Retail Sources Confirm iMac Refresh

[Analog Kid]

Just adding my voice to the chorus waiting for a new mini. I don't really need anything special about it for what I have in mind-- updated CPUs and X3100 graphics are enough for me.

On the glossy/matte debate-- I'm for glossy all the way (and I do spend long days in front of the display). I've put glossy after-market filters on my ACD at home and PowerBook at work.

I've been waiting for a glossy 30" ACD for a very, very long time now.

I wonder if the refresh will incorporate Bluray functionality?

I get the feeling that would justify a press event, but maybe I'm wrong. It would certainly require an update to DVD Player though, and I think we would have heard if it was in 10.5.3.

 

[Clark Gable]

I just would like to see matte screen (I love the glossy better since I like watching movies on it)

also if apple could put in the 2.8 into the 20 inch imac it would be great.

if all else fails dropping the 2.4 price down to the current 2.0ghz price and giving it a bigger hdd and 2gb ram standard (with ability to upgrade to 4) would be lovely for me

 

[!¡ V ¡!]

So, what about the highest end model; the 24" iMac at $2249? Is that going away?

Maybe has smartened up and going to put desktop components into the 24" iMac finally thus reducing cost from CPU to Ram to GPU.

 

[DaBrain]

Like I said in the previous news post about the new iMacs were getting colors this time around. Strawberry, lime, tangerine...

So is this the news you have from an insider source that will blow our minds?

 

[winterspan]

Lets see if the GPUs get bumped to the ATI Mobility 34x0/3650 this time round.

Do they traditionally only use ATI's GPUs in the iMacs? Since these are mobile parts, I'd expect to see either
- ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3400/3600 series
- Nvidia Geforce 9-series 9500M/9650M

 

[LagunaSol]

Better 3d Gaming Please!

If Apple doesn't put a decent graphics processor in the new model, I'm going to be overcome with rage.

Apple doesn't have a single game-worthy machine under what, $3,000? Pathetic.

StarCraft 2 is coming. Please, Apple, don't make me build a FrankenPC just to get decent gaming performance.

 

[!¡ V ¡!]

Do they traditionally only use ATI's GPUs in the iMacs? Since these are mobile parts, I'd expect to see either
- ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3400/3600 series
- Nvidia Geforce 9-series 9500M/9650M

the previous Gen White iMac have Nvidia GPU.

 

[ricosuave]

well okay! why does everyone hate the glossy iMac? do you put your computer outside on a sunny summer day?! all of my apple products have a glossy display and it doesn't bother me at all (iMac, Macbook)

I agree, doesn't the iPhone have a glossy display?

 

[!¡ V ¡!]

I agree, doesn't the iPhone have a glossy display?

You are comparing a handheld screen to a desktop screen. I do not see the validity of your presumed point. Besides you are not touching the iMac screen.

When a screen cloth is included with your desktop computer you know there is a problem with the design and functionality of the product.

 

[ricosuave]

Yes! 2 GB RAM as standard is a must. One GB of RAM on desktops nowadays is archaic and not competitive enough.

And I agree with the poster who said the base processor should be 2.4 ghz. Even macbooks have better processors now. And aren't imacs using mobile processors, hard drives, and ram? What is the point of buying what is basically a laptop soldered on to a stand?

As long as it is a 2gig chip and not two 1gig chips. This way you can add another 2gig in there without throwing away chips.

 

[!¡ V ¡!]

As long as it is a 2gig chip and not two 1gig chips. This way you can add another 2gig in there without throwing away chips.

Welcome to the brilliant world of Inc.

Everyone is thinking the 1x2GB ram, however has this bright idea to screw the customer since its cheaper to install 2x1GB ram in there. So they can report profits at the cost of pissing its customer off.

 

[ricosuave]

You are comparing a handheld screen to a desktop screen. I do not see the validity of your presumed point. Besides you are not touching the iMac screen.

When a screen cloth is included with your desktop computer you know there is a problem with the design and functionality of the product.

My comment was not geared to multitouch or finger prints on the screeen. It was meant to show that the glossy screen on the iPhone is not hard to see inside or outside.

With that said, I have two Viewsonics and do not know how the glossies perform. I'm just sayin'

 

[jons]

Apple has historically alternated GPU vendors. The current MBPs have Nvidia GPUs in them, so the iMacs will most likely stick with ATI.

I don't see a dedicated GPU in the mini happening. They would have to significantly alter the design of the system for it to happen. They will most probably get x1300 though.

