Apple Releases Core 2 Duo iMac, Adds 24" Model

[Multimedia]

Plus $125 for the 256MB Video option on both the 20" and the 24" models

Although I applaud the new 24" iMac, I have to say this upgrade is a horrible upgrade.

1) the 17" goes 1.5 years in the paste with video memory to 64MB!! Ridiculous! Just like the previous lineup the memory was at 128MB.

Most people don't need more than 128MB which is the step up size for the $1199 17" model.

2) with 24" of screen I half expected the top of the line would be bumped to 256MB of video memory.

Plus $125 for the 256MB option on both the 20" + $75 and the 24" + $125 models.

 

[dondark]

I only need a 10.6" MBP mini!!!

 

[joshwest]

I have been the proud owner of a 20" Imac for 6 days and am not very happy at this moment in time. Do you think I could return under Apple's 14 returns policy and order a new 24"?

Helto

yes...id do it asap

 

[HecubusPro]

the merom macbooks might not be eligible for the free ipod. i am reading thats how its working with the new iMacs, at least in the US

Yes, that looks to be correct. When you click on the free iPod offer, iMac isn't listed as an option for purchase. That kind of sucks for new imac owners, and especially for me if the merom MBP's come out before the 16th.

 

[ipacmm]

I personally think this is a great update. It is nice to see the 24" screen, I guess Apple will be updating their cinema display's to include a 24" display.

Most people don't need more than 128MB which is the step up size for the $1199 17" model.

That is very true, there are still people that just use a computer to do email and MS word and they don't need the best GC.

 

[Flyinace2000]

Unless it was BTO, I think you can for a restocking fee.

I fyou ask nicely they will wave the restocking fee. We used to do it all the time for customers.

 

[ro2nie]

There is something I dont understand about the memory slots in the new iMacs

The Core 2 Duo is 64-bit. That means it's able to address up to 16 Gb of RAM, but the maximum RAM in the 24" iMac is only 3 Gb!
Bigger screen means more space for internal components like RAM slots and yet we only get 3 RAM slots!

I'm not asking for more RAM as a standard, I just want more memory slots for better upgrading...

 

[HecubusPro]

I fyou ask nicely they will wave the restocking fee. We used to do it all the time for customers.

I will keep that in mind. Perhaps I will bake some muffins for them if I have to return a major purchase.

 

[Multimedia]

Call Immediately To Get That Old 20" iMac Returned • Why didn't you wait?

I have been the proud owner of a 20" Imac for 6 days and am not very happy at this moment in time. Do you think I could return under Apple's 14 returns policy and order a new 24"?

This is helto's FIRST POST EVER. She/He Just Joined This Morning. Welcome to MacRumors helto. Better late than never. Now get cracking sending that old iMac back.

yes...id do it asap

Definitely. Do it NOW and ask for a supervisor to get the restocking fee waved. They will do it if you ask politely and persist. If they refuse to give you full credit for a significant upgrade to the 24" model hang up and call back and ask for another supervisor. Keep doing that until you get a sympathetic ear on the other end. Someone will give you full credit. They'll jsut shuffle what you have to the refurb store. No biggie.

What were you thinking? Why didn't you wait? You knew these updates were coming didn't you?

 

[milo]

Other Macs didn't use INTEL's Napa chipset. Santa Rosa next year should remedy this.

That doesn't answer my question. Why did intel design Napa to only support 3 gigs of ram? Is there some technical limitation they had to do this, or were they just cutting corners?

Are there any PCs on that chipset that can use more ram?

It's well documented by now, in every single thread about iMacs, that some people want a headless mid-tower $1200.00 Mac just please stop the thread hi-jacking!

I wouldn't get your hopes up. So where do you suggest talking about that topic?

Seems pretty unlikely that they'll be revving Macs on Tuesday at this point.

Why? I don't think we'll see bumps of existing models, but introducing a new one on tuesday would be perfect.

