Next-Generation iMac With SD Slot, Quad-Core, Possible Xeon? New Mouse and Remote in Pipeline? [Archive] - Page 3

*LTD*

Sep 27, 2009, 09:13 AM

There would be nothing wrong with the MM if it wasn't so unreliable.

The concepts are sound. Right now I've got a BT Mighty Mouse that is working perfectly. Bought in June. It had to go through three of them (all defective out of he box) in order to find one that worked as it should. There's no looseness, the clicks all work properly, and the scrollball works in all directions. About once a month I clean the ball as advised by Apple and so far so good. The mouse looks good and it feels great. Of course, I had to install USB Overdrive to get decent tracking, but such a utility is a foregone conclusion with any none-Apple mouse anyway.

I just hope things won't start going wrong with it down the line, though it seems like that's a very real possibility with these. It's nice to see Apple has a redesigned mouse in the works and that it's Touch-based (allegedly.) The fewer buttons, dials and knobs we are burdened with, the better.

aralmeida

Sep 27, 2009, 09:23 AM

I hope apple introduces a new keyboard/mouse...

A Bluetooth enabled touchpad - something like the Bamboo multitouch from Wacom:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OofuGw6MzzM

but without the wires.

*LTD*

Sep 27, 2009, 09:45 AM

I hope apple introduces a new keyboard/mouse...

A Bluetooth enabled touchpad - something like the Bamboo multitouch from Wacom:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OofuGw6MzzM

but without the wires.

Been thinking about getting a Wacom Bamboo Touch. Already available in Canada. But if Apple releases a new mouse I'll hold off. I like Wacom products, but for some reason the OS X drivers tend to be screwy. But YMMV.

Target362

Sep 27, 2009, 09:47 AM

I for one would LOVE to see Apple offer a mouse pointer similar to this Logitech model:
.

You mean mouse. Apple already offers a mouse pointer. Its the tiny black one with the rainbow ball.

aralmeida

Sep 27, 2009, 09:55 AM

Been thinking about getting a Wacom Bamboo Touch. Already available in Canada. But if Apple releases a new mouse I'll hold off.

Me too.
These rumors about the new mouse have placed my Bamboo Touch buy on hold.

WATCHDOG

Sep 27, 2009, 10:01 AM

+++

I am just joe user.. who occasionally fiddles with music AND video-making.

I've owned a PowerMac G4 SilverWhatever and liked it.. Now it's gone.. :(

In the not too distant past,
I'd plunked down at least 2 big ones for a new big 24" iMac;
the model whose graphics card 4850? had some issues..
{I wanted sumpin' which could handle HD content}

I cancelled my order in time <-- many thanx to this Forum. :)

Now, I'll purchase this new iMac - presuming it has no 'issues'..
I don't want a freaking PC.. I don't care. . :apple:

The way I look at it is this.. A new IMac'll be cheaper than the potentially almost $30,000 blown-out MacPro - which I would purchase if I had the pocket$. :p

It'll be somehow Better than the quasi-dud which I'd almost purchased during the last iMac iteration.. :)

I'm quaranteed - no rumor:

Latest OS - integrated nicely

Lastest Software <-- iWhatever cannot be overstated;
it's a nice package for joe user.

A Bigger and Faster this and that

More juice than I'll need Today..but Maybe not Tomorrow
For less money per geek-bits than the prior quasi-dud. .

I might see:

A Blu-Ray - OK

A larger screen - I'm goin' blind.

A few new whatchamacallits - Sizzle

Larger RAM capacity - never hurts..

Easier to get to innards - self-expansion.. save dollars

I envision a potential:

iMac Pro line .. same notion, maybe-thicker, pricier, better

A quantum leap in Technology..
startrek transfer of bodymass and creation of artificial life, etc.,
thus enabling even the highest geek
to dream dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.. ;)

+++

steve123

Sep 27, 2009, 11:22 AM

So, it would be nice to see an Expresscard slot. Seems odd that the iMac did not have this from the beginning and would be a disappointment should it not be included in the update.

eSata is a must as well.

Could loose FW if there was an Expresscard slot and eSata.

Unless ... if we get USB 3.0, we can loose eSata, Expresscard and FW.

Steve

SactoGuy18

Sep 27, 2009, 11:41 AM

Logitech mice are one of my Apple customers favorite acessories. Followed closely by Logitech keyboards. :D

I specifically chose the Logitech LX3 because it doesn't need additional driver software when plugged into the USB port on a Mac, is a relatively simple design, and works for both left and right handers.

However, I'm not sure if Mac users want to use the Wave keybaord, though. The Wave keyboard--which is actually a pretty good keyboard--is too Windows-oriented. I'm surprised that Logitech has no decided to build a Mac-specific version of the Wave keyboard. :(

*LTD*

Sep 27, 2009, 12:08 PM

ahead of its time? LOL how much did apple pay you to say that?

lets see.

CPU is garbage 1.6GHz? please....
over heating issues (see threads in the air section)
bad hinges (see the class action lawsuit)
sub par battery life
non-removable battery = JOKE
horrible unoptimized build design (takes 20 screws to hold in the keyboard, ridiculous)
onboard video = garbage
non-upgradable ram (Soldered to board, what a stupid design)
non user upgradeable HDD
1 useless USB Port that cant actually fit all USB Devices (IE USB HSDPA adapters)

also it is mentioned that the Air is infact not the thinnest laptop, not even at its release date, thats false advertising on apples part. i remember seeing both Toshiba and NEC had thinner laptops but nobody cared because even if the laptop is 2 dimensional you still need a 13.3" bag to carry it.

Take the Air for all in all and consider the implications it represents. No physical media needed. It's meant to live and function online. Completely mobile. It's pointing the way toward content obtained exclusively online. And for Apple to encourage that is quite bold and quite progressive. For what it is, it's a brilliant piece of tech, and still the most powerful of its kind. As for the non-removable battery, it'll likely outlast your ownership of the product. Apple has already made significant strides in non-removable battery tech and actual functional battery life is no longer a concern. And some of your information on the Air is way out of date.

For what the Air is, the specs are impressive:

http://www.apple.com/ca/macbookair/specs.html

jmpage2

Sep 27, 2009, 12:37 PM

Unfortunately I am starting to suspect a very underwhelming redesign of the iMac.

If there is no associated event with the release of these devices it seems far more likely that we are going to see some spec bumps with a chassis redesign that might include an LED lit display and if we are extremely lucky a matte finish display option.

I am increasingly convinced that we will not see announced mobile i7 processors (which the iMac line sorely needs) or Blu-Ray (which is beginning to almost be a joke with Apple refusing to deliver this feature).

The "audio video feature" is likely to be a matte display choice coupled with LED backlighting, possibly in a larger 26" size.

The rest of the features will probably revolve around a thinner chin-less chassis design.

All in all Apple continues to underwhelm when they should be working hard to curry favor with hardened consumer sentiment in a down economy.

bruce66

Sep 27, 2009, 12:38 PM

i'm still hoping for a LARGER iMac, QUAD-CORE and more TV integration...
:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

butterfly0fdoom

Sep 27, 2009, 12:43 PM

If there is no associated event with the release of these devices it seems far more likely that we are going to see some spec bumps with a chassis redesign that might include an LED lit display and if we are extremely lucky a matte finish display option.

The MacBook was released back in 2006 with no special event.

*LTD*

Sep 27, 2009, 12:50 PM

The MacBook was released back in 2006 with no special event.

True.

We won't actually know until Apple makes their move. Until then, the rumours are flying and some people's hopes have already been dashed prematurely, which is unfortunate.

iMacmatician

Sep 27, 2009, 01:02 PM

True.

We won't actually know until Apple makes their move. Until then, the rumours are flying and some people's hopes have already been dashed prematurely, which is unfortunate.That's why I'm staying pessimistic, especially on the CPU.

And if you ask me, the Whirlpool forum poster info (and to a lesser extent the Mac4Ever rumor) seems more of a wishlist than actually what will happen. It's not often that so many good updates are rumored for such a small window of time and it's even rarer that they all end up happening.

Not to mention they don't match up with other rumors…

macjiro

Sep 27, 2009, 01:06 PM

i'm still hoping for a LARGER iMac, QUAD-CORE and more TV integration...
:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Thats what i was thinking. Quad-Core/Blu-Ray and make it 30" screen.

CQd44

Sep 27, 2009, 01:07 PM

Now apply the same circumstances to actual files. Again, the user is put at a crossroads. A file is cut. If the user doesn't act on it in a timely manner, there's a chance that the file could be lost. No notification for the user. No warning. Putting the user at such a crossroads when it comes to files is unacceptable from a user-friendliness standpoint. That is why it's more logical and certainly safer to move a file. There's a built-in safety factor with moving a file rather than cutting it. And really, the whole cut and paste paradigm is wrong when moving files. You're not actually "cutting" anything. You're moving it. Moving it should be just that: moving, and not consigning a file to limbo where one false move means it's gone. The whole notion of cutting and pasting files is wrong.

Cutting a file in windows doesn't actually alter the file until you paste it, at least this is how it is in windows 7. I'm willing to bet it's been like this for a while too. I can't think of an OS where cutting a file would actually alter it before you decided where to paste it.

Phazer80s

Sep 27, 2009, 01:13 PM

I envision a potential:

iMac Pro line .. same notion, maybe-thicker, pricier, better

I like the sound of that very much.

Having a Pro iMac will complicate the lineup just a bit, but not enough to bring us back to the pre-Jobs days of multiple computers with ambiguous differentiation. It's also a three-syllable name. That helps it fit well within Apple's naming conventions.

Quad core! Matte screen! My money's waiting!

*LTD*

Sep 27, 2009, 01:19 PM

Cutting a file in windows doesn't actually alter the file until you paste it, at least this is how it is in windows 7. I'm willing to bet it's been like this for a while too. I can't think of an OS where cutting a file would actually alter it before you decided where to paste it.

Actaully, I stand corrected.

In Windows when you cut a file it isn't actually cut until you paste it, so you will not lose the file, but this in itself can be confusing logic (it's not really cut, it's "marked" for moving).

mds

Sep 27, 2009, 01:48 PM

Anyone else confused as to why we're debating cut and paste nomenclature on an imac thread?

CQd44

Sep 27, 2009, 02:06 PM

I like the sound of that very much.

Having a Pro iMac will complicate the lineup just a bit, but not enough to bring us back to the pre-Jobs days of multiple computers with ambiguous differentiation. It's also a three-syllable name. That helps it fit well within Apple's naming conventions.

Quad core! Matte screen! My money's waiting!

iMac Basic
iMac Pro
iMac Semi-Pro
iMac Minimac

hehe :]

jmpage2

Sep 27, 2009, 02:37 PM

That's why I'm staying pessimistic, especially on the CPU.

And if you ask me, the Whirlpool forum poster info (and to a lesser extent the Mac4Ever rumor) seems more of a wishlist than actually what will happen. It's not often that so many good updates are rumored for such a small window of time and it's even rarer that they all end up happening.

Not to mention they don't match up with other rumors…

You've weighed in on a lot of these threads regarding CPUs and have previously indicated that the earliest that we would likely see a mobile quad core processor in an iMac or MBP was to be 2010.

Is there any particular technical reason as to why the new super powerful mobile i7 processors couldn't debut before then in the iMac or MBP product family?

Buzz Bumble

Sep 27, 2009, 03:21 PM

Ok, I'll play along if we are being literal...

How do you know the mouse button doesn't work properly if you use a Gravis Gamepad for the mouse clicks?? :p :D

It's because the mouse button is dying that I have to use the Gamepad's button instead. When I "click" the mouse button it doesn't do anything unless I press really hard in different places on the button (after playing some games the Gamepad is using a different setting, so I have to use the mouse to put it back to "Finder" mode).

It's actually about the fourth mouse I've been through with the same problem of the button dying (which isn't really too bad seeing as it I've had the computer for 11 years!) ... I think the slide-out keyboard shelf on my desk is too low and allows me to put too much pressure on the mouse button. The next desk I buy will not have a silly keyboard shelf of any short.

I've got one brand new ADB mouse left in a box on the shelf above the computer, but I am rather reluctant to start using it since they are "quite difficult" to find these days.

iMacmatician

Sep 27, 2009, 03:26 PM

You've weighed in on a lot of these threads regarding CPUs and have previously indicated that the earliest that we would likely see a mobile quad core processor in an iMac or MBP was to be 2010.

Is there any particular technical reason as to why the new super powerful mobile i7 processors couldn't debut before then in the iMac or MBP product family?There's no technical reason (at least for the iMacs, MBPs may have heat issues), just like there was no technical reason why the quad-core mobile Penryns could have gone in the March 2009 iMac. But they didn't, which leads me to believe there are nontechnical reason(s) why Apple is holding off on quad-cores.

MLS

Sep 27, 2009, 03:30 PM

It would be great if the iMacs were upgraded to Quad-core or Xeon processors. I've been wanting to upgrade my iMac lately (Late 2005 - First iMacs shipped with Intel processors), so I think I'll hold off for a bit until the iMacs are updated.

binaryskies

Sep 27, 2009, 04:00 PM

Where is the built in CF slot for the iMac and MacBook? SD slots are a nice addition, but why forget about a CF slot? Almost all the PCs I have used have them. I hate using card readers.

*LTD*

Sep 27, 2009, 04:26 PM

1. Quad core/Xeon/hyper-megathreading-$@#$$-hypertransport whatever
2. Much thinner
3. New cooling technology

I dunno, I just remember something about new cooling technologies being explored by Apple. You never know. They changed up the battery game, after all.

SomeSwede

Sep 27, 2009, 05:02 PM

If it is true i might purchase one. Not that i need a new Mac, but it would be really tempting.

Bubba Satori

Sep 27, 2009, 05:47 PM

SD Slot: Sure.
Quad-Core: I don't think it will happen this generation. Definitely the one after this one though. Don't exactly see why so many people are clamoring for this though, 3.06 Core2Duo is more than capable enough for me when encoding 720p video.
Xeon: Lol, no.
Mouse: God yes.
Remote: Sure.

Honestly all I think Apple is going to do is make it thinner, remove the chin, change the screen type and POSSIBLY give it Blu-Ray (The so called bag of hurt according to Steve Jobs), but even that's stretching it.

Next generation ? 3 or 4 years after pcs had quad core ? Can Apple afford to fall that far behind. :eek: Clamoring ? For things to happen faster on their computers ? Yeah, lots of people clamor for that.

Why thinner ? To keep up with Steve ? It's a desktop. It needs to be thicker by about an inch to have proper desktop components that are faster, will run cooler with a proper sized chassis and less expensive than using mobile components.

But the way things have been going the last couple of years, you're probably right.

Bubba Satori

Sep 27, 2009, 05:50 PM

So Apple can reduce the cost and packaging space, and make it a "healthier" machine from the environmental standpoint. Just take a look at apples new environmental section on their website. They clearly care about power consumption and the form factor more than anything else. Do you see the Quad Core Xeon Mac Pro anywhere on that page? Didn't think so.

http://www.apple.com/environment/complete-lifecycle/

Wow that's exciting and innovative. :confused:

Bubba Satori

Sep 27, 2009, 05:52 PM

Thats what i was thinking. Quad-Core/Blu-Ray and make it 30" screen.

I'm waiting to give Apple my money. :apple:

NT1440

Sep 27, 2009, 05:58 PM

I'm waiting to give Apple my money. :apple:

Seriously, a triple post? Well it didn't beat your quadruple from earlier in the thread....

