iMac Update Might Be Coming Sooner Rather Than Later

[AidenShaw]

I didn't know compiling code was as/more demanding than rendering, Damn!

Now you do. 😉

Seriously, doing parallel builds of multiple large projects with global optimizations can use a lot of memory and computes.

You also benefit from file system caching of intermediate files if you have plenty of RAM.

 

[zigzag801]

Can we please get more than 16 gig of RAM in the thing? 😡

The current iMac's can use 32gb of memory in 64 bit mode. I have a few friends who have the 3.4ghz i7 27" iMac's for photography and photoshop is glorious on their machines!

I hope the new models come out in July! I've been waiting since last year and have been working on photo shoots with photoshop on a Late 2008 MBP + Cinema Display with only 4GB of memory! I could get a high end model now and probably be satisfied but I have already waited this long 🙁 might as well keep waiting! lol

 

[Lancer]

I've been waiting a year to replace my 2005 G5PM, using it for Photoshop graphic design work and its starting to show it's age. I hope the updated iMac comes with at least 8Gb of RAM (2x 4Gb) so I can go and get some 3rd party RAM and boost it to 16Gb. 32Gb would be even better but can't afford to get that much yet and figure 16 will be a huge set up from the 4Gb I'm using right now.

My biggest concern is will PS CS3 run on Mountain Lion, I can't afford to upgrade PS along with my hardware.

 

[JoeSixPack]

For those of you who are anxiously awaiting an update of the iMac, I have a different question: why? What does it do for you that a MacBook Pro and a display would do for you?

I don't see any features that the iMac has that the MacBook doesn't have. Please educate me.

I have a several year old iMac that had its hard disk fail. Repairing it was such a miserable task that I just decided to run off an external disk as my main disk. Grrr. With the MacBook Pro (not Air or Retina), maintenance is easy and I wouldn't have has a problem replacing the hard disk.

Unless there is something I am missing here, I cannot imagine buying another iMac.

Good point. Speaking for the oldsters here, I have to take my work pc laptop wherever I go, so the portability of a MBP or even the ultraportability of an MBA is not a value add for me. Instead, having to spend $2k on the laptop (half of which is for the monitor) and then another $1k on a bigger external monitor is a waste compared to getting an iMac for $2k. But I am a dinosaur who still has wire tv and phone in the house so I accept I am low on the Apple priority list. 😎

 

[twoodcc]

i would love to see a retina iMac

 

[nec207]

Was it not last year when apple came out with Lion they came out with iMac and Mac Mini ?

 

[Tezcatlipoca]

Almost. The iMac came out before Lion, but the Mini was released the same day.


iMac: 3rd May 2011

OS X Lion: 20th July 2011

Mac Mini: 20th July 2011

 

[dador]

it's got to be the retina display

The delay in the release of a new iMac has got to be related to a 27" (or larger?) retina display. In addition to the hardware engineering challenges, also consider the effort to get software applications (and the OS) updated to use such a high resolution monitor. This includes both Apple and non-Apple software. In fact, the resolution is so high, many applications could update their interfaces to better use the increased screen real estate. Could take a while.

 

[righteye]

4GB RAM? Would've expected 8GB to be standard, tbh.

Especially as Lion needs most of that just to run,its penny pinching.
Should be able to buy with None as an option ( get a rebate at Apple rates then fill it up with OWC RAM)
i only keep Apple ram & HDD in case the Pro has to be retuned.

 

[Lancer]

Same boat here and I'm really hoping for just those few minor updates too (don't care about or want Retina or SSD, especially for the price) as we might be a winner in the "oldest Mac" category. 🙂 I've been patiently waiting for a few months now for a 2012 iMac update to replace our 2002 PowerPC G4 MDD. 😱 While I would delight in throwing it a 10th birthday party in August, it is ready for retirement and heading downhill fast.

The only other Mac I've bought new was 12 years ago, a G4PM, sold it last year on eBay and still got over $100 for it, mind you it did have a newer CPU (1.6Ghz) loads more RAM and bigger HDDs than the original spec and was still running with Tiger.

I love being able to say we've only had to buy two Macs to cover more than 16 years (can't complain about the premium pricing when you get that kind of ROI). That Mac history is actually the source of my only concern with switching over to an iMac -- we loved our PowerMac and PowerPC because we could upgrade and keep current for much longer than any Windows PC or Mac all-in-one system. Going to an iMac with very limited upgrade options will be something new for us but the MacPros are well out of our price range and computing needs.

Yes the PM is much more upgradable but IMO the Pros have lost some of that (and my G5) because you can't touch the CPU's. Thus the reason I'm going to an iMac, plus it's loads cheaper and IMO much better looking. I'm designing my new desk around it 🙂

So, while I would love a new Mac right now I can still limp along with what we have. Even the current iMacs are worlds above what we currently have so we'll be blissful owners of yet another new Mac regardless. 😀 Having said that, I'd much rather hold out a bit longer for that "latest and greatest" iMac to take us as far into the future as possible.

