Penryn iMac and Mac Mini Updates Soon?

[mcavjame]

I transferred $2100 into my checking account to buy a 24" iMac. That was in January. Now I'm just freaking out because I sold my Mac Pro and have to rely on Tiger running on top of slow-ass PPC.

I really hope they release the damn machine next week because if this drags on for another month I'll probably end up with a Mac Pro again - out of desperation.

Futureshop in Canada just posted a sale on all iMacs. $100 for the top systems and $50 off for the bottom end system. I take this as a good sign that new stock (= refreshed model) is coming soon.

This is cheaper than Apple is selling from their Canada store, but they have had their refurbs up for a long time and someone else suggested they may actually be existing stock (new) priced to sell. I've been watching the refurb page because I'm torn between getting a good price on the current gen iMac and buying the Mac Pro refurb for $1899. I've watched minis and pros come in and out over the last few days, but the imacs never budge (supports the new stock clear out theory)

Anyway, my head is about to explode as the Mac Pro is down to 2 models. If a new iMac does not come out on Tuesday and I miss out completely on Mac Pro because of indecision, well ... tell my wife I love her.

 

[theophilus]

Was anyone else tempted by the flurry of hardware that went through the refurbished section today. There were five flavours of mac minis, and now it is back down to one. There is also a dual core mac pro for 1899 canadian that is really tempting. When I factored in a new monitor and checked out the cost of ram for that beast, I decided it would get too expensive. That machine would last me a lot longer than a mini or iMac though.

I gave in to the temptation. When I saw a core duo 1.83 mini with superdrive for $479, it was too good to pass up. I had been waiting to see if the new minis would have a better graphics card, but I figured that I saved quite a bit on this one, without giving up too much on the processor speed. I am not quite sure what they were doing with that price, because they have the exact same computer up there now - except a 1.66 core duo processor - for $649. I can't imagine that Apple made a pricing mistake, so the only thing I can guess is that they have put several different refurbs up at vastly different price points as a way to guage the market and see what people are willing to pay. Otherwise, I have to conclude that mine was really supposed to go for $679 instead of $479, and I just got lucky.

I was a little reluctant to buy, because I know something better will probably come out soon. However, I don't really need major power - just enough to do web, Quicken, and some home movie editing - so I decided that I was better off saving a couple hundred dollars. With some of the money I saved, I bought 2 GB of memory - and I'll probably get a new monitor too.

 

[gcoolmane]

Futureshop in Canada just posted a sale on all iMacs. $100 for the top systems and $50 off for the bottom end system. I take this as a good sign that new stock (= refreshed model) is coming soon.

This is cheaper than Apple is selling from their Canada store, but they have had their refurbs up for a long time and someone else suggested they may actually be existing stock (new) priced to sell. I've been watching the refurb page because I'm torn between getting a good price on the current gen iMac and buying the Mac Pro refurb for $1899. I've watched minis and pros come in and out over the last few days, but the imacs never budge (supports the new stock clear out theory)

Anyway, my head is about to explode as the Mac Pro is down to 2 models. If a new iMac does not come out on Tuesday and I miss out completely on Mac Pro because of indecision, well ... tell my wife I love her.

And did you note this alongside the sale:

"Most prices and products in effect March 14, 2008 - March 19, 2008." New iMacs this Tuesday!

 

[wickedsteve]

Theophilus you probably got what you paid for with less ram and less hd.

 

[theophilus]

Theophilus you probably got what you paid for with less ram and less hd.

I don't think so. Here are the specs that are up right now.

Refurbished Mac mini 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo
512MB memory
80GB hard drive
SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Intel GMA 950 graphics processor with 64MB of DDR2 memory
This is $649

Here is what I bought (cut and pasted from my order confirmation)

REFURB MAC MINI 1.83/2X256/80/SD/AP/-USA FA608LL/A

As far as I can tell, this translates to:
Refurbished Mac Mini 1.83 Core Duo (I know this from my order)
512 MB memory (which I'm not going to use anyway - but it is the same)
80 GB hard drive
Superdrive (no details on the packing slip, but it is definitely dual layer)
(It also has the 950 graphics processor)]
I paid $479.
This is the exact same computer, only faster, for $170 less. I don't really get it, but I'm not going to argue.