Anyway, I love how everyone talks about what it takes to be a "proper" desktop as if there is some sort of set rule or even close to a consensus in the industry. Apple does its own thing and it works great for millions and millions of people. Clearly the industry has taken notice that average consumers don't need the sheer horsepower in many of todays systems, otherwise they wouldn't be taking their exploratory steps into the labels "nettop" and such. There are atom and ion desktop solutions that work beautifully for the average person. Many of us nerds and spec jockeys here fail to consider that we are in the minority when demanding top of the line cutting edge technologies.

greg400

Sep 27, 2009, 06:02 PM

Next generation ? 3 or 4 years after pcs had quad core ? Can Apple afford to fall that far behind. :eek: Clamoring ? For things to happen faster on their computers ? Yeah, lots of people clamor for that.

Why thinner ? To keep up with Steve ? It's a desktop. It need to be thicker by about an inch to have proper desktop components that are faster, will run cooler with a proper sized chassis and less expensive than using mobile components.

But the way things have been going the last couple of years, you're probably right.
3 or 4 years after PC's had quad cores? The Mac Pro has had a quad core for as long as I can remember.

Oh and people wanting things faster is fine but no one should actually NEED a quad core for simple editing. If you are actually using it as a workstation then you should've got the Mac Pro.

The last thing Apple will do is make it thicker. That's basically backtracking by their standards.

Bubba Satori

Sep 27, 2009, 06:07 PM

3 or 4 years after PC's had quad cores? The Mac Pro has had a quad core for as long as I can remember.

Oh and people want things faster is fine but no one should actually NEED a quad core for simple editing. If you are actually using it as a workstation then you should've got the Mac Pro.

The last thing Apple will do is make it thicker. That's basically backtracking by their standards.

You know I wasn't refering to workstations. The iMac is not a workstation.

How do you know what anybodies needs are except your own. Major case of personal projection.

To keep making computers thinner until they disappear like Steve. Why ? Are we running out of space ? Does everybody live in a closet sized apartment in Japan. Apple's design anorexia is seriously compromising the functionality of it's computers. Would an inch thicker iMac be the end of the world ?

greg400

Sep 27, 2009, 06:13 PM

You know I wasn't refering to workstations. The iMac is not a workstation.

How do you know what anybodies needs are except your own. Major case of personal projection.

To keep making computers thinner until they disappear like Steve. Why ? Are we running out of space ? Does everybody live in a closet sized apartment in Japan. Apple's design anorexia is seriously compromising the functionality of it's computers. Would an inch thicker iMac be the end of the world ?
Because the iMac is not targeted at people who need to use it for a heavy workload. Like someone stated, MAYBE if Apple were to release an iMac Pro or something along the lines then it would be plausible, but I don't see that happening. The iMac is not targeted at people who need quad cores. It's not personal projection, it's Apple's projection.

Listen, you are looking at things from your perspective. Apple just put up an environmental section on their website comparing their iMacs and making it thicker would not in any way shape or form fit on that page.

Squozen

Sep 27, 2009, 06:25 PM

:eek: ... :::imagines a world where the macmouse doesnt have a top trackball that permanently breaks within a month of owning it::::: :rolleyes:

My home Mighty Mouse is still going strong after more than three years, and the work one after 1 year. Wash your hands.

yanquis

Sep 27, 2009, 06:38 PM

Seriously, a triple post? Well it didn't beat your quadruple from earlier in the thread....

Anyway, I love how everyone talks about what it takes to be a "proper" desktop as if there is some sort of set rule or even close to a consensus in the industry. Apple does its own thing and it works great for millions and millions of people. Clearly the industry has taken notice that average consumers don't need the sheer horsepower in many of todays systems, otherwise they wouldn't be taking their exploratory steps into the labels "nettop" and such. There are atom and ion desktop solutions that work beautifully for the average person. Many of us nerds and spec jockeys here fail to consider that we are in the minority when demanding top of the line cutting edge technologies.

this post would suggest that the overwhelming majority of mac's market is exactly what the PC kiddies say, either ignorant users who fall head over heels for good advertising or yuppies who care more about their computer looking good in whatever the 21st century equivalent of the sitting room is than what it does.

even though we're 'spec jockeys' here, as you say, we also have at least some understanding of price-to-performance. i think the idea that anyone here wants their imac to post some sexy benchmarks or whatever is a complete red herring. thats clearly not what an imac is for & we all know it (if it can, all the better, but thats really the pro's job). the people complaining (if i can speak for them, since im one of them) just dont want to be ripped off.

anyway, if we could see a $999 imac & an up-to $2999 imac pro, as someone suggested, wow. that would be heaven.

WATCHDOG

Sep 27, 2009, 06:53 PM

Because the iMac is not targeted at people who need to use it for a heavy workload. Like someone stated, MAYBE if Apple were to release an iMac Pro or something along the lines then it would be plausible, but I don't see that happening. The iMac is not targeted at people who need quad cores. It's not personal projection, it's Apple's projection.

Then Again, for many Moons now, not just a few :apple:-liking folks have been clamoring for an :apple:-Puter which fits exactly in-between the MacPro line and the iMac line..

With the Economy currently on the <<blink>> and money getting scarcer, Apple is prolly flexible enough to have been capable of adjusting it's "projection" in accordance to our 'changing times'..

A souped-up MacPro in the hands of genuine still-active (bidness-wi$e) power-users pays for its pricy-ish self in a cost-effective moment of time.

Meanwhile, there are those of us who will not or can not fork over a barrel of hard-earned loot for a Snappy MacPro, YET, who likewise, back in March/April '09, did NOT want to purchase an iMac which, even when juiced to it's hilt, could be bettered in some real - and significant - ways by less-dear PC's..

We - In-Betweeners™ - are now - a distinct niche in Apple's galaxy: and Apple being Apple (and therefore smart..), prolly knows about us..

Therefore, I've my money a-waiting for that soon-to-be-released :apple: Power iMac!

:rolleyes: Right Apple? :confused:

+++

jmpage2

Sep 27, 2009, 06:54 PM

this post would suggest that the overwhelming majority of mac's market is exactly what the PC kiddies say, either ignorant users who fall head over heels for good advertising or yuppies who care more about their computer looking good in whatever the 21st century equivalent of the sitting room is than what it does.

even though we're 'spec jockeys' here, as you say, we also have at least some understanding of price-to-performance. i think the idea that anyone here wants their imac to post some sexy benchmarks or whatever is a complete red herring. thats clearly not what an imac is for & we all know it (if it can, all the better, but thats really the pro's job). the people complaining (if i can speak for them, since im one of them) just dont want to be ripped off.

anyway, if we could see a $999 imac & an up-to $2999 imac pro, as someone suggested, wow. that would be heaven.

That's not entirely true. The iMac uses mobile components for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to make it a nearly silent (or silent) computer when doing normal tasks).

Additionally iMacs have pretty good components by mobile standards. C2 Duo chips yes, but they are the Extreme versions with the biggest cache possible, they offer higher end video offers than other all in one computers.

The iMac is actually a pretty powerful computer for the 'all in one' segment.

The addition of an LED backlit display (and maybe a larger one) is a must at this point.

Certainly the features that would heat up the airwaves would be Blu-Ray and an i7 Quad Core chip, the real question is if it would sell more machines since those components would drive the cost of manufacturing at least another couple hundred dollars.

*LTD*

Sep 27, 2009, 06:55 PM

How do you know what anybodies needs are except your own. Major case of personal projection.

To keep making computers thinner until they disappear like Steve. Why ? Are we running out of space ? Does everybody live in a closet sized apartment in Japan. Apple's design anorexia is seriously compromising the functionality of it's computers. Would an inch thicker iMac be the end of the world ?

Needs? Pretty easy to assess that. Are Macs selling? Yes. Apple is actualy selling *more* Macs in a recession, despite the availability of cheaper alternatives. Clearly, we've moved beyond raw specs into a stage where consumers consider many other factors, including form. People who buy them and are satisfied (and overwhelmingly, they are, year after year) are having their "needs" met.

If you want to generalize, then generalize from the facts available, taking into account the largest segment of Apple's market.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10019711-37.html

http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2008/08/apples-customer-satisfaction-up-despite-struggling-industry.ars

http://digg.com/apple/Apple_leads_2009_customer_satisfaction_survey

http://www.macnn.com/articles/05/08/16/apple.no..1.on.csi/

http://theappleblog.com/2009/05/06/apple-customer-satisfaction-its-the-experience/

http://blackfriarsinc.com/blog/2007/04/behind-scenes-why-apples-customerbase

http://www.businessweek.com/technology/ByteOfTheApple/blog/archives/2008/08/mac_customer_sa.html

http://www.cultofmac.com/apple-posts-highest-score-ever-on-customer-satisfaction-index/2553

http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/22467/

http://bindapple.com/apple-satisfaction-2009-report/

http://www.macnn.com/news/25971

http://www.macrumors.com/2009/08/14/iphone-3gs-trumps-palm-pre-in-satisfaction-survey/

http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/iPhone_Satisfaction_Off_The_Charts/

http://www.theiphoneblog.com/2009/08/14/iphone-3gs-99-pure-satisfaction/

http://www.mactivist.com/2009/06/iphone-macs-ipod-sweep-2008-customer-satisfaction-rankings-in-japan

http://www.9to5mac.com/jobs-satisfation-rate-high

http://www.jdpower.com/Business/ratings/smartphone-ratings

http://www.v3.co.uk/v3/news/2248040/apple-keeps-top-billing

http://www.eweek.com/prestitial.php?type=rest&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eweek.com%2Fc%2Fa%2FMobile-and-Wireless%2FApple-Beats-HP-and-Dell-In-Customer-Satisfaction-Study-Finds-453807%2F&ref=

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2352796,00.asp

http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2006/08/5002.ars

http://www.osnews.com/story/15553

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1689554/posts

http://forums.macrumors.com/archive/index.php/t-224872.html

That's a whole lot of "needs" being met.

Your first problem is that you think Apple doesn't know what it's doing and doesn't understand consumers. Obviuosly, the exact opposite is the case. Then again, if you think imacs are "crippled" to begin with, then you're wasting your time. They are what they are, and they are incredibly successful being just that. Might as well hang out on Winsupersite.

NT1440

Sep 27, 2009, 07:11 PM

yanquis

Sep 27, 2009, 07:15 PM

How? Even a netbook will do the job that your average person needs today, albeit a bit slowly. You don't need the highest end hardware to do what a normal consumer does.

How is buying for your ACTUAL needs ignorant? I find it ignorant to suggest that otherwise.

i agree completely, the point im making is that paying $1000+ over the price necessary to satisfy those needs is either ignorant on the part of the consumer or a tremendous leap of luxury. the latter is fine & a matter of choice (albeit one that i definitely dont want to make), the former i feel sorry for, if those people are actually out there (i dont know any, but they may be).

MrCrowbar

Sep 27, 2009, 07:22 PM

Finally, there's external trackpads now!

http://www.wacom.eu/index2.asp?pid=294&lang=en&gm=2

NT1440

Sep 27, 2009, 07:25 PM

i agree completely, the point im making is that paying $1000+ over the price necessary to satisfy those needs is either ignorant on the part of the consumer or a tremendous leap of luxury. the latter is fine & a matter of choice (albeit one that i definitely dont want to make), the former i feel sorry for, if those people are actually out there (i dont know any, but they may be).

Its ignorant to spend the money you see fit to get the experience you want? Better go tell all those people with expensive cars/houses/etc, after all you can get the "equivalent" for MUCH cheaper right?

I feel that all the little touches completely justify the price I paid for my 13"MBP, you don't get them anywhere else. I believe a computer is more than just the spec sheet, its more about the experience, while the hardware is merely a part of delivering that. I'm so much happier with my computing experience that I can barely believe it, computing is fun again.

Bubba Satori

Sep 27, 2009, 07:26 PM

Might as well hang out on Winsupersite.

Look, we know you don't like to be disagreed with. I understand.

In three years of selling Macs I've switched several hundred pc users to Macs. And you ?

yanquis

Sep 27, 2009, 07:42 PM

Its ignorant to spend the money you see fit to get the experience you want? Better go tell all those people with expensive cars/houses/etc, after all you can get the "equivalent" for MUCH cheaper right?

I feel that all the little touches completely justify the price I paid for my 13"MBP, you don't get them anywhere else. I believe a computer is more than just the spec sheet, its more about the experience, while the hardware is merely a part of delivering that. I'm so much happier with my computing experience that I can barely believe it, computing is fun again.

i think were basically in agreement, maybe missing each others points. im not rich but i paid 3K for a computer i dont 'need' a few months ago & would gladly do so again at later date. that was my decision & theres nothing partic. wrong with it.

the point im making is that at the upper end of the non-pro spectrum, the costs become unjustifiable imo. there is a massive difference b/w paying $1200 for middling hardware on an otherwise great machine (like a 13 inch mbp), & $2500 for superior middling hardware on an otherwise great machine. right now the upper-end of the imac & macbook pro spectrum are simply terrible consumer decisions. they do not offer enough bang for the buck & are multiple years behind the hardware curve. this is just a fact. if you want to pay the $ for them, thats completely your choice, of course. im not going to make fun of anyone who does, though i would try to convince them not to before they did. its just the fact that apple relies on these people, whether they are making the decision informed or no, that gets them mocked by people who dont feel it necessary to own a mac -- and frustrates these people as well, because i for one love osx & the 'apple experience', but at the moment i want something in-between a 'gateway' computer & high-end computer. apple is not satisfying this market at the moment, & an imac overhaul could accomplish that. thats why im cautiously hopeful we'll see more than what some people are suggesting here.

Wakashizuma

Sep 27, 2009, 08:05 PM

Seriously, a triple post? Well it didn't beat your quadruple from earlier in the thread....

Anyway, I love how everyone talks about what it takes to be a "proper" desktop as if there is some sort of set rule or even close to a consensus in the industry. Apple does its own thing and it works great for millions and millions of people. Clearly the industry has taken notice that average consumers don't need the sheer horsepower in many of todays systems, otherwise they wouldn't be taking their exploratory steps into the labels "nettop" and such. There are atom and ion desktop solutions that work beautifully for the average person. Many of us nerds and spec jockeys here fail to consider that we are in the minority when demanding top of the line cutting edge technologies.

And PC industry does its own thing which works for billions of people. N ot everyone is a fat tight shirtwearing latte sipping wanna be artists who needs theirs computer to look supercool. Others are normal human beings who unlike the "mac community" dont share any emotional bonds with their computers!

PS: You're right though in one part. It doesnt matter what components they use. It's not like it is going to increase their worldwide %3.5 marketshare! Who cares PC users get to use latest and most advanced ATI Radeon 5870 graphcis card yet; at least you can upload movies directly to youtube in Quicktime X! that should even out!

NT1440

Sep 27, 2009, 08:10 PM

jmpage2

Sep 27, 2009, 08:14 PM

Can we have a single iMac future offerings thread that doesn't devolve int accusations and responses about how Apple buyers are over paying?? Jesus, as others have said, it's not just about the spec sheet.

jmpage2

Sep 27, 2009, 08:18 PM

Wow, the ignorance is appalling. :eek:

And by your statements, why can't people be allowed to choose what they want without people like you judging them for it?

The real gnorance is the belief that pcs with similar specs are just as good as macs. I built over 30 computers ranging from P90's up to high end gaming machines. I still vastly prefer my iMac for all non gaming tasks I now perform. It's fast for my purposes, it has a great display, it's silent, and (best of all) it was built to run OS X.

NT1440

Sep 27, 2009, 08:19 PM

The real gnorance is the belief that pcs with similar specs are just as good as macs. I built over 30 computers ranging from P90's up to high end gaming machines. I still vastly prefer my iMac for all non gaming tasks I know perform. It's fast for my purposes, it has a great display, it's silent, and (best of all) it was built to run OS X.