I'm just holding out for Ivy Bridge, can't wait another year for the next design iMac and what it might hold. Besides the current iMac is about 10x faster than my G5.

 

[Lancer]

i would love to see a retina iMac

I'm hoping not, at least not the 2012 model. Given they said a new model will be out in 2013 I suspect that might have a better LCD and new form factor. 2012 will be a hardware spec bump, including Ivy Bridge CPUs and USB3. More RAM on all but the base model which could see a price cut to attract more customers.

IMO the delay is because they don't want the 'new' iMac to stomp on the new MacBooks just released, otherwise I don't see whey they couldn't at least announce the new iMac last week.

 

[kemo]

I've been waiting a year to replace my 2005 G5PM, using it for Photoshop graphic design work and its starting to show it's age. I hope the updated iMac comes with at least 8Gb of RAM (2x 4Gb) so I can go and get some 3rd party RAM and boost it to 16Gb. 32Gb would be even better but can't afford to get that much yet and figure 16 will be a huge set up from the 4Gb I'm using right now.

My biggest concern is will PS CS3 run on Mountain Lion, I can't afford to upgrade PS along with my hardware.

I'm a but worried that ML wont play well with CS3. Did it work fine on Lion?

----------

I'm hoping not, at least not the 2012 model. Given they said a new model will be out in 2013 I suspect that might have a better LCD and new form factor. 2012 will be a hardware spec bump, including Ivy Bridge CPUs and USB3. More RAM on all but the base model which could see a price cut to attract more customers.

IMO the delay is because they don't want the 'new' iMac to stomp on the new MacBooks just released, otherwise I don't see whey they couldn't at least announce the new iMac last week.

I just hope they release them alongside with ML, hopefully in the beginning of July.

 

[Fandongo]

Interesting that it's only got 4GB or RAM...

If by "interesting" you mean WONDERFUL!!
32GB of ram is the only way it should be built.
and paying $1200 for apple to do it is autistic.
They picked up on this though.
anything above the 2.3Ghz Macbooks forces 8GB (and it's upcharge) down your throat.

I expect the same abuse w/ the iMacs.
4GB would be welcome news.
Very welcome.

 

[MythicFrost]

I'm hoping not, at least not the 2012 model. Given they said a new model will be out in 2013 I suspect that might have a better LCD and new form factor. 2012 will be a hardware spec bump, including Ivy Bridge CPUs and USB3. More RAM on all but the base model which could see a price cut to attract more customers.

IMO the delay is because they don't want the 'new' iMac to stomp on the new MacBooks just released, otherwise I don't see whey they couldn't at least announce the new iMac last week.

Where did they ever say a new iMac model will be out in 2013? I expect they're working to get good yields on ~21.5 inch 3840x2160 and ~27 inch 5120x2880 displays, else if it was a simple hardware refresh we'd have seen it released after WWDC at the very least.

 

[Moonjumper]

Where did they ever say a new iMac model will be out in 2013? I expect they're working to get good yields on ~21.5 inch 3840x2160 and ~27 inch 5120x2880 displays, else if it was a simple hardware refresh we'd have seen it released after WWDC at the very least.

There was a rumour that the Mac Pro and iMac would be updated in 2013, but that was updated to be Mac Pro only. The person posting must have only seen the original rumour.

I agree that a simple hardware update would have been shown by now. I'm not convinced that we will see a retina display, but I think it possible, and I really hope it does happen. I think they are saving the announcement for the release of Mountain Lion.

 

[marcusj0015]

If by "interesting" you mean WONDERFUL!!
32GB of ram is the only way it should be built.
and paying $1200 for apple to do it is autistic.
They picked up on this though.
anything above the 2.3Ghz Macbooks forces 8GB (and it's upcharge) down your throat.

I expect the same abuse w/ the iMacs.
4GB would be welcome news.
Very welcome.

Wtf are you talking about? I'm saying that Apple should make the base model be 8GB, I doubt they'll jack the price very much if it's default, and it's SO cheap.

 

[MythicFrost]

There was a rumour that the Mac Pro and iMac would be updated in 2013, but that was updated to be Mac Pro only. The person posting must have only seen the original rumour.

I agree that a simple hardware update would have been shown by now. I'm not convinced that we will see a retina display, but I think it possible, and I really hope it does happen. I think they are saving the announcement for the release of Mountain Lion.

Yeah, that's probably right. I hope we see a Retina update too, I'd love 5120x2880! 😱 😀 😱 😀

 

[jennyp]

I have 32GB in my 2011 27" i7 iMac. I also got a SATA 3.0 eSATA port, 480GB SSD and 3TB HDD installed with OWC's Turnkey Upgrade Program.

I was thinking of putting in 32GB ... I know the machine will read it, but will it actually address it and use it? There seems to be some contention about this....?

