Foxconn have made mobo's for APple before and they were behind the whole 360 fiasco. Thinking that the internals of any Mac are significantly better than anything in the windows world is just fantasy.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Apple Announces New iMacs, Mac Minis, AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Foxconn have made mobo's for APple before and they were behind the whole 360 fiasco. Thinking that the internals of any Mac are significantly better than anything in the windows world is just fantasy.
QFT
I think there will be a lot more people like you coming out of the closet in the next 6-9 months. As the economy switches from bling to bust, people are looking for more sensible options.
from the Register..
Opinion Apple updated its Mac Mini, iMac, and Mac Pro lines on Tuesday. And what a ho-hum set of updates it was.
Admittedly, Apple-watchers have been spoiled by past announcements. Nostalgia buffs will remember how excitement was high, for example, at the introduction of the original iMac in 1997, the Power Mac G5 in 2003, and - of course - the better-than-rumored iPhone in 2007.
But the Cupertino Fruit Company's recent roll-outs have done little to reward the devotion of Apple fanbois.
When Apple revamped its MacBook line last October, few were dancing in the streets over a unibody aluminum case and greener specs. While the new MacBooks were fine machines (although we're still not enthusiastic about the later-announced 17-inch MacBook's sealed battery), they didn't live up to the expectations engendered by Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer reference to a "future product transition" during an earnings call last July.
And then came Macworld Expo 2009, which included a valiant keynote address by Apple's SVP for Worldwide Product Marketing, Phil Schiller, during which he attempted to galvanize the gathering with tweaks to iLife and iWork.
Today's announcements continue in the same yawning path. The Mac Pro's move to Nehalem-based Xeon processors was welcome, but it was proof yet again that the best way to predict Apple's speed bumps is to keep your eye on Intel's processor roadmaps and product list.
Doing so would have cooled the jets of those who were expecting Nehalem-based iMacs. Mobile-class Nehalems (iMacs, though desktops, are built with mobile-class components) won't be available until later this year - and there's no way that the iMac's slender confines could handle the 130-watt toastiness of the two existing high-end Nehalem desktop chips, the 2.66GHz Core i7-920 ($284/£202) or the pricey 2.93GHz Core i7-940 ($562/£400).
And speaking of the "new" iMacs introduced today, while their price cuts are welcome, US users are the prime beneficiaries. Due to the recent Meltdown-induced rise of the US dollar, folks purchasing their iMacs in pounds or euros won't benefit.
Then there's the Mac Mini upgrade, which falls into the "About %$#@!ing time" category. Like the other announcements, it's welcome, but it won't make the earth move beneath a fanboi's feet. Thanks for the improved graphics and upgraded ports, Apple, but isn't that industrial design getting a wee bit dated?
The announcements were also notable for what wasn't announced. The iMacs don't have LED-lit displays, such as the company's 24-inch LED Cinema Display. There's no Blu-Ray option, despite the recent simplification of the Blu-Ray licensing morass.
And there's no longer a numeric keypad or forward-delete key on the new standard wired Apple keyboard.
Still, hidden below the top-of-the-line Mac announcements are some welcome niceties, such as the fact that Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme are now 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual-band 802.11n and that the speed-bumped 15-inch MacBook Pro and 17-inch MacBook Pro can now be purchased with a 256GB solid-stated drive (SSD). But why does that SSD costs $825 extra in the 15-incher but only $750 in the 17-incher?
It's all a bit underwhelming. Where's the hoped for mini-tower? The ever-elusive tablet Mac? An updated industrial design for anything?
In the end, Apple's recent caution - or, less kindly, torpor - can be blamed on the ongoing Meltdown. It's simply not a good time for bold, risky moves.
And Apple's not making any. ®
Opinion Apple updated its Mac Mini, iMac, and Mac Pro lines on Tuesday. And what a ho-hum set of updates it was.
Admittedly, Apple-watchers have been spoiled by past announcements. Nostalgia buffs will remember how excitement was high, for example, at the introduction of the original iMac in 1997, the Power Mac G5 in 2003, and - of course - the better-than-rumored iPhone in 2007.
But the Cupertino Fruit Company's recent roll-outs have done little to reward the devotion of Apple fanbois.
When Apple revamped its MacBook line last October, few were dancing in the streets over a unibody aluminum case and greener specs. While the new MacBooks were fine machines (although we're still not enthusiastic about the later-announced 17-inch MacBook's sealed battery), they didn't live up to the expectations engendered by Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer reference to a "future product transition" during an earnings call last July.
And then came Macworld Expo 2009, which included a valiant keynote address by Apple's SVP for Worldwide Product Marketing, Phil Schiller, during which he attempted to galvanize the gathering with tweaks to iLife and iWork.
Today's announcements continue in the same yawning path. The Mac Pro's move to Nehalem-based Xeon processors was welcome, but it was proof yet again that the best way to predict Apple's speed bumps is to keep your eye on Intel's processor roadmaps and product list.