Its all about preference. What don't you people get. If someone feels that their experience is better than they could have with product X, thats all that matters.

greg400

Sep 27, 2009, 08:22 PM

And PC industry does its own thing which works for billions of people. N ot everyone is a fat tight shirtwearing latte sipping wanna be artists who needs theirs computer to look supercool. Others are normal human beings who unlike the "mac community" dont share any emotional bonds with their computers!

PS: You're right though in one part. It doesnt matter what components they use. It's not like it is going to increase their worldwide %3.5 marketshare! Who cares PC users get to use latest and most advanced ATI Radeon 5870 graphcis card yet; at least you can upload movies directly to youtube in Quicktime X! that should even out!Lol. What a joke.

Why would anyone need a graphics card like that? I can run Crysis on my iMac at max res, max settings (barring anti aliasing) at 30fps with an ATI Radeon 4850. But that's beyond the point. The point is, that PC's lack the software that make Mac's so accessible and useful. If I want to edit video on a PC i'm forced to use crapware downloads or Windows Movie Maker unless I torrent something illegally. Which is a joke in it of itself. I have yet to find software for my PC that even comes close to being as good or useful as iLife as a whole or anything for that matter. The only thing a PC is good for is gaming, which is completely null and void if you prefer consoles or just aren't interested in gaming at all.

yanquis

Sep 27, 2009, 08:26 PM

"Its all about preference. What don't you people get. If someone feels that their experience is better than they could have with product X, thats all that matters."

see, this is just WRONG. it is NOT 'all about preference'. and that is not 'all that matters'. if anything apple is the master at demonstrating this. "spec sheets" (aka, computers, w/out the software + fancy casing), as you call them, make up the overwhelming majority of a computer's cost, & things like "money", "price", & "not being assraped by corporations who feel THEY know better than their own customers about what they want or need" is not wholly insignficant to most people.

NT1440

Sep 27, 2009, 08:27 PM

yanquis

Sep 27, 2009, 08:36 PM

HA! you think peoples preferences don't matter? THEY ARE THE ONES PAYNG FOR WHAT THEY WANT.

when did i say they dont matter?? youre again completely misreading what im saying. on the whole, apple customers are NOT paying for what they want, they are paying for what apple will give them. if -personal- preference is so important to apple (& they do a TREMENDOUS job of marketing the idea that it is, which is why every freakign thing they make is 'i' this or 'i' that), they wouldnt be the least customizable, most rigid mainstream computers on market. youre acting like exactly the bogeyman i was talking about earlier.

yanquis

Sep 27, 2009, 08:43 PM

SmugMac

Sep 27, 2009, 08:53 PM

I'm hoping that Apple also upgrades the video processors too.
Don't really care if it's an ATI or Nvidia chip refresh but the Nvidia processors in current iMac's are too weak and the ATI 4850 is outdated.

jmpage2

Sep 27, 2009, 09:08 PM

nt, you apparently really dont understand the concept of monopoly, apple has a MONOPOLY on OSX & their own brand. their recognition of this fact & the masterful things theyve done to take advantage of it is only hurting YOU, & anyone else who wants to buy their product. THATS why they offer an extrely limited selection of platforms & customization options. in the words of navin r johnson, "its a profit deal." it has NOTHING to do with looking out for their consumers or potential consumers & suiting their exact needs. the fact that so many people fall for apple's marketing bs, actually believing they are getting exactly what they want when they are in fact getting exactly what apple decides they should want, is sickening. if these two things happen to line up, & they apparently did for you, GREAT. usually they won't.

You apparently don't understand that if a company builds something (hardware or software) then they own the rights to it.

Maybe some other airline companies should sue Boeing for not allowing them to use their expensive flight control software in their home built airplanes?

It's simply a ridiculous argument. Apple is not interested in catering to the Hackintosh market, plain and simple. Personally I'm glad that Apple has taken a stand against crappy user experiences on computers. They have said more than once that they are not interested in selling junky computers. As soon as they start licensing OS X to companies like Pystar, that is what they will have. They have wisely realized that such a thing dilutes the value of their brand and they're not having it.

If you aren't interested in Apple computers (or if you are only interested in Hackintosh boxes) then what are you and others doing in a thread devoted to speculating on the next iMac hardware? It's insulting and a waste of time to those of us who DO like these machines.

NT1440

Sep 27, 2009, 09:11 PM

nt, you apparently really dont understand the concept of monopoly, apple has a MONOPOLY on OSX & their own brand.

Oh man that was rich. You don't happen to be one of Psystar's lawyers do you? :p

EVERY COMPANY HAS A MONOPOLY ON THEIR BRAND (unless of course the company is a partnership of others).

jmpage2

Sep 27, 2009, 09:12 PM

Oh man that was rich. You don't happen to be one of Psystar's lawyers do you? :p

EVERY COMPANY HAS A MONOPOLY ON THEIR BRAND (unless of course the company is a partnership of others).

Yes, I know, this guy sounds like some Chinese DVD pirate who is arguing about how the studios have a monopoly on selling DVDs of the movies that they produced. :rolleyes:

NT1440

Sep 27, 2009, 09:15 PM

Yes, I know, this guy sounds like some Chinese DVD pirate who is arguing about how the studios have a monopoly on selling DVDs of the movies that they produced. :rolleyes:

How dare they have control over the product they spend the money and man hours to create, which wouldn't exist without them! For shame every company in the world, for shame! :p

yanquis

Sep 27, 2009, 09:15 PM

again, missing the point...whatever. if you're fine bending over for apple, fine. i'm not.

they don't have to sell or give away any rights. they could be a lot less dictatorial. that's all i'm saying. it's a very simple point, coming from a very simple, very common pro-consumer/anti-corporate perspective.

way to miss the point you as well, nt. thanks, i really needed reminding that companies have monopolies on their own brand. ugh. think about it: nobody cares if their computer says dell or HP. they DO care if it says apple. this is fantastic for apple, bad for their customers, & they have milked this fact to the fullest. do you seriously not get it?? how can i possibly spell this out any clearer?

nt, please invest some of that money of yours in a reading comprehension class, it will do far more for your future than any mac product could. you are exactly why some many people laugh at people who use apple.

*LTD*

Sep 27, 2009, 09:20 PM

nobody cares if their computer says dell or HP. they DO care if it says apple. this is fantastic for apple, bad for their customers,

Yeah, it's been really bad. Absolutely horrible. We hate it.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10019711-37.html

http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2008/08/apples-customer-satisfaction-up-despite-struggling-industry.ars

http://digg.com/apple/Apple_leads_2009_customer_satisfaction_survey

http://www.macnn.com/articles/05/08/16/apple.no..1.on.csi/

http://theappleblog.com/2009/05/06/apple-customer-satisfaction-its-the-experience/

http://blackfriarsinc.com/blog/2007/04/behind-scenes-why-apples-customerbase

http://www.businessweek.com/technology/ByteOfTheApple/blog/archives/2008/08/mac_customer_sa.html

http://www.cultofmac.com/apple-posts-highest-score-ever-on-customer-satisfaction-index/2553

http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/22467/

http://bindapple.com/apple-satisfaction-2009-report/

http://www.macnn.com/news/25971

http://www.macrumors.com/2009/08/14/iphone-3gs-trumps-palm-pre-in-satisfaction-survey/

http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/iPhone_Satisfaction_Off_The_Charts/

http://www.theiphoneblog.com/2009/08/14/iphone-3gs-99-pure-satisfaction/

http://www.mactivist.com/2009/06/iphone-macs-ipod-sweep-2008-customer-satisfaction-rankings-in-japan

http://www.9to5mac.com/jobs-satisfation-rate-high

http://www.jdpower.com/Business/ratings/smartphone-ratings

http://www.v3.co.uk/v3/news/2248040/apple-keeps-top-billing

http://www.eweek.com/prestitial.php?type=rest&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eweek.com%2Fc%2Fa%2FMobile-and-Wireless%2FApple-Beats-HP-and-Dell-In-Customer-Satisfaction-Study-Finds-453807%2F&ref=

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2352796,00.asp

http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2006/08/5002.ars

http://www.osnews.com/story/15553

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1689554/posts

http://forums.macrumors.com/archive/index.php/t-224872.html

NT1440

Sep 27, 2009, 09:20 PM

RazHyena

Sep 27, 2009, 09:23 PM

Yeah, it's been really bad. Absolutely horrible.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10019711-37.html

http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2008/08/apples-customer-satisfaction-up-despite-struggling-industry.ars

http://digg.com/apple/Apple_leads_2009_customer_satisfaction_survey

http://www.macnn.com/articles/05/08/16/apple.no..1.on.csi/

http://theappleblog.com/2009/05/06/apple-customer-satisfaction-its-the-experience/

http://blackfriarsinc.com/blog/2007/04/behind-scenes-why-apples-customerbase

http://www.businessweek.com/technology/ByteOfTheApple/blog/archives/2008/08/mac_customer_sa.html

http://www.cultofmac.com/apple-posts-highest-score-ever-on-customer-satisfaction-index/2553

http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/22467/

http://bindapple.com/apple-satisfaction-2009-report/

http://www.macnn.com/news/25971

http://www.macrumors.com/2009/08/14/iphone-3gs-trumps-palm-pre-in-satisfaction-survey/

http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/iPhone_Satisfaction_Off_The_Charts/

http://www.theiphoneblog.com/2009/08/14/iphone-3gs-99-pure-satisfaction/

http://www.mactivist.com/2009/06/iphone-macs-ipod-sweep-2008-customer-satisfaction-rankings-in-japan

http://www.9to5mac.com/jobs-satisfation-rate-high

http://www.jdpower.com/Business/ratings/smartphone-ratings

http://www.v3.co.uk/v3/news/2248040/apple-keeps-top-billing

http://www.eweek.com/prestitial.php?type=rest&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eweek.com%2Fc%2Fa%2FMobile-and-Wireless%2FApple-Beats-HP-and-Dell-In-Customer-Satisfaction-Study-Finds-453807%2F&ref=

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2352796,00.asp

http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2006/08/5002.ars

http://www.osnews.com/story/15553

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1689554/posts

http://forums.macrumors.com/archive/index.php/t-224872.html
:rolleyes: You have this BS list saved in an .rtf for such purposes?

NT1440

Sep 27, 2009, 09:24 PM

:rolleyes: You have this BS list saved in an .rtf for such purposes?

How is it BS? It just points to numerous reports of apple being high on the list.

Reality a problem for you guys or something?

RazHyena

Sep 27, 2009, 09:26 PM

How is it BS? It just points to numerous reports of apple being high on the list.

Reality a problem for you guys or something?

LOL. Reality is something is severe short supply here. :rolleyes:

Keep on a trollin.

yanquis

Sep 27, 2009, 09:26 PM

again, good for you. your arguments only make any kind of sense either from your exact personal perspective, or if you work for apple or have large amounts of shares in their company (which you shouldve disclosed right off the bat if so). im glad thats not the case, & im glad you got what you wanted. your line of thinking is still skewed & borderline dangerous, exactly what apple leaches off of & tries to institute in their customers. i hope youre simply a satisfied customer & not some toady, & i apologize for getting/being overheated, but its frustrating arguing with people who come across as blind fanboys & seem to think they are what they own - theyre not, no matter what apple tells them.

*LTD*

Sep 27, 2009, 09:27 PM

:rolleyes: You have this BS list saved in an .rtf for such purposes?

You mean the tangible FACTS (as opposed to anecdotal opinion, feelings, and baseless assumptions)? Yup.

RazHyena

Sep 27, 2009, 09:29 PM

You mean the tangible FACTS (as opposed to anecdotal opinion, feelings, and baseless assumptions)? Yup.

Facts??

ROFLMAO.

You're the best, LTD! :D:D:D:D:D

Rodimus Prime

Sep 27, 2009, 09:30 PM

:rolleyes: You have this BS list saved in an .rtf for such purposes?

I will give you a good part of that list is BS but not all the list is that way. Any of the mac fan sites I do not consider to be worth much considering they will be heavily bias.

Apple makes some damn good hardware for the price point. Yes some times to have to pay a huge premium to get what you want but that is a different matter.

As for the list I failed to see what the point of it was this time. It did not seem to related at all to what quoted post was so it makes the list even more worthless.

WATCHDOG

Sep 27, 2009, 09:34 PM

+++

Well, at any rate, for those of us who'll still prolly purchase a Mac in spite of all the bellyaching from those who wish to rail against :apple: - wouldn't it be some welcomed pleasant news for those of us who've enjoyed the Macs that we've had IF the up-and-coming iMac has improvements which are more than just minor bumps-in-the-road? :p

+++

Maserati7200

Sep 27, 2009, 09:38 PM

Well if multiple surveys say Apple has the highest customer satisfaction rating, how is that BS? :rolleyes:

jmpage2

Sep 27, 2009, 09:40 PM

Facts??

ROFLMAO.

You're the best, LTD! :D:D:D:D:D

Ya, the fact that Apple equipment and service are consistently top rated must just be hard for you to swallow.

When confronted with these facts you apparently revert to denial and a bunch of smiley faces to try to deflect the fact that you are wrong.

I honestly don't understand why people enjoying Apple systems cause such a problem for some people.

I suspect it's similar to the kid who buys a used Civic, soups it up and then spends every moment of every day on a BMW or Mercedes forum telling them how over priced their cars are because his is faster in the quarter mile.

News flash kiddies;

1. We CARE about the chassis and cooling design of our computers. Having a dead silent computer is wonderful.
2. We CARE about the level of service we receive and like talking to native english speakers.
3. We CARE about the cosmetics of these computers. Having a computer with almost no footprint is also wonderful.
4. We CARE about running machines that Apple designed to run OS X vs. running a Hack.
5. We CARE about buying innovative Apple products with features like next generation batteries that last 2X as long as competitors products.

All of these things cost a premium. If that is too much for you to understand then please enjoy your PC/hackentosh/etc and leave these threads to those who actually will buy a new iMac if it meets their requirements.

While I sit here typing this on my 24" iMac I have my high end work Dell laptop sitting to my right. My wife's 17" MBP is behind me. The only computer I can hear in this home office is the Dell, which sits there with fans running, hard drives chattering away even though I'm not doing a damn thing with it.

Meanwhile the iMac sits here stone silent while providing a gorgeous display to look at and no desktop clutter to deal with. Is it any wonder why some of us prefer Macs?

Maserati7200

Sep 27, 2009, 09:43 PM

Ya, the fact that Apple equipment and service are consistently top rated must just be hard for you to swallow.

When confronted with these facts you apparently revert to denial and a bunch of smiley faces to try to deflect the fact that you are wrong.

I honestly don't understand why people enjoying Apple systems cause such a problem for some people.

I suspect it's similar to the kid who buys a used Civic, soups it up and then spends every moment of every day on a BMW or Mercedes forum telling them how over priced their cars are because his is faster in the quarter mile.

Yeah, it's sort of like when creationists deny the fact of evolution..

*LTD*

Sep 27, 2009, 09:45 PM

Well if multiple surveys say Apple has the highest customer satisfaction rating, how is that BS? :rolleyes:

And this is year after year. Apple has taken top spots in the bulk of surveys and reports done, from multiple sources. This is going back to even before 2006.

Unfortunately, when there is no argument to counter it (as there really can be none, anyway), the next thing to do is pretend they don't actually exist. Now if we're talking breaking from reality, that would ceratinly be it.

yanquis

Sep 27, 2009, 09:46 PM

Yeah, it's sort of like when creationists deny the fact of evolution..

you mean the guys who, instead of researching, testing, hypothesizing, & experimenting, subscribe full-out to one particular text & proceed to treat it as gospel for the rest of their life? sounds about right.

jmpage2

Sep 27, 2009, 09:50 PM

you mean the guys who, instead of researching, testing, hypothesizing, & experimenting, subscribe full-out to one particular text & proceed to treat it as gospel for the rest of their life? sounds about right.