 

[c:\windows]

The MacPro will cost a bit more but it should give you years of solid performance. Paired with an Apple monitor it is a nice system.( I have the 20" at home and 23" for work) The biggest thing for me for a tower system is the ability to swap out Hard drives for various video projects I work on. I even have a HD with the Tiger OS on it for the time i need that setup.


YESSSS THEY WILL DEAFEN YOU... well not really. BUT i do hear the fans running constantly and if I do any video editing or anything more then internet/email... they fans kick into high gear and I almost expect the tower to blow across the floor. Keep in mind that this is a dual G5 setup and those chips were a pain to keep cool. I dont know about the MacPros fan noise. Sorry. I am looking to an iMac to reduce the amount of space required for a computer as well as less ambient noise. Now... how to keep my 2 yr old quiet...hmmmmm

Bad dlastMango! You convinced me. I ended up buying this

Two 2.8GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon
2GB (2x1GB) (This will be upgraded from Critical)
NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT 512MB
500GB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb
One 16x SuperDrive
AirPort Extreme Card (Wi-Fi)
APPLE WIRELESS MIGHTY MOUSE
WIRELESS KEYBD/ OS X
Country Kit

I ordered a referb imac last week and it arrived dead on arrival . The computer wouldn't even boot. I almost gave up on mac, but then I bought a book called "Mac OS X Lepoard Edition - The missing Guide" (great book) an I realized Mac OS X was really Unix OS X has roots in the NeXT OS which I used in my university days studying Computer Science. The computer is probably over kill for my needs but my needs will change over the years, and the Mac Pro looks like something that be able to keep up for a while.

I do a some of batch processing RAW photos in Photoshop and some 3d Studio Max as a hobby. For work I do numerical analysis and modeling work on oil and gas seismic data and other large data sets, so I might even be able to use this computer for a bit of work stuff, normally we use clusters at work for this type of stuff, it will be interesting how this computer holds up to the task.

If nothing else WarCraft will at least run quickly on it.

 

[CWallace]

For one, there's no reason the iMac wouldn't be able to run one of the mobile 8 Series GeForce cards and stay within acceptable heat levels. Offering it as a BTO would be a great option for those who like to play games.

However, it would require Apple to stock two sets of systemboards - one with the ATI GPU and one with the nVidia one. So that would raise manufacturing and support costs.

That being said, Apple could recover those costs with the machine itself. Charge an extra $100 or so over what the actual parts costs to pay for the future overhead. Most folks would likely pay it without issue.

 

[Darkroom]

I think the imac is more for amatuers and normal users, whilst a photgrapher who needs a editing machine will go with a mac pro + Cinema display..
as for mid range, i think the mini would have to be killed off, merged with apple tv, to give rise to the cube v.2

it doesn't take a mac pro to run photoshop... you could have invested the extra money in some curtains to block daylight from reflecting off an iMac screen... honestly, all this garbage about "pro photographers" needing matte screens is really annoying... if someone is suppose to be some grand photographer then they should probably know how light works – don't set up your computer so that it reflects light... call me crazy...

Futureshop in Canada just posted a sale on all iMacs. $100 for the top systems and $50 off for the bottom end system. I take this as a good sign that new stock (= refreshed model) is coming soon.

This is cheaper than Apple is selling from their Canada store, but they have had their refurbs up for a long time and someone else suggested they may actually be existing stock (new) priced to sell. I've been watching the refurb page because I'm torn between getting a good price on the current gen iMac and buying the Mac Pro refurb for $1899. I've watched minis and pros come in and out over the last few days, but the imacs never budge (supports the new stock clear out theory)

Anyway, my head is about to explode as the Mac Pro is down to 2 models. If a new iMac does not come out on Tuesday and I miss out completely on Mac Pro because of indecision, well ... tell my wife I love her.

i'm sure she loves you too...

And did you note this alongside the sale:

"Most prices and products in effect March 14, 2008 - March 19, 2008." New iMacs this Tuesday!

nice... hope it's true. but it now says the sale ends March 20th (which is next thursday). that being said, Futureshop has ended sales early in the past, so iMacs could be out next week...

also, i'd like to remind everyone that when Apple released the iMacs in the late summer of 2006 (when they first introduced the white 24" model) it was on a wednesday, so tuesdays aren't the only days to watch out for.

