New iMacs @ WWDC 2010 ???

[Schnigges]

I currently toy with the idea of buying a new iMac i7, but WWDC is right around the corner, so I'm not quite sure whether I should wait 2 more weeks (or longer) to not pay a huge amount of money for "old", "outdated" tech.
So has anyone of you heard of rumors connected with an iMac update, or will it be iPhone :apple::apple::apple: only?

[Hellhammer]

It's possible but not likely, nobody knows. i7 is a safe buy as there is no faster chips that can be used

[TMRaven]

Yeah sure it's only 2 weeks so it doesn't hurt to wait for that short amount of time-- tho I highly doubt there will be anything noteworthy.

[anim8or]

Mac Pros and Mac Minis at WWDC in terms of harddware.

iPhone too.

Possible Apple TV....

iMacs are just fine as they are i would say.

[Eduardo1971]

I'm itching to buy my first Mac desktop and I'm patiently (well, not really) awaiting a mention of a refreshed iMac line during WWDC.

If none are introduced I might purchase a refurbished 27 inch i5 iMac (or might just continue to wait:o).

[Hellhammer]

Mac Pros and Mac Minis at WWDC in terms of harddware.

iPhone too.

Possible Apple TV....

iMacs are just fine as they are i would say.

Last time iMac got a press event was when it got redesigned. Apple won't waste WWDC keynote time on Mini nor iMac. Mac Pro is possible as it's popular among devs and will likely get a bigger overhaul but most products don't need an event to be launched, Apple updates them silently. That's why I doubt Macs will be updated in WWDC

[anim8or]

Last time iMac got a press event was when it got redesigned. Apple won't waste WWDC keynote time on Mini nor iMac. Mac Pro is possible as it's popular among devs and will likely get a bigger overhaul but most products don't need an event to be launched, Apple updates them silently. That's why I doubt Macs will be updated in WWDC

Minis will not get the limelight, but i am sure they will be included in the keynote, so far as to say that they have updated MiniDisplay Ports and possibly i3/i5 chips.... maybe new graphics....

Or even better a Mini/Apple TV combo....!

Mac Pro most definitely will have the focus, as you say its a developer conference and i know that there are a LOT of devs and professional chapping at the bit for a new Mac Pro.... whether its anything special or just an upgrade i think Steve will talk about it.

The iPhone will most likely take main stage, with iTunes and possibly iTunes cloud appearing somewhere among the iPhone chatter.

Of course this is all speculation.

[Hellhammer]

Minis will not get the limelight, but i am sure they will be included in the keynote, so far as to say that they have updated MiniDisplay Ports and possibly i3/i5 chips.... maybe new graphics....

If Mini follows the same pattern as before, the update will be so small that it's not worth spending a minute for it plus Mini's update schedule has been pretty uneven, it may be a year till next update. Here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=9946467&postcount=2) are my guesses

Or even better a Mini/Apple TV combo....!

If Apple TV gets a major update, it should be included in keynote but that's IF it gets a big update. It has been more like a hobby for Apple now

Mac Pro most definitely will have the focus, as you say its a developer conference and i know that there are a LOT of devs and professional chapping at the bit for a new Mac Pro.... whether its anything special or just an upgrade i think Steve will talk about it.

It has potential to be great update. Gulftown, DirectX 11 GPUs, 10Gb/s LAN, support for +64GB RAM... But again, IF :p

The iPhone will most likely take main stage, with iTunes and possibly iTunes cloud appearing somewhere among the iPhone chatter.

No doubt with that, WWDC is for iPhone nowadays

Of course this is all speculation.

That's what we like to do, don't we? :cool:

[Dont Hurt Me]

Look Apple has to make a statement about the new Intel graphics, 320M everywhere! for Mini and base iMac at WWDC so the 9400 is now gone. It was the weak link in the entire Mac line. The PC world with i3s and 5s with intel graphics cant touch the 320m in a core2 set up.

[Hellhammer]

Look Apple has to make a statement about the new Intel graphics, 320M everywhere! for Mini and base iMac at WWDC so the 9400 is now gone. It was the weak link in the entire Mac line. The PC world with i3s and 5s with intel graphics cant touch the 320m in a core2 set up.

320M would mean a Core 2 Duo. I'm hoping for i3 in low-end along with low-end dedicated GPU like ATI 5450 as iMac has no issues with space like MBPs do. Apple may be so lazy that they keep low-end C2D and uses 320M so they don't have to write new drivers and they have warehouses full of C2Ds anyway

[blinkin182]

Updated iMacs would be sooooooo cool :P Having to wait until September/November for an update would suck!

I can understand iPhone and iPhone OS are the big things nowadays, but I wish they'd keep a MAC OS WWDC... maybe they should have two events...

In any case, am looking forward to iPhone OS 4....

[coolguyalex]

I have finally have enough money to buy my first Mac but now I'm confronted with the issue of waiting or buying one now. I want the top iMac 21.5, will the upgrade really be worth the wait? Does anyone have any idea of what to expect apart from the new i processors (and will this alone be worth the wait)? Any help please.

[MathijsDelva]

Yes, every update will be worth the wait except for the high end i7 27". Just wait, especially for the high end 21.5"!

[IndustrialSpace]

I have finally have enough money to buy my first Mac but now I'm confronted with the issue of waiting or buying one now. I want the top iMac 21.5, will the upgrade really be worth the wait? Does anyone have any idea of what to expect apart from the new i processors (and will this alone be worth the wait)? Any help please.

I think the low-end iMacs will see more improvements than the high-end 27" i7. If you're looking for the 21.5" model, I would bide my time until the end of summer when the refresh takes place. The upgrade should be worth the wait since you want the 21.5 incher. Currently, I think the 21.5" inchers are a little underpowered, as is.

[Hellhammer]

I think the low-end iMacs will see more improvements than the high-end 27" i7. If you're looking for the 21.5" model, I would bide my time until the end of summer when the refresh takes place. The upgrade should be worth the wait since you want the 21.5 incher. Currently, I think the 21.5" inchers are a little underpowered, as is.

Indeed, especially the low-end with 9400M! High-end 27" will remain pretty much the same, but other models will likely receive Clarkdale and better GPUs.

[Lezz]

I am also planning to buy my very first mac. I am going for the 27" iMac quad core 8GB RAM.

I am also torn. Buy or wait 'till WWDC :S

[dlewis23]

320M would mean a Core 2 Duo. I'm hoping for i3 in low-end along with low-end dedicated GPU like ATI 5450 as iMac has no issues with space like MBPs do. Apple may be so lazy that they keep low-end C2D and uses 320M so they don't have to write new drivers and they have warehouses full of C2Ds anyway

I would also like to see a i3 in the low-end iMac but I don't think it will happen. I think it will be a core 2 with 320m. Which would be ok if Apple dropped the price to say $999. Then do a i3 in the next level up 21.5 and bring the i5 down to the first level 27in.

[Hellhammer]

I would also like to see a i3 in the low-end iMac but I don't think it will happen. I think it will be a core 2 with 320m. Which would be ok if Apple dropped the price to say $999. Then do a i3 in the next level up 21.5 and bring the i5 down to the first level 27in.

That's what I'm thinking as well. i3 in high-end 21.5" with ATI 57xx GPU and then 27" with i5 (Lynnfield) and ATI 57xx and finally the high-end 27" with i7 and ATI 58xx. It's possible that they use i3/i5 (Clarkdale) in low-end 27" and keep only one quad core model, though it would be silly as Lynnfield is only like 50$ more, but it's Apple so ;)

[dagomike]

I've been waiting for an iMac update, so I really hope so. I doubt there will unless it's something big. There were the rumors of a touch screen iMac a while back. If it's not that, then the next iMac will probably get updated on any given Tuesday. Not sure if I'll just pull the trigger after WWDC or if I'll wait a bit longer.

