iMac in Paris?

[kangaroo]

A few thoughts on the iMac design…

The current iMac serves a dual purpose as an AIO and an Apple icon. It is, in effect, a computer-logo for Apple much in the same way the iPod is an Apple logo/proxy for digital music players. The iMac’s image/icon is used in a variety of applications (documentation, help files, media, etc.) to represent, not just a computer but an Apple computer. If you disassemble the LCD, arm and base, its identity becomes somewhat unrecognizable. Reassemble those 3 parts and its identity snaps into place for both Mac and non Mac users alike as a computer and more specifically an Apple computer. (The PM’s, top/bottom handle tower design, although unique, is less effective as a computer icon for a variety of reason, not the least of which is that it excludes a screen component). The point being that, optimally, (I would assume) Apple would like its next generation iMac design to be as unique and as inimitable as it’s current design for the purposes of marketing and brand identity.

The AIO iMac also forced you to buy an Apple screen and its form factor both maintained/reinforced the logo. (On the earlier PMs the ADC essentially forced you into an Apple display as well). In either case you end up with a coordinated system that is uniquely Apple.

Apple is broadening its market by making some products accessible to the larger Wintel world. iTunes for Windows opens the storefront to everyone while simultaneously requiring an iPod if you want to take your music mobile. (Working against Apple, it shows you that a Mac app like the much vaunted iTunes, can be written to run seamlessly within a Windows environment (so why buy a Mac?). The new displays with DVI are now on the radar screen for both Mac and non-Mac users.

So, my prediction for the new iMac: a little something old and new. Old-retain the dome, change it to aluminum and slightly enlarge it to accommodate the new chip and other requirements. New-offer both the base (you supply the display) and a base/display bundle: You choose which of the new Apple displays to add via a new VESA compliant arm which will cleverly conceal the display cable. The base/display would be offered in a price competitive bundle that would induce most buyers to purchase a coordinated system (continuing to reinforce the logo). The new enhanced base with a new display will look new while at the same time retain, what is for Apple, a powerful icon.

 

[evoluzione]

Hmm, I've got questions:
How could a base half the size of the current half-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?

it was just what i heard from a friend (who services my drum scanner). he also services a photographers drum scanner and he was apparently one of the five that took shots of the new machine...i think apple makes 5 designs so none of the photographers knows which one is the actual design until it's public.

as for all the screens, i don't know if all the sizes will be available, maybe just, say, a 12, a 20 and a 30 perhaps???

oh, and my friend said that the mouse would be a two button, or with a scrollwheel, but his thoughts were the same as mine (i'll believe that when i see it) 🙂

i'd honestly welcome discussion/criticism about all this, as i want to see if it is feasible or not...

 

[daveg5]

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.

i believe the color bit, apple newer imacs are supposed to be some magnesium composite to save cost I read at jan mac world, and that can be colored to match the ipod minis, i actually wouldnt be suprised if the form factor is very similar to current imac g4's if they can keep the price down, maybe with pivoting screens. slot loads are too slow and expensive, so it will have a tray, alll power supply's will be in big external power blocks,
no on 12-23-30 displays. pricing is everything $999-$1999, even ifthat means lower profits and lower price on emacs. or somewhere in there about with a high volume low price one

 

[wdlove]

it was just what i heard from a friend (who services my drum scanner). he also services a photographers drum scanner and he was apparently one of the five that took shots of the new machine...i think apple makes 5 designs so none of the photographers knows which one is the actual design until it's public.

as for all the screens, i don't know if all the sizes will be available, maybe just, say, a 12, a 20 and a 30 perhaps???

oh, and my friend said that the mouse would be a two button, or with a scrollwheel, but his thoughts were the same as mine (i'll believe that when i see it) 🙂

i'd honestly welcome discussion/criticism about all this, as i want to see if it is feasible or not...

Remembering what eyelikeart has commented on his photo-shoots, I'm skeptical. As eye sign a agreement for non disclosure and knowing Apple, I can't imagine that toy friend wouldn't also have to sign a NDA.

