Time to start releasing powerful machines that offer the users all the things they need to edit, use FireWire audio devices and express ports for external FX and esata cards without having to spend $2700. Ironically msft/palm and others are doing to apple what amd did to intel one time and intel had to cut cut cut prices instead of charging $800 for an extra 200megahertz. It's about time. But then again it's apple so I'll believe when I see it.

Peace fam.

svNautilus301

Sep 16, 2009, 03:36 AM

There aren't, actually. I wanted one for an HTPC, and no dice..

Yes (http://www.xpcgear.com/sonynec-optiarc-bc-5600s-01-slim-blu-ray.html) there (http://www.logicsupply.com/products/uj_135_a) are. (http://www.fazecomputers.net/servlet/the-53/UJ-dsh-225/Detail)

See also: http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&source=hp&q=slot-loading+blu-ray&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=bZSwSoaQFZGysgOEgZnKCw&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=image&resnum=1

Granted, these are slim/laptop drives, but I would imagine that is what would be used in an iMac anyway.

hiimamac

Sep 16, 2009, 03:40 AM

Agreed. Just like taking out FireWire on the MacBooks when it got better gpu. All to cripple the pro. Again. Apple needs yonrealizs thee is more $$$$$ in prosumers than the pros.

Let's just hope msft and palm pre flash and the peoplemleaving AT&T , which i also predicted, really forces apple hands. Folish that all they offer are mobile parts for andesktop or cripple the MacBooks somehow. One should be able to do promwork or PROcumer work for less than $2700 for a machine. And bring back matte for graphic users. Again. Apple forces pros to get pricey mac pro server desktops when the iMac could be more capable. It could add an inch and run i7 and sell for good money but that would eat into macpro line n hopefully their hands are tied thisntime. I'm guessing still crippleware.

Peace fam. I guess that Apple is going to use GT 240M (which is worse than GTS 160M), despite GTS 160M is suitable for 15 inch notebooks.
http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-240M.17654.0.html
http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GTS-160M.14561.0.html

Meanwhile, removal of ExpressCard slot was a big mistake.

Ramashalanka

Sep 16, 2009, 03:46 AM

imac ...
Glass it up, and polish it so the buyer can admire who actually paid for this!

Great. I really did LOL.

weckart

Sep 16, 2009, 03:47 AM

Now that said, it would be quite embarrassing for Apple if Microsoft releases a Windows 7 OLED (touch) screen. They already been have been spanked by the Zune HD with a OLED.

Not as embarrassed as Apple would be if you consider how much it would have to charge for a 20" or 24" OLED screen. Those still come in at a hefty premium in larger sizes.

Even 15" OLED TVs have the ouch factor (http://www.oled-info.com/lg-15-oled-tv-will-cost-around-2500-3000)

MattInOz

Sep 16, 2009, 04:10 AM

The 2GHz version (920XM) is 55W. I don't see it as likely in an Apple laptop. I would love to be wrong.

How about Core i7-820QM 1.8Ghz Quad and half the price?

Hey with Turbo boost went needed and if it has the room to move in temperature and other requirements it can up the pace right?

So would the 45W in a 55W Cooling system be about to run as fast or faster than the 55W the 55W Cooling system?
The 45W going to give better battery in day to day use right?

I can't see a Quad in the macbook before the macbookpros
Still iMac has been known to handle 65W CPU and that needed a 10W NorthBridge on top of that.

A complete mobo redesign in the same case to put a quad like that would fit with the cycle. Not sure about Case redesign though. Maybe they'll split iMac along the same lines as previous iMac/eMac Split. The iMac(pro?) would have quad cores that start at a lower clock number but with a design that can handle higher heat so the quad would run turbo mode when ever required. Plus other features like eSata still seen as design house workhorse.

The lower end could be thinner Dual core only a small bump on todays low end. Both could then have same screen size range. the lower end even maybe marketed as MacTV, a hybrid TV and Mac.

Both could be 24" and 30" but MacTV would use a cheaper TV screen. the iMac would use real computer screens.

mZex

Sep 16, 2009, 04:13 AM

Not to mention OLED are not ready for such production - at least as far as i understand - i know there are probably radical new designs out there somewhere but ... seeing as alot of Mac screen-savers are blue - thats gonna kick those fragile OLEDs in the cock :P

And they arnt as bright :/ - but i guess that doesnt matter sat indoors with your big shiny iMac :P

New redesign could only be based on the LED screen right?

ksolano

Sep 16, 2009, 04:17 AM

what i expect in a new imac...

new corei7 processor
Duel video cards much like the higher end macpro's
Blues ray
(Maybe usb3) -more likely next year

and because of the usb3 i might wait on a new home desktop till its out because its going to be a game changer!

mZex

Sep 16, 2009, 04:17 AM

Originally Posted by macshill
Now that said, it would be quite embarrassing for Apple if Microsoft releases a Windows 7 OLED (touch) screen. They already been have been spanked by the Zune HD with a OLED.

