Apple Launches New 4K & 5K iMacs, Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Trackpad 2

[MrGimper]

Just received my magic keyboard 2, mouse 2 and trackpad 2. Connect each via lightning to pair and done. Trackpad is big, and white on top. Keyboard feels nice. Mouse is pretty much the same.

 

[Tsaksonakis]

Really? 24GB SSD in the 1TB fusion? My late 2012 has 128GB SSD. Am I misreading this?

 

[Max(IT)]

...Because the new Apple TV can't do that either. So they had to make the new iMac to watch 4k on.


Funny though, i have a late 2013 27" iMac.

Bought it with a 3.5 GHz (Core i7), 3 TB Fusion Drive, GeForce GTX 780M with 4GB of graphics memory. I left the ram stock at 8 GBs and upgraded it myself to 32GB for about $220 AU.

And i can game pretty dam well on it even at 2560 by 1440 sure it's non retina, but it's still a fairy high screen rez.

I can play any game i want, maybe not all on the highest possible settings, but nothing looks poor on it nor has to run on anything below medium detail.

So what your saying Max(IT) is that if you want to buy a multi purpose computer, one that can get work done, play a multiplayer FPS etc well... Sorry folks you can't... Here at Apple we don't make computers that can game.
Well actually couch couch, you could by a Mac Pro for only about twice the amount of a PC gaming rig.

I repeat, i can game with ease on my iMac.

Funny...

But point being, with them all at 4 and 5k, you're kinda screwed. Not even the high spect 27" 5k will run any new game at a playable FPS.

And imo, dropping the screen res isn't an option. Everyone with sense knows that running an LCD panel at anything other than native looks **** house.

I don't want to buy it, and i actually won't.
But if I would consider an iMac (last I bought was in 2008) I know very well it isn't a gaming machine by any means, so I wouldn't be unsatisfied by the purchase.
It's not my choice, it's Apple's choice. Im an Apple user since 1989 and I don't remember Apple to be very favorable to gaming. Even you iMac, for the money you paid it, isn't a good gaming machine.

5400 rpm, 24GB SSD part in 1TB fusion drive, same integrated GPU for retina and non retina imac (retina one will be slow dog, whatever u say)... and all that with premium prices, that is what makes people angry, not any planned apple bashing..
Why do you believe that we want to bash apple for no reason? Most of us are loyal apple customers and fanboys, BUT here we see that apple is far from being vendor that really cares about user experience and product quality first.. times are changing...

Angry on a computer release ? Are they forcing you to buy one ?
I'm not going to spend 1800€ on an iMac with a 5400RPM HDD, so I just don't buy it.
My point was another: iGPU aren't the poor performer you are describing here. No more.
No, the 4K iMac, with a Fusion drive for sure, won't be slow dog by any means, if you don't plan to play with it.

 

[Max(IT)]

I wonder why everyone is debating the usefulness of a decent GPU in the context of gaming only. You surely must have heard of OpenCL by now. Hardware Acceleration is found on more and more Applications that are not considered to be "Professional Grade Software" only. Video and Photo-editing for example is more popular and more accessible than ever thanks to the plethora of devices that are with us all the time.

Every time you hear Tim Cook speak he is so adamant about telling people that Apple is making "the best" devices and the reality I'm afraid is far from that. You can always argue that in terms of usability they are, and I'm with you, but even usability needs to be seen in the context what else is out there. I wish they would trade some of there magicalness with a bit of common sense.

Iris Pro 6200 IS a decent GPU....

 

[maflynn]

Angry on a computer release ? Are they forcing you to buy one ?

I'm not angry. I am disappoint and I plan on voting with my wallet. I know that's a drop in the bucket compared to Apple's usual intake but its a lot to me.

No, the 4K iMac, with a Fusion drive for sure, won't be slow dog by any means, if you don't plan to play with it

From what I read, early reviews seem to indicate the iGPU is lilting under a number of circumstances. I'd not be so quick to say that it won't slow down.

