Yeah I agree... plain aluminium or just classic white. Ive no idea where this decision to have a 2 tone black and alum combo came from, but really not liking it.
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New iMacs Released
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Yeah I agree... plain aluminium or just classic white. Ive no idea where this decision to have a 2 tone black and alum combo came from, but really not liking it.
Not trying to kid anyone, let alone myself. I just wanted to add a little balance to the equation as theres far too much FUD flying around the place.
The TR site shows that on Prey (used as an example as its now mac native) the 2600Xt (not the pro) is never more than 10 FPS lower than the 8600. This is at native resolutions for the 20".
Frankly anything much better would be pointless. I agree the Nvidia chip from the MBP would be more favourable, but other than that there isn't much else you can do. If you start going up the chip tables, TDP starts climbing, forcing the design to be compromised to gain a small increase in market share, and increasing unit cost. don't fool yourself that the users of this site are an accurate cross section of the mac user base. The most popular game for mac is the Sims 2, not some brand new FPS.
The lack of a performance increase is more indicative of a poor product set by GPU suppliers, limiting the choice of hardware available to any system builder, including Apple.
Debating selling my Mac Pro for one of these - they're basically everything I wanted when I bought the MP plus a 24" monitor. Only a year late, Apple.
The only sticking point is the HD space. 320GB should be plenty for OS X+apps+some storage (most things can be shunted to externals) - the only sticking point is my 60GB of iTunes (plus another ~20GB if I got around to ripping everything).
Anyone keep their iTunes libraries exclusively on an external drive? Do you run into any issues (aside from not being able to access the files) if you boot up your computer without turning on the external first? My worry is that if I neglect to turn it on, I'll have to change the iTunes settings over and over (ie it will default back to my main HD if I'm not paying attention).
The only sticking point is the HD space. 320GB should be plenty for OS X+apps+some storage (most things can be shunted to externals) - the only sticking point is my 60GB of iTunes (plus another ~20GB if I got around to ripping everything).
Anyone keep their iTunes libraries exclusively on an external drive? Do you run into any issues (aside from not being able to access the files) if you boot up your computer without turning on the external first? My worry is that if I neglect to turn it on, I'll have to change the iTunes settings over and over (ie it will default back to my main HD if I'm not paying attention).
I can't say just how much I was looking forward to this much hyped revision of the iMac, I was hoping for the "missing link" a fantastic all in one, instead I think I'll be looking for a last gen. 24" without the glossy screen and sub standard graphics.
The first time I've been really, really disapponted with an Apple design in years.
The Apple Store in Norfolk, VA was giving $300 discounts this afternoon on the current iMacs in stock. Although this only saves you $100 over the new price of the 24". Not really sure that it's worth it in the end. I like the new design... Now, if you can get a 17" for $800-$900, that isn't a bad deal I guess.
Some minor things to consider
Keyboard:
USB 2 on keyboard (great to connect a USB2 flash drive)
Don't necessarily like that the USB ports now face out to the sides like the old Pro keyboards. If you have cables coming out it is more inconvenient to have them out the sides instead of going out the back
Display:
Glossy screen is a nice addition (I have MacBook - glare is NOT a major problem but picture quality is sooo much better)
Memory:
Even though Apple didn't put 2GB in at least the 24-in model, the single 1GB dimm is a good thing (1GB PC2-5300 can be found for $30-40 shipped if you shop around)
Graphics:
Only time will tell how good the Apple's ATI HD 2600 Pro 256MB really is. Since it has GDDR3 memory I think it is better than most other HD 2600 Pro reviews of PC cards you find on the web. But surely that is a step up from X1600. HD 2400 looks to be about on par with X1600.
Remember the G5 iMac? First revision had 5200FX at only 64MB. Rev 2 had 9600 Pro at 128MB and was a huge improvement. I imagine come January we will see a nice upgrade in the way of the video card.
