Re: Re: iMac/eMac differentiation...
I guess we'll have to disagree to disagree, but i think that to get more folks to consider switching and buying the iMac instead of the eMac or a WinTel machine, that it needs to perform better. And I think it can be done in a way that maintains differentiation from the PowerMac, even with the current PowerMac specs.
Remember, the eMac/iMac may be the low price Apple computers, but they are targetted as mid-range, not low end, machines to consumers. In that space, the difference in performance with WinTel is getting pretty big - not as bad as at the high end, but... I don't think the hardware has to match the WinTel performance, but it does need to be competitive, and I wouldn't say no to better.
Some of the details on differentiation are definitely debatable, but I think something could be done. I can't imagine too many gamers or graphic professional going with an iMac over a PowerMac as their primary machine given the differentiation I've listed, and the goal would be to make up that difference with more switchers....
BTW, all PowerMacs now include L3 cache.
- A happy iMac G4 owner / recent switcher who wants to see more.
PS To compare with the current state of WinTel:
Gateway® Profile® 4 X
Starts at $1499
17" Monitor
P4 2.4Ghz
256MB DDR RAM with 533 MHz FSB
40Gig, 7200RPM Hard Drive
It has other issues besides the lack of OSX (no DVD, no wide screen, overall design, ...), but overall price/performance...
Originally posted by iwantanewmac
Well I DON'T think there will be enough differentitation.
The dual cpu's are not going to stay. I think they will introduce singles again when moving to a new chip. Low end PM doesnt have L3. expandability well..you can buy everything you like and add it externally.
If you put all that stuff you say in the Imac well you have a powermac.
I see it that way. There has got to be a difference. If you need more power, buy a tower. he that rhymes.
Imac is "entry" level mac. It will always be that way I guess.
I guess we'll have to disagree to disagree, but i think that to get more folks to consider switching and buying the iMac instead of the eMac or a WinTel machine, that it needs to perform better. And I think it can be done in a way that maintains differentiation from the PowerMac, even with the current PowerMac specs.
Remember, the eMac/iMac may be the low price Apple computers, but they are targetted as mid-range, not low end, machines to consumers. In that space, the difference in performance with WinTel is getting pretty big - not as bad as at the high end, but... I don't think the hardware has to match the WinTel performance, but it does need to be competitive, and I wouldn't say no to better.
Some of the details on differentiation are definitely debatable, but I think something could be done. I can't imagine too many gamers or graphic professional going with an iMac over a PowerMac as their primary machine given the differentiation I've listed, and the goal would be to make up that difference with more switchers....
BTW, all PowerMacs now include L3 cache.
- A happy iMac G4 owner / recent switcher who wants to see more.
PS To compare with the current state of WinTel:
Gateway® Profile® 4 X
Starts at $1499
17" Monitor
P4 2.4Ghz
256MB DDR RAM with 533 MHz FSB
40Gig, 7200RPM Hard Drive
It has other issues besides the lack of OSX (no DVD, no wide screen, overall design, ...), but overall price/performance...