Doing so would have cooled the jets of those who were expecting Nehalem-based iMacs. Mobile-class Nehalems (iMacs, though desktops, are built with mobile-class components) won't be available until later this year - and there's no way that the iMac's slender confines could handle the 130-watt toastiness of the two existing high-end Nehalem desktop chips, the 2.66GHz Core i7-920 ($284/£202) or the pricey 2.93GHz Core i7-940 ($562/£400).
And speaking of the "new" iMacs introduced today, while their price cuts are welcome, US users are the prime beneficiaries. Due to the recent Meltdown-induced rise of the US dollar, folks purchasing their iMacs in pounds or euros won't benefit.
Then there's the Mac Mini upgrade, which falls into the "About %$#@!ing time" category. Like the other announcements, it's welcome, but it won't make the earth move beneath a fanboi's feet. Thanks for the improved graphics and upgraded ports, Apple, but isn't that industrial design getting a wee bit dated?
The announcements were also notable for what wasn't announced. The iMacs don't have LED-lit displays, such as the company's 24-inch LED Cinema Display. There's no Blu-Ray option, despite the recent simplification of the Blu-Ray licensing morass.
And there's no longer a numeric keypad or forward-delete key on the new standard wired Apple keyboard.
Still, hidden below the top-of-the-line Mac announcements are some welcome niceties, such as the fact that Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme are now 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual-band 802.11n and that the speed-bumped 15-inch MacBook Pro and 17-inch MacBook Pro can now be purchased with a 256GB solid-stated drive (SSD). But why does that SSD costs $825 extra in the 15-incher but only $750 in the 17-incher?
It's all a bit underwhelming. Where's the hoped for mini-tower? The ever-elusive tablet Mac? An updated industrial design for anything?
In the end, Apple's recent caution - or, less kindly, torpor - can be blamed on the ongoing Meltdown. It's simply not a good time for bold, risky moves.
And Apple's not making any. ®
I agree with you, however you called me out on this to tell me I was wrong so it's only fair to ask to prove me wrong. A slight pun for you here, you have better things to do but you're hanging out on MR? Okayyy.
Proves nothing, those are "words". I am asking for PROOF that Apple is buying and using the same cheap surplus parts/models as Dell in their entire Macintosh line.
I don't think we have the resources to find the information to prove each other wrong.I agree with you, however you called me out on this to tell me I was wrong so it's only fair to ask to prove me wrong. A slight pun for you here, you have better things to do but you're hanging out on MR? Okayyy.
You're crossing the line there.
I can say for certain Apple is using said "surplus" processors unless Intel has really stamped out smaller a 3 MB spin off.
Didn't you hear Intel has a fab specifically for Apple. Where only the highest quality CPUs are made. As does nVidia (which was evident with all those GPU failures Apple never had).
With the hyperpriced "new" iMacs and Mac Minis - Apple .... certainly in the UK - will lose the iPod/iPhone 'halo' effect in their AppleStores due simply - to the poor £/$ and bizarre super pricing this time round. I'm one of the 'switchers' who fancied their desktops when buying their famous wee MP3 player - not being horrendously much more expensive than their PC counterparts ... two years ago - I was always impressed how good the OS was compared to XP and certainly Vista. So when Leopard came out and the new Alu iMacs ... I jumped in with both feet and dont regret it for one minute either. Apple stuff IS superior. No question. And its just as well I did - because I couldnt justify it now ... the near doubling of their stock prices overnight for a less than doubling of their old designs is pushing loyalty a bit too far. But my observations and sympathy go out to the Premier Resellers. They will be hit the hardest. These non-major stores in towns and some cities that dont have an Apple store wont be getting any switchers now who may have bought 'on the spur of the minute' whilst buying that iPhone. So much so they could go bust in the middle term as the credit crunch kicks in and folks go the Bill Gates route a bit longer.
I think Apple's best bet would be to build a econo-Mac. An econo-Mac'al machine if you were ... JUST to get folks into the Leopard experience and get them away from Bad Vista. Even if it means Apple making next to nothing profitwise .. they have to think longterm. If their euro customer base dies then no amount of new designs and upgrades will help if folks aint buying them in the first place.
As someone earlier in this thread said - why is it when the £/$ was nearly two dollars to the pound ... the prices here never came down .. but as soon as it stays low for a week ... up the prices go. Funny that!.
Cheers!
I think Apple's best bet would be to build a econo-Mac. An econo-Mac'al machine if you were ... JUST to get folks into the Leopard experience and get them away from Bad Vista. Even if it means Apple making next to nothing profitwise .. they have to think longterm. If their euro customer base dies then no amount of new designs and upgrades will help if folks aint buying them in the first place.
As someone earlier in this thread said - why is it when the £/$ was nearly two dollars to the pound ... the prices here never came down .. but as soon as it stays low for a week ... up the prices go. Funny that!.
Cheers!
Analyst's opinion
I'm sure some will bash this, but here is what one analyst in the investment world is saying about the new iMac's:
http://www.appleinsider.com/article...offer_more_value_than_competition_report.html
I think he should have given another "plus" for Leopard, but he was staying "operating system" neutral.