SIZE: - size is virtually the same between the old and new. I was hoping for a slightly shorter 24" model as my computer hutch space is only 20 inches so the iMac will have to stick out a little
Old 20" iMac was 18.6 x 19.4 x 7.4 inches (h x w x d) Weight: 22 pounds
New 20" is 18.5 x 19.1 x 7.4 inches (h x w x d) 20 pounds
Old 24" iMac was 20.6 x 22.6 x 8.1 inches (h x w x d) Weight: 24.7 pounds
New 24" is 20.5 x 22.4 x 8.1 inches (h x w x d) 25.4 pounds
Keyboard:
USB 2 on keyboard (great to connect a USB2 flash drive)
Don't necessarily like that the USB ports now face out to the sides like the old Pro keyboards. If you have cables coming out it is more inconvenient to have them out the sides instead of going out the back
Display:
Glossy screen is a nice addition (I have MacBook - glare is NOT a major problem but picture quality is sooo much better)
Memory:
Even though Apple didn't put 2GB in at least the 24-in model, the single 1GB dimm is a good thing (1GB PC2-5300 can be found for $30-40 shipped if you shop around)
Graphics:
Only time will tell how good the Apple's ATI HD 2600 Pro 256MB really is. Since it has GDDR3 memory I think it is better than most other HD 2600 Pro reviews of PC cards you find on the web. But surely that is a step up from X1600. HD 2400 looks to be about on par with X1600.
Remember the G5 iMac? First revision had 5200FX at only 64MB. Rev 2 had 9600 Pro at 128MB and was a huge improvement. I imagine come January we will see a nice upgrade in the way of the video card.
SIZE: - size is virtually the same between the old and new. I was hoping for a slightly shorter 24" model as my computer hutch space is only 20 inches so the iMac will have to stick out a little
Old 20" iMac was 18.6 x 19.4 x 7.4 inches (h x w x d) Weight: 22 pounds
New 20" is 18.5 x 19.1 x 7.4 inches (h x w x d) 20 pounds
Old 24" iMac was 20.6 x 22.6 x 8.1 inches (h x w x d) Weight: 24.7 pounds
New 24" is 20.5 x 22.4 x 8.1 inches (h x w x d) 25.4 pounds
I agree- there's nothing really special about this 'new' design. Optical drive perfomance still takes a hit from having to comply with the portable thickness, but at least they've got Superdrives across the line. Not having DVD burning in a modern setup, especially for one that boasted it's leading edge design, was almost shameful (see old specs).
As far as aethetics go, slim goes weel with me. I don't like looking at a computer that looks like it's balanced precariously (it used to look a little more top heavy) on whatever suface it's put. The seem on the white model also bugged me (more than is reasonable). I'll have to see about that keyboard. I think it's a case of 'feeling is believing' for me. I like keyboards to have a certain substance to them, more like a typewriter than something you have to 'trust' to carry your input.
Sidenote: are they going to update the keyboard for leopard?- I don't see a spaces icon anywhere. Then if they do then they'll be only one unpurposed function key. It seems they've remapped the default function key behavior too.
The power switch for the wireless model isn't exactly...subtle. I think it could have been on the bottom, like the mighty mouse.
I'm pretty excited to see what accessability is like... they haven't really glamorized it much as a feature, but for me it's an essential part of the user-hardware experience. It's described as 'easy': is that G4 cube easy?, powermac G4 easy?, Mac Pro easy?, MacBook easy?... it seems it should have it's own accessability design. (as long as it's better than the mini, really, I'm happy).
Design nextsteps: wireless power and wall mountability. Now THAT would be cool. Except when you need to get at those ports...hmmm.
As far as aethetics go, slim goes weel with me. I don't like looking at a computer that looks like it's balanced precariously (it used to look a little more top heavy) on whatever suface it's put. The seem on the white model also bugged me (more than is reasonable). I'll have to see about that keyboard. I think it's a case of 'feeling is believing' for me. I like keyboards to have a certain substance to them, more like a typewriter than something you have to 'trust' to carry your input.
Sidenote: are they going to update the keyboard for leopard?- I don't see a spaces icon anywhere. Then if they do then they'll be only one unpurposed function key. It seems they've remapped the default function key behavior too.
The power switch for the wireless model isn't exactly...subtle. I think it could have been on the bottom, like the mighty mouse.