I thought there was a 2.93 GHz i7870 available. Probably comes down to the price. Kind of seems like Apple stays away from Intel's top tier of a family.

[TMRaven]

There's good reason to stay away from it too. It costs a whopping 500 usd.

[Hellhammer]

I thought there was a 2.93 GHz i7870 available. Probably comes down to the price. Kind of seems like Apple stays away from Intel's top tier of a family.

Yeah, there is but it costs 278$ more than i7 860 and the upgrade is whopping 130MHz which is not really even noticeable, so I don't think there is need for that

[MathijsDelva]

Question: how does the i3 compare to the current core 2 duo? Because this (http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/264538-10-core-core-e8400-clarkdale-benchmarked) is far from impressive.

[Hellhammer]

Question: how does the i3 compare to the current core 2 duo? Because this (http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/264538-10-core-core-e8400-clarkdale-benchmarked) is far from impressive.

That's pretty much the case but seeing that i3 has no Turbo and support for HT is still pretty lazy so it's not that huge upgrade, but e.g. 1080p encoding is 27% faster which IMO is pretty impressive for just being a architecture change. That would still be the biggest upgrade for years as before it was just few hundred MHz faster C2D

[TMRaven]

All variants of dual core nehalems have hyperthreading, the i3s do not have turbo boost however.

That is why it offers a noticeable upgrade from the wolfdale in encoding and multi-threaded performance.

[MathijsDelva]

Do you think it would be possible for the high end 21.5" to carry an i5 (standard or upgrade)?

[Hellhammer]

Do you think it would be possible for the high end 21.5" to carry an i5 (standard or upgrade)?

As an upgrade, yes. Either 650 (3.2GHz) or 660 (3.33GHz), that's up to Apple. Maintaining the same clock speeds (3.06GHz as default and 3.33GHz as an upgrade) seems logical to me, because people could be confused with lower clocked models plus 3GHz is somehow a mystical line. If Apple did that, they could use the same 200$ upgrade price or even lower it to 150$ or so (as 660 is only 86$ more than 530 while E8600 is 133$ more than E7600)

[MathijsDelva]

Thanks man! Still waiting for the upgrade.. This summer i hope to buy:

iMac 21.5" i5, 5xxx
Free iPod
+- Free printer

:-)

[lasermn]

I, too, have been waiting for the IMAC's problems to be fixed before buying a 21.5' model.

Personally, I could do with a much smaller hard drive in preference to a blueray reader/writer

[Yamcha]

Do you think it would be possible for the high end 21.5" to carry an i5 (standard or upgrade)?

I doubt it will carry an i5, but probably a Core i3, which is still much faster the Core 2 Duo..

[Yamcha]

Does anyone know when the new iMacs might be expected?

[Eidorian]

I have a rather lengthy thread here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=827715).

Next Wednesday might be a good time for an update. That or the end of the BTS promo.

[Hellhammer]

I doubt it will carry an i5, but probably a Core i3, which is still much faster the Core 2 Duo..

Define "much". This (http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/264538-10-core-core-e8400-clarkdale-benchmarked) isn't that much faster, the biggest difference comes when HT is supported, otherwise the performance gain isn't that impressive

[Yamcha]

Yeah I just noticed that in the real world benchmarks there aren't any major improvements.. but I still hope there will be an updated processor for the entry level iMacs, better be :P I think they will probably go for the i3's, although Core 2 Quads are fairly cheap right now, but I don't think thats gonna happen.. I wouldn't mind seeing Quad Core or 3-Core AMD processors..

[JoeMoomin]

I'm also looking at getting my first iMac (was hoping to order tomorrow). Looks like it may be worth waiting those 2 weeks to see what happens.

And someone mentioned a free printer - how?

[Yamcha]

How do you guys know for certain new imacs will release in 2 weeks?

[HLdan]

I currently toy with the idea of buying a new iMac i7, but WWDC is right around the corner, so I'm not quite sure whether I should wait 2 more weeks (or longer) to not pay a huge amount of money for "old", "outdated" tech.
So has anyone of you heard of rumors connected with an iMac update, or will it be iPhone :apple::apple::apple: only?

I would hardly call the specs in the i7 iMac "OLD" "OUTDATED" technology. Intel's website still shows the same Core i7 processors since the iMac was introduced. Some of you guys have a weird way of labeling stuff as if it's completely useless just because it didn't come out yesterday.

[TMRaven]

Yeah lynnfields are top notch processors. The mobility 4850 is a top notch mobile gpu, and I'm sure the new iMacs will have newer top notch mobile gpus-- or a very good desktop gpu.

[sportguy0913]

How do you guys know for certain new imacs will release in 2 weeks?

Lol. Nothing is for certain in the Mac RUMORS forums ;) It's all speculation here, though most times logical speculation it is.

[Omnigray]

I'm also looking at getting my first iMac (was hoping to order tomorrow). Looks like it may be worth waiting those 2 weeks to see what happens.

And someone mentioned a free printer - how?

The back to school promotion. I heard someone else also tell me they got a free printer (last year)

How do you guys know for certain new imacs will release in 2 weeks?

Read it again, he clearly said "we'll see what happens in two weeks" not "they will be released in two weeks" and he's talking about WWDC.

[MathijsDelva]

No, you can combine the back to school promotion with the free printer promotion. Technically it's not a "free" printer, because you get a 80 dollar coupon.

[sportguy0913]

No, you can combine the back to school promotion with the free printer promotion. Technically it's not a "free" printer, because you get a 80 dollar coupon.

It's a 100$ mail in rebate, as is the iPod rebate (only that one is $199). You pay for all products up front (in effect you are paying for the taxes for all products), and once you receive your products you can send in the UPCs with the rebate forms for $100 and $199 rebates. Actually, you can submit it all online now, but you must wait until you receive all items from your order. You have 60 days from the time the last item arrives at your house to submit your rebates. Just go to this website:

http://www.apple.com/promo/

And click the submit your claim button

[MathijsDelva]

Yes, i'm sorry, i meant 80 euros (100 dollars). Thanks for the intel

[frosse]

I'm thinking USB 3.0...

[Hellhammer]

I'm thinking USB 3.0...

No USB3 before 2011 as Intel aint adopting it yet

[frosse]

No USB3 before 2011 as Intel aint adopting it yet
Oh :( Well well, I hope there'll be some news on the iMacs @ WWDC.

[ouimetnick]

At this point, I would wait untill October to be sure. I doubt they will be announced at they keynote. The Macs will be silently updated (thats my guess)

[flopticalcube]

Oh :( Well well, I hope there'll be some news on the iMacs @ WWDC.
They won't waste WWDC on minor tweaks and speed bumps, which is all it will be. A silent upgrade is about all we will get.

[TMRaven]

If they do any upgrade at WWDC, it'll probably just be like any other minor upgrade at an apple keynote, which will be a little 10 second segment where steve jobs announces minor price drops/ boosts, then begins talking about something else.

[sportguy0913]

At this point, I would wait untill October to be sure. I doubt they will be announced at they keynote. The Macs will be silently updated (thats my guess)

No free iPod in October =(

[dropadrop]

I don't understand why everyone thinks i3 is the thing for imacs? That's a seriously low end cpu, taking the place of celerons. The only reason it's occasionally an improvement is that the C2D is almost antique.

I've gotten a C2D iMac when it just came out. At the time it was a really good cpu. I'd really like to upgrade, but don't want a 27" screen. If Apple does something as stupid as not giving an i5 option for the smaller iMac (really it should be i5 default with a quadcore option) I'll be upgrading to something else.

[Hellhammer]

I don't understand why everyone thinks i3 is the thing for imacs? That's a seriously low end cpu, taking the place of celerons. The only reason it's occasionally an improvement is that the C2D is almost antique.