Zune HD Fail according to AppleInsider (http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/09/14/from_oled_to_tegra_five_myths_of_the_zune_hd.html)

Corax

Sep 16, 2009, 04:24 AM

Hey guy's,

This also lines up with my expectations.
Anyway, here follows my wishlist.

iMac:
- Quad Core (in high end iMac)
- LED-Backlit screen
- Blu-Ray
- Design change so it's easy to replace harddrive yourself.
- Eventually a touch screen?

MacBook:
- No wishes here, but any change is welcome.

smatty007

Sep 16, 2009, 04:51 AM

I have been using a 24" iMac 3,06 GHz for 1.5 years. Mainly working on photos and a few videos.

The design is still modern and functional. All I really ask for is easy access to the HDD, but Steve will not allow any hatch to mess up the smooth design :(

Realistic and desired updates for me are:

- Quad Core
- LED-Backlit screen

I also wish for more RAM slots as prices for the 4GB Chips are still astronomically and have not really decreased in month! Maybe 3 Slots like the MacPro (2+2+2 GB) would help me out until 4GB prices drop significantlly. Althoug I don't think Apple will go this route to keep their Mac Pros at the top end.

OLED is completely out of the question! This technology is just not ready for heavy use and 20"+ sizes! And prices....

BluRay - Not a big issue for me until they add it to the MacMini (or Apple TV update) which is connected to my LCD TV

We shall see what happens :)

netdog

Sep 16, 2009, 04:51 AM

I hope they bring back the Black Macbook.

I know I'll take a lot of flack for this, but I'd like to see the finishes they use on the new Nanos applied to the MacBook. Make it a bit shiny and fun.

netdog

Sep 16, 2009, 05:02 AM

Storage. The Blu-ray Group needs to boost awareness of blank discs for high capacity storage. Also a video out would solve the problem of watching on a 30" screen or smaller. ;)

Optical discs are a poor storage solution. Chips are the way ahead as the prices fall, as is the cloud as bandwidth grows and falls in price.

Thumb drives in 5 years are going to have huge capacity and be cheap as chips (so to speak). BluRay is a dead end. Apple is right to ignore it.

mac442

Sep 16, 2009, 05:04 AM

A few things to ponder on the iMac refresh...

Id love to see an LED display with a choice of matte or gloss, (30 inch? LOL). OLED would be a dream but we all know its not happening in any size due to price. A touch screen would be kick ass but unlikely.

Blue Ray as a drive upgrade, the cost of licensing would be paid in part by the upgrade. TV Tuner?

MULTI TOUCH MIGHTY MOUSE!!! - goodbye trackball, hello infinite amount of gestures to control everything! Someone at apple had to be working on this since the patent was submitted, its time has come. The current mighty mouse blows. Oh and its got to get with the times! White is so 4 years ago, lets see it go aluminum to match everything else.

As an aside, the 3GS and iPod Touch should have had an OLED, it would have done wonders for battery life. The issues of durability over time are a moot point, everyone knows they'd be buying a new one every few years anyways for the addition of other features, faster processors, and larger storage.

BongoBanger

Sep 16, 2009, 05:04 AM

Zune HD Fail according to AppleInsider (http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/09/14/from_oled_to_tegra_five_myths_of_the_zune_hd.html)

I wish people would stop posting that. It just makes them look silly given the absolute nonsense Dilger has come out with. Again.

Anyway...

I would like to see Mobile Quad cores for the laptops or maybe even i7/i5 CPUs. RAM should be 4GB given the shift to 64 bit. Hard to see what else could be improved on.

BlizzardBomb

Sep 16, 2009, 05:07 AM

$499/ £399 Mac mini (with 2 GBs RAM and 160 GB Hard Drive)
$849/ £649 MacBook (with DDR3 RAM)
$999/ £749 iMac (with a dedicated graphics card model below $1500/ £1000)

That's all you need to do Apple (in addition to other bumps/ changes) to make your products a lot tastier to the masses.

OllyW

Sep 16, 2009, 05:10 AM

I know I'll take a lot of flack for this, but I'd like to see the finishes they use on the new Nanos applied to the MacBook. Make it a bit shiny and fun.

You might have a problem anodising plastic. ;)

Paper Tigre

Sep 16, 2009, 05:11 AM

kalvinhui

Sep 16, 2009, 05:17 AM

Now when they say Macbook, they're refering to the White Macbook, right? Not the Macbook Pro line.

I ask because I'm actually planning on going and picking up a 13" MBP later today :( It's a waste if theres a refresh in a few weeks. Can anyone confirm?
this might probably just a rumor. anyway, u might wanna wait for a couple of weeks if u r not tht hungry for a mac....

Gatesbasher

Sep 16, 2009, 05:21 AM

I wish people would stop posting that. It just makes them look silly given the absolute nonsense Dilger has come out with. Again.

