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The NEXT iMac update?
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I'm getting the money tonight, and I need to have the machine in hand by the 6th
so, yea
I'm waiting 
!!! 
!!! 
While you're likely to be correct about no significant upgrades to the iMacs in the near future (because they've just recently came out with the aluminum ones); it is reasonable to expect a 'speed bump' upgrade sometime soon. The new Intel penyrn chips could be used or some other faster processor options, or even (I wish) a better graphics card. Apple sometimes even lowers the price between significant upgrades. So while I would agree with you on the likely-hood of any big changes before August or thereabouts, I still think we can expect a speed bump increase by the end of February. Just my thoughts
So, if I was wanting to get a new imac I should wait a month or two if I can????
So, if I was wanting to get a new imac I should wait a month or two if I can????
That's the thing. No one knows for sure. If you really want one, I say go with one now. You won't be disappointed at all. What happens if you wait 2 months and they still haven't come out with an update yet? Do you just keep waiting then?
I am buying at the beginning of April, update or not. The reason I'm waiting is more financial - I won't really have the money budgeted until then. If there's an update prior to then, great! If not, I'm buying one anyways unless I hear solid info that a good update is a short time away.
So, if I was wanting to get a new imac I should wait a month or two if I can????
The next update will likely come sometime within the next 2 weeks or 3 months. You'll have to make that determination yourself... as no one here seems to have any infomation that would help you much.
The buyer's guide would indicate you should wait.
Certain sources have said that Penryn (the next processor) has been delayed, which would indicate you shouldn't wait.
On that note I also want to get an iphone at the same time. Is there any hint when a new iphone will hit the market?
I have been an avid PC user now for 10 years. My mom has been an Mac User for twice as long.
However it was only a few weeks ago when I saw the Alu Imac 24' that I seriously just looked at it, and realised that, that was it. I am done with PC for good.
My excitement just enthralled further, when I heard the news of games being possible on a Mac, with boom camp.
Im an avid gamer. So having an side option to play games on vista was good for me.
I want the most powerful Imac possible. I want it to last me as long as possible.
I'll need it for video editing(some), intensive gaming, downloading, browsing, music, watching movies... I live on my computer. I use it for like 10 hours a day.
But the most specced out Imac at apple.com is incredible pricey. If you get the 2,8 GHz Extreme, with 4 Gig Ram and 1 TB hard drive, its incredible costly. its insane.
But its so cool looking. I dont ever want to upgrade this thing. I had enough of that crap on PC. With overheating and bla bla bla.
It looks like it to me, that the problem with the current Imacs are that the graphics card, a Radeon 2600 Pro, is not only a step back from the GF 7600, but just a bad card that does not live up to the price.
I cant afford an Imac but I want one anyway, because I know it will be an investment that will serve me well. Most mac users I have talked too, say that macs are more solid, that they last longer and are more consistent in performance, updating and stability.
When I get my Imac I wont be able to get a new computer for quite a few years. Thats why its the utmost importance to me to get the most powerful thing there is.
I dont understand why the specifications have not been updated for over 6 months??? why has the price not gone down atleast? Why is there no graphics card upgrade option? I know the 2600 pro is a DX10 Card, but its really bad for gaming.
If the most specced out Imac will have the same pricepoint, regardless of its specifications, then it matters alot when it gets updated.
Im loosing sleep over this aswell. I want to convert to mac. I understand that design and a build in screen also puts up the price on the specced out Imac, but its so important to me that its really as state of the art as possible.
4 Gigs of ram and a 2,8 Dual core seems pretty solid as far as performance goes. its really about the graphics card I think. thhe 2600 pro costs like 80 bucks in stores. I find it strange that they tugged such an expenssive computer with such a cheap item.
Someone I talked to said that it was because that the card in the Imac is actually an underclocked Radeon XT card, so it wouldnt get as heated up in the tight cabinet.
Seriously. Imac is the greatest looking piece of electronic that I have ever seen. I am truly in WoW. ugh... I so dislike the designs of PC manufactures.. everything from desktops, laptops, speakers, mouses and keyboards.. cable hell. HP, Dell, Microsoft, Alienware, Logitech.. The design is just awful.