Not revving, adding. Besides Apple needs to sell some sort of a device where you can watch the movies. Most people prefer to watch movies on their TV over their computer or iPod. You don't want a MacPro next to your TV... (ok you might, but it would be a terrible waste of money)

But that device sounds like it will just be an airport with video outs. You don't need to have a computer in your living room. Still, it is possible they could introduce a mid desktop along with that.

Bigger screen means more space for internal components like RAM slots and yet we only get 3 RAM slots!

Actually there are only TWO ram slots. I completely agree that they should go to at least four slots, but it sounds like there are other limitations.

 

[akadmon]

Shame on you, Apple!

I stopped at my local Apple Store (Cambridge, MA, USA) during the lunch hour to check out the new iMacs. Not only are they not on display, but the old prices are still posted next to the old models.

While I was there a sales rep was actually in the process of trying to sell an open box 17" core due iMac to an older lady for $1099! I took pity on the poor thing and shawed her the online store iMac page with the new models. She was flabbergasted to say the least. Not sure what happened next -- I walked out of there in disgust!

Is this what typically happens at the b&m Apple Stores, or should they update their info as soon as the online store starts carrying new stuff? I just can't believe Apple would not ship at leats one floor model to each of their b&m locations in time for the release of new products. Hate to think how many people will buy the more expensive old models and never realize they've been had.

 

[mazola]

Don't Buy!

Hot tip: I hear they're going to be refreshing the iMac line on Tuesday!

 

[FunkyChicken]

Power Mac Dual G5 2.0 vs. iMac Core 2 Duo 2.16

Can somebody please give me a quick compare between the Power Mac Dual G5 2.0 and the new Core 2 Duo 2.16 iMacs? How much faster are these new beasts?

 

[Chundles]

There is something I dont understand about the memory slots in the new iMacs

The Core 2 Duo is 64-bit. That means it's able to address up to 16 Gb of RAM, but the maximum RAM in the 24" iMac is only 3 Gb!
Bigger screen means more space for internal components like RAM slots and yet we only get 3 RAM slots!

I'm not asking for more RAM as a standard, I just want more memory slots for better upgrading...

You get 2 RAM slots. The 3GB configuration is 1x2GB + 1x1GB.

Aiden reckons it's because Intel's Napa chipset which the current Core 2 Duo is a part of can only address about 3.1GB of RAM (regardless of the processor's capability) max because it allocates any more to the kernal for some reason - I don't know, I'm no expert but the Santa Rosa chipset next year should fix it.

Santa Rosa includes a new socket for the second gen Merom chips, an 800MHz FSB and a bunch of other improvements.

 

[BenRoethig]

Can somebody please give me a quick compare between the Power Mac Dual G5 2.0 and the new Core 2 Duo 2.16 iMacs? How much faster are these new beasts?

A lot.

 

[840quadra]

Wow!

Great systems, and value for the iMac now. This is quite tempting considering the speed of these systems over my Powermac G5 Dual 2.0.

I could (with some luck) sell my Powermac and LCD, and buy a 20" imac.

Choices choices!

 

[acslater017]

Yes, that looks to be correct. When you click on the free iPod offer, iMac isn't listed as an option for purchase. That kind of sucks for new imac owners, and especially for me if the merom MBP's come out before the 16th.

darn you guys are right...was the old (Yonah) iMac previously listed though? I mean, was iMac REMOVED when they upgraded it, or was it never on the rebate list?

if it was REMOVED, then it looks like i have to choose between backing out of the deal with my friend, or being forced to go with the Yonah MacBook. The latter wouldn't be too bad, I've heard they're great anyway, and I could stop this ridiculous waiting game...

 

[Multimedia]

iMac 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo Is A Lot Faster Than The Old Dual 2GHz G5 PowerMac

Can somebody please give me a quick compare between the Power Mac Dual G5 2.0 and the new Core 2 Duo 2.16 iMacs? How much faster are these new beasts?

Yeah the iMac Core 2 Duo is a LOT faster. NO DOUBT.