Yeah, we get it. You think Microsoft's **** doesn't stink. Well, it does. A lot. Calling the article nonsense doesn't refute any of the facts in it. I wonder why you don't try? Oh, that's right! You can't!

robeddie

Sep 16, 2009, 05:32 AM

i hope this is just for the white macbook, because i only just bought a 15 inch macbook pro today at the apple online store.:confused:

Yeah, cause if they do release a new macbook pro, it will totally destroy the functionality of the one you have now.

nelmat

Sep 16, 2009, 05:39 AM

OK, so apple remain a permanent fixture in Amazon's top 10 sales lists, Mac sales are up 7% year on year, the iPhone is taking over the known universe, MacBook sales are through the roof in education - every student I know has purchased one of these when heading for college.

Microsoft's financial reputation is terrible in comparison to Apple, whose shares continue to build against the current economic trend. Apple rate highly in customer satisfaction surveys year on year. Apple Stores are amazing places to visit with informed, friendly, non-pushy sales staff.

So what exactly are Apple doing wrong? Why does anything need to "improve". The iMac is a great computer, i use it to run my business and it's never "slow".

I have a Blu-ray player, nice Samsung device, sat under my TV, it's slot loading and the picture looks great on my 40" HD TV, I don't want to watch blu-ray on a 24" screen a few inches from my face. I certainly don't want to pay $20 - $40 a time for a recordable blu-ray disc to store data.

The current line up is great. The price point is fine. Apple are a business, their aim is to make profit. This they do incredibly well. Where is the 'failure'

Any new revisions are all welcome, any reductions in price are welcome. But Apple understand the majority of their marketplace and they know what to provide to ensure a mass appeal.

If you want something cheaper with blu-ray, go and buy a Dell - Apple don't care. They define their market place and continue to excel in it.

If you don't like their ethos, don't buy Apple. The price mark-up is part of the attraction, these toys are a status symbol. It's the luxury end of the market, not the $250 netbook market.

Since 1987, I've had incredible service from all of my Macintosh computers, the investment in hardware has been sound and I've yet to have an issue with any of my machines.

I sit writing this on my 24" Intel Imac with a 3.06 processor, 4 gigs of RAM - Photoshop CS4 is as fast as I could want it to be (I'm working on billboard size images), dreamweaver, flash and fireworks are all great. I don't need more speed than this. When the next revision comes it comes it will be welcome, but I'm certainly never going to describe this machine as 'slow' - what planet are some of you guys on?!

Apple - keep up the good work, I'm excited to see what you come up with next. If it's innovative and new, I'll buy it. If not, I'll sit and wait for whatever comes next. If a competitor releases something with a must-have feature for my business, i'll buy that.

Apple don't need to provide all things to all people, just continue to sell high quality products which appeal to a majority.

Theophany

Sep 16, 2009, 05:39 AM

I can't see why on earth they would predict a redesign of the iMac. It's taken long enough to get most of the product catalogue to look homogenous with the black and glass on aluminium scheme, just doesn't seem to make any sense.

iMac could certainly do with new processors though. I'm not really sure if moving to desktop components would be feasible what with the rather compact size of even my 24" iMac, but I think I am correct in saying that there are quad core notebook CPUs out there and I know for a fact that SLI is possible on a notebook architecture (and that would be just DANDY for OpenCL).

I love my iMac, even though she appears to be heading very quickly to being outdated (bought last refresh) but unless some real power changes come through (i.e. quad core, SLI, better chipsets, 2TB hard disks) then I don't see the point in refreshing the iMac.

But in conclusion, since when did analysts ever get anything right anyway. I know people on these forums who are far better at predicting what Apple are going to do next than some berks in grey suits and yellow ties. :rolleyes:

Padraig

Sep 16, 2009, 05:46 AM

Yeah, we get it. You think Microsoft's ***** doesn't stink. Well, it does. A lot. Calling the article nonsense doesn't refute any of the facts in it. I wonder why you don't try? Oh, that's right! You can't!

Dilger's is a joke. It's like saying Fox news has a fair and balanced approach to the Obama administration. I'm really getting sick of the influx of ignorant fanboys on this forum, their attitudes do nothing for Apple and reinforce negative stereotypes that some people have of Apple users.

There is definately a redesign of the iMac coming soon, no idea about the Macbook

gnasher729

Sep 16, 2009, 05:47 AM

That would be awesome for the 0.001% of people who would actually upgrade their CPU.

You can upgrade the CPU on a Mac very easily:

Step 1: Sell your Mac on eBay
Step 2: Buy a new Mac with a better CPU.

The other method is:

Step 1: Hand your Mac down to a brother/sister/husband/wife/parent/grandchild/niece or nephew.
Step 2: Buy a new Mac with a better CPU.

TerrorOFdeath

Sep 16, 2009, 05:58 AM

What if...

Ok it might get thinner.
Well the iMacs as we now it now will get thinner but have the Nvidia 9400 in it. So thats easy and no problem.
Even card like the 120 and 130 from Nvidia should work.

But what is with an card like the 4850 from ATI? Theres just no way they could keep it cool with an thinner design.

So that brings me back to what if...
What if Apple makes the iMac really different? Maybe its true that it will get thinner (dont forget its nothing more than an rumor) but maybe the whole Hardwarestuff will not be anymore in the back of the LCD.
Or maybe even only CPU and GPU will get an new place (s that they can stay by the old iMac look) maybe in the socket and there it will be better cooled.

