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$499 Headless iMac?
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About friggin time 
I don't know how many times I've heard "osx is way cool but macs are too expensive" or "macs are nice, but I can get a dell for $500."
Curiously, sounds pretty much how I said Apple should do a cheap headless back when the G5 iMac came out. Basically, a new iMac without the display and flipped on its side. Though I did spec it with a G5 and bumped the price to $650 or so. Nice to know I still have a decent idea of component pricing.
Thing is, is this aimed at switchers or emac buyers? One would think with the slow processor, its for the latter. As much as I applaud Apple for finally doing a headless iMac(if the rumor is true...but Think Secret is pretty reliable), I think they should put a G5 in it, even if it bumps the cost to $650. It would still be half the price of an iMac and not be obsolete in, oh, 2003. A small $650 G5 machine would be pretty compelling to anyone. I'm thinking they don't want to kill iMac sales. Then again, the config they are talking about sounds like it would be very appealing to corporate IT, at least the few that look at macs for general purpose computing.
I don't know how many times I've heard "osx is way cool but macs are too expensive" or "macs are nice, but I can get a dell for $500."Curiously, sounds pretty much how I said Apple should do a cheap headless back when the G5 iMac came out. Basically, a new iMac without the display and flipped on its side. Though I did spec it with a G5 and bumped the price to $650 or so. Nice to know I still have a decent idea of component pricing.
Thing is, is this aimed at switchers or emac buyers? One would think with the slow processor, its for the latter. As much as I applaud Apple for finally doing a headless iMac(if the rumor is true...but Think Secret is pretty reliable), I think they should put a G5 in it, even if it bumps the cost to $650. It would still be half the price of an iMac and not be obsolete in, oh, 2003.
A small $650 G5 machine would be pretty compelling to anyone. I'm thinking they don't want to kill iMac sales. Then again, the config they are talking about sounds like it would be very appealing to corporate IT, at least the few that look at macs for general purpose computing.IVIIVI4ck3y27 said:
I am pretty amazed at some damn corporation or an individual (taking the highest pay in the whole hitech sector)at the expense of "YOU" as a consumer is totally ok! I think Emperors of yester years would envy this. All Apple products are made in CHINA and sticking that they are designed in californa does not justify overpricing! And btw i donot think apple would ever volunteer to support your existence. I am not fighting apple's right to do waht ever they want nor your right to support it at any cost. All i was saying in response to some who asked what should apple do? i was just replying that rather than pulling such a stunt (if it were to be true),it will be better to give people more choice with the existing lines. May be i am one of those who does not care much about the platform (i regularly program in Win, OSX & Solaris).
Given all this, unless OSX becomes stable and matured no one is going to adopt it in the industry that is for sure and they are not definitely inerested in whether apple survives or not. Even in our dept/univ there is a lot of code written for OS9 when we are trying to move to OSX, they release a new version of OSX that is not exactly compliant with the previous one and with tiger the things will again take a turn. Especially in univ like environments it is extremely painful to keep porting the code back and forth where it is not done completely professionally. At some point you donot care if it is the most prettiest thing, you want the damn thing to work. With tiger they want to go back HAL (hardware abstraction layer -win 2000 anyone?). OSX is a completely hacked version of FreeBSD and their rosy picture of interoperability with unixs is not all that true.
This will do amazing things for Apple, as others have said more developers/more software/more cross platform programs. Only good things!
If it looks like the pic earlier on in this thread our family will buy two, that is one stunning piece of kit and knowing Apple it will probs look something like that.
I hope to god they have a VGA output and maybe a vga-->dvi adapter soo most pc users already with a screen can just plug it in.
fingers crossed
I know so many people who don't want the crt display of the emac but can't justify spending too much on a imac and have a screen already
If it looks like the pic earlier on in this thread our family will buy two
, that is one stunning piece of kit and knowing Apple it will probs look something like that.I hope to god they have a VGA output and maybe a vga-->dvi adapter soo most pc users already with a screen can just plug it in.
fingers crossed
I know so many people who don't want the crt display of the emac but can't justify spending too much on a imac and have a screen already
At Last - Some REAL rumors
You know, there was a time when I had nearly given up on MacRumors, just endless stories about security update this, dot point increment of that, but then today:
iTunes Musis Store for AUS (yay)
AND juicy new hardware rumors, the kind of thing, that if it's true, I imagine would send Steve into the most appocalyptic of rages.