Its so great that the mac comes with everything.. it just looks like a complete coherent package where everything looks great, fits in everywhere and is just in harmony.
However it was only a few weeks ago when I saw the Alu Imac 24' that I seriously just looked at it, and realised that, that was it. I am done with PC for good.
My excitement just enthralled further, when I heard the news of games being possible on a Mac, with boom camp.
Im an avid gamer. So having an side option to play games on vista was good for me.
I want the most powerful Imac possible. I want it to last me as long as possible.
I'll need it for video editing(some), intensive gaming, downloading, browsing, music, watching movies... I live on my computer. I use it for like 10 hours a day.
But the most specced out Imac at apple.com is incredible pricey. If you get the 2,8 GHz Extreme, with 4 Gig Ram and 1 TB hard drive, its incredible costly. its insane.
But its so cool looking. I dont ever want to upgrade this thing. I had enough of that crap on PC. With overheating and bla bla bla.
It looks like it to me, that the problem with the current Imacs are that the graphics card, a Radeon 2600 Pro, is not only a step back from the GF 7600, but just a bad card that does not live up to the price.
I cant afford an Imac but I want one anyway, because I know it will be an investment that will serve me well. Most mac users I have talked too, say that macs are more solid, that they last longer and are more consistent in performance, updating and stability.
When I get my Imac I wont be able to get a new computer for quite a few years. Thats why its the utmost importance to me to get the most powerful thing there is.
I dont understand why the specifications have not been updated for over 6 months??? why has the price not gone down atleast? Why is there no graphics card upgrade option? I know the 2600 pro is a DX10 Card, but its really bad for gaming.
If the most specced out Imac will have the same pricepoint, regardless of its specifications, then it matters alot when it gets updated.
Im loosing sleep over this aswell. I want to convert to mac. I understand that design and a build in screen also puts up the price on the specced out Imac, but its so important to me that its really as state of the art as possible.
4 Gigs of ram and a 2,8 Dual core seems pretty solid as far as performance goes. its really about the graphics card I think. thhe 2600 pro costs like 80 bucks in stores. I find it strange that they tugged such an expenssive computer with such a cheap item.
Someone I talked to said that it was because that the card in the Imac is actually an underclocked Radeon XT card, so it wouldnt get as heated up in the tight cabinet.
Seriously. Imac is the greatest looking piece of electronic that I have ever seen. I am truly in WoW. ugh... I so dislike the designs of PC manufactures.. everything from desktops, laptops, speakers, mouses and keyboards.. cable hell. HP, Dell, Microsoft, Alienware, Logitech.. The design is just awful.
Its so great that the mac comes with everything.. it just looks like a complete coherent package where everything looks great, fits in everywhere and is just in harmony.
I know this may seem strange to you... but the iMac was not designed to be a gaming machine. You are going to have to weigh your desire for "downloading, browsing, music, watching movies... " against gaming.
The mac will be better for ALL of these, but won't compete against similarly priced PCs for gaming. Its just not a top concern for Apple, and hasn't been for a very long time.
If you want both the mac experience and a great gaming machine, you will need to go with a Mac Pro. The price is a lot higher, you don't get the amazing form factor, among other things... but it probably fits your usage requirements a bit better.
Personally, I just bought a 24" iMac (2.8Ghz, 4 GB RAM, 750GB HD) which will do all of those things you mentioned PERFECTLY, and I will be probably getting a Nintendo Wii or a Sony Playstation to go along side it for the gaming side.
Luffytubby
The ATI HD 2600Pro actually is priced better than the equivalent Nvidea card, it's just that it's a low end card. Very few Mac people are serious 3D gamers so Apple doesn't waist money on graphics cards. The Mac Pro, while much more expensive, can hold several high-end graphics cards at the same time and from what I've read the Radeon X1900XT is the best card available for Macs until something better comes out. The Macbook Pro (MP) actually has a better graphics card (and therefore better at gaming) than the iMac because it's created for professional users that do a lot of media work. You might consider getting a MBP or a Mac Pro instead of the iMac. Yes it'll cost more, but if you're dead set on getting a Mac and planning on keeping it for a number of years to run games, you'll need a better graphics card. Yes the equivalent PC gaming machine is cheaper than the Mac Pro.
