Some questions on iMac 27"

[Lycanthrope]

Colleague at work is looking to move to a Mac. He has some questions which I don't know the answers to - see below, also with my responses.

Can anyone help with the gaps?

Cheers

I need your help. I’m thinking of buying an iMac 27”, but my concerns:
1. No HDMI possible? So again not able to connect to ps3? I need to check – there is some kind of input port, but whether this id PS3 compatible I don’t know
2. Can you update the soundcard for 7.1 surround? Not that I’m aware – again I’ll check, but I suspect an external USB solution is necessary (surely there are amplified that have USB interface integrated?)
3. Is it easy to add memory or a better hard disk myself? I don’t know how an imac has to be opened. Memory is very easy to upgrade, and much much cheaper to buy after-market. HDD is a bit tricky to upgrade on iMacs but not impossible
4. Is it possible to use the screen as a TV ? Does apple have TV tuners? For a cable connection then you need something like an eyeTV
5. It only has 2 usb’s? not much eh! Nope
6. No bluray support? Long running saga and bone of contention for Mac fans – apparently the licensing from Sony is highly complex and prohibitive, that’s why it hasn’t happened yet

 

[rusty2192]

4 USB ports

The new iMacs have 4 USB ports and a FireWire 800 port.

 

[scubasteve03]

The new iMacs have 4 USB ports and a FireWire 800 port.

Random question, not trying to hijack. Why does the mac mini have 5 USB ports and the much bigger Imac has only 4?

 

[AccidentalChef]

Random question, not trying to hijack. Why does the mac mini have 5 USB ports and the much bigger Imac has only 4?

Just a wild guess, but maybe the built in webcam on the iMac is internally connected to that extra USB port. It has to connect to something...

 

[rusty2192]

Just a wild guess, but maybe the built in webcam on the iMac is internally connected to that extra USB port. It has to connect to something...

Sounds plausible. When I boot into my bootcamp Windows XP on my MacBook, the iSight camera shows up as a USB camera in My Computer.

 

[Adokimus]

1. No HDMI possible? So again not able to connect to ps3?

Here is the relevant thread: ( https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/806175/ ). Basically, only on the 27" iMac accepts video input and you will need an HDMI-to-Mini DisplayPort active converter. And no, none of Apple's current adapters will work. We need to wait for a third-party solution to arrive. Supposedly Belkin is working on one. AND remember that it must be an ACTIVE converter (should have a box), because mini-DP can be converted passively to HDMI with any 'ol adapter, but NOT vice-versa. So, check with the manufacturer before you buy.

2. Can you update the soundcard for 7.1 surround?

Really doubt you can do it internally (though ifixit.com might have an answer for you if you message them).

Externally: ( http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Transit.html ), ( http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/UCA222.aspx ), ( http://www.streetwise.com.au/hardware-c-43_169.html )

3. Is it easy to add memory or a better hard disk myself? I don’t know how an imac has to be opened.

RAM is as easy to update as owning a screwdriver (And MUCH MUCH cheaper than Apple's solution). Hard-drive, you're right, is a bit tougher and not for the light of heart. Apple.com has instructions for the RAM replacement and ifixit.com has instructions for the Hard-drive replacement. http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iMac-Intel-27-Inch/1236/1

4. Is it possible to use the screen as a TV ? Does apple have TV tuners?

Products: ( http://store.apple.com/us/product/TR373LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDExOA&mco=MTA4ODQ2ODk ), ( http://store.apple.com/us/product/TS588LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDExOA&mco=MTA4ODQ2ODg ), & ( http://store.apple.com/us/product/TV902LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDExOA&mco=MTA4ODQ3MDU )



5. It only has 2 usb’s? not much eh!

4 USB ports, 1 FW-800

6. No bluray support?

Not for video playback, but I believe some program (Toast maybe?) can burn data to Blu-Rays. As for watching movies, you will need to run Windows through Bootcamp, Parallels, or VMWare Fusion. And there's no internal Blu-Ray option, so I would go with something like this: ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846 ). You will also need to purchase separate software, I think PowerDVD or something similar, has Blu-Ray support in the newest version. And don't believe Steve's "Bag of hurt" crap. Apple simply doesn't want to offer a Blu-Ray option because it would cut into their iTunes digital distribution profits.

 

[Lycanthrope]

Thanks Adokimus for your full and detailed response!

 

[Adokimus]

Anytime