iMac in Paris?

[zelmo]

more predictions that are probably completely off the mark

Almost forgot:

Upgrades are for power users. There will be no upgrade-ability beyond BTO for BT and AE. No other available card slots, and only 2 RAM slots. iMac is not meant for Pro users, just high-end prosumers. If it is a really nice solid box, iMac buyers will not need to upgrade it for three to four years, but then they'll go out and either buy the next iMac or graduate to a PM.

 

[daveg5]

Almost forgot:

Upgrades are for power users. There will be no upgrade-ability beyond BTO for BT and AE. No other available card slots, and only 2 RAM slots. iMac is not meant for Pro users, just high-end prosumers. If it is a really nice solid box, iMac buyers will not need to upgrade it for three to four years, but then they'll go out and either buy the next iMac or graduate to a PM.

Thats Bull!!!!
Upgrades are for the rest of us too, if said company is told we want them in their products, however if they read your comments, they will continue to keep everyone but powermac users out of the upgrade loop.
There is no way there will only be 2 slots in the iMac G5, since the ram has to be put in, in pairs they will essentially be full when you get them new in the box, and 64bits claim to fame is 4GB or more accessible ram, expect at least 4 slots like the bottom-end G5. Even the current G4 Imac can handle 2GB.
Emac will stay un upgradable, but I think that if the iMacG5 stays between $1300-$2000, that there is a 50/50 chance it may include a PCI/PCCard slot for future firewire 1600, usb 3, etc upgrades, and possibly a real AGP slot or removable laptop based video ziff, that Nvidia/ATI are pushing.
After all most PC's under $1000 have at least 1PCI and 1 AGP slot and this is a big reason average PC user are not switching to the mac, they dont need all the expandability and power and size of the dual G5 towers, but they dont want a 100% totally closed system either.
I hope Apple has learned from there mistakes.
At the very least I think Apple will allow BTO 128MB video upgrades

 

[daveg5]

I don't think Apple can afford NOT to have a desktop computer priced between the $999 eMac and the low-end PowerMac Dual 1.8.
Given that the 1.6GHz PM G5 is going for $1600, and assuming the current " Al vertical pizza box with a monitor slapped on the front" theory is close to accurate:

1.6 GHz iMac G5 w/17" LCD/256RAM/80GB/Superdrive = $1,499

1.8 GHz iMac G5 w/20" HDLCD/512RAM/120GB/Super(4XDVD) = $1,799
Available Jan 05 at the earliest not to infringe on 20" display sales.

Isn't conjecture fun?

Sounds reasonable.
But you forgot Apple needs a low cost one, they have always had a $1299 or lower priced iMac and I dont think that will change, because that is the price point where they get most of their sales. So here is the third model which will sell the most, I doubt the 20" will be available right away. All will be 4X slot load.

1.4-1.6 iMac G5 w/15.2 Megawide LCD /256/60GB/SuperDrive =$1299 or less
There will be "no" combo drives available to the general public, just business and education markets only at the start.
Also expect a $100 cut in Emac prices to $699 and $899, respectively, for the Xmas buying season.

 

[aswitcher]

Sounds reasonable.
But you forgot Apple needs a low cost one, they have always had a $1299 or lower priced iMac and I dont think that will change, because that is the price point where they get most of their sales. So here is the third model which will sell the most, I doubt the 20" will be available right away. All will be 4X slot load.

I think for sure we will see the 20" right away.

Indeed given the new design specs being rumoured we could even see a 23" becayse the rumoured shape seems might like the current monitor range!

 

[daveg5]

I think for sure we will see the 20" right away.

Indeed given the new design specs being rumoured we could even see a 23" becayse the rumoured shape seems might like the current monitor range!

You may be right, the 23" is possible too I guess, but I dont think Apple will duplicate the new display sizes in Imac sizes so close after their releases. That would only cause confusion and siphon display sales when you can get a whole cpu for a little more $$$.
I believe 15.2" and 17" Only at Debut, so they dont overlap until sales slow, like what happened with the former Imac G4, they didnt increase monitor size to 17" and 20" until the sales slowed to a crawl.
JMT

 

[JerseyMike73]

Getting the picture...

OK... so the vast majority of rumors for the iMac G5 is an aluminum, vertical pizza box case with an LCD panel attached to the front. However, I am having some issues with trying to visualize how it will work.

1- I can't see Apple producing multiple sizes of pizza box enclosure, so having different sized LCD panels as part of the case could be problematic and/or unsightly to look at.

2- How exactly is this relatively heavy enclosure supposed to remain stable on a desktop while retaining a good level of monitor flexibility. The "floating," highly adjustable screen on the G4 iMac was a major selling point, so why would the next generation be basically immobile.

