Just got my iMac 2015 27" 5K i7 TODAY ugh

[camresu]

Hi all - SO I'm sitting here with my brand new late 2015 27" 5K iMac I configured/ordered from Apple with the Skylake i7 4.0 GHz, 512GB SSD, 8GB RAM, M395X 4GB GPU. I was expecting an iMac refresh at the end of the year - well I guessed WRONG. I would gladly keep this machine if Apple were to maybe compensate me in some way. Anyone ever hear of such a thing? Otherwise I suppose it makes no sense to keep it since it was technically discontinued moments before I planned to open the box.

 

[happyslayer]

Call them, see what Apple says. Who knows. Worst that can happen is you wait a few more days or weeks for a new custom built one.

 

[BigJohno]

Return it...

 

[dsc888]

You can return it within 14 days to them for whatever reason. It'll be a nice refurb for someone else who won't mind not having the latest and greatest at a nice savings. My guess is Apple will tell you to return it. I don't think they will compensate you as your machine will get snapped up in a second once it shows up in their refurb store. The iMacs got a very decent update and you will pay less for the 512 SSD option and get a better GPU with 8Gb of VRAM and a better display.

 

[btrach144]

You can return it for free.

 

[camresu]

Thanks so much for the replies!

Kind of a bummer since I am going to guess someone will "snap it right up" for a refurb price. I feel like I should return it to a local Apple Store and have a friend or family member buy it back for the discount. I look at it this way - it's a wonderful machine, but I will no doubt need to replace it sooner than with the new model. If they gave me a break on it, then I could justify the purchase.

 

[kimguroo]

Exactly what I thought. I thought new iMac will be released on Oct so I was about to order late 2015.
Almost checked out but I had to travel last week so I decided to order in this week and surprisingly, there was a new IMac. Just return your iMac and buy new one.

 

[bopajuice]

Did your new iMac cost you $5,000? I would weigh all your options.

 

[Floris]

You shouldn't feel bad about what they do with it when you return it, you should focus on what you want instead, .. which clearly is the 2017 edition. So exhange it. no biggie. just time/hassle i guess.

 

[camresu]

Did your new iMac cost you $5,000? I would weigh all your options.

bopajuice it was $2,999 (USD). The 2017 with the same options is actually less. Really the biggest inconvenience for reordering will be to wait for 11-13 days arrival as I have major video editing deadlines in queue. My 2013 iMac 27" is starting to choke on 4K in FCP X, so I was really looking forward to cranking through all this work on a newer iMac - especially since my 2013 has an internal fusion drive slowing things down even with my media on external SSD drives.
[doublepost=1496727948][/doublepost]

You shouldn't feel bad about what they do with it when you return it, you should focus on what you want instead, .. which clearly is the 2017 edition. So exhange it. no biggie. just time/hassle i guess.

Yeah - and I didn't even open the box, so whoever gets a refurb deal will be very lucky. I was literally just about to pull the tab when I was streaming the WWDC this morning. I was surprised then frustrated. The expletives began to flow!!

 

[dsc888]

bopajuice it was $2,999 (USD). The 2017 with the same options is actually less. Really the biggest inconvenience for reordering will be to wait for 11-13 days arrival as I have major video editing deadlines in queue. My 2013 iMac 27" is starting to choke on 4K in FCP X, so I was really looking forward to cranking through all this work on a newer iMac - especially since my 2013 has an internal fusion drive slowing things down even with my media on external SSD drives.

One more option is to order the newer unit you want and to use the current one until then. Just wipe the drive and reinstall the OS before you return it. You will be kicking yourself each day if you keep the 2015 vs ordering the newer 2017 knowing that you had a chance to get the faster, cheaper one with new IO/connectivity. Apple is one of the most generous and customer friendly companies out there and they will take back your machine with a smile.

If you have kids, you can go the Education Store to order it like I did. I have young kids myself. You will save an additional $200 on the the config plus a small amount on each upgrade as well.

 

[camresu]

Exactly what I thought. I thought new iMac will be released on Oct so I was about to order late 2015.
Almost checked out but I had to travel last week so I decided to order in this week and surprisingly, there was a new IMac. Just return your iMac and buy new one.

Glad you got the new one!