I've gotten a C2D iMac when it just came out. At the time it was a really good cpu. I'd really like to upgrade, but don't want a 27" screen. If Apple does something as stupid as not giving an i5 option for the smaller iMac (really it should be i5 default with a quadcore option) I'll be upgrading to something else.

i3 would be the biggest update in low-end since introduction of C2D. It's still ~20% faster. i5 is same as i3 but with Turbo and higher clock. Quad core can't be used in 21.5" due heat.

[miniroll32]

My guess is they'll use the same i5 Dual-Core variants as seen in the latest MacBook Pro's :)

[TMRaven]

It would be a major letdown to use Arrandales instead of Clarkdales in iMacs.

[dropadrop]

i3 would be the biggest update in low-end since introduction of C2D. It's still ~20% faster. i5 is same as i3 but with Turbo and higher clock. Quad core can't be used in 21.5" due heat.

It would almost be the only update apart from nominal incremental speed ramps.

[miniroll32]

I don't think speed is the main concern for the next update, but rather than technology of the chips. The C2D's are now considered inferior despite their adequate speed, so its understandable that many prospective would rather hold out and see if Apple utilise the brand new i3/i5 chips that, even if they aren't so much faster, at least have a much better life-span and obviously offer improvements other than speed.

It is easy to forget afterall that the current 3.06ghz C2D's are very, very speedy for most peoples needs - particularly so for that price range!

[peakchua]

i would think that new imacs would have improved nvidia 320/330 m graphics with 256mb of gddr3 memory, the next line would probably contain radeon mobility 5750 graphics and the entry 27 would too, the high end may contain mobility 5870 graphics. As for cpus, the entry should have c2ds at improved clock speeds +i3 upgrades?, the 21.5 and 27 inch high end having dual core desktop i5s as their standards (only 7watts more tdp) and upgrades to faster clocks. the high end 27, eould probably have the i7 used now standard, with upgrades to 2.93 ghz as others are at a 130w tdp and tight on apple. the quad i5 could be used... you never know :D

[MeAngry]

It's pretty simple, if you're in the market for a 27" iMac, and don't need a fast GPU, buy the current model. If you want a faster GPU than the current 4850, wait for WWDC or until october.

If you're in for a 21.5" model, wait for updates. It's 100% sure that they'll drop the C2D's or at least the Geforce 9400M because now even the basic MacBook has a faster GPU than the basic iMac.

[silkod]

Would it be possible a video input in 21,5"??

This is what i'm waiting for, 27" is too big for me, and i want to save an extra screen in my desktop.

what do you think??

[antster94]

That's what I'm hoping for as well, 27" is too big for my room but I still want to be able to play PS3 through the iMac.

[mattnotis]

I'm running on an 1.83 Ghz Intel Core Duo 17'' iMac. How much faster would an i5 be?

[Hellhammer]

I'm running on an 1.83 Ghz Intel Core Duo 17'' iMac. How much faster would an i5 be?

Several times faster, I would say 3-5 times

[peakchua]

hellhammer, what is your perspective of the imac lineup... is a desktop 5750 likely? the desktop 5750 has less stream processors but higher memory bandwith.. while the 5770 has the same specs as the mobility 5870 but higher clock speeds and less eyefinity capabilities

[Hellhammer]

hellhammer, what is your perspective of the imac lineup... is a desktop 5750 likely? the desktop 5750 has less stream processors but higher memory bandwith.. while the 5770 has the same specs as the mobility 5870 but higher clock speeds and less eyefinity capabilities

I'm not saying more than a Juniper (desktop 57xx, mobile 58xx) based GPU because I think Apple modifies it anyway. It won't run at default clocks so it's impossible to say. Same thing about naming, it can be called anything from ATI 5750 to ATI 5870 PRO or Apple may even come up with new name

[peakchua]

for the lower end models.. what about moblity 5650 or desktop 5570?

[Eidorian]

I know you're going to like this Hellhammer.

[Hellhammer]

for the lower end models.. what about moblity 5650 or desktop 5570?

Desktop 5570 is possible and mobile 56xx and 57xx are based on it but I'm not betting my money on desktop GPUs as Apple hasn't used them in iMacs. My guess is mobile 57xx in mid level iMacs as 5650 is barely and upgrade from 4670 and its low TDP is useless for iMac.

I know you're going to like this Hellhammer.

Thanks! Looks interesting! Any idea on what chips are Vancouvers based on? Or what is this update providing more than a naming scheme? :p

Doesn't seem to be that huge update, Blackcomb might be if it's based on Cypress chip rather than Juniper but it's not coming before 2011. Anyway, thanks a lot, Apple might be holding the iMac update till new chips ;)

[Eidorian]

Thanks! Looks interesting! Any idea on what chips are Vancouvers based on? Or what is this update providing more than a naming scheme? :p

Doesn't seem to be that huge update, Blackcomb might be if it's based on Cypress chip rather than Juniper but it's not coming before 2011. Anyway, thanks a lot, Apple might be holding the iMac update till new chips ;)Vancouver is simply mobile Southern Islands. The naming scheme is different though.

Blackcomb looks like it's going to based off of the desktop Barts (HD 67xx) core.

[Hellhammer]

Vancouver is simply mobile Southern Islands. The naming scheme is different though.

Blackcomb looks like it's going to based off of the desktop Barts (HD 67xx) core.

Could be, but is Barts based on Juniper then (if I recall correctly SNI will use 5xxx cores with Northern Island's uncore)? Weird that mobile GPUs are coming before desktop ones though

[Eidorian]

Could be, but is Barts based on Juniper then (if I recall correctly SNI will use 5xxx cores with Northern Island's uncore)?I don't have any details on the core configuration for Southern Islands at this time. The last rumor was, as you remember, an Evergreen core with a Northern Islands uncore.

I'm expecting fewer harvested parts given the experiences with 40nm.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/3750/globalfoundries-plans-to-expand-dresden-and-ny-fabs-in-anticipation-of-2822nm


Weird that mobile GPUs are coming before desktop ones thoughThat is surprising as well.

[Hellhammer]

I don't have any details on the core configuration for Southern Islands at this time. The last rumor was, as you remember, an Evergreen core with a Northern Islands uncore.

I'm expecting fewer harvested parts given the experiences with 40nm.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/3750/globalfoundries-plans-to-expand-dresden-and-ny-fabs-in-anticipation-of-2822nm

That is surprising as well.

We will see... I'm afraid that the mobile versions might be more or less renamed 5xxx series, especially the late 2010 versions. Maybe ATI can finally give us good mobile chip by using Cypress with reasonable TDP in high-end as SNI will concentrate on power efficiency.

[peakchua]

wow finally amd is putting more transistors, techologies and humungous memory buses for thid gpu 6000 series !!! ^^

[Mc Kane]

We will see... I'm afraid that the mobile versions might be more or less renamed 5xxx series, especially the late 2010 versions. Maybe ATI can finally give us good mobile chip by using Cypress with reasonable TDP in high-end as SNI will concentrate on power efficiency.

Yeah, I think ATI will just put out current Mobility +10 like they did with the Mobility 4860 being more or less a renamed 4850.
They'll most likely be 5800 series with little speed bumps and Eyefinity support.

The Blackcomb looks interesting though because they're going back to a 256 bits bus. Seeing that it will support UVD 3 makes me think that it will be based on the 6000 Series too.

Anyway, for the next iMac, I really hope that Apple will finally put more than 512 MB of VRAM. Oh and make that GDDR5 too. ;)
USB 3 would be great to use the Intensity Shuttle, just put a NEC chip in there. It would also put something new in every iMac as the high-end 27" would only get a new GPU in the refresh (don't see the overpriced i7 870 making its way in the iMac).