If you don't play the graphics intensive 3D games then the iMac will suit you fine.
The ATI HD 2600Pro actually is priced better than the equivalent Nvidea card, it's just that it's a low end card. Very few Mac people are serious 3D gamers so Apple doesn't waist money on graphics cards. The Mac Pro, while much more expensive, can hold several high-end graphics cards at the same time and from what I've read the Radeon X1900XT is the best card available for Macs until something better comes out. The Macbook Pro (MP) actually has a better graphics card (and therefore better at gaming) than the iMac because it's created for professional users that do a lot of media work. You might consider getting a MBP or a Mac Pro instead of the iMac. Yes it'll cost more, but if you're dead set on getting a Mac and planning on keeping it for a number of years to run games, you'll need a better graphics card. Yes the equivalent PC gaming machine is cheaper than the Mac Pro.
If you don't play the graphics intensive 3D games then the iMac will suit you fine.
I completely agree that the iMac is not a 3D gaming powerhouse, however I would also suggest that you do a quick search on YouTube for '2.8 iMac gaming.' You will find plenty of videos which show that the iMac can play MANY modern 3-D games, and at a pretty respectable frame rate.
Actually the new MacPro has the option to add the Nvidia GeForce 8800GT card!
But the iMac is just not a gaming machine (yet), and I think there's a lot of people (including me) waiting for that to change!
What shocked me was this benchmark: http://www.barefeats.com/imacal.html and http://www.barefeats.com/imacal3.html
The old Imac with the Geforce 7600 wipes the floor with the Aluminium Imac with the 2600 Pro!
And how can the MBP have such a good card when its much smaller than an Alu Imac? Why wont Apple at least give the choice of upgrading?
Apple and Intel are best friends now, right? And Intel hates ATI right?(because they are owned by AMD) So why did they went away from Nvidia? Nvidia seems to have been dominating the GPU marked for a long while now.
Mates, I understand that alot of Mac people have not been gaming focused. But time is changing, when gamers like me can "switch" to Mac because of the Intel deal and Boot Camp. It's possible now.
And besides, doesnt graphics cards have other uses? For HD viewing you need something powerful right? And video editing? I want to that. Im really interested in films.
But when it's almost... like the MBP is better for gaming, then.. I don't know. I just don't get it.
3,200 Dollars is alot. When I as a consumer(I can only speak for myself) then I would like to be able to know that what I have bought will last me a long time.
And I feel that 1 TB Hard Drive is enough, for years. It's really alot, and I can always get external drives. I feel that 4 Gig of RAM will remain the standard for a long time, and I think that not most heavy applications and software programs are using dual core, so I think that dual core will remain high end for a while.
When you get all these great components, then why be bottlenecked by a single sub bargin bin sub 70-80 Dollars card. For 150-200 you could get an awesome, cool and silent 8800 GT with incredible performance, lot of VRAM and just great design.
I don't know guys...
Games Im interested in now: Orange Box(HL2, Portal, Teamfortress 2), The Witcher, World of Warcraft(should run amazing on an Imac), Crysis(this is the game im concerned about... will the Imac explode?), World in Conflict, Company of Heroes, Battlefield 2.
From what I can see on youtube videos of people claiming to run these games on 24' Alu Imacs, it looks like that all games can run medium-to-high in decent resolution with a great framrerate.
So its not the current bunch of games I am worried about, but its a year from now.
Will I be able to play Starcraft 2 or Fallout 3?
Gaming is not the central thing for me, but I would say it has a 25% importance for me. I live and breathe games.
I have an Xbox 360 and Wii. Xbox 360 is actually the main reason for growing dislike for MS. I truly hate what they are doing on that thing. It boggles my mind. I really like PC games. There is a depth and breathe that can't be found in most console games.
Maybe I should get a PS3 at some point.
I want a Mac because I am sick of upgrading. Im sick of messing around in DOS. Im sick of opening my computer every 3th month because the CPU is overheated due to dust. Im sick of virusses, and im sick of the expenssive and yet ugly, loud and annoying hardware and peripherls that destroys my mood and love for all things technology.
