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New iMac Tidbits: Headphone Jack on Side, Ethernet Port on Power Adapter, Spatial Audio and WiFi 6 Support, No SD Card Slot
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That is incorrect. Apple's screens are always well received and high quality. Dell usually comes up with good screens as well but you pay for a good 4K or 5K screen.
I am not going to compare a 27 inch 400 nit 4k to the iMac and claim that they are both equal, I am going to compare it to my Dell 24 inch 4k display which is pretty excellent but also was over 600 freedom credits, yet it isn't as bright, crisp, nor colourful as the 21.5 inch iMac 4K screen, it was a compromise to hit that price and I was under no illusions when buying it that it would match up.
Same as when I buy a reference screen and know that the compromise there is losing retina text since its goal is to display the image as colour accurate as possible.
Exactly. How many people complaining about the lack of an SD card slot and the need for adapters were really using the 21.5" iMac. I suspect that the replacement for the 27" will have more a few more ports, more RAM, etc.
If I see white bezels mentioned one more time, I'm going to lose my ****.
White bezels and chin are the new "notch." Always a crowd-pleaser.
Maybe these will be alright for most... good that they've bumped up the SSD size a bit... but they are a revision a product of a brand new design, so beware... and kind of wish the front of the units showed off a bit more of the color, maybe with a black bezel... Not mesmerized by the white non-black.
Design controversies aside (personally I hate the chin and the missing Apple logo on the front), these iMacs are an incredibly overpriced and disappointing addition to Apple's desktop lineup. $1300 for a Mac mini with a nice screen... but then even the Mac Mini includes USB A, a dedicated video port, and offers 10 GbE. So add more $$$ to the price tag for those dongles we all love that will haphazardly hang off the back. Why is that a "better" solution? Because Apple is a dongle company now? It sure doesn't benefit the end-user in any way.
I would never purchase one of these and I think this it's a huge miss for Apple, and confirms how they're doubling down on their priorities of profits over actual customer experience. As others have shared, the below—maybe with a small chin complete with Apple logo—with USB A ports, an SD reader, at least the option for 10 GbE via RJ45, etc... I have a feeling that would have been a product that a LOT more customers would have been interested in.
Oh, but at least it has mag-safe. Go home Apple, you're drunk.
Here's hoping a larger "pro" version will come soon and be closer to the product that so many of us actually wanted, and that it doesn't cost $3,000+ 🙄
I would never purchase one of these and I think this it's a huge miss for Apple, and confirms how they're doubling down on their priorities of profits over actual customer experience. As others have shared, the below—maybe with a small chin complete with Apple logo—with USB A ports, an SD reader, at least the option for 10 GbE via RJ45, etc... I have a feeling that would have been a product that a LOT more customers would have been interested in.
Oh, but at least it has mag-safe. Go home Apple, you're drunk.
Here's hoping a larger "pro" version will come soon and be closer to the product that so many of us actually wanted, and that it doesn't cost $3,000+ 🙄
No indication that they have been dumped - but they'll need something with a bit more "oomph" and i/o capability than the M1 to show the current i9/discrete GPU models a clean pair of heels. Same as we're still waiting for the replacement for the 16" and high-end 13" MacBook Pros.
Hopefully we'll see a M1X/M2/whatever announced at WWDC (which will be the place to launch it if its got new features) followed by the actual "pro" machines.
Do you know what the difference is between (a) SCSI,Firewire,VGA,RS232,floppy discs,CD-ROM,CUTS,Centronics parallel/Shugart or S-flipping-100 bus and (b) USB-A, Ethernet, DisplayPort, HDMI, SD card is?
Clue - none of group (a) feature on any new hardware I've bought in the last 4-5 years or - for that matter - on virtually anything currently on the mass market (...which is not to say there aren't small, specialist niches still using them, but that's who adapters and dongles should be for) - and things like floppy, CD-ROM, Firewire were already well and truly heading down that road when Apple phased them out.
Whereas virtually every bit of tech I've bought in that time - up to and including last year, and including quite newly-launched products - includes at least one from group (b). You can keep on saying that these are obsolete, legacy interfaces, but that won't make it true.
Meanwhile, apparently, a new completely non-standard and proprietary connector apparently specially for just power and Ethernet is somehow OK?
