Apple Launches New Cheaper 21.5-Inch iMac Starting at $1,099

[Thunderhawks]

Memory is a commodity part. If all vendors follow the logic that they should just upgrade to unnecessary quantities of memory just because "it isn't that much more", then the price difference will no longer be minimal.

And that's if it's even minimal to begin with. We have no idea how much Apple pays for RAM.

I am only talking about this particular model. It is clear that more memory will be needed as the current apps and new apps appear and technology enables us to do more and more.
As we now know the memory is soldered on, with no way to upgrade (But, I am sure some 3rd party will figure that out), which makes an 8 GB iMac a DOA in my book.

However, this model may just be targeted at an entry level user (For that it should be $ 999) with very basic needs.

Over the years I have changed from desktops to completely mobile, as I do not want to sit at a desk and always want everything portable.
I do not trust iCloud (yet) and left all of Apples previous cloud type attempts (iDisk etc.) long time ago.

Dropbox is great and does it for me.

The few desktops I still have I access with Teamviewer when I need it.

All in all as you can see from the many responses the advanced crowd would not buy this and the probably intended target group will not realize until later that 8GB is weak.

 

[eyeofnewt]

I wish they would have released upgraded Macs today, or at the very least slashed the prices on the existing iMac models in the US market as well.

I was forced to buy a new 21.5" model this past Sunday since my early 2006 20" Intel Core Duo seems to be on its last legs, despite replacing the optical drive, upgrading the RAM and HD over the years.

 

[blackcrayon]

I wish they would have released upgraded Macs today, or at the very least slashed the prices on the existing iMac models in the US market as well.

I was forced to buy a new 21.5" model this past Sunday since my early 2006 20" Intel Core Duo seems to be on its last legs, despite replacing the optical drive, upgrading the RAM and HD over the years.

Have to admit, 8 years is a pretty good run for any computer...

 

[ReneR]

I say ARM-desktop-class performance test

for possible ARM based Macs, … as it is just about 2x the performance of the current iPad Air: http://rene.rebe.de/2014-06-19/the-new-entry-level-imac144-and-arm-transition//

 

[johnnyturbouk]

This is the first time I'm wonder "what in the world is Apple doing??"
NO Mac Mini in 2 years! (Yes I'm waiting)
NO Thunderbolt Display in 3 years (Yes I'm Waiting)
lame macbook air update for 2014
lame imac update for 2014
No new Apple TV update
No new iPod updates in 2 years
No new update for the beloved iPod Classic since 2009???!!!!

its june 2014 and still no new products

I mean, whats going on??????

All the focus is on iPhones and iPads - apple has forgotten its roots!
They are now company for style gurus, office secretaries, yummy mums, and the image conscious - would any of these people have the remotest idea of a GHz processor, SSD, or ram - no!

The sad thing is, when the new 'sexy' fad comes out, these people will drop apple within a heartbeat. I think apple are making a strategic folly in try to making massive $$$ at the risk of ostracising long term customers. With the cash surpluses they have in their coffers - they should reevaluate on sustainability as opposed to explosive growth!

 

[skaertus]

I am very disappointed at this release. Very, very disappointed. I was expecting Apple to release a new line-up of iMacs sometime soon, and just slash the price of them. Instead, it released a seriously underpowered computer for only US$ 200 less. It is basically a MacBook Air with a monitor. But the MacBook Air has flash memory, which is much faster. Definitely not worth it. I will never buy it and I hope this product is a serious sales disappointment to show Apple that consumers are not fools.

 

[MrXiro]

At this price they should have put in a Fusion drive. A. the cost can't be that much higher for a 128gb or a 64gb SSD. B. it will make their product look and feel up to par to the brand.

I don't even need to test this thing to know it will be slower than any comparable computer in its $ range and class.