Odds of a 21 inch retina display this year?

[Yourbigpalal83]

I brought this up in another thread as a response to my inquiry for considering a 5k 27inch, but I'm wondering, what do you guys think the odds are for a retina 21 inch line and for what price?

I say if so, most likely in the fall and hopefully 1500 bucks for a high end model. Thoughts?

 

[shenan1982]

I brought this up in another thread as a response to my inquiry for considering a 5k 27inch, but I'm wondering, what do you guys think the odds are for a retina 21 inch line and for what price?

I say if so, most likely in the fall and hopefully 1500 bucks for a high end model. Thoughts?

I'd think it's only a matter of time. I can't imagine them refreshing the 21 without them going retina, ... the price point it'd be in just doesn't support NOT doing Retina. If the 27 starts at 1999, I can see a 21 starting at 1499, or perhaps even less. Likely a back to school bump.

 

[Neodym]

I expect Apple to move the smaller iMac to 24", as there are some 4k (i.e. Retina) displays on the market in that size, but none with 21.5".

 

[xmichaelp]

I'd bet it comes this year at 1499.

 

[redheeler]

I expect Apple to move the smaller iMac to 24", as there are some 4k (i.e. Retina) displays on the market in that size, but none with 21.5".

As I've told you before, a size change to 24" is very unlikely. The 4K iMac will have a 21.5" display and run at a resolution of 1920x1080 HiDPI, which will retain the same size of elements as on the current 21.5" iMacs. This follows the exact same pattern as the 27" 5K iMac.

 

[Lava Lamp Freak]

I expect Apple to move the smaller iMac to 24", as there are some 4k (i.e. Retina) displays on the market in that size, but none with 21.5".

As I've told you before, a size change to 24" is very unlikely. The 4K iMac will have a 21.5" display and run at a resolution of 1920x1080 HiDPI, which will retain the same size of elements as on the current 21.5" iMacs. This follows the exact same pattern as the 27" 5K iMac.

Neodym is right.

The fact is that there aren't any 21.5-inch 4k panels in production this year. Panels are known about months in advance of availability.

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/articles/monitor_panel_parts.htm

In the case of the 5k panel in the Retina iMac, it was known about in February last year. ("Interesting New LG.Display Panels in Production", tftcentral.co.uk, February 20, 2014.)

Of course Apple could just keep waiting and release a 21.5-inch Retina iMac next year, if panels are available then.

Maybe we'll hear something at the WWDC next month.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Neodym is right.

The fact is that there aren't any 21.5-inch 4k panels in production this year. Panels are known about months in advance of availability.

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/articles/monitor_panel_parts.htm

In the case of the 5k panel in the Retina iMac, it was known about in February last year. ("Interesting New LG.Display Panels in Production", tftcentral.co.uk, February 20, 2014.)

Of course Apple could just keep waiting and release a 21.5-inch Retina iMac next year, if panels are available then.

Maybe we'll hear something at the WWDC next month.

It may well get a 3K panel though which would be retina quality at that screen size....

 

[iwan073]

Would it be unwise to buy a new 21.5" iMac now? Cause I want to replace my 2011 one.

Maybe wait till WWDC?

 

[Fishrrman]

iwan wrote:
"Would it be unwise to buy a new 21.5" iMac now? Cause I want to replace my 2011 one."

Have you considered the 27" model, even the non-retina one?

You'll like the bigger screen.....

 

[iwan073]

Have you considered the 27" model, even the non-retina one?

You'll like the bigger screen.....

I'd love the bigger screen, but my budget...
The cheapest 27" retina doesn't have a SSD, which is what I want.

 

[Gregintosh]

I'd love the bigger screen, but my budget...
The cheapest 27" retina doesn't have a SSD, which is what I want.

Check out refurbs. You can often get a 27 for the price of the higher end 21. Unless you have to absolutely go with the cheapest model.

As for Apple changing screen sizes, I wonder if they would. 24 and 27 are not very big differences. I have a 24 inch and a 27 inch Apple a Cinema Display and they're visually pretty similar.

But I wouldn't put anything past Apple. I think within the next year or two they'll really want to drop any non-retina devices from any product line ups.