 

[VoodooDaddy]

I don't think so. Here are the specs that are up right now.

Refurbished Mac mini 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo
512MB memory
80GB hard drive
SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Intel GMA 950 graphics processor with 64MB of DDR2 memory
This is $649

Here is what I bought (cut and pasted from my order confirmation)

REFURB MAC MINI 1.83/2X256/80/SD/AP/-USA FA608LL/A

As far as I can tell, this translates to:
Refurbished Mac Mini 1.83 Core Duo (I know this from my order)
512 MB memory (which I'm not going to use anyway - but it is the same)
80 GB hard drive
Superdrive (no details on the packing slip, but it is definitely dual layer)
(It also has the 950 graphics processor)]
I paid $479.
This is the exact same computer, only faster, for $170 less. I don't really get it, but I'm not going to argue.

Ive seen this a number of times and never understood it myself. Why the 1.66 is priced almost $200 more than the 1.83. Regardless, I just sold my entire mini setup (1.66 CD, 1.5gb ram, superdrive with 19" Samsung LCD) for $700. The guy I sold it to, I pointed out that the same exact computer was selling for $649 with only 512mb ram. So he was getting more ram + LCD + a few other things for only $50 more. It was a win-win

 

[mcavjame]

Ive seen this a number of times and never understood it myself. Why the 1.66 is priced almost $200 more than the 1.83. Regardless, I just sold my entire mini setup (1.66 CD, 1.5gb ram, superdrive with 19" Samsung LCD) for $700. The guy I sold it to, I pointed out that the same exact computer was selling for $649 with only 512mb ram. So he was getting more ram + LCD + a few other things for only $50 more. It was a win-win

It boggles me too. I have been checking the refurb page so often that I just had to buy something. I got the same mini as you as a replacement for my son's four year old G4 mini. I didn't get it for the $479 you paid, but I had seen it come it and out so many times I had considered it in the past.

Interesting how the only mini that never leaves the refurb page is the $739 1.66 core solo (jk).

Of course, now I have a G4 1.42 mini that will be difficult to sell because of age. I guess I can always try and use it as a media center machine.

My brain has now moved from red alert to yellow; the purchase help relieve some pressure as I await what will be coming in the speed bump.

 

[mcavjame]

Does airport Express Mess things Up?

Do you think with the rumour of the Airport Express update that a new iMac is less likely. It seems like pretty hard evidence for the airport or will they do both?

 

[Retrograffica]

Do you think with the rumour of the Airport Express update that a new iMac is less likely. It seems like pretty hard evidence for the airport.

Intel's roadmap for processor updates is probably the best evidence for mac updates. There doesn't seem to be a good reason for not putting the Penryns in the iMacs at the very least. As for the Mac mini we can just hope it gets them plus wireless-n and a graphics update but I'm not holding my breath

 

[chrono1081]

it doesn't take a mac pro to run photoshop... you could have invested the extra money in some curtains to block daylight from reflecting off an iMac screen... honestly, all this garbage about "pro photographers" needing matte screens is really annoying... if someone is suppose to be some grand photographer then they should probably know how light works – don't set up your computer so that it reflects light... call me crazy...

Hahahahha! I completely agree. I actually think the glossy screen looks more faithful to the print (maybe because I print on glossy a lot). On a matte screen it was close, but glossy its 100% accurate to my eyes (and others who use the machine).

Also if your photo editing its never a good idea to do it near a window...

 

[OrangeCrush]

Out of stock

I saw that MacConnection.com has listed the base iMac as on order for the past couple of days and have marked all their iMacs down in price. I've been torn between getting a good deal on a refurb and waiting to see what the upgrades might be. I'm guessing I really should wait a couple more days before I buy anything.

Mini's, on the other hand, are all still listed at full price and in stock

 

[jazz1]

I saw that MacConnection.com has listed the base iMac as on order for the past couple of days and have marked all their iMacs down in price. I've been torn between getting a good deal on a refurb and waiting to see what the upgrades might be. I'm guessing I really should wait a couple more days before I buy anything.

