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New iMacs Still Coming Before Holidays?
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I checked the link, and here is what I found:
1. It costs $119. I haven't used FireWire in the last two years, but if I needed a FireWire connection, adding $119 to the price of a computer makes a lot of difference.
2. The ad says "not Macintosh compatible". It is also not Vista compatible
3. It comes in an NTSC version and a PAL version. So what the hell is going on there? A USB to FireWire adapter as I understand it wouldn't even know that there is such a thing as NTSC or PAL.
My conclusion: I wouldn't touch it.
I swear its this type of ignorance that get me so worked up. Explain this to me then, genius:
My TV broadcasting lab has approximately 30-plus white iMacs. When it comes time to purchase new ones, how are my students going to edit digital video if our miniDV cameras cannot connect to the computer?
We have Canon Opturas, Eluras, ZR800s, ZR900s, GL2s and some Panasonics. You think school systems are going to buy all new cameras that have USB?
You know what the school system will do? They will CHEAPER PC's instead. Steve Jobs, you really need to re-think this one. Maybe firewire is "dying" slowly, but you have to keep it around for at least 5 more years until USB cameras are the norm.
i still don't understand the appeal of an imac....
mac pro yes...but imac...
how is it a better choice over a notebook?
it basically has the same hardware as the notebooks...
im assuming its for people who want less mobility
At work, I sit at a desk. There I want a keyboard that is flat on the desk, and a monitor that is a lot higher so I can look at it without destroying my spine over the years. Health and Safety would get a scream attack if I used a notebook for work. I also have a 20 inch and a 27 inch monitor. The 27 inch is great when a group of people needs to discuss something.
And yes, I don't care much about mobility at work. The one time I needed to use my computer in another office 60 miles away, I just packed the iMac into its original box (we have one box left standing around just for that purpose) and put it in the boot of the car. Takes two minutes to pack and unpack.
I really do hope Apple replace the current iMacs very soon, because I think it's disgraceful that Apple are still selling "so-called consumer targeted" computers with Firewire ports.
Firewire is not just unnecessary, it's dangerous and stupid. Let me explain.
Firewire confuses consumers by giving them the choice of two different interfaces when purchasing peripherals, and users could easily damage their machine by attempting to plug a USB lead in a firewire socket, or vice-versa!
Furthermore, it encourages people who record family movies on their ancient 6-month-old DV camera to not go and buy a new one that supports USB. And when things go wrong, it encourages the use of "Target Disk Mode" to recover data and diagnose problems, when really users should be depositing their iMacs with their nearest Apple Store or Authorised Service Centre for two weeks.
Also, the extra component cost of including a Firewire controller on the iMac is really affecting Apple's bottom line. Alright, so I don't personally own any Apple stock, but the markets have been in a mess lately and investors could really do with a bit of a break!
Finally, please will people stop telling me to "quit bitching". Just because you own half a dozen firewire devices that you use every day (because, apparently "the performance is better" or "there isn't a USB equivalent" - yeahright) doesn't meant to say that I don't have to suck up to Apple if I want to.
SL
Firewire is not just unnecessary, it's dangerous and stupid. Let me explain.
Firewire confuses consumers by giving them the choice of two different interfaces when purchasing peripherals, and users could easily damage their machine by attempting to plug a USB lead in a firewire socket, or vice-versa!
Furthermore, it encourages people who record family movies on their ancient 6-month-old DV camera to not go and buy a new one that supports USB. And when things go wrong, it encourages the use of "Target Disk Mode" to recover data and diagnose problems, when really users should be depositing their iMacs with their nearest Apple Store or Authorised Service Centre for two weeks.
Also, the extra component cost of including a Firewire controller on the iMac is really affecting Apple's bottom line. Alright, so I don't personally own any Apple stock, but the markets have been in a mess lately and investors could really do with a bit of a break!
Finally, please will people stop telling me to "quit bitching". Just because you own half a dozen firewire devices that you use every day (because, apparently "the performance is better" or "there isn't a USB equivalent" - yeahright) doesn't meant to say that I don't have to suck up to Apple if I want to.
