Apple Releases New Sandy Bridge Quad-Core iMacs with Thunderbolt

[J-Rock]

Can it be used as an external display?

MacRumors created a forum specifically to address this and a few other concerns.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1146842/

It sounds like the 27" can, and Apple support is telling people that the 21.5" can as well, but it's nowhere to be found on their website.

 

[aiqw9182]

all i want to know is how the new gpu's stack up against desktop versions....

All i want is the equivalent to the 6870 1gb desktop version. All the power i'll need for a long, long time.

6970m = 6850
6770m = 6670
6750m = 6570

 

[0098386]

Uhhh...who said it was? The comment of mine that you quoted had to do with people's ignorant perception that all PC cases are crappy (as the comment I responded to was joking about).

Sure, its not for everyone. Just smart, frugal, and performance oriented computing enthusiasts

Exactly. I used to go down the home built route years ago, and yeah you do get tremendous bang for your buck (that chap you quoted is quite funny. I was 14 when I was building home computers. After picking up the components at midday, the computer would have Windows installed and be fully up and running by dinner. It's not difficult).
But now I like to reduce the amount of potential problems and go down the Apple (+bootcamp) route.

 

[Jaro65]

Nice to see they retained the firewire ports for dinosaurs like me who still have audio interfaces and camcorders that rely on it. Lurvely!

I was hoping they would. I bet a bunch of us have external FW800 drive arrays, so an FW800 port is a must. Though it will be cool to see how much faster will the external drives be once they're available with Thunderbolt interfaces. Just based on the specs the jump could be quite substantial.

 

[toddybody]

Exactly. I used to go down the home built route years ago, and yeah you do get tremendous bang for your buck (that chap you quoted is quite funny. I was 14 when I was building home computers. After picking up the components at midday, the computer would have Windows installed and be fully up and running by dinner. It's not difficult).
But now I like to reduce the amount of potential problems and go down the Apple (+bootcamp) route.

I totally understand people's hesitation or lack of interest. It is more of a hassle than grabbing a pre-built system. That said, Id NEVER buy a pre-built Windows desktop machine. If Im buying anything retail built, its gonna be Apple. Stay well friend!

 

[deconstruct60]

But does that actually mean the 3.1GHz Core i5 in the 27" is actually cheaper than the slower 2.7GHz Core i5 in the 27"?

Yes, but you are only considering the CPU costs and not the overall system costs. The 3.1GHz i5 2400 may be $184 ( http://ark.intel.com/ProductCollection.aspx?familyID=42912&MarketSegment=DT) and the 2.7 GHz 2500S $216. However, Apple could use the $32 (or more) differential to help pay for more VRAM and/or better GPU (i.e., some other components of system get more expensive while CPU component cost goes down. That still can result in more expensive system with higher performance). Note that the 3.1GHz model comes with a bump in VRAM versus the other models.

I would expect the 2.7 GHz in the 21.5" and 27" models to be the same since that simplifies inventory/purchasing for Apple . Buying more of the same part is going to get them a bigger discount and adds flexibility. Doesn't make alot of sense to tweak Intel for a special ( or just underclock) model if need to buy 2.7's in quantity anyway. Running in the 65W TDP window will make the 27" system run quieter anyway.

 

[Glass!]

Intel's latest 256GB SSDs cost NZ$964 in New Zealand. Adding an SSD+1TB HDD costs an extra NZ$990. I'm glad I can justify getting that and not having to take it apart myself.

I'll be upgrading the RAM myself though.

 

[Vercingetorix]

It's a rip off only if you don't understand what you are doing. I just want to buy an iMac, take it out of the box, put it on a desk, move my OS with all the settings and continue using it as if nothing has changed. A good plan if you ask me.

Apple are charging $600 USD for the additional 256GB SSD. Just glancing at Newegg, it looks like 256GB SSDs go for $450-$500 right now. Plus there's probably an extra mounting bracket to buy, too. I'm perfectly capable of doing an upgrade like that myself, but it hardly seems worth it to deal with the hassle, the warranty issues, a whole afternoon out of my life, etc., to save a lousy hundred bucks. Unless I find someplace with radically cheaper prices on drives, I'll probably just pay Apple the extra money not to have to deal with it.

