Are you happy with Apple's current selection of computers?

[daneoni]

The thing that annoys me most is that the iMac USED to be upgradeable by just sliding off the back and they sacrificed that purely for thinness (form over function)

Now getting into the thing is like trying to get to the vault at the federal reserve.

 

[NoSmokingBandit]

Like I said earlier, it's also possible that most users have changed their specific wants in order to fit into Apple's lineup. Say a user wants a cheap, $500 Apple notebook that does very basic stuff. They look at Apple's lineup and see the notebooks start at $1000. They decide they want a Mac anyway, though it costs a lot more than they'd like and is more powerful than they'd like. They use the Mac and are satisfied. But are they truly satisfied? They would have liked to have a $500 notebook, not a $1000 one that is really more powerful than necessary.

I agree with you. I would bet that a large amount of the "satisfied" ballots are satisfied because Steve told them what they wanted and the follow everything he says.

 

[NXTMIKE]

If there was a 15" MacBook, with internal specs similar to the current 13" MacBook we have right now, then I'd be really happy.

 

[QuantumLo0p]

Huge gap between two mobile cores and the Mac Pro.!

Hardware-wise: Slightly miffed about user-expansion, particularly in the iMac. There really is a need for a mid-range tower.

He/she? hit it dead on. What he described is also known as the The Infamous Apple Gaping Lineup Hole.

I want expansion, I am not a fan of all-in-ones, two mobile cores are not enough and the Mac Pro is more than I need.

If the Mini gets the new low power quad proc I will buy it but not an iMac.

If not then a Hackintosh may well be in my future.

 

[Shake 'n' Bake]

He/she? hit it dead on. What he described is also known as the The Infamous Apple Gaping Lineup Hole.

I want expansion. I am not a fan of all-in-ones. Two mobile cores are not enough. The Mac Pro is more than I need.

If the Mini gets the new low power quad proc I will buy it but not an iMac.

If not then a Hackintosh may well be in my future.

I feel the same way, though if the iMac had a matte display I would give it a thought before buying something like a PowerMac G4 or G5.

 

[DR_K13]

needs mini tower for $ 1200- 1800

 

[NoSmokingBandit]

The problem with the apple "desktop" lineup is that the mini and imac are built for "gimmick" appeal. People buy the mini because its small, not becausse of the good price/performance ratio. People buy the imac because its an aio, not because of the price/performance ratio. People buy the Pro because its the only other option, whether they need the power or not. What if i want something with power equivalent to a mid-spec iMac, but i want to use a monitor larger than 24" (for CAD work or something). I have no choice but to buy an iMac with a built-in monitor i dont want and wont use. I cant get the mini because its terribly underpowered for any professional work, and the Pro starts at $2500, which is too much to spend because i dont need all of that power. There is nothing in the Mac lineup that fits my hypothetical demands (which i dont believe are too specific).

Dont get me started on Quad cores either... If i want a quad core mac i have no choice but to spend $2500 on the mac pro. If i want a quad core pc i can pick many options under 1k.

 

[ChrisA]

If the Mini gets the new low power quad proc I will buy it but not an iMac.

If not then a Hackintosh may well be in my future.

There is another option: An upgraded G4 PowerMac. The power Mac used industry standard form factor. The main board and the PCI cards from a PC fit in the nie looking Apple Chassis. A standard PC power supply fits in the chassis and so on.

Apple allows "upgrades". Upgrade power mac and you still have an Apple computer.

So.. drop an Intel quad core motherboard into an Apple Power PC chassis, swap out the pwer supply and install SATA disk(s) and you will an Apple EULA acceptable computer.

 

[atticus27]

I'm happy w/ the macbooks, but I feel like I'm paying a $500 premium I could get another laptop and match the specs for a lot cheaper. I am happy w/ leopard which is whats keeping me from buying pc's.

 

[armoguy94]

The lineup sucks to begin with, on top of that it's overpriced. I regret getting this Aluminum iMac back in Sept 08 (not too long ago). I wish I was exposed to the Hackintosh movement when I purchased my latest Mac, cause no way from now on am I going to let Apple take advantage of me.

