What to expect from iMac 2012 - Discussion

[iMcLovin]

More than anything, I want a reasonably priced SSD option. Here in Australia right now it costs $600 to take away the 1tb HDD and replace it with a 256gb SSD. That is just insane. It's not that I can't afford it, it's that I can't justify it.

Exactly how I see it too. I can afford it but it simply makes no sense. The difference is even bigger in price in Norway... I have to play close to $800 for replacing the hdd with a ssd. Even if I were a millionaire i would refused doing that. It was a lot more expensive than others when it came out, now it's just reached ridicule.

 

[Seamaster]

Couldn't agree more. If I was buying a new iMac today, I'd want one with a 256GB SDD. But I ain't payin' Apple's 2011 prices for one.

 

[Lancer]

We all know USB3 is going to be on the new 2012 iMac. Here's other stuff I would like with it:

- optional retina display on the high end 27" (or whatever larger size they go for)

Not likely before a redesign in 2013 but it also looks like the 2012 might not come in July.

- removal of internal speakers to allow for more GPU/CPU cooling

Not going to happen, even though most will add external speakers the point of the iMac is it's all-in-one design.

- more USB ports (and more spaced out as well, >=2 USB3 and >=4 USB2 would be nice)

Apple will go with all USB3, unlike PC they won't mix the 2.

- much better GPU (GTX 680M, around equal to a tad faster than the 7970M, but cooler running)

Agreed we need better graphics card.

- removal of the optical drive and have an easy access slot to drop in a SATA 6.0Gb/s SSD (or two)

Again not likely in a spec upgrade but this could come in the next redesign in 2013.

- minimum 2TB hard drive standard

Maybe not all models but the to 27" should have a bigger HDD.

- SDXC slot that isn't based on the USB2 line (ie UHS cards could go more than 30MB/s)

Agreed.

- optional matte display (lol, this won't happen)

I'd like this but yes they haven't done this sing the 24" so not likely.

- 2 Firewire ports (2 800s or 1 800 and 1 400)

Apple won't be going back to FW400 ports, you can get a cable to go from 400-800 if needed.

- 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0

Yes!

I just don't see why Apple is holding back with the Ivy Bridge updates for the iMac. Isn't it a relatively easy process to update the specs in the production like with little or no down time in product?

 

[forty2j]

I just don't see why Apple is holding back with the Ivy Bridge updates for the iMac. Isn't it a relatively easy process to update the specs in the production like with little or no down time in product?

I can't stress this enough...

IF the 2012 iMac launches with ML on July 25 and includes a 680M, then *Apple* wasn't holding it back. *Nvidia* was.

 

[iMcLovin]

I can't stress this enough...

IF the 2012 iMac launches with ML on July 25 and includes a 680M, then *Apple* wasn't holding it back. *Nvidia* was.

But more than likely this isn't the case though. Nvidia is probably not holding apple back... Greed, neglect and iToys are.

 

[forty2j]

But more than likely this isn't the case though. Nvidia is probably not holding apple back... Greed, neglect and iToys are.

I really don't understand how the conspiracy theorists get this idea.

Now, Apple has being backing out of the SERVER business for some time. The Mac Pro with its Xeon processors qualifies. It's not a valid analogy for what's happening with their consumer products. As I mentioned in the other thread it's more analogous to the iPhone 4S. It's in the oven, it's just not done yet. It's possible it's even a "Plan B" like the 4S was and "Plan A" (say, redesign with Retina) failed.

 

[iMcLovin]

I really don't understand how the conspiracy theorists get this idea.

Now, Apple has being backing out of the SERVER business for some time. The Mac Pro with its Xeon processors qualifies. It's not a valid analogy for what's happening with their consumer products. As I mentioned in the other thread it's more analogous to the iPhone 4S. It's in the oven, it's just not done yet. It's possible it's even a "Plan B" like the 4S was and "Plan A" (say, redesign with Retina) failed.

Well in todays world iMac isn't a consumer product, it's closer to a pro machine for the pro market now IMO. And I put a long time investment in this machine... Not like iPad were you play with it for a year and toss it. So yeah I feel kinda let down by apple...it's easy for you to say that they have it in the oven and something held them up...why can't I say the opposite: that apple chose to milk the current iMac until its completely dried up. And that their dev team for the iMac has probably been sized down because priorities have been shifted to more profitable products that needs to be more cutting edge, to stay competitive. Call me a conspiracy theorist - but this seems more likely to me than your glorified all-good-intentions image of Apple.

 

[forty2j]

Well in todays world iMac isn't a consumer product, it's closer to a pro machine

Thanks for chatting, looks like I'm done here.

 

[Nova Sensei]

If I were releasing a new iMac, I can't think of a better time to do it than with a software launch. It just makes sense.

 

[iMcLovin]

Thanks for chatting, looks like I'm done here.

Well what makes the iMac less pro than the MacBook pro? Please tell me? More companies have iMac in their stable than companies have Mac pro today, I'm willing to bet money on this. So maybe it doesn't have the "pro" stamp.. But people buy the computer to make money on it, and the computer power is enough for heavy image files etc... Consumers have moved more into MacBook airs and iPads. Infact if you look at sales numbers, the MacBook pro is more of a consumer product than the iMac - and if you look and computer power iMac is the most powerful of all Mac products (except the cores of the mp) so how come you mean this is a wrong thing to say ??? Just because apple hasn't called it a pro yet ? Please elaborate?

 

[forty2j]

Well what makes the iMac less pro than the MacBook pro? Please tell me? More companies have iMac in their stable than companies have Mac pro today, I'm willing to bet money on this. So maybe it doesn't have the "pro" stamp..

The MBP is about having your data available to make minor edits on the train etc. and being able to give presentations at clients. It isn't really meant to be a designