What I want to see in my 2018 iMac

[m0nkeyb0y]

I’m currently rocking a 2010 27” with upgraded RAM and a 512 SSD but it’s getting a little quirky. It’s gonna get replaced as soon as I have something to replace it with. Here’s what I’d like.

• At least 27”, maybe up to 30” or 32”. I’d be ok with a 5k 32”, no boost in resolution or PPI. Unlikely.
• Six-core processor. Seems like the least Apple can do, at least on the 27”. Likely.
• All SSD, no HD option or even Fusion drive. I’d like to see bigger, cheaper SSDs with lower latency. Maybe a little Optane action? Eh, 50/50?
• User-accessible RAM (no change) Likely?
• and bring back the optional VESA mount like on my 2010. I may want a VESA mount, but I don’t want to have to special-order one, or sell it as “VESA-mount only.” Likely.
• Smaller bezels. This just works better with my external monitors.
  
• Better cooling. My current fan runs ALL. THE. TIME. And it’s one of the old “fat” iMacs. So if you’re gonna bump up the power AND make it smaller, you better cool it better. Hard to say. I suspect the new iMac might get the iMac pros design, and the iMac pro will disappear to be replaced by the modular Mac Pro.
• MORE USB PORTS. Both kinds. Unlikely.
  
  That’s all, really. You?

 

[alien3dx]

I’m currently rocking a 2010 27” with upgraded RAM and a 512 SSD but it’s getting a little quirky. It’s gonna get replaced as soon as I have something to replace it with. Here’s what I’d like.

• At least 27”, maybe up to 30” or 32”. I’d be ok with a 5k 32”, no boost in resolution or PPI. Unlikely.
• Six-core processor. Seems like the least Apple can do, at least on the 27”. Likely.
• All SSD, no HD option or even Fusion drive. I’d like to see bigger, cheaper SSDs with lower latency. Maybe a little Optane action? Eh, 50/50?
• User-accessible RAM (no change) Likely?
• and bring back the optional VESA mount like on my 2010. I may want a VESA mount, but I don’t want to have to special-order one, or sell it as “VESA-mount only.” Likely.
• Smaller bezels. This just works better with my external monitors.
  
• Better cooling. My current fan runs ALL. THE. TIME. And it’s one of the old “fat” iMacs. So if you’re gonna bump up the power AND make it smaller, you better cool it better. Hard to say. I suspect the new iMac might get the iMac pros design, and the iMac pro will disappear to be replaced by the modular Mac Pro.
• MORE USB PORTS. Both kinds. Unlikely.
  
  That’s all, really. You?

for my exp base line 2017

1. AUDIO PORT should be at right side not at the back .
2. 27" ? fuh .. i cannot imagin higher then 21" for now
3. More core is useless, unless windows or osx can separate or consider as virtual machine it.
E.g 2 core special for operating system
2 core special for program only
2 core reserve and used when needed
** something like car engine
4. User-accessible RAM YES YES YES
5. All SSD, no HD option or even Fusion drive. I’d like to see bigger, cheaper SSDs with lower latency. Maybe a little Optane action.

** I do think APPLE wanted if we can store more space compare to travel macbook pro, macbook air. Apple assumption we don't need speed but space it's weird..

6 Vesa Mount .. sorry no comment.
7.Smaller bezels ? Err no idea
8. Better Colling. unsure..
9 . More USB PORT ? I do think 4 usb c 2 usb a is enough.. micro sd can put at the upper bezel or left.. It's weird.

 

[Glmnet1]

• At least 27”, maybe up to 30” or 32”. I’d be ok with a 5k 32”, no boost in resolution or PPI. Unlikely.

Increasing the size without increasing the resolution would make the iMac non-retina again and I don't see how Apple would market that. I think that the 5k 27" is perfect as it is.

• Six-core processor. Seems like the least Apple can do, at least on the 27”. Likely.

This is almost guaranteed to happen when Apple updates the iMac because all the new adequate chips from Intel are 6 core now.

• All SSD, no HD option or even Fusion drive. I’d like to see bigger, cheaper SSDs with lower latency. Maybe a little Optane action? Eh, 50/50?

I think you're asking for too much. Removing the HDD and Fusion would make sense, especially if there's a redesign but it will result in higher prices and less storage. There's no way around it, SSDs are still expensive and Apple likes its profit.

• User-accessible RAM (no change) Likely?

I hope so but if there is a redesign of any kind (less bezels or iMac Pro cooling for instance) I'm quite certain they'll remove the RAM door.

• Smaller bezels. This just works better with my external monitors.

• Better cooling. My current fan runs ALL. THE. TIME. And it’s one of the old “fat” iMacs. So if you’re gonna bump up the power AND make it smaller, you better cool it better. Hard to say. I suspect the new iMac might get the iMac pros design, and the iMac pro will disappear to be replaced by the modular Mac Pro.

I'd like to see both of these but again, expect drawbacks such as no RAM door.

MORE USB PORTS. Both kinds. Unlikely.

I personally think there are already plenty of ports on the iMac. If there's a redesign we might actually see less.

Think what the MacBook is versus MacBook Pro and apply this to a new iMac versus the iMac Pro, this is what I expect from Apple if there is a redesign. If there's no redesign then just an update to the CPU and maybe GPU, nothing else.

 

[theluggage]

• At least 27”, maybe up to 30” or 32”. I’d be ok with a 5k 32”, no boost in resolution or PPI. Unlikely.

If they shrunk the bezels they could fit in a 28" - but it depends on someone making a 5k panel at that size. More than about 30" will start getting ungainly for an all-in-one - a better solution for people who want more choice of displays is to make a new Mac Mini!!!

• Six-core processor. Seems like the least Apple can do, at least on the 27”. Likely.

Likely to happen by default - unless they go for the new Intel 4 core + semi-integrated AMD graphics option - which might make sense for the ower specced iMacs.

• All SSD, no HD option or even Fusion drive. I’d like to see bigger, cheaper SSDs with lower latency. Maybe a little Optane action? Eh, 50/50?

Optane is just one reason why the SSD should be socketed and behind a hatch for easy upgrades - not likely.

• User-accessible RAM (no change) Likely?

Ideally yes, but, if the next iMac still has user-accessible RAM then it will be a case of "Who are you and what have you done with the real Tim Cook?"

• and bring back the optional VESA mount like on my 2010. I may want a VESA mount, but I don’t want to have to special-order one, or sell it as “VESA-mount only.” Likely.

Quite possible, since the iMac Pro has this, and the solution sounds quite viable if Apple spend another $0.50 on non-snapping screws.

• Smaller bezels. This just works better with my external monitors

Fine, but not at any cost. Lets not lose any ports to bezel-thinning.

• Better cooling. My current fan runs ALL. THE. TIME. And it’s one of the old “fat” iMacs. So if you’re gonna bump up the power AND make it smaller, you better cool it better. Hard to say. I suspect the new iMac might get the iMac pros design, and the iMac pro will disappear to be replaced by the modular Mac Pro.

Its the i7 7700K that has the heat/noice problems in the 2017 iMac (the 7700K wasn't meant to be the operating temperature, but...) and I suspect that the real solution is going to be to max out at the new i5 6-core chip, which reputedly outperforms the current i7 and sounds like a more sensible proposition for an ultra-thin desktop.

• MORE USB PORTS. Both kinds. Unlikely.

Yes... some of us still have a shedload of USB 2 & 3 devices, some quite new, which do what they do perfectly well, and some work better connected to a "top level" USB port rather than a hub - even if they are only USB-2.

If they could match the iMac Pro and add two more USB-C/TB3 while keeping the existing 4xUSB3 then that would be great. I can put up with a USB-C to USB-3 dongle or two on a desktop and if it gives me more top-level ports than I had before.

There's an issue with USB-C that each full-blown USB-C/TB3/DisplayPort socket needs a couple of PCIe lanes, a DisplayPort signal and adequate power - and there's only so many of each of those to go around (the CPU/Chipset have a certain number of I/O lines that can be configured as PCIe, USB-3, SSD-optimised-PCIe etc. according to various arcane rules). Otherwise, you end up with different "classes" of USB-C port, which is un-Apple-y, so I don't really know how many full-spec USB-C ports the iMac can run and still have separate USB-3 ports.

I'd quite like a MiniDP or DisplayPort output or two - I see no point in blocking a port that could be used for USB 3 or Thunderbolt with a display output that can come straight from the GPU.

Again, though, the real solution is to stop forcing people who want an expandable desktop "headless" Mac to buy an all-in-one.

 

[alien3dx]

I personally think there are already plenty of ports on the iMac. If there's a redesign we might actually see less.

My Port usage

1. USB C to HDMI -> old samsung
2. USB C external hardisk 3.1 gen 2 western digital

Total 2 full

1. Logitech bluetooth
2. Fan for external hardisk
3. Available -> but mostly sometime connect to my external hardisk 1 tb
4. Available -> mostly connect to pendrive.

The location of usb pretty hard to me. I prefer not to moved the imac each time i want to connect to something. If i want to put cabel,it still annoying also.

 

[redheeler]

I'd like to see both of these but again, expect drawbacks such as no RAM door.

That's something I'm afraid will happen if Apple redesigns the iMac 27", and honestly the large bezels are a non-issue compared to paying $400 more for the same amount of RAM (or voiding the iMac's warranty trying to install it).

$400 is a lot of money to throw away with the only benefit being the RAM is covered under the Apple warranty, especially as new third-party RAM often comes with its own warranty...

 

[tubeexperience]

That's something I'm afraid will happen if Apple redesigns the iMac 27", and honestly the large bezels are a non-issue compared to paying $400 more for the same amount of RAM (or voiding the iMac's warranty trying to install it).

$400 is a lot of money to throw away with the only benefit being the RAM is covered under the Apple warranty, especially as new third-party RAM often comes with its own warranty...

No, this does not void the warranty.

From the FTC:

The letters warn that FTC staff has concerns about the companies’ statements that consumers must use specified parts or service providers to keep their warranties intact. Unless warrantors provide the parts or services for free or receive a waiver from the FTC, such statements generally are prohibited by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a law that governs consumer product warranties. Similarly, such statements may be deceptive under the FTC Act.

Each company used different language, but here are examples of questionable provisions:

• The use of [company name] parts is required to keep your . . . manufacturer’s warranties and any extended warranties intact.
• This warranty shall not apply if this product . . . is used with products not sold or licensed by [company name].
• This warranty does not apply if this product . . . has had the warranty seal on the [product] altered, defaced, or removed.

“Provisions that tie warranty coverage to the use of particular products or services harm both consumers who pay more for them as well as the small businesses who offer competing products and services,” said Thomas B. Pahl, Acting Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

From MacSales/OWC:

Unfortunately though, there exists a misconception among some users and even technicians that opening the machine voids the warranty.

We address this topic directly with customers via our support portals and are happy to inform you here of the same fact: upgrading your Mac does not void its warranty.

This consumer protection is owed to the little known Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975. Put simply, the act states that a company can’t require you to upgrade with only its own branded parts to retain the warranty. This important act protects your rights as a consumer and allows you to install upgrades with peace of mind confidence.

However, the warranty doesn’t cover any damage incurred while installing upgrades.

 

[Glmnet1]

No, this does not void the warranty.