 

[winty03]

1333MHz...although Sandy Bridge supports 1600MHz RAM too.

Crucial doesn't not have any 1600mhz, and they say (chat) that Macs will not run or be stable with 1600. Looks like the 1333mhz is what Apples sending them out with..

looks like the '11 MBP's are running fine with the kingston via new egg.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...Notebook+Memory)-_-Kingston+HyperX-_-20104230

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104257

 

[commander.data]

Crucial doesn't not have any 1600mhz, and they say (chat) that Macs will not run or be stable with 1600. Looks like the 1333mhz is what Apples sending them out with..

Apple uses desktop CPUs in the iMac but mobile SODIMMs. There are 1600MHz SODIMMs but they are uncommon and no doubt very expensive.

 

[pondosinatra]

"Our customers love the iMac’s ...gorgeous display..."

No. No they don't. Give us a friggin matte screen already!

 

[outdata326]

Only allows posts that are for their cause.

I like the dual TB ports and the new graphics options, thank you Apple!

No matte displays. No purchase. Sign the petition for Apple matte displays at:

MacMatte (matte petition)
http://macmatte.wordpress.com

I just posted on this blog and it was deleted because I was not for or against there cause. Guess they are not biased at all.

I wish I would have copied it to post it on here.

I said I was not a professional, and I thought there was no difference between the two. Also I like the protection that the glass offers for the screen.

Oh well, guess my opinion is not wanted on this blog.

Now if I was totally offensive and thought there idea was stupid then I can understand, but I was none of these.

 

[winty03]

Apple uses desktop CPUs in the iMac but mobile SODIMMs. There are 1600MHz SODIMMs but they are uncommon and no doubt very expensive.

Out of Stock......but $99 Kingston via newegg instead of crucials 1333mhz for $94

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...Notebook+Memory)-_-Kingston+HyperX-_-20104230

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104257

 

[JSRockit]

Crucial doesn't not have any 1600mhz, and they say (chat) that Macs will not run or be stable with 1600. Looks like the 1333mhz is what Apples sending them out with..

So, is it safe to order the ram for the Apple iMac 2.8GHz Intel-Quad Core i5 (27-inch - DDR3) Mid 2010 via Crucial?

8GB Kit (4GBx2)
DDR3 PC3-10600 • CL=9 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1333 • 1.5V • 512Meg x 64 •

 

[bpw]

I was a little disappointed that the i7 is not standard on at least the $1,999 27" model, but other than that (and maybe including 8GB RAM as standard), this update is looking really good. I'm pleasantly surprised to see the option to upgrade the VRAM to 2GB also. Now the hard part of waiting until they are shipping with Lion installed begins. (Plus my state has a "sales tax holiday" weekend in August, so that'll be when I order mine.)

 

[Bampei]

Apple are charging $600 USD for the additional 256GB SSD. Just glancing at Newegg, it looks like 256GB SSDs go for $450-$500 right now. Plus there's probably an extra mounting bracket to buy, too. I'm perfectly capable of doing an upgrade like that myself, but it hardly seems worth it to deal with the hassle, the warranty issues, a whole afternoon out of my life, etc., to save a lousy hundred bucks. Unless I find someplace with radically cheaper prices on drives, I'll probably just pay Apple the extra money not to have to deal with it.

The problem is not just the price. Apple is using inferior SSD's when factory installed, and most are legacy SATA II drives. I don't know about the new iMac, but the new MBP's have SATA III connectors internally, and yet Apple puts a cheap Toshiba SSD in the system if installed by them.

I just upgraded my MBP 17 with a Vertex 3 SATA III 240GB drive made by OCX. It is the highest rated and speediest of the current bunch...and my MBP absolutely SMOKES with it! Took the 128GB SSD that came with the system and put it in a OWC multi-interface external enclosure with both FW800 and SATA interfaces.

If the new iMac does in FACT have SATA III connectors internally, you would do far better to order the system with just one HDD, and buy a VERTEX 3, or equivalent separately and have installed. The speed will far surpass the SSD's that Apple is installing. (My MBP now boots from power off in 15-16 seconds).