 

[Max(IT)]

I'm not angry. I am disappoint and I plan on voting with my wallet. I know that's a drop in the bucket compared to Apple's usual intake but its a lot to me.


From what I read, early reviews seem to indicate the iGPU is lilting under a number of circumstances. I'd not be so quick to say that it won't slow down.

could you link some reviews ? Because from what I know, Iris 6200 is on par with several medium range dGPU ....

 

[Amazing Iceman]

Maybe not you, but a lot of people here are whining about the lack of dGPU for gaming, mate

I'm also disappointed at the specs... Is Apple expecting us to buy Mac Pros for gaming?

 

[tuxon86]

Why won't you leave Britney, err I mean Apple alone!

 

[maflynn]

could you link some reviews ? Because from what I know, Iris 6200 is on par with several medium range dGPU ....

Here's one
http://arstechnica.com/apple/2015/1...r-screen-21-5-inch-4k-retina-imac-reviewed/2/

Would the sort of midrange mobile GPU that Apple usually uses in the 21.5-inch iMacs made this experience more pleasant? Maybe. But the Iris Pro 6200 definitely isn't up to the task, another factor that could drive heavier users in the direction of the 27-inch 5K model.

The bad

• No dedicated GPU options, and the integrated GPU chugs if you increase the resolution or hook up another 4K display.

 

[Amazing Iceman]

And what if someone comes to you 1 year later and tells you how they never used the extra ram or storage that you advised them to buy? Do you then refund them the extra money they spent on it?

It's easy to tell people to max out on upgrades when it's not your money that you are spending.

I'm not going to tell you what I think of your comment above (sorry, but if I describe it accurately, I may be banned from this forum).

If someone comes to me for advice, I'll always recommend this person to get higher specs than basic.
And if he doesn't have the money, I'll tell him my advice is to wait until he does.

In over 20 years, what you are saying above hasn't happened, not even once.

Here's an example:
- Someone buys a Mac just to check his email, so he gets a MacBook Air with minimum specs, 256GB HD, etc.
- Later, he gets an iPhone and starts taking pictures. Now, he's storing photos on his MBA.
- Then he learns that he can take great videos on his iPhone and edit on his MBA, so he installs iMovie and learns to edit videos.
- Then he realizes he should have purchase a MBA with more RAM, as iMovie is running slow.
- Then he reaches the storage limit of his MBA, and regrets not getting the larger SSD option.
- The dude is miserable when he realizes he will need to purchase a whole new computer to keep doing what he's doing.
- He better not blame me for his bad decision!

 

[garirry]

Angry on a computer release ? Are they forcing you to buy one ?
I'm not going to spend 1800€ on an iMac with a 5400RPM HDD, so I just don't buy it.
My point was another: iGPU aren't the poor performer you are describing here. No more.
No, the 4K iMac, with a Fusion drive for sure, won't be slow dog by any means, if you don't plan to play with it.

Here's the problems with your comments over the few last pages. We are angry about a computer because it is significantly worse than the previous models yet the price is still crazy high. Integrated GPUs are not very good because they're still much weaker than external GPUs and they need to borrow RAM from the entire computer. And don't use gaming as an excuse, yes Macs aren't for gaming but people still game on it because we don't have $600 to spend on another gaming PC. And keep in mind most 4K users will edit 4K video on it, so you NEED to have at least a semi-decent graphics card in other to keep up with it.

 

[Tsaksonakis]

So it's $100 to go to Fusion drive. Mac Mini still costs $200 to do the same. At $100, why would ANYONE not do this? In terms of percentage of total cost of the machine, this was more relevant in terms of the Mac Mini, especially in previous versions where you had to upgrade from the base model to be able to get Fusion.

Possibly because the Mac Mini's FD is 128GB SSD and (allegedly) the new iMac is 24GB?

