New iMac, FrontRow and PhotoBooth Apps

[Val-kyrie]

56k is NOT out

good to see AE built in, wireless is in, 56k is so out... what about a 23 inch imac? that would be cool...

Unless you NEED a modem. Not everyone, even in the city, has access to high speed. For many areas, 56k is all that is physically available. For me it is a matter of availability, not cost. I really hope this is not a trend for laptops, which I am in the market for once they are updated

 

[devilot]

Unless you NEED a modem. Not everyone, even in the city, has access to high speed. For many areas, 56k is all that is physically available. For me it is a matter of availability, not cost. I really hope this is not a trend for laptops, which I am in the market for once they are updated

I agree... my house didn't have access to DSL or cable until just recently (no I don't live in the city, but neither do I live in the boonies)! So a modem would have been a must for a desktop.

 

[FoxyKaye]

Wow. I am flabbergasted. I didn't think Apple would upgrade the iMac so 'soon,' that's why I felt safe buying the Rev. B in May... this update is so nice. Sigh. Ah well, I still have an awesome machine, just, not as awesome.

Feeling's mutual, however, I look at it this way:
* PCI-E graphics would be great if I actually needed them.
* DDR2 RAM is a nice touch, but apparently there's only one memory stick location.
* Built in iSight is nice, but what happens when I want to use it with my laptop?
* I can now buy the "Apple Remote" for under $50.
* The Mighty Mouse is an ergonomic nightmare.
* Apple solved a chunk of the cooling issues with the Rev. B iMacs, will these new Rev. C models again have cooling problems?

Seriously, this is a pleasing upgrade, and if I didn't already have a beautiful iMac I'd be drooling for one now. But, I have to say that overall it feels like more style than substance - there's not a lot more room to speed up the G5's in the iMacs without serious cooling problems, so Apple added horsepower in the only remaining ways it could (PCI-e graphics, DDR2 RAM) and stuck in some flash (iSight, etc.) to keep sales humming until the Intel-based iMacs hit the market. I suspect Apple knows that as soon as the new Intel-based Macs hit the market next year, sales on PPC models are going to plummet while folks wait for Intel to hit.

Sorry to see the eMac go, though. With a little spraypaint, they're a lot like a modern-day "five flavors".

 

[leekohler]

I know I'm late, but finally Apple releases an iMac I would even buy. I think they finally found it's niche. But I'll probably still stick with my PowerMacs.

 

[bowdeni]

Nope. It is the same return policy. Under 14 days.

Thanks for that clarification! Not to worry! Still got my lovely imac that i bought it for!

 

[powerbook911]

<deleted>

 

[dongmin]

How exactly is this a competitor? You can't display it on a TV!!!!!!!! What's the point? And don't give me that crap about it having video out because it's crap resolution and is hardly worth mentioning.

Doesn't the iMac's LCD have a better resolution than standard TVs? It's better than 480i or 720p, no? And LCD TVs with VGA input could also display iMac's video.

 

[Macky-Mac]

Unless you NEED a modem. Not everyone, even in the city, has access to high speed. For many areas, 56k is all that is physically available. For me it is a matter of availability, not cost. I really hope this is not a trend for laptops, which I am in the market for once they are updated

if you need a modem, you can buy one.......why should those of us who dont need one have to pay for one that will never used?

 

[FoxyKaye]

I know I'm late, but finally Apple releases an iMac I would even buy. I think they finally found it's niche. But I'll probably still stick with my PowerMacs.

Now that's a good point - if Apple wants to market an "everything" machine to the masses, the new iMac is definitely it. Slicker than any Media PC, it has the same functionality and toys for home users who really get off on that kind of stuff. This takes the iMac in a different direction than simply a poor person's PowerMac, and allows both lineups to shine in different ways.

 

[forumBuddy]

In my understanding Apple Remote is not the same as iMac Remote. Apple Remote is indended to be used with iPod Universal Dock. I don't believe FrontRow would be available for PowerMacs/Books/MacMini - besides if it's not Bluetooth how will it communicate with anything other then new iMac?

 

[jjmaximum]

iMac vs. PowerBook - progress

Almost 2 years ago I bought a 15" PB 1.5Ghz, 512Mb RAM and an 80Mb HD. Paid $2,699 (upgraded vRam, 1 stick memory and faster RPM HD). 2 years later, the current offering is 167mhz faster and has shock/scroll mouse - EVERYTHING else is the same.

1 year ago I bought a 17" rev A iMac for $2,099 (upgraded to 1 stick 512 RAM, 160Mb HD, AE and wireless keyboard). 1 year later the current offering absolutely kicks mine in the arse - 300mhz faster, much better video card, faster RAM and Bus, camera, remote, software, faster superdrive, better form factor, better cooling, etc. etc. This is the way things should be.

It is really a shame that the PB is lagging so far behind in progress. I can't imagine a single person buying the current PB with these features/price. The next upgrade better come fast and be awesome.

 

[Stella]

Thes updates are the most exciting incremental in ages. Apple have out done themselves this time.