:) I am just thinking out loud.

Tod

Btw: Theres no way blueray will make it into te new iMacs or what so ever. BR is just not as popular as many here claim. Even with the PS3, the buyings of BR Movies ar still low. So if maybe 2 of 10 people us it, then there is simply no need for apple to get involeved in BR. Simple
See it on http://www.blu-raystats.com/ Even on the first page on left you see the grafic BlueRay vs DVD, Guess what has more %

Gatesbasher

Sep 16, 2009, 05:59 AM

Dilger's is a joke. It's like saying Fox news has a fair and balanced approach to the Obama administration. I'm really getting sick of the influx of ignorant fanboys on this forum, their attitudes do nothing for Apple and reinforce negative stereotypes that some people have of Apple users.

Ignorant fanboy, your ass. Try refuting something in the referenced article. Your response is nothing but empty noise. We get it, Microshaft worshippers can't have their delusions upset by nasty facts, any more than FAUX Noise watchers can.

djellison

Sep 16, 2009, 06:00 AM

$499/ £399 Mac mini (with 2 GBs RAM and 160 GB Hard Drive)

Not enough. You can buy a quad core machine with 4gb of ram and an HDD 3x the size, for £100 less than that.

The Mac Mini is bargin-basement parts. it needs to be bargin basement prices.

JS77

Sep 16, 2009, 06:13 AM

Really sad to see the current iMac design go, if this is true. The all-metal, black-bezel iMac is the most beautiful machine I've ever seen (followed closely by the unibody MBP I'm typing this on, which is obviously in the same design family). The iMac has always pushed the envelope and while every design is great (I've had the "snowglobe" iMac and G5 "white panel" one), it's hard to imagine anything topping the current look. There is NO need for additional thinness... my god, what is the point? It's a desktop!

I totally agree... the current iMac (excluding the ridiculous numeric keypad-less keyboard) is a beautiful machine and it's already as thin as it should be! There really is no need for a design refresh on the current iMacs. Update the Processor, the Ram, the HD but leave the design alone!

As for the macbook... yes it could do with a total refresh, BUT nothing needs updating more than the Mac Mini... seriously, that little baby could be a killer product for Apple if they merged it with AppleTV and actually gave it more than a basic specification bump.

Blu-ray would be great but we all know (or do we?) that Blu-ray on Macs would hurt iTune HD sales. Apple is just biding their time with excuses until downloads become the 'norm' and they can justify "skipping" blu-ray.

johnhw

Sep 16, 2009, 06:24 AM

30" imac!

that would be awesome, but i like the current design..

nelmat

Sep 16, 2009, 06:24 AM

I totally agree... the current iMac (excluding the ridiculous numeric keypad-less keyboard) is a beautiful machine and it's already as thin as it should be!

Or you could just order one with the keypad (which I NEVER use) for no extra charge as an option? Jeeze, people are stupid.

BongoBanger

Sep 16, 2009, 06:32 AM

Ignorant fanboy, your ass. Try refuting something in the referenced article. Your response is nothing but empty noise. We get it, Microshaft worshippers can't have their delusions upset by nasty facts, any more than FAUX Noise watchers can.

You know you could actually look in the Zune HD thread which gives examples of why Dilger is off base on this one rather than trying to derail a totally different topic.

Just sayin'.

MacAndy74

Sep 16, 2009, 06:39 AM

Interesting news. Looking forward to seeing how the iMac refresh turns out. I'll be ready to buy a new iMac maybe in Jan / Feb next year. :cool:

Corax

Sep 16, 2009, 06:46 AM

Not enough. You can buy a quad core machine with 4gb of ram and an HDD 3x the size, for £100 less than that.

The Mac Mini is bargin-basement parts. it needs to be bargin basement prices.

You really are nuts...
Have you ever tried to assemble a mini computer with a nano ITX board, with the same processor speed, the same silence, the same connections (2 display connections, wich support DVI, HDMI, audio in and out, wich also supports fiber-Optic Digital, and many other connections), the same graphic chip, DDR3, a nice aluminum casing etc...for under $499,-?!

Try that and you will not make that statement again.
Do NOT compare the Mini with a even slightly bigger machine, those are a totally different catagory and it has to have all the connections mentioned and DONT come up with a cheap ass machine with as a display interface only a VGA connection.

fswmacguy

Sep 16, 2009, 06:49 AM

I'd love to see price cuts.

Mac Mini = $599

MacBook = $699

I'd buy five or six of each.

Shivetya

Sep 16, 2009, 06:51 AM

Matte screen please. I am sitting on my 7600GT generation iMac simply because the glass models reflect too much for the area I need one in.

While I like the idea of a blu-ray drive the current models are too thin to provide adequate cooling without some fan rework.

Still, a new 24 or 27" iMac with matte and top line graphics will get me to replace my current one (and sell it too)

JS77

Sep 16, 2009, 06:54 AM

Or you could just order one with the keypad (which I NEVER use) for no extra charge as an option? Jeeze, people are stupid.