Why can't there be more days like this ...
You know, there was a time when I had nearly given up on MacRumors, just endless stories about security update this, dot point increment of that, but then today:
iTunes Musis Store for AUS (yay)
AND juicy new hardware rumors, the kind of thing, that if it's true, I imagine would send Steve into the most appocalyptic of rages.
Why can't there be more days like this ...
It will come to pass
OK. Everybody, stop hyperventilating.
This is a great idea and will bring in plenty of Windows users. Apple makes more money on CPUs then displays. I'm sure a choice of wide screen displays will be offered along with the computer. But, Apple doesn't need to "sell" them. If the buyer already has a display, fine. That's the whole idea. It will certainly be interesting as to the name it will have. An "i" is a given I'd say.
The specs ThinkSecret lists are probably 90% accurate. In the past they have never been completely right. But the site has been spot on in their general predicitions in the past.
It will be the "one more thing" from SJ during the Keynote. Too bad it leaked out, as it would freak out the audience if it was a surprise. Oh well. 12 days and counting (or thereabouts).
OK. Everybody, stop hyperventilating.
This is a great idea and will bring in plenty of Windows users. Apple makes more money on CPUs then displays. I'm sure a choice of wide screen displays will be offered along with the computer. But, Apple doesn't need to "sell" them. If the buyer already has a display, fine. That's the whole idea. It will certainly be interesting as to the name it will have. An "i" is a given I'd say.
The specs ThinkSecret lists are probably 90% accurate. In the past they have never been completely right. But the site has been spot on in their general predicitions in the past.
It will be the "one more thing" from SJ during the Keynote. Too bad it leaked out, as it would freak out the audience if it was a surprise. Oh well. 12 days and counting (or thereabouts).
Will change the computing world
If true, this is too amazing for words. Think about it ... a Mac that costs as much if not less than some iPods. Any PC switcher could hook it up to an old monitor (or buy a cinema display if that's where the road takes them) and finally get to enjoy everything Mac users have known for 20 years ... that these computers rock -- That we (for now) have no fears about viruses.
If you've been to an Apple store, you've seen all those people who are so excited to even touch a Mac. And I have friends that just can't justify the price. No, this is not for die-hard gamers, but as we've seen, it's going to soon require a G5 for that anyhow. These are for regular folks. This is for the grandmas who want to see photos of their grandkids on a slideshow. This is for students to type up reports. This is for business people who want something to sync with a laptop for home use.
And for $499, we can't complain about anything. We can't complain about video cards. We can't complain about connections. We have to take it for what it's worth and a Mac at $499 is worth it.
Could it have more? Sure! Could it offer direct input of camera memory cards for people to upload photos? That would be sweet, but things like that .. the little extras ... are not what this is about. Those are the things that Apple should be thinking about for future iMacs.
For right now, let's concentrate on Apple getting marketshare up and get people realizing that the iPod is just the beginning of what Apple is all about.
If true, this is too amazing for words. Think about it ... a Mac that costs as much if not less than some iPods. Any PC switcher could hook it up to an old monitor (or buy a cinema display if that's where the road takes them) and finally get to enjoy everything Mac users have known for 20 years ... that these computers rock -- That we (for now) have no fears about viruses.
If you've been to an Apple store, you've seen all those people who are so excited to even touch a Mac. And I have friends that just can't justify the price. No, this is not for die-hard gamers, but as we've seen, it's going to soon require a G5 for that anyhow. These are for regular folks. This is for the grandmas who want to see photos of their grandkids on a slideshow. This is for students to type up reports. This is for business people who want something to sync with a laptop for home use.
And for $499, we can't complain about anything. We can't complain about video cards. We can't complain about connections. We have to take it for what it's worth and a Mac at $499 is worth it.
Could it have more? Sure! Could it offer direct input of camera memory cards for people to upload photos? That would be sweet, but things like that .. the little extras ... are not what this is about. Those are the things that Apple should be thinking about for future iMacs.