I just want a good set point. The current situation makes me feel like that the Imac is 6-7 months outdated, for a 6-7 old price. Technology moves so fast. I don't get why they don't constantly update their machines, just a tiny bit at a time. The price on marked is not the same as it was half a year ago.
Every time a new GFX card comes out, prices goes down on the older ones. And thats the order of things, but 6 months and still the same price?
I guess if thats how Apple does things... then thats that. Does not matter what I think about it, but I'll just say that it makes me feel like I need to be sharp as a consumer and only buy completely new product as I dont want to waste my money.
The old Imac with the Geforce 7600 wipes the floor with the Aluminium Imac with the 2600 Pro!
And how can the MBP have such a good card when its much smaller than an Alu Imac? Why wont Apple at least give the choice of upgrading?
Apple and Intel are best friends now, right? And Intel hates ATI right?(because they are owned by AMD) So why did they went away from Nvidia? Nvidia seems to have been dominating the GPU marked for a long while now.
Mates, I understand that alot of Mac people have not been gaming focused. But time is changing, when gamers like me can "switch" to Mac because of the Intel deal and Boot Camp. It's possible now.
And besides, doesnt graphics cards have other uses? For HD viewing you need something powerful right? And video editing? I want to that. Im really interested in films.
But when it's almost... like the MBP is better for gaming, then.. I don't know. I just don't get it.
3,200 Dollars is alot. When I as a consumer(I can only speak for myself) then I would like to be able to know that what I have bought will last me a long time.
And I feel that 1 TB Hard Drive is enough, for years. It's really alot, and I can always get external drives. I feel that 4 Gig of RAM will remain the standard for a long time, and I think that not most heavy applications and software programs are using dual core, so I think that dual core will remain high end for a while.
When you get all these great components, then why be bottlenecked by a single sub bargin bin sub 70-80 Dollars card. For 150-200 you could get an awesome, cool and silent 8800 GT with incredible performance, lot of VRAM and just great design.
I don't know guys...
Games Im interested in now: Orange Box(HL2, Portal, Teamfortress 2), The Witcher, World of Warcraft(should run amazing on an Imac), Crysis(this is the game im concerned about... will the Imac explode?), World in Conflict, Company of Heroes, Battlefield 2.
From what I can see on youtube videos of people claiming to run these games on 24' Alu Imacs, it looks like that all games can run medium-to-high in decent resolution with a great framrerate.
So its not the current bunch of games I am worried about, but its a year from now.
Will I be able to play Starcraft 2 or Fallout 3?
Gaming is not the central thing for me, but I would say it has a 25% importance for me. I live and breathe games.
I have an Xbox 360 and Wii. Xbox 360 is actually the main reason for growing dislike for MS. I truly hate what they are doing on that thing. It boggles my mind. I really like PC games. There is a depth and breathe that can't be found in most console games.
Maybe I should get a PS3 at some point.
I want a Mac because I am sick of upgrading. Im sick of messing around in DOS. Im sick of opening my computer every 3th month because the CPU is overheated due to dust. Im sick of virusses, and im sick of the expenssive and yet ugly, loud and annoying hardware and peripherls that destroys my mood and love for all things technology.
I just want a good set point. The current situation makes me feel like that the Imac is 6-7 months outdated, for a 6-7 old price. Technology moves so fast. I don't get why they don't constantly update their machines, just a tiny bit at a time. The price on marked is not the same as it was half a year ago.
Every time a new GFX card comes out, prices goes down on the older ones. And thats the order of things, but 6 months and still the same price?
I guess if thats how Apple does things... then thats that. Does not matter what I think about it, but I'll just say that it makes me feel like I need to be sharp as a consumer and only buy completely new product as I dont want to waste my money.
Your point is a good one, and the only thing I can really tell you is that you are apparently not a 'normal' mac consumer.
I, for one, would also like a better graphics card... but apparently it is low on the totem poll for mac users, otherwise Apple would change their stance. As I see it, the issue here is that 90% of mac users come to the mac for the media aspect. iLife speficically... they like iLife, they don't like viruses, and they think the overall experience is better on a mac. Most don't come for gaming. It's just a fact.