 

[DavidCar]

Thoughts

Why would they want to include a 12 inch screen? That seems to be a move in the wrong direction. I think it would be a bold move forward to include a 23 inch option, otherwise I think it would be just a facelift and speed bump. Maybe that's all they want to do.

I think if they do a little pizza box, mountable on the back of the screen, it would also be usable as a horizontal pizza box under the screen. Integrating the screen and CPU in one box sounds problematic to me.

I want to be able to use a wide screen display in portrait mode.

I expect any TV options would be external, attached via Firewire. This is what I posted in the other thread:

For what it's worth, This is what I am watching for.

El Gato's EyeTV 500 for broadcast HDTV is selling better than expected, according to their website. It connects to the computer with Firewire 400. One problem is that to acheive full frame rate HDTV (1920 x 1080) it requires a Dual G5 to decode the MPEG-2. For some reason, according to their FAQs, they are not able to use the graphics processor for this. They claim Quicktime is unable to use the graphics processor to decode MPEG-2 either, and that the elgato software is 10 - 20% better at this than Quicktime.

Enter Mac OSX Tiger. Part of what was demonstrated in the Tiger preview was Core Video which "provides a modern foundation for video services in Mac OS X Tiger. It provides a bridge between QuickTime and the GPU for hardware-accelerated video processing." Does this mean that Core Video will allow ElGato to use the GPU for MPEG-2, and lower the hardware requirements for full blown HDTV?

Enter the G5 iMac. Will the new G5 iMac be usable with a 23 inch Cinema HD Display? (1920 x 1200) Will Tiger OSX allow ElGato to use an iMac G5 to present full frame rate full resolution HDTV? (1920 x 1080)

That is what I am watching for.

I seriously doubt a G5 iMac would have any built in TV capability.

 

[evoluzione]

Remembering what eyelikeart has commented on his photo-shoots, I'm skeptical. As eye sign a agreement for non disclosure and knowing Apple, I can't imagine that toy friend wouldn't also have to sign a NDA.

wdlove ... i believe he may have kept to his NDA, but my friend i think may have been repairing the scanner and could have been there when the shoot was taking place. as he is the other side of the country my friend would have had to keep the appointment therefore would have to work that particular day 🙂

 

[daveg5]

Why would they want to include a 12 inch screen? That seems to be a move in the wrong direction. I think it would be a bold move forward to include a 23 inch option, otherwise I think it would be just a facelift and speed bump. Maybe that's all they want to do.

I think if they do a little pizza box, mountable on the back of the screen, it would also be usable as a horizontal pizza box under the screen. Integrating the screen and CPU in one box sounds problematic to me.

I want to be able to use a wide screen display in portrait mode.

I expect any TV options would be external, attached via Firewire. This is what I posted in the other thread:

For what it's worth, This is what I am watching for.

El Gato's EyeTV 500 for broadcast HDTV is selling better than expected, according to their website. It connects to the computer with Firewire 400. One problem is that to acheive full frame rate HDTV (1920 x 1080) it requires a Dual G5 to decode the MPEG-2. For some reason, according to their FAQs, they are not able to use the graphics processor for this. They claim Quicktime is unable to use the graphics processor to decode MPEG-2 either, and that the elgato software is 10 - 20% better at this than Quicktime.

Enter Mac OSX Tiger. Part of what was demonstrated in the Tiger preview was Core Video which "provides a modern foundation for video services in Mac OS X Tiger. It provides a bridge between QuickTime and the GPU for hardware-accelerated video processing." Does this mean that Core Video will allow ElGato to use the GPU for MPEG-2, and lower the hardware requirements for full blown HDTV?

Enter the G5 iMac. Will the new G5 iMac be usable with a 23 inch Cinema HD Display? (1920 x 1200) Will Tiger OSX allow ElGato to use an iMac G5 to present full frame rate full resolution HDTV? (1920 x 1080)

That is what I am watching for.

I seriously doubt a G5 iMac would have any built in TV capability.

Excellent points, can you imagine how snappy the Mac OS desktop will be using the GPU instead of the processor for its power, for PDF, scrolling, window resizing, etc.
3d speeds have been doubling every year, but 2D speed has stopped years ago, well that may change with Tiger, if Apple has figured out how to use Video cards to increase Text, 2D (Quartz) Quicktime speed also.
One question, there are so many integrations of HDTV, form 420I-p, all the way up to full resolution, in fact virtually all of the current HDTV's, whether Plasma, LCD, CRT, dont come any where close to that, neither do most computer monitors under 22". Full HD Camcorders are well over $5000 for an entry level level Panasonic model and editing software rare and high price.
So HD for the masses is still a far ways off, only a 23" display Imac would make it so in a Imac. However some form of desktop OSX Scaling could remedy that whereyour desktop would scale to any resolution, independant of your display resolution, while staying extremely clear.
🙄 😎

 

[zelmo]

Okay, I have changed my mind (again, but possibly for the last time in the next 15 minutes or so!) and am reverting back to (and building upon) my original G5 iMac theory:

• The G5 iMac will have a 3-4" high base, maybe 12-15" wide, and only as deep as it absolutely needs to be. Metallic finish perforated case design, available in three color choices (white, silver, and black?), any of which will look nice coupled with a shiny new CD. Big fat power block hidden away.
• Sitting on top of that, quite elegantly I might add, will be a VESA display stand eerily similar to the one on the new CD, except for that really cool pulsing Apple logo on it's face.
• There will be an iPod dock on top, too, so we'll all have to buy one of the new iPods.
• The base will be just tall enough to permit the dvd tray to open without touching the BT keyboard and two-button scrolling mouse. (Hey, it's the new Apple - they disclose product early, and even admit to not planning perfectly.) 🙂
• There will be three versions available: a 1.4 GHz with a 17" display ($1600), a 1.6 GHz with a 20" display ($1900), and a 1.8 GHz headless, permitting the use of an existing display or an upgrade to either the 23 or 30" CD ($1200)

Am I completely out of my mind?

Why am I excited about the new iMac? I'm perfectly happy with my old one (except for wanting a faster processor, a bigger display and a faster DVD burner), I can't afford a new Mac right now, and if I could, it'd be a G5 Power Book, anyway.

🙄

 

[daveg5]

Okay, I have changed my mind (again, but possibly for the last time in the next 15 minutes or so!) and am reverting back to (and building upon) my original G5 iMac theory:

• The G5 iMac will have a 3-4" high base, maybe 12-15" wide, and only as deep as it absolutely needs to be. Metallic finish perforated case design, available in three color choices (white, silver, and black?), any of which will look nice coupled with a shiny new CD. Big fat power block hidden away.
• Sitting on top of that, quite elegantly I might add, will be a VESA display stand eerily similar to the one on the new CD, except for that really cool pulsing Apple logo on it's face.
• There will be an iPod dock on top, too, so we'll all have to buy one of the new iPods.
• The base will be just tall enough to permit the dvd tray to open without touching the BT keyboard and two-button scrolling mouse. (Hey, it's the new Apple - they disclose product early, and even admit to not planning perfectly.) 🙂
• There will be three versions available: a 1.4 GHz with a 17" display ($1600), a 1.6 GHz with a 20" display ($1900), and a 1.8 GHz headless, permitting the use of an existing display or an upgrade to either the 23 or 30" CD ($1200)

Am I completely out of my mind?

Why am I excited about the new iMac? I'm perfectly happy with my old one (except for wanting a faster processor, a bigger display and a faster DVD burner), I can't afford a new Mac right now, and if I could, it'd be a G5 Power Book, anyway.

🙄

CD* =LCD*
Your best yet, you keep a low price one and took into account that it is highly doubtful that apple will sell a $3000-$5000 23-30" Imac.
By having the $1200 model, any one with a cinema display will be tempted along with any one with a good monitor already.

Something tells me they will have a $1299 15.2 Widescreen model, since they have "always" had a $1299 15" Imac model. they will never have a normal 4-3 15" model though.
The powerblock external is a no nonsense call.
Ipod dock sounds cool, subliminal advertising
the new mouse is 20 years over due, Macosx supports multibutton mouse and scroll natively, and Apple is ridiculed to no end and they should be for not updating there mouse to todays standards
your 15 minutes are up whats next.

 

[DavidCar]

I like the idea of a small rectangular metal case.

A VESA mounted display makes sense to me, rather than a totally integrated display, perhaps just for manufacturing reasons. If so, I hope the assumed display arm integrated into the CPU is detachable. I am more interested in perhaps a 27 inch VESA arm. As far as a 30" display option you're "out of your mind" as far as I am concerned, because of the dual link DVI requirement.

I think a built in iPod dock would be an unnecessary expense.

To DaveG5

I could get broadcast 1080i right now if I had a tuner. As far as scaling to a lower resolution display, I am concerned that decoding MPEG-2 1080i and scaling would be two separate operations, so if the computer could not do 1080i to a 23" display, it couldn't do it scaled either.

I notice the new H.264/AVC Codec has the same hardware requirements for 1080i as the EyeTV 500, namely a dual processor G5. It just seems to me to be a natural incentive for Apple to want to integrate the GPU in the G5 iMac to the point where 1080i HD H.264 and MPEG-2 could be done, at least for bragging rights and future capabilities.

My expectations are towards greater capabilities, perhaps even discontinuing the 15 inch model.

 

[nyassa3898]

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.

how on earth did you come up with this???? Why would they make a 12" imac apple doesn't go backwards in technology it goes forward. Also how they heck would it be possible to fit a liquid cooled processor in a case that may be smaller that the current size? and come on the 30" display needs that $600 NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL Card like good ol' apple is gonna pop that sucker in a consumer machine. I know this is a rumor site but good god the stuff that people pull out of their mind is insane.

 

[evoluzione]

how on earth did you come up with this????

...

I know this is a rumor site but good god the stuff that people pull out of their mind is insane.

if you read my post you would know how i came up with it...all i was doing was relaying the information that i heard. nothing more, nothing less.

and chill out a little, please 🙂

 

[daveg5]

I like the idea of a small rectangular metal case.

A VESA mounted display makes sense to me, rather than a totally integrated display, perhaps just for manufacturing reasons. If so, I hope the assumed display arm integrated into the CPU is detachable. I am more interested in perhaps a 27 inch VESA arm. As far as a 30" display option you're "out of your mind" as far as I am concerned, because of the dual link DVI requirement.

I think a built in iPod dock would be an unnecessary expense.

To DaveG5

I could get broadcast 1080i right now if I had a tuner. As far as scaling to a lower resolution display, I am concerned that decoding MPEG-2 1080i and scaling would be two separate operations, so if the computer could not do 1080i to a 23" display, it couldn't do it scaled either.

I notice the new H.264/AVC Codec has the same hardware requirements for 1080i as the EyeTV 500, namely a dual processor G5. It just seems to me to be a natural incentive for Apple to want to integrate the GPU in the G5 iMac to the point where 1080i HD H.264 and MPEG-2 could be done, at least for bragging rights and future capabilities.

My expectations are towards greater capabilities, perhaps even discontinuing the 15 inch model.

What HD CRT, Plasma or LCD are you using to get 1080i now, most are not that good
Isn't apple talk-in HD 1080P when they talk HD
Or are you using a cinema display for your HD?
HDDVD still isn't out yet are they even any HDDVD burners yet, I dont even think dual layer is supported yet on the Mac.
Most DVD players are 720P or 420P or integrated.
So without that tuner isn't HD way out of the consumer range as the cameras are $5000+, there are no HDDVDS yet, editing is $1000 and up. So the tuner is the only way you can truly enjoy it at this tome on a consumer budget?
😱

 

[DavidCar]

>>What HD CRT, Plasma or LCD are you using to get 1080i now, most are not that good

I didn't mean that I can watch 1080i now, just that the broadcast signal is available to me, but I cannot use it yet. Just the network channels and PBS free over an antenna.

>> Isn't apple talk-in HD 1080P when they talk HD

That is an interesting question. I don't think 1080p is a broadcast standard, and I don't think the cinema displays do interlaced signals, so there must be a de interlace somewhere.

>> Or are you using a cinema display for your HD?

I'm trying to arrange my rationalizations for eventually getting an HD display, with a new computer to drive it. It would be better for me if an iMac could do what I wanted, instead of a PowerMac.

I don't know anything about burners. The ElGato website claims they can store an hour of widescreen HDTV, I assume 1080i, in 8 GB. It makes sense to me that processing a 1080i HD_DVD signal would require the same
hardware as processing a 1080i broadcast signal, or a 1080i file with the new AVC Codec. I don't want to buy new hardware, then find out later that it is not able to process HD DVDs when they become available. I thought there was a chance that HD DVDs would use the new AVC Codec.

I guess that is my bottom line, that I don't want to buy new hardware if I know that it cannot play HD DVDs when they become available, or if it cannot process broadcast HD now, which I expect has the same hardware requirements.

I don't know anything about HD video cameras, but somehow I think they use raw digital video, not MPEG-2 encoded like the broadcast HD, and the HD DVDs. (or MPEG-4, or whatever) I think the cameras use a faster interface than firewire, probably even requiring special video input cards in PCI_X slots. So my marginally informed opinion is that the HD cameras are in a very different ballpark. In fact, it seems reasonable to me it might even take a dual G5 computer with a special input card just to take raw video from an HD Camera and convert it to MPEG-4, so I don't expect this feature would be just built into the camera.

So I don't expect you can compare raw 1080i from an expensive camera with the encoded 1080i being broadcast now, or which I expect will someday be available on HD DVDs.

 

[MacinDoc]

Thoughts on iMac form factor:

I think Apple will retain some sort of articulating display, and this means the CPU will have to remain in the base so the whole thing doesn't tip over too easily. If that is the case, Apple may use a modified version of the articulating arm from the new FP displays. The good news about this would be that the displays might be detachable in order to change the base or the display. The same panels as the new FP displays could be used, except that 17 inch (widescreen?) panels have yet to be seen in the new form factor (clearing old inventory?). This would also mean an aluminum case, which would conduct heat away from the CPU more efficiently. Sorry, probably no 15" screens, and definitely no 30" monsters at this time (the latter due to their requirement of a high-end video card). Slot-loading optical drive is likely. I don't know about an external power supply - the weight of the power supply might help to stabilize the base (who knows, Apple might even try to balance a 23" display on their latest creation...)

Spec specs to follow... 😉

 

[MacinDoc]

Spec specs:

iMac at Expo Paris:

Fast: 1.6 GHz 970FX, 17" FP display, 64 MB VRAM (Radeon 9700?), 256 MB RAM, 80 GB HD, Combo drive - $1299 ($1799 in Canada)

Faster: 1.8, 17", 64 MB VRAM, 512 MB RAM, 160 GB HD, SuperDrive - $1799 ($2399 in Canada)

Ultimate: 1.8, 20", 128 MB VRAM, 512 MB RAM, 160 GB HD, SuperDrive - $2299 ($3099 in Canada)

All with 1 empty RAM slot (2 slots total).

Just an educated guess... 🙂

 

[Krizoitz]

the new mouse is 20 years over due, Macosx supports multibutton mouse and scroll natively, and Apple is ridiculed to no end and they should be for not updating there mouse to todays standards
your 15 minutes are up whats next.

Why oh why can't I find a beating a dead horse smiley.
The only people who ridicule Apple over the mouse thing are the ones who just want a reason to make fun of Apple. And the fact that the best they can do is claim that Apple making a one button mouse is stupid are really really hurting for ways to criticize.
Ok, so Apple decides to make a newer multi-button mouse, fine. But they don't have any compelling reason to do so. Everyone I know who gets one a Mac goes out and buys their own mouse. Why? Because there are a TON of high quality multi-button mice out there. Heck not everyone just wants a two-button scroll mouse either. I've got myself a trackball, I know others who get 3+ button mice. Apple would be wasting resources coming up with a product that is allready well made? Its one thing to create the iPod which makes a product that wasn't very good into a great one. Its another to make a product that is allready being made well. There is a reason Apple no longer makes printers or digital cameras. The standard Apple mouse works. Its easy to use and for beggining computer users there is nothing to worry about. You can do everything you want with that mouse on a Mac, you don't have to "right-click" ever. I say buy a more fully featured mouse if you want one, you have plenty of high quality choices. Just stop whining about Apple making a mouse. Please.