To be fair, either the chart has a couple of typos. or he missed that the better Dell has a Quad core and the 24" iMac DOES NOT have an LED backlit display. Details....
I'm sure some will bash this, but here is what one analyst in the investment world is saying about the new iMac's:
http://www.appleinsider.com/article...offer_more_value_than_competition_report.html
I think he should have given another "plus" for Leopard, but he was staying "operating system" neutral.
To be fair, either the chart has a couple of typos. or he missed that the better Dell has a Quad core and the 24" iMac DOES NOT have an LED backlit display. Details....
You know what actually worries me, this is the first time i've had the feeling that accountants have had a say on what the new Mac models should be like. This may sound odd, but you know when you buy a new car, and if you buy the cheaper model, it isn't a specially built model with most brands, it's the top end model with bits TAKEN off. Hence the little piece of plastic where a button would usually be. This is the vibe i'm getting with these new Macs.
Rather than make them the best they could be for a certain price point like they've always done in the past, i get the feeling that Apple are cutting back. Simple things like the Apple Remote now being an extra, and the keyboard now not having a numerical keypad. But also the major things like the lack of Firewire 400 or at least another 800 port on the iMac. The iMac 2 generations back had 3 firewire ports, now we have 1 for £200 more. Replace it with 3 FW800 ports fine! Even 2. But 1?! How long until they stop giving you the free apple stickers with the product??!
Rather than make them the best they could be for a certain price point like they've always done in the past, i get the feeling that Apple are cutting back. Simple things like the Apple Remote now being an extra, and the keyboard now not having a numerical keypad. But also the major things like the lack of Firewire 400 or at least another 800 port on the iMac. The iMac 2 generations back had 3 firewire ports, now we have 1 for £200 more. Replace it with 3 FW800 ports fine! Even 2. But 1?! How long until they stop giving you the free apple stickers with the product??!
currency..
as pointed out by a journo hack...why does the £ vs $ make a shred of difference to the retail price? A Mac made for the UK market is made in China using taiwanese components, sent to Ireland and then onto the UK market.
surely £ vs yen is more important?
as pointed out by a journo hack...why does the £ vs $ make a shred of difference to the retail price? A Mac made for the UK market is made in China using taiwanese components, sent to Ireland and then onto the UK market.
surely £ vs yen is more important?
Just like Leopard was supposed to fix it?
The only way to "fix" this Hackintosh "issue" is for Apple to transition to PowerPC again and remove all Intel code from their system. PowerPC-Mac OS X only.
I'm no FW expert, but can't you daisy chain?
Yes i could, if i had devices which had more than one firewire port. I suppose could buy a Firewire hub . I could also buy the extra apple remote. I could also buy the keyboard with the numerical keypad. I could also buy a Mini-DisplayPort to DVI converter. But it's just extra stuff i have to BUY. Stuff you never had to originally. And for all that the price goes up by £200. Do you see my point?
Only if you're buying an all-in-one machine which is the worst value for a desktop.
The Hackintosh issue doesn't need fixing. It's cumbersome enough not to really matter in the larger scheme of things.
If you want a nicely integrated piece of equipment where everything pretty much just works as expected and you can use software update without worrying, as well as expect the next few versions of the OS to support you, that's what Apple sells.
If you want to select your own parts, work with a hacked installer, get your updates off fora, buy some more parts because your soundcard or wifi only sorta worked but was quirky, more power to you. I tried that route, wasn't what I wanted, but if it really works out for you, great.
Just so you know, that numerical keyboard is a free option with a mac
If you buy it from Apple themselves, which, being in the Channel Islands, we cannot, they do not ship here for some arcane reason. We have to buy from a 3rd party, which of course only sell the pre-made boxed products. So for us we are having to buy a separate keyboard with numeric keypad, and yes we need it more than you think. My point still stands .
Just so you know, that numerical keyboard is a free option with a mac
So long as you "custom order" and buy direct from Apple online. Not gonna find a "free option" in the Retail stores or any third party resellers... which means the vast majority will ship with the featured-down (ie less expensive) keyboard.
Actually, the store I work at intends to stock both models, they should be available to us. We won't likely be the only ones, and the Apple Stores will likely also stock both models (or be able to open the box and swap one in, dunno how they track that).
jW
Which, of course, Apple would never do because in addition to the ability to use cheaper parts (and therefore get higher product margins), the capability to run Windows on Apple systems has become a marketing point.
I'm no FW expert, but can't you daisy chain?
But where is the fun in that, even a second FW800 port would make life easier. Daisy chaining gets boring in the end.
The UK audience need to look at reality rather than placing blame on one company. What is Apple's excuse for NOT raising the U.S. prices? Hmm? It's your own country that is causing the EURO to plummet. Then you think a U.S. company selling their product should take the downfall with you?
I wish the UK crowd would stop acting like they are the only customers Apple gets business from. The U.S right now has very little money and we have the least amount of employment so we expect Apple to lower costs here for us but they don't.
I wish the UK crowd would stop acting like they are the only customers Apple gets business from. The U.S right now has very little money and we have the least amount of employment so we expect Apple to lower costs here for us but they don't.