These iMacs must surely surpass, in quality and value for money that Apple have offered in a long time.

iSight, decent graphics card, remote control etc etc. Excellent.

 

[Peace]

Thes updates are the most exciting incremental in ages. Apple have out done themselves this time.

These iMacs must surely surpass, in quality and value for money that Apple have offered in a long time.

iSight, decent graphics card, remote control etc etc. Excellent.

According to SJ's keynote.."wait till you see the other stuff we have for the holiday season"

 

[~Shard~]

THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS THINKING

Apple could yet become a computer company again

What awesome specs for the iMac - Brilliant

Yeah, it's a scary thought, isn't it?

Don't forget that there was still a massive iPod update though as well, so Apple hasn't completelty focused on computers again...

 

[sboultbee]

Doesn't the iMac's LCD have a better resolution than standard TVs? It's better than 480i or 720p, no? And LCD TVs with VGA input could also display iMac's video.

480i is a resolution of 720 x 480, and 720p is a resolution of 1280 x 720, so even the 17" iMac with its resolution of 1440 x 900 (same as the 17" PB) has a better resolution than standard TVs.

 

[aswitcher]

According to SJ's keynote.."wait till you see the other stuff we have for the holiday season"

Whoa.

 

[mark6051]

Why The imac ?

Has Apple missed the point on media integration. I mean, why the imac ?

I would have thought the mini would have been a far better choice to integrate the new media software with

Don't get me wrong, the imac is really nice, and as a complete package hard to beat, but I think the mini would have been a far better choice to upgrade into a media centre than the imac.

If I really wanted to, I could get a vpod, and a dock and hook that up to my Plasma, but then I can't surf the net or download more when the movie finished, so again, why the imac and not the mini which is far less intrusive ?

 

[Whyren]

if you need a modem, you can buy one.......why should those of us who dont need one have to pay for one that will never used?

And why should those of us without need for wireless connections pay for Bluetooth and Airport in our computer?

The add-in cost really isn't that much compared to the cost of reselling them with a new case and connections (plus it's more likely to become damaged as a separate unit). But, seeing as how the 56k modem issue is probably analogous to the floppy disk issue seven years ago, I'm not that overly concerned. At least this time Apple is providing it as an option.

 

[hyperpasta]

Has Apple missed the point on media integration. I mean, why the imac ?

I would have thought the mini would have been a far better choice to integrate the new media software with

Don't get me wrong, the imac is really nice, and as a complete package hard to beat, but I think the mini would have been a far better choice to upgrade into a media centre than the imac.

If I really wanted to, I could get a vpod, and a dock and hook that up to my Plasma, but then I can't surf the net or download more when the movie finished, so again, why the imac and not the mini which is far less intrusive ?

Beacuse the Mac mini is about to go Intel. CoughMWSFCough.

The New Mac mini. Now with Intel, Core Image, Front Row, TV Out, and Wireless across all models. Starting at $499.

 

[Mac_Freak]

Those new iMacs are just so hard to resist right now. I just keep on looking at them and their price tag, then on my desk, wondering where would I put it.

Nice job Apple!

 

[mac-er]

Thanks for that clarification! Not to worry! Still got my lovely imac that i bought it for!

It'll probably be better to wait a few years anyway until this new "Media Center iMac" is improved....a TV input may be down the road.

 

[enginerd]

Great job with the new iMacs. Apple keeps making them better but the PM's are still stuck in neutral. Come on, Apple! Stop ripping off your POWER users!

On a side note, anybody see the cost of a 2GB RAM upgrade?? $1,200!!!!
You can build a whole computer with 2GB RAM for that money!!

 

[mark6051]

Beacuse the Mac mini is about to go Intel. CoughMWSFCough.

The New Mac mini. Now with Intel, Core Image, Front Row, TV Out, and Wireless across all models. Starting at $499.

Now thats something i would plonk my dollar bills on in a heartbeat.

 

[sjk]

BTW, I guess apple doesn't like the criticism:

Not in their own back yard they don't.

I don't think it's an unreasonable policy when you consider there's no shortage of other places for Apple-related criticism that are at least as publicly visible as the high-volume Apple Discussions forums. And look at the experience level of users generating much of the traffic there and what their expectations might be for that Apple-branded resource.

For example, would you want your technically novice "switcher" friend who's excited about their new Mac being exposed to opinionated criticisms when all they're trying to do is look for some help? Personally, I'd don't think anyone would want that possibly being their first impression of the Apple online community.

I completely agree we need places for open criticisms but can understand why Apple wants to enforce them not happening at Apple Discussions.

 

[duffyb]

Im stupid

So, there has been no mention of a new iMac on the rumor sites so I bought one last week. Today there's a new one announced which is $200 cheaper, faster processor (2Ghz to 2.1). Faster graphics card, BUILT IN iSight, and cool new programs like Photobooth and FrontRow.

I can return this one for a 10% restock fee (about $200) within 14 days and if I buy ProCare ($99) they can do the migration assistant to transfer files.

But, I don't have it in me-I'm screwed.