Teardown of New 21.5-inch iMac Reveals Glued Down LCD and Dual Microphones

[deconstruct60]

Why is Apple hesitating to jump on the 802.11ac bandwagon? They're were on 802.11n very early on and it didn't come back to bite them.

Note sure there are economical single chip 802.11ac solutions that combine the same set of features the 801.11n + Bluetooth do and incrementally add on 'ac' .

The other problem is that 802.11ac isn't anywhere need wide spread deployment. The router base units are in the $150-200 range ( with even higer list prices). More likely, Apple will catch them on 2nd generation chip solutions in 2013.

iFixit mentions this is a 65nm Broadcomm part. Broadcomm's 802.11ac parts are 40nm. That probably means there is a significant difference in price right now.

The other "problem" is that 'ac' doesn't bring any new frequencies. It just make broader use of the the 5Ghz range and even more MIMO. ( technically don't need more MIMO for 'ac' but if want to beat "old" max data rates will need them. )

 

[deconstruct60]

What about the Apple Certified Mac Technicians, like myself, that spend their time fixing these machines, replacing parts, recovering data from drives and so on? Apple doesn't provide us with tools to open these glued shut devices, so they just replace the whole unit.

Apple isn't likely going to replace $1600-2400 whole units just because a simple HDD failed. Maybe they will require the unit shipped back so they can round trip it. ( it is lighter so the round trips will cost less in shipping). There likely will be a bigger gap between Apple Certified Technician and Apple Authorized Service Providers. (same as gap in resellers that has also been occurring between very small shops and larger resellers ). Technicians embedded inside of organizations ( big-medium sized company in house repair guy) likely are squeezed out of iMac repairs. But with a couple million iMacs sold per year, I don't Apple wants every single last one of the likely HDDs failures to be shipped back to some central facility. Some folks are going to get trained on added double sided tape to close an iMac that don't work inside of "central repair".

The bigger issue will be for folks in locations with low density of Macs so there are no 3rd party Authorized Service Providers nearby. Apple shops aren't going to do upgrades. They don't do them for iMacs now. So double-sided-tape vs. screws vs. magnets is all immaterial.

 

[HarryKNN21]

We may all like to upgrade our computers, but we are the minority. And even when we do, it's just RAM or HDD. Nothing major like you can do with a desktop box.

To complain about computers not being user-repairable is odd. I wonder if our parents complained when TVs stopped being user repairable? (I remember my dad replacing valves.)

When was the last time any of you complained because your TV, DVD, microwave or any other appliance was not user-repairable?

Get over it. We're geeks and nerds. We like to tinker inside our computers, but we are the minority. Computers, like TVs, are becoming closed boxes, which means not user serviceable or repairable.

If it's really that important, buy a desktop box and build a hackintosh.

Not every Mac user on earth can reach the Apple Store everytime he/she is in trouble with their Mac, but ordering replacement RAM or HDD or even SSD is possible for anyone who own a computer or an iPad.

People are not going to repair the TV or Microwaves themselves because OEM parts are very hard to come by and those are usually not standardized, while RAM and Storages of computers are very easy to come by and standardized, so why bother booking for Genius Bar for just a RAM replacement?

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Why not put Apple in control over your total life, as well? Let Apple decide if you deserve a meal today, by buying an AppleFoodCare. I mean, if you let Apple decide it, they will make sure your meal is up to standard, before approving it, right? Must only be good for you?

I agree with you, maybe the person you quoted lives just above an Apple Store, which he can visit Genius Bar everyday

As I said, it's not people hate Genius Bar, but it is the possibly they can reach them or not.

 

[JohnDoe98]

while RAM and Storages of computers are very easy to come by and standardized, so why bother booking for Genius Bar for just a RAM replacement?

But that's precisely the point, most people won't be replacing their SSDs and RAM, however, they do care about the aesthetic of the computer.

 

[G51989]

Haha, because all the PC vendors are pushing all in ones... and thunderbolt...
I don't know why you think I'm upset. You talk like someone who only follows apple products.

If apple offered a midrange tower iMac sales would plummet.

What PC vendors are offering thunderbolt besides Lenevo?

Thunderbolt is dead in the water for the consumer, its expensive and offers no advantage over USB 3,0 for 99% of people.

 

[Judas1]

I have to ask because I ask every time--who gives a s*** what iFixit thinks other than iFixit? Why is their opinion even relevant? Take the thing to an Apple store--problem solved.

Here's a clue. What you give a **** about isn't all that matters in the world. Not all people are teckies, but there's enough of us for a group like iFixit to exist. And they offer an invaluable service to those of us who wants to upgrade, repair, or just learn more about computers and gadgets.

 

[Eriamjh1138@DAN]

I don't now about the rest of you, but I prefer to sell my old machine and upgrade very 2-3 years. I don't throw it away like someone ridiculously mentioned.

