Apple is moving in the opposite direction. Look at MBP RAM and portable batteries. It would not surprise me if Apple delivers a unit that becomes nearly impossible to open.
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iMac Reportedly Set to Receive Updates Next Week [Updated]
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I don't think the optical drive is all that popular anymore, I think it's more of a "good to have sometimes" thing for the majority now, and with Apple's minimalism, anything with the word 'sometimes' attached to it is on death row, esp. if we're talking about an all-in-one. Regardless, it's not like the absence of an ODD irrevocably shuts you off from all such content forever, you can get an external one and you're insured for life against Apple's whims in the ODD department.
Hell will freeze over before Apple does that. This thing will be Fort Knox and I wouldn't be surprised if they move to SSD-only, perhaps even proprietary SSD so they can make it a fraction of an inch thinner. These will be the BTO options:
Storage
Standard: 256GB SSD
Option 1: 512GB SSD - $6999
Option 2: 2x512 GB SSD - $19999
RAM (soldered to motherboard)
Standard: 8GB RAM
Option 1: 16GB RAM - $2499
Option 2: 32GB RAM - $9999
Processor
Standard: Mobile i5
Option 1: Mobile i7 - $9999
Option 2: Desktop i7 - $19999
So, you'll be able to get a nice hermetically sealed, fully decked out iMac with integrated Intel graphics (because, you know, it's thinner without discrete GPU) for just under 80 grand.
The current iMac is difficult already with EMI shielding and sensor cables everywhere. I don't see Apple going back to the old easy to open G5-like design either.
I think for the most part consumers have accepted not being able to open their electronics at least those from Apple.
Finally. Unless they have developed several entirely new technologies making the iMac (a desktop computer) even thinner than they already are could be a mistake. These are desktop computers that are already so thin that they must use more expensive laptop components. That and they already have a problem with these things overheating.
I'm not saying that the lack of an optical drive is a fatal flaw and if there's no optical drive the new iMac will flop. I'd even go so far as to say I fully expect to experience technolust and should Publishers Clearing House show up with a giant check on Monday, I'll buy one with or without the ODD.
But I don't see the case for removing it (and if they remove the optical drive, they may remove the SD card slot which I will miss). Laptops, thin has a real advantage, as does lighter, I get that. Mac Mini, because of the form factor, removing the optical drive let them reduce the volume of the computer by nearly 50%. On the iMac, goes from pretty damn thin to more thin but in the dimension you almost never look at. I only look at the side when I'm adjusting the iMac to insert a CD, DVD, or SD card from my camera.
- Edit -
And I definitely don't believe in the specs you posted. I'll be shocked if the RAM isn't upgradeable, if the default isn't a physical drive, and if there isn't a real GPU (probably a faster one).
- Edit2 - Actually, on second thought, I could see it coming with a 256 GB flash storage as the base, non-SATA but with room for a SATA hard drive (or SATA flash drive). Base model leaves that empty, letting them reduce the cost of the base model. then a model with 256 GB boot drive and 1 TB extra storage.
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I kinda think so too - but no harm in hoping. But no problem - I might as well go with the Z1 for my desktop - who the hell needs a even thinner, nightmarish to maintain *desk*top? I've already had to lug my iMac to Apple Store twice just to get the optical drive and hard drive replaced - things I could normally do myself in an hour.
Oh, I'm not making a case for a thinner iMac. I think it's a bizarre idea with the focus on all the wrong things. I'm just being realistic; Apple has an obsession with thinness that has now grown into full blown dysmorphia. I'm convinced that Jony Ive thinks the iPhone 5 is a fat disgusting brick, because his brain has started feeding him warped images of reality.
I wish
I know it won't happen, but if Apple did something like HP's ease of upgrade in an iMac form factor, I would not give up being an iMac user after my 2010 goes to Mac Valhalla. That HP is something even I would feel confident in upgrading.
It is obvious Apple is never going to do this, they have more skinny issues than runway models. It is a shame, but thin, non-user upgradable machines are Apple.
So why are people excited about the new iMac - are you guys mostly 2010 iMac owners? In that case it is understandable but as someone with 2011 iMac this is hardly exciting.
What will excite me is a more user upgradeable iMac design - Hard disk slots that are easier to access mainly.
Btw, I dig what HP is doing with their line of Z1 all-in-ones.
I know it won't happen, but if Apple did something like HP's ease of upgrade in an iMac form factor, I would not give up being an iMac user after my 2010 goes to Mac Valhalla. That HP is something even I would feel confident in upgrading.
It is obvious Apple is never going to do this, they have more skinny issues than runway models. It is a shame, but thin, non-user upgradable machines are Apple.
The advertisement you included for the Z1 was very impressive. I wish that Apple didn't have such a control issue when it comes to allowing the owners to be able to fix or upgrade their own computers. As far as the size of Apple's computers, I'll go ahead and commit heresy by suggesting that the iMac was already too thin and what would it have hurt if the Mac Mini had been larger by one inch? It would have still been incredibly small and it could have used a desktop sized hard drive. And lets not forget that it is a desktop computer. Look, I am one of those people that is impressed with what can be accomplished these days with miniaturization, but I place more importance on function rather than form. I have a 2011 13" MacBook Pro and I'm perfectly happy with it, I don't need it to come without an optical drive or to lose any interface options just so that it can be just a tiniest bit thinner. There is such a thing as diminishing returns and I think we can certainly avoid that, especially on a desktop computer. Of course, I am almost 50 years old and maybe this is a generational thing. I remember seeing the superdrive as something really exciting and an extra cost option. And I couldn't wait to have one
and now, Mac users are equally excited to get rid of it Go figure.
