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iMacs Update Rumors?
- Thread starter iJon
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All these seem like perfectly reasonable specs for updates. If the iMac did get bumped to 1GHz, that would probably mean faster PowerMacs (1.4-1.5?) since Apple likes to keep a nice gap between consumer and pro lines.
i agree that it doesn't seem useful. The reason for laptop inclusion is that the screen can go to a lower light intensity and save on battery life. Since iMacs plug into the wall, there doesn't seem to be much point.
If they could include the glowing keys for the keyboard then that would rock, a usb keyboard with this technology would sell on its own to pc users as well as mac users.
I wonder if they will change the iMac's form factor like they did with the original iMac's. Will the new iMac's be slot loading in a better looking case.
Imagine the iLamp in Tangerine, Blue Berry, Grape, Strawberry and lime
If these upgrades are true then the Power Mac's would be left behind because they don't have 802.11g or FireWire 800. A 1 GHz iMac could make it nearly look as fast as a PM 1 GHz, Of course the PM's are dual and have a higher bus speed. Apple wouldn't really do this.
Remember the iMac G3 700 MHz, that was discontinues because the MHz rate was the same as the low end G4 iMac.
If this did happen, new much faster PM's would be coming out soon after.
But then again I could be wrong
Imagine the iLamp in Tangerine, Blue Berry, Grape, Strawberry and lime
If these upgrades are true then the Power Mac's would be left behind because they don't have 802.11g or FireWire 800. A 1 GHz iMac could make it nearly look as fast as a PM 1 GHz, Of course the PM's are dual and have a higher bus speed. Apple wouldn't really do this.
Remember the iMac G3 700 MHz, that was discontinues because the MHz rate was the same as the low end G4 iMac.
If this did happen, new much faster PM's would be coming out soon after.
But then again I could be wrong
Maybe we'll see the PowerMac and iMac/eMac updated all at once. I'm sure none of the updates will be earth shattering so it may be low key. However, if they do update these models I'm sure they'll include bluetooth built in. Does anyone else think that maybe we'll see an new keyboar/mouset that is wireless and supports bluetooth? I'm sure they'll still offer the corded ones as an option. If they do, I'm gonna have to invest in a bluetooth adaptor and in a new keyboard and mouse.
I got a sneaking suspicion...
That these updates are more then meets the eye. Perhaps a change in case design or something. I suspect Apple is thinking that they have to shake up the lineup since the CPU issue is going to haunt them for most of this year.
Just for Shiznits and giggles, I'm goign to bet they intro a new design around Superbowl time.
That these updates are more then meets the eye. Perhaps a change in case design or something. I suspect Apple is thinking that they have to shake up the lineup since the CPU issue is going to haunt them for most of this year.
Just for Shiznits and giggles, I'm goign to bet they intro a new design around Superbowl time.
Well, it would be useful in the same way that high-end audio/video equipment allows you to dim their LED displays ... if you're working in the dark it's very hard on your eyes to have a massively bright screen in front of you. It's hard to adjust from a suntan-inducing screen glow to walking across the dark living room to grab another soda ...
BTW, that's why this feature is on the laptops, not power conservation alone. I mean, if your goal is power conservation you'll have the screen brightness almost always tuned down to its lowest setting, regardless of the ambient lighting.
Well you have to expect these machines to have slot loaders.
Please can we have the fastest machine without a Superdrive. I need to upgrade some 700mhz CDRW iMacs and to wait a year and only get to 800mhz is really bad new indeed. All I want is 17" machines without the Superdrive for workstations, $350 extra per machine soon adds up.
Bluetooth is a great idea, airport is good for some people but not an issue in an office environment and FW800, I really don't care, FW400 is prety fast.
Please can we have the fastest machine without a Superdrive. I need to upgrade some 700mhz CDRW iMacs and to wait a year and only get to 800mhz is really bad new indeed. All I want is 17" machines without the Superdrive for workstations, $350 extra per machine soon adds up.
Bluetooth is a great idea, airport is good for some people but not an issue in an office environment and FW800, I really don't care, FW400 is prety fast.
Well, I use a 15" LCD everyday at work, and have never considered it small. I agree few people use anything smaller than 17" for CRTs, but for LCDs 15" is still standard.
it's crap
I don't believe this for a second.
Why?
Apple wouldn't fabricate 3 motherboards for the new systems. Notice the specs...
Fast: GF2mx, FW400 (presumably)
Faster: GF2mx, FW800
Fastest: GF4mx, FW800
That would be 3 configurations with different ASICs on the board. Hmn... doesn't sound like a good way to minimize cost does it?
the next rev will use standardized components whenever possible unless they are specifically intended to move higher margin equipment.
I suspect that apple might ship a low end mac with the same config (15", 400Mb FW, GF2mx), but that new machines will have a standard MB. It will likely be 800Mb FW, Airport Ex, and GF4MX... though a 9000Pro wouldn't be out of the question... might as well if you are designing a system that will remain stagnant for 6 months down the line.
jmho... ffakr.
