Is it really worth the wait?

[Wonderspace]

Hi everyone,
my dad is currently waiting to buy our new 27" imac. He told me that he will buy the mac (all in one) when there is a refresh. Is there going to be something THAT signifigant going to be updated in the next "refresh" or is my Dad just wasting time to get the mac. I was just curious what might be added new, and is the wait worth it? The buyers guide says "updates soon". Thanks a lot

[TMRaven]

Nope, nothing significant.

[Wonderspace]

Nope, nothing significant.

do you personally think we should go ahead and buy it? what makes you think its nothing big?

[TMRaven]

Last year's jump to 27 inch iMac and lynnfield processors was probably the biggest update iMac line will receive in the next couple years until the release of mainstream quadcore sandybridge cpus will be readily available.

[Wonderspace]

Last year's jump to 27 inch iMac and lynnfield processors was probably the biggest update iMac line will receive in the next couple years until the release of mainstream quadcore sandybridge cpus will be readily available.

oh jeez, very true man.. SEE DAD!

[Wonderspace]

thanks alot man :)

[Nostromo]

More RAM slots would be nice.

The key problem with iMacs that their RAM maximum outdates them quickly.

16 Gb seems quite good for now. But only if you invest a lot into the 4Gb modules that are quite expensive.

Which puts the iMac at a 2-year renewal cycle.

Too short for such an expensive computer.

[flopticalcube]

More RAM slots would be nice.

The key problem with iMacs that their RAM maximum outdates them quickly.

16 Gb seems quite good for now. But only if you invest a lot into the 4Gb modules that are quite expensive.

Which puts the iMac at a 2-year renewal cycle.

Too short for such an expensive computer.

Nonsense. 4GB sticks are now only slightly more expensive than 2X2GB. These are the first iMacs with 4 RAM slots and that compares well to most PC motherboards. Very few people need more than 4GB at the moment. In 2 years time, very few will need more than 8GB.

[Wonderspace]

More RAM slots would be nice.

The key problem with iMacs that their RAM maximum outdates them quickly.

16 Gb seems quite good for now. But only if you invest a lot into the 4Gb modules that are quite expensive.

Which puts the iMac at a 2-year renewal cycle.

Too short for such an expensive computer.

My dad and i have been using the 24 inch "white" design imac for 5 years this summer,, and have been just fine with 3gb ram :) the only issue to us is: if we buy a new mac now, will there be SIGNIFIGANT updates soo, (according to the buyers guide) but we have already been told that "no" there is no point to wait any longer as we will be waiting for several more years xD : )

[Sensamic]

Buy now.

[Pachang]

No one can know for sure. There are lots of threads about this though.

How significant the next update is depends on how much longer we wait for it.
It also depends whether you mean the C2D 27" iMac or the quad core varieties.

In terms of processor performance, you won't see anything much better than the core i7 option in the next update. You will see improved graphics on both the c2d and 27" iMacs. If the refresh comes in the next three months, it will probably be a fairly minor graphics imporvement. If it is closer to the end of the year/into next year, you may see a greater graphics improvement.

[Wonderspace]

thanks so much guys : ) tomorrow, will post specs of the computer i bought : )
expect the words i7 2.88 or 16gb ram : )

[definitive]

at the moment the video cards available for the 27" screen aren't that great for the suggested resolution that the screen provides. they would be more suited for the 1920x1200/1080 or maybe even less. skip the current model, and wait for the next refresh.

[TMRaven]

I was able to play Dirt2 (one of the most demanding games on the market) at full resolution with max settings at 30fps with the mobility 4850.

Just because it's branded as a mobile card and because it's nearly 2 years old doesn't make it a bad card.

[Wonderspace]

at the moment the video cards available for the 27" screen aren't that great for the suggested resolution that the screen provides. they would be more suited for the 1920x1200/1080 or maybe even less. skip the current model, and wait for the next refresh.

We have been using a computer with 3gb ram and 2.16Ghz processor for the past almost 5 years and it has met our needs quite well. I am able to play World of Warcraft, settings MAXED at 45fps. pretty decent for a computer peeking its 5th year...

[300D]

oh jeez, very true man.. SEE DAD!

