I doubt that. The iMac is a consumer PC and most of them have CDs/DVDs at home that they'd like to use with their computer.
And as I have already said, those people are a dying breed. I have not used a CD or DVD in over 5 years.
I do buy blu-rays, but I have a dedicated home theater to watch them.
If you're purchasing blu-rays to watch on your computer, that is absurd. A blu-ray should generally be enjoyed on a much larger screen with a great sound system. Or really, what's the point? I am not trying to tell people how they should watch their stuff. But I am pointing out how minuscule this subset of people are who are clamoring for a blu-ray drive in their iMacs really is.
Granted. Still, an AIO should be flexible in its use. Fact is, many many people prefer physical media over this DRM crap.
An AIO be definition are NOT flexible. They are more akin to laptop. Cramped and harder to fix/upgrade yourself. Get a tower if you want flexibility.
As for your DRM statement... I really feel as if I should stop debating you at this point. You're not only grasping, you sound ignorant and uninformed. There are MANY outlets to obtain media that isn't DRM'd these days.
Not to mention your whole 'apple is trying to sell you itunes' bs comment before. As if you can't obtain media from any other digital outlet out there (literally HUNDREDS: Amazon, google, netflix, vodoo, hulu, google play, etc, etc, etc). As if they are preventing you from getting an external to play whatever media you choose.
You mean like the outdated disk drives that they build into their current iMacs, except for the ones that contain the way overpriced SSD ?
I wouldn't say they are outdated as much as an optical drive. And with Apple's own fusion drive and SSD prices dropping, yes, that will be gone soon too. Can't wait.
That's the consequence of the AOI concept. The same applies to all other parts, especially to the screen, which will outdate at a much slower rate than the other internals. There are still many moving parts inside an iMac that can break.
I understand that. But every little bit counts. They are obviously trying to combat that with every iteration.
Even worse, if you're afraid of breaking parts then an iMac which is practically non-repairable by the user should be avoided.
99% of the user base could not repair their own 2011 iMacs.
...but not for a machine at this price.
I still don't understand why you keep saying that. Price out every piece and you will find that this is one of the best priced iMacs ever. You won't do it. You would rather stay ignorant. DRM CONSPIRACY!
I don't critizize those who are happy with their iMacs, no way doing that. It's just that I don't like this "Apple does it and so it must be good attitude".
That is not my stance in the slightest. I have many issues with some of their items and I will gladly pass on or call them on it when I see fit.
You're the one that is taking it in the opposite extreme. Taking a simple thing like a $20 add-on obsolete drive and saying Apple has AN AGENDA OH NO, and dismissing an entire unbelievably awesome piece of tech over it. You are using outdated terms to back up your claims as well.
The removal of the optical drive was pimarily an advantage for Apple, but not for the customer. The same applies to stupid ideas like non-upgradable RAM, mechanical harddisks (non-upgradable) and other stuff that is sacrificed for pure optical reasons.
I love how you know exactly why they were omitted. You have no idea why they were. And they can be good for the consumer as well, especially for the MANY consumers that do not need them, as my examples have already pointed out. You're just stuck in your ways and can't see past that.
Removing physical media is the way of the future. It is inevitable. Get with it or remain upset. It isn't going to stop, though. I personally see many advantages of it, I am sorry you do not.
I was waiting for the new iMacs for more than 8 months, but the package that they delivered just didn't cut it for me. For an AOI these days I expect...
* a 256GB SSD as the base configuration
* user-upgradable RAM and harddisk
* an optical drive
* all connectivity that I would ever need
* hassle-free target display mode so that I can use the screen with other devices
You can get the SSD. I don't understand why it needs to be standard. I can't tell you this enough, but I won't respond to you again if you do not build me a cheaper computer with comprable parts. The iMac is already priced quite fairly. Add an SSD and pay for it if you want.
The ram is user-upgradable still. Why is it so important that the HDD be user upgradable? Like seriously, why?
Optical drive is obsolete. You already know you can add it on as well. Think of it more as an external HDD. Or a printer, even. Why does it HAVE to be built it?
This iMac has all the connectivity I would ever need. I don't know why you think it doesn't.
It has some target display capabilities. But the past ones had the same issues. Did you expect them to change it all of the sudden?
Regardless, you're asking them to build you a crazy desktop. An iMac is NOT WHAT YOU NEED. You want versatility? Get a Mac PRO! Seriously, the iMac concept is a simplified experience.
Actually, a Mac Mini and a cheapy non glossy monitor from Samsung sounds EXACTLY what you need.
I don't care about the thinner case and while I see the technical advantages of Thunderbolt one must accept that it's more or less dead technology that's only used by Apple as a unique selling proposition for their overpriced (glossy, wtf) displays.
You're so ignorant. Overpriced??? Show me another display that is this powerful for significantly cheaper. The older iMac had glossy displays. The 2012 has moved to solve it. There is tons less glare.
You sound like a disgruntled conspiracy theorist. You are SO UPSET about a computer. Talk about first world problems. Buy a Windows PC and stop whining. I mean, why are you even posting about it still? It is obviously not for you. You're that upset over it? The world MUST know!