- js

 

[mpr131]

I just noticed that there are 'Limited Time Special Deals' on all the current generation iMacs in the refurb store.

Not sure if that helps confirm anything for this Tuesday or not but one can hope...

 

[aafuss1]

Usually the mini gets an update at the same time the iMac does-often without a press release.

 

[netnothing]

I just noticed that there are 'Limited Time Special Deals' on all the current generation iMacs in the refurb store.

Not sure if that helps confirm anything for this Tuesday or not but one can hope...

Nope, they've been like that for a while.

-Kevin

 

[Darkroom]

well okay! why does everyone hate the glossy iMac? do you put your computer outside on a sunny summer day?! all of my apple products have a glossy display and it doesn't bother me at all (iMac, Macbook)

honestly... i do post-production imaging and the glossy screens are fine for me... i think some people are very sensitive, so i think apple should offer both, but seriously, it's no where near as BIG of a problem as everyone makes it out to be. unless of course you're trying to edit your photos in the mid day sun, or sitting by a window, which for color editing (at least) is kinda dumb and should prompt questions weather the user is in the right field of work.

you'd think someone who calls them self a photographer would know how light works...

 

[Wild-Bill]

I predict GPUs in the refresh to be on the same level of suckage as the current crop. Cost will be Apple's deciding factor: not performance. Let's hope the new lot don't lock up from the heat.

 

[EasyRider]

honestly... i do post-production imaging and the glossy screens are fine for me... i think some people are very sensitive, so i think apple should offer both, but seriously, it's no where near as BIG of a problem as everyone makes it out to be. unless of course you're trying to edit your photos in the mid day sun, or sitting by a window, which for color editing (at least) is kinda dumb and should prompt questions weather the user is in the right field of work.

you'd think someone who calls them self a photographer would know how light works...

Its hard to use my glossy iMac during the day at home, there is a window 8ft behind me (with blinds closed) and the glare is very distracting. Now that the sun is out longer it is becoming even more bothersome in the early evening hours. So if the new iMac does not help with this issue I am forced to rearrange my room and get a new desk (L-shaped desk, I can't just reverse it) That's the only complaint I have about the current iMac

 

[auburnfan24]

Usually the mini gets an update at the same time the iMac does-often without a press release.

i reeeeally hope you are right i have had problems with my gateway for 5 months now...i want a mini NOW!!!!!!!! i hope tuesday brings more good than just grand theft auto 4

 

[ltldrummerboy]

4 Gb RAM for $89, if I can get that price, what do you think Steve could buy it for? Come on Apple $800 for 4GB of RAM??????????

Actually, they're having a great sale right now: $500!

 

[TedB]

Looking at the buyers guide, the past 2 updates both the iMac and mac mini were updated at the same time. If the mac mini does not get upgraded this Tuesday, then I bet a physical change is instore for the mini.

 

[imac123]

glare issue

How do the screens look when there is a big bright window BEHIND the monitor?

Thats what i have right now, and my current monitor works okkkk but gets a bit dimmer when the sun is coming straight at me.

 

[billystlyes]

What the puck? No Mac mini updates? What's Apple's problem? I know like four people waiting. God lord, it seems like Apple is totally afraid of the Mac mini cannibalizing iMac sales. That should tell you how many people would rather have a headless Mac than the iMac. Think Different Steve! You're losing so many of us. Well, at least me and four of my friends.

 

[Anonymouslives]

Hey everyone, new guy here looking to get out from under the PC,

Looking to purchase my first Mac soon. Was going to get the 24" Imac very soon, but saw there is an update coming. I also noticed quite a few people are unhappy with the screens, although I cannot tell if it is just the 20" Imac screen or both the 20" and 24"?

I must say I have found it a bit odd that they're only offering 1 GB of ram in a $1,799 system. Hopefully that will be resolved with this new update. I have witnessed some people on here hinting to the fact that they're picking up Mac Ram for quite reasonable prices, but as a PC guy, I have no idea what Ram Macs take or where to get it for inexpensive prices. Hopefully someone can fill me in. Also, does the Imac take notebook ram or desktop ram? I noticed the components are from notebooks so I am not sure.

I guess the best thing for me to do, would be to go to a store and test them out. I was considering a Macbook pro also and an external monitor, but holy %$#@, they're so expensive. I don't know. Any advice for this naive PC guy would be appreciated. I love the look of macs and their OS seems so cool. Finally I have found myself in a position to possible afford one so I want to make sure and make the right decision.