 

[daveg5]

Why oh why can't I find a beating a dead horse smiley.
The only people who ridicule Apple over the mouse thing are the ones who just want a reason to make fun of Apple. And the fact that the best they can do is claim that Apple making a one button mouse is stupid are really really hurting for ways to criticize.
Ok, so Apple decides to make a newer multi-button mouse, fine. But they don't have any compelling reason to do so. Everyone I know who gets one a Mac goes out and buys their own mouse. Why? Because there are a TON of high quality multi-button mice out there. Heck not everyone just wants a two-button scroll mouse either. I've got myself a trackball, I know others who get 3+ button mice. Apple would be wasting resources coming up with a product that is allready well made? Its one thing to create the iPod which makes a product that wasn't very good into a great one. Its another to make a product that is allready being made well. There is a reason Apple no longer makes printers or digital cameras. The standard Apple mouse works. Its easy to use and for beggining computer users there is nothing to worry about. You can do everything you want with that mouse on a Mac, you don't have to "right-click" ever. I say buy a more fully featured mouse if you want one, you have plenty of high quality choices. Just stop whining about Apple making a mouse. Please.

hey i like Apple, my current and next imac will be by apple, i sold apple, and convinced family and friends to buy one, I hate advising them esp switchers to buy or keep their microsoft or logitec or other 3rd party mouse.
Apple would not be wasting resources in developing a new "ipod" mouse, I am sure they have already anyway, they just dont want to scare away 3rd party hardware makers, actually a well designed BT mouse by them that could get PC buyers to buy it, would be a great trojan horse just like the ipod is, not to mention another profit maker for them.
I have never whined that Apple make a MB scrolling mouse, merely stated a fact that they need one, and this is one of the things that throws switchers off, Hp and canon made most of Apples printers, and Apple put their name on it, they can do similar with a logitec or microsoft quality mouse with their styling.
Stop applauding Apple's long overdue change to a MB scrolling mouse, or they will keep it forever, In the computer business you change or die and that includes the lowest hardware you sale or include with your computers, that being everyones physical interface to the GUI, the mouse.
using your analogies Apple never should have came up with the BT mouse either because it is not needed and 3rd parties make them already, ditto the ipod, there were already HD mp3 players, ditto to continueing updating the ipod, there screens and computers and airport. Apple is known for inovating, not staying still on it's laurels, except when it comes to the mouse, to be fair they have upgraded it a few times when beige, hockey puck and colors, optical and now BT, the next step is a scroll whell and at least one more button.
Again this is not a whine session, I want to give Apple my money and I expect them to keep the one button mouse standard, but am hoping they come out with a MB BT mouse as a paid option, and this will improve their buttom line.
If you consider that whining, then so be it.

🙄

 

[daveg5]

iMac at Expo Paris:

Fast: 1.6 GHz 970FX, 17" FP display, 64 MB VRAM (Radeon 9700?), 256 MB RAM, 80 GB HD, Combo drive - $1299 ($1799 in Canada)

Faster: 1.8, 17", 64 MB VRAM, 512 MB RAM, 160 GB HD, SuperDrive - $1799 ($2399 in Canada)

Ultimate: 1.8, 20", 128 MB VRAM, 512 MB RAM, 160 GB HD, SuperDrive - $2299 ($3099 in Canada)

All with 1 empty RAM slot (2 slots total).