Buying now is a pointless waste of money. There WILL be an update soon and if its more than 14 days after your purchase then you're SOL. You'll be eating the difference in cost for what, a few days of use? Is that really worth a couple hundred bucks?

[Orange™]

Buying now is a pointless waste of money. There WILL be an update soon and if its more than 14 days after your purchase then you're SOL. You'll be eating the difference in cost for what, a few days of use? Is that really worth a couple hundred bucks?

I agree! But if the kid wants to waste his fathers money, and doesn't care that his father wants to wait and not have an outdated GPU , than so be it.

Jeez, really not trying to sound rude but basically this is whats happening. You said yourself that it plays your game just fine, so why the rush? Especially since your father will be paying for it, he should have SOME say in when it's purchased. For example, I will be waiting because I'm going to use it for recreational purposes with some major Photo-shop too, but mostly to have as a kick-ass computer. Waiting a little bit longer could pay off a lot.

AND if there is an HDMI port on the iMac (like the new mini) than people will finally be able to plug in there game consoles to the beautiful display, and even watch there blu-ray films.

Not to mention a few HUNDRED $'s off with a nice speed bump and of course, the GPU!!!

[Nostromo]

Nonsense. 4GB sticks are now only slightly more expensive than 2X2GB. These are the first iMacs with 4 RAM slots and that compares well to most PC motherboards. Very few people need more than 4GB at the moment. In 2 years time, very few will need more than 8GB.

Very few people? Just because you don't need it doesn't mean other people won't need it.

Anybody with Photoshop CS5 running 64-bit will want as much RAM as he can get.

The iMac i5 and i7 has enough power for demanding use, the bottleneck is the RAM. Not now, not tomorrow, but in 2 years if you run image applications with large files or do video editing, e.g. footage from the Canon 5DII.

My dad and i have been using the 24 inch "white" design imac for 5 years this summer,, and have been just fine with 3gb ram :) the only issue to us is: if we buy a new mac now, will there be SIGNIFIGANT updates soo, (according to the buyers guide) but we have already been told that "no" there is no point to wait any longer as we will be waiting for several more years xD : )

I have a 24" white iMac, 3 years old, maxed out at 3Gb RAM.

Has enormous problems dealing with 21 megapixel image files. Sure, it has also to do with the old Core 2 Duo processor.

[zaffle]

Buying now is a pointless waste of money. There WILL be an update soon and if its more than 14 days after your purchase then you're SOL. You'll be eating the difference in cost for what, a few days of use? Is that really worth a couple hundred bucks?
people have been saying "soon" since march. the 4850's a fine card, i'm running a 27" iMac alongside my Dell 24" secondary monitor and notice no dip in performance.

however, if you're buying a gaming rig, you shouldn't be looking at macs in the first place. sooner or later (with the recent release of steam) apple hardware may catch up and become current with gaming machines, but apple have usually been cautious with the hardware they use, meaning they're often a step behind in the implementation of the newest technology.

[TMRaven]

Even if apple chooses to launch their iMacs along the time companies launch new gpus, and apple chooses to put the buffest gpus in the iMacs possible, it's still not really a substitute for a dedicated tower that's easily upgradable.

[nj-mac-user]

people have been saying "soon" since march. the 4850's a fine card...

Exactly. Don't listen to the ppl scaring you that its silly to purchase this close to an update. They're in every single forum as if they have some kind of inside knowledge and will try to use logic to convince you. It could be released the beginning of next year for all we know. Point is nobody knows so only play the wait game if you really don't want/need it anytime soon.

[recordprod]

My dad and i have been using the 24 inch "white" design imac for 5 years this summer,, and have been just fine with 3gb ram :) the only issue to us is: if we buy a new mac now, will there be SIGNIFIGANT updates soo, (according to the buyers guide) but we have already been told that "no" there is no point to wait any longer as we will be waiting for several more years xD : )

I also have the white 24" iMac (2.166Ghz) and have just got the 27" i7 and it's a great upgrade though have to say I prefer the non glossy screen of my white iMac - but this new one flies, video renders are so much faster etc etc etc. Upgrade now, you'll love it :)

[hundert]

More RAM slots would be nice.

The key problem with iMacs that their RAM maximum outdates them quickly.