 

[bopajuice]

bopajuice it was $2,999 (USD). The 2017 with the same options is actually less. Really the biggest inconvenience for reordering will be to wait for 11-13 days arrival as I have major video editing deadlines in queue. My 2013 iMac 27" is starting to choke on 4K in FCP X, so I was really looking forward to cranking through all this work on a newer iMac - especially since my 2013 has an internal fusion drive slowing things down even with my media on external SSD drives.
[doublepost=1496727948][/doublepost]

Yeah - and I didn't even open the box, so whoever gets a refurb deal will be very lucky. I was literally just about to pull the tab when I was streaming the WWDC this morning. I was surprised then frustrated. The expletives began to flow!!

Starting to choke in 4K? You edit in 4K? Ok... Do you use FCP? Have you ever heard of ProRes 422 Proxy format?

If your project is under such a tight deadline, and two weeks will make you or break you, go for it.

 

[camresu]

One more option is to order the newer unit you want and to use the current one until then. Just wipe the drive and reinstall the OS before you return it. You will be kicking yourself each day if you keep the 2015 vs ordering the newer 2017 knowing that you had a chance to get the faster, cheaper one with new IO/connectivity. Apple is one of the most generous and customer friendly companies out there and they will take back your machine with a smile.

If you have kids, you can go the Education Store to order it like I did. I have young kids myself. You will save an additional $200 on the the config plus a small amount on each upgrade as well.

I used to do the education discount too, but was surprised to see they've restricted it to basically college students and K-12 staff. Mine daughter is 15 (Freshman) so it looked to be a no go. I am truly torn about that though - so tempting to use it while waiting since the return window is June 15th! I wonder if they will crack open the box anyway before selling it, then I wouldn't feel bad about using it for a few projects.
[doublepost=1496728960][/doublepost]

Starting to choke in 4K? You edit in 4K? Ok... Do you use FCP? Have you ever heard of ProRes 422 Proxy format?

If your project is under such a tight deadline, and two weeks will make you or break you, go for it.[/QUOTE

Starting to choke in 4K? You edit in 4K? Ok... Do you use FCP? Have you ever heard of ProRes 422 Proxy format?

If your project is under such a tight deadline, and two weeks will make you or break you, go for it.

Proxy could be a great solution, however I have to key out backgrounds so looking at the "finished product" as I go is kind of a habit. Good thought though. I suppose I could use proxy for the rough cuts - then do the keying at the end.

 

[dsc888]

I used to do the education discount too, but was surprised to see they've restricted it to basically college students and K-12 staff. Mine daughter is 15 (Freshman) so it looked to be a no go. I am truly torn about that though - so tempting to use it while waiting since the return window is June 15th! I wonder if they will crack open the box anyway before selling it, then I wouldn't feel bad about using it for a few projects.

Most likely they will open it up to make sure you did't put a piece of wood in their and sealed it back up to con them . Apple has to put the unit through its paces to make sure the unit is in resell ready condition. So consider it your duty to use it and test it for them.

Yes, the discount is for College Kids and staff only. But they rarely check. My opinion is that Apple needs to sell as many Macs as they can especially in these "Post PC" days where folks rarely need anything beyond an iPhone or an iPad. A sale is still a sale. As a parent with children, I know I need and will take whatever discount I am offered. If it is something that you feel strongly against, then do what you feel is right for you. But I personally have no issue when I made my purchase as I will be doing school projects with my oldest, an 8 year old son, on the new iMac. Educational use in my book.

 

[camresu]

Most likely they will open it up to make sure you did't put a piece of wood in their and sealed it back up to con them . Apple has to put the unit through its paces to make sure the unit is in resell ready condition. So consider it your duty to use it and test it for them.

Yes, the discount is for College Kids and staff only. But they rarely check. My opinion is that Apple needs to sell was many Macs as they can especially in these "Post PC" days where folks rarely need anything beyond an iPhone or an iPad. A sale is still a sale. As a parent with children, I know I need and will take whatever discount I am offered. If it is something that you feel strongly against, then do what you feel is right for you. But I personally have no issue when I made my purchase as I will be doing school projects with my oldest, an 8 year old son, on the new iMac. Educational use in my book.

You know now that you mention it - as a responsible and dedicated Apple customer perhaps it would be less than courteous to return it "untested"?!! Perhaps I should make sure everything works so I can let them know when I bring it back!

 

[btrach144]

Order a new unit, use the old unit until the last possible day to do so and then return it. Hopefully the new model arrives before then.