Just an educated guess... 🙂

whoa if apple can keep that price with a 17", then I throw away all comments about a 15.2" model, I think they will all be Superdrive unless BTO
I do disagree with the 2 slot ram, as I understand it the G5 processor needs ram installed in pairs. and also 64bit claim to fame is 4+GB of accessible ram, even if 2GB sticks become available they would be too high priced, also every Imac shipped, would have all of its slots full with 2 slots of ram installed at the factory, and if you want more memory you would have to dispose of your current memory to put in a larger pair, thats a major hassle.
This would force you to buy from Apple though.
But I really think 4 slots 😱

 

[yamabushi]

A 12" display could actually be very useful wherever space is at a premium. I could see them used in restaurants, retail stores, libraries, cruise ships, and hotel rooms. It would also be useful to bring the entry price down. If the display could be upgraded later it could be put to many other uses as well. A 30" display on an iMac just seems silly to me but I'm sure somebody would find a use for it, perhaps as part of an entertainment center? I guess that would be pretty cool if it included a TV tuner.

 

[rdowns]

iMac at Expo Paris:

Fast: 1.6 GHz 970FX, 17" FP display, 64 MB VRAM (Radeon 9700?), 256 MB RAM, 80 GB HD, Combo drive - $1299 ($1799 in Canada)

Faster: 1.8, 17", 64 MB VRAM, 512 MB RAM, 160 GB HD, SuperDrive - $1799 ($2399 in Canada)

Ultimate: 1.8, 20", 128 MB VRAM, 512 MB RAM, 160 GB HD, SuperDrive - $2299 ($3099 in Canada)

All with 1 empty RAM slot (2 slots total).

Just an educated guess... 🙂

RAM neeeds to be added in pairs so 4 slots would be a must.

 

[supergod]

Why make an iMac with a 12" screen? Why make an iPod with a 4 gig hard drive. If they could make it small, sleek and stylish it would sell. Some people don't need a large screen, they need portability but with a lower price than the 12" powerbooks and higher performance than the iBooks. Expanding the iMac line would be the best move Apple could do. They should have a whole line of iMacs from iMacs with the computer on the back of the screen to and iMac mini to an iMac with a modified version of the dome (rectangular base, small footprint). Too bad they won't actually do this...

 

[JJTiger1]

Just an educated guess... 🙂

Yahoo news has an article that includes the new G5 iMac that is comming in Sept.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=77&e=2&u=/mc/20040714/tc_mc/applerevealsg5imacplans

Nothing about the form factor or any specific specifications. 🙁
=-=
JJ

 

[MacinDoc]

RAM neeeds to be added in pairs so 4 slots would be a must.

That's assuming dual bank memory, as in the Power Mac. The iMac may not have the same architecture. It may, for example, have bus speeds only 1/4 of processor speeds, which would make dual bank memory unnecessary (the dual banks allow the memory access speed to more closely match the FSB speed). Such slower bus speeds would reduce the amount of heat generated, and would help to maintain the distinction between the Power Macs and the iMacs. Minimizing the number of RAM slots would encourage people to buy Apple's memory upgrades, at least for the 1st slot. Also, I don't think a prosumer machine needs more than 4 GB of RAM at this time (assuming the availability of 2 GB modules). Finally, fewer RAM slots would take up less space, which is likely to be at a premium in the new iMacs.

Of course, we don't want to return to the bad old days of having a 1.5 GHz chip with a pathetic 167 MHz buz, as with the G4. 🙄

Of course, if Apple goes with bus speeds at 1/2 of the processor speeds, then dual bank memory and 4 slots would make more sense.

 

[daveg5]

Why make an iMac with a 12" screen? Why make an iPod with a 4 gig hard drive. If they could make it small, sleek and stylish it would sell. Some people don't need a large screen, they need portability but with a lower price than the 12" powerbooks and higher performance than the iBooks. Expanding the iMac line would be the best move Apple could do. They should have a whole line of iMacs from iMacs with the computer on the back of the screen to and iMac mini to an iMac with a modified version of the dome (rectangular base, small footprint). Too bad they won't actually do this...

At$999 and 1024X768 combo, that actually wouldn't be bad at all 1.4 G5 and all, I am holding out for either a headless or 1.6 15.2" wide-screen for 1299-1399 superdrive +$100 for 128MB video ram.