16 Gb seems quite good for now. But only if you invest a lot into the 4Gb modules that are quite expensive.

Which puts the iMac at a 2-year renewal cycle.

Too short for such an expensive computer.

WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

P55 CANNOT HAVE MORE THAN TWO CHANNELS!!!!
i5 and i7 8xx mainboards can only have 4 slots at MAXIMUM!!! The memory controller in the i5 and i7 are DUAL CHANNEL ONLY: means 4 Slots at maximum. X58 has tripple channel, but there are no i7 920 in macs and they run way to hot for that (and expensive together with x58 mainboard)

And who the hell needs 16GB of RAM? You can run a full Sound Studio with 4GB RAM with no problems. This runs with 4GB:
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:muMQj_cI9fuJnM:http://amnet.net.au/~amunday/music/IMG_2219.JPG

For normal Browsing I hardly go over 2GB. 4GB you hit when you have many programs open at the same time, Photoshop with 20 megapixel pictures with 50 layers. Then yes, you need 8GB. But how many of us have 50 layers using photoshop? Or have maya, max, after effects open at the same time?
Exactly

[Nostromo]

I also have the white 24" iMac (2.166Ghz) and have just got the 27" i7 and it's a great upgrade though have to say I prefer the non glossy screen of my white iMac - but this new one flies, video renders are so much faster etc etc etc. Upgrade now, you'll love it :)

That's the one reason why I'm still with my 24" white iMac.

Nonsense. 4GB sticks are now only slightly more expensive than 2X2GB.

Incorrect.

2x2Gb cost twice as much as 1 x 4Gb. If you want to max out a 27" iMac, it costs you $1720 (you have to give away the RAM sticks the iMac comes with).

http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=iMac%203.33GHz%20Intel%20Core%202%20Duo%20%2827-inch%20-%20DDR3%29%20Late%202009&pl=Apple&cat=RAM

WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

P55 CANNOT HAVE MORE THAN TWO CHANNELS!!!!
i5 and i7 8xx mainboards can only have 4 slots at MAXIMUM!!! The memory controller in the i5 and i7 are DUAL CHANNEL ONLY: means 4 Slots at maximum. X58 has tripple channel, but there are no i7 920 in macs and they run way to hot for that (and expensive together with x58 mainboard)

And who the hell needs 16GB of RAM? You can run a full Sound Studio with 4GB RAM with no problems. This runs with 4GB:
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:muMQj_cI9fuJnM:http://amnet.net.au/~amunday/music/IMG_2219.JPG

For normal Browsing I hardly go over 2GB. 4GB you hit when you have many programs open at the same time, Photoshop with 20 megapixel pictures with 50 layers. Then yes, you need 8GB. But how many of us have 50 layers using photoshop? Or have maya, max, after effects open at the same time?
Exactly

Images and video take a lot of RAM.

Sound much less. Just compare image track and soundtrack in video.

Why should it be impossible to have an iMac with more than four slots. The Mac Pro has it. What's so bad about the idea to give the iMac more workstation power?

The tendency is there. The iMac used to be built with more laptop parts, and has switched over to be more of a desktop.

It's not about what the current set-up with the current motherboards can do, but how changes can be made.

Maybe that would be too expensive, but this is what discussions are for.

And, by the way, more screen options would be nice, too. But this is completely irrelevant for you, as you're a sound guy.

[nj-mac-user]

Incorrect.

2x2Gb cost twice as much as 1 x 4Gb...

I think you have it backwards.

[elephantinc]

Back on topic:
I'd say you are being quite selfish, it probably is worth waiting (not as if it costs anything to wait and you have a computer that works in the mean time). Your dad is the one paying, he should be the one to decide, not you or a random person on the internet (e.g. me)
If you wait, you can probably get the same spec machine for a bit cheaper (£100/$100ish) and it will most likely have a better GPU.

[Nishi100]

Why don't we stop fighting like compete immature children? And get back on topic:

Yes, it is a good idea to wait as the iMac could be updated anytime from now to September (only a few months) ; however, it will only get an updated GPU and dual core "i" series for the 21.5 inch.

If you can wait : in / around May 2010 the iMac will get Sandy bridge - SB may have USB 3.0 integrated; therefore, apple will be "forced" to use it.