Oh man... I totally forgot... because YOU never use it, then it's perfectly fine for Apple to omit it as default... I mean so long as YOU never EVER use it, then I'm "stupid" right? I mean, I must be because I'm still stuck in an era where I actually USE the numeric keypad, but YOU NEVER use it so it's ok.

You ignore all the praise I gave the iMac, ignore the point of my post but pick up on 1 aspect which was a mute point.... and yes, I'm fully aware you can order one at no cost, but discussing the "keypad" was not the point of my post.

nelmat

Sep 16, 2009, 06:56 AM

Oh man... I totally forgot... because YOU never use it, then it's perfectly fine for Apple to omit it as default... I mean so long as YOU never EVER use it, then I'm "stupid" right? I mean, I must be because I'm still stuck in an era where I actually USE the numeric keypad, but YOU NEVER use it so it's ok.

You ignore all the praise I gave the iMac, ignore the point of my post but pick up on 1 aspect which was a mute point.... and yes, I'm fully aware you can order one at no cost, but discussing the "keypad" was not the point of my post.

It's left off by default because a minority of people have use for it. The fact that it is available at no extra cost is hardly a reason to criticise the iMac. You're not stupid because you use it, you're stupid because you don't realise a majority of people don't, and that it's the simplest thing in the world to retain if you do want it - at NO EXTRA COST.

92jlee

Sep 16, 2009, 06:57 AM

carmenodie

Sep 16, 2009, 06:58 AM

blu ray is just geek lust and is really not that important. Besides sony has a license agreement on blu ray that none of you have read so be quiet.

MorphingDragon

Sep 16, 2009, 07:25 AM

Is it going to be the G3/4 iMac reborn?!?!?!?!

If not, not interested.

bbydon

Sep 16, 2009, 07:26 AM

I love my iMac, but i don't see a point in a 30" - the iMac is for consumers, most people wouldn't need a 30" screen considering how much apple would charge for one.

Requests i'd want would be a higher resolution iSight, 2 hard drives, adjustable hight, better graphics cards, core i7 maybe...

there isn't that much you can improve with it, don't bother changing the looks, it fits perfectly with all the other Macs apart from the white macbook

I'm in the market for a laptop and i want a Mac to go with my iMac, if the white crapbook looked better, maybe a 12" screen, better graphics card (not gonna happen though) then i'd buy one tomorrow!

Well nobody "needs" anything. I'd imagine the market for a 30 inch imac would be small (with a large hefty price) but its a market. Hell, call it a imac pro. I would even take a 27"
Apple should have a true desktop machine that isn't a workstation or a laptop with a giant screen.

JS77

Sep 16, 2009, 07:29 AM

It's left off by default because a minority of people have use for it.

I'm sorry, I disagree with that...

The fact that it is available at no extra cost is hardly a reason to criticise the iMac.

I said the current iMac is a BEAUTIFUL machine and does NOT require a refresh... where is the criticism in that? I criticized Apples decision to cut the numpad off the KEYBOARD as deafult.

You're not stupid because you use it, you're stupid because you don't realise a majority of people don't,

Wow... I'm "Stupid" because I disagree with you making a lot of hot air? Since you're so passionate about the keyboard, and apparently represent the "Majority", do you have any stats which back up your claims?

and that it's the simplest thing in the world to retain if you do want it - at NO EXTRA COST.

Look at that, we actually agree on something! Yes, it is free to retain but it's quite clear to me that you've STILL missed the entire point of my post... you're jumping down my throat over a difference of opinion over a friggin KEYBOARD! You've totally discarded everything else I wrote in the original post (which was in context to this article subject matter) and resorted to excessive Apple "fanboyism" just because I dared to critique one teeny tiny part of the Keyboard... :rolleyes:

Captain Planet

Sep 16, 2009, 07:37 AM

I'd like to see a price drop for the MacBook Pro's...

haravikk

Sep 16, 2009, 07:39 AM

I'm doubtful about lowered prices, except perhaps if they make cuts on the low-end models only and give a lesser power bump, or introduce an additional model with less power.

What Apple currently does works pretty well, and if they let themselves get into pricing wars then it will end badly as I don't think Apple could compete with the budget PC makers and still offer what they do.

Digitalclips

Sep 16, 2009, 07:40 AM

I can see a small price drop, but I would doubt that Apple lowers the price much more. They have repeatedly said that they are not in the business of low-end computing and don't want to be.

And given the recent sales numbers, that approach seems to be working quite well.

Plus they must already be factoring in where to slot the Tablet in to any pricing structure which complicates the matter. On the one hand I was thinking perhaps with the iPhone profits boosting the Apple bank account they may at last drop prices on MacBooks but if they do the Tablet would have to be lower than most are expecting ... this all assuming there is a Tablet.

Corax

Sep 16, 2009, 07:41 AM

I'd like to see a price drop for the MacBook Pro's...

Another price drop? No chance, that just happened.
Although I wouldn't mind at all if they'd decide to do that again anyway.