Actually if you would take the time to read some discussions here instead of providing cannon fodder with your pathetic arguments you would find that many of the so called "fanbois" here are in fact highly critical of Apple when there is a problem with their products.

What they don't do though is spend all of their time moaning about how they could have gotten a $500 cheaper computer that's "faster" even though it has a crappy display, inferior chassis, noisy fans, runs a 2nd rate OS and has a crap-tastic customer service department based out of India.

yanquis

Sep 27, 2009, 09:57 PM

Actually if you would take the time to read some discussions here instead of providing cannon fodder with your pathetic arguments you would find that many of the so called "fanbois" here are in fact highly critical of Apple when there is a problem with their products.

What they don't do though is spend all of their time moaning about how they could have gotten a $500 cheaper computer that's "faster" even though it has a crappy display, inferior chassis, noisy fans, runs a 2nd rate OS and has a crap-tastic customer service department based out of India.

i do read the comments, & am impressed with how objective the overwhelming majority of people here are. thats why im particularly po'd with the route this discussion was/is taking. my 'pathetic' arguments -- wow. yeah, if only everyone in the world thought exactly like you do, they'd have a market share higher than 5%.

i've haven't had to use customer service in 10 years, & haven't had a virus problem in over 5 years now, because i'm not a complete idiot. also, vista is dead (& never should have been alive). do you REALLY not see how utterly desparete you are to justify the cost, instead of wondering why it isn't cheaper? apple customers are apple's best marketing team, and YOU pay THEM. their business model is absolutely amazing.

jmpage2

Sep 27, 2009, 10:08 PM

i do read the comments, & am impressed with how objective the overwhelming majority of people here are. thats why im particularly po'd with the route this discussion was/is taking. my 'pathetic' arguments -- wow. yeah, if only everyone in the world thought exactly like you do, they'd have a market share higher than 5%.

i've haven't had to use customer service in 10 years, & haven't had a virus problem in over 5 years now, because i'm not a complete idiot. also, vista is dead (& never should have been alive). do you REALLY not see how utterly desparete you are to justify the cost, instead of wondering why it isn't cheaper? apple customers are apple's best marketing team, and YOU pay THEM. their business model is absolutely amazing.

Yes, you sound utterly envious of the success they have, maybe you are Steve Ballmer's bitter brother in law or some such.

I have news for you, the vast majority of PC users DO have issues (seeing as I end up supporting all of my friends and families PCs since I have an MCSE I should know all about these problems). And it is not because they are idiots. It's because Windows DOES have problems with security, backups, etc.

Yes, it must just be foolish gullible people that pay Apple their premium price.

Funny how when I watch a show about engineering or science on National Geographic they are more likely than not to be using a Macbook, iMac or Macbook Pro to do their work or show demonstrations of their projects. These aren't artists, these people have doctorates in serious disciplines, but by your standards they are too stupid to realize they got duped into giving Apple a lot of money.

or........

They are smart enough to realize that getting a rock solid computer that is easy to back up, hard to crash and runs a fantastic OS is worth paying a bit extra for due to the productivity gains that they realize by using their computer instead of having to manage their computer all the time.

I'm an MCSE, I can build computers blind folded and rebuild any flavor of OS while doing a few other things. What machine do I come home to at the end of the day? A Mac, because when it comes to my own home user experience I want the computer to work effortlessly without me having to waste hours every year dealing with the latest security patches from MS, buggy and unstable drivers, crappy backup solutions, etc.

yanquis

Sep 27, 2009, 10:16 PM

jmpage2

Sep 27, 2009, 10:31 PM

it is worth paying extra coin, & i am happy to do so! you're apparently treating me as some basement-dwelling customizer guy boogeyman & skewing my argument, & im sorry if im unwittingly doing the same to yours. it's just that there is a massive difference between enjoying apple products, & towing a company line almost verbatim. to me, it sounds like you are doing the latter. there are some SERIOUS holes in apples lineup, & YES, they do profit off of ignorant or wealthy people, much as they may satisfy the needs & wants of millions of other people. what they do could be done a lot better from the perspective of the average buyer. maybe not from their profit perspective. i mean if you honestly believe profit motive & buyer motive are perfectly insync at apple or anywhere else (i would hazard to say they are in fact farther out of sync at apple than most computer retailers, & yes, i understand that apple has 'earned' this by manufacturing a megabrand -- but i don't work for or own apple & i don't have or want to laud them for being able to rip me off to a greater extent than other companies do), well, i have a bridge etc.

Give me a break. I have pointed out repeatedly Apples lack of a mini tower, etc.

As I said, almost everyone here is critical of Apple, but people like yourself would rather talk about how you never have an issue with your Windows PC and how overpriced Apple products are.

Apple products are expensive, but that's not the same thing as being over priced.

Consumers determine the value and I've given some stellar reasons why consumers will pay more for an Apple machine.

You on the other hand have stated that they are getting "duped" because they are paying too much.

Value is in the eye of the beholder. For the value conscious Mac user there is a great value in the form of the Mac Mini, etc. I have upgraded two of them for friends and they (both penny pinchers) love the machines even though they know they could have gotten a "better" PC for less money.

SactoGuy18

Sep 27, 2009, 10:36 PM

I do agree that the iMac is an excellent machine--nice q

yanquis

Sep 27, 2009, 10:49 PM

Give me a break. I have pointed out repeatedly Apples lack of a mini tower, etc.

As I said, almost everyone here is critical of Apple, but people like yourself would rather talk about how you never have an issue with your Windows PC and how overpriced Apple products are.

Apple products are expensive, but that's not the same thing as being over priced.

Consumers determine the value and I've given some stellar reasons why consumers will pay more for an Apple machine.

You on the other hand have stated that they are getting "duped" because they are paying too much.

Value is in the eye of the beholder. For the value conscious Mac user there is a great value in the form of the Mac Mini, etc. I have upgraded two of them for friends and they (both penny pinchers) love the machines even though they know they could have gotten a "better" PC for less money.

see, here is where you are flatout wrong. some apple products are expensive. the rest are overpriced. this is a reality at present, & i'm sorry if it is, for some reason, hard for you to accept.

a month or so ago i was thinking about getting a high-end mac laptop. for $3000, i could get a 3.06 ghz c2d, 4GB ddr3, & a decent graphics card. i am sure i could get a PC laptop, with isight equivalent, for half that -- tops. the differences would be twofold -- no OSX, & inferior casing. these are extremely significant & worth paying a premium for. they are however, positively, unequivocally, NOT worth $1500. charging that much makes it a ripoff, pure & simple. you can still buy the 3K MBP. you can love it after you do. you can never, ever, miss the money you spent on it. in NO WAY does that change the fact that YOU GOT RIPPED OFF, & apple just made a ludicrous profit off of you.

the problem with apple's current lineup is that their price is justifiable in two markets & two markets only, that of the entry user, & that of the professional user. for the average user, who wants an all-around great computer that will last a couple years, handle anything thrown at it, etc, you are either out of luck, or have to pay exhorbitantly for, eh, decent at best hardware. it really only makes sense to purchase a mac right now if you're ok with crappy hardware that will frustrate you within a few months, or if you're ok with paying tons of money for a lot of hardware you don't need (mac pro line) except in very specific pursuits or industries. the middle user is excluded. the reason i am so active on this thread is not because i hate apple or purely to complain, it is because apple can instantly fix this in a week with these new imacs -- and if they do i will be first in line to buy one.

SactoGuy18

Sep 27, 2009, 10:58 PM

I do agree that the iMac is an excellent machine--nice quality display, well-designed system case, and very quiet because the iMac uses no large-sized (and noisy) cooling fans to keep the inside of the case cool.

(Interestingly, my HP Pavilion a6400f is actually very quiet with its well-designed power supply fan; it's actually let down by the fact the hard drive on my system--a Western Digital WD5000AAKS 500 GB SATA-II drive--is quite audible when it does a lot of disk seeks.)

But I do really think that Apple needs to "get with the program" and offer as options better-quality keyboards and mouse pointers over what they offer now. They should offer as an option a Mac-specific version of the Logitech Coreless Desktop Wave, but in a corded version where the keyboard plugs into the USB port (and there is a USB port on the keyboard to plug in the mouse pointer) and keyboard functions assigned specifically for MacOS X 10.5.x and 10.6.x versions; the mouse pointer is essentially the Logitech LS1 laser-sensor model.

jmpage2

Sep 27, 2009, 11:03 PM

see, here is where you are flatout wrong. some apple products are expensive. the rest are overpriced. this is a reality at present, & i'm sorry if it is, for some reason, hard for you to accept.

a month or so ago i was thinking about getting a high-end mac laptop. for $3000, i could get a 3.06 ghz c2d, 4GB ddr3, & a decent graphics card. i am sure i could get a PC laptop, with isight equivalent, for half that -- tops. the differences would be twofold -- no OSX, & inferior casing. these are extremely significant & worth paying a premium for. they are however, positively, unequivocally, NOT worth $1500. charging that much makes it a ripoff, pure & simple. you can still buy the 3K MBP. you can love it after you do. you can never, ever, miss the money you spent on it. in NO WAY does that change the fact that YOU GOT RIPPED OFF, & apple just made a ludicrous profit off of you.

the problem with apple's current lineup is that their price is justifiable in two markets & two markets only, that of the entry user, & that of the professional user. for the average user, who wants an all-around great computer that will last a couple years, handle anything thrown at it, etc, you are either out of luck, or have to pay exhorbitantly for, eh, decent at best hardware. it really only makes sense to purchase a mac right now if you're ok with crappy hardware that will frustrate you within a few months, or if you're ok with paying tons of money for a lot of hardware you don't need (mac pro line) except in very specific pursuits or industries. the middle user is excluded. the reason i am so active on this thread is not because i hate apple or purely to complain, it is because apple can instantly fix this in a week with these new imacs -- and if they do i will be first in line to buy one.

Wow, I wonder where you are shopping for your Mac products. In July we purchased for my wife a 17" MBP with anti-glare screen, 2.8ghz C2D Extreme and very good graphics card (9600 GT) for $2250. Comparable PC laptops are not 1/2 the price, they are a few hundred dollars less.

And they don't have an LED backlit display, single milled aluminum chassis, 8 hour battery, etc.

Not to mention OS X.

You are flat out wrong.

yanquis

Sep 27, 2009, 11:05 PM

interesting, but i don't buy from chinese pirates.
www.apple.com

MacBook Pro, 17-inch, Aluminum
RemoveMove to Saved Items
Ships: 1-3 business days
Part number: Z0GW
Configuration
3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2X2GB
500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 7200 rpm
SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
MacBook Pro 17-inch Hi-Resolution Antiglare Widescreen Display
Backlit Keyboard (English) / User's Guide
Accessory Kit
$2,899.00

jmpage2

Sep 27, 2009, 11:10 PM

Yes, nevermind the fact that you spent $400 on upgrade options that the majority of users would never need or want. Why don't you check out the price of an aluminum chassis comparable PC with LED backlit screen and 8 hour battery before you contnue to cry foul about how apple is trying to rip you off. Oh ya, such a PC DOESNT EXIST, but you knew that already.

yanquis

Sep 27, 2009, 11:10 PM

www.dell.com

Studio 17 Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T9600 (2.800GHz/1066Mhz FSB/6MB cache)
Operating System Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Service Pack 1 64 Bit
System Color Option Graphite Grey with Blue Trim
Memory 4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 800MHz
Built-in Keyboard Options Back-lit Keyboard
LCD Panel Glossy widescreen 17.0 inch display (1440x900)
Video Card 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650
Hard Drive Speed: 500GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) with Free Fall Sensor
Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 9.0
Combo or DVD+RW Drive 8X Slot Load CD / DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
Sound Card Soundblaster X-Fi Hi Def Audio - Software Enabled
Wireless Networking Cards Dell Wireless 1397 802.11g Half Mini-Card
Camera Module Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
Office Productivity Software (Pre-Installed) Microsoft® Works 9
Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) McAfee SecurityCenter, 15-Months
Battery Options 85 Whr Lithium Ion Battery (9 cell) [9 hour]
Service 1Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
Datasafe Dell Online Backup 2GB for 1 year
Dial-Up Internet Access No ISP requested
Bluetooth Option Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Internal (2.1)
LCD and Camera Glossy widescreen 17.0 inch display (1440x900) w/ 2.0M pixel Camera
Processor Branding Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor
Labels Windows Vista™ Premium
$1,354.00

i know its not exactly comparable, but its the result of 2 minutes of work.

edit -- oh deary me, it's not made of aluminum. surely that's worth an extra 1000 -- i'm assuming they put diamonds around the frame. and yes, you'll have to forgive me for having the nerve to customize my mac the way i wanted it.

btw, someone posted a dell i7 laptop w/ OLED screen for $1400 just the other day. 2.0 megapixel webcam, 15.6" screen, 1920x1280 resolution. i'm sure i could do much better than what i posted, but i just clicked the first thing that popped up. anyway, enjoy your next dividend, i certainly hope you're getting one.

Maserati7200

Sep 27, 2009, 11:14 PM

LCD Panel Glossy widescreen 17.0 inch display (1440x900)

1440x900 @ 17 inches? ew.

jmpage2

Sep 27, 2009, 11:24 PM

1440x900 @ 17 inches? ew.

Exactly. He configures a MacBook with every option imaginable to get the highest price he can and then tries to compare it with a Dell with a slower CPU, far inferior display. Not to mention battery enclosed, etc

sort of blows the whole "apple costs double the money for the same machine argument" right out of the water.

This guy needs to read the news flash. We know there are cheaper options available, but they are not apples to apples comparisons.

danielwsmithee

Sep 27, 2009, 11:30 PM

The Studio is a fat POS. At least compare it to a Lattitude.

SactoGuy18

Sep 27, 2009, 11:32 PM

However, the native 1920x1200 resolution on the 17" MacBook Pro is nearly unreadable unless you have really good eyes, a current eyeglass perscription, or a good pair of reading glasses. 1440x900 is MUCH easier on the eyes at that same 17" resolution. :)

yanquis

Sep 27, 2009, 11:40 PM

Exactly. He configures a MacBook with every option imaginable to get the highest price he can and then tries to compare it with a Dell with a slower CPU, far inferior display. Not to mention battery enclosed, etc

sort of blows the whole "apple costs double the money for the same machine argument" right out of the water.

This guy needs to read the news flash. We know there are cheaper options available, but they are not apples to apples comparisons.

right, sorry for not researching a hypothetical computer with exacting specs i dont want to find the best price to prove a freaking point on a message board. that TOTALLY invalidates my point. jesus. if i wanted to i could find something far better than the listed MBP (which is actually LESS than i DID want, so **** about how i 'loaded it up' or whatever), for cheaper, very easily. i took 2 minutes to illustrate a point. quit being completely ridiculous & take the freaking blinders off your head.

yanquis

Sep 27, 2009, 11:41 PM

CQd44

Sep 27, 2009, 11:46 PM

I thought everyone knew about the Apple tax on their products?

They charge a premium for their OS and form factor.

As a PC user, the closest I could get to a Macbook's advertised battery life is with either a netbook or some sort of Thinkpad.