From the FTC:



From MacSales/OWC:

Here are a few things to consider before you continue posting this everywhere:
- The FTC is in the US only. MR members live in different countries where the laws could be different.
- Apple clearly states that it voids your warranty:

This warranty does not apply:...(e) to damage caused by operating the Apple Product outside Apple’s published guidelines; (f) to damage caused by service (including upgrades and expansions) performed by anyone who is not a representative of Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (“AASP”); (g) to an Apple Product that has been modified to alter functionality or capability without the written permission of Apple;...

- If you want to open it and risk having to fight Apple to repair it once it breaks go for it. Most people don't want that kind of hassle.
- You better make sure that you can prove you didn't cause the damage by opening the iMac.

 

[tubeexperience]

Here are a few things to consider before you continue posting this everywhere:
- The FTC is in the US only. MR members live in different countries where the laws could be different.
- Apple clearly states that it voids your warranty:

- If you want to open it and risk having to fight Apple to repair it once it breaks go for it. Most people don't want that kind of hassle.
- You better make sure that you can prove you didn't cause the damage by opening the iMac.

Most countries have similar laws preventing warranty tie-in sales provisions.

Of cause, if you break it, you void the warranty, which is what it said.

 

[Freida]

3. More core is useless, unless windows or osx can separate or consider as virtual machine it.
E.g 2 core special for operating system

You are not serious, are you? Each core adds value to a lot of users. In fact, for me, the more the better.

If you wanna try and see the difference, try to render in 3D something and see the difference between 4cores and 12cores for examle. You are literally saving almost 2/3 of your time. (depending of course)

So no, not useless at all. Give us more cores!

 

[SoggyCheese]

Can we have Target Display Mode back please? That was essential for those of us with work MBPs who occasionally work from home.

 

[alien3dx]

You are not serious, are you? Each core adds value to a lot of users. In fact, for me, the more the better.

If you wanna try and see the difference, try to render in 3D something and see the difference between 4cores and 12cores for examle. You are literally saving almost 2/3 of your time. (depending of course)

So no, not useless at all. Give us more cores!

Yes , im serious . In future we will see 30 core something , need at least protection if something wrong .Most current software not even good distribute many core .

** from era 286, itanium (failure 64) ,xeon to now 7th gen intel

** maybe in my dream imac 2018 amd theadripper 32 core .

** i mean real core not add more hyperthreading

 

[jerwin]

My Port usage

Mine is
1 SSD-- for windows
1 Hard drive for media
1 Hard Drive for time machine
2 for keyboard and mouse
1 usb3 thumb drive
other crap that I connect as needed: scanner, cell phone, tablet, gamepad, joystick,

a hub helps. so does the fact that my keyboard has two ports. what doesn't help is the fact that some peripherals can't use a hub/
[doublepost=1530062857][/doublepost]

More core is useless, unless windows or osx can separate or consider as virtual machine it.

so you use an i5; not an i7?

 

[alien3dx]

Mine is
1 SSD-- for windows
1 Hard drive for media
1 Hard Drive for time machine
2 for keyboard and mouse
1 usb3 thumb drive
other crap that I connect as needed: scanner, cell phone, tablet, gamepad, joystick,

a hub helps. so does the fact that my keyboard has two ports. what doesn't help is the fact that some peripherals can't use a hub/
[doublepost=1530062857][/doublepost]

so you use an i5; not an i7?

yeah i5 imac base line 2017

prev 286,386,486,celeron,p4,dual core, xeon(server),itanium(server),core 2 duo, gen 3,4, 7(now)

 

[Hater]

Give the option of 30" or 32" for sure, but don't can the 21.5", not everyone has the space or want for a humongous screen.

 

[Icaras]

Give the option of 30" or 32" for sure, but don't can the 21.5", not everyone has the space or want for a humongous screen.

I agree Apple should always retain a smaller sized iMac but I really think they should move the 21.5” to a 24” (or similar). With thinner bezels, a 24” would be similar in size as the current 21.5”, just like how the iPhone X size dimensions very similarly compares to that of the 4.7” iPhone 6 design dimensions.