My dream (which will never happen for now) would be for Apple to get rid of the superdrive in all their product and make the external superdrive universal. The space gained would be huge (especially in the laptops). In the iMac, they could either officially put a second HDD/SSD or a better GPU with a good cooling system.:rolleyes:

[peakchua]

Yeah, I think ATI will just put out current Mobility +10 like they did with the Mobility 4860 being more or less a renamed 4850.
They'll most likely be 5800 series with little speed bumps and Eyefinity support.

The Blackcomb looks interesting though because they're going back to a 256 bits bus. Seeing that it will support UVD 3 makes me think that it will be based on the 6000 Series too.

Anyway, for the next iMac, I really hope that Apple will finally put more than 512 MB of VRAM. Oh and make that GDDR5 too. ;)
USB 3 would be great to use the Intensity Shuttle, just put a NEC chip in there. It would also put something new in every iMac as the high-end 27" would only get a new GPU in the refresh (don't see the overpriced i7 870 making its way in the iMac).


My dream (which will never happen for now) would be for Apple to get rid of the superdrive in all their product and make the external superdrive universal. The space gained would be huge (especially in the laptops). In the iMac, they could either officially put a second HDD/SSD or a better GPU with a good cooling system.:rolleyes:


hey! that would be a good idea!!! maybe then apple would put desktop gpus!! i dont really care about the stupid 8x superdrive but universal would be great. maybe then apple would put in a great gpu,make more space for hardcore gaming audio!! heatsinks etc.

[peakchua]

http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=48500

[mattnotis]

Several times faster, I would say 3-5 times

Assuming they don't update for WWDC, how much faster is the baseline 21.5'' compared to mine?

[TMRaven]

http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=48500

More importantly, this doesn't mean the iMac will use i7 880, but will have a high possibility of using i7 870, because i7 870 will probably get reduced to i7 860's current price.

[Mc Kane]

I can definitely see a i7 870 iMac now that the 880 is official.

Which would make the high-end iMac look like that :

Core i7 870 @ 2.93 GHz
4 GB RAM (still too expensive to make 8 GB standard)
1 TB HDD (still too expensive to go for the 2 TB)
Either a renamed Mobility Radeon 5870 (think 8800 GS type of renaming) or a desktop 5750 (personally, I hope they go for the 5770 but TDP is probably be too high) with hopefully 1 GB of GDDR5 and not 512 MB of old GDDR3.
Still the same crappy 8x Superdrive (I don't see Blu-Ray making its way in the iMac and honestly, I don't see the point of having BD in a computer especially when the image is going to be upscaled on the 27" screen)
Still the same I/O (USB 3 would be a great addition, especially given the prosumer way the high end iMac has taken but I don't see it happening unfortunately)


Best case : we get USB 3 and/or a better GPU than 5750 (maybe a custom card like the 320M) -> highly unlikely :rolleyes:
Worst case : Apple puts the Mobility 5850 to avoid confusion with the Mac Pro :(

The critical part of the update is clearly the GPU though as it's the only thing which will get a significant change.

[Hellhammer]

Assuming they don't update for WWDC, how much faster is the baseline 21.5'' compared to mine?

About twice as fast in raw CPU power

More importantly, this doesn't mean the iMac will use i7 880, but will have a high possibility of using i7 870, because i7 870 will probably get reduced to i7 860's current price.

i7 870 will likely settle for ~400$ or 880 will totally replace it i.e. 870 would be discontinued

The 130MHz is nothing anyway so it doesn't matter is it 860 or 870

[ILikeTurtles]

I def believe there will be an iMac refresh. I put in an order for an iMac on June 1, and Apple has yet to charge my credit card or ship the order. I called Apple this morning, and they told me there has been a hold on all recent iMac orders until next week.

[Eduardo1971]

I def believe there will be an iMac refresh. I put in an order for an iMac on June 1, and Apple has yet to charge my credit card or ship the order. I called Apple this morning, and they told me there has been a hold on all recent iMac orders until next week.

Apple's website shows that iMac's ship within 24 hours.

[ILikeTurtles]

Apple's website shows that iMac's ship within 24 hours.

Go figure? My order is on hold. And all CS will tell me is there is a lag in completing iMac orders.

[peakchua]

as for the i7 880, i dont think it would be there very soon or maybe bto if intel can give apple significant discount that 860 will be standard. whats exciting is when sandy bridge comes out... 4 cores standard.. cool :o. if 86'0 is standard, the 880 is upgrade.. it will be annoying if 5850 is used i will get so pi@@#$ of but if 5870 is then no. apple should just admit that its mobility... no harm hp, dell, sony, msi have done it why not apple ? to them, its just a "consumer" product....... but i would think the imac is becoming more pro than consumer. when i was a technology noob,i though imacs were high end XD until i met mac pro. and again for the cpu, the 880 and the 870 is only 20$ apart......... but that means 288.5 average... will apple charge 350$ for an upgrade??? doesent sound so rational now. i really hope apple will make ground in graphics this year. its done a pretty good job so far with the macbooks (except air) they should with the imac and macbook pro );

[peakchua]

Go figure? My order is on hold. And all CS will tell me is there is a lag in completing iMac orders.


if i were you, cancel it. wait for a new imac!! its worth it when you know you were so smart a@@ in waiting.

[Hellhammer]

as for the i7 880, i dont think it would be there very soon or maybe bto if intel can give apple significant discount that 860 will be standard. whats exciting is when sandy bridge comes out... 4 cores standard.. cool :o. if 86'0 is standard, the 880 is upgrade.. it will be annoying if 5850 is used i will get so pi@@#$ of but if 5870 is then no. apple should just admit that its mobility... no harm hp, dell, sony, msi have done it why not apple ? to them, its just a "consumer" product....... but i would think the imac is becoming more pro than consumer. when i was a technology noob,i though imacs were high end XD until i met mac pro. and again for the cpu, the 880 and the 870 is only 20$ apart......... but that means 288.5 average... will apple charge 350$ for an upgrade??? doesent sound so rational now. i really hope apple will make ground in graphics this year. its done a pretty good job so far with the macbooks (except air) they should with the imac and macbook pro );

Sandy Bridge isn't quad core only. Mainstream CPUs will likely be dual and quad core thus iMacs won't likely be quad core only

[peakchua]

Sandy Bridge isn't quad core only. Mainstream CPUs will likely be dual and quad core thus iMacs won't likely be quad core only

heheheh hexacore or octo core.. maybe octo when im in for an update in another 4 years!! XD imagine how an radeon 8000 would compare to a 9400m XDXDXDXDXD :D my games would just be like god..

[IndustrialSpace]

I def believe there will be an iMac refresh. I put in an order for an iMac on June 1, and Apple has yet to charge my credit card or ship the order. I called Apple this morning, and they told me there has been a hold on all recent iMac orders until next week.

I hope what you say is true, but I believe that it will be much later, like August or Sept. - still not THAT far off. Totally wait!

[blinkin182]

I hope what you say is true, but I believe that it will be much later, like August or Sept. - still not THAT far off. Totally wait!

MUST....WAIT...ALTHOUGH...IT'S...SOOOOO HARD! :p

If it's September, these are gonna be some loooonnng few months!

I'd find it shocking though in a way. Doesn't the laptop line currently outperform the C2D iMacs? that's not right!

[gto55]

do you prefer a small refresh (upgrade to ati 5XXX, better lcd screens) or a real one (usb3/lightpeak, ssd, new intel sandy bridge plateform...) :o:p

[QuickGuide]

I def believe there will be an iMac refresh. I put in an order for an iMac on June 1, and Apple has yet to charge my credit card or ship the order. I called Apple this morning, and they told me there has been a hold on all recent iMac orders until next week.

I'm looking to replace my G5 with a new 27" iMac... Please keep us posted on the shipping status!

[peakchua]

must.. wait. I REALLY REALLY hope wwdc is good to us ); i really want to see what rolls out of the factory

[IndustrialSpace]

MUST....WAIT...ALTHOUGH...IT'S...SOOOOO HARD! :p

If it's September, these are gonna be some loooonnng few months!