Ramashalanka

Sep 16, 2009, 07:44 AM

Since you're so passionate about the keyboard, and apparently represent the "Majority", do you have any stats which back up your claims?

I don't want to get caught in the crossfire between you two. You probably won't find any stats, but http://store.apple.com/us/reviews/MB869LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA1Mg&mco=Nzk3NjM4NQ shows that there are plenty of people on both sides of the camp. Personally I would hate the small one (from the point of view of the fwd/backward delete, arrow key position, spacious page up/down keys as much as the numeric keypad), and I'd be pissed if I accidentally ordered an iMac with the small one, but I'm pleased Apple made it a no cost *upgrade*.

nelmat

Sep 16, 2009, 07:45 AM

I'm sorry, I disagree with that...

I said the current iMac is a BEAUTIFUL machine and does NOT require a refresh... where is the criticism in that? I criticized Apples decision to cut the numpad off the KEYBOARD as deafult.

Wow... I'm "Stupid" because I disagree with you making a lot of hot air? Since you're so passionate about the keyboard, and apparently represent the "Majority", do you have any stats which back up your claims?

Look at that, we actually agree on something! Yes, it is free to retain but it's quite clear to me that you've STILL missed the entire point of my post... you're jumping down my throat over a difference of opinion over a friggin KEYBOARD! You've totally discarded everything else I wrote in the original post (which was in context to this article subject matter) and resorted to excessive Apple "fanboyism" just because I dared to critique one teeny tiny part of the Keyboard... :rolleyes:

I did not disagree with the rest of your post, nor did i disregard it. I commented on that aspect of your post which i took issue with. Now crawl back under your stone.

SactoGuy18

Sep 16, 2009, 07:53 AM

I do think we'll see a new MacBook design and improvements to the MacBook Pro coming next month.

The MacBook Pros will sport a new feature as an option: a BD-RE drive and new extensions to MacOS X 10.6 that will allow for Blu-ray disc playback and BD-RE disc write capability, including full BD-Live support if you're connected to the Internet through the Ethernet or Wi-Fi broadband connections.

We will see BD-RE drives offered as options on the Mac Pro and iMac in April 2010 as part of the next hardware refresh of those machines.

mabaker

Sep 16, 2009, 08:01 AM

IT's amazing... the way we have passed. I bet half of this board doesn't even remember this but ppl used to get excited by a speed bump of 200 MHz from 800 to 1000 in Powerbooks...

Now all we want is MORE MORE MORE. No excuses. It's kinda cool to dwell in the nostalgia tho. :)

New redesign, speeds etc... incredible that 5 years ago we were at a mere 1.5 GHz processor from Motorola...

andylyon

Sep 16, 2009, 08:02 AM

I can't see them dropping the MacBook's current price, it was already lowered in the recent MacBook refresh, well here in the UK anyway.

AnDy

JS77

Sep 16, 2009, 08:04 AM

I did not disagree with the rest of your post, nor did i disregard it. I commented on that aspect of your post which i took issue with. Now crawl back under your stone.

Nice, I've been banished under a stone... let that be a lesson to all other Macrumors members... never cross the almighty nelmat... :rolleyes:

you know what's funny though, I read your previous post on this forum (before I even posted) and you really seem to like representing "the majority" - infact your previous posts all seem to mention "the majority" in one way or another... lonely at the top, is it?

silentnite

Sep 16, 2009, 08:09 AM

As much as I welcome a refresh & lower prices. I'm afraid that as apple changes the line to compete with lower prices, the quality that they are know for may suffer a bit.

I mean how much lower can a good product get with out affecting it's bottom line. I have seen this with other company's in the past. Way to many changes to the hardware & design to compete dollar wise and the product starts to take a hit. :confused:

DipDog3

Sep 16, 2009, 08:09 AM

New iMac, here I come!

dooyou

Sep 16, 2009, 08:10 AM

Since the 13" unibody macbook pro release, I'm hoping that this product is also getting an optional non-glossy screen.

guitarlord

Sep 16, 2009, 08:15 AM

I would like to see the following:

Return of a 17" iMac. While this might not be popular not everyone wants / needs a huge screen. I would definitely prefer this.

The option to have higher specs on smaller iMac. As I just said not everyone wants a huge iMac but might want the top specs.

As far as an iMac redesign goes I can see the range removing the bottom silver lip and just looking like the cinema display which would be very nice.

Hopefully the Macbook spec will be upped to 4GB and a slightly faster processor and the price lowered. At the moment I am looking for a laptop, and while I really want a macbook / pro, I can get a Dell Studio 15 with 1080p screen, 4GB ram, 320 GB HDD, 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo, Blu Ray, backlit keyboard etc for £800. And in my opinion Windows 7 is damn good - Enough to make me not want to spend the extra £700 for a lower spec 15" MBP.

Thanks

superatombomb

Sep 16, 2009, 08:17 AM

the only thing i want for the next imac is a built to order ssd inside. i would buy that in a heartbeat. i don't care about blu ray, redesign or better processor.

any thoughts?