I don't believe this for a second.
Why?
Apple wouldn't fabricate 3 motherboards for the new systems. Notice the specs...
Fast: GF2mx, FW400 (presumably)
Faster: GF2mx, FW800
Fastest: GF4mx, FW800
That would be 3 configurations with different ASICs on the board. Hmn... doesn't sound like a good way to minimize cost does it?
the next rev will use standardized components whenever possible unless they are specifically intended to move higher margin equipment.
I suspect that apple might ship a low end mac with the same config (15", 400Mb FW, GF2mx), but that new machines will have a standard MB. It will likely be 800Mb FW, Airport Ex, and GF4MX... though a 9000Pro wouldn't be out of the question... might as well if you are designing a system that will remain stagnant for 6 months down the line.
jmho... ffakr.
11This is what I think that will come in the new upgrades:
1 - Speed bumps like the ones mentioned here
2 - Bluetooth and Airport Extreme
3 - Firewire 2
4 - Larger HDs
What I would like to see:
1 - Slot loading drives
2 - Keyboard and screen with ambient light sensor
3 - Bluetooth mouse NOT USB!!!!!!!!!!
The big question is when???????? I hope next week, but who knows???
1 - Speed bumps like the ones mentioned here
2 - Bluetooth and Airport Extreme
3 - Firewire 2
4 - Larger HDs
What I would like to see:
1 - Slot loading drives
2 - Keyboard and screen with ambient light sensor
3 - Bluetooth mouse NOT USB!!!!!!!!!!
The big question is when???????? I hope next week, but who knows???
Could be an educated guess
The listed updates seem very sensible but anybody who knows the specifications of the new PowerBooks could have come up with them. Unless these sources can provide photographic proof I would not pay too much attention to them.
The listed updates seem very sensible but anybody who knows the specifications of the new PowerBooks could have come up with them. Unless these sources can provide photographic proof I would not pay too much attention to them.
Apple's CPU-Pathetic Meter is reaching unbelievablely new lows.
12+ months to go from 700Mhz to 800Mhz.
Tsk, Tsk.
They need to reorganize their whole desktop line into choices all based on the 1.25Ghz G4.
$999 eMac, 1.25Ghz, Combo drive
$1300 eMac, 1.25Ghz, Superdrive
$1199 iMac, 1.25Ghz, Combo drive
$1500 iMac, 1.25Ghz,
$1600 PowerMac, Dual 1.25Ghz, Combo drive
$1900 PowerMac, Dual 1.25Ghz, Superdrive
That's it. Once they get a faster CPU, they replace all those models with the faster CPU. And they keep doing it until they surpass Intel and can freaking afford the luxury of stratifying their line-up.
PERIOD! G'd'mt!
12+ months to go from 700Mhz to 800Mhz.
Tsk, Tsk.
They need to reorganize their whole desktop line into choices all based on the 1.25Ghz G4.
$999 eMac, 1.25Ghz, Combo drive
$1300 eMac, 1.25Ghz, Superdrive
$1199 iMac, 1.25Ghz, Combo drive
$1500 iMac, 1.25Ghz,
$1600 PowerMac, Dual 1.25Ghz, Combo drive
$1900 PowerMac, Dual 1.25Ghz, Superdrive
That's it. Once they get a faster CPU, they replace all those models with the faster CPU. And they keep doing it until they surpass Intel and can freaking afford the luxury of stratifying their line-up.
PERIOD! G'd'mt!
Re: it's crap
Not nessecarly. A lot of chipmakers plan ahead and their pinouts stay the same between changes. Remember the 2MX and 4MX are based on GeForce 2 designs. And FW800 vs FW400 isn't so hard. I would have to beleive that apple's new chipset has FW800 built in, but they just don't solder on the port if the machine doesn't include it. Haven't you ever seen adapter cards where only half of the ports are actually installed? Same thing. Its one design, but you can have several configurations in the end. It doesn't cost Apple much more then because the boards are identical in design, but can operate with a port or two not actually soldered in place.
Not nessecarly. A lot of chipmakers plan ahead and their pinouts stay the same between changes. Remember the 2MX and 4MX are based on GeForce 2 designs. And FW800 vs FW400 isn't so hard. I would have to beleive that apple's new chipset has FW800 built in, but they just don't solder on the port if the machine doesn't include it. Haven't you ever seen adapter cards where only half of the ports are actually installed? Same thing. Its one design, but you can have several configurations in the end. It doesn't cost Apple much more then because the boards are identical in design, but can operate with a port or two not actually soldered in place.
You'd like to see a USB mouse?? Well, you're in luck! Apple now includes a USB mouse with any desktop you purchase from them! In fact, I think they've been doing this for a few years now
Originally posted by Tue12
Apple's CPU-Pathetic Meter is reaching unbelievablely new lows.
12+ months to go from 700Mhz to 800Mhz.
Tsk, Tsk.
They need to reorganize their whole desktop line into choices all based on the 1.25Ghz G4.