SmugMac

Sep 27, 2009, 11:50 PM

The posts of people saying how the Dell laptop is comparable to a high end MacBook Pro is a comedy! They are not comparable at all. Also, what's with 17-inch display running at 1440 x 900 :rolleyes: That resolution is fine on my 15-inch MacBook Pro but at 17-inch - no, lol just no. Then there is the superior build and design of the MacBook Pro - it's worth ever dollar to me.

jmpage2

Sep 27, 2009, 11:55 PM

my 'loaded' macbook, btw, was a default 17 inch MBP with upgraded processor and 7200 (ie, basic) 500GB harddrive. that's it. two clicks. i think the real issue here is that jm bought one of those black market stolen macbooks for his wife, & is trying to cover his tracks.

The point is you still picked the two most expensive upgrade options to try to make your point instead of acknowledging that you can get a 17 MBP for a lot less. The one I bought had anti glare, and like a lot of people I got a Corp/student discount for 8% off of the list price. I get a similar discount on Dell, but as I previously pointed ou. My lattitude sucks donkey balls compared to a MBP.

yanquis

Sep 28, 2009, 12:02 AM

The point is you still picked the two most expensive upgrade options to try to make your point instead of acknowledging that you can get a 17 MBP for a lot less. The one I bought had anti glare, and like a lot of people I got a Corp/student discount for 8% off of the list price. I get a similar discount on Dell, but as I previously pointed ou. My lattitude sucks donkey balls compared to a MBP.

well, you're mistaken -- i wasnt customizing it to make a point. i was displaying the exact mac i outfitted a month ago (actually, cheaper, because i probably added some stuff). that said, the upgrade to 3.06 ghz is definitely not worth it. still, that's $2599, when i wouldn't go over $1499 for that model at the moment. (of course i realize in this instance apple can't sell it for that low & that's just me, mostly because i want updated processor architecture + gfx card). but $600, say, is an awfully hefty premium for OSX + aluminum siding.

MorphingDragon

Sep 28, 2009, 12:20 AM

well, you're mistaken -- i wasnt customizing it to make a point. i was displaying the exact mac i outfitted a month ago (actually, cheaper, because i probably added some stuff). that said, the upgrade to 3.06 ghz is definitely not worth it. still, that's $2599, when i wouldn't go over $1499 for that model at the moment. (of course i realize in this instance apple can't sell it for that low & that's just me, mostly because i want updated processor architecture + gfx card). but $600, say, is an awfully hefty premium for OSX + aluminum siding.

The only thing useful to come out of you two's argument is a higher post count.
Macs are expensive, Evolution is a theory and fanboy's are annoying. Get over it.

jmpage2

Sep 28, 2009, 12:25 AM

well, you're mistaken -- i wasnt customizing it to make a point. i was displaying the exact mac i outfitted a month ago (actually, cheaper, because i probably added some stuff). that said, the upgrade to 3.06 ghz is definitely not worth it. still, that's $2599, when i wouldn't go over $1499 for that model at the moment. (of course i realize in this instance apple can't sell it for that low & that's just me, mostly because i want updated processor architecture + gfx card). but $600, say, is an awfully hefty premium for OSX + aluminum siding.

+higher quality led backlit display
+double battery life.

Based on the number of MBP's selling you are woefully underestimating these features value to consumers.

Personally I would pay a $200 premium for OS X alone over Vista or XP.

MorphingDragon

Sep 28, 2009, 12:27 AM

Personally I would pay a $200 premium for OS X alone over Vista or XP.

Thats the key sentence. Its your opinion. People will have different opinions. Can we get back to the topic? Getting ourselves worked up on speculation. :D

Eidorian

Sep 28, 2009, 12:47 AM

Thats the key sentence. Its your opinion. People will have different opinions. Can we get back to the topic? Getting ourselves worked up on speculation. :DTell me about it.

Though I might not buy it, I still have some imagination for the "perfect" choices of current and near future hardware.

yanquis

Sep 28, 2009, 12:53 AM

+higher quality led backlit display
+double battery life.

Based on the number of MBP's selling you are woefully underestimating these features value to consumers.

Personally I would pay a $200 premium for OS X alone over Vista or XP.

i gladly would as well! anyway, im hoping these imacs will address my concerns.

i just noticed this yt video --

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGSmqrrrQTE&feature=player_profilepage

specs --

2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme
4GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM - 2x2GB
500GB Serial ATA Drive
SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB memory
24-inch glossy widescreen LCD
AirPort Extreme
Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR

this is from february of 2008(!!!) by moore's law the imac be 2x faster by now, but its virtually the same hardware! that should give everyone an idea of how outdated the guts of the machine currently is.

Eidorian

Sep 28, 2009, 12:59 AM

specs --

2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme
4GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM - 2x2GB
500GB Serial ATA Drive
SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB memory
24-inch glossy widescreen LCD
AirPort Extreme
Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR

this is from february of 2008(!!!) by moore's law the imac be 2x faster by now, but its virtually the same hardware! that should give everyone an idea of how outdated the guts of the machine currently is.That definitely puts things into perspective.

Clarksfield or some other quad core is a must.

Buzz Bumble

Sep 28, 2009, 01:04 AM

My home Mighty Mouse is still going strong after more than three years, and the work one after 1 year. Wash your hands.

Yep. One place I do work for has about eight Mighty Mouse mice (a mixture of wired and wireless species), most since they were first released, in daily work use by different people. None of them have had any problems so far.

Buzz Bumble

Sep 28, 2009, 01:09 AM

nt, you apparently really dont understand the concept of monopoly, apple has a MONOPOLY on OSX & their own brand.

Thank God they do. We've had "Mac clones" in the past and the morons at Paystar are still illegally selling some today, and most of these clones were cheap, ugly garbage compared to Apple's models. The few that were any good weren't actually priced that much different to Apple's models (for obvious "get as much as we can" reasons).

MacFly123

Sep 28, 2009, 01:48 AM

Yep, I'm excited for a new mouse with multitouch too. I couldn't care less if they shaved off an inch from the iMac. Like someone said, its on my desk, so I don't really care.

I hope the new mouse isn't epic fail like the Mighty Mouse.

Haha, I will admit, I really didn't like the Mighty Mouse at first, but once I started using it, it grew on me and I actually really like it now. Love the scroll ball. Just wish it wouldn't get plugged up and stop rolling sometimes.

MorphingDragon

Sep 28, 2009, 01:57 AM

Tell me about it.

Though I might not buy it, I still have some imagination for the "perfect" choices of current and near future hardware.

Maybe Apple can use their reality distortion field to make a computer as strong as the mac pro, paper thin... or have a fully functioning 14-Qubit Quantum Computer. :D

Ubuntu

Sep 28, 2009, 03:42 AM

Haha, an SD card slot? Finally. My crappy dell has that.

AlexisV

Sep 28, 2009, 04:00 AM

Why would I want an SD card slot? Fuji and Olympus cameras use XD, for example.

chrisdee

Sep 28, 2009, 05:06 AM

Quad core Imac. I don't belive it befor I se it:rolleyes:

chrisdee

Sep 28, 2009, 05:08 AM

They should make CPU and HD upgrades easier. This is "impossible" today without sending it to a Apple store.:(

MorphingDragon

Sep 28, 2009, 05:12 AM

They should make CPU and HD upgrades easier. This is "impossible" today without sending it to a Apple store.:(

It was always "impossible". I remember the Quadras at school. Some kids in my year 8 class got into one and freaked out because they didn't know how to find the hard drive.

/Nostalgia

zedsdead

Sep 28, 2009, 05:35 AM

erikjenkins1187

Sep 28, 2009, 06:29 AM

i gladly would as well! anyway, im hoping these imacs will address my concerns.

i just noticed this yt video --

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGSmqrrrQTE&feature=player_profilepage

specs --

2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme
4GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM - 2x2GB
500GB Serial ATA Drive
SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB memory
24-inch glossy widescreen LCD
AirPort Extreme
Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR

this is from february of 2008(!!!) by moore's law the imac be 2x faster by now, but its virtually the same hardware! that should give everyone an idea of how outdated the guts of the machine currently is.

I will break this down as basic as possible as I have for other Windows worshipers that are friends or acquaintances. Even if a Windows machine has similar or greater specs, the Mac will ALWAYS be faster in boot time, shutdown times, and basic application launch speeds. Case in point, I sat my iMac next to friends tricked out quad core PC over-clocked at 3.5Ghz running XP Pro, we flipped the power button, guess who was running first with almost a Ghz less clock speed, a NEWER OS, and 2 less cores? Me, by a LONG SHOT. He said the results were tainted due to PAE giving me an extra 800MB of RAM, not true at all. Another test, we both booted Win XP, another test won by a hair for the iMac. Now granted EFI booting is WAY faster CMOS/ROM, but we are talking an over-clocked GAMING rig here, and the guy who owns it has a masters degree in computer science, so it works great. Games, FPS, and resolutions, he pwned my iMac of course (2 8800GTS in SLi), but I didn't buy my computer for games that's what my Wii is for, I bought it to do work, audio and photography.

Needless to say, he understands why people go with the Macs now. Yes. they are expensive, but there are GREAT advantages that come with the price.

yanquis

Sep 28, 2009, 06:36 AM

NintendoFan

Sep 28, 2009, 06:36 AM

I will break this down as basic as possible as I have for other Windows worshipers that are friends or acquaintances. Even if a Windows machine has similar or greater specs, the Mac will ALWAYS be faster in boot time, shutdown times, and basic application launch speeds. Case in point, I sat my iMac next to friends tricked out quad core PC over-clocked at 3.5Ghz running XP Pro, we flipped the power button, guess who was running first with almost a Ghz less clock speed, a NEWER OS, and 2 less cores? Me, by a LONG SHOT. He said the results were tainted due to PAE giving me an extra 800MB of RAM, not true at all. Another test, we both booted Win XP, another test won by a hair for the iMac. Now granted EFI booting is WAY faster CMOS/ROM, but we are talking an over-clocked GAMING rig here, and the guy who owns it has a masters degree in computer science, so it works great. Games, FPS, and resolutions, he pwned my iMac of course (2 8800GTS in SLi), but I didn't buy my computer for games that's what my Wii is for, I bought it to do work, audio and photography.

Needless to say, he understands why people go with the Macs now. Yes. they are expensive, but there are GREAT advantages that come with the price.

Okay, now imagine how much faster it would be with more modern hardware.

erikjenkins1187

Sep 28, 2009, 07:46 AM

Sokratesagogo

Sep 28, 2009, 08:08 AM

That is not the point of what I was saying, the point is it's IMPOSSIBLE to compare a Mac to a Windows machine because of differences in the coding of the OS's. Will OSX load faster on a better hardware? OF COURSE IT WILL, lol. Macs will still give you a FANTASTIC user experience on less than current hardware, FACT. This makes most of these fanboy spec arguments null and void in my eyes.

Spot on! User Experience - that's what it's all about.

As an ex-PC fanboy of 20 or so years, I switched to mac a year ago and no way would I go back to PC. It would be like moving from a beach-front villa in the Virgin Islands back to a bedsit over a curry shop in the wrong end of Birmingham!

*LTD*

Sep 28, 2009, 08:10 AM

That is not the point of what I was saying, the point is it's IMPOSSIBLE to compare a Mac to a Windows machine because of differences in the coding of the OS's. Will OSX load faster on a better hardware? OF COURSE IT WILL, lol. Macs will still give you a FANTASTIC user experience on less than current hardware, FACT. This makes most of these fanboy spec arguments null and void in my eyes.

True.

Specs or not . . . generic PCs are running Windows. Add to that the tasteless designs, and small wonder why those that can afford to are turning to Apple in greater numbers.

It would be like moving from a beach-front villa in the Virgin Islands back to a bedsit over a curry shop in the wrong end of Birmingham!

Priceless! :D

Reminds me of SJ's comment about a glass of icewater in hell . . .

*LTD*

Sep 28, 2009, 08:25 AM

delete

erikjenkins1187

Sep 28, 2009, 08:26 AM

Spot on! User Experience - that's what it's all about.

As an ex-PC fanboy of 20 or so years, I switched to mac a year ago and no way would I go back to PC. It would be like moving from a beach-front villa in the Virgin Islands back to a bedsit over a curry shop in the wrong end of Birmingham!

I grew up in a Microsoft household, we had Windows 1 on up, and before that good ole DOS. I like Windows, I use it on a daily basis and quite good at using it, but sadly it's core tech is very old and slow. My father was a computer programmer by trade, he always told me Macs were toys, I wanted an original Mac SO bad when I was a kid. He has used mine and taken back his statement that they were toys, he said the UNIX in Mac OSX is the best he's ever used and the computer feels blazing fast. He checked out the development tools and couldn't believe that Apple gives Xcode away for free. I switched in May of 08 after years of occasional studio use with Macs, I will never go back unless MS comes out with something truly revolutionary and Apple goes back to the dark ages of OS 8-9.

jmpage2

Sep 28, 2009, 09:00 AM

sure, & that's great. everything i'm saying still holds. buying the imac 2 years ago -- fantastic investment. a year ago: nice investment. but buying it right now (whether there was a rollout scheduled soon or not) -- atrocious investment. what apple has been doing w/ the imac lineup is not just unacceptable, it's borderline unethical, in my opinion. there will have to be a major hardware overhaul very, very soon.

Keep in mind that the price of the entry level 24" iMac has come down over $500 since then, added a better entry level video card, etc.

Yes, the iMac is sorely in need of a major technology refresh, but at its new lower price the iMac is not that much expensive than other all in one computers from Dell, etc, that are on the market (and those don't have aluminum chassis, IPS quality LCD panels, etc, etc, etc).

iMJustAGuy

Sep 28, 2009, 10:24 AM

Haha, I will admit, I really didn't like the Mighty Mouse at first, but once I started using it, it grew on me and I actually really like it now. Love the scroll ball. Just wish it wouldn't get plugged up and stop rolling sometimes.

My Blackberry (when I had one) did that all the time.

polaris20

Sep 28, 2009, 10:47 AM

I'd be fine with the mobile i7 chips that they just came out with, but what I really want is the availability of an SSD drive. A lot of the bottleneck of a system is the drive speed (or lack there of).

A mobile i7 @ 1.7Ghz x 4 cores (or whatever the Ghz was) + a 256GB 2.5" SSD + 3.5" hard drive for storage (all internal) would be ideal for me.

As it stands I can run 4 or 5 VM's, terminal, RDP, Mail, FF, and iTunes without a problem on my MBP's, but the SSD's would be nice. Another thing is while I don't have a problem with them using SODIMM's, why not have 4 slots instead of just 2? Some of the HP laptops now have 4 slots; this would be nice in the iMac too.

mds

Sep 28, 2009, 11:41 AM

...

If you want to generalize, then generalize from the facts available, taking into account the largest segment of Apple's market.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10019711-37.html

http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2008/08/apples-customer-satisfaction-up-despite-struggling-industry.ars

http://digg.com/apple/Apple_leads_2009_customer_satisfaction_survey

http://www.macnn.com/articles/05/08/16/apple.no..1.on.csi/

http://theappleblog.com/2009/05/06/apple-customer-satisfaction-its-the-experience/

http://blackfriarsinc.com/blog/2007/04/behind-scenes-why-apples-customerbase

http://www.businessweek.com/technology/ByteOfTheApple/blog/archives/2008/08/mac_customer_sa.html

http://www.cultofmac.com/apple-posts-highest-score-ever-on-customer-satisfaction-index/2553

http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/22467/

http://bindapple.com/apple-satisfaction-2009-report/

http://www.macnn.com/news/25971

http://www.macrumors.com/2009/08/14/iphone-3gs-trumps-palm-pre-in-satisfaction-survey/

http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/iPhone_Satisfaction_Off_The_Charts/

http://www.theiphoneblog.com/2009/08/14/iphone-3gs-99-pure-satisfaction/

http://www.mactivist.com/2009/06/iphone-macs-ipod-sweep-2008-customer-satisfaction-rankings-in-japan

http://www.9to5mac.com/jobs-satisfation-rate-high

http://www.jdpower.com/Business/ratings/smartphone-ratings

http://www.v3.co.uk/v3/news/2248040/apple-keeps-top-billing

http://www.eweek.com/prestitial.php?type=rest&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eweek.com%2Fc%2Fa%2FMobile-and-Wireless%2FApple-Beats-HP-and-Dell-In-Customer-Satisfaction-Study-Finds-453807%2F&ref=

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2352796,00.asp

http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2006/08/5002.ars

http://www.osnews.com/story/15553

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1689554/posts

http://forums.macrumors.com/archive/index.php/t-224872.html

Okay, enough...thats like the 5th time that list has been posted in this thread, we get it, you know how to copy and paste...

jmpage2

Sep 28, 2009, 11:45 AM

Okay, enough...thats like the 5th time that list has been posted in this thread, we get it, you know how to copy and paste...

