Hands-On Impressions and Other Tidbits From Today's Releases

[LeeTom]

Also, for the first time the USB SuperDrive for the MacBook Air works for another product: The Mac Mini Server!

http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MC408LL/A?mco=MTMzNzU5Nzc

 

[MorphingDragon]

The iMac is going to normalize over time. There aren't any big upgrades from Nehalem/Westmere for some time. If you can afford it go for the Core i5/i7 machines.

They make nice TVs too.

If Apple uses the New Tech anytime soon is another story.

 

[threeonezero]

cool, I had missed that there was an input display-port on the 27 iMac. That is awesome.

theoretically would you be able to run 2 new imacs side by side using one as an extended display only? (cost effectiveness aside of course - a boy can dream can't he?)

 

[thefaceless]

I actually think it looks really ugly. Different strokes I guess...

Probably, I seem to be one of the few people in the world who really doesn't like the look of the aluminium unibodies while everyone else is still crazy over them.

 

[Eidorian]

If Apple uses the New Tech anytime soon is another story.

Looking at Intel and AMD's roadmaps it's pretty quiet for the next year.

 

[iLunar]

it is user replaceable if you arent scared of a screwdriver

What about needing suction to remove the glass?

 

[MorphingDragon]

Looking at Intel and AMD's roadmaps it's pretty quiet for the next year.

I meant when It was released.

 

[shaunymac]

What about needing suction to remove the glass?

Suction to remove the glass??? What? That sounds crazy and scary all at the same time. I think breakage and dust if that is what it entails.

These iMac updates today just keep getting sweeter and sweeter. Man that big one looks nice. I would so snag one of those if I was in the market.

I can't wait to see one. Mhmm

 

[Bonte]

- The 27-inch iMac supports video input via its DisplayPort connector, allowing the machine to be used as a display for external sources.

Nice, that way we should be able to use a external BR player, cable box or a game console.

 

[rdowns]

Macbook....hmm...they really need back to aluminium enclosures. They look so cool and professional.

Where have you been? The 13" aluminum MacBooks are now called the MacBook Pro. The white MB has been kept in the lineup so they have a $1000 offering.

 

[Eidorian]

I meant when It was released.

Well Apple can do whatever it wants because they have a license to print money. Kind of like Nintendo.

 

[ingenious]

Overall, very solid updates. They've really been listening to customers... I mean, who could've predicted that Apple would allow the 27" iMac to be used as an external display? How freaking many threads have we had about "So, um, can I like use my iMac as a, um, display?"

Or the Mac mini with SL Server. That was definitely out of left field, but greatly appreciated. I'm really excited about it.

On a side note, Apple has dropped FireWire from its 13" MacBook again. I guess it's okay because it's on the 13" MacBook Pro?

 

[MorphingDragon]

Well Apple can do whatever it wants because they have a license to print money. Kind of like Nintendo.

Whats the estimated worth of Microsoft? I'm sure Apple at the rate its going could buy MS in a couple of years.

 

[Doctor Q]

Three cheers for Mac4Ever and the accurate information they released weeks before these announcements.

 

[diddl14]

So those ARE desktop class i5 and i7s. There had been some debate on other forums.

The apple press release states "The new iMac line, starting at $1,199, is the fastest ever with Intel Core 2 Duo processors starting at 3.06 GHz, and Core i5 and i7 quad-core processors for up to twice the performance".

No sight of the term 'mobile' in either Core 2 Duo or i5/i7. Guess the debate continues until someone actually opens the box and looks what is inside (based on the specs my guess would be a Clarksfield core with 45W TDP).

 

[ingenious]

Nope, the original 24" iMac was wall-mountable. I am sorely tempted to swap this one (original 24) for one of the new ones though!

Is this new iMac Apple's first foray into wall-mounting? I'm intrigued. I also wonder if wall-mounting is step one of some grander plan. Hmmm.

Actually, I think iMacs have been wall-mountable since Apple introduced this "screen on a stand" concept back in 2004 with the iMac G5.

The power adaptor is most intriguing to me of the "hidden secrets."

Me, too. What does the MacBook gain by using an Air MagSafe adaptor? What's the reasoning?

 

[darthcoder]

Walt Mossberg?

Anyone think Walt Mossberg's recent love affair with Windows 7 has cost him pre-release privileges?

 

[TWLreal]

The base 21.5" iMac ($1,199 USD/$1,299 CAD) has no option to upgrade the hard drive?

What's up with that? I almost wouldn't mind paying them for a 1TB option on the base model.

 

[MarlboroLite]

I think the iMac update was definitely the best of them all.

The new MacBook is positively underwhelming. The removal of firewire is OK for this kind of consumer laptop, but it wouldn't have killed them to put in an SD slot...regular people DO use cameras and that including one is not a "pro" feature, it's basically on every other laptop in the market. They should have included it.

The specs are basically unchanged. It's still too expensive. It should be $850.
It makes no sense not to shell out an extra $200 for the aluminum, extra ports, probably better screen, and keyboard backlighting in the cheapest MBP.

 

[wallaby]

Overall a good update across the line I think.

Pro's:

• iMacs no longer ugly
• desktop processors in iMac
• No real power discrepancies between current iMacs and build-it-yourself PCs (besides multiple hard drives and/or video cards)
• Macbooks no longer the overlooked unibody-less child
• Magic mouse gives multitouch capabilities to laptops without the glass trackpads (like my 2007 MBP)

Con's:

• Firewire dropped AGAIN... can you tell they want to push people to the MBP line?

Just my two cents.

 

[PeterQVenkman]

I'm intrigued by the new video-in option, but can't find the adaptor for it. Anybody know the details?

Apple says necessary adapters are coming soon.

 

[wallaby]

Oh, and the Mini is still way overpriced.

 

[PeterQVenkman]

Nice, that way we should be able to use a external BR player, cable box or a game console.

The input doesn't support sound, though. that would have been bad ass.

 

[DisMyMac]

"glossy"

What about needing suction to remove the glass?

Speaking of suction, there is still no matte option available. Take it shiny, like it or not...

 

[archer75]

[*]No real power discrepancies between current iMacs and build-it-yourself
Just my two cents.

Still is. I'm pricing a hackintosh i7 build with twice the ram as well as faster ram, better video card and a 27" monitor and i'm still $700 cheaper.

Though i'd like to get this new imac and am still considering it, it's the 4850 that's holding me back. At the resolution of of the 27" imac it can barely handle CoD4. I'm still waiting to see some WoW and Sims 3 benchmarks. And i'd like to eventually run Modern Warfare 2 on it.