The 2011 iMac may have intergrated blu-ray and TV tuner and others:esata, expeesscard slot etc*

* unlikely

[hcho3]

We expect new update on imac by no later than October. If you think you can wait until then, wait. If not, then well... get it now. I don't think there will be huge update on specs, but there might be some significant price drop like 200-300 dollars.

[Nishi100]

hcho3 We expect new update on imac by no later than October. If you think you can wait until then, wait. If not, then well... get it now. I don't think there will be huge update on specs, but there might be some significant price drop like 200-300 dollars.

A price drop? No, the new iMac's will get the Dual core "i" series, for the 21.5 inch, and an updated GPU. Do you expect the price to go down? Well it won't; look at the Mac Mini - just and updated GPU and a slight redesign with HDMI and an increase of $100.

I would expect the 27 inch to stay the same - as they will only get a new GPU; however, the 21.5 may go up a bit, due to the better graphics and new GPU.

The next dramatic increase in price for the 27 inch will be when Sandy Bridge gets put in the iMac.

The 21.5 may stick with the i3/i5/i7 in the update after next, because of heat, but we don't know the full specs of Sandy Bridge.

[dexthageek]

More RAM slots would be nice.

The key problem with iMacs that their RAM maximum outdates them quickly.

16 Gb seems quite good for now. But only if you invest a lot into the 4Gb modules that are quite expensive.

Which puts the iMac at a 2-year renewal cycle.

Too short for such an expensive computer.

Just don't buy your RAM from apple.

You can get 16GB from OWC for less then Apple charges for 8GB.

[TMRaven]

The clarkdales that hover in the 3ghz mark are actually cheaper than the current core2duos in the iMacs. The clarkdale variants that hover in the 3.6ghz range are more expensive than the lynnfields that are in the high end iMacs.

I think apple upped the price of the mini because of its new unibody aluminum enclosure to be honest. They updated the baseline macbook pro in the same manner, but didn't change its price.

With that said, I think we'll see the same price points for all of the computers.

[dexthageek]

thanks so much guys : ) tomorrow, will post specs of the computer i bought : )
expect the words i7 2.88 or 16gb ram : )

Don't pay apple for your ram. You can get it ALOT cheaper ordering it yourself. :)

[Hellhammer]

Why should it be impossible to have an iMac with more than four slots. The Mac Pro has it. What's so bad about the idea to give the iMac more workstation power?

iMac ≠ Mac Pro

WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

P55 CANNOT HAVE MORE THAN TWO CHANNELS!!!!
i5 and i7 8xx mainboards can only have 4 slots at MAXIMUM!!! The memory controller in the i5 and i7 are DUAL CHANNEL ONLY: means 4 Slots at maximum. X58 has tripple channel, but there are no i7 920 in macs and they run way to hot for that (and expensive together with x58 mainboard)

P55 does support more than four RAM slots but doesn't support more than 16GB of RAM

[acrahm]

A price drop? No, the new iMac's will get the Dual core "i" series, for the 21.5 inch, and an updated GPU. Do you expect the price to go down? Well it won't; look at the Mac Mini - just and updated GPU and a slight redesign with HDMI and an increase of $100.

I would expect the 27 inch to stay the same - as they will only get a new GPU; however, the 21.5 may go up a bit, due to the better graphics and new GPU.

The next dramatic increase in price for the 27 inch will be when Sandy Bridge gets put in the iMac.

The 21.5 may stick with the i3/i5/i7 in the update after next, because of heat, but we don't know the full specs of Sandy Bridge.


so if i am deciding between an refurbed i5 27' now or an updated 21' with similar specs, the better deal would be the 27'?

the display isnt a huge deal to me, but if an updated 21' with similar specs is gonna cost $1500, then i might as well just buy the refurbed 27' for $1700...

[Nishi100]

so if i am deciding between an refurbed i5 27' now or an updated 21' with similar specs, the better deal would be the 27'?

the display isnt a huge deal to me, but if an updated 21' with similar specs is gonna cost $1500, then i might as well just buy the refurbed 27' for $1700...

The "September" update of the 21.5 will be dual core i5's / i7's; the 27 inch has quad core, think of it like this.