I'm pretty excited to see what accessability is like... they haven't really glamorized it much as a feature, but for me it's an essential part of the user-hardware experience. It's described as 'easy': is that G4 cube easy?, powermac G4 easy?, Mac Pro easy?, MacBook easy?... it seems it should have it's own accessability design. (as long as it's better than the mini, really, I'm happy).
Design nextsteps: wireless power and wall mountability. Now THAT would be cool. Except when you need to get at those ports...hmmm.
Just a quick question here...do the new iMacs use the same RAM that the older model used? I'm debating whether I want to get a new one, or one of the older models. In either case, I'm going to go 3rd party for my RAM.
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
24 all the way...
I have no clue which one he's using. I'd guess 24 just because he can. I've had a 20-inch (G5) iMac - which is now my parents' main computer - and I now have a Core Duo Mac Mini with a 24-inch Dell monitor. My recommendation is to go for the 24-inch if you can afford it. The extra work space (in terms of pixels) is really welcome. I'd have gotten a 30-inch if the Mini's graphics card would have handled it. The only reason I can think of for getting a 20-inch instead of a 24 - other than money - is that the 20-inch will be more airplane friendly.
Trust me: A bigger screen is a HUGE plus.
I have no clue which one he's using. I'd guess 24 just because he can. I've had a 20-inch (G5) iMac - which is now my parents' main computer - and I now have a Core Duo Mac Mini with a 24-inch Dell monitor. My recommendation is to go for the 24-inch if you can afford it. The extra work space (in terms of pixels) is really welcome. I'd have gotten a 30-inch if the Mini's graphics card would have handled it. The only reason I can think of for getting a 20-inch instead of a 24 - other than money - is that the 20-inch will be more airplane friendly.
Trust me: A bigger screen is a HUGE plus.
the redesign is IMO somewhat drastic for apples standards?
would have prefered full black and full white options.
anyway hope this is the start of the transition to more black products.
black MBP one day. thats me.
would have prefered full black and full white options.
anyway hope this is the start of the transition to more black products.
black MBP one day. thats me.
yea i just looked at the apple website and the new iMac just doesnt look right next to the other macs... it doesnt fit
The design is nice enough and coordinates well with the iPhone. I was hoping they would get the ports down at desk level like the G4 so a sleek iMac doesn't have 7 cables sticking out the back.
Though I'll withhold final judgment until I see it in person, the glossy screen is a disappointment to those of us hoping to use this for professional work. Clearly the video card was tested thoroughly with Leopard and should be sufficient by everyone but gamers and 3D modelers, who should be using a pro anyway. There were a lot of pros who were very content with the 24" iMac, but I'd rather use a mini and a Dell LCD than a 6-bit glossy display. I think the smaller BT keyboard is brilliant. The whole point of going wireless is to reduce clutter and make it portable.
iLife / iWork updates look wonderful. I'm playing with the iWork demo now. I'd say the iWork price increase is more than justified. Keynote is the best presentation software available. Numbers is a slick and simple spreadsheet, and the word processing features of Pages make it a viable word processor for everyday use.
Though I'll withhold final judgment until I see it in person, the glossy screen is a disappointment to those of us hoping to use this for professional work. Clearly the video card was tested thoroughly with Leopard and should be sufficient by everyone but gamers and 3D modelers, who should be using a pro anyway. There were a lot of pros who were very content with the 24" iMac, but I'd rather use a mini and a Dell LCD than a 6-bit glossy display. I think the smaller BT keyboard is brilliant. The whole point of going wireless is to reduce clutter and make it portable.
iLife / iWork updates look wonderful. I'm playing with the iWork demo now. I'd say the iWork price increase is more than justified. Keynote is the best presentation software available. Numbers is a slick and simple spreadsheet, and the word processing features of Pages make it a viable word processor for everyday use.
Has anyone mentioned the pricing in education and ADC stores?
Typical education discounts are ~ 10%... these new imacs are discounted at a rate of 4% to 6.5%. The lowest model is only $50 cheaper in the education store.
