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What do you guys think of the new iMac
- Thread starter iwannaimac
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Maybe others are somewhat disappointed, but I'm really excited. 
I was either going for a new Mac Mini (mine is 2009) or an iMac. Since they chose to use HD4000 for all Minis, that made my choice of an iMac easy.
I will wait for the 27". It may start at $1,999 but it will be closer to $3k once I've done the upgrades.
Fusion is interesting, but I'm going to opt for the 768GB flash drive. Since I have to buy a super drive, I'll go ahead and use external storage for media. The video card choices are both good. I'll have to see the price difference between the 675MX and the 680MX. The specs of the 680 are desktop comparable and want to go that way, unless it is outrageously expensive.
I was either going for a new Mac Mini (mine is 2009) or an iMac. Since they chose to use HD4000 for all Minis, that made my choice of an iMac easy.I will wait for the 27". It may start at $1,999 but it will be closer to $3k once I've done the upgrades.
Fusion is interesting, but I'm going to opt for the 768GB flash drive. Since I have to buy a super drive, I'll go ahead and use external storage for media. The video card choices are both good. I'll have to see the price difference between the 675MX and the 680MX. The specs of the 680 are desktop comparable and want to go that way, unless it is outrageously expensive.
Sorry, you have no idea what you're talking about.
In a blind test, with average use, you would not be able to tell the difference when using your same computer with 2 vs 8 gigs of RAM. (this is excluding MAJOR video rendering/editing with many open and active processes)
Your computer is just going to leave old programs in the extra ram if its there. If you dont have the extra ram, it will clear out the older stuff sooner. 2 GB is still plenty and there will be a LOT of extra, old data in the wings already before it gets cleared.
When you say you have 6.5 in use, you are not actually using 6.5. Know what I'm saying?
RAM is like the new megapixel war, where tech newbs always think that higher megapixels in a camera is paramount, ignoring the actually-important parts, like the sensor and lens glass. More megapixels with the same optics means higher resolution grainy crap, not better pictures. RAM is not always the answer.
Argue all you want, but the bottom line, and my original point, is that 8GB will never give you problems for the entire life of the system for your intended use.
It looks magical
I don't think its worth it for some consumers, however. Unless you really need it, like make a living of your computer worth it. Which plenty do. Or yours is slow to the point where you can't use it. But, just remember the next iMac will come out 6 to 7 months after this one releases. And for most the current can still chug along.
We will see haswell next year. Gets you more bank for your buck because it will be a somewhat better in speed in comparison from sandy to ivy bridge. Regardless, this iMac was the most popping part of the event. iPad mini? Too big. Only strength is it has cellular. Just my opinion, don't get heated over it.
I don't think its worth it for some consumers, however. Unless you really need it, like make a living of your computer worth it. Which plenty do. Or yours is slow to the point where you can't use it. But, just remember the next iMac will come out 6 to 7 months after this one releases. And for most the current can still chug along.
We will see haswell next year. Gets you more bank for your buck because it will be a somewhat better in speed in comparison from sandy to ivy bridge. Regardless, this iMac was the most popping part of the event. iPad mini? Too big. Only strength is it has cellular. Just my opinion, don't get heated over it.
Same boat 20 gb
I tried to get by on the 4 gb stock ram and yes it does work but you will get the beach ball quite a bit. Now if you just surf the web, email, do small and I mean small video editing you can get by. But I find Im at 11 gb once I get up and running with my multitasking. Final Cut can be a pig for ram. Ram is cheap now days can go full 32 gb easily for under $150. DONT BUY APPLE RAM! Go aftermarket, keep you stock ram sticks if you have any warrenty work that needs to be done just pop them back in. I would say 12 gb would be ideal for a average user who might do bigger tasking work once in awhile. 16 gb is plenty for about anyone but hardcore users. 32 gb is more for future proofing your machine. Remember it wasnt long ago where 2 gb was huge in a computer.
I tried to get by on the 4 gb stock ram and yes it does work but you will get the beach ball quite a bit. Now if you just surf the web, email, do small and I mean small video editing you can get by. But I find Im at 11 gb once I get up and running with my multitasking. Final Cut can be a pig for ram. Ram is cheap now days can go full 32 gb easily for under $150. DONT BUY APPLE RAM! Go aftermarket, keep you stock ram sticks if you have any warrenty work that needs to be done just pop them back in. I would say 12 gb would be ideal for a average user who might do bigger tasking work once in awhile. 16 gb is plenty for about anyone but hardcore users. 32 gb is more for future proofing your machine. Remember it wasnt long ago where 2 gb was huge in a computer.
While the new iMac does look good. I, like many on here, are not impressed w/ the changes that they had to make to make it that thin!
no ODD
SD card on the back
21inc not able to upgrade RAM?
why would i want another piece of hardware now that the OD is gone!
i guess either reburbished or a pc
just because there's a new mac that we have to be thankful? don't think so!
no ODD
SD card on the back
21inc not able to upgrade RAM?
why would i want another piece of hardware now that the OD is gone!
i guess either reburbished or a pc
just because there's a new mac that we have to be thankful? don't think so!
Computers are like automobiles now
Honestly, I'm still shocked at the number of disappointed people on this forum in the wake of the new iMac announcement. Let's face it - computers are like automobiles now. They are as much a fashion accessory and status symbol as they are a utilitarian tool. There are always those who are interested in what's under the hood, but most folks just care about how cool they think they'll look behind the wheel!
-racher
Honestly, I'm still shocked at the number of disappointed people on this forum in the wake of the new iMac announcement. Let's face it - computers are like automobiles now. They are as much a fashion accessory and status symbol as they are a utilitarian tool. There are always those who are interested in what's under the hood, but most folks just care about how cool they think they'll look behind the wheel!
-racher
What?!?!?!
I beg to disagree. I think the Macbook Pro is the status thing. Every time you walk by a coffee shop you see some yuppy with his shiny macbook probably checking Facebook yet sure he has the i7 in it just in case anybody asks lol. The iMac is more like the poormans Mac Pro. It is for home use you cant haul it to starbucks well maybe the new one. Hmmmm can see it now the external battery for the iMac since the new one is so light, 3 yuppys in a starbucks with new 2012 iMacs checking email. Hahaha anyhow I got mine cause I cant see paying over $3000 to $5000 for what I do video editing wise. The iMac with the i7 is all I need and more. Nobody is really gonna see your shinny new iMac less you have them over for dinner, or you use one at work. So it is still a work machine in my eyes. If I wanted a status symbol I would of gone Macbook Pro. Yet I wanted function of a big screen 27 inch and bigger processor.
Honestly, I'm still shocked at the number of disappointed people on this forum in the wake of the new iMac announcement. Let's face it - computers are like automobiles now. They are as much a fashion accessory and status symbol as they are a utilitarian tool. There are always those who are interested in what's under the hood, but most folks just care about how cool they think they'll look behind the wheel!
-racher
I beg to disagree. I think the Macbook Pro is the status thing. Every time you walk by a coffee shop you see some yuppy with his shiny macbook probably checking Facebook yet sure he has the i7 in it just in case anybody asks lol. The iMac is more like the poormans Mac Pro. It is for home use you cant haul it to starbucks well maybe the new one. Hmmmm can see it now the external battery for the iMac since the new one is so light, 3 yuppys in a starbucks with new 2012 iMacs checking email. Hahaha anyhow I got mine cause I cant see paying over $3000 to $5000 for what I do video editing wise. The iMac with the i7 is all I need and more. Nobody is really gonna see your shinny new iMac less you have them over for dinner, or you use one at work. So it is still a work machine in my eyes. If I wanted a status symbol I would of gone Macbook Pro. Yet I wanted function of a big screen 27 inch and bigger processor.
For the most part, I like the upgrade. However, the BTO options are priced out of most people's league.