 

[craigrusse11]

a 16:9 display that was larger that 27" would be too tall and required a very large pixel count to remain retina. i.e The larger a screen gets due to 2D maths, the pixel count required for each diagonal inch is squared. I would rather the bezel was shrunk or if a screen was to go larger that they updated the 21.5 to be more usable size.

 

[theluggage]

Can we have Target Display Mode back please? That was essential for those of us with work MBPs who occasionally work from home.

Also, some variation on Target Display Mode that could display the image from an eGPU is needed if eGPUs are going to make any sense on an all-in-one.

I assume that one snag on the 5k is the lack of any standard to send a 5k video signal down a single DisplayPort/HDMI link - even Thunderbolt 3 uses two "virtual" DisplayPort streams and MST mode to kludge it. I believe the latest Thunderbolt chipset supports DisplayPort 1.4 which should help.

However, that doesn't explain why it hasn't been supported on the 21.5"

 

[Glmnet1]

Also, some variation on Target Display Mode that could display the image from an eGPU is needed if eGPUs are going to make any sense on an all-in-one.

I assume that one snag on the 5k is the lack of any standard to send a 5k video signal down a single DisplayPort/HDMI link - even Thunderbolt 3 uses two "virtual" DisplayPort streams and MST mode to kludge it. I believe the latest Thunderbolt chipset supports DisplayPort 1.4 which should help.

However, that doesn't explain why it hasn't been supported on the 21.5"

It might seem like a conspiracy theory but I believe the technical limitation are just an excuse for removing and not putting back target display. I think it's gone for good just like the RAM access on most devices, the ability to swap the SSD, change the battery or even just dust off the inside of the device. As soon as they find some way to justify it: poof it's gone!

What do all of these have in common? They allow us to keep the devices longer, wether it's by upgrading the specs or turning that iMac into a beautiful external display once it becomes too slow for your needs. Sadly, Apple doesn't want that, they want us to throw it out and buy new ones.

 

[cSalmon]

how about just delivering it in 2018

although the lack of multiple drives, a screen that has never been acclaimed as easy to to have calibrated (color-wise) and the inability to add Ram after the fact it's just hard to see the iMac as anything but an after work internet surfing toy (that's not built for gaming)

 

[padams35]

I currently have a 21.5" 2011 iMac paired with an external monitor for a dual-1080p setup. I don't have room for dual 27" so if I got a 5K I'd either have to live with cramped mismatched display sizes or downgrade from a dual to single display setup.

To add to the fantasies my 4K wish-list would be:

• User Replaceable RAM as with the 27".
• Upgraded GPU. (Otherwise I might as well by a clearance 2017 when 2018/2019s are released)
• SD card slot and at least 2x USB ports accessible from front/side. (Extension cables are an ugly cable mess)
• SATA SSD option (I don't need PCIe performance and am somewhat price sensitive)

 

[Internet Enzyme]

I would like to see every single model of imac to come with a wireless magic keyboard with touchbar standard. And don’t they even dare think about raising the price as they did with the touchbar macbook pros

 

[alien3dx]

I would like to see every single model of imac to come with a wireless magic keyboard with touchbar standard. And don’t they even dare think about raising the price as they did with the touchbar macbook pros

touchbar ? i don't want to miss my escape key sir.. important

 

[mcpix]

I agree about the touchbar! I have a 2017 13" MBP and the touchbar is the most "meh" feature of an otherwise excellent laptop.

I'm also nervous about losing the ability to upgrade the ram in the 27". I bought a 2015 5k iMac partially because I got a great deal, but also because I was worried that Apple would do to the 2017 iMac what they did to the MBP. Fortunately, the 2017 iMac proved to be a great update.

 

[throAU]

Give me:

memory slots in all iMacs including the 21"
M.2 slots for storage swap out. there's no reason to put a spinning hard drive in an iMac any more (not when SSD can be had for about $300US per TB), and SSD is easily added via m.2 slots just like RAM.

and i might consider an iMac.