 

[Lancer]

I don't know what is going to happen with the iMac, just trying to make sense of the 'rumors' we have been getting.

If it's more than a spec update, like the non retina MacBooks got last week then I still hope it doesn't include a retina display or standard SSD as it's likely to push up the costs, just look at the MBPr. A matte screen option on the iMac for me with the same pixel count would be prefect for me right now.

ETA - I'm hoping the update also includes 8Gb of RAM, again maybe except the lowest models, just like the MBP.

JMHO

 

[Fandongo]

Wtf are you talking about? I'm saying that Apple should make the base model be 8GB, I doubt they'll jack the price very much if it's default, and it's SO cheap.

People like you got your wish w/ the macbooks.
It costs the people who want more than Apple is willing to offer.

Get it?
It IS so cheap.
Dell swore by BTO profits, and so does everyone lse.
It's so cheap that charging $100 ram bumps (to 2x 4GB in the Fatbook) is roughly a $100 profit.
And thanks to people like you...
That $100 - 8GB (and $100 for 750GB--from 500GB) is now built into every BTO Fatbook @2.6Ghz/2.7Ghz...
STANDARD

See, it's an extra $200 dollars that I get to throw in the trash.
$200 that could get you 16 gigs of ram thru OWC...with $40 left to blow on blow or bath salts or whatever.

Be careful what you wish for.
Especially when what you wish for is stupid.

 

[Moonjumper]

I don't know what is going to happen with the iMac, just trying to make sense of the 'rumors' we have been getting.

If it's more than a spec update, like the non retina MacBooks got last week then I still hope it doesn't include a retina display or standard SSD as it's likely to push up the costs, just look at the MBPr. A matte screen option on the iMac for me with the same pixel count would be prefect for me right now.

ETA - I'm hoping the update also includes 8Gb of RAM, again maybe except the lowest models, just like the MBP.

JMHO

The $300 price difference between the retina and non-retina base MBP models includes more RAM, a better video card and SSD. I wonder how much of the difference is accounted for by the retina display? Hopefully not too much.

The retina MBP needed the SSD to fit in that thin form factor, an iMac doesn't unless Apple goes crazy slim. My guess would be a small SSD for the OS, apps and operating space combined with a large HDD. Reasonable price, fast operation and large storage.

I also wouldn't be surprised to see the screen take on the reduced glare of the retina MBP. An additional treatment such as Moth-Eye or Invisible Glass would be brilliant, but I'm doubtful of that happening. The matte displays gave an option for diffusion instead of reflection, but it is now possible to have neither problem.

 

[Lancer]

The $300 price difference between the retina and non-retina base MBP models includes more RAM, a better video card and SSD. I wonder how much of the difference is accounted for by the retina display? Hopefully not too much.

My point is if there is a retina iMac in July like the MacBook it will most likely be an option or separate model line, besides the iMac has a much bigger screen, you would think the cost would go up accordingly.

Personally I can only just afford the 27" iMac now, I don't have money to spend on a fancy screen or SSD no matter how much I would like it.

Plus a retina iMac would be a big deal, I'm betting it will come in the next all new design iMac sometime in 2013. I'll be very surprised if we see one in an iMac next month.

 

[twoodcc]

I'm hoping not, at least not the 2012 model. Given they said a new model will be out in 2013 I suspect that might have a better LCD and new form factor. 2012 will be a hardware spec bump, including Ivy Bridge CPUs and USB3. More RAM on all but the base model which could see a price cut to attract more customers.

IMO the delay is because they don't want the 'new' iMac to stomp on the new MacBooks just released, otherwise I don't see whey they couldn't at least announce the new iMac last week.

well if the new one comes out at the end of this year would be fine with me. hopefully not just a spec bump

 

[eucsstamticc]

I was also going to buy a new iMac after the WWDC12, but am now waiting. The previous release of Lion with the Mac Mini and the iMac upgrade just before it tells me that Apple is not beyond launching a new product with a new OS.

What better way to launch a new desktop OS than with a new iMac!!! I'm pretty stoked!!

Damn money is just burning a hole in my pocket! I was going to get the full spec iMac a couple days ago..

with:
i7
16gbMemory
2TB SATA w/256gb SSD
2gb 6970M


But if there is a possibility that this technology will become dated within a month... its a no brainer to wait..

Also it is almost guaranteed that Mountain Lion will release in July, as per the Apple site, and speaking with a chat rep.. I can only assume that we will see the Master Gold coming out very soon.. Also I can imagine when the final Mountain Lion developer comes out there will be some clues as well

Also.. benchmark tests for the iMac13,2 could possibly just be the base model NEW iMac w/Ivy Bridge processor, getting its low end performance numbers..

Imagine a fully spec'd iMac.. with Retina.. talk about a beast!

All we can do is wait on


Also think about it.. iPad, MBPw/Retina, iMac, iPhone all released during the year, providing a huge Holiday season for

 

[eucsstamticc]