September 21.5 inch : 2.8 dual core i5
2.8 + 2.8 = 5.6

This generation 27 inch : 2.8 quad core
2.8 + 2.8 + 2.8 + 2.8 = 11.2

Obviously only a few apps can use all four cores; however, when you are running a non-multithreaded app then turbo boost can use three cores, instead of just the extra one in the 21.5.

If gaming is big for you: wait for the September and buy a quad with good graphics (more expensive)

OR

Buy this refurb 27 inch which can handle games quite well.

A few facts:

Quad core is new and Dual cores (including the "new" dual "i" series)
27 inch for an extra $300
The issues may have been fixed for the September update
Gaming is a big deal to me - maybe not be for you - if it is wait for the September update.


It's up to you but go for the quad and 27 inch


the display isnt a huge deal to me, but if an updated 21' with similar specs is gonna cost $1500, then i might as well just buy the refurbed 27' for $1700...

*Quote above* not only a 27 inch for $1700 - A quad core

[iamthedudeman]

thanks so much guys : ) tomorrow, will post specs of the computer i bought : )
expect the words i7 2.88 or 16gb ram : )

You mean your dad bought. ;)

[iamthedudeman]

Hi everyone,
my dad is currently waiting to buy our new 27" imac. He told me that he will buy the mac (all in one) when there is a refresh. Is there going to be something THAT signifigant going to be updated in the next "refresh" or is my Dad just wasting time to get the mac. I was just curious what might be added new, and is the wait worth it? The buyers guide says "updates soon". Thanks a lot


The best times to buy a imac are at the beginning of a refresh and at the end. At the beginning speaks for itself but at the end the refurbs become plentiful such as a 27 C2D for $1450 which is a great deal or a i5 27 for 1699 which is also a great deal. You have to remember the monitor costs between $900 to $1000 by itself so a 27 C2D you are getting the computer part for about $450 and on the i5 for $700.

Not a bad deal.

[acrahm]

The "September" update of the 21.5 will be dual core i5's / i7's; the 27 inch has quad core, think of it like this.

September 21.5 inch : 2.8 dual core i5
2.8 + 2.8 = 5.6

This generation 27 inch : 2.8 quad core
2.8 + 2.8 + 2.8 + 2.8 = 11.2

Obviously only a few apps can use all four cores; however, when you are running a non-multithreaded app then turbo boost can use three cores, instead of just the extra one in the 21.5.

If gaming is big for you: wait for the September and buy a quad with good graphics (more expensive)

OR

Buy this refurb 27 inch which can handle games quite well.

A few facts:

Quad core is new and Dual cores (including the "new" dual "i" series)
27 inch for an extra $300
The issues may have been fixed for the September update
Gaming is a big deal to me - maybe not be for you - if it is wait for the September update.


It's up to you but go for the quad and 27 inch




*Quote above* not only a 27 inch for $1700 - A quad core

thanks for some great advice!!

i am not big into gaming, its going to be used for photo editing an video making...

[Nishi100]

thanks for some great advice!!

i am not big into gaming, its going to be used for photo editing an video making...

An updated graphics card won't increase photo or video rendering that much; it's more of a test of the CPU.

For example a quad core i7 with a ATI 4850 will render faster than a dual core i7 with an ATI 5870.

A good example of this is Sandy Bridge which can render a game on full setings at the same rate as a high end GPU.

[HvyMtlPlyr]

Just a thought here. I just bought a 27" i5 from the Apple store (first Mac and lovin it) and got a discount on the price, 8GB iPod touch with 100% rebate, wireless photo printer with 100% rebate and 33% off AppleCare. Ended up giving the iPod to my daughter, but you can always sell on eBay. At the end of the day that would add up to a nice discount on a new iMac.

[Hexero]

If you need it now, buy it now! If you can wait, then wait.

[SayWord]

Honestly the only real thing holding me back are these threads/posts of bad monitors. I get that it's not every imac that is like that, but it's still a possibility. I sort of really want that free itouch too...but I'm not sure if I should just wait a little longer to see if there's a better update.

Would you say that even if there was a minor update (i.e a better GPU) that would be better than purchasing the i7 now with a free itouch? Or would you say waiting would be better?

I have no problem waiting...but honestly the only thing that's sparking my interest intensively is the itouch.