SL
My thoughts
FireWire
I have external hard disks, a DV camcorder & an external dual channel sound card, so I need FireWire. Apple need to recognise a lot of people have invested good money into peripherals that they intend to keep for years to come - especially in todays financial circumstances when people are probably not going to buy so many 'toys' as they once did.
For their notebooks, the notion that 'if you want to use firewire, you must be considered a pro user' is ridiculous. Having said that, if the decision was based purely on physical limitations, in my opinion it would have been a far better solution to go with one of the following alternative scenarios:
1, Ditch the ethernet port for a FW port, forcing MacBook owners down the wireless only option. Potentially could cause an equal amount of upset, but at least wireless is an alternative as opposed to no workable alternative for FW only peripherals.
2, As 1, but enable ethernet to run via the FW port or USB port (ala Macbook Air which uses USB for ethernet). Not sure if there are technical limitations of this method.
3, Ditch the ethernet port for a proprietary interface (potentially shrunk down like displayport), allowing a breakout dongle/connector which would potentially allow both FireWire and ethernet to run simultaneously. Not an elegant solution, but better than nothing.
iMac
I have the intention of purchasing an iMac as my only computer, so I would require it to handle at least the peripherals that I own currently (see above).
My prediction would be to see new iMacs featuring the same Nvidia chipset used for the Macbook Pro, specifically using the integrated part for graphics on the entry level iMacs, with discreet graphics for the higher end models. I hope Apple and Nvidia work together to optimise the drivers as much as possible with particular regard to Apples Core APIs - as clearly today ATi have the advantage here.
I also predict LED backlit displays for the iMac 24" and I hope the overall quality of the iMac part is on par with the ACD panel. The backlighting alone does not assure the overall quality of the panel - as the differences in the new Macbook and Macbook Pro demonstrate (not sure which site it was with the photographs, but the image quality of the MBP was clearly superior at off-centre viewing angles - possible due to the use of additional coatings used on the MBP.)
I hope Apple allows a BTO to include another step up for graphics and hard disk space 1.5TB?
A large glass multi-touch pad for the iMac would be quite nice quirky feature and could be the tipping point for potential purchasers. Could be a relatively cheap thing to produce and may be a more suitable alternative than touch screen iMacs that some people are lusting after for some odd reason... Black keyed keyboard would be nice, backlit? Why not eh?
Oh and at least a BD-ROM Superdrive, but I doubt we'll see that before Snow Leopard.
Ideally I'd like to wait for a Nehalem based iMac but that is probably a year away...
FireWire
I have external hard disks, a DV camcorder & an external dual channel sound card, so I need FireWire. Apple need to recognise a lot of people have invested good money into peripherals that they intend to keep for years to come - especially in todays financial circumstances when people are probably not going to buy so many 'toys' as they once did.
For their notebooks, the notion that 'if you want to use firewire, you must be considered a pro user' is ridiculous. Having said that, if the decision was based purely on physical limitations, in my opinion it would have been a far better solution to go with one of the following alternative scenarios:
1, Ditch the ethernet port for a FW port, forcing MacBook owners down the wireless only option. Potentially could cause an equal amount of upset, but at least wireless is an alternative as opposed to no workable alternative for FW only peripherals.
2, As 1, but enable ethernet to run via the FW port or USB port (ala Macbook Air which uses USB for ethernet). Not sure if there are technical limitations of this method.
3, Ditch the ethernet port for a proprietary interface (potentially shrunk down like displayport), allowing a breakout dongle/connector which would potentially allow both FireWire and ethernet to run simultaneously. Not an elegant solution, but better than nothing.
iMac
I have the intention of purchasing an iMac as my only computer, so I would require it to handle at least the peripherals that I own currently (see above).
My prediction would be to see new iMacs featuring the same Nvidia chipset used for the Macbook Pro, specifically using the integrated part for graphics on the entry level iMacs, with discreet graphics for the higher end models. I hope Apple and Nvidia work together to optimise the drivers as much as possible with particular regard to Apples Core APIs - as clearly today ATi have the advantage here.
