thatwendigo said:
I think that it would be a mistake not to create a lower-end tower with a single processor and the current features of the G5s. That would allow an easy differentiation between the pro and consumer lines even if there's no change in processor type (970 to P5D - Power5 Derivative). Also, for those who cry and moan over there not being a cheaper G5 with expandability and options, the iMac is the worst of both worlds, since it would hideously limit what Apple could do with the machine while also denying upgradability. A tower is the only compromise that makes any sense, and it's the only path that would allow the supposed Holy Grail that I keep hearing people whine over - a headless "iMac."
pleaase forgive me for being sotallyuntober....but Ill make my argument anyway
. Although I agree there should be a differentiation between the pro and consumer G5 lines, I do not think there should be G5 tower's that consist of single processors. Although the iMac may offer very little in terms of expandability, people purchasing current 1.6 singles are not looking to deck it out and add every feature they can to it. It is the cheapest G5 out there, and although fast, it is only sold because it is a G5 processor, not because it is a power hungry machine that will devour art/video work. I would suggest apple offer the current 970 machines as consumer models. with 1.8/2.0 duals beign offered. (1 model up or down too, but that is dependant on what professional models they release.
An iMac (headless) offers a cheap G5, much cheaper than any curent tower. i dont even care what it looks like, the fact is selling a base of a iMac could be cut down to 800+$, which would bring alot more costomers into Apples ballpark. Considering if they dont have the money to spend on a beautiful LCD display, they can use their current CRT monitors and be haoppy. IT would distinctly separate the low end computers, mid-level consumers, and professional buyers with all 3 levels. Offering all types of pricing options, along with bringing their monitor proces down due to the separate iMac sales instead of the packaged current deals.
Your such a smart ass
I wish I coould prove you wrong, but I know your probably right. But what would the fun be in that if you had no one to argue with!
Im just offering my personal opinion based on the entire consumer market, and not just the current rich, professional based buyers. I want apple to steal every comp usa, circut city, and best buy customer there is, and be able to offer something that can make anybody at least think about buying it. Oppossed to the cuurent huge price gap between a decently loaded AMD computer and Apples low end computer.
The 7455 can run at 35w typical, but the reference you give does not state either the conditions, the clock rate, or anything else that causes it to reach that point. As such, it's more than a little irresponsible to be bandying about that number as if it proves anything, since we've got hard numbers on clock rate and heat in the 970 and 970FX. The P5D, should it make an appearance in the upcoming product cycle, will almost certainly be a pro tower process and not at all make a blip in the consumer market.
I know, I know.
But whatever specs or heat numbers we throw out there, Apple simply MUST release a G5 iMac, because it is what the public desires. You cant offer a stunning processor 1 year ago and keep all your your models on its predecessor and expect sales to climb. Consumers arent stupid, well, they might be but they still know the difference between getting a G5 that they saw in the commercials, or a G4, which by even elementary mathematics they can tell is outdated. ( "G5 - G4 = G1 | so the cool model is 1 better than the one I am spending 1800$ for...hrmmmm....") Makes no sense, but Im drunk and felt like doing math. But for the most part, the public doesnt want to spend 2000$ on something it knows isnt even the best they offer, and that seems like a waste, especially in todays market when a spanking new PC is outdated in 6 months.
So, as we can see, even the single 970FX loses to two 7455 processors (which are hotter than the current MPC7447A), especially at maximum wattage consumption and maximum heat output. Load those babies down and watch the temperature rise... Hell, look at the
single 1.8 G5, which throws out an ungodly 1466BTU/h, or some 3-4 times the heat output of two 1.33ghz previous-generation G4s. I threw in the dual-processor G5 just to show you what a system with fans that could drown out aircraft engines do with the heat - lose to the G4 all over the place in heat and power draw.
Oh, and those are
Apple's numbers, so if anyone has a reason to spin the G5 as being cooler, it's them. No dice.
Dead God, I hope that you're wrong about the iMac. I like having a computer that doesn't have any fan noise, and they're going to need some high-speed blowers to get rid of the excess. If the formfactor is completely redesigned, then it might be possible we'll see a "G5 iMac" that can double as a hairdryer.
In all seriousness, the best path to take here is to build a real consumer tower with the 970 or 970FX, not some absurd bastard child of the iMac that could be used to toast your breakfast in the morning. Well, maybe there is a market for the iToaster...
No matter how right you may be, consumers dont care about the technology involved in the product of keeping it quiet & cool, they just want the "G5" name, plain and simple. You and I desire the same thing, but I am just putting out the perspective from everyone I have talked to about them, and while 70% of those people just want a cheap G5, 30% want a small for factor. And to add to this, which you already make you point abundantly clear in your previous posts that Apple is VERY far away from a powerbook G5, and although I agree with you, people dont care. You and I understand the specific details of engineering it and how difficult it is. Mom and pop just want it because it looks cool, and it beats the hell out of the comparable pentium M, and if Apple never pulls through on this front, then they will eventually loose.
If they cant fit a low powered G5 into an iMac @ WWDC, then powerbook G5's are a LOOOONNNGGG ways off. And I dont think they can afford that. And although what you propose makes total sense to a business o supplier, it will not keep apples 5% marketshare growing, since people eagerly want iMac / powerbook G5's. It doesnt matter how they do it, its just the fact that they do accomplish it.
And please dont come down on me too hard, I know 1/2 5his stuff Ill regret in the morning, but its the best drunken argument I could make!
P.S. .........Irish carbombs frikkin rock!!!!!!!