 

[armoguy94]

The problem with the apple "desktop" lineup is that the mini and imac are built for "gimmick" appeal. People buy the mini because its small, not becausse of the good price/performance ratio. People buy the imac because its an aio, not because of the price/performance ratio. People buy the Pro because its the only other option, whether they need the power or not. What if i want something with power equivalent to a mid-spec iMac, but i want to use a monitor larger than 24" (for CAD work or something). I have no choice but to buy an iMac with a built-in monitor i dont want and wont use. I cant get the mini because its terribly underpowered for any professional work, and the Pro starts at $2500, which is too much to spend because i dont need all of that power. There is nothing in the Mac lineup that fits my hypothetical demands (which i dont believe are too specific).

Dont get me started on Quad cores either... If i want a quad core mac i have no choice but to spend $2500 on the mac pro. If i want a quad core pc i can pick many options under 1k.

+1204783274083208359

 

[inkling23]

Apple wishes...

Mac Pro with smaller footprint
Mac mini with Blu-Ray
MacBook with 3G, 4G upgradeable and Blu-Ray

...then I'll be "reasonably happy"

 

[Gregintosh]

Yes, Apple's lineup is overpriced, but since their margins come from hardware and not software I don't think this will change much over time.

If I am going to be paying a premium, however, I expect up to date parts. The only real issue I have with macs is that beyond paying a premium for the computers we are getting crappy parts.

Video cards in the highest end macs were never better - even at the time of introduction - than what is considered mid-range in the PC world. Even if the iMacs aren't going to have that option at the very least they can contract with ATI or nVidia to put out some high end cards once in a while for the pro machines.

It is beyond pathetic to be buying a stock Mac Pro, a $2,500+ machine, only to have a video card considered to be low end for even a sub-$1,000 PC. The stock video card for all Mac Pros today should be at minimum a 4870, with at least one other higher end option available.

And Mac Pro's really aren't that expandable as people say. You can boost RAM and the HD (as you can in an iMac if you really do desire), sure, and maybe change out the processor if you want to perform major surgery, but really beyond that there isn't much. You can pop in some sound cards or eSATA cards or whatever if you want, but video card options, a favorite upgrade for gamers, are so limited its not even worth it.

Even their latest video cards don't work on Mac Pros that are just a generation or two behind from what I heard, which if true defies the purpose of getting an "upgradeable" mac.

 

[acurafan]

no, not happy. the entire lineup is overpriced. except for the white macbook.

no keyboard/mouse on the mini's, avg hardware on a mac pro that costs 2 arms + 2 legs, no 13" macbook pro., don't even come with accessories for display - i have to pay $29 for displayport adapter that probably costs them $.29 to produce.

i guess if jobs produced turd and shaped like apple, people flock to that too.

i like OSX and some of the apps (and willing to pay for it) so i won't bitch there - but no way the hardware justifies the pricing on it's website.

 

[xhambonex]

I don't mind what they offer. They have always been expensive and that's not my issue. What I hate is that stupid glass in front of everything. Sure it makes the screen "look" better, but it doesn't help the performance of the screen by any means. I want them to take a step back from the FUNCTION follows FORM stuff they have been putting out in the line (except macpro and mini, separate issues). They need to go back to a complete package sale and they would actually sell more units. Add firewire to MB and people will be happy, give the MBP the options on the screen back along with some extra feature upgrades on the 15" line that should be there for the price. They really need to polish their line instead of just keep updating it.

Though good business says if Apple can sell it keep selling it. No need to add more value to their products if they are doing fine already. Too bad for the consumer.

Will I switch to PC, I rather not think about it, but I don't want to spend 2500 on a new MBP that I hate the keyboard (and keyboard color), screen, and overall the connectivity options. More usb less display port more video out options. I go through those stupid VGA to DVI connects to fast already, I don't want to keep spending on those stupid things.

 

[J&JPolangin]

...I'm moving to my first iMac... a previous gen 20" as the new iMac's don't inspire enough to warrant their price increase for "me" as a first time user...

I liked the value of the whitebook compared to the rest of the MB/MBP lineup and would have gone for that but came across the price of the prev gen iMac so that was the better price point.

Laptops are supposed to be portable and is the only company that seems to charge more for its larger machines not to mention that at 4.5 lbs for a MB and the price they charge you can get lighter, faster spec'd machines from other makers.

needs to get rid of the UMB and the whitebook and replace that size with a carbonbook for strength, light weight, cool running and long term durability...

