Forget the fusion drive. To avoid a platter disk altogether the only option is
1. 27" model
2. $1300 for 768 SSD. (Price in my location )
That's the bigger ripoff. That almost a whole other 21.5" iMac.
Just get the normal platter drive and then get this Thunderbolt SSD.
http://store.apple.com/uk/product/H...128gb-ssd-thunderbolt-hard-drive?fnode=5f&p=3
Connect it and attach one of the TwelveSouth backpacks so that everything is still neat and tidy. Managing your files yourself is not rocket science.
This is what I would do.
If I wanted to put a 256GB SSD in my new iMac is there a ssd out there that I can buy and put in this machine? I don't think opening the iMac or setting up the fusion software will be a problem as this has been proven on many threads. The new iMac is only held together by magnets again and has far less components so the procedure will be simple. I am going to have to open this machine at some point so why not do it from day one.
The main sticking point for this upgrade is that I don't know if a 256GB SSD is available to fit the iMac's msata connector? Are ones available for the macbook pro retina anyone??
The new iMac is only held together by magnets again
Not sure about this now after looking at some of the updated photos on the tear down pics thread. Looks as if it could be double sided tape
Which is exactly why I decided on the stock low end 21.5" at a stop gap until Apple launches the new pro model. Spending $2500 on a virtually sealed computer just isn't an option I can conscientiously consider.
We'll have to wait for more info. Double-sided tape may not be so bad if it maintains its adhesion. Lots of electronics with tape are fine to take apart and put back together.
Guess we'll find out soon enough!
This is the screen we are talking about here. The magnets must not have had enough holding power to keep the lcd and glass frame on properly hence "This time, because it was fixed with double-sided tape, a hot air gun It was also necessary"
The tape looks to be ripped in the images so will need replacement after the screen is removed. This maybe is not going to be a good idea to remove without having to scrape all of the old tape off every time the machine is opened So much for magnets.
If I wanted to put a 256GB SSD in my new iMac is there a ssd out there that I can buy and put in this machine?
Almost certainly ssds made by OWC will be compatible with the new iMac. In a couple of days we will know.
It's a "rip off" if you are a technically-saavy user who is comfortable with physically working inside your computer (doubly so with a computer that is not designed to be easily physically worked on), who understands how the Fusion system is implemented, is comfortable with using command line tools to configure it and understands that if you make a mistake you will very likely destroy your data so you have a backup plan in place before you started.
Those types of users are, if not the majority on technical forums like these, are at least the plurality.
These users are not the plurality, much less the majority, of the general Apple consumer base.
Explain all those steps to someone like your father or mother or a co-worker who doesn't have your level and depth of knowledge. And also explain to them that if they make a mistake, they could damage their computer (requiring repair or replacement not under warranty at their own cost) or the loss of all their data.
Then ask them if paying $250 to Apple to do it (and cover it under warranty) is a "rip off".
I'm a very technically-saavy user who has the knowledge and skills to do this myself, but I would still pay Apple the $250 to do it for me and cover it under a warranty because even with my skills and knowledge, I could still make a mistake with the hardware-side of it and the costs of fixing that will almost certainly be more than $250.
The new iMac is only held together by magnets again and has far less components so the procedure will be simple.
false, go checkout the youtube videos, they sealed it shut. The guy has to use a thin knife all around the screen to break the tape/glue. It's good that this setup will seal out all the dust, but very bad for upgrade. As you need to buy new tape, align them perfectly, then reseal precisely.
I am glad i got the fusion drive instead of the stock hdd and hope to upgrade later, there is no way i am going through that to opening it up on top of voiding my warranty - on a new design untested day 1 order.
I corrected myself straight after I saw the images coming in of the iMac being opened fully. I wonder now if that tap can be purchased front somewhere?
false, go checkout the youtube videos, they sealed it shut. The guy has to use a thin knife all around the screen to break the tape/glue. It's good that this setup will seal out all the dust, but very bad for upgrade. As you need to buy new tape, align them perfectly, then reseal precisely.
I am glad i got the fusion drive instead of the stock hdd and hope to upgrade later, there is no way i am going through that to opening it up on top of voiding my warranty - on a new design untested day 1 order.
Looks like iFixit's teardown reveals even more concerning problems related to this: http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2428+Teardown/5485/1
What does the teardown of a 2011 iMac have to do with the new models?