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Teardown of New 21.5-inch iMac Reveals Glued Down LCD and Dual Microphones
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Ugh, baaad. Hopefully 27" is a bit easier to upgrade, as if I do buy it, I'll need to swap the HDD with SSD the minute I open the package. Some weirdos don't offer an option with single 256SSD, sigh.
I've had to open my Mid 2007 alu 27" 4 times, first it's Seagate HDD failed, then the replacement drive failed, then I went 60GB SSD route and now I put in 128GB SSD (preparation for selling it). First time was indeed scary, 3rd and 4th a routine 10 min procedure, but I'm definitely not happy with glued components, never done those before.
I've had to open my Mid 2007 alu 27" 4 times, first it's Seagate HDD failed, then the replacement drive failed, then I went 60GB SSD route and now I put in 128GB SSD (preparation for selling it). First time was indeed scary, 3rd and 4th a routine 10 min procedure, but I'm definitely not happy with glued components, never done those before.
User Upgrades
I really don't understand why they make it so hard to replace the hard drive or add RAM. These are basic operations that could extend the life of the computer.
Notice I'm leaving aside the cynical possibility that they want you to pay through the nose for said upgrades from Apple themselves.
I really don't understand why they make it so hard to replace the hard drive or add RAM. These are basic operations that could extend the life of the computer.
Notice I'm leaving aside the cynical possibility that they want you to pay through the nose for said upgrades from Apple themselves.
good thing or bad?
I replaced a drive in a prior generation iMac using suction cups to get the glass off, using mac fixit instructions. Strong adhesive tape sounds like a difficult job now approaches impossible. If iMac buyers are generally not the drive swappers or repair types, it becomes irrelevant.
To me, one more reason to wait for Mac Pro. And wait, and wait......
I replaced a drive in a prior generation iMac using suction cups to get the glass off, using mac fixit instructions. Strong adhesive tape sounds like a difficult job now approaches impossible. If iMac buyers are generally not the drive swappers or repair types, it becomes irrelevant.
To me, one more reason to wait for Mac Pro. And wait, and wait......
Add RAM
So is anyone know tht u can still add on RAM urself or u hav to order it when u configure ur mac frm apple??
So is anyone know tht u can still add on RAM urself or u hav to order it when u configure ur mac frm apple??
No, that would be the original iMac G5. Apple considered the logic board user-replaceable and would ship it to customers. Virtually everything in that machine was considered user replaceable.
RAM: Two captive screws.
HD: Two captive screws plus three screws and a temp sensor cable (four more screws if you're replacing with non-Apple HD.
Airport: Two captive screws plus two screws holding the card in place.
etc...
Are there any true believers left? We can't count the shills, plants, or stooges who know to bend... let me re-phrase... speak plloyannaical in order to ensure early access to hardware.
Eight pounds is eight pounds less weight shipped. But I digress.
Apple makes big money off repairs and even more by severely limiting ones upgrade choices. If someone figures out how to weld glass to aluminum, Apple will be the first to employ it.
P.S. Why is it taking so long to release a MacPro? $5 says they are trying to work out some limitation to the design that makes it non user upgradable.
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Please take note of how many (local) places sell PCs and don't get into service revenue stream. I understand you may mean end users opening the box rather than taking it to the Squad.
False. Every iMac has had access to RAM slots via a phillips head screwdriver. Even the tray loading iMac A/B/C/D was easy to RAM swap. I have changed RAM in every single model of Macintosh going back to the SE. Ever clipped a resistor?
Good point, though I think the 300-400 dollar crap piles are causing an issue. Though I've never bought a computer that cheap before, the cheapest PC towers I've bought are between 600-1000 dollars, and none of them ever gave me an issue.
On the flipside.
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-18438_7-57492376-82/why-i-regret-buying-an-imac/
Sure, an iMac might be pretty, but when it breaks, and Applecare won't cover you, its gonna cost. ALOT.
xMac? I've been wanting one since they got rid of the Mid Towers, I doubt it'll happen.
The Mini might be worth if it, if it had a decent video card.
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Laptop Drive?
I can see space as a reason for the laptop drive. But 5400 RMP? You just won't get the linear velocity at the outside of the disk with the smaller, slower platter.
So Why did Apple go 5400 on the 21.5? You can't even get a 7200 on a BTO.
My guess is that the power supply had to be at the bottom due to thinnovation which left the hard drive to suffer in its glow. The extra heat from the 7200 would not be rejected effectively. At least we have great bass-reflex speakers.
The 2011 iMac brought with it the custom for Apple drive with PWM sending of drive temperature on the power connector. Does the new Kardashian line of iMacs use custom drives?