I'd find it shocking though in a way. Doesn't the laptop line currently outperform the C2D iMacs? that's not right!

My plight has been difficult as well!

I've wanted an i7 8G 2T loaded, since they first came out. The torrent of problems (many were addressed), especially the yellow tint screen issue has kept me on the sidelines with my old broken down Vista PC. The wait is excruciating. Were this any other time in the past, I would have already purchased a new PC and moved on with life. But NO, I need to have the new 27 incher from Apple and have waited quite patiently while deflecting crticism from MR about my cautious stance with purchasing this current rev A. At this point, I'm barely able to wait until the refresh, but its so close, I will. Lets just hope it is an improvement!

[Hellhammer]

My plight has been difficult as well!

I've wanted an i7 8G 2T loaded, since they first came out. The torrent of problems (many were addressed), especially the yellow tint screen issue has kept me on the sidelines with my old broken down Vista PC. The wait is excruciating. Were this any other time in the past, I would have already purchased a new PC and moved on with life. But NO, I need to have the new 27 incher from Apple and have waited quite patiently while deflecting crticism from MR about my cautious stance with purchasing this current rev A. At this point, I'm barely able to wait until the refresh, but its so close, I will. Lets just hope it is an improvement!

Keep in mind that every new release has it's own issues. Some are more widespread than others and some are HW related while some are SW related.

But to not to make you all terrified, they usually drop within the average failure rate of consumer products ;) By following MR, you will see a lot horror stories but they are mostly individual stories, most customers are more than satisfied with their purchase

[is95a]

I have had a G5 iMac with a 1.8 Power PC processor for the last few years and it has really gotten slow. I am salivating over the 27' iMac and am ready to pull the trigger. Two questions:
-is it worth waiting to see what comes out of WWDC
-how much faster would the 3.06GHz be than my old 1.8

Thanks in advance

[TMRaven]

I have had a G5 iMac with a 1.8 Power PC processor for the last few years and it has really gotten slow. I am salivating over the 27' iMac and am ready to pull the trigger. Two questions:
-is it worth waiting to see what comes out of WWDC
-how much faster would the 3.06GHz be than my old 1.8

Thanks in advance

If you've waited this long, it doesn't hurt to wait another 3 days.

High end wolfdales would be around 6x more powerful in everyday tasks, and can be upwards of 100x more powerful for intensive video encoding-- synthetic benchmarks have them at around 4x more powerful.

[ValSalva]

Have there been any rumors about an iMac refresh at this year's WWDC? Everywhere I've looked mentions the possibility of Mac Pro or MacBook Air updates. Even those are sketchy.

[Eidorian]

Have there been any rumors about an iMac refresh at this year's WWDC? Everywhere I've looked mentions the possibility of Mac Pro or MacBook Air updates. Even those are sketchy.I haven't heard anything about the iMac. It's nearing it's update time but the Back to School promo is already going on in the US.

[Nishi100]

Have there been any rumors about an iMac refresh at this year's WWDC? Everywhere I've looked mentions the possibility of Mac Pro or MacBook Air updates. Even those are sketchy.

Erm...No, Link (http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#iMac) however it looks like it could nearing a time for the refresh, if you look closely the iMac's have been updated in a pattern - 8 months, 11 months, 8 months, 11 months, 8 months <<< the last update, therefore the next update should be around September, however they may silently update it before that so that the iMac isn't competing with the new ipod touches, the new iphone, the new ___ (fill in the blank.)

[Eduardo1971]

Have there been any rumors about an iMac refresh at this year's WWDC?...

What another WWDC-iMac related question?:eek:

[Hellhammer]

Have there been any rumors about an iMac refresh at this year's WWDC? Everywhere I've looked mentions the possibility of Mac Pro or MacBook Air updates. Even those are sketchy.

Apple won't waste precious keynote time on iMacs with new GPUs.. There are many other products that are in need of an update and their updates can actually mean something. Last update was major, but silent, so why would Apple use WWDC time on slight speed bump in iMacs?

Back to School promo is already going on in the US.

Plus at least Canada and Europe

[nj-mac-user]

Have there been any rumors about an iMac refresh at this year's WWDC? Everywhere I've looked mentions the possibility of Mac Pro or MacBook Air updates. Even those are sketchy.

It's just because everyone assumes an Apple event = product line update. There is no evidence suggesting that Apple will release an imac update, it's all just speculation since the average imac cycle is approaching its end. When imac stock levels drop and stores like Best Buy or the Apple Store are short on imacs is when I'll start believing a refresh is right around the corner. It's not coming WWDC guys.

[IndustrialSpace]

Keep in mind that every new release has it's own issues. Some are more widespread than others and some are HW related while some are SW related.

But to not to make you all terrified, they usually drop within the average failure rate of consumer products ;) By following MR, you will see a lot horror stories but they are mostly individual stories, most customers are more than satisfied with their purchase

I will admit that this is a concern of mine! :o

...that the next refresh will have its own sort of problems to be worked out over the subsequent months... yikes!

I'm hoping for a more refined version of the current one out with minor spec changes, which in all honesty, dont really care too much about (the current i7 specs are fine for me). My main concern is really really the screen. I'm an obsessive individual and such blemishes will be magnified by my critical perception.

[mrmarts]

Even though Iam waiting for WWDC I very much there will be any news of IMACs as the event will defenitely focus on the 4th gen iphone, safari 5, posibly a new mac mini.

[cathy88]

I think there is 70% chance that there wont be an iMac update at WWDC.

I think it is mainly on iPhone 4g and also they will release an update for Mac Pro and new Apple Cinema Screen.

These sounds more realistic consider how since the Apple Cinema and Mac Pro have been updated.....

These are more in need of an update the iMac which is about 6-7 months old?

In the event that there is a new iMac I think the spec is going to be

i5 dual core for base 27", i5 quad core faster processor clock speed for higher end and i7 quad core 860i for the highest end. The iMac 27" will end up having 3 models. Also i7 870i would be a BTO for the highest model.

As the graphic card I would say the 9400m will be replaced by the GT330M and the higher end I have no guesses. To be honest I think ATI 4850M is really all you need if you dont play games, could even be an over kill.

I personally have a i7 iMac, which is more then what I need too. For those of you thinking of buying new iMac my suggestion would be wait atleast till the end of WWDC see if there is anything new, wont harm you to wait for like 2 days will it. Else you can also go ahead and order it now as you always have like 14 days to refund it.

My personal guess is that if there are no update at WWDC the next possible update will be after the release of iphone 4g around various country may end up being around July or August for the next iMac update.

[rajbonham]

I think there is 70% chance that there wont be an iMac update at WWDC.

I think it is mainly on iPhone 4g and also they will release an update for Mac Pro and new Apple Cinema Screen.

These sounds more realistic consider how since the Apple Cinema and Mac Pro have been updated.....

These are more in need of an update the iMac which is about 6-7 months old?


Yep, I totally agree. Feel free to add to/reorder the list, but I think we will see each of these in the keynote:

1. Sales figures (Mac, iPad, iPhone)

2. Software Announcements (New Safari, Xcode and possibly free MobileMe)

3. Mac Hardware Update (Mac Pro or possibly Mac Mini)

4. iPhone OS 4 (Including demonstration on iPad)

5. One More Thing... (iPhone HD, iPhone 4G or whatever the name will be.)

[whokilledkaji]

I'm not counting on it, but I really hope new iMacs do come out at WWDC. I just sold my 1st generation Mac Pro and all I have is my iPad for daily home computing until a new iMac comes out...

Hopefully it's not a long wait, but it'll be interesting to see how well the iPad handles the next couple of weeks / months!!!

[peakchua]

sorry to be so random but if apple puts a mobility 5850, how much slower would it be compared to 4850 mobility? :(

[Btom]

Keep in mind that every new release has it's own issues. Some are more widespread than others and some are HW related while some are SW related.