My problem isn't with the white bezel per se but with the way it goes together with the coloured chin. Against a light background, the bezel recedes and all you see is the screen and the - slightly wider - chin, which looks awkward to me. A fully-white front (which is what most of the earlier machines had - the original iMac had a couple of splashes of colour but not a solid slab).
Well, there is that rumour about the new MBPs bringing back Magsafe and other legacy connectors. A NuMagsafe power brick with extra ports on the brick could explain that - the new magnetic port on the iMac looks quite big and not designed for laptops, but that's hard to tell from the photos.
Curious to discover if they're actually running Ethernet down the power cable or if its USB or Thunderbolt with a whatever-to-ethernet bridge in the brick (raising the possibility of other in-brick interfaces in the future).
Personally, I'd still prefer a proper array of ports in the machine - but if you're going to go down the minimalist route why not use standard Thunderbolt ports (surely the iMac doesn't need more than 100W)? Theres no advantage to Magsafe on a desktop machine.
I think your right, but I’m still not sure Apple has succeeded. These iMacs lack enough stuff to discourage more knowledgeable users, but they also are expensive enough to discourage more general users. However, there are pro users that don’t need the “pro” level iMac. These would be pretty perfect for low to mid-level pros who need to do some graphics or light video editing. But with the garish colors, the bezels, and the lack of some inputs, Apple is missing an opportunity to have a decent Mac desktop for a more professional user at a relatively affordable price.
I could be wrong (it wouldn’t be the first time). These could sell like hot cakes. We’ll see. (They should really offer these colors on MacBook Airs. Those would sell like crazy to college students, IMO)
Yup. Still have my S-100 computer.
"Meanwhile, apparently, a new completely non-standard and proprietary connector apparently specially for just power and Ethernet is somehow OK?"
Sure. The ethernet jack is still an RJ-45, and the power cord still plugs into a wall-mounted AC outlet. That's what I'd care about. OTOH, there will no doubt be some who feel the sky is falling.
With the discontinuation of the iMac Pro, the 27" iMac currently fills that "prosumer" desktop. Doesn't it?
What does circling back to Apple's roots by including fun colors have to do with ports? Here's a look at all of those "unprofessional" iMac's ports:
The thing is, it is pretty close to being everything people want, which is why it‘s so confounding. The thinness is ”neat”, but unnecessary on a desktop. Why not make it thicker and eliminate the chin And offer a couple of USB-A ports, or an SD port? Why not offer a black iMac with black bezel much like Apple has done with iPads and iPhones? The complaints people are generally having are really about things that Apple as easily offered in the past. Perhaps they’ll expand the iMac line in the future, but this is a weird way to come out of the gate, especially at that price.
The brick is likely going to go on the floor, and Ethernet jacks are usually at outlet height. It's not a convenient place for accessories.
Where is the replacement for the 27" iMac....that is what I am waiting for. I cannot wait until I can get rid of this iMac and get a new redesigned iMac!
I suspect that the delay is because of chip availability...Apple wants something more powerful then the M1, like the M1X or M2 and for whatever reason, it is not here yet.
I suspect that the delay is because of chip availability...Apple wants something more powerful then the M1, like the M1X or M2 and for whatever reason, it is not here yet.
Cant help wondering whether this will be large mistake for Apple in having an iMac with M1. I look forward to the tests on it, but look forward more to a dedicated iMac M2 chip. its put me off buying one thus far. Not that keen on the ethernet power supply and wi fi 6, great if you have a wifi 6 router and need that wi fi. I still prefer hard wired for security. Being the first silicon iMac I expected more really, but we'll see what the performance tests are like, but for me I'll wait for the M2 for a real performance boost.
Apple yesterday announced a completely redesigned 24-inch iMac with the M1 Apple silicon chip. The new iMac, the first major redesign of the Mac desktop computer since 2012, has several changes compared to the previous generation.
In the aftermath of the event, a few new features and tidbits may have slipped under the radar, so we’ve compiled this list of some of the less-talked-about features and changes of the new 24-inch iMac.