FINALLY!!
Been waiting on this for awhile ... I am hoping to see USB 3.0, SATA HDD on base model, upgradeability of ram on our own, and no screen issues after the iPad3 mess.
Been waiting on this for awhile ... I am hoping to see USB 3.0, SATA HDD on base model, upgradeability of ram on our own, and no screen issues after the iPad3 mess.
Is this the new 2012 iMac specs?
Ok..so I have been lurking for about 3 months here waiting for the latest release of the iMac. I am ready to own my first mac (currently using a work provided 2011 mac mini server w/ TB display). I am still new to the apple world as far as codes numbers and such.
With that said, I believe that I have found a GeekBench score for the new 2012 iMacs. I don't know of any iMac with a Intel Core i7-3930K @ 3.20 GHz 6-core processor. Here is the link to the GeekBench "http://browser.primatelabs.com/geekbench2/1167127".
Can someone confirm/deny this setup?
Thanks for all of the great info on this site.
Have a great day
Jason
Ok..so I have been lurking for about 3 months here waiting for the latest release of the iMac. I am ready to own my first mac (currently using a work provided 2011 mac mini server w/ TB display). I am still new to the apple world as far as codes numbers and such.
With that said, I believe that I have found a GeekBench score for the new 2012 iMacs. I don't know of any iMac with a Intel Core i7-3930K @ 3.20 GHz 6-core processor. Here is the link to the GeekBench "http://browser.primatelabs.com/geekbench2/1167127".
Can someone confirm/deny this setup?
Thanks for all of the great info on this site.
Have a great day
Jason
That's pretty sad that an iMac can beat out a current Mac Pro. Not because Mac Pro's/Tower Desktops are obsolete, but because Apple is MAKING them obsolete. The tech is there for faster Mac's, it's almost as though Apple is ensuring its demise by using old tech and neglecting it, then turning around and shouting "See! Power Desktops are dead!"
Unreal.
Most likely a hackintosh. The 3930K is a Sandy Bridge-E processor. Its VERY expensive and VERY hot. Not likely to make its way into any iMac.
This is what Apple will use. Half the price and half the heat.
well if the iMac looks similar than the 2010 - 2011 models in terms of shape i will hang on to my 2010 model for a couple of more years the only thing that will make me change if the screen is 4k retina screen. Also if they remove the dvd superdrive this will be another factor stopping as I still have a dvds i can't get on itunes.
Why, indeed. The drive is a hybrid USB 3/2, comes with a USB to proprietary micro USB connector. It worked like a charm on my 2009 iMac. Go to plug it into my 2012 MacBook Pro, drive does not spin up. The drive's light shines blue instead of white like it's supposed to. Never mounts. I did some research, and Apple's forums are plastered with similar complaints. It seems there is a current regulator in the power lines feeding the new USB 3 ports, that basically prevents certain USB 3 externals from connecting properly. No fix in sight. The only workarounds I've seen are:
- connect a standard USB to micro USB connector into a portion of the port on the drive (where it fits). Drive mounts at USB 2 speed. Super.
- Buy a Y cable that would split the current draw for the drive between two ports, allowing drive to spin up, mount, and operate at USB 3 speeds. $$.
Between this issue, my iPhone 5's inability to connect to my home WiFi, AirDoesn'tPrint, and the unceremonious slaying of all PowerPC apps in OS X ML+, the 'it just works' mantra is so, so 2009.
Also a new Thunderbolt Display with dedicated gpu?
I wonder why people don't care about this product at all
Thunderbolt does not have the bandwidth to handle a dedicated gpu?
My new 27 incher that I bought on 4 Oct is still working well.
A bit disappointing that I had to buy it so close to the new models coming out but hey, it's still a great machine (setting up new office so needed it by 4 Oct at the latest).
If delivery of the 27 inchers is late November then I'll be happy enough that I didn't try to bridge the (time) gap somehow.
A bit disappointing that I had to buy it so close to the new models coming out but hey, it's still a great machine (setting up new office so needed it by 4 Oct at the latest).
If delivery of the 27 inchers is late November then I'll be happy enough that I didn't try to bridge the (time) gap somehow.
Hmmmm. Something doesn't look right.
iMac 12,1 is the 2011 21.5inch model but that particular model did not come with an Intel Core i7 3930K.
It may be a hackintosh.
Hi, first post here. Just wanted to post this graphic I made to show just how likely Apple is to update the hardware significantly with their next update. Yes, I know the only predictable thing about Apple is their unpredictability, but I think this graphic paints a picture of "all signs point to major update!"
Nice image. Although I'm not sure if it's a trend towards a major update or a reflection on the slow demise of the personal computer.