3- The pizza box style has been used in several iterations before, such as the LC, LC III, Centris/Quadra 660, and PowerMac 6100 (to name a few.) Apple is known for innovation, not recirculation.

Can anyone shed some light or give me some further insight? Right now I think Apple may have something totally different in store for us than what the rumormill is suggesting.

 

[Euthyphro]

I don't think Apple can afford NOT to have a desktop computer priced between the $999 eMac and the low-end PowerMac Dual 1.8.
Given that the 1.6GHz PM G5 is going for $1600, and assuming the current " Al vertical pizza box with a monitor slapped on the front" theory is close to accurate:

1.4 GHz iMac G5 w/17" LCD/256RAM/80GB/Combo = $1,499

1.6 GHz iMac G5 w/20" HDLCD/512RAM/120GB/Super(8XDVD) = $1,999

Isn't conjecture fun?

I'm afraid apple is very unlikely to drop prices as significant as this. These are almost refurbished prices for the current outdated models.

It would be nice to see price drops, but seeing what apple is doing lately, the price points are likely to stay where they are: $1299 (15"), $1799 (17"), $2199 (20"). 🙁 Just look at the new cinema displays which replaced the old ones at basically the same price point.

One thing I an anticipate, though, is that they'll be remarkably designed machines.

 

[MacinDoc]

You may be right, the 23" is possible too I guess, but I dont think Apple will duplicate the new display sizes in Imac sizes so close after their releases. That would only cause confusion and siphon display sales when you can get a whole cpu for a little more $$$.
I believe 15.2" and 17" Only at Debut, so they dont overlap until sales slow, like what happened with the former Imac G4, they didnt increase monitor size to 17" and 20" until the sales slowed to a crawl.
JMT

I don't think they will take away a LARGER screen that was previously available. The trend in computing is always toward larger and faster.

 

[zelmo]

Thats Bull!!!!
Upgrades are for the rest of us too, if said company is told we want them in their products, however if they read your comments, they will continue to keep everyone but powermac users out of the upgrade loop.
There is no way there will only be 2 slots in the iMac G5, since the ram has to be put in, in pairs they will essentially be full when you get them new in the box, and 64bits claim to fame is 4GB or more accessible ram, expect at least 4 slots like the bottom-end G5. Even the current G4 Imac can handle 2GB.
Emac will stay un upgradable, but I think that if the iMacG5 stays between $1300-$2000, that there is a 50/50 chance it may include a PCI/PCCard slot for future firewire 1600, usb 3, etc upgrades, and possibly a real AGP slot or removable laptop based video ziff, that Nvidia/ATI are pushing.
After all most PC's under $1000 have at least 1PCI and 1 AGP slot and this is a big reason average PC user are not switching to the mac, they dont need all the expandability and power and size of the dual G5 towers, but they dont want a 100% totally closed system either.
I hope Apple has learned from there mistakes.
At the very least I think Apple will allow BTO 128MB video upgrades

Duh, you're right about the ram slots - don't know where my head was at, but it may explain that awful smell! 😛

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for PCI and AGP (and all other) upgrade capabilities in the iMac line. Lemme at that wireless keyboard/mouse that matches the Al design. I just think that, given the price points required to fit in between the eMac and PMac, something has got to give. Plus, the iMac has not historically upgradeable. Also, I guess I'm buying into the "vertical within/behind the monitor" case design theory, and I just don't see how they fit everything in that we all want, address heat issues, include card slots, and still make the numbers work. Frankly, I'd rather you be right than me.

 

[zelmo]

Sounds reasonable.
But you forgot Apple needs a low cost one, they have always had a $1299 or lower priced iMac and I dont think that will change, because that is the price point where they get most of their sales. So here is the third model which will sell the most, I doubt the 20" will be available right away. All will be 4X slot load.

1.4-1.6 iMac G5 w/15.2 Megawide LCD /256/60GB/SuperDrive =$1299 or less
There will be "no" combo drives available to the general public, just business and education markets only at the start.
Also expect a $100 cut in Emac prices to $699 and $899, respectively, for the Xmas buying season.

Very true about the $1299 price point, but how does Apple manage to get a G5 (even a 1.4) and a 15" LCD in any box at that price point? Isn't the technology just too darned expensive?

 

[ChrisH3677]

Just a thought about the new iMac design... The NSW Road Traffic Authority (in Australia) bought 1100 iMacs in January this year. Their number one reason for choosing them was OH&S/ergonomics.

This is something that the current iMac has over every other computer on the market. I hope Apple have considered this in their new design.

 

[zelmo]

Hey, if this thing ships with a (removeable? optional?) base, what are the odd's that the base will include a built-in iPod dock? That would look pretty cool, eh? A lot of folks are clamoring for a dock, and I can't imagine where else you could put it (certainly not on the display itself?).