A tinkerer can upgrade the machine. It's not impossible, just not easy.

Apple could make machines like HP but wouldn't have 40% margins. Instead, they'd be lower. A lot lower.

And apple isn't just obsessed with thinness for thinness' sake. Thinner means lighter and smaller. That means more per pallet, per ton, per crate, per airplane or boat. Smaller packaging and Lower shipping costs and higher margins. Adhesives make assembly easier compared to screws.

Apple designs for the 90% now. Like it or not, a lot of people have to get over it.

 

[gotluck]

What PC vendors are offering thunderbolt besides Lenevo?

Thunderbolt is dead in the water for the consumer, its expensive and offers no advantage over USB 3,0 for 99% of people.

Yea that was my point.. read the quote too

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But that's precisely the point, most people won't be replacing their SSDs and RAM, however, they do care about the aesthetic of the computer.

Hdds fail though, its only a matter of time. Ssds have longevity problems too.

 

[G51989]

But that's precisely the point, most people won't be replacing their SSDs and RAM, however, they do care about the aesthetic of the computer.

Exactly, Apple understands that most people don't care about anything else other than looks.

As I said before, its like people who buy a Ferrari 458 over a Corvette ZR1, in every category the ZR1 is a better car. But the Ferrari looks WAY cooler, and has a shiney brand on it.

 

[flopticalcube]

Yea that was my point.. read the quote too

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Hdds fail though, its only a matter of time. Many ssds have longevity problems too.

That and people's requirements change. Until a few months ago, Apple still sold some Macs with 2GBs of RAM. Many would say that is already too little. I run Lion on my mini with 8GB and light usage and I would say that is "adequate". At the current bloat rate, an 8GB iMac will feel sluggish in a few years even for light use.

 

[HarryKNN21]

Exactly, Apple understands that most people don't care about anything else other than looks.

As I said before, its like people who buy a Ferrari 458 over a Corvette ZR1, in every category the ZR1 is a better car. But the Ferrari looks WAY cooler, and has a shiney brand on it.

No, there are no dealers of ZR1 and many American cars in Asia and Europe, that's why most Asian and European buy a 458 over a ZR1 no matter who is better than whom.

 

[JohnDoe98]

Hdds fail though, its only a matter of time. Ssds have longevity problems too.

I shoulda said HD, not SSD, but anyway, even if HDs die, so far as I can see, those are parts that can still be replaced, and again, most people would just bring their computers in to Apple to have it fixed at that point.

 

[extensor]

Yeah, the OUTRAGE of people who don't approve of a desktop computer designed to be thrown away after 2.5 years.

How dare they think any consumer product should last longer than that!!!

I'm sure you look at us pathetic folks who still drive cars that are 4, 5, or even 8 years old as self-righteous and self serving as well.

2.5 years!? What kind of abuse do you do to your computer? I'm still on a mid 2007 iMac and it works fine.

 

[G51989]

No, there are no dealers of ZR1 and many American cars in Asia and Europe, that's why most Asian and European buy a 458 over a ZR1 no matter who is better than whom.

Maybe its time you guys started importing real sports cars

 

[JohnDoe98]

That and people's requirements change. Until a few months ago, Apple still sold some Macs with 2GBs of RAM. Many would say that is already too little. I run Lion on my mini with 8GB and light usage and I would say that is "adequate". At the current bloat rate, an 8GB iMac will feel sluggish in a few years even for light use.

But do the people who don't upgrade their computers every 2-3 years typically feel the need to upgrade all their software to the latest and greatest? I'd be inclined to think not. If their systems can do it without a hiccup they'll surely upgrade. If it can't, they'll just say, yep my system is old. So again this strikes me as a non-issue.

 

[krravi]

The Macs are becoming fashion devices. Use them and throw them and get another one.

Would you ever replace a button on a Saks 5th Avenue Shirt or just go buy another one?

Going by the trend of their design, if you are the DIY type then Macs seem like a bad idea.

 

[G51989]

The Macs are becoming fashion devices. Use them and throw them and get another one.

This, I never bought Macs ( cept my 2011 iMac ), because I like Apple, thats stupid to buy something just because you like a company.

My 1st Mac was a used iMac G3, I bought it because I really wanted to save tons of space in my tiny bed room at my parents house in high school,

My second Mac was a Pismo, I bought it becaue it was one of the best laptops money could buy.

* Insert other macs here, and PCs, and any machine that does a great job *

Now, Macs are turning into disposable machines.

 

[DaveN]

It was assembled in the USA!!! 3rd image on step 3.

I think most iMacs may be made in the USA. The reasoning being that if the product is relatively big big, make it locally (e.g. an iMac). If the product is small and light, make it in a low cost country and fly it to the buyer.

 

[CoolSpot]

Then. Don't. Buy. It.