For right now, let's concentrate on Apple getting marketshare up and get people realizing that the iPod is just the beginning of what Apple is all about.
andrebsd said:
You argument about virii makes some sense, but lets get real. Even if Apple doubled its market share, it would still be ~5%. As in, 90%+ would still be on windows. So, a virus will still be targeted to windows for maximum damage (not to mention ease of creation and execution). And, your "exclusiveness" of owning a mac would still be there. You'd still be "thinking different."
btw, back in the 90's when Apple had 20%+ marketshare, Macs were still largely hack-proof and immune to virii. Granted, things were a lot simpler back then but Windows hacking/virii still outnumbered mac by something like 100-1. Apple would have to incorporate major security holes into the OS (like melding safari or mail into the kernel or something) and achieve something like 40% marketshare for major hacking/virii to start happening. And believe me, if Apple got anywhere near 40% marketshare, they wouldn't give a rats a** about losing "exclusive" status. They would probably be concerned about getting more attention from hackers, but its probably a problem they would love to have if it was due to big marketshare. Jobs would be concerned, but the billions his Apple stock would be worth would probably lessen the pain.
Kinda late to this thread, and its an awesome idea. The thing is, if this is a reliable rumor, they must be developing a low end display also, possibly filling the missing 17" monitor in their line-up.
On the other hand, i find it hard to accept the idea that it will be in the iMac line-up. Its obviously geared towards the cheap asses like me, it sounds like it should be in the eMac line-up.
If it ends up being a part of the iMac line-up, i dont like the direction Steve Jobs is going. Earlier this year, they updated the Powermacs and discontinue single processor versions. Then they decide to update the iMacs but completely discontinue iMac sales until then. They surprise us with an amazing price point and a new G5 powered iMac. Now they reintroduce the single processor Powermacs after they realize how stupid it was to discontinue it. And then now they reintroduce another line of iMacs with G4 processors again.
It just doesnt make sense.
It would make sense to introduce it as a new eMac line or a completely new line.
On the other hand, i find it hard to accept the idea that it will be in the iMac line-up. Its obviously geared towards the cheap asses like me, it sounds like it should be in the eMac line-up.
If it ends up being a part of the iMac line-up, i dont like the direction Steve Jobs is going. Earlier this year, they updated the Powermacs and discontinue single processor versions. Then they decide to update the iMacs but completely discontinue iMac sales until then. They surprise us with an amazing price point and a new G5 powered iMac. Now they reintroduce the single processor Powermacs after they realize how stupid it was to discontinue it. And then now they reintroduce another line of iMacs with G4 processors again.
It just doesnt make sense.
It would make sense to introduce it as a new eMac line or a completely new line.
Living room Mac would be nice
As to a name, especially if it has built in 802.11 capabilities, *especially* if it has built in media streaming to a connected stereo and/or TV... why not iMac Express?
As to a name, especially if it has built in 802.11 capabilities, *especially* if it has built in media streaming to a connected stereo and/or TV... why not iMac Express?
If this rumor is true, which it seems it likely will be to some degree, Apple needs to drop another model. Otherwise their model lineup will start to look like it did during the mid 90s when they offered like 20 different Performa computers. If there is a $500 Mac with similiar specs to an $800 Mac (the eMac), who would buy the eMac? And if the eMac is updated to a G5, who would buy an iMac (let alone the PowerBook)? I think Apple will drop either the eMac or iMac, and I'm guessing it won't be the iMac.
Reality check here
In my 2+ years on MR, I have heard the screams for a $499 headless Mac. Now we have a rumor that is credible (based on Think's past record) and it has started.
1.25 GHz is too slow- needs at least a 1.5 GHz.
32MB GPU- needs a 64 MB GPU.
40 GB HD is not enough give us an 80 GB.
Where is Bluetooth?
Combo drive - it needs a DVD burner.
256 MB RAM - OK, that is pathetic.
Give me a break people. This is an entry level/switcher/iPod halo effect machine designed to hit a price point and make some money for Apple and, hopefully, grow market share. In reality, I think it's designed to get people into the store where they can be up sold if need be.
No, Apple can't take a hit on profits and add better components. They are a business. What is the point of growing market share at the expense of making money? From a business perspective, none.
Apple sells a ton of these, what else do these users do to add to Apple's bottom line? IMO, little or nothing. It comes with all the software the user needs to get started and they likely have all the peripherals they need. It will likely last for years and the user will not need to spend any more money with Apple on their PC. Any money spent will likely go elsewhere for non-Apple peripherals and software. So what does Apple get? A small profit on a $499 box and a possible Mac sale in 4, 5, 6 years?
I only hope the market doesn't look at this rationally and drives my Apple stock to the magic number I'm looking for before I sell it. I'm a greedy bastard.