OllyW

Sep 16, 2009, 08:18 AM

I can't see them dropping the MacBook's current price, it was already lowered in the recent MacBook refresh, well here in the UK anyway.

AnDy

You've got it wrong, they actually increased the price, from £719 to £749 (http://www.macworld.co.uk/mac/news/index.cfm?newsid=26132). :(

andylyon

Sep 16, 2009, 08:21 AM

You've got it wrong, they actually increased the price, from £719 to £749 (http://www.macworld.co.uk/mac/news/index.cfm?newsid=26132). :(

Sorry I think I wasn't thinking!

Wasn't that on the White Polycarbonate MacBook? I think I was meant to say on the MacBook Pro's, which I'm sure slightly came down in price when they released the last. Please correct me if i'm wrong again!

AnDy

david6545

Sep 16, 2009, 08:23 AM

The only potentially negative thing about a significant macbook redesign is that it will be Rev A. If there are any issues, these will likely be addressed by Rev B. Arrandale will be out proper by then, too.

OllyW

Sep 16, 2009, 08:25 AM

Sorry I think I wasn't thinking!

Wasn't that on the White Polycarbonate MacBook? I think I was meant to say on the MacBook Pro's, which I'm sure slightly came down in price when they released the last. Please correct me if i'm wrong again!

AnDy

The 13" MacBook Pros were cheaper than the aluminium MacBooks which they replaced, but this rumour is about updates to the MacBook.

andylyon

Sep 16, 2009, 08:28 AM

The 13" MacBook Pros were cheaper than the aluminium MacBooks which they replaced, but this rumour is about updates to the MacBook.

My Bad! Easily confused when your still new to the game! All I know is i'm all for lower prices!

AnDy

netsql

Sep 16, 2009, 08:31 AM

Cheap glare monitors?

Padraig

Sep 16, 2009, 08:37 AM

the only thing i want for the next imac is a built to order ssd inside. i would buy that in a heartbeat. i don't care about blu ray, redesign or better processor.

any thoughts?

Out of curiousty, why would you want that?

andylyon

Sep 16, 2009, 08:39 AM

the only thing i want for the next imac is a built to order ssd inside. i would buy that in a heartbeat. i don't care about blu ray, redesign or better processor.

any thoughts?

Surely that's more suitable for a mobile device? Quieter, more durable and less power? Why do you need that in a desktop machine?

AnDy

superatombomb

Sep 16, 2009, 08:41 AM

well, everybody is saying "OMG IMACS NEED QUAD CORE!!!!" but really the biggest bottleneck in modern computing is the hard drive. SSD's basically solve that age old problem. well thats my opinion anyways.

guitarlord

Sep 16, 2009, 08:43 AM

Surely that's more suitable for a mobile device? Quieter, more durable and less power? Why do you need that in a desktop machine?

AnDy

They are seriously fast, off the top of my head the random access time is about 100 times faster than a hard drive (0.1ms?) meaning all those tiny OS files that need to be loaded do so in seriously fast. Also the read/wrie performance is far better than hard dive. I think SATAII bus speeds are going to be easily saturated by SSD drive.

Finally they are silent. Always good to have a quieter computer. Imagine eventually no moving parts!

Thanks

iMacmatician

Sep 16, 2009, 08:45 AM

Matches AppleInsider's rumors.

A new body on the Macbook would be nice to see. Besides Core 2 Quad what can Apple do for the iMac? Arrandale is just starting to be produced. Is Apple really that special to get Arrandale within the first few days of production?Speed bumped "special" Penryns probably. Nehalem if we're lucky.

andylyon

Sep 16, 2009, 08:57 AM

They are seriously fast, off the top of my head the random access time is about 100 times faster than a hard drive (0.1ms?) meaning all those tiny OS files that need to be loaded do so in seriously fast. Also the read/wrie performance is far better than hard dive. I think SATAII bus speeds are going to be easily saturated by SSD drive.

Finally they are silent. Always good to have a quieter computer. Imagine eventually no moving parts!

Thanks

Good point about the speed, but are the prices low enough yet?

AnDy

superatombomb

Sep 16, 2009, 09:00 AM

Good point about the speed, but are the prices low enough yet?

AnDy

well the prices for the ssd's in the macbook pro is fairly reasonable.

Tyr.

Sep 16, 2009, 09:00 AM

The iMac desperately needs a redesign to deal with the screen issues on the 24" due to dust and overheating. So I hope they will :

Reduce heat :
* LED screen, affixed to front glass plate laptop-like
* External power brick, maybe same as macbook pro due to power savings of LED

De-chinning & redesign :
* Removal of internal speakers (cfr. G4 iMac) + powersupply to create room so chin is reduced and screen is centered vertically
* Slightly rounded, comes in black&gray and black&white (iphone like)

Controversial:
* Removal of DVD. Software delivered over internet, OS updates through built-in SD reader. Network Shareable blueray in nextgen AppleTV.
* 2 x 2,5" drives instead of 3,5" used in JBOD, RAID or Time machine configuration.

hayesk

Sep 16, 2009, 09:01 AM

IMac needs to be able to employ desktop chipsets to help lower the price and incease performance. A thinner machine really isn't desirable.

