iMac in Paris?

[daveg5]

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.

Good theory, but there will be four slots because 64bit's main selling point is it's 4+GB memory access, otherwise they might as well keep it a G4, like now with the 2GB limit. The mother board will must likely be based on the low end G5, it is cheaper to do that, than have a totally unique bus ratio, memory requirements and what not.
In a nutshell if it needs to be in pairs it wil be 4 slots. and since all powermacs are dual now, there is no reason to put a smaller cache or slower buss, memory, in the Imac, as they have been inclined to do in the past, indeed they could duplicate 1.8-2.0-2.5 without stealing sales from the "Dual Powermacs". But I believe 1.4-1.6-1.8 with 2.0 being a maximum. 😕

 

[MacinDoc]

Good theory, but there will be four slots because 64bit's main selling point is it's 4+GB memory access, otherwise they might as well keep it a G4, like now with the 2GB limit. The mother board will must likely be based on the low end G5, it is cheaper to do that, than have a totally unique bus ratio, memory requirements and what not.
In a nutshell if it needs to be in pairs it wil be 4 slots. and since all powermacs are dual now, there is no reason to put a smaller cache or slower buss, memory, in the Imac, as they have been inclined to do in the past, indeed they could duplicate 1.8-2.0-2.5 without stealing sales from the "Dual Powermacs". But I believe 1.4-1.6-1.8 with 2.0 being a maximum. 😕

Good points, all. However, I still think that a prosumer machine does not need more than 4 GB of RAM (again, assuming the availability of 2 GB DIMMS). For that matter, no app can even address more than 4 GB of RAM until Tiger arrives in 2005.

Furthermore, I think that the main selling point of the new iMacs will be their form factor and their increased processor speeds from the previous 1.25 GHz to 1.6-1.8 GHz (this is what most consumers look at, anyway), and not the addressable RAM (if you want to be able to address 8 GB of RAM, you should probably buy a Power Mac).


With respect to using the old Power Mac MBs for the iMac, I don't think this will happen, because I doubt the iMacs will have PCI and AGP slots 🙁 , and the old Power Mac MBs won't fit into the iMac enclosure anyway.

As for the expense of developing a slower FSB, there shouldn't be any, because you can always run an existing part at less than the maximum speed.

 

[yamabushi]

I am more concerned about the graphics chipset than the RAM. 2GB of RAM is plenty right now for any mainstream consumer application. If you need more than that, then you really need a PowerMac.

I hope the NV5200U is put out to pasture. It really isn't enough for good performance in current games. Games are one of the most commonly used consumer apps. The iMac is really positioned as a mid-level offering and so should include a mid-level graphics card. Mobile versions of the NV5700U or Ati9700 would provide adequate but not outstanding performance and fit inside a very compact case without excessive heat. An Ati X600 would be an ideal choice. With Tiger the graphics chipset will become even more important.

 

[JJTiger1]

Games are one of the most commonly used consumer apps. The iMac is really positioned as a mid-level offering and so should include a mid-level graphics card.

BINGO !!!

Games need a good processor: G5 whatever ghz is good enough.
Games need a good graphics card: 128 mb ram or better.
Games need ram, and lots of it: 2 gb is plenty.

FPS shoot-em ups are getting so ... boring. 😱
What else is on the TV? Change the channel.
=-=
JJ

 

[daveg5]

I am more concerned about the graphics chipset than the RAM. 2GB of RAM is plenty right now for any mainstream consumer application. If you need more than that, then you really need a PowerMac.

I hope the NV5200U is put out to pasture. It really isn't enough for good performance in current games. Games are one of the most commonly used consumer apps. The iMac is really positioned as a mid-level offering and so should include a mid-level graphics card. Mobile versions of the NV5700U or Ati9700 would provide adequate but not outstanding performance and fit inside a very compact case without excessive heat. An Ati X600 would be an ideal choice. With Tiger the graphics chipset will become even more important.