They're not even offering a 256GB SSD on the iMac 27 (which was a $500 upgrade in the previous model). It's a 1TB 7200 RPM (standard), $300 1TB Fusion drive or $1300 768GB SSD only.
Edit: The 1TB Fusion is $250, not $300. My mistake.
They're not even offering a 256GB SSD on the iMac 27 (which was a $500 upgrade in the previous model). It's a 1TB 7200 RPM (standard), $300 1TB Fusion drive or $1300 768GB SSD only.
Edit: The 1TB Fusion is $250, not $300. My mistake.
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Whoa thats a lot of money!!
Dang didn't know it was that steep. Think I will keep my 2011 model I got as a refurb and while it is loading for the extra 3 seconds try and count all the money I saved. Maybe start a little game.
Dang didn't know it was that steep. Think I will keep my 2011 model I got as a refurb and while it is loading for the extra 3 seconds try and count all the money I saved. Maybe start a little game.
No, I think I used the word correctly:
utilitarian [juːˌtɪlɪˈtɛərɪən] adj
1. (Philosophy) of or relating to utilitarianism
2. designed for use rather than beauty
Regardless, I'm not saying form over function is always a good thing. I'm concerned with what's under the hood like many of you. But I'm also willing to pay extra for a sleek design that's also got power. Mind you, I plan to purchase the most souped-up 27" iMac available for video editing purposes. The 21" iMac was never on my radar, and I can agree that Apple's offerings there are a little disappointing.
-racher
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Yeah, I'd like to know where you're getting these prices from too...
MacBook Pro 13" options.
I hope they price it differently on the iMac, but I have my doubts as a 768GB SSD is extremely expensive (even in retail pricing).
SSD is awesome but expensive
Ya SSD is expensive even aftermarket. I think sticking with the 2011 iMac and waiting out the SSD and Thunderport storm will pay off with cheap SSD and thunder port options. I think Thunderport will be the new norm in a short while and same with SSD. Maybe study up on the iMac tear downs and wait for your apple care to expire to dig into your iMac and reap the rewards down the road when a 1 tb SSD is standard and HDD is dated like the floppy disk. Should see a huge push toward SSD with Windows 8 computers coming out Im sure
Ya SSD is expensive even aftermarket. I think sticking with the 2011 iMac and waiting out the SSD and Thunderport storm will pay off with cheap SSD and thunder port options. I think Thunderport will be the new norm in a short while and same with SSD. Maybe study up on the iMac tear downs and wait for your apple care to expire to dig into your iMac and reap the rewards down the road when a 1 tb SSD is standard and HDD is dated like the floppy disk. Should see a huge push toward SSD with Windows 8 computers coming out Im sure
Not interested at all
Same issue I had with the rMBP. Skipped it and bought a 2011 model with 1680x1050 hi res display for $1100, added SSD and replaced ODD with 750GB 7200 drive and upgraded to 16GB RAM. I wanted the ability to upgrade and refused to support Apple's "thin at any cost" approach.
So here we are with the iMac and once again I will find a good condition prior model and upgrade it as I see fit. My 2010 iMac is customized with e-SATA and internal 2TB drive. I do not like this push for thin. I prefer more powerful components and the ability to upgrade.
Perhaps in 2 to 3 years something will change. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
Cheers,
Same issue I had with the rMBP. Skipped it and bought a 2011 model with 1680x1050 hi res display for $1100, added SSD and replaced ODD with 750GB 7200 drive and upgraded to 16GB RAM. I wanted the ability to upgrade and refused to support Apple's "thin at any cost" approach.
So here we are with the iMac and once again I will find a good condition prior model and upgrade it as I see fit. My 2010 iMac is customized with e-SATA and internal 2TB drive. I do not like this push for thin. I prefer more powerful components and the ability to upgrade.
Perhaps in 2 to 3 years something will change. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
Cheers,
The 27" iMac tech specs list the iMac as customizable with the following hard drive options only:
"Configurable to 3TB hard drive, 1TB or 3TB Fusion Drive, or 768GB of flash storage."