 

[fewture]

Desktops:
Overpriced. They are still pretty classy desktops. Imac though with laptops parts - hmmm. But it does do job well for most people (you have to remember the majority of people are not power users)
Mac Pro - very nice machine but overpriced for its overall speed but thats Apple's decision choosing server parts (but yes Apple still has a huge mark up)
However if I was really pushed to go desktop for power (I use a macbook), I would go hackintosh route for sure. A mac pro is really nice but the price/power ratio...
So yes, they do have gaping hole. They could really make a cheaper/small mac pro with non server parts and market it more at geeks with a good price - this would really lift Apple's image in the computer world.

Laptops:
Really don't like the black keys/black bezel, especially looks worse on Macbook Pro. I really want to like the Macbook pro but its actually kind of ugly. I think just black bezel would be better and have silver keys instead. Its my guess they will eventually do that or something like that in an upcoming revision (probably not for a while though)
I love the unibody build though, nicest ever. Makes me want Apple laptops just for that
Still lame that Alum Macbook doesn't have firewire.
The glossy is just ridiculous, I don't want to have to find an angle/position to avoid overhead lights all the time.
Overpriced (but what do you expect)

From my point of view, the laptops are the best bet and the build is delicious, and using them as desktop replacements is very feasible for most people these days.

Software:
Leopard - contrary to what some people say, Leopard has been so rock solid for me its not funny and I have really worked my machine a lot.
Only had a few freeze ups due to one particular buggy program. I think the system crashed once in over a year of usage. Thats pretty amazing!
(yes I am coming from windows machines and yes I never used Tiger)

 

[opeter]

All I would like, is to have upgradable CPU in Mac minis... and maybe support for 8 GB RAM (2 x 4 GB modules). That's all.

 

[Ping Guo]

I think the iMac and Mac mini are good options for most home users. The notebook lineup needs something lighter/smaller than the whitebook and cheaper than the MBA. Something like this:

Samsung NC20
12.1" 1280 x 800
VIA Nano 1.3GHz
160 GB HDD
3.3lbs
$549.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834131031&Tpk=nc20

No unibody please, polycarb will do nicely. Tack on a $200 tax for OSX and I'm sold!

 

[Cave Man]

One poll option was left off: No, I'm building a hackintosh.

 

[NoSmokingBandit]

One poll option was left off: No, I'm building a hackintosh.

Or "No, I've built a hackintosh because apple failed at meeting my needs"

 

[MWPULSE]

Im happy with the current set up that apple have.. i wish that they would however make the mini about 50/75 quid cheaper.. the laptop lines could do with maybe 100 quid off.. the imac maybe about the same.. other than that i dont know too much about the mac pro, so i cant say.. i would have it, if i could though!!

The software is all good, i think that they should update their pro apps soonish though.. final cut, motion, aperture, compressor, logic pro, all that kinda stuff!!

Pete

 

[Donar]

Voted: "No, but I get by"
... by having build a H4ck1nt0sh. Not mainly because it is upgradable, but because it has: 3 GHz QuadCore, 8 Gigs Ram, a passive cooled Radeon 3870, Firewire 800&400, 2.3 TB of internal storage, and 2 DVD Burner/Drives (read from one, write to the other). Seems like i'm the typical xMac guy...

 

[stainlessliquid]

The desktops are a joke. The laptops are decent but yet have serious flaws. They need better screens because even the MBP screens are junk compared to screens you can get in practically any configurable 15" PC "gaming series" laptop, the MBP costs too much for such bargain bin parts.

Then theres mini display port, which is a huge load of ****. We are so close to finally unifying computer monitors and TV's, we dont need this crap to screw things up just so companies like Apple can nickel and dime us on crap for literally no reason. I really hope PC makers keep doing the smart thing by sticking with HDMI on their laptops and monitors and completely ignore this display port scam, hopefully they will force apple to stop that nonsense.

 

[dmmcintyre3]

DVI was the best. No DRM.

Apple Desktops = FAIL
Mac Mini = PCI is what?
iMac = Oh no the webcam broke I guess I will loose the computer for a week to get that fixed (Mac Mini with LED cinema display does better because you still get to keep the computer)
Mac Pro = Where do you think I will get $3k to spend on a 2.26 GHz computer?

My next desktop if I get one = first gen Mac Pro quad. (edit : $2200 for a computer from 2006? *Jawdrop* If dad was going to buy me than I would pay the $300 extra to get a new quad)