That would be interesting if they were to out spec the Powermacs on graphics, There was a time when they said 64MB was more than enough for a consumer machine then 128 with mac osx, soon we will have tiger with real time graphics etc. i am sure memory will play a much more important than now as, some pro and scientific apps are just starting to embrace more than 4GB role, and later os's and multiple newer apps will need memory more, if 2GB is the limit as it is now, and it needs to be installed in pairs, that will be a major bummer, you must first get rid of your installed memory, all of it, and buy expensive 1GB modules to get there, I guess most would keep it factory or go to 1GB max or buy from Apple at outrageous price.
I am equally concerned on Memory and graphics, in Tiger and future real 64bit OS's Memory and graphics become increasingly important, you cant have to much memory or to fast a graphic card with to much memory, I am hoping, if not Regular Agp, they will copy the powerbooks graphics with 128 mb Radeon 9700 being $50 more

 

[MacinDoc]

That would be interesting if they were to out spec the Powermacs on graphics, There was a time when they said 64MB was more than enough for a consumer machine then 128 with mac osx, soon we will have tiger with real time graphics etc. i am sure memory will play a much more important than now as, some pro and scientific apps are just starting to embrace more than 4GB role, and later os's and multiple newer apps will need memory more, if 2GB is the limit as it is now, and it needs to be installed in pairs, that will be a major bummer, you must first get rid of your installed memory, all of it, and buy expensive 1GB modules to get there, I guess most would keep it factory or go to 1GB max or buy from Apple at outrageous price.
I am equally concerned on Memory and graphics, in Tiger and future real 64bit OS's Memory and graphics become increasingly important, you cant have to much memory or to fast a graphic card with to much memory, I am hoping, if not Regular Agp, they will copy the powerbooks graphics with 128 mb Radeon 9700 being $50 more

I'm guessing Radeon 9700, but 128 MB in 20" models only. 🙁

 

[Rantipole]

There is a reason Apple no longer makes printers ...

Wow! I forgot about those. Ah, nostalgia.

... or digital cameras.

?!?!?!? 😱 When were those available???

 

[LimeiBook86]

Wow! I forgot about those. Ah, nostalgia.


?!?!?!? 😱 When were those available???

They were called Apple QuickTake cameras. The first consumer digital camera I believe. It used the Apple serial cabke (like the printer) to
transfer the photos. The resolution was 640x480 or a bit higher, there were two models made I think. Correct me if I'm wrong 😀

 

[brydeemer]

I really hope that the new iMac does not include a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. The last thing I want to worry about putting batteries in is my keyboard. Not to mention you would loose the USB ports on the keyboard. Actually I'm thinking they should beef up the keyboard and include both Firewire and USB ports on it, that way you don't need to hog up the front of the computer with ports. They would be just as accessible but maintain a clean sexy look. So please, scrap the Bluetooth. Who needs it?

Bry

 

[iMeowbot]

I really hope that the new iMac does not include a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. The last thing I want to worry about putting batteries in is my keyboard.

Yeah, it would be a support nightmare for Apple, since their current wireless keyboard and mouse aren't set up for recharging. It would be possible to have it both ways (use USB for conventional use and to charge batteries for wireless use), but no one is really offering that.

 

[D.I.D]

I think the major point that isn't being spoken of is the fact that in order for this iMac to do really well, it needs to be totally different, just like the first iMac was colorful in a world of beige computers. I think that apple will do something totally different

Difference for the sake of difference isn't the reason behind Apple's success. It's difference for the sake of ergonomics, simplicity, usability and aesthetics that have been the key to Apple's succeses.

Look at the Original Macintosh. It was compact and self contained with a small footprint for the family home. It was different for a very good reason.

And the original iMac isn't a million miles from that philosophy. Small, self-contained and ideal for the home. Yes they weren't beige, which made them stand out on the shelves, but there was a lot more consideration given to the design of the machine than what colour it was.

The G4 iMac looked very different, but again followed the same design criteria. And to be honest, it's been one of the most thoughtful, convenient, flexible computer designs I've ever used. I find it difficult to see how it can be improved, from a physical perspective. Removable, wall mounted screens? May as well be a bulky, immobile CRT screen as far as I'm concerned. I'd much rather stick with the beautiful and beautifully balanced hinge mounted FP display as it is now.

 

[daveg5]

new Imac G5?
http://www.mackompass.de/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=52
1 agp 1 pci 1.8ghz 900MHZ Superdrive 2-DVI's 80GB 256MB/4 total slots 64 video $1299 dvi to vga adapter included along with svideo adapter
2.0 $1599GHZ 160GB 256MB 128Video
new 17" WS display $499, 20" $1299-23" $1999
looks sweet!
This will move alot of Apple monitors with the dual display capability.
Bluetooth keyboard and multi button click wheel mouse opt. will also be big sellers.

 

[DavidCar]

The picture and concept are interesting. I can't read the original German, so I cannot tell if this is someone's guess, or what. Where did you get the specs from, as I don't see it at the link.