Maybe he puts it in because of continued ignorance shown by PC diehards who won't even acknowledge that Apple is a leader in customer satisfaction and technical support?

Nearly all Mac fans will admit that Apple products are expensive compared to their PC counterparts. What you won't find a lot of them doing is complaining about their user experience. In other words, that "under specced" Mac is usually doing great compared to a power house PC for their tasks.

I agree with the general sentiment that the iMac has become long in the tooth and under powered comparatively for its market segment.

We can only hope that Apple pushes the envelope this time around (although I'm not holding my breath) and gives us quad core i7 with Blu-Ray, larger screen, etc, in order to improve the value equation for potential buyers.

Having said that, though, I would still take my under powered iMac compared to a faster PC tower any day of the week. The iMac has improved my productivity tremendously because I can work on it without having to spend an hour a week dealing with BS issues that are related to Windows.

mds

Sep 28, 2009, 11:53 AM

Maybe he puts it in because of continued ignorance shown by PC diehards who won't even acknowledge that Apple is a leader in customer satisfaction and technical support?...

I'm fine with him putting it in, but the feedback loop in these threads is ridiculous. Once per thread is fine...maybe he should save himself the trouble and put it in his signature so we can see it on every page of every thread...

*LTD*

Sep 28, 2009, 12:40 PM

Okay, enough...thats like the 5th time that list has been posted in this thread, we get it, you know how to copy and paste...

Apparently, people don't "get" it. Perhaps with a little repetition it'll start to sink in.

In any case, I can use other sources. No problem.

Rodimus Prime

Sep 28, 2009, 12:42 PM

Apparently, people don't "get" it. Perhaps with a little repetition it'll start to sink in.

In any case, I can use other sources. No problem.

No it to the point were we see that those links go against post that it does not belong.

Also please strip out all the mac site from that link because due to massive bias they are not worth anything in the argument.
Also digg.com one needs to be removed because it links to a story on an apple fan site. Also dig is worthless for you argument because digg just links you to other stories.

WATCHDOG

Sep 28, 2009, 12:53 PM

+++

We've all been subjected to a rehash, rehash, rehash, rehash And rehash,
of the same olde tired shopworn placards: e.g. -> mac fanbois, etc..

It seems on any Forum connected with competitive products
(motorcycles, cars, computers, cameras, Telly Sets, etc.)
it's obligatory to have the same-same group dynamics;
including the troll or three sent forth by the competition..

Currently, Macs and PC's have their pros and cons. .

Before I'd purchased my first Mac, I'd had PC's,
and, I was subjected to Mac Fanbois and Fangrrls..

I even had a spec'd-out PC ready to purchase when,
once upon a time inside B&H in Manhattan, a stranger in front of me in line to talk with some B&H video-editing rep and I were yakking and he said to me, "Don't discount the Mac!"

Then and there I made it a point to visit someone whom I knew who had a PowerMac G4 for vid-editing, and I wound up purchasing a similar rig..

Having both, for my needs and wants I now prefer Mac.

Not that Macs are perfect,
(and some arguments against Macs of recent vintage are IMO valid)
BUT for me - when taken overall,
PC's have several differing pain-in-the-neck factors
which are NOT prevalent on the Mac,
and which I do NOT wish to deal with no mo,
and which therefore tilt my buying decisions toward the Mac

So.. I visit this Forum. .and impatiently await a new iMac to be released..
and then first I'll read the reviews from the new iMac owners,
so that I'll learn what ever is out there for me to learn :)

+++

PeterQVenkman

Sep 28, 2009, 12:56 PM

No it to the point were we see that those links go against post that it does not belong.

Also please strip out all the mac site from that link because due to massive bias they are not worth anything in the argument.
Also digg.com one needs to be removed because it links to a story on an apple fan site. Also dig is worthless for you argument because digg just links you to other stories.

Also this thread is about new rumored imacs. Also this thread is not about a windows computers. Also you write in a really odd style.

If you want to avoid mac bias, I'd suggest not visiting a mac fan site for your discussions. :p

Rodimus Prime

Sep 28, 2009, 01:04 PM

Also this thread is about new rumored imacs. Also this thread is not about a windows computers. Also you write in a really odd style.

If you want to avoid mac bias, I'd suggest not visiting a mac fan site for your discussions. :p

No the point on the mac bias was he was arguing Apple high customer approval rating and was using links to multiple apple fan sites as backing. Those links are worthless due to massive bias and if anything do more harm that good to his argument.

jmpage2

Sep 28, 2009, 01:10 PM

No the point on the mac bias was he was arguing Apple high customer approval rating and was using links to multiple apple fan sites as backing. Those links are worthless due to massive bias and if anything do more harm that good to his argument.

And on the flip side when I linked an article from late last summer in which Popular Mechanics did a shoot out between the iMac and two similar Windows based all-in-one machines (and declared the Mac the winner) I was told "what does Popular Mechanics now about computers". I suppose Popular Mechanics is a Mac fan site too?

No one can win with you guys. At the end of the day you want to see a Windows site declare Apple the better buy for you to consider them valid and that's not going to happen for the same reasons a purely Mac site won't declare that PC is a better value.

Rodimus Prime

Sep 28, 2009, 01:32 PM

And on the flip side when I linked an article from late last summer in which Popular Mechanics did a shoot out between the iMac and two similar Windows based all-in-one machines (and declared the Mac the winner) I was told "what does Popular Mechanics now about computers". I suppose Popular Mechanics is a Mac fan site too?

No one can win with you guys. At the end of the day you want to see a Windows site declare Apple the better buy for you to consider them valid and that's not going to happen for the same reasons a purely Mac site won't declare that PC is a better value.

I would of accepted it as more 3rd party. But most of those sites have Apple ore mac in the name so it will be very bias. I give windows fan sites the same treatment when it comes to users satisfactions or comparing Windows to OSX.

Now the sites are useful for finding some trouble things or seeing what is around the bend but not useful for comparing.

Now it is no win with apple fans because if you say anything against them they think you are a Troll, or an paid by windows.

As for LDT links just at a quick glace I would throw out over 1/2 of them based on URL alone (apple, mac, OSX and so on) and I would not be surpised if I went though them to find that some are blogs, and apple fan sites.

I am not agruing that apple is has better customer satisfaction I just saying some of the sources used are not worth anything because they are coming from apple fan sites.

CQd44

Sep 28, 2009, 01:33 PM

My $500 lenovo laptop does everything I need it to do. 2 GHz C2D, 4 GB RAM, ~220 GB hard drive space... 4 hours of battery life isn't too shabby; it's more than enough for me considering how I use it.

Basically, different strokes for different folks.

captincroc

Sep 28, 2009, 01:35 PM

I'm not buying until Blu-Ray is on there!

jmpage2

Sep 28, 2009, 01:52 PM

I'm not buying until Blu-Ray is on there!

Yes!

No Quad Core and no Blu-Ray = No SALE!

*LTD*

Sep 28, 2009, 01:56 PM

No it to the point were we see that those links go against post that it does not belong.

Also please strip out all the mac site from that link because due to massive bias they are not worth anything in the argument.
Also digg.com one needs to be removed because it links to a story on an apple fan site. Also dig is worthless for you argument because digg just links you to other stories.

Are you new here?

Mac fan sites post from other sources. They don't make them up, just report them. if you took the time to actually READ those articles, you'd know that. I mean, some of them are reported right here on MR.

Where's a :facepalm: emoticon when you need one . . .

LOL.

McGiord

Sep 28, 2009, 02:07 PM

Povilas

Sep 28, 2009, 02:10 PM

Povilas

Sep 28, 2009, 02:17 PM

Yes!

No Quad Core and no Blu-Ray = No SALE!

Now look at the prices of Quad Core Intel CPU and BR drives and think again. I would like to see better LCD panels and LED backlit this is more realistic.

Eidorian

Sep 28, 2009, 02:17 PM

Now look at the prices of Quad Core Intel CPU and BR drives and think again.Have you taken a look?

Rodimus Prime

Sep 28, 2009, 02:18 PM

Are you new here?

Mac fan sites post from other sources. They don't make them up, just report them. if you took the time to actually READ those articles, you'd know that. I mean, some of them are reported right here on MR.

Where's a :facepalm: emoticon when you need one . . .

LOL.

Then why list them for an agrument that apple customer satisfaction is higher. Just post to the orginal article itself. Do you fail to understand that or does it make you feel better that you can use the same article 20 times over.

*LTD*

Sep 28, 2009, 02:19 PM

PLEASE STOP ALL THE BORING MAC VS PC DILEMMA...GET A LIFE...

WHERE ARE THE MOCKUPS, IMAGES, FAKE PHOTOS, SPY SHOTS????

GET BACK ON TOPIC...

Moderators: pleaso open a forum section where all these stupid non-sense tedious boring Mac vs PC fanboy and their nemesis can discuss their "topics" and we can divert them to that section.

please...thanks

That's just the ebb and flow of the conversation. It's going to happen. And while I think it's kind of sad that Windows users are camping an Apple fansite, that's life. They have a right to their views as well, and we have a righ to respond, etc.

There's really no way of policing the debate (nor should there be) beyond checking for trolling, profanity, and the like.

jmpage2

Sep 28, 2009, 02:22 PM

Now look at the prices of Quad Core Intel CPU and BR drives and think again. I would like to see better LCD panels and LED backlit this is more realistic.

I agree that it's not likely that we are going to see anything revolutionary but I would love to see it anyways even as a BTO option.

I would happily shell out the extra $300 that a mobile i7 and BD burner would likely add to the cost of the iMac.

Povilas

Sep 28, 2009, 02:23 PM

Have you taken a look?

We are speaking about BR readers or also writers? Maybe we live in different planets?

Povilas

Sep 28, 2009, 02:28 PM

I agree that it's not likely that we are going to see anything revolutionary but I would love to see it anyways even as a BTO option.

I would happily shell out the extra $300 that a mobile i7 and BD burner would likely add to the cost of the iMac.

In USA it's fine, but in Europe those 300 bucks are more like 300 euros.

captincroc

Sep 28, 2009, 02:29 PM

We are speaking about BR readers or also writers? Maybe we live in different planets?Personally, with just a reader, I'll be happy.

Eidorian

Sep 28, 2009, 02:30 PM

We are speaking about BR readers or also writers? Maybe we live in different planets?BD-ROM with DVD-R/RW burner is where I'd aim at in the slot loading form factor.

Otherwise quads are cheap.

jmpage2

Sep 28, 2009, 02:32 PM

In USA it's fine, but in Europe those 300 bucks are more like 300 euros.

And? Look at how much a Mac Pro costs in Europe (cha-ching). Apple sells the overwhelming majority of their computers in the US so I don't see them axing a BTO option just because it would be more painful in Europe.

Povilas

Sep 28, 2009, 02:39 PM

BD-ROM with DVD-R/RW burner is where I'd aim at in the slot loading form factor.

Otherwise quads are cheap.

But from what I'v read people want writer and how much BR writer slot loading and slim costs? Just reader of course is more likely to be introduced.

Povilas

Sep 28, 2009, 02:42 PM

And? Look at how much a Mac Pro costs in Europe (cha-ching). Apple sells the overwhelming majority of their computers in the US so I don't see them axing a BTO option just because it would be more painful in Europe.

If Apple is going BR it won't be BTO, because they could do that 1000 time in 2009 ;) If they go BR, they go full front.

Povilas

Sep 28, 2009, 02:48 PM

Apple sells the overwhelming majority of their computers in the US so I don't see them axing a BTO option just because it would be more painful in Europe.

Typical thinking of USA citizen.

jmpage2

Sep 28, 2009, 02:51 PM

Typical thinking of USA citizen.

Yes, shame on Apple (or any other company) for making market decisions based on where their sales come from.

Get over the Europe elitism thinking that the European Apple market is even a fraction of the one in the US.

Here's a news flash, European companies routinely do the same thing to Americans with German made autos, Italian made espresso machines, etc, but you don't see us claiming that Europeans are douche bags.

Povilas

Sep 28, 2009, 03:04 PM

Yes, shame on Apple (or any other company) for making market decisions based on where their sales come from.

Get over the Europe elitism thinking that the European Apple market is even a fraction of the one in the US.

Elistism? Where did I use this word? What I want is reasonable pricing. If so maybe Apple should stop selling it's software and hardware in Europe? It's only a fraction. You know thought? Often gets in the way of truth. Pain clears the mind of thought. Free your mind, let the truth make it self know. :D

tkermit

Sep 28, 2009, 03:11 PM

[...]Get over the Europe elitism thinking that the European Apple market is even a fraction of the one in the US. [...]

It's not ? Anyway - I think it helps to keep in mind that the European Union is the largest economy in the world...

Eidorian

Sep 28, 2009, 03:13 PM

But from what I'v read people want writer and how much BR writer slot loading and slim costs? Just reader of course is more likely to be introduced.I'd only go with a 5.25" BD-R/RE for now.

jmpage2

Sep 28, 2009, 03:14 PM

It's not ? Anyway - I think it helps to keep to keep in mind that the European Union is the largest economy in the world...

That, while true, has little to do with how large of a market they are for Apple.

As I said previously, I routinely pay a huge premium over here for European goods such as my autos (Audi), coffee makers (Jura), etc, that goes far above differences in the exchange rate.

The reason is that the US is a small market for these products and as a result I pay accordingly.

If you find the Apple sticker shock too appalling then don't buy one, there are plenty of other options.

It also might not occur to you that it costs more money to do business in Europe to do more invasive business laws, manufacturing requirements, etc. While there is nothing wrong with any of this, it often results in an additional cost of doing business in those markets.

PeterQVenkman

Sep 28, 2009, 03:18 PM

No the point on the mac bias was he was arguing Apple high customer approval rating and was using links to multiple apple fan sites as backing. Those links are worthless due to massive bias and if anything do more harm that good to his argument.

Off topic- Wow, you still don't get it. I, and most readers here, don't care if it's biased towards a Mac. My god, you must lead a frustrating life.

Back on topic - all I need a is a quad with hyper threading and I'll buy an iMac the day it's announced instead of saving for a MacPro. If they don't do that, I'll have to hold off longer to save some more $$$. Those mac pros aint cheap. And the sad thing is, the price is competitive with other manufacturers.

I don't need blu-ray, although I would love being able to watch them on my new quad mac. ;)

PeterQVenkman

Sep 28, 2009, 03:19 PM

It also might not occur to you that it costs more money to do business in Europe to do more invasive business laws, manufacturing requirements, etc. While there is nothing wrong with any of this, it often results in an additional cost of doing business in those markets.

The VAT tax is something I do not envy.

guitarlord

Sep 28, 2009, 03:37 PM

The VAT tax is something I do not envy.

However, in the UK there is the National Health Service which is paid for in taxes like this.