Not for us. But a lot of iMacs were sold on the basis of "you mean that's the entire computer! Wow!"

If you are sitting on the fence between a Mac and a PC, good design can sway your opinion quite easily.

hayesk

Sep 16, 2009, 09:03 AM

no new mac laptop for me until BLU-RAY!!!

sorry, time passes and Apple continues to just stonewall this new technology

Probably because the other things they do are much more useful. For example, most people wouldn't think to go out and find an ExpressCard SD card reader, but if there's one already there, they'll use it and remark on how convenient it is.

hayesk

Sep 16, 2009, 09:05 AM

Apple should make imacs more customizable say besides the ram, make the cpu and gpu upgradeable if possible in a all in one pc.

Considering that the vast majority of users never upgrade their computers, why would Apple do that? That's only catering to the build-your-own computer geek types - they a very small segment of market.

hayesk

Sep 16, 2009, 09:06 AM

the only thing i want for the next imac is a built to order ssd inside. i would buy that in a heartbeat. i don't care about blu ray, redesign or better processor.

Until they come in at least 500GB sizes for a reasonable price, no thanks.

If you really want one, buy one and have a service tech install it for you. It doesn't have to be a build-to-order option.

Bubba Satori

Sep 16, 2009, 09:07 AM

I can see a small price drop, but I would doubt that Apple lowers the price much more. They have repeatedly said that they are not in the business of low-end computing and don't want to be.

No Macs for poor people. They shouldn't be using computers anyway. And we don't want them in our stylish, hip stores. They would ruin the ambience with their Walmart wardrobes and annoying behavior. Let eat cake and use emachines. :D

mrklaw

Sep 16, 2009, 09:08 AM

imac with HDMI input please. big screens are great, but in the minimalist world apple imagines we all live in, less is more, so I want less screens in my room.

hss1

Sep 16, 2009, 09:10 AM

I hope this update to iMacs and MacBook Pro's include bringing back the matte or anti-glare screen to the full Mac lineup, specifically the iMacs and the 13" MacBook Pro. There's a demand for that as you can see from the more the 500+ petition comments at the petition website http://macmatte.wordpress.com If Apple refresh the iMacs and 13" MacBook Pro, with no matte, things are going to go ballistic among the matte screen lovers.

Apart from the design aspect of the glasss screen, Apple have seen a massive reduction in the amount of screen replacements since the introduction of the glass fronted Macs.

The reason for this is the Glass protects the LCD panel underneath it and stops customers scratch touching and applying pressure to the delicate panel underneath. I doubt very much Apple will change this only option a CTO to not have glass

haydn!

Sep 16, 2009, 09:13 AM

Sorry I think I wasn't thinking!

Wasn't that on the White Polycarbonate MacBook? I think I was meant to say on the MacBook Pro's, which I'm sure slightly came down in price when they released the last. Please correct me if i'm wrong again!

AnDy

The MacBook Pro's did all receive a price drop in July following the speed bumps, new batteries and 13" aluminum MacBook rebranding to Pro.

alent1234

Sep 16, 2009, 09:14 AM

Considering that the vast majority of users never upgrade their computers, why would Apple do that? That's only catering to the build-your-own computer geek types - they a very small segment of market.

with Dell when you build to order on the website you have an option of 3-5 different GPU's. And you don't have to pick the more expensive computer most times. With Apple if you want a nicer GPU you first have to pick the $2000 iMac or MBP and then upgrade.

Makes me think that Apple is Intel's best friend since most times it's a waste of money buying the faster CPU. YOu get much better value by sticking with the slowest CPU and getting better I/O and graphics and more RAM

Bubba Satori

Sep 16, 2009, 09:17 AM

Does this really deserve to be front page news? It's rumor mongering at its worst.

Uh, "MacRumors". :rolleyes:

Besides there hasn't been any exciting Apple computer hardware in a couple of years.

dooyou

Sep 16, 2009, 09:18 AM

The MacBook Pro's did all receive a price drop in July following the speed bumps, new batteries and 13" aluminum MacBook rebranding to Pro.

Hopefully with non-glossy screen in the future.

alent1234

Sep 16, 2009, 09:18 AM

blu ray is just geek lust and is really not that important. Besides sony has a license agreement on blu ray that none of you have read so be quiet.

dell and HP have been selling PC's with a blu-ray option for years now. I think it's less than $100 now for a BD drive that's also a DVD-RW

Theophany

Sep 16, 2009, 09:18 AM

Ignorant fanboy, your ass. Try refuting something in the referenced article. Your response is nothing but empty noise. We get it, Microshaft worshippers can't have their delusions upset by nasty facts, any more than FAUX Noise watchers can.

I'd say he was bang-on to call you an ignorant fanboy based on your earlier comments. Aside from latching on to an article from such a biased hack (heck, why don't you praise David Pogue and John Gruber) like you have done, you're totally ignoring the fact that all big businesses tell porkies to make sales and Apple's track record is way off clean.

Pop a Xanax and chill, man.