Mini's, on the other hand, are all still listed at full price and in stock

Would it make sense to bump the iMac and not the Mini? Has Apple bumped the iMac and Mini on different schedules in the past? I've been out of the market for a couple of years.

On the other hand if they lowered the price of the current configurations, of the Mini, I think the price/performance concerns of a lot of potential buyers might be answered. I think I'd be tempted to purchase 2 or 3 to distribute to the kids and spouse. I bet a lot of first time Mac buyers get upgradeitis eventually

 

[dlastmango]

<Kneeling beside my bed, Praying>


Dear God (Steve Jobs)
Please let there be peace on Earth this week (New iMacs THIS Tuesday)
Please look over those I love (FexEx Delivery guy who brings be the iMac)
Thank you for your guidance (keeping me away from Windows)

Your humble servant
Dlastmango

 

[Ironduke]

<Kneeling beside my bed, Praying>


Dear God (Steve Jobs)
Please let there be peace on Earth this week (New iMacs THIS Tuesday)
Please look over those I love (FexEx Delivery guy who brings be the iMac)
Thank you for your guidance (keeping me away from Windows)

Your humble servant
Dlastmango

no weblogs with new revision numbers, no rumours, no chance

 

[jazz1]

Apple Store Down 3/17/08 7:00 AM CST

Was checking out the Apple Store online and it went down with the traditional announcement about being back soon.

 

[dobbin]

US and Canada stores are down. Others that I checked are still up - UK, Japan, Australia.

I expect this is just routine maintenace - Apple don't usually bring out new products on a Monday morning. Although, I would have thought they would have taken the store down earlier in the night for maintenance. I think this is more the time of day that they have added updtaed products in the past. People are already waking up by now on the US east coast aren't they?

 

[JaySoul]

US and Canada stores are down. Others that I checked are still up - UK, Japan, Australia.

I expect this is just routine maintenace - Apple don't usually bring out new products on a Monday morning. Although, I would have thought they would have taken the store down earlier in the night for maintenance. I think this is more the time of day that they have added updtaed products in the past. People are already waking up by now on the US east coast aren't they?

It is up with the Airport Express with .n attached!!

Anyway, don't forget it is Easter this weekend - I can't see Apple doing an update tomorrow, though I am getting seriously impatient....... Need iMac asap, buying a refurb is against my religion!!

 

[tmelvin]

I couldn't wait. I needed a new system [have been a PC user for years]. Finally broke down and bought the 1199 iMac with 3GB RAM. LOVE ALL OF IT! The system, the keyboard, the mouse [although the mouse is a little different]. It's fast, easy to use, and quiet!!!

One question from a newbie though...what's a good Anti-Virus program? Or do I even need one???

Thanks, from a new groupie!!!!

 

[ABM]

One question from a newbie though...what's a good Anti-Virus program? Or do I even need one???

You do not need (yet).

 

[JaySoul]

I couldn't wait. I needed a new system [have been a PC user for years]. Finally broke down and bought the 1199 iMac with 3GB RAM. LOVE ALL OF IT! The system, the keyboard, the mouse [although the mouse is a little different]. It's fast, easy to use, and quiet!!!

One question from a newbie though...what's a good Anti-Virus program? Or do I even need one???

Thanks, from a new groupie!!!!

Yep, you def do not need an anti-virus program, Apple is much safer and secure than Windows. Although it isn't totally perfect (the odd pop-up gets through) i haven't had any viruses or problems like I always used to with Windows.

Just make sure that your firewall is activated, that's all!

 

[tmelvin]

Yep, you def do not need an anti-virus program, Apple is much safer and secure than Windows. Although it isn't totally perfect (the odd pop-up gets through) i haven't had any viruses or problems like I always used to with Windows.

Just make sure that your firewall is activated, that's all!

Thanks everyone! My firewall is active. Wow, what a difference. I've been using PC's and been an IT Professional for 15 years, and I never thought I'd be using a MAC. I'm hooked!!!!

 

[Jesse Smith]

The Apple store is up. Do I smell no update for atleast another week!