$999 eMac, 1.25Ghz, Combo drive
$1300 eMac, 1.25Ghz, Superdrive
$1199 iMac, 1.25Ghz, Combo drive
$1500 iMac, 1.25Ghz,
$1600 PowerMac, Dual 1.25Ghz, Combo drive
$1900 PowerMac, Dual 1.25Ghz, Superdrive
That's it. Once they get a faster CPU, they replace all those models with the faster CPU.
PERIOD! G'd'mt!
I somehow think that wouldn't go over well at Apple. Apple pays a premium for the junk CPUs motorola provides, because when it comes down to it......Motorola only makes a handful, they don't get as low in pricing as Pentium or Athlon chips.
A better idea would be make the power line more NLX motherboard complaint. NLX was an awsome design that never caught on in the PC world, where there was a riser card and the mainboard....however unlike the older Packard Hell computers or Compaqs where the riser card plugged into the motherboard.....in NLX, the motherboard plugs into the riser card. That way, all the drive cables, connectors on the back of the machine, etc were in the riser card.......and the riser card connected to the MB over a PCI bus. The idea being, you can slide your motherboard out and replace it in a matter of seconds.
Why should Apple do this? Apple NEEDS to show what machines are coming in the future......they need to announce the 970 months in advance to gear people up. In the world of business, people don't wait to buy, they buy when they need it.......and if you need more CPU power right now, you go Intel or AMD.
HOWEVER......If Apple were to announce the 970 was coming in say 9 months, and release new PowerMacs now that were upgradable....some of those customers would stick with the Mac as their investment is more likely to fulfil their need after the upgrade, and they wouldnt have to reinvest in software.
Again, because the two boards connect over PCI, the chipset and ram are self contained on the removable motherboard, removing the problem of incompatable front side busses! Infact, the southbridge in this configuration is usually on the daughter card so that the perhipheral configuration doesn't change, only the CPU/Northbridge.
Personally, I think this would be wise for Apple. As long as its Apple upgrade hardware, they make money 2x on the machine, and they don't lose more users then they have to.
Of course some people will not buy right away and wait for the 970 because of an announcement like that........BUT......whats worse, someone holding off, or someone jumping ship?
Weren't there rumours a while back where apple was developing a Bluetooth keyboards and a two button Bluetooth mouse, Which can also be connected via wire (USB) to recharge the batteries? If Apple did this then the keyboards will most likely not glow, unless plugged in, other wise the battery wouldn't last long.
Wouldn't there be third party blue tooth keyboards and mice around?
15 inch, 16:10 screen?
I kind of get the impression that Apple wants to be at 16:10 for the bulk of their product lines. If you assume that, you get a screen size of 12.72 inch x 7.85 inch. If you figure 32 bit data, that works out to 1280 x 800 at 100 dpi. A bit odd, but, if there was the ability to rotate the screen 90 degrees, ala the old Radius display, this might be quite a coup, ie, a full page display.
I think this would be very useful for a 15 inch, though it might be too expensive to incorporate.
I don't look for this feature though.
I kind of get the impression that Apple wants to be at 16:10 for the bulk of their product lines. If you assume that, you get a screen size of 12.72 inch x 7.85 inch. If you figure 32 bit data, that works out to 1280 x 800 at 100 dpi. A bit odd, but, if there was the ability to rotate the screen 90 degrees, ala the old Radius display, this might be quite a coup, ie, a full page display.
I think this would be very useful for a 15 inch, though it might be too expensive to incorporate.
I don't look for this feature though.
Why the desire for slot-loading optical?
This is something I don't understand. This, in fact, is the one feature I don't like about our iMac DV. I'd much prefer a tray-loader; when something goes wrong they are easier to deal with. The drive on my machine has been mis-behaving for about the last 6 months; it often takes multiple attempts to get it to eject. A couple of weeks ago a disc became stuck part way through the eject process, and I had to forcibly shut it down and restart it in order to get it to stop 'whining', as it were. Then, it took a couple of more attempts to get it to eject; what a pain. Give me a tray any day.
However, I REALLY like the look of the 'faster'; we're gonna be in the market for a new iMac come tax-return time, and that particular model is lookin' pretty good.
(tig)
This is something I don't understand. This, in fact, is the one feature I don't like about our iMac DV. I'd much prefer a tray-loader; when something goes wrong they are easier to deal with. The drive on my machine has been mis-behaving for about the last 6 months; it often takes multiple attempts to get it to eject. A couple of weeks ago a disc became stuck part way through the eject process, and I had to forcibly shut it down and restart it in order to get it to stop 'whining', as it were. Then, it took a couple of more attempts to get it to eject; what a pain. Give me a tray any day.
However, I REALLY like the look of the 'faster'; we're gonna be in the market for a new iMac come tax-return time, and that particular model is lookin' pretty good.
(tig)
Yes, and I would like to see them have dual processors as well, then drop the whole built in screen thing. Then maybe they could change the name too, it could be called the Powermac.