Google SSD reviews and you'll see the differences between SSD's. It's a big deal.

 

[shakesfist]

If Im buying anything retail built, its gonna be Apple. Stay well friend!

I read this part of your post with the "Most Interesting Man in the World" Voice. Stay thirsty my friends.

 

[capitan]

Lion Upgrade?

Does anyone know if they're gonna offer a free upgrade to Lion this summer or am I gonna have to pay for it if I buy it now? Plus: If it's not for free, do you think it will stay at 29$? Never bought a mac before so I have no idea of OS pricing at apple...

thx!

 

[vincenz]

Some people are going to be real happy with this.

 

[0098386]

I totally understand people's hesitation or lack of interest. It is more of a hassle than grabbing a pre-built system. That said, Id NEVER buy a pre-built Windows desktop machine. If Im buying anything retail built, its gonna be Apple. Stay well friend!

Oh my yes. I couldn't go with Dell, Alienware (aka Dell) or Sony. I'm sure they make nice computers but I'm either going with 1) An Apple (Windows+OSX) or 2) a home build to maximise performance and price.

Anyways I'll stop. It seems that we just keep agreeing with each other .

 

[binzer]

New or Refurb?

Hello-I need some honest advice here please. I've been waiting for about a month for the new imacs to come out...now that they are here I need to make a choice. Do I get a brand new one, or the last model refurbished? My main purpose for use is for photography, photoshop, lightroom, etc. I may also want to play Sims once in a while

This one is tempting to me for $1569:

Refurbished iMac 27-inch 2.93GHz Intel Quad-Core i7 processor
Originally released July 2010
27-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen display
4GB memory
1TB hard drive
8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
ATI Radeon HD 5750 graphics with 1GB memory
Built-in iSight camera

Otherwise, I am able to get a student discount on one of the new models. Just wondering mostly what the difference is for processor speed and graphics. Also, how beneficial the other upgrades to the system would be for me.
Thanks!

 

[DeaconGraves]

The problem is not just the price. Apple is using inferior SSD's when factory installed, and most are legacy SATA II drives. I don't know about the new iMac, but the new MBP's have SATA III connectors internally, and yet Apple puts a cheap Toshiba SSD in the system if installed by them.

See as there's currently a 4-6 week delay on BTO iMacs with SSDs, who know what type they're using. But go ahead and jump to conclusions. I'll be happy with my new iMac once it arrives.

 

[MacAddict1978]

Personally I'm loving I can opt for a track pad instead of the magic mouse. I really hate Apple mice. Yes they're iconic with the one button thing and the devout stand with Jobs, but the faux 2 button ability isn't reliable. Thanks for the option!

 

[winty03]

So, is it safe to order the ram for the Apple iMac 2.8GHz Intel-Quad Core i5 (27-inch - DDR3) Mid 2010 via Crucial?

8GB Kit (4GBx2)
DDR3 PC3-10600 • CL=9 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1333 • 1.5V • 512Meg x 64 •

yes it will work

 

[Bampei]

See as there's currently a 4-6 week delay on BTO iMacs with SSDs, who know what type they're using. But go ahead and jump to conclusions. I'll be happy with my new iMac once it arrives.

Again, it all depends on your need for speed.

I use my high-end Macs primarily for photo and video editing. Anything that can speed up Photoshop, Aperture, Lightroom, Final Cut Pro, and others is critical for a functional workflow. Right now, simple sharpening of a Raw file in Photoshop on my older 2.4Ghz Core2Duo MBP17 can take 30-seconds or longer... and that's just for one function.

A test on my NEW MBP17 with i7 and Vertex 3 SSD takes less than 3 seconds for the same function. (It was 10 seconds with the Toshiba SSD that Apple had installed).

Whether or not Apple is going to put SATA III SSD's in the new iMac's.. there are faster and more reliable SSD's available now...one's that Apple would not put into BTO systems due to lack of their high ROI requirements. Don't get me wrong, I'm an Appleholic, but there ARE ways of improving over Apple's stock builds.