But to not to make you all terrified, they usually drop within the average failure rate of consumer products ;) By following MR, you will see a lot horror stories but they are mostly individual stories, most customers are more than satisfied with their purchase

I was once blasted by a macfan for saying this, but I am going to repeat: It is obvious that the new iMac release is going to have it's own issues.

The point of waiting is, that the 21.5 and the 27" 2009 models were drastically redesigned and had a typical set of problems of a first year model of almost anything, while the refreshed model is going to have those fixed and only a typical for Apple number of issues.

This is the theory, anyway.

Tom B.

[Hellhammer]

sorry to be so random but if apple puts a mobility 5850, how much slower would it be compared to 4850 mobility? :(

ATI Mobility Radeon 4850 (http://www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-ATI-Mobility-Radeon-HD-4850.13975.0.html)

ATI Mobility Radeon 5850 (http://www.notebookcheck.net/ATI-Mobility-Radeon-HD-5850.23069.0.html)

In some test and games, 5850 beats 4850 and vice versa.

There is also a thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=875286) about this

[TMRaven]

If DDR3 or GDDR3 ram is used, it will perform slower than mobility 4850.
If GDDR5 ram is used, it will perform slightly faster than mobility 4850, but not as fast as mobility 4870.

[sashie]

i don't have high hopes for an iMac release during WWDC...
though i would love to see one..

I have been thinking of utilizing the BTS promotion to purchase a new iMac..
but then all my friends keep telling me that it's worth waiting for the upcoming update.

Hopefully it'd be as soon as possible..
I don't mind missing the BTS promotion but i really really need a new desktop..
hopefully sometime by the end of this year? :(

[peakchua]

If DDR3 or GDDR3 ram is used, it will perform slower than mobility 4850.
If GDDR5 ram is used, it will perform slightly faster than mobility 4850, but not as fast as mobility 4870.

in notebook checks mbenchmarks... i think they used gddr5

[ILikeTurtles]

Apple store says my iMac is prepped for shipment today. Nothing was upgraded from what I originally ordered last Monday. Oh well....prob no iMac updates today.

[mrmarts]

if there are no new changes to the imac at wwdc which i 100% doubt I'am going to buy my first apple computer an imac 27 model with 8gb of ram and a 2.8 i7 processor, yeah i can wait for a refresh in october or november which may feature a bump in the video card, but than i might as well wait for the new os or usb 3.0 or blu ray etc i might as well wait for ever to own a mac lol and live the rest of my life in vista land.

[pilot1226]

One of the main benefits of the ATI Mobility (and Desktop) 5000 series is the fact that this features DirectX 11 support. Considering you can't upgrade the video card in your iMac, this is a pretty important "component" and the technology in the current model is nearly 2 years old, if not older.

This is the sticking point that I'm waiting on. Once they update it, I'm buying the 27" i7 iMac, either a MB or MBP, and an Airport Extreme. Go go gadget financing ;)


I don't mind missing the BTS promotion but i really really need a new desktop..
hopefully sometime by the end of this year? :(

I purchased my iBook G4 back in 2004 with the similar promotion. I ended up selling the iPod mini that they offered at the time as per the promo on eBay since I already had an iPod, so when all was said and done, I got the education discount AND I got around $80-100 dollars for the iPod on eBay. Just something to consider.

[gto55]

is apple supporting OpenGL 3 or 4 in snowleopard ?

thanks :p

[Hellhammer]

One of the main benefits of the ATI Mobility (and Desktop) 5000 series is the fact that this features DirectX 11 support. Considering you can't upgrade the video card in your iMac, this is a pretty important "component" and the technology in the current model is nearly 2 years old, if not older.

Just bear in mind that DirectX is Windows thing so unless you boot into Windows using Boot Camp, it's useless. There are other improved things in 5xxx like Shader 5.0 and newer version of OpenGL I think. Anyway, it pure performance, 5850 ain't that good

[Hellhammer]

is apple supporting OpenGL 3 or 4 in snowleopard ?

thanks :p

OpenGL 3.0 I think, not 100% sure but at least not 4.0

[-FlyAuburn-]

if there are no new changes to the imac at wwdc which i 100% doubt I'am going to buy my first apple computer an imac 27 model with 8gb of ram and a 2.8 i7 processor, yeah i can wait for a refresh in october or november which may feature a bump in the video card, but than i might as well wait for the new os or usb 3.0 or blu ray etc i might as well wait for ever to own a mac lol and live the rest of my life in vista land.

Can't....... Wait....... Any...... Longer.......

I am with you mrmarts!! I have been waiting on this for a very long time and I am now ready to pull the trigger on a 27" i7/8gb/2TB iMac.

I am still going back an forth with how I will feel if I do so and just a few weeks or even months later Apple quietly updates the iMac line. I don't think I will care but I'm not sure. It really depends on how significant the upgrade is and how long between now and then. If it's several months, say Sept-Nov, and fairly insignificant, then I won't be upset. If it's just a few weeks or a month or so and it is something major, I'm going to be really pissed. I guess that's the game we play with technology.

It is true that you get more value for your money right after a big update. I don't understand why Apple doesn't drop the prices when the lifecycle of their product continues on so long without a single update? 8 months is forever in the computing world and for the same product still to be priced exactly the same after 8 months is just kind of strange to me.

My PC is about 10 years old (yes 10) and is so crappy I can barely stand it.
I've done lot's of upgrading over the years but eventually I reached the maximum potential of the MB and was stuck. So anything I buy now will be a tremendous upgrade, so a small update really isn't going to make a difference for me.

Regardless, I think I've already made my decision. After WWDC has concluded, if there is no mention of an impending update, I am clicking on BUY NOW and finally getting my iMac. :D

[drewdle]

WWDC is an hour and a half underway, and we're still talking about the iPhone and iOS4. Maybe Macs are dead to Apple? :D

I'm looking forward to some new announcements too. How about a 320M in the Mac Mini? :)

[Hellhammer]

WWDC is an hour and a half underway, and we're still talking about the iPhone and iOS4. Maybe Macs are dead to Apple? :D

I'm looking forward to some new announcements too. How about a 320M in the Mac Mini? :)

Apple won't waste time on minor updates like Mini with 320M. The store has been up all the time so I really doubt we'll see anything

[elephantinc]

Apple won't waste time on minor updates like Mini with 320M. The store has been up all the time so I really doubt we'll see anything

It really doesn't look like anything is coming, but I thought they would update something. Ah well, never mind....

[jb609jb]

Well, I waited for WWDC and I think I have been waiting long enough. I am going to pick up the base model 21.5" and enjoy it. I am not waiting until when Apple might possibly maybe refresh the iMacs.

[MathijsDelva]

Oh, i'm going to wait alright. Dissapointed but not surprised by the fact that there was said nothing about Macs or mac software. Actually, biggest chances are that we'll see hardware upgrades in the next few weeks after WWDC.

[jb609jb]

Oh, i'm going to wait alright. Dissapointed but not surprised by the fact that there was said nothing about Macs or mac software. Actually, biggest chances are that we'll see hardware upgrades in the next few weeks after WWDC.

Why do you think it is more likely in a few weeks?

[MathijsDelva]

Don't know. Tricky.. Mac Pro's, MBA's and Mac Mini's seem to get updated first, but on the other hand, there hasn't been an update for quite a while now. The iMac is their best selling desktop computer, maybe their best selling computer point final?

Edit: Oh, you said 'why' :-) Euhm, don't know either :-) I see it like this: WWDC is more mobile, yet it's also a period of activity for Apple. There are a few product cycles ending, and around WWDC or any other major keynote event, things seem to get updated more easily.

[macmaniacattack]

I ordered my iMac 27 i7 on June 3rd, and it still hasn't shipped yet.