Shivetya

Sep 28, 2009, 03:44 PM

It's not ? Anyway - I think it helps to keep in mind that the European Union is the largest economy in the world...

Well its not like the US has expanded in oh... nearly 50 years. Not to knock the wind from their sails, but they simple add more nations to the group but they are no where near equal in ability, freedoms, or much of anything, like the individual states are within the US.

When you get to that level of homogenization let me know. I can venture to any state in the US and feel at home. Its far different to group people of different countries than have them all in one area. I do know this, when push comes to shove - say some kind of world level emergency - its far easier for the US to mobilize an effort as a whole than a group of nations. Meaning, old grievances don't ever die, they just hide.

tkermit

Sep 28, 2009, 03:51 PM

That, while true, has little to do with how large of a market they are for Apple.

I would think the size of an economy surely influences Apple's decision at least on whether to target it as a market ? Right ?
At this point, more than half of Apple's revenue possibly still comes from the US. That doesn't mean that they don't clearly have their eyes on global expansion right now, with emphasis on Europe and China. Future overall foreign sales at some point surpassing those in the US seems to be a sure thing from my point of view. That's the only point I have.

EDIT: Some actual data (http://images.apple.com/pr/pdf/q309data_sum.pdf). (Note that "The Americas, Europe, Japan, and Asia Pacific segments exclude activities related to the Retail segment. The Americas segment includes both North and South America. The Europe segment includes European countries, as well as the Middle East and Africa. The Retail segment operates Apple-owned retail stores in the U.S. and in international markets.")

xIGmanIx

Sep 28, 2009, 04:05 PM

And i would say the flip can be said in that there is a mac rumors site that constantly reports on non-mac related rumors/news. Either way it boils down to folks trying to convince others that there preference is the "right" one instead of just that, their preference. I don't think anyone who has a pc will say they are flawless, but the arguments that you will get 3,000 viruses and malware installed during the post get really old, as well as those "im a pc" adds.

That's just the ebb and flow of the conversation. It's going to happen. And while I think it's kind of sad that Windows users are camping an Apple fansite, that's life. They have a right to their views as well, and we have a righ to respond, etc.

There's really no way of policing the debate (nor should there be) beyond checking for trolling, profanity, and the like.

PeterQVenkman

Sep 28, 2009, 04:08 PM

However, in the UK there is the National Health Service which is paid for in taxes like this.

I do envy that. I've gotta hand it to you Brits on that one. I'm jealous. You can see what just talking about it does to our country! :eek:

fpnc

Sep 28, 2009, 04:57 PM

Wow, what a waste. I just went through the last several hundred posts and learned nothing. Then I noticed that the last post was at #666. Maybe that's trying to tell me something. ;)

ariel

Sep 28, 2009, 04:59 PM

I couldn't leave the post count sitting at 666 any longer LOL

let me just say that I'm home sick today and will be tomorrow - so if they're releasing new imacs, tomorrow would be perfect for me!

yikes! He beat me to post 667 - whew

subsonix

Sep 28, 2009, 05:26 PM

jmpage2

Sep 28, 2009, 05:37 PM

I gotta agree with what has been said about a Xeon iMac, it sounds like joke, honestly. Have you guys seen the cooling devices that are attached to those in mac pro.:D It's more likely to see a Clarksfield in there I think.

Clarksfield makes the most sense without a doubt. It uses about the same TDP as the current processors but is much, MUCH faster and under Snow Leopard it should be screaming fast.

Apple has a track record for being first out of the gate in many cases with new Intel CPUs.

Let's hope that they can pull a rabbit out of Steve Job's Ass and get this thing out by Xmas time!

danjames99

Sep 28, 2009, 06:02 PM

Eidorian

Sep 28, 2009, 06:14 PM

(I don't want to deal with the awful bloat-ware of the prefab manufacturers ever again -- it will be Apple or Build My Own.)I haven't seen bloat from Dell in ages. Even the consumer desktops just ship with Acrobat Reader and at worst the Dell Dock. You can even opt out of their security software.

They're charging and arm and leg for Lynnfield though. The Studio XPS Desktop with a Core i7 920 is ahead of the Studio XPS 8000 and at $50 less than the 8000.

jmpage2

Sep 28, 2009, 06:41 PM

Forgive me for piling on late in this. I'm a long-time (registered) lurker who normally reads but doesn't get involved.

If Apple makes a 4-core iMac, then they have a sale with me. I have a wheezing P4 Gateway from 2002, the time when I switched my main Desktop Publishing work from Mac to PC. I did it reluctantly, but XP was just more stable and the Pentium 4 was just much better than my options of G4s.

I thought things had changed once we got Intel in Macs and OSX has matured. My needs for a home office are modest. I don't need to go MacPro or a 30 inch monitor. An iMac is very appealing to me because of the form factor as well as the ease of the operating system. However, I do a lot of Photoshop, and I can't accept settling for a dual-core even though I'd be willing to pay a premium for the Apple OS and the form factor.

I'm running Windows 7 Beta now and it's a very clever OS that solves many of my dislikes of Microsoft. If the new iMacs are not Quad, then it's off to NewEgg for me. (I don't want to deal with the awful bloat-ware of the prefab manufacturers ever again -- it will be Apple or Build My Own.)

I see a lot of threads on here defending Apple by pointing out that they're profitable and have customer satisfaction, or insisting that people don't care about desktops anyway, etc. That's all very well. I love my iPod and want an iPhone and if Apple dedicates their company to iPods, more power to them. However, no calculation can assuage me that anything in the Apple OS makes up that deficit of two cores if I'm going to run filters in Photoshop or rip music for my iPod.

For those of you insisting that Mac will save me tons of headaches because of a lack of viruses, clutter, etc., I ask: have you used Windows 7? It doesn't have everything -- bugger all, I'm already saying I'd be willing to a little more for a seamless Mac I don't have to screw together, but I won't pay more and get less performance out of it. I don't think I'm alone.

I am running both OS X and the Windows 7 RC on my 2009 2.93ghz dual core iMac and I vastly prefer OS X. Windows 7 is a big improvement but it still has a lot of the headaches that drove me to Apple in the first place.

I should also add that the C2D Extreme in the higher end iMacs is quite peppy. I run Lightroom 2 with a very large library and find that edits and filters snap onto my large RAW image files as fast as I can click on them. I've seen noticeable performance boosts in many of my applications with Snow Leopard.

If you do decide to go with a PC I would 2nd the advice to look at Dell. For desktop computers there is little doubt that they are offering very good bang for the buck these days, and the quality of their components is noticeably better than many of the other ones I have been working with over the last couple of years.

Buzz Bumble

Sep 28, 2009, 07:40 PM

... A mobile i7 @ 1.7Ghz x 4 cores (or whatever the Ghz was) ...

I don't know what the speed comparisons for the two chip species is, but technically that 1.7GHz quad-core could actually perform (marginally) slower than the current iMacs' 2+GHz dual-core ... especially since not much software actually uses the multiple cores yet. It might well be faster in say Photoshop, but slower in Office (just as example software names).

Eidorian

Sep 28, 2009, 07:49 PM

I don't know what the speed comparisons for the two chip species is, but technically that 1.7GHz quad-core could actually perform (marginally) slower than the current iMacs' 2+GHz dual-core ... especially since not much software actually uses the multiple cores yet. It might well be faster in say Photoshop, but slower in Office (just as example software names).Turbo Boost

Look it up. I've posted about it all over this thread and others.

Crevice

Sep 28, 2009, 07:53 PM

The store is down....

*LTD*

Sep 28, 2009, 07:58 PM

The store is down....

Somethings comin' up . . .

Bag of Hurt

Sep 28, 2009, 07:59 PM

Wow, is it really happening this quick?

miki66

Sep 28, 2009, 08:02 PM

Somethings comin' up . . .

agree:p

DMann

Sep 28, 2009, 08:06 PM

Turbo Boost

Look it up. I've posted about it all over this thread and others.One of the most amazing things about Turbo Boost, is its ability to increase the clock speed of each core individually, thereby getting more performance out of the chip. This, alone, will change processing dramatically.

DMann

Sep 28, 2009, 08:10 PM

Somethings comin' up . . ."Who knows..................... Could be........................................." (West Side Story)

http://images.apple.com/r/store/backsoon/title_backsoon1.gif

polaris20

Sep 28, 2009, 08:10 PM

Crevice

Sep 28, 2009, 08:17 PM

It's back up, nothing new.

Rodimus Prime

Sep 28, 2009, 08:18 PM

One of the most amazing things about Turbo Boost, is its ability to increase the clock speed of each core individually, thereby getting more performance out of the chip. This, alone, will change processing dramatically.

can you provide a link about turbo boost. I just want to read about it.

The part that makes me laugh about Turbo is it makes me think back when computers use to have a "TURBO" button on them. Back when like what 75 mHz was FAST and top of the line.

The Samurai

Sep 28, 2009, 08:21 PM

Nothing to see here... move along

DMann

Sep 28, 2009, 08:22 PM

can you provide a link about turbo boost. I just want to read about it.

The part that makes me laugh about Turbo is it makes me think back when computers use to have a "TURBO" button on them. Back when like what 75 mHz was FAST and top of the line.Gladly: Explaining Intel's Turbo Boost technology (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13512_3-10362882-23.html)

Quite a leap from the ol' TURBO button.

yanquis

Sep 28, 2009, 08:37 PM

i thnk the same thing of 'turbo', is that the best name they could come up with? sounds antiquated but its very real -- any application will be faster with the i7 mobile (tho im still holding my breath for a cheap 'old' i7 920 @ 2.66 ghz...id guess its cheaper, obviously much faster when maxed out, & the 'expense' we'lll pay is having an already ultra thin desktop not be much/any thinner). no matter if the app uses only one core, two cores -- and obviously any application that can use more will blaze in comparison -- remember a decent # of apps feast off of hyperthreading & will recognize 8 virtual cores, vs 2 for the c2d. huge performance gain even with the mobile. and a simple i7 920 would be almost beyond compare, probably especially so in SL which is designed to love extra cores.

*LTD*

Sep 28, 2009, 08:51 PM

It's back up, nothing new.

It's still down, though.

Edit:

Nevermind.

DMann

Sep 28, 2009, 08:56 PM

It's still down, though.

Edit:

Nevermind.BTW, your ET silhouette against the Apple moon Avatar is quite awesome.

Maserati7200

Sep 28, 2009, 09:05 PM

The store is down....

It's back up now...

Maserati7200

Sep 28, 2009, 09:11 PM

BTW, your ET silhouette against the Apple moon Avatar is quite awesome.

I miss his old one with that cartoon guy with white hair

AidenShaw

Sep 28, 2009, 09:21 PM

One of the most amazing things about Turbo Boost, is its ability to increase the clock speed of each core individually, thereby getting more performance out of the chip. This, alone, will change processing dramatically.

It would be even more amazing if Apple would put Nehalem chips in affordable systems.... ;)

Turbo Boost is nice, but when the entry price is US$2499 - not so much.

*LTD*

Sep 28, 2009, 10:09 PM

BTW, your ET silhouette against the Apple moon Avatar is quite awesome.

Hehe, thanks. Original size was much larger, but it just took some cropping and that's about it. I'm all about 80's nostalgia (having lived through it and remembering all of it.)

Pic is available here:

http://media.photobucket.com/image/E.T.%20mac%252527/controlphreakz/Mac-Apple_brazukas_01.jpg

MorphingDragon

Sep 28, 2009, 10:28 PM

Well its not like the US has expanded in oh... nearly 50 years.

And Europe is at a stand still? Does that acutally matter?

Last time I checked, the NZD is 71c to the USD, and we're how big compared to the USA? We can JWalk, Go out on to street and shout our freaken heads off and we can take our Bosses to the employment tribunal for firing us. Oh yea, and we have government health care.

Not to knock the wind from their sails, but they simple add more nations to the group but they are no where near equal in ability, freedoms, or much of anything, like the individual states are within the US.

It should be simply not simple.
I'm not going to justify the last part of that sentence, unless you actually go to another country and experience it first hand. Than just looking at the Laws.

When you get to that level of homogenization let me know. I can venture to any state in the US and feel at home. Its far different to group people of different countries than have them all in one area.

Thats boring, especially if you're going on holiday. I may as well just take a tour into my backyard.

You're using homogenization wrong BTW. Its used in Computational Mathematics and Science. Homogenize by itself is a process to remove fat from milk. You should say "When you get to the same level of Homogeneity"

I do know this, when push comes to shove - say some kind of world level emergency - its far easier for the US to mobilize an effort as a whole than a group of nations. Meaning, old grievances don't ever die, they just hide.

Umm, Its exactly the same. No really, how are states different than a bunch of countries squished together?

Oh and there a plenty of cases where I could argue against. Cough New Orleans Cough

charlituna

Sep 29, 2009, 12:01 AM

i'm not going to get into a debate about what's better between PCs and Macs. I myself find that I can do what I need to do better with a Mac. My roommate can do his deeds on a PC. He has considered perhaps switching and plays around on my computer when he has time. Might switch, might not. whatever.

but on the issue of the whole Blu-ray thing, my roommate did make an interesting comment. he observed that it seems Apple isn't a company for following others, but rather leading the way. And given that the future seems to be solid state drives, SD storage etc . . .

MattInOz

Sep 29, 2009, 12:05 AM

You're using homogenization wrong BTW. Its used in Computational Mathematics and Science. Homogenize by itself is a process to remove fat from milk. You should say "When you get to the same level of Homogeneity"

Ok so I'm no dairy framer, but Homogenization doesn't remove the fat from milk. It's a process that suspends the cream(fat) in the milk so it doesn't separate.
Of coarse that means they can skim some of the cream before hand to get low fat milk that tastes like real milk. Then sell the cream to Japan to make soy milk that doesn't taste anything like real milk but at least has some dairy protein.

polaris20

Sep 29, 2009, 12:10 AM

And Europe is at a stand still? Does that acutally matter?

Last time I checked, the NZD is 71c to the USD, and we're how big compared to the USA? We can JWalk, Go out on to street and shout our freaken heads off and we can take our Bosses to the employment tribunal for firing us. Oh yea, and we have government health care.

It should be simply not simple.
I'm not going to justify the last part of that sentence, unless you actually go to another country and experience it first hand. Than just looking at the Laws.

Thats boring, especially if you're going on holiday. I may as well just take a tour into my backyard.

You're using homogenization wrong BTW. Its used in Computational Mathematics and Science. Homogenize by itself is a process to remove fat from milk. You should say "When you get to the same level of Homogeneity"

Umm, Its exactly the same. No really, how are states different than a bunch of countries squished together?

Oh and there a plenty of cases where I could argue against. Cough New Orleans Cough

I think that if you're going to start correcting people on their grammar, you might want to set forth a good example by using proper punctuation and spelling. ;)

RumorsDude

Sep 29, 2009, 12:46 AM

The Apple Store is down, has no one seen that? Something is up!!!!!!!

Buzz Bumble

Sep 29, 2009, 12:46 AM

i thnk the same thing of 'turbo', is that the best name they could come up with? sounds antiquated but its very real. ...

They should use David Hasselhoff and the original KITT in all the advertising. ;)

yanquis

Sep 29, 2009, 12:48 AM

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/635/applestore.png (http://img97.imageshack.us/i/applestore.png/)
:D

fingers crossed.