First Mac with Built-In Spatial Audio
The 24-inch iMac is the first Mac to feature built-in Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. This is enabled by six brand new high-fidelity speakers that work in junction with force-canceling woofers. Apple says in tandem, the new speakers and woofers create "the best speakers in any Mac." Spatial Audio is available on compatible iPhone and iPad devices with Dolby Atmos content, and now it's coming to the Mac for the first time.
First iMac with WiFi 6
The M1 Apple silicon MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini released in November were the first Macs to support the new and faster WiFi 6 protocol. With M1 now on the iMac, the 24-inch iMac becomes the first Mac desktop computer to support WiFi 6.
Headphone Jack on The Side
The new 24-inch iMac features a radically thinner design compared to the previous generation. While visually pleasing, this new design did present a challenge for where to place the 3.5mm headphone jack. Typically, the headphone jack would be placed on the back of the iMac, but with the new 24-inch model, the jack is placed on the left side.
Ethernet Port on Power Adapter
Another problem the new thin design of the iMac presented was where to place the Ethernet port. Apple's solution to the dilemma is to place the Ethernet port directly into the power adapter. Apple says this new "cool new innovation" means users can keep their desks less cluttered, while still enjoying the benefits of Ethernet.
No SD Card Slot
Previous generation iMac models featured an SD card slot reader on the rear. The new design of the 24-inch iMac made this a challenge. In theory, Apple could have easily placed the SD card reader on the side, like the headphone jack, but instead, it instead decided to remove it entirely.
Of course, these are just a few of the many new features coming with the 24-inch iMac. You can learn more about the new iMac and everything else Apple announced at its "Spring Loaded" event using our roundup.
Article Link: New iMac Tidbits: Headphone Jack on Side, Ethernet Port on Power Adapter, Spatial Audio and WiFi 6 Support, No SD Card Slot
The colours don't really interest me, nor the touch keyboard, but performance really matters. I can understand Apple in some ways, as its a keenly priced entry level iMac, but I hope they don't restrict M2 chip to the larger monitor as I'm more than happy with 24in. but would have liked the chin removed.
Exactly this. They should have done it already in 2016 when removing ports from Macbooks. One USB-A, one HDMI and an SD slot would not have even made it much larger. Still in 2021 it's surprisingly difficult to find good third-part charger/hubs combos that are not Kickstarter scams.
That reply doesn't make sense, as it would apply to any AIO? If you don't want an AIO then don't buy one, from any computer company.
Personally the AIO represents very good value and less clutter, but for me I'll wait it out for the M2 although will be interested in the M1 iMac performance figures
You’re also using a last generation iMac design as your example and those ports were needed for unprofessional work. Apple was bringing FireWire into the consumer market with iMovie and later with the iPod, the modem was needed by most to get online and the USB ports were just that, USB ports. The only relevant port on that example today is Ethernet. Look back at the bondi and the five colors iMac, no floppy, no SCSI, ADB or serial, just two USB 1.1 ports. The first iBooks were the same way.
Because apple remove and add what they can get away with, if they gave it all to us now, how could they release the charging brick S / X / M1 / HD
The new iMac has a headphone jack and probably microphone/aux-in in the same port. I’ll agree those should be two separate ports, especially on a desktop machine. Ethernet still exists, it is on the power brick which IMO isn’t a bad idea. Firewire and USB-A have both been replaced by USB-C.
Losing the modem was tough though. Going online with my iPad Pro is such a chore, having to dig out my USB 56k modem every time. Especially if I forgot to bring my A to C adapter.
I don't understand the complaints, these computers look great! I'm a laptop guy, but if I had a family, I can totally imagine getting one to put in the kitchen or study and it would look great!
The chin is actually useful from a usability point of view, you can grab it to move without leaving finger prints on the screen, and others (including my gf) uses the chin to stick post-it notes on.
What this makes me think about though is that the day is fast approaching where the iPad and the Mac merges. There is now basically no hardware difference between this and the iPad Pro.
The chin is actually useful from a usability point of view, you can grab it to move without leaving finger prints on the screen, and others (including my gf) uses the chin to stick post-it notes on.
What this makes me think about though is that the day is fast approaching where the iPad and the Mac merges. There is now basically no hardware difference between this and the iPad Pro.
I was going to say the opposite... Apple is finally learning. Having the headphone jack on the site is BETTER for usability. Enough with reaching around the back to plug something in.