Apple has a limited number of product offerings with a limited number of options (in the name of simplicity for consumers). This has certain obvious advantages, but also limits your upgrade options.
For me, the iMac is just about PERFECT. The graphics card really isn't utilized as much as you'd think in HD photo editing and similar tasks that I do a lot.
I think the problem right now is that there is no perfect mac for the average gamer. The iMac is probably your best option in your price range... but as you've pointed out, its less than perfect for this particular task.
in theory, is it possible to upgrade the 2600... at some point... will they release something in the future, then?
because I know that its very unusual to be able to change a GFX card in a laptop and since Imac is mobile technology....(?)
because I know that its very unusual to be able to change a GFX card in a laptop and since Imac is mobile technology....(?)
So, it's possible to replace, but only in theory
@ There's really no way to defend the low end cards in the iMacs!
Give me one GOOD reason why they can't add a BTO option for a better card?
If Steve goes on stage again, and claims that "games are coming to the Mac", someone should k*ck him!
So, it's possible to replace, but only in theory…
There's really no way to defend the low end cards in the iMacs!
I tire of this boring and endless debate. While the Mobility 2600XT card in the current 24" iMacs may not be at the absolute cutting edge they most certainly are not "low end" in anyone's universe.
I have a 2.4GHz aluminum iMac and I run Call of Duty 4, Bioshock, Crysis and Counter-Strike: Source in Boot Camp (Vista) at the native resolution of my machine without overclocking anything or running any fan control programs. They all run at comfortable frame rates which I haven't bothered to check since it has not been an issue.
Most of those who rant about the GPU in the new iMacs being "low end" don't actually own one and have never used one to actually play games. Do check out the countless videos of them in action on Youtube if you don't want to take my word for it.
If it can PLAY current games smoothly at decent graphic settings then what exactly is all the complaining about? Find something worthwhile to bitch about, please.
No, the HD2600 is not a bottom basement card. Yes it's rated very well per $ given the performance. That aside, the HD 2600 is worse than the older G7600 even when using a slower processor. Yes the 24" can run games natively at reasonable rates, but gamers cards are short lived in this day and age.
Here's some food for thought:
ATI vs nVidia: http://barefeats.com/imacal.html
Aluminum iMac performance: http://barefeats.com/imacal5.html
older 2.33GHz G7600 better than 2.8GHz HD2600:
http://www.hothardware.com/articles/ATI_Radeon_HD_2600_and_2400_Performance/?page=11
http://barefeats.com/imacal3.html
Mac Pro tops them both beating the 2.8 and 2.33:
http://www.trustedreviews.com/graph...ATI-Radeon-HD-2600-XT-2600-Pro-and-2400-XT/p7
WE WANT A BETTER GRAPHICS CARD STEVE!!
Oh, installed Leopard yesterday (archive and install) and it seems to be working fine. Formatted and partitioned my new laCie drive and backed things up with Time Machine - also worked fine. Leopard has some awesome features that only can be appreciated by trying out. Reading about it on the Internet gave me no idea how good it really is. Money well spent.
Here's some food for thought:
ATI vs nVidia: http://barefeats.com/imacal.html
Aluminum iMac performance: http://barefeats.com/imacal5.html
older 2.33GHz G7600 better than 2.8GHz HD2600:
http://www.hothardware.com/articles/ATI_Radeon_HD_2600_and_2400_Performance/?page=11
http://barefeats.com/imacal3.html
Mac Pro tops them both beating the 2.8 and 2.33:
http://www.trustedreviews.com/graph...ATI-Radeon-HD-2600-XT-2600-Pro-and-2400-XT/p7
WE WANT A BETTER GRAPHICS CARD STEVE!!
Oh, installed Leopard yesterday (archive and install) and it seems to be working fine. Formatted and partitioned my new laCie drive and backed things up with Time Machine - also worked fine. Leopard has some awesome features that only can be appreciated by trying out. Reading about it on the Internet gave me no idea how good it really is. Money well spent.