I can see space as a reason for the laptop drive. But 5400 RMP? You just won't get the linear velocity at the outside of the disk with the smaller, slower platter.
So Why did Apple go 5400 on the 21.5? You can't even get a 7200 on a BTO.
My guess is that the power supply had to be at the bottom due to thinnovation which left the hard drive to suffer in its glow. The extra heat from the 7200 would not be rejected effectively. At least we have great bass-reflex speakers.
The 2011 iMac brought with it the custom for Apple drive with PWM sending of drive temperature on the power connector. Does the new Kardashian line of iMacs use custom drives?
Why? If their products are easy to repair and upgrade, you won't buy a new machine as fast.
Glue holding an iPad together makes sense. Glue holding a desktop together doesn't make sense. Replacing a hard drive because you've outgrown your current one or it's died is not uncommon. I will still buy a 27" and if I really have to (drive dies for instance) I'll break out the heat gun. But there's no reason for it to be that messy. It's a desktop. Who cares if the edge is 5mm.
There's no question Apple takes their love of aesthetics too far sometimes. Just look at the puck mouse. Total disaster (as is every mouse they have ever designed actually except for the ABD and ABD II).
As for those saying that the iMac has always been a pain to service, not true. The G5 iMac was a dream. You just loosen 3 trapped screws in the bottom and the entire back panel comes off giving total access to everything with no disassembly of any kind required. It was actually intentionally designed to be user-servicable.
There's no question Apple takes their love of aesthetics too far sometimes. Just look at the puck mouse. Total disaster (as is every mouse they have ever designed actually except for the ABD and ABD II).
As for those saying that the iMac has always been a pain to service, not true. The G5 iMac was a dream. You just loosen 3 trapped screws in the bottom and the entire back panel comes off giving total access to everything with no disassembly of any kind required. It was actually intentionally designed to be user-servicable.
Lots of people who buy Apple products do, I like my Macs for sure, but I seem to be alone in the whole " sure, make it look pretty, but this useness thinness is completely insane "
Gluing the screen in was a completely insane decision.
Or the lampshade imacs, ever work on one of those? Wow.
This, I actually had to service my original generation iMac a couple times, it was super easy to take apart and get to things, even the DVD drive was super easy to replace.
My 2011 iMac has had a couple drive failures, I've basicly given up with Applecare, because the guy at the bar told me they'll just put the same defective drive in it, so I said screw it and put my own drive in, who cares if I just voided Applecare, this machine has already been a total nightmare.
Now, its still serviceable, just a huge pain the ass.
This new one doesn't look serviceable at all. Explains the 3 out of 10 score.
There would be no complaining if Apple made a mid priced user upgradeable computer. A mid sized, mid priced Pro?
I was able to replace a dead hard drive on an older Mac in less than an hour. Cost: $79. Now I have to send it back to apple because I would be a bit scared to crack the screen and my cost would be around $400. It is a apple's way of saying: give us more money. The new design is cool when looked at from the right angle, otherwise, it really looks silly: narrow hips but a very fat belly.
My 2011 never felt so awesome.
My 2006 model definitely failed at the right time last year.
I believe I have the best iMac there is if you look at all factors such as repairability, performance, etc...
I'll take the peace of mind knowing I can fix something myself in the worst case over a thin bezel I don't ever see anyways any day, thankyouverymuch.
Glassed Silver:mac
My 2006 model definitely failed at the right time last year.
I believe I have the best iMac there is if you look at all factors such as repairability, performance, etc...
I'll take the peace of mind knowing I can fix something myself in the worst case over a thin bezel I don't ever see anyways any day, thankyouverymuch.
Glassed Silver:mac
Not really. Have you seen them in person? It's almost like an optical illusion. I expected there to be a big bulge in the back, but actually its really stunning. A clear improvement from last year's machine
Lets get real. Users don't want to open their machines. I certainly don't. So long as its covered by apple care, I couldn't care less. That's the whole point of being an apple user. If you want to deal with computers instead of use them, I bet Windows would be an amusement park for you
No thank you
Apple has officially ruined the iMac.
Who cares about "thin" on a desktop?
Mine HAS broken and glue makes repair $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
No optical drive?
People, DON'T BUY AN iMAC. Makes no sense. If you must get a Mac Mini (yes no optical there either) and use with a stand alone screen.
Apple has officially ruined the iMac.
Who cares about "thin" on a desktop?
Mine HAS broken and glue makes repair $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
No optical drive?
People, DON'T BUY AN iMAC. Makes no sense. If you must get a Mac Mini (yes no optical there either) and use with a stand alone screen.