Use some of the cash you said you'd save on the 2017 unit to get express shipping. Should trim a day or two off on the wait.

 

[OW22]

I know how you feel. I paid €2700 for my new iMac, it was delivered 2.5 weeks ago. I feel a bit shortchanged now, even though that probably makes no sense as if I was willing to buu it a couple of weeks ago believing the new models would come in October, what difference does it really make? It's just so close to when I bought my one that's bothering me...

 

[jeanlain]

You shouldn't feel bad about what they do with it when you return it, you should focus on what you want instead, ..

It'll probably end up in the refurb store.

 

[OW22]

I contacted Apple and they said even though my return period passed, they would gladly make an exception and take my unit back, give me the refund and I'll buy the new model.

Decent of them I have to say and I'll do it.

 

[sandfli]

I contacted Apple and they said even though my return period passed, they would gladly make an exception and take my unit back, give me the refund and I'll buy the new model.

Decent of them I have to say and I'll do it.

Man I bought mine in April seeing that it would be a wait until October. I'm guessing that's pushing the 14 day thing a little too far though... any thoughts?

 

[OW22]

Man I bought mine in April seeing that it would be a wait until October. I'm guessing that's pushing the 14 day thing a little too far though... any thoughts?

You can only ask the question. I bought mine like you believing the updates would be later. I'm only a few days over the 14 day limit so I guess it's not a problem for them making an exception. But get on to them and ask, explain your situation and that you bought it then believing the updates would be a lot later etc. You never know.

 

[camresu]

I know how you feel. I paid €2700 for my new iMac, it was delivered 2.5 weeks ago. I feel a bit shortchanged now, even though that probably makes no sense as if I was willing to buu it a couple of weeks ago believing the new models would come in October, what difference does it really make? It's just so close to when I bought my one that's bothering me...

Sorry to hear that - and you are absolutely justified to feel a bit shortchanged and to reflect on it. I am not sure to what degree you push the limits of the hardware, but I want to be completely honest and say that if I didn't use my iMac primarily for large and demanding video editing jobs, I don't know if I'd have the energy to go through swapping out for the new model. In general I don't like to buy a big refresh in the first month or two of production either since there always seems to be a few glitches that affect a percentage of users. I guess what I'm saying is if you purchased it for hardcore tasks like 4K video editing or 3-D modeling, then that is a reason to feel some substantial disappointment. However if your new iMac is a joy to use and handling the tasks you require with ease, then I hope that once you're able to work out a bit of disappointment, you can get back to sitting down in front of that beautiful screen and enjoying it just as you did before they made this announcement - be this under any other circumstance in my case I know I would. Good luck with this and I hope you can continue to enjoy your new iMac!

 

[sandfli]

You can only ask the question. I bought mine like you believing the updates would be later. I'm only a few days over the 14 day limit so I guess it's not a problem for them making an exception. But get on to them and ask, explain your situation and that you bought it then believing the updates would be a lot later etc. You never know.

They ended up giving me a refund for my upgrade to a 1 TB fusion drive. Not a new computer but not bad, very kind customer service. She sounded willing to ask for an exchange until she found out I had gotten rid of most of the original packaging, and said it would be a no-go. $170 richer at least

 

[joema2]

...My 2013 iMac 27" is starting to choke on 4K in FCP X, so I was really looking forward to cranking through all this work on a newer iMac - especially since my 2013 has an internal fusion drive slowing things down even with my media on external SSD drives...

I have both 2013 and 2015 top-spec iMac 27s and edit 4k documentary video using FCPX. The 2015 model is not much faster, and not nearly enough to smoothly edit H264 4k multicam without proxy. The updated 2017 Kaby Lake iMac 27 is a little faster than the 2015 and the GPU is somewhat faster so it makes sense to get the fastest one, but it's unlikely to eliminate the need for proxy if you want the most responsive editing experience.

So the biggest thing you can do re 4k editing performance is use proxy. That is built in to FCPX and works seamlessly and very well. You can do that immediately on your 2013 model. The bottleneck in H264 4k editing performance is typically not the hard drive but primarily CPU and secondarily GPU. Using proxy will help all areas -- disk, CPU and GPU, at least up until the final render and export.

You only must remember to set the viewer back to optimized/original before the final export, else it will be in proxy resolution.