If you want a "cutting edge" gaming machine you want a PC. This way, when a new, better GPU comes out you replace it. Likewise, the motherboard, CPU and RAM.
If you want a beautiful, elegant, next-to-silent, all-in-one computer that can run both Windows and OS X as well as current (and probably those for at least the near future) games comfortably get an iMac.
If you want a Mac with "upgradability" (such as it is) get a Mac Pro.
The current iMac does not have a subpar GPU. As for comparisons to the prior nVidia GT7600 cards the HD2600XT is DirectX 10 capable for one, underclocked to "Pro" speeds (and probably for good reason with the cooling considerations of the aluminum iMac) and will only continue to have improved performance as the drivers for 2600XT mature.
The bottom line is it already plays current games well. If you want to futureproof and are a gamer see above and build yourself a PC gaming box. It will end up costing considerably less in the end too.
SaSaSushi
I agree with you but some of us are just wishing that we had the option of a better graphics card. Now with Bootcamp and the ability to game on Macs, Apple is likely going to figure out a way to tap the gaming communities pockets. I understand the financial benefits for Apple to keep things simple and nonupgradeable, but there are people out there (me included) who will pay twice the going rate of a mid level graphics card, if only we could get it on a Mac. A simple upgraded graphics card can save a person from having to buy an extra computer. Hmmm? Overpaying for a graphics card? or Buying another (PC) computer? Apple knows how to make $ as todays announcements show, so make me a computer and take my $$$$.
You aren't really from Japan....are you?
I agree with you but some of us are just wishing that we had the option of a better graphics card. Now with Bootcamp and the ability to game on Macs, Apple is likely going to figure out a way to tap the gaming communities pockets. I understand the financial benefits for Apple to keep things simple and nonupgradeable, but there are people out there (me included) who will pay twice the going rate of a mid level graphics card, if only we could get it on a Mac. A simple upgraded graphics card can save a person from having to buy an extra computer. Hmmm? Overpaying for a graphics card? or Buying another (PC) computer? Apple knows how to make $ as todays announcements show, so make me a computer and take my $$$$.
You aren't really from Japan....are you?
Hmm have you heard of the MacBook Pro? Well, then explain how that incredibly thinner design can house a better card!?
So, I still say there's NO reason why we can't have an option for a better card in the iMacs, and even if you are tired of the debate (I am too), there are some of us that actually love both gaming and the iMac! And I don't see the harm in questioning Apple's strategy about this it's the only way to get a change, and it IS possible to support gamers as well!
Sorry to complain about it, but there just doesn't seem to be any good reason why there shouldn't be a better card in the iMac?
Well, if you're talking about a video card option for customization I guess I can't argue with that if you're willing to pay the price. I hope Apple does eventually offer what you are seeking then.
I'm not a hardcore gamer. If I was I would build another gaming computer because I don't think the iMac is ever going to be a competitive "gaming" machine just by virtue of it's design and next-to-silent operation.
But I hope Apple ends up using the GPU you seek. You will love the alumiMac once you do bite the bullet, trust me.
No, I'm actually from New Jersey but just having marked my 14th anniversary in Japan 3 days ago I may as well be from Japan at this point.
Hmm have you heard of the MacBook Pro? Well, then explain how that incredibly thinner design can house a better card!?
So, I still say there's NO reason why we can't have an option for a better card in the iMacs, and even if you are tired of the debate (I am too), there are some of us that actually love both gaming and the iMac! And I don't see the harm in questioning Apple's strategy about this it's the only way to get a change, and it IS possible to support gamers as well!
Like I said to Mac2maverick I don't think the iMac is ever going to be a "gaming" machine and as it is it plays all the games I use it with perfectly well so I disagree that they "don't support gamers". That was all I was taking issue with. You made it seem as if the current HD2600XT is a low-end junk part that is incapable of playing any games. That's just not the case.
I hope you, like Mac2maverick, get the GPU option you seek but in the meantime there are aluminum iMac owners out there enjoying casual gaming. I don't think many hardcore gamers are seeking iMacs as a platform. There is a certain compromise one makes to get the "best of both worlds".