 

[50548]

I tried to setup a Dell system as close as possible, just for the kicks of it. Now, they don't offer the Geforce 7600 GT, they offer a much lamer ATI X1300 Pro, or a high end Geforce 7900 GS. I setup the system with the X1300 ONLY, but added spysweeper and norton anti virus which I believe are a must for a windows machine. I should also point out that this system is based on Conroe, while the iMac is based on Merom.

The total?

2086$.

This includes the 24" Dell display. More expensive than the iMac, and boy do you get a MUCH uglier machine, plus Windows XP instead of Mac OS X. this iMac looks like a true bargain...

Thanks Oded...now we can ask our fellow Winblows fanboys...are ya gonna get a Dull, dude?

Dell is DEAD. Microsoft is DEAD.

MAN THE PUMPS! GO APPLE!

 

[ro2nie]

You get 2 RAM slots. The 3GB configuration is 1x2GB + 1x1GB.

Aiden reckons it's because Intel's Napa chipset which the current Core 2 Duo is a part of can only address about 3.1GB of RAM (regardless of the processor's capability) max because it allocates any more to the kernal for some reason - I don't know, I'm no expert but the Santa Rosa chipset next year should fix it.

Santa Rosa includes a new socket for the second gen Merom chips, an 800MHz FSB and a bunch of other improvements.

Yep... you are right... TWO slots.. sorry, I thought there were three

 

[50548]

Just calling a spade a spade, Mr Lawyer. You made a comment that was a lie. The iMac is NOT the "most powerful desktop in the world". Not by a long shot.

If you don't want people to say you're full of crap then don't talk crap. Simple as.



You know what I mean!

What do people buy if they want desktop performance? Apple currently offer NOTHING with desktop performance, it's either mobile or workstation.

First, show me something better than an iMac. No, it doesn't exist.

Second, the MacPro IS a desktop. If it's too much for you, get a 24" iMac and be happy, instead of playing with a crappy PC.

Third, my opinion about computers doesn't mix with personal offenses...so chill out, Dell dude.

 

[Reep]

Now what?

The 24" iMac looks very sexy and my finger is on the order button. However, for about the same price, I could get a refurb macbook and a refurb 20" iMac ($1100*2). Or, I could get a refurb iMac with Logic Pro and Aperture (I'll have to wait a while if I go for the 24"). This would be a pretty flexible setup. Anyone want to convince me to go for the two refurbs? I'm an old timer, but have been out of Mac for about eight years.

 

[chillywilly]

There is something I dont understand about the memory slots in the new iMacs

The Core 2 Duo is 64-bit. That means it's able to address up to 16 Gb of RAM, but the maximum RAM in the 24" iMac is only 3 Gb!
Bigger screen means more space for internal components like RAM slots and yet we only get 3 RAM slots!

I'm not asking for more RAM as a standard, I just want more memory slots for better upgrading...

I was curious about that as well. At least allow both slots to be filled with 2gb DIMMs.

I can see for size purposes, that only two DIMM slots are on the iMacs. So even though the chip can access up to 64gb of RAM, they limited that on the iMacs.

But why only 3gb? Why not 4gb?

 

[artifex]

Am I the only one who thinks that the big Apple logo under the iMacs is lame? I can't imagine watching a movie for hours with that thing hovering in the lower part of my vision.

Please, Apple. Shrink and move the logo discreetly into the corner, or be bold and remove the logo entirely! We all know it's a Mac!

 

[kadajawi]

First, show me something better than an iMac. No, it doesn't exist.

Second, the MacPro IS a desktop. If it's too much for you, get a 24" iMac and be happy, instead of playing with a crappy PC.

Third, my opinion about computers doesn't mix with personal offenses...so chill out, Dell dude.

Oh well... get the top of the line Alienware or so, one or two 30" TFTs, ... bet it will be faster than the 24" iMac? Or just get a Mac Pro... should be faster than the iMac.

The MacPro has Xeons... two of them. Sounds pretty workstation to me. And $2000 is a bit hefty.
So Apple still doesn't have a desktop... MacPro is too expensive, iMac is uninteresting because it's an AIO. Add another HD? External. Add BR or HD-DVD? External. Soundcard? External. etc. etc.