I also predict LED backlit displays for the iMac 24" and I hope the overall quality of the iMac part is on par with the ACD panel. The backlighting alone does not assure the overall quality of the panel - as the differences in the new Macbook and Macbook Pro demonstrate (not sure which site it was with the photographs, but the image quality of the MBP was clearly superior at off-centre viewing angles - possible due to the use of additional coatings used on the MBP.)
I hope Apple allows a BTO to include another step up for graphics and hard disk space 1.5TB?
A large glass multi-touch pad for the iMac would be quite nice quirky feature and could be the tipping point for potential purchasers. Could be a relatively cheap thing to produce and may be a more suitable alternative than touch screen iMacs that some people are lusting after for some odd reason... Black keyed keyboard would be nice, backlit? Why not eh?
Oh and at least a BD-ROM Superdrive, but I doubt we'll see that before Snow Leopard.
Ideally I'd like to wait for a Nehalem based iMac but that is probably a year away...
New Mac mini
If there's a Mac mini update then it's going to have the nVidia 9400M and that mini-DisplayPort. Steve said that all their new computers are going to have these two things. Finally the end of crappy GPUs in the low-end Macs!
I do hope they keep FireWire 400 on the Mac mini.
If there's a Mac mini update then it's going to have the nVidia 9400M and that mini-DisplayPort. Steve said that all their new computers are going to have these two things. Finally the end of crappy GPUs in the low-end Macs!
I do hope they keep FireWire 400 on the Mac mini.
The rumor is saying that [the updates would be "speed bumps" rather than major internal or external changes.]
Doesn't removing firewire counted as somekind of major external changes since everyone keep talking about firewire and seems to take it seriously as if it is something major?
Doesn't removing firewire counted as somekind of major external changes since everyone keep talking about firewire and seems to take it seriously as if it is something major?
I have 6 Macs around the house and most of them have FW peripherals (including a NEW FW-only video camera). I have been waiting for an iMac refresh... I've been with Apple since the IIc, but if FW isn't there, it's a non-starter for me. Other things that they've done have disappointed me (they can't make everybody happy, after all), but this one would take the cake...
If there's a Mac mini update then it's going to have the nVidia 9400M and that mini-DisplayPort. Steve said that all their new computers are going to have these two things. Finally the end of crappy GPUs in the low-end Macs!
I do hope they keep FireWire 400 on the Mac mini.
the only way the mini will keep firewire anything is if they dont touch it and let it get older and older.
I've got one and use it as a beefed up Apple TV but I bought it back in August 07 - wasn't so old then.
4. Ditch the "line in" on Macbooks. There's already a microphone on the laptop itself. If you need more, the new micrphone earbud from Apple are compatible it seems, so you have a working microphone. Or you can get a bluetooth headset. Or you can buy a Griffin iMic ($30) that plugs into USB, gives you far better sound and has a mic/line in. I think some iBooks didn't have a "line in" either. But they had FireWire.
i still don't understand the appeal of an imac....
mac pro yes...but imac...
how is it a better choice over a notebook?
it basically has the same hardware as the notebooks...
im assuming its for people who want less mobility
- Bigger, higher-resolution display
- Higher specs (CPU)
- Larger hard drive
iMovie '08 isn't Cocoa?
No - LED Cinema Display came this month (not Spring 2009), and the MacBook Pro got a total redesign this month (not early summer 2009).
The "new computer platform" at MWSF, I think, is quite believable though.
AppleInsider has been accurate so far, so maybe we will see iMacs updated before the holidays and Mac Pros after that.
If there's a Mac mini update then it's going to have the nVidia 9400M and that mini-DisplayPort. Steve said that all their new computers are going to have these two things. Finally the end of crappy GPUs in the low-end Macs!
I do hope they keep FireWire 400 on the Mac mini.