RumorsDude

Sep 29, 2009, 12:51 AM

glad you finally noticed! :)

sammich

Sep 29, 2009, 12:52 AM

You're using homogenization wrong BTW. Its used in Computational Mathematics and Science. Homogenize by itself is a process to remove fat from milk. You should say "When you get to the same level of Homogeneity"

This was the toughest bit of refuting i've done in a long time.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2623/3965355116_9ef5277cc0.jpg

DMann

Sep 29, 2009, 01:03 AM

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/635/applestore.png (http://img97.imageshack.us/i/applestore.png/)
:D

fingers crossed.Round two - hopefully, this time it's for real. Tomorrow does happen to be Tuesday.

NT1440

Sep 29, 2009, 01:05 AM

Round two - hopefully, this time it's for real. Tomorrow does happen to be Tuesday.

Ten bucks its a new banner to celebrate a billion downloads or something :p

Buzz Bumble

Sep 29, 2009, 01:19 AM

If it is an update, then it can't be anything too exciting since there's no event been announced. That would imply minor speed bumps or simply the pre-install of Snow Leopard.

DMann

Sep 29, 2009, 01:19 AM

Ten bucks its a new banner to celebrate a billion downloads or something :pYou're on!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg

With the milestone celebration and all, wouldn't they have created the banner for the homepage of the Apple Website itself?

safasule

Sep 29, 2009, 03:13 AM

Oh well, store's up again .. iMac - come out, come out, wherever you are!

DMann

Sep 29, 2009, 03:30 AM

Ten bucks its a new banner to celebrate a billion downloads or something :p

http://www.slipperybrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/2-billion-iphone-apps_1.jpg

Banner - a no show. I'll PM you my PayPal account info.

sammich

Sep 29, 2009, 03:41 AM

You're on!

[ timg]really really big image [/timg ]

With the milestone celebration and all, wouldn't they have created the banner for the homepage of the Apple Website itself?

Egads, DMann! Can you please remove that 5 MB image (or least link a smaller one)?

DMann

Sep 29, 2009, 03:45 AM

Egads, DMann! Can you please remove that 5 MB image (or least link a smaller one)?Gladly.

williamh

Sep 29, 2009, 03:49 AM

I can't wait for the new mighty mouse, the scrolling ball is killing me after several years of usage!

pimentoLoaf

Sep 29, 2009, 03:56 AM

The refurbished Macs are listed in quantity, instead of only a handful of models. Is this a bit more proof that something is afoot?

SactoGuy18

Sep 29, 2009, 07:11 AM

I can't wait for the new mighty mouse, the scrolling ball is killing me after several years of usage!

Why Apple hasn't embraced a real two-button mouse pointer with a scroll wheel that can also do sideway scrolling like the Logitech LX3 I mentioned earlier is beyond me....

Small wonder Logitech has sold a LOT of mouse pointers to Mac users.

ariel

Sep 29, 2009, 07:12 AM

Why Apple hasn't embraced a real two-button mouse pointer with a scroll wheel that can also do sideway scrolling like the Logitech LX3 I mentioned earlier is beyond me....

Small wonder Logitech has sold a LOT of mouse pointers to Mac users.

I may be in the minority, but I like the mighty mouse... and it does do sideways scrolling and has two buttons... so where's the problem?

*LTD*

Sep 29, 2009, 08:05 AM

I may be in the minority, but I like the mighty mouse... and it does do sideways scrolling and has two buttons... so where's the problem?

Count me in. I like my MM. Until it stops working, which is what I fear will eventually happen, judging by others' experiences.

jmpage2

Sep 29, 2009, 08:55 AM

Count me in. I like my MM. Until it stops working, which is what I fear will eventually happen, judging by others' experiences.

I hate, hate, hates the mighty mouse. The tactile feel of the buttons is terrible and it's shaped non-ergonomically.

I use an MS Sidewinder with my iMac. I get dedicated buttons for Spaces, Expose, Dashboard and still have all the normal buttons to boot.

Rothgarr

Sep 29, 2009, 09:07 AM

I hate, hate, hates the mighty mouse. The tactile feel of the buttons is terrible and it's shaped non-ergonomically.

I use an MS Sidewinder with my iMac. I get dedicated buttons for Spaces, Expose, Dashboard and still have all the normal buttons to boot.

Limed for truth.

I'm a huge Mac fan. But Apple's mouse offerings have been terrible ever since the hockey puck design came out (compared to mice offered by third parties). Even before the pucks, third parties offered multi-button mice that blew away Apple's mice.

So I always used either MacAlly, Microsoft, or Logitech mice.

I do, however, look forward to seeing Apple's next mouse to see if they broke the sucky mouse cycle.

jmpage2

Sep 29, 2009, 09:11 AM

Count me in. I like my MM. Until it stops working, which is what I fear will eventually happen, judging by others' experiences.

**duplicate post removed**

CQd44

Sep 29, 2009, 02:43 PM

Microsoft does make good mice. Keyboards too :]

I'm using some logitech laser mouse I got as a gift. It's heavenly. Fits right into my hand.

Maserati7200

Sep 29, 2009, 06:26 PM

Last time when my dad bought the iMac, he just sold the MM on ebay and got a regular logitec mouse.

polaris20

Sep 29, 2009, 08:44 PM

Microsoft does make good mice. Keyboards too :]

The black USB MS Natural (4000 I think) is the best. So comfy.

MorphingDragon

Sep 29, 2009, 09:09 PM

This was the toughest bit of refuting i've done in a long time.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2623/3965355116_9ef5277cc0.jpg

Homogenization isnt used correctly in the context he had. Homogeneity is. He wasn't using it as a verb either.

Wehrwolf

Sep 29, 2009, 11:25 PM

As someone has likely already mentioned, I hope the new mouse has an easier to clean trackball. There's definitely something gunking up mine, causing it to stop scrolling up intermittently. No manner how hard I clean it, it's not coming out of there. :(

charlituna

Sep 29, 2009, 11:47 PM

or simply the pre-install of Snow Leopard.

they don't cut off the site for the pre-install of SL. it's a given after they release new software

pimentoLoaf

Sep 30, 2009, 03:00 AM

SactoGuy18

Sep 30, 2009, 05:55 AM

The black USB MS Natural (4000 I think) is the best. So comfy.

I'm surprised Microsoft didn't build a version of the Natural Ergonomic 4000 keyboard or Logitech didn't build a version of the Wave keyboard with Mac-specific function keys. They would be hot sellers for more advanced Mac users, especially those working with programs that can use a lot of shortcuts like Adobe's Creative Suite 4 Master collection. And the ergonomic design of both keyboards allows for longer typing sessions for professional writers.

As someone has likely already mentioned, I hope the new mouse has an easier to clean trackball. There's definitely something gunking up mine, causing it to stop scrolling up intermittently. No manner how hard I clean it, it's not coming out of there. :(

What model trackball are you using? I have a Logitech TrackMan Wheel and I've never had any problems with tracking so far.

idunk

Sep 30, 2009, 06:18 AM

What model trackball are you using? I have a Logitech TrackMan Wheel and I've never had any problems with tracking so far.
I believe he is talking about the mightymouse, and how all the dust and grime builds up around the trackball rendering it useless.

MacMonster1985

Sep 30, 2009, 06:58 AM

Why would anyone buy anything from MS. Disgraceful behaviour from a Mac user.

PeterQVenkman

Sep 30, 2009, 08:55 AM

Why would anyone buy anything from MS. Disgraceful behaviour from a Mac user.

Besides Windows and IE, I like Microsoft hardware products. The mighty mouse is crap.

jmpage2

Sep 30, 2009, 09:01 AM

Why would anyone buy anything from MS. Disgraceful behaviour from a Mac user.

Some of us aren't rabid fanbois who shrivel at the thought of buying the right product for the job.

johnrs

Sep 30, 2009, 09:03 AM

people buy stuff cos either they like it or its does the job they wont regardless of how makes it. MS makes some good stuff. Cannot think of any right now, just like apple makes some bad stuff. And again I cannot think of any :D

*LTD*

Sep 30, 2009, 10:37 AM

C'mon guys, let's hit 1000 posts. ;)

Terminal.app

Sep 30, 2009, 12:19 PM

I believe he is talking about the mightymouse, and how all the dust and grime builds up around the trackball rendering it useless.

Has no one ever heard of moist antistatic wipes? I keep a canister of them at my desk at all times. I have never used a mouse, Mac or PC, that didn't have grime build up after several weeks without being cleaned.

CWallace

Sep 30, 2009, 01:10 PM

C'mon guys, let's hit 1000 posts. ;)

Should the new iMacs do ship without a quad-core option, the rants alone will generate 10,000 posts. :p

polaris20

Sep 30, 2009, 01:59 PM

I'm surprised Microsoft didn't build a version of the Natural Ergonomic 4000 keyboard or Logitech didn't build a version of the Wave keyboard with Mac-specific function keys. They would be hot sellers for more advanced Mac users, especially those working with programs that can use a lot of shortcuts like Adobe's Creative Suite 4 Master collection. And the ergonomic design of both keyboards allows for longer typing sessions for professional writers.

I don't know why they don't make those in Mac versions. It's not like they'd have to do much with it. That's really the only frustrating thing about using the MS Natural with a Mac; but I've gotten used to it, and it's well worth the comfort.

Maserati7200

Sep 30, 2009, 06:00 PM

Should the new iMacs do ship without a quad-core option, the rants alone will generate 10,000 posts. :p

*prepares rants in advance*

Takuta-Nui

Sep 30, 2009, 09:05 PM

That would all be very lovely, I'm sure, but I'm not intensive at all when it comes to tasking on computers, so I would hope for a new low-end iMac that's a bump up compared to the ones we have now.

Nehalem2009

Oct 5, 2009, 06:26 AM

First of all hi to everyone.
I am new in this forum and my name is Nehalem2009.
I am from Germany so please excuse my English.

To put the new IMac into a thinner case is dumb, because they heat up easier and everytime a user even starts to think about a quadcore cpu upgrade a so called "MAC-Genius" here tells him or her that this is not coming.

I mean let's face it Apple products are expensive and why not get a quadcore for that amount of money? Next year we see 6 cores or 8 cores so I think it would be time to put quadcores into their IMacs and MacBook Pros.

Another thing I will never understand is, why does Apple not put a good GPU into their MBP series. The 9600GT is the "lower-middle-range kind of crap" that is in every 600 Euro laptop nowadays.
Apple claims to have the best laptop and charges for that, so I think it is time to do something.

I always have been a Windows (XP) User so far, but there is no doubt that the MBP unibody series is great and we don't have to talk about the OS which is really good, but for that kind of money I want to have a "very fast" laptop. I plan to switch to Apple products sooner or later but now I don't see an advantage of the MBP vs. a 800 to 1000 Euro laptop from another vendor except for the OS of course.

And when I read through some posts that we might see a GT120 or GT130 in the 2010 MBPslike in the IMacs , then I have to say this is ridiculous.
Why is nobody talking about the 4850, which you can get as an upgrade for this years IMacs - this GPU is at almost twice as fast and would be a great upgrade.
The GT120 and the GT130 are on the same b**ls**t level like the 9600GT.

And sorry if I wrote about the MBP a lot. Maybe this is not the right thread here. But I don't want to double post.

This post is no offense to you, the users, but I think it is time for Apple to deliver for the money, and please don't tell me they do, because they definitely don't (except in the Mac Pros perhaps), at least when we talk about the hardware inside of the IMac and the MBP.

Best regards
Nehalem2009

SactoGuy18

Oct 5, 2009, 06:53 AM

The Samurai

Oct 5, 2009, 07:10 AM

To put the new IMac into a thinner case is dumb, because they heat up easier and everytime a user even starts to think about a quadcore cpu upgrade a so called "MAC-Genius" here tells him or her that this is not coming.

This is not entirely directed to yourself but to everyone who says that 'OMGZZR' it going to heat and blow up the iMac.

People, listen - I would think that a world class organisation has already done extensive tests on these machines (slimmer iMacs). I would seriously worry if they don't. Knowing how Apple roll - their engineering crew has most probably trailed it to extensive lengths prior to rolling it out on retail shelves.

Nehalem2009

Oct 6, 2009, 12:55 AM

Ok. You are right and I am pretty sure they have done extensive tests on the thinner IMac cases,no doubt about that, but I guess you would agree that a thinner case does not allow every kind of CPU because of the TDP.

So wouldn't it be smarter to leave the case like it is now, maybe make the corners smoother (at least this is what they talk about in the rumors), but put better, more powerful CPUs and GPUs into this case.
Because when I want to have an ultra thin case I buy a MacBook Air or MBP but not an IMac.

So if I were them I would put more powerful CPUs and GPUs into the IMac and the MBPs and I am pretty sure that a lot more power users would buy an IMac or a MBP instead of a normal Windows Laptop.
This is just my personal opinion and again I don't want to be rude or anything but I don't understand their philosophy. Style is ok but you also need power for that kind of money.

Regards
Nehalem2009

MorphingDragon

Oct 6, 2009, 02:19 AM

I'm surprised Microsoft didn't build a version of the Natural Ergonomic 4000 keyboard or Logitech didn't build a version of the Wave keyboard with Mac-specific function keys. They would be hot sellers for more advanced Mac users, especially those working with programs that can use a lot of shortcuts like Adobe's Creative Suite 4 Master collection. And the ergonomic design of both keyboards allows for longer typing sessions for professional writers.

I'd be more inclined to agree with you but every Microsoft Keyboard I've used has broke within a matter of weeks.

tkermit

Oct 6, 2009, 05:30 AM

I'd be more inclined to agree with you but every Microsoft Keyboard I've used has broke within a matter of weeks.

I've never used any of Microsoft's keyboards, but this (http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2009/sep09/09-09bmk6000pr.mspx) recently announced Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 looks kind of nice. Not quite as nice as Apple's BT keyboard, though. And it's even more expensive...

MorphingDragon

Oct 6, 2009, 05:40 AM

I've never used any of Microsoft's keyboards, but this (http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2009/sep09/09-09bmk6000pr.mspx) recently announced Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 looks kind of nice. Not quite as nice as Apple's BT keyboard, though. And it's even more expensive...

Uh Huh... Thats nice.

tkermit

Oct 6, 2009, 06:16 AM

Uh Huh... Thats nice.

Why the sarcasm? Of the ones I've recently seen, it's certainly the nicest Non-Apple keyboard. You could definitely argue about whether that ergonomic curvature is really necessary, but other than than that, going by the picture I posted, I find its design refreshingly simple. Is there something specific you don't like about it or just the general impression?

MorphingDragon

Oct 6, 2009, 06:39 PM

Why the sarcasm? Of the ones I've recently seen, it's certainly the nicest Non-Apple keyboard. You could definitely argue about whether that ergonomic curvature is really necessary, but other than than that, going by the picture I posted, I find its design refreshingly simple. Is there something specific you don't like about it or just the general impression?

No its more just, unless a wireless product has its own charging dock, I'm not really interested.

This is the only decent one I've found in awhile.
http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/components/componentview-specs.asp?partid=4025

mjteix

Oct 6, 2009, 11:07 PM

Indeed, it's only now with the availability of the Nehalem-core CPUs designed for mobile computers that Apple can put a quad-core CPU in the iMac case.

Not at all, quad-core mobile cpus have been available for more than a year: the Q9000/Q9100/QX9300, 55W TDP, the same as the current custom cpus in the iMac, and $348 to $1,038, about the same price as the new mobile nehalem cpus ($364 to $1,054).

FWIW, Apple didn't used the Q9000 series in the iMac, I don't see why they would use the mobile quad Core i7 cpus now. IMO, the cost of the cpus is too high for Apple to put those in the iMac while trying to keep the price as low as possible for the user, and a lot of people think that the iMac is already overpriced.

If we are lucky, Apple will get custom-made nehalem cpus from Intel, with specs and prices in between mobile and desktop Core i7 cpus. The possible Xeon mentionned in the title of this thread being the best fit to date.