[Star4Ever]

I read the MacRumors Live regarding the Keynote.... Nothing said about the iMac in any way there.

I am glad I went and purchased my iMac 27" i7 last week. Man it is a kool machine... just as it is. No regrets what so ever.

[macmaniacattack]

I ordered my iMac 27 i7 on June 3rd, and it still hasn't shipped yet.

Checked the website, it's prepped for shipping, hope it gets sent today!!

[theITGuy]

Checked the website, it's prepped for shipping, hope it gets sent today!!

This makes me happy for you but sad for me...I've been holding out for iMac updates...;):mad::D:apple:

-J.-

[Man-Droid]

I wasn't expecting an update for iMacs at WWDC. I thought that Mac might get some love in the form of a much needed update to the MacPro. And well.......


I'm tempted to buy an i7 right now but I think......... At this point I don't care how long I have to wait for a product update. I have been burned 3 times purchasing Mac hardware. I bought my PowerbookG4 one month before the Intel Macbook Pros. Similar story with my G5.

[Foxglove9]

I was also hoping for an upgrade to the iMacs. There's still hope for a silent update this week or next I suppose.

[Hellhammer]

I was also hoping for an upgrade to the iMacs. There's still hope for a silent update this week or next I suppose.

Keep hoping :rolleyes: There are several products in need of an update and iMac isn't the first one in that list. I wouldn't bet my money on this nor next week, I'm guessing July-August.

MBA and Mac Pro seriously need updates, iMac is still fine (especially the high-end)

[theITGuy]

Keep hoping :rolleyes: There are several products in need of an update and iMac isn't the first one in that list. I wouldn't bet my money on this nor next week, I'm guessing July-August.

MBA and Mac Pro seriously need updates, iMac is still fine (especially the high-end)

Say it ain't so...I know you know your stuff HH but give us a glimmer of hope ;):cool::D:apple:

-J.-

[Dont Hurt Me]

I was also hoping for an upgrade to the iMacs. There's still hope for a silent update this week or next I suppose.The 9400m has to be gotten rid off, once that happens then will see the 320m everywhere.

[Hellhammer]

Say it ain't so...I know you know your stuff HH but give us a glimmer of hope ;):cool::D:apple:

-J.-

This is just my opinion, I don't have any insider info ;)

Looking at the past makes it even less possible as the last time there was an update for Mac in June or July which wasn't in WWDC was 2005 when MacBook got updated. iMac has never been updated in June or July. Last few updates have been few months before WWDC (March or April) or few months after (Sep-Nov). Also, last updates have been like 11 months between the updates and 7-8 months between the updates. The last update was 7 months after the update before it so with that logic, we should see new iMacs in September.

Of course, this is just speculation so don't take it too officially. When it's up to Apple, only Steve knows what's happening :cool:

[mattnotis]

I guess I'm stuck with my current iCrap for the next few months. Can't really afford to get the 27''.:(

[disagree]

Ugh. I'm a big Apple fan - ipad, iphones, macbooks, ibooks, imac, appletv, ipods, etc.

But my hard drive croaked on my 3.5 year old imac. I need a new desktop, but I will not spend that kind of money on a system that old.

As excited as I am about iOS 4 and the new iPhone, I might start agreeing with the general sentiment that Apple is beginning to over-neglect their computer lines.

[Man-Droid]

I really don't think the iMac has been neglected. They were just updated 7 months ago. You could possibly say that about the Mac Pro. It has been over a year since it was updated. I suspect that the wait for a product refresh on the MacPro is coming to an end.

[peakchua]

HOW Much faster is the radeon hd 4850 than the 9400m?

[MathijsDelva]

HOW Much faster is the radeon hd 4850 than the 9400m?

Are you serious? About 10 times as fast?

[mrmarts]

is it safe to say that imac 27 will only have a minor update without no new designs looking to get one this friday

[Hellhammer]

is it safe to say that imac 27 will only have a minor update without no new designs looking to get one this friday

If you get the quad core model, yes. Of course we never know what's coming but currently there aren't faster components available

[mrmarts]

I'am going for the quad core i7 2.8 with 8 gb of ram just wondering I have been using a PC for most of my life i usually buy new ones about every 3 to 4 years without upgrading, do the macs get outdated much quicker than the pcs do.

I'am currently running a core 2 duo 2.4ghz with 2 gb of ram 320hdd, 256mg video and vista and it runs horrible slow loading times.

Will i see a difference moving to mac I'am not really a game buyer but i defentely want to buy starcraft 2 and diablo 3 will this imac do wonders for me for these games and future productivity.

[Hellhammer]

I'am going for the quad core i7 2.8 with 8 gb of ram just wondering I have been using a PC for most of my life i usually buy new ones about every 3 to 4 years without upgrading, do the macs get outdated much quicker than the pcs do.

I'am currently running a core 2 duo 2.4ghz with 2 gb of ram 320hdd, 256mg video and vista and it runs horrible slow loading times.

Will i see a difference moving to mac I'am not really a game buyer but i defentely want to buy starcraft 2 and diablo 3 will this imac do wonders for me for these games and future productivity.

The top-end iMac is more than fine for you. Many people are still using G3 Macs in here and they are like what, nearly 10 years old. Macs don't get updated so often and they hold their value much better too

[peakchua]

Are you serious? About 10 times as fast?



hehehe im just got a 9400m imac a year ago.. just wondering

[mrmarts]

The top-end iMac is more than fine for you. Many people are still using G3 Macs in here and they are like what, nearly 10 years old. Macs don't get updated so often and they hold their value much better too

thanks for the advice I'am sick of getting new pcs so often and using them as paper weight afterwards I'am not a mac fan boy even though i got a iphone and am looking foward to getting a the new iphone 4 lol.

I always wanted to get a mac but I was put off by office compatibility with pcs and the software.

a few more questions can you add themes to mac such as changing icons, what dvd ripping software would you recommend I'am currently using dvd shrink what is similar for a mac.

and lastly compatibility old games do not run on vista like age of emperiors 3 do macs have the same prob when a new os is released

[Hellhammer]

thanks for the advice I'am sick of getting new pcs so often and using them as paper weight afterwards I'am not a mac fan boy even though i got a iphone and am looking foward to getting a the new iphone 4 lol.

I always wanted to get a mac but I was put off by office compatibility with pcs and the software.

a few more questions can you add themes to mac such as changing icons, what dvd ripping software would you recommend I'am currently using dvd shrink what is similar for a mac.

and lastly compatibility old games do not run on vista like age of emperiors 3 do macs have the same prob when a new os is released

1. There is Office for Mac which is fully compatible and iWork is very compatible too.

2. You can change some things such as icons but there aren't many themes for current OS X

3. iRip and and MacTheRipper are good

4. Most apps get an update but AOE3 works fine on 10.6

[peakchua]

I guess I'm stuck with my current iCrap for the next few months. Can't really afford to get the 27''.:(



whats your icrap specs?

[pilot1226]

Here's hoping to a new video card option for the i7. I would love to see that new Apple Trackpad thrown in as a peripheral so I didn't have to use a mouse/trackball at all. (Go read the Peripherals threads for info on it)

http://www.macrumors.com/2010/06/07/apples-magic-trackpad-or-magic-slate-revealed/

[vixducis]

I'm planning on buying the 27" imac i7. But I'm holding off my purchase in case of an upgrade. But now the back-to-school action is running and I'm wondering if it's worth waiting for the upgrade (which will probably happen after back-to-school) or just getting the free ipod touch? I've read numerous on this forum that the upgrade for the i7 won't be worth the wait so...

[TMRaven]

It won't, no. Not even an upgrade to mobility 5870 from mobility 4850 would be all that much of an upgrade, as mobility 4850 is still an elite gpu card as far as mobile gpus are concerned.