In my 2+ years on MR, I have heard the screams for a $499 headless Mac. Now we have a rumor that is credible (based on Think's past record) and it has started.
1.25 GHz is too slow- needs at least a 1.5 GHz.
32MB GPU- needs a 64 MB GPU.
40 GB HD is not enough give us an 80 GB.
Where is Bluetooth?
Combo drive - it needs a DVD burner.
256 MB RAM - OK, that is pathetic.
Give me a break people. This is an entry level/switcher/iPod halo effect machine designed to hit a price point and make some money for Apple and, hopefully, grow market share. In reality, I think it's designed to get people into the store where they can be up sold if need be.
No, Apple can't take a hit on profits and add better components. They are a business. What is the point of growing market share at the expense of making money? From a business perspective, none.
Apple sells a ton of these, what else do these users do to add to Apple's bottom line? IMO, little or nothing. It comes with all the software the user needs to get started and they likely have all the peripherals they need. It will likely last for years and the user will not need to spend any more money with Apple on their PC. Any money spent will likely go elsewhere for non-Apple peripherals and software. So what does Apple get? A small profit on a $499 box and a possible Mac sale in 4, 5, 6 years?
I only hope the market doesn't look at this rationally and drives my Apple stock to the magic number I'm looking for before I sell it. I'm a greedy bastard.
Wouldn't a cheap-o model like this be very bad for the used Mac market? One part of owning a Mac is that you know you can get a good price when say offering it in ebay...
Anyway, I'm more interested in a new PowerBook, my TiBook is starting to look old... Personally I hope for a 12" PowerBook with backlit keyboard, or maybe the 13" widescreen rumors are true, even better. Don't care if G4 or G5 or whatever. Also speed-bumped PowerMacs... Here I come...
Anyway, I'm more interested in a new PowerBook, my TiBook is starting to look old... Personally I hope for a 12" PowerBook with backlit keyboard, or maybe the 13" widescreen rumors are true, even better. Don't care if G4 or G5 or whatever. Also speed-bumped PowerMacs... Here I come...
one3 said:The description of this sounds a little like a mockup I did a month or two ago:
somebody needs to get jonathan ives on the phone right now and hire you straight away
dude that is awesome... this is exactly what my dad would be looking for especially if on the cost side it goes head-to-head with this windoze-taiwan-china rubbish (no offense to taiwan and china)
iJon said:
Also, with the best will in the world, Florida is part of the largest, most developed economy on Earth. Some of the regions affected by Sunday's events barely have economies in the sense that we understand them in the industrialised Northern/Western hemispheres.
You guys got it all wrong...
The think secret report got a lot of things right, except for the fact that the reason it is headless is that it is _actually_ a media centre, and not meant as a regular computer. We will all buy it and connect it to our tvs and stereos (also wirelessly) and ipods. It will be the ipod-revolution all over again in the home-stereo/tv world.
The think secret report got a lot of things right, except for the fact that the reason it is headless is that it is _actually_ a media centre, and not meant as a regular computer. We will all buy it and connect it to our tvs and stereos (also wirelessly) and ipods. It will be the ipod-revolution all over again in the home-stereo/tv world.
The great thing about this for me is it has corporate value. Where all you need is a machine to run Office - which probably 60% of corporate machines only ever do - then this is an ideal alternative.
Me also thinks if they are trying to catch the Windows crowd and are including Appleworks, there'd have to be an update to it. Here's hoping.
Me also thinks if they are trying to catch the Windows crowd and are including Appleworks, there'd have to be an update to it. Here's hoping.
hmm. don't know what I think. On the one hand, the worst case scenario is an embarassing flop that costs a chunk of change. On the other hand, that seems likely-apple is no dell.
The one thing I do know-this had better get it's own name. "i" has done very well for apple, and is as trusted and important a name as apple itself. But if this thing doesn't live up to the perceived quality, stylishness, power, etc. of the imac, ipod, ilife, suite.... bad news for apple. Other than that, go ahead, you're doing well enough, and stagnating enough, computer wise, to be able to afford to and have the need to try something very different.
The one thing I do know-this had better get it's own name. "i" has done very well for apple, and is as trusted and important a name as apple itself. But if this thing doesn't live up to the perceived quality, stylishness, power, etc. of the imac, ipod, ilife, suite.... bad news for apple. Other than that, go ahead, you're doing well enough, and stagnating enough, computer wise, to be able to afford to and have the need to try something very different.