The 1TB Fusion drive BTO price comes from the Mac mini section on the Apple Store.
It's a $250 upgrade.
The 768 SSD drive BTO price comes from the MacBook Pro section on the Apple Store.
It's a $1000-1300 upgrade.
Apple hasn't released BTO upgrade pricing on the iMac yet. However, one would assume the iMac options will be in the same ballpark. They really need a 256GB SSD only option in there too.
Absolutely, positively, love it. Nothing else even comes close to it.
The new iMac is the new benchmark and it's been raised dramatically.
Would've been nice to see a "retina" display but the display is honestly close enough as it is.
With the new iPad Mini, Mac Mini, the 13" MBPr and now this new iMac line up... Apple continues to push the envelope as far as melding tech with art.
I'll be picking up a maxed out 27" in December.
The new iMac is the new benchmark and it's been raised dramatically.
Would've been nice to see a "retina" display but the display is honestly close enough as it is.
With the new iPad Mini, Mac Mini, the 13" MBPr and now this new iMac line up... Apple continues to push the envelope as far as melding tech with art.
I'll be picking up a maxed out 27" in December.
The 768GB SSD is $1300 extra on the 13" rMBP when a 128GB SSD storage is the baseline, but only $500 extra on 15" rMBP when the 512GB SSD is the baseline. So the extra cost could vary wildly. I sure wish Apple had posted BTO option prices along with their iMac photo teases.
-racher
Blew mine to get a refund
Ya I waited on sidelines till I felt it was close. Bought my 2011 refurb 14 days before the launch due to checking this site. And laughed all the way to the bank when I called Apple today to get my price drop money back. Saved enough to either buy a 256 SSD well close would need to throw another $100 at it, or another 16 gb of ram and a case of beer oh ya thanks Macrumors!!
Ya I waited on sidelines till I felt it was close. Bought my 2011 refurb 14 days before the launch due to checking this site. And laughed all the way to the bank when I called Apple today to get my price drop money back. Saved enough to either buy a 256 SSD well close would need to throw another $100 at it, or another 16 gb of ram and a case of beer oh ya thanks Macrumors!!
I think based on everything I've seen today it's becoming more and more clear that any Mac that is not a Mac Pro for $5000 is a compromise and basically a consumer grade computer in sleek design. Was I looking forward to using OS X? Sort of. It seems pretty clean and relatively straight forward.
But way over $2000 for an all-in-one PC with severe limitations or an "upgraded" Mac Mini (now with USB3 but worse HDD choices) that for my basics need would also come in the $1200 class after much tinkering? I don't think so.
I'm going to buy myself two nice NEC or EIZO screens and will build a Win7 PC to my needs. And that's still cheaper - even before I'd have to throw out my current CS5 software to buy the Apple version.
Sorry, but there is no hope for the arrogant folks at Apple. Let's hope for their employees that they'll continue to sell tons of i-gadgets. But the we-know-better-than-you approach reminds me of the people currently occupying the White House or of my employer leadership who are now trying to make decisions for us in our 401K accounts and roll stuff over against our will. Just like the new "Fusion Drive" where Apple decides where my crap is stored based on their assumptions about my preferences. Screw this all.
But way over $2000 for an all-in-one PC with severe limitations or an "upgraded" Mac Mini (now with USB3 but worse HDD choices) that for my basics need would also come in the $1200 class after much tinkering? I don't think so.
I'm going to buy myself two nice NEC or EIZO screens and will build a Win7 PC to my needs. And that's still cheaper - even before I'd have to throw out my current CS5 software to buy the Apple version.
Sorry, but there is no hope for the arrogant folks at Apple. Let's hope for their employees that they'll continue to sell tons of i-gadgets. But the we-know-better-than-you approach reminds me of the people currently occupying the White House or of my employer leadership who are now trying to make decisions for us in our 401K accounts and roll stuff over against our will. Just like the new "Fusion Drive" where Apple decides where my crap is stored based on their assumptions about my preferences. Screw this all.