 

[supergod]

I love the current design on the iMac (the ergonomic arm is amazing) but the design totally disregards the fact that half the point of an LCD is to save space (a big selling point for college kids I might add). Obviously the design they have would not be possible without an LCD but the circular base is counterintuitive. Would it not be possible for the next iMac to be a mix between the "pizza box" idea and the current half dome and articulated nexk design? What about an iMac with a standard widescreen (almost as big of an upgrade as CRT to LCD was), an all aluminum design and a more rectangular pizza box base. The base could use up all of the space underneath the display while not taking up as much as the space in front and behind of the display, and the whole package would still feature an articulated arm (albeit with a modified design). The whole box would probably need to be weighted on top of featuring a support frame of some kind, but this would be simple enough. With the display in the straight up position, the system would look stunning from the side!

 

[daveg5]

Very true about the $1299 price point, but how does Apple manage to get a G5 (even a 1.4) and a 15" LCD in any box at that price point? Isn't the technology just too darned expensive?

I was using your 17" at $1499 as a guide and took $200 away for the 15 vs 17"
🙂

 

[daveg5]

Duh, you're right about the ram slots - don't know where my head was at, but it may explain that awful smell! 😛

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for PCI and AGP (and all other) upgrade capabilities in the iMac line. Lemme at that wireless keyboard/mouse that matches the Al design. I just think that, given the price points required to fit in between the eMac and PMac, something has got to give. Plus, the iMac has not historically upgradeable. Also, I guess I'm buying into the "vertical within/behind the monitor" case design theory, and I just don't see how they fit everything in that we all want, address heat issues, include card slots, and still make the numbers work. Frankly, I'd rather you be right than me.

agreed, the first Imac did have a mezznine slot that was used for video and firewire upgrades i believe, but that was about it.

 

[daveg5]

I'm afraid apple is very unlikely to drop prices as significant as this. These are almost refurbished prices for the current outdated models.

It would be nice to see price drops, but seeing what apple is doing lately, the price points are likely to stay where they are: $1299 (15"), $1799 (17"), $2199 (20"). 🙁 Just look at the new cinema displays which replaced the old ones at basically the same price point.

One thing I an anticipate, though, is that they'll be remarkably designed machines.

thats displays the G5's, powerbooks, ibooks, emac, are cpu's and they all went down in price and or gained features, Imacs biggest flaw was its price like the cube, but I agree the $1299 price point has been there since the 90's, i do not expect the 17" to be more than $300 more the the 15" superdrive model, with the same features, plus .200GHZ.
20" will have to wait unless Apple has enough chips and screens to go around, as the 15" and 17" dont share screens with the separate displays.
🙁

 

[daveg5]

OK... so the vast majority of rumors for the iMac G5 is an aluminum, vertical pizza box case with an LCD panel attached to the front. However, I am having some issues with trying to visualize how it will work.

1- I can't see Apple producing multiple sizes of pizza box enclosure, so having different sized LCD panels as part of the case could be problematic and/or unsightly to look at.

2- How exactly is this relatively heavy enclosure supposed to remain stable on a desktop while retaining a good level of monitor flexibility. The "floating," highly adjustable screen on the G4 iMac was a major selling point, so why would the next generation be basically immobile.

3- The pizza box style has been used in several iterations before, such as the LC, LC III, Centris/Quadra 660, and PowerMac 6100 (to name a few.) Apple is known for innovation, not recirculation.

Can anyone shed some light or give me some further insight? Right now I think Apple may have something totally different in store for us than what the rumormill is suggesting.

very good points, maybe it will only be available as a 17", or it will be attached (piggybacked) in such away on the screen that it makes no difference the screen size like the current imac G4
I am thinking it will only have screen tilt and height adjustability. however remember this is Vesa compliant, so there are already articulating arms available. and apple will offer a custom matching one as an option. $100 os so.

😱

 

[daveg5]

Rumors

Heres two crazy ideas. The Imac pizza box may be available in 3 forms. no screen $999 cmbo(sd +100), 15.2" screen $1299sd, 17" screen $1599sd.
Are you with me so far, okay heres the deal.
The piggyback version is compatable with the 20" and 23" out the box and attaches easily to it, the separate power supply, firewire usb ports, for the monitor keeps the piggyback imac G5 cool, the 30" is a no go because of the Giant nvdia card needed.

That would make the 20" Superdrive version$ 2299 and 23" version$2999.
(i just dont get A $3000 Imac soundscrazy, 30" would be about 5 grand$)

The no screen would be great for everyone that owns a good screen already, and mainly switchers, Pccard and BTO 128AGP graphics round it out.
There is a Giant pure copper heatsink, and 3 quiet varible fans inside, and sound deadning materials.
Crazy hey JMT
They may use the big powerblock like the cube and new displays to keep the heat out of the Imac G5.
No way rumor🙁 dual G5's in top two Imac models, talk about a furnace,LOL!) 😱

 

[iProbot]

I just can't wait!