 

[cmward_nyc]

Dear Sir, I've been paying overpriced Apple products all my life, at one point they were justified with the right balance between build quality, performance, aesthetics and software. But there has been a pattern lately, dosifying everything to tidbits.

A desktop made of mobile chips, sure there are none comparable, because except for processor, parts are underpowered compared to most desktops. The display is amazing, so you can see your 5400 rpm hard drive lag & bottle neck with tons of colors. Don't think about playing an intensive game at a decent FPS rate because "macs are not made for gaming" (as if one could tell gaming on iPhone/iPad has become quite popular probably because they don't run well either, or that performance difference on windows via Bootcamp on same hardware is abysmal), yet we charge you as if they were, but hey! now we brought Metal to the game, showcasing a zombie pony & unicorns "graphic intensive" game (they thought that the chosen game actually looked better than e.g:"Battlefield or Bioshock"), probably the lamest graphic driver presentation I've ever seen (people actually clapped after it).

Also, they think their mouse is comfortable! they are selling the most uncomfortable mouse in the world probably unaware? (It must be selling very good) People will justify it because it merges trackpad gestures? (as if they couldn't buy a trackpad instead nor laptops came with it). ERGONOMIC apple, ER-GO-NO-MIC.

I agree Apple products are overpriced, but there are actually comparable products. Take for example the Dell Inspiron 23 7300 All in one Desktop. Costs less at $999, but what do you get for that? intel 4210m, 1080p HD display, 8gb ddr3, 1tb 5,400rpm drive and intel hd graphics. Not to excuse Apple as they could offer better.

The example above is not made for gaming either.

I don't like the mouse, but I have never tried the track pad so can't comment.

 

[Alexs45]

Does anyone know if the 2015 iMac's allow target display mode?

 

[maflynn]

Does anyone know if the 2015 iMac's allow target display mode?

Nope, the review I linked too a few posts up mentions that feature is no longer available.

Link
http://arstechnica.com/apple/2015/1...r-screen-21-5-inch-4k-retina-imac-reviewed/2/

 

[cmward_nyc]

And what if someone comes to you 1 year later and tells you how they never used the extra ram or storage that you advised them to buy? Do you then refund them the extra money they spent on it?

It's easy to tell people to max out on upgrades when it's not your money that you are spending.

I agree

I'm not going to tell you what I think of your comment above (sorry, but if I describe it accurately, I may be banned from this forum).

If someone comes to me for advice, I'll always recommend this person to get higher specs than basic.
And if he doesn't have the money, I'll tell him my advice is to wait until he does.

In over 20 years, what you are saying above hasn't happened, not even once.

Here's an example:
- Someone buys a Mac just to check his email, so he gets a MacBook Air with minimum specs, 256GB HD, etc.
- Later, he gets an iPhone and starts taking pictures. Now, he's storing photos on his MBA.
- Then he learns that he can take great videos on his iPhone and edit on his MBA, so he installs iMovie and learns to edit videos.
- Then he realizes he should have purchase a MBA with more RAM, as iMovie is running slow.
- Then he reaches the storage limit of his MBA, and regrets not getting the larger SSD option.
- The dude is miserable when he realizes he will need to purchase a whole new computer to keep doing what he's doing.
- He better not blame me for his bad decision!

Following your advice the person is always saving money for an always fabled better option. If the user has money and a need for one thing at that time then he/she should do that. Of course people want the best, but some people just need something. It's all well and good giving examples but both points (buy now or buy later) are valid. We can all make examples to fit our point.

 

[Jack Burton]

I was excited about this update. Less so now. Shame about the dedicated GPU in the new 27" being AMD, but is it really basically the same as the previous gen just with a new model number assigned to it? it's not faster or better in any way? Does it at least run cooler?

 

[cmward_nyc]

I was excited about this update. Less so now. Shame about the dedicated GPU in the new 27" being AMD, but is it really basically the same as the previous gen just with a new model number assigned to it? it's not faster or better in any way? Does it at least run cooler?