The mini will need to come if with mini-DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter makeing you pay $30 - $100 to use your display on desktop is bad and makes the efix look like a good buy.
The $700 - $800 mini will need NVidia 9400M or higher + 256 vram that IS NOT FROM system ram and 2gb ram mini 1GB of ddr3 is to small.
also going to on board video in the low imacs is a bad move as well.
You mean the audio professionals that can't use the Macbooks anyway now because they lack Firewire?? At least with that solution there is a USB workaround. There isn't a workaround for the lack of FW.
There is plenty of room on the current design to add at minimum a 4pin FW port. Yes it is still a step backwards, but still better than NO FW port and no option to add FW.
I do hope the iMacs get a refresh as I want to get one for my mum (chrimbo pressie). She's stuck on an old HP desktop and wants to escape to my world (Macs).
x-ing fingers here for a few nice additions before I commit to ordering it for her.
x-ing fingers here for a few nice additions before I commit to ordering it for her.
I am planning to get an iMac in the near future so I hope they do upgrade them. Only thing I don't want to happen is for the price to go up, £800 is about as far as I am willing to go for it.
Sorry to hear about your luck with the screen. My 20 incher looks fabulous. Anyway, the rest of the Apple lineup now shares the same look as the iMac, so I'm not convinced that Apple would change it aesthetically. It seems that they put the iMac (aluminum) out there as a "benchmark" of how they wanted everything else to look, IMO.
Mid-range tower.
lol, you know, I used to be REALLY against a mid-range tower, but the more I think about it the more I could really dig getting one. You know, quad-core, better video card options, and the ability to use whatever screen I want (I would get an Apple display though, they are fantastic). Do I think they will release a mid-tower? Nah.
As much of an Apple fanboy as I am (oh, and I am...), I really have to agree with you regarding Apple's mice. When I first fired up my brand new iMac and used the mighty mouse I thought "wow what a cheap mouse...". My biggest complaints were the click feel was just not on par with other mice (I know thats vague), and the cord was ridiculously short and stiff (keep your minds outta the gutter!). I have been using the same Kensington mouse now for over 3 years and it is fantastic! I am looking for a new mouse though, wireless bluetooth of course.Agreed on all points (did't notice the 24" ACD stand was different). Black keyboard would be awesome. Personally, I'd love it if they ditched the mouse and gave you a glass trackpad instead.
Here's what the mighty mouse can do:
- left-click
- right-click (awkward because you need to lift your left finger)
- 2D scrolling
- Exposé (squeeze)
- Dashboard (press on the scroll ball)
- move pointer (terrible by default, but can be fixed by software)
- needs regular cleaning on the bottom to keep working
Here's what the glass trackpads can so:
- left-click
- right-click (2 finger tap or hot corner)
- 2D scrolling (2 finger dragging)
- Exposé, all windows (4 finger swipe down)
- Exposé, desktop (4 finger swipe up)
- Application switcher (4 finger swipe sideways)
- next, previous (3 finger swipe sideways)
- rotate (2 ginger rotate)
- zoom (2 finger pinch)
- move pointer (fast and pixel precise, the Apple software for them is great)
- nu underside cleaning necessary.
People who want/need a real mouse have bought non-Apple mice before. Microsoft Mice have nice Mac drivers, Logitech dropped the ball lately. But you can costumize it with apps like USB Overdrive or Steermouse.
I'd love to see a new bluetooth keyboard with black keys, a matching numeric keypad that magnetically attaches to the main keyboard, and a matching glass trackpad that I can snap on either to the side or the bottom of the keyboard.
Hint to Apple engeneers: A trackpad is much thinner than a mouse.
Regarding new iMacs, I have read a few posts where people bring up the point that Apple wouldn't release technology into the iMac before the Mac Pro. While I somewhat agree, I also have to bring up the point that the iMac is Apple's flagship model. It has all the advertised features they tout and is their most iconic computer (arguably of course). Any thoughts on that? I know the MacBook is their most popular (according to Apple anyway)...but the most popular and your flagship can be two different things.