 

[whooleytoo]

The picture and concept are interesting. I can't read the original German, so I cannot tell if this is someone's guess, or what. Where did you get the specs from, as I don't see it at the link.

Yeah, it's just a concept picture - very nice though.

I love running things through Babelfish, it appears Yoda is alive and well and living in a German Mac forum:

" large praise - made mad!

Suggestion meinerseits: Directly after Cupertino send -
exactly the same it should look!"

😀

 

[MacinDoc]

new Imac G5?
http://www.mackompass.de/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=52
1 agp 1 pci 1.8ghz 900MHZ Superdrive 2-DVI's 80GB 256MB/4 total slots 64 video $1299 dvi to vga adapter included along with svideo adapter
2.0 $1599GHZ 160GB 256MB 128Video
new 17" WS display $499, 20" $1299-23" $1999
looks sweet!
This will move alot of Apple monitors with the dual display capability.
Bluetooth keyboard and multi button click wheel mouse opt. will also be big sellers.

I have 3 concerns about the accuracy of this info:

1. $499 for a new 17" display? That's less than the refurb 17s are now, so that would be pretty aggressive pricing for Apple.

2. If these specs are correct, it would mean that the lowest cost iMac configuration would be $1798, and I seem to remember that Steve Jobs previously acknowledged that the high cost of the previous iMac was an issue.

3. Would Apple really introduce a 17" monitor and ONLY sell it to people purchasing an iMac?

 

[daveg5]

The picture and concept are interesting. I can't read the original German, so I cannot tell if this is someone's guess, or what. Where did you get the specs from, as I don't see it at the link.

educated guess, it think its all a rumor

 

[DavidCar]

I got Google to do a translation by searching on iMac G5 MacKompass. It is just speculation, but interesting. I like the general idea of a cube with a separate monitor, but I expect/hope they could do it smaller.

 

[daveg5]

I have 3 concerns about the accuracy of this info:

1. $499 for a new 17" display? That's less than the refurb 17s are now, so that would be pretty aggressive pricing for Apple.

2. If these specs are correct, it would mean that the lowest cost iMac configuration would be $1798, and I seem to remember that Steve Jobs previously acknowledged that the high cost of the previous iMac was an issue.

3. Would Apple really introduce a 17" monitor and ONLY sell it to people purchasing an iMac?

its just a concept and rumors, sorry i should have said that above. the 17" monitor would be DVI, therefore available to all including PC users with the 2usb2 and firewire ports and latest 16MS panel at 1400X900
1799 would be the same but you get so much more. of course EDu would get a $999 model with combo and maybe 1.6 G5 and 32mb video smaller hard drive and maybe no PCI card.
and you could now use a 17"crt for $100 or a 3rd party LCD for less.
if this was true i want blue.

 

[daveg5]

one thought, apple displays are not native vesa, you have to buy an adapter, what I am thinking is that apple has a custom Imac style stand, similar to the imac articulating arm in the works for their new aluminum displays (except the 30", too big) if under $100 and nice looking, it could be a great seller, if vesa compliant, it will move many of the VESA adapter kits, and might even be available for PC's, but I doubt that.
So here is a vote for an apple-branded articulating arm aluminum stand.

 

[MacinDoc]

its just a concept and rumors, sorry i should have said that above. the 17" monitor would be DVI, therefore available to all including PC users with the 2usb2 and firewire ports and latest 16MS panel at 1400X900
1799 would be the same but you get so much more. of course EDu would get a $999 model with combo and maybe 1.6 G5 and 32mb video smaller hard drive and maybe no PCI card.
and you could now use a 17"crt for $100 or a 3rd party LCD for less.
if this was true i want blue.

The reason I mentioned about the 17" JUST being available to iMac purchasers was because that was stated on the graphic on the Mackompass site. I was not intending to criticize your speculation. 😉

 

[daveg5]

The reason I mentioned about the 17" JUST being available to iMac purchasers was because that was stated on the graphic on the Mackompass site. I was not intending to criticize your speculation. 😉

Cool i know, looks like think secret has spilled the beans, almost the same specs, but only available with monitor and 32 and 64 mb graphics.
www.thinksecret.com
I like the cube concept much better, but willwait and see.

 

[DavidCar]

The recently posted specs are not what I was hoping for. Hopefully sometime in the future we will see a smaller cube or minitower design.