Check out notebookcheck.net. Still a very capable card, no. 26 on the list.

http://www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-Radeon-R9-M390X.144432.0.html

 

[cmward_nyc]

Here's the problems with your comments over the few last pages. We are angry about a computer because it is significantly worse than the previous models yet the price is still crazy high. Integrated GPUs are not very good because they're still much weaker than external GPUs and they need to borrow RAM from the entire computer. And don't use gaming as an excuse, yes Macs aren't for gaming but people still game on it because we don't have $600 to spend on another gaming PC. And keep in mind most 4K users will edit 4K video on it, so you NEED to have at least a semi-decent graphics card in other to keep up with it.

How is it significantly weaker? The 5,400rpm drive is disappointing, but the rest is fine. Benchmarks are good for the new 4k iMac, on par with last years 5k iMac in some benchmarks. The iGPU is fine, $600 for a gaming PC? Really? See below, its a respectable card.

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-Iris-Pro-Graphics-6200.125593.0.html

 

[skellener]

I'm not going to tell you what I think of your comment above (sorry, but if I describe it accurately, I may be banned from this forum).

If someone comes to me for advice, I'll always recommend this person to get higher specs than basic.
And if he doesn't have the money, I'll tell him my advice is to wait until he does.

In over 20 years, what you are saying above hasn't happened, not even once.

Here's an example:
- Someone buys a Mac just to check his email, so he gets a MacBook Air with minimum specs, 256GB HD, etc.
- Later, he gets an iPhone and starts taking pictures. Now, he's storing photos on his MBA.
- Then he learns that he can take great videos on his iPhone and edit on his MBA, so he installs iMovie and learns to edit videos.
- Then he realizes he should have purchase a MBA with more RAM, as iMovie is running slow.
- Then he reaches the storage limit of his MBA, and regrets not getting the larger SSD option.
- The dude is miserable when he realizes he will need to purchase a whole new computer to keep doing what he's doing.
- He better not blame me for his bad decision!

You forgot "He goes to watch his iPhone 4k footage on his AppleTV but it only shows him 1080p."

 

[Jack Burton]

Check out notebookcheck.net. Still a very capable card, no. 26 on the list.

http://www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-Radeon-R9-M390X.144432.0.html

Guess I'll wait on the benchmarks.

 

[Tsaksonakis]

sure some Engineering person will explain otherwise but it would seem smarter to have the lightning hole/plug in the front or even rear of the mouse, to mimic a wired mouse when charging then you can use it...the plug/hole in the bottom is ridiculous.

I know, it can give a 9 hour boost in 2 minutes and i could leave it plugged while i grab lunch or a bite to eat. but the whole plug hole is very awkward. how does something like that get past the Human Interface (design) team...

Is it just possible that it's designed this way because otherwise people might forget to disconnect and the battery would burn out far sooner, leading to warranty issues and Apple having to replace a veritable nest of mice?

It's just a thought; the alternate defence is insanity!

 

[Tsaksonakis]

I think the general consensus is that the 5400rpm option should not even exist. Apple throwing this in as the baseline just so people will upgrade seems like the worst of tactics to get people to upgrade.

Yep! Especially when that "upgrade" is to a fusion drive with a mere 24GB of SSD. Quite extraordinary!

 

[trifid]

How much does that 24gb even cost to manufacture, $1?

 

[arkmannj]

Although not quite as pretty. The k750 is a great keyboard. With the solar charging, I have never had a problem in three years. Love the logitech M705 mouse over anything apple has as well. Can't stand the magic mouse. Do people really like using track pads? The first thing I do with my laptop is plug a mouse into it. Trackpads just don't fee ergonomic.

I do like the k705 I do need to repair it occasionally with the receiver or it goes nuts and starts double typing characters, and/or gets very delayed. But really I was hoping for a smaller footprint. I have limited space and while the solar ability is nice, I could use that extra little bit of space on my desk. other than that I'm pretty happy with it.