 

[Krizoitz]

I'm thinking the following

$1299 15.2" widescreen 1.6Ghz
$1599 17" widescreen 1.6Ghz
$1899 20" widescreen 1.8Ghz

Its not going to be headless, that just seems counter to the AIO idea behind the iMac from the start.

 

[daveg5]

I'm thinking the following

$1299 15.2" widescreen 1.6Ghz
$1599 17" widescreen 1.6Ghz
$1899 20" widescreen 1.8Ghz

Its not going to be headless, that just seems counter to the AIO idea behind the iMac from the start.

I think your right about the screenless one, just dreaming, as I have an excellent Sony 22" display, and dont need or want an AIO, and cant afford a Powermac G5, or need that much power.
I do think the powersupply will be outside the computer and screen though.
I am saving for the $1299 15.2 " one as we speak, providing superdrive is standard, otherwise the 17" would be the best value, but 15.2" Megawide is all I require with superdrive and 128MB video.
I hope it can do monitor spanning(maybe with a hack). If not I will mirror it my Sony for photo editing and games and Cubase/Logic.
Oct-Nov I will buy or get a refurb 17" if the price is attractive enough, I love that arm, I only wish they had added pivoting to it for the ultimate in ergonomics.
No the biggest thing that could happen is a BT multi-button scrolling mouse and an Apple Specific keyboard with a more specific app buttons and volume dial/shuttle wheel ffw-rw-ply-stop-pause--trk+trk, itunes, quick time, safari, mail, expose, widgets, search/sherlock/spotlight launch buttons, separate from key combos and function keys and power key. Maybe just 10 extra buttons like on my Microsoft keyboard and Aluminum of course.

 

[daveg5]

I think for sure we will see the 20" right away.

Indeed given the new design specs being rumoured we could even see a 23" becayse the rumoured shape seems might like the current monitor range!

If they come out with a 23" Imac, they have got to let you use it in a display only mode with some type of switching modes mechanism, for when you outgrow the Imac and move to A G5 Dual. hopefully these new Imacs will have A DVI input and not just output to allow use with powerbooks and other cpus as displays.
And not to get greedy, possible opt. component-Svideo inputs for tv tuners, progressive scan DVD players to preview you IDVD Creation, digital cable and satelite and HDTVtuners, since most large HDplasma, LCD, and HDTV's out now dont even approach the 15.2 1280X854 Resolution specs.
JMT

 

[evoluzione]

so this is what i heard yesterday....

the case will be smaller (about half the size), and a cross between the current imac and the old cube, think a rounded corner cube.

the cd drive will be mounted horizontally, behind the screen (with no speed issues)

the screen will be available in 12" up to 30" (the casing fits an executive look, but is also cool for schools)

the color will be an off white, or a silver i think, and one or two others, weird ones like yellow or blue (sorry i cannot remember exactly) and there will be some holes like the G5.

the keyboard and mouse will be BT

and of course it will be a G5, liquid cooled of course.

 

[zelmo]

so this is what i heard yesterday....

the case will be smaller (about half the size), and a cross between the current imac and the old cube, think a rounded corner cube.

the cd drive will be mounted horizontally, behind the screen (with no speed issues)

the screen will be available in 12" up to 30" (the casing fits an executive look, but is also cool for schools)

the color will be an off white, or a silver i think, and one or two others, weird ones like yellow or blue (sorry i cannot remember exactly) and there will be some holes like the G5.

the keyboard and mouse will be BT

and of course it will be a G5, liquid cooled of course.

Hmm, I've got questions:
How could a base half the size of the current dome support the weight of a 30" display, much less have enough room to keep a G5 cool?

Screens from 12" to 30"? Seems far-fetched that either a 12 or a 30 would be on an iMac. Heck, I have a hard time believing it will go as large as 23.

Colors? With even three color themes, and then your six display sizes (12, 15, 17, 20, 23, 30), that's too many iterations to try and predict stock for.

BT keyboard and (mutli-button, scroll) mouse? I buy that.

Say, are you just pulling our legs?

 

[zelmo]

headless just a pipe dream?

If the new case is VESA compliant, then you'll be able to mount the CPU/display (almost) however you want (stand, arm, wall), especially if the keyboard/mouse are BT. That really takes the ergonomic form factor to the next Ives-ian level, virtually removing the CPU from view. I really like that idea.
But...if there's already a VESA mount on the back, doesn't that pretty much kill the headless idea? I mean, then you'd need two VESA mounts on the darn thing, one on the back to mount the CPU and another on the front of the CPU to affix a display to. Besides, if there's a slot drive, wouldn't it logically be on the side, not the top? If that is also true, then putting a wider display on the front would make inserting a disc darned inconvenient, wouldn't it?