The ADC store discounts are typically ~ 20%. These imacs are discounted at an ~ 10% rate.
What's going on??
Typical education discounts are ~ 10%... these new imacs are discounted at a rate of 4% to 6.5%. The lowest model is only $50 cheaper in the education store.
The ADC store discounts are typically ~ 20%. These imacs are discounted at an ~ 10% rate.
What's going on??
Since my PowerMac G5 blew up a few weeks ago I have transferred my 22GB iTunes library to an external USB drive to use with my 12" PowerBook when I'm at my desk. It works well. The only real issue I have run into is that when you haven't used iTunes for a little while, the external hard drive spins down. When you go back to iTunes, there is a small pause while the hard drive spins up again before the music begins playing. You could probably get around this by increasing the amount of time before drives are put to sleep.
However, there is never any issue while iTunes is actually playing. The drive is accessed relatively infrequently...I think iTunes loads almost the whole song into memory in one go, so it isn't continuously hitting the drive.
If you start up iTunes without the drive attached, your library still shows up (since the iTunes database file will be on your local drive), but when you go to play a song, iTunes warns you that it can't find the original file. If you forget to turn your external drive on at bootup, you should be able to just turn it on, it will auto-mount, and then be accessible by iTunes.
Basically...it works fine.
<cough>
To bring it back on topic, I am seriously considering the new iMac as the replacement for my PowerMac G5. However, as others have noted, the Radeon HD 2600 Pro chip looks like a relatively mediocre performer. Given Apple's previous history of underclocking GPUs, the actual performance of the HD 2600 in the iMac may be even *worse* than what has been published for the PC version. I'm going to wait for the first benchmarks to appear on sites like Barefeats.com before making a purchasing decision. The alternative is to buy the newly updated Mac mini, and use the money saved to buy an Xbox 360 or something similar.
I'm inclined to agree with you on that, especially if it coincides with the release of the already previewed PEAR ports.
Audio
Any improvement in audio? Many people complained on the volume/quality of the old imac audio.
The new imac's audio is described as
"Built-in stereo speakers with internal 24-watt digital amplifier
Built-in microphone
Optical digital audio output/headphone out
Optical digital audio input/audio line in"
The old one was described as
"Built-in stereo speakers, built-in microphone, optical digital audio output/headphone out, optical digital audio input/audio line in"
Any improvement in audio? Many people complained on the volume/quality of the old imac audio.
The new imac's audio is described as
"Built-in stereo speakers with internal 24-watt digital amplifier
Built-in microphone
Optical digital audio output/headphone out
Optical digital audio input/audio line in"
The old one was described as
"Built-in stereo speakers, built-in microphone, optical digital audio output/headphone out, optical digital audio input/audio line in"
I think this is the reason why people think it looks like a PC. Granted, the HP looks really ugly in person though.
I like the looks of this better but I'd make the Apple Logo black as well, so when the computer is off it reads as all black with a thin aluminum frame. I'd also make the keyboard keys and the mouse black. I'm not a fan of the gloss though, on the plastic or the screen (too many smudges).
No, Apple doesn't overclock. The chip inside the iMac is the X7900, not the X7800. The thing is, Apple often gets chips ahead of time when compared to other PC manufacturers. Take the 8-core Mac Pro for example. It used a 3GHz quad-core Xeon that was not supposed to be available further for another 2-3 months.
I haven't dug through the whole thread, so forgive me if this was already answered, but where did the idea that there were two keyboards come from?
As far as I can tell, there's only one wired keyboard with a ten-key pad.
However, did anyone notice the function keys? There's a dedicated key for expose' and dashboard.
EDIT: Whoops. Never mind, there are two distinct keyboard choices, the one that comes with the iMac is a wired keyboard with ten-key. However, the new Bluetooth version is shorter. Now I understand the confusion.
To be fair, you're an idiot if you buy £300 graphics cards as soon as they come out. I've never spent more than £100 on a card in all my PC upgrades. I've got a GeForce 6800 on an AGP bus in my PC at the moment and it actually runs games really well (STALKER Chernobyl, FEAR, Call of Duty 2).