There is NO fine line, it's supply and demand. If enough people stopped buying their products because they are not repairable, they would change.

You are being denied nothing, they are not the only option, just apparently the one that you want but aren't happy with.

Then. Don't. Buy. It.

It is apparent that you are not the premium consumer THEY are carving out, as if they had the ability to force this market upon you, which is laughable.

I get that people are disappointed, but comments like yours just sound like more of the entitlement generation who feels they have been wronged because they didn't get what they wanted. It's sad really.

I think the problem that people have is that Apple makes questionable/bad choices regarding hardware/design and people can't get OSX any other way. It doesn't speak well of Ive's stale designs when people desire the software more than the hardware.

 

[Mainsail]

Might get the Mac Mini instead

I was really planning on updating the family Mac with a new iMac, but now I might go with the Mac Mini. We already have a monitor, wireless keyboard, and mouse. I could get the base Mac mini for $600 (our home computing needs are pretty simple) plus buy my wife a new iPad for $500 or iPad Mini for $330 and still be $200 to $370 ahead.

If the iMac fails, we might be waiting a while for service and repair. If the Mac Mini fails, it will be easier to service and my wife can use the iPad in the meantime.

 

[JCSyd]

Big Deal

So a company can't rip a computer apart, who cares if that company think it's a disappointment. I certainly don't care about their opinion about that.

99% of us are more interested in using it as an operating computer, and whether it works well at being that.

I would be a bit worried if we all bought one, took it home and pulled it to pieces, and kept it as a bit of abstract art.

 

[HarryKNN21]

But that's precisely the point, most people won't be replacing their SSDs and RAM, however, they do care about the aesthetic of the computer.

Yeah, Mac do offer options with CPU, RAM and Drives, unless a buyer knows node about tech they should be able to buy a Mac which meet their requirements.

I do believe Mac buyers are now divided into two categories: 1) Know well about tech, built a PC tower before, and now giving Mac a try. 2) Buyers really know node about tech and have to believe whatever Apple told them.

I am the former one, I built myself several PC towers before and now interested in MacBook Pro which I can buy a new i7 machine without bothering selecting a motherboard from seas of them. I replaced RAM, HDD to SSD in main bay and converted the Optic Bay to carry the original HDD as for data. This may sound stupid to do these replacement on a new machine but I do store all the stock RAM and Superdrive and run with 3rd party parts. I could run those 3rd party parts to death (which they should last long) while stock parts are still fresh new, that is how I believe I could extend the life of my MBP.

And doing this is cheaper than getting Apple Care too.

 

[Hornhonker]

How much money does anyone think Apple actually makes from component upgrades and repair services? Compared to the rest of their business, it's nothing. A fraction of nothing.



Repairability and user upgradeability are features that only matter to a small fraction of the computer buying population.

I beg to differ. Out of warranty repairs and upgrades are VERY profitable.
Now instead of a 20 min labour charge for a ram upgrade it will be 2 hours assuming the glued panels are as easy to pry off as pundits here suggest.
(please get back to us when you have actually done it) Look for around
70% profit on each transaction once the dust settles.

 

[Ubik1981]

Best Post Ever

What about the Apple Certified Mac Technicians, like myself, that spend their time fixing these machines, replacing parts, recovering data from drives and so on? Apple doesn't provide us with tools to open these glued shut devices, so they just replace the whole unit. People like myself who have been dedicated to the brand, to the products and to the people that use them are now powerless to help the Apple community.

I have worked on thousands of Macs from every product family in my time as a technician, replacing every part within each, and I've seen the progression of Apple hardware from the 68k compacts through to the very latest Retina MacBook Pro models. I think then I have some credibility in saying that the engineering of their latest products is absolutely disgraceful and incredibly disappointing.

I believe, with this news, it's the beginning of the end for the Apple Certified Mac Technician. It's been fun serving Apple customers and I wish them all the best in finding support in the future, but its not going to be good times ahead. It's going to extend repair times in some instances, it's going to make data retrieval impossible, and its going to remove anyone that has a clue from the loop, leaving Resellers and the Apple Store with nothing but mindless drones that just swap product after product without so much as a hint of consideration for the hardware inside it or any ability or willingness to tailor to the customers needs.

iFixit looked and still looks out for techs like us (many of iFixits repair guides put Apple's internal documentation, which often miss parts, steps and important details, to shame). As a long time Apple supporter and employee I can safely say that Apple, along with its misinformed customers that see no need for repairability, have chosen their own fate and will have to live with the dire consequences.

A truly informed and informative post. It's sad, but I think this is exactly the reality.

 

[iChrist]

a lot of people are about to complain saying that the new iMac isn't repairable. these same people would have never replaced an LCD in their iMac anyway.

Mr Einstein, what would you say about those who would add RAM, replace a hard drive, etc.. ?