I'am going for the quad core i7 2.8 with 8 gb of ram just wondering I have been using a PC for most of my life i usually buy new ones about every 3 to 4 years without upgrading, do the macs get outdated much quicker than the pcs do.

I'am currently running a core 2 duo 2.4ghz with 2 gb of ram 320hdd, 256mg video and vista and it runs horrible slow loading times.

Will i see a difference moving to mac I'am not really a game buyer but i defentely want to buy starcraft 2 and diablo 3 will this imac do wonders for me for these games and future productivity.

When you say loading times, what exactly do you mean? Personally, if I had a computer of those stats, I would be waiting until sandy-bridge comes out, because those stats seem fine to me-- but I do know PCs get bloated up overtime. If you mean loading times like programs and whatnot, the new iMacs will be slightly faster, but only SDDs will be a major jump in that area.

[pilot1226]

I'm planning on buying the 27" imac i7. But I'm holding off my purchase in case of an upgrade. But now the back-to-school action is running and I'm wondering if it's worth waiting for the upgrade (which will probably happen after back-to-school) or just getting the free ipod touch? I've read numerous on this forum that the upgrade for the i7 won't be worth the wait so...

Yes and no. I participated in the B2S offer years ago when I was in college and ended up selling the iPod I got on eBay to help further reduce the cost of my computer.

As for the ordering, from past experience, I strongly suggest you either buy the iMac either at an Apple Store near your school (if that's where you're going to be using it) or if you're just planning on leaving it home, order away. It took about 3 weeks for me to get my iBook as it was shipped from China. I would have been happier (and less stressed because I actually delayed my 1000 mile drive to college an extra 1.5 days because I was waiting on my iBook to arrive) if I'd just have gone to the local Apple Store and picked it up same-day.

In regards to it being worth the wait or not, here's some things to keep in mind, and I hope you took a few minutes to read over the several threads on the front page of the forum:

1. The biggest issue that most of the enthusiasts/posters have about the current iMac is that the video card, which is NOT upgradable, is around 24 months old. It's a laptop (Mobility) video card, so don't confuse it with the desktop equivalent. This is a requirement because of the tight design of the iMac and its need for heat dissipation. GPU technology is evolving just as fast, or arguably faster, than CPU technology right now, and buying a 24-month old card in a brand new computer is sinful. Compare it to buying a Gateway or an eMachines computer with a Celeron or a Pentium-D chip.

2. I agree with the majority of people on the forum that the i7 Intel is probably going to be the biggest "upgrade" for a while, aside from point #1 above. We'll probably see little things like extra clock speed, or perhaps the phasing out of the Core2Duo chip and moving to the i5 chip as the entry level iMac. So, your point above seems to be relatively accurate that there won't be any major CPU upgrade for some time, since Intel just changed architectures.

3. Apple hasn't hinted at really being a fan of Blu-Ray drives or anything like that, but the SuperDrive currently offered is pretty archaic by today's standards. We've had mainstream DVD-RW drives for around 8 years now. Several people that lurk around here would also like to see a Solid State Drive (SSD) for the main hard drive in the iMac. This would feature some pretty good power efficiency but the cost is extremely expensive per gigabyte of storage compared to a typical spinning-disk-and-platter hard drive. The SSD performs considerably faster but at a steep cost.

Unless you're planning on buying this computer solely for the purpose of playing Diablo 3, StarCraft 2, or other super-detailed resource-heavy games, the current "top of the line" iMac i7 will probably do you right for years to come. If you are really concerned about the video card, just wait a little longer. We're past the "average" release time for new iMac products, but it appears that Apple typically updates iMacs in the Fall with minor updates happening sporadically through the year. For more info on buying them, take a peek at the top right corner in the 'Buyer's Guide' section.

Enjoy.

[peakchua]

so, i guess apple will use the radeon 5750 mobility an 5850 mobility. According to notebookcheck, 5850 is faster than 4850 in gaming.. comparing an i7 mobility vs a desktop i5 processor and also gddr3 vs gddr5.. anyone object? :eek:

[vixducis]

As for the ordering, from past experience, I strongly suggest you either buy the iMac either at an Apple Store near your school (if that's where you're going to be using it) or if you're just planning on leaving it home, order away.


My home is only 40km from college, so no issues there.

1) If just waiting gives me a better gpu, very nice (but is it worth the ipod touch)
2)There's a possibility that they will increase to 1.93GHz, but this will inprove performance just slightly, no?
3)I really don't care about SSD, it's way too expensive. Blu-ray or USB3 would be nice, but the chance they will be implemented are very small.

I'm more tending to get the ipod touch atm.

EDIT: according to this list (http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/gpu_list.php) the hd 5870 (which they will probably use) is only 10% better than the 4850 (both mobility), which is also not worth the wait

[REM314]

1. The biggest issue that most of the enthusiasts/posters have about the current iMac is that the video card, which is NOT upgradable, is around 24 months old. It's a laptop (Mobility) video card, so don't confuse it with the desktop equivalent. This is a requirement because of the tight design of the iMac and its need for heat dissipation. GPU technology is evolving just as fast, or arguably faster, than CPU technology right now, and buying a 24-month old card in a brand new computer is sinful. Compare it to buying a Gateway or an eMachines computer with a Celeron or a Pentium-D chip.

3. Apple hasn't hinted at really being a fan of Blu-Ray drives or anything like that, but the SuperDrive currently offered is pretty archaic by today's standards. We've had mainstream DVD-RW drives for around 8 years now.
These two things are sadly going to make me leave Apple for desktop computers. It just doesn't seem like they care about their non-mobile computing community. It makes me sad. Windows/Linux here I come.

[pilot1226]

Windows/Linux here I come.

Blasphemer!

In response to above post:

You can't upgrade the video card. Period. So regardless on whether or not you uncovered it's a 10% increase or not, there are some considerable differences in the chip itself. As we've pointed out on this thread, there's DirectX 11 support if you're running Windows, and there's better shader technology for OpenGL in either OS.

Up to you on the iPod touch. I have a Blackberry Curve that I'm pretty happy with and use it for my media player, until Apple decides they don't want to be in bed with AT&T anymore, and then I'll jump to an iPhone. The 8GB iPod touch It retails for $199 so you should realistically expect to sell this on eBay for around $175 if it's still new-in-box. This could be nice because assuming you did want the i7 core iMac, you can get this for around $1999 after the cost of the CPU upgrade and tax are taken into account.

[REM314]

Blasphemer!


Don't blame me, blame Apple. I love OS X to death but I already have a Macbook Pro, Im not going to buy a whole new computer that can't do what I want it to do JUST for the OS. I'm quite disappointed in Apple. I wish they just offered regular towers like a Mac Pro lite.

[peakchua]

i am really excited for the next update.. m obiliy 5750 will be EXCITING! + the gddr5 5850

[tigereat]

So, No new update on WWDC 2010 for sure ?

[Dont Hurt Me]

So, No new update on WWDC 2010 for sure ?Only if your a Phone.

[alpinewhite2000]

That's the beauty behind Apple marketing- their products are refreshed so often that its a non-stop buying cycle from consumers. Myself I went from: white iMac > sold and upgraded to > white macbook then to > aluminum macbook > then upgraded to top of the line macbook air (more for aesthetics). Luckily Apple products retain decent value so I'm usually only out a couple hundred $$ between changes.

Now I am waiting to pounce on an iMac 27". Initially I was considering the 27" but seems like C2D is oldschool computing so I'll go with i5 (also better for resell which I will do approx. 12 months after purchase).

The reality is that even if one waits until Aug-September for the supposed iMac refresh (8 months -11 months, 8 months etc), Apple is already working on the next refresh for May 2011. Cycle never ends, we're just playing catch up.

My 2 cents: evaluate your current overall computing needs and purchase accordingly. We are past mid June now so a wait until August is probably worth it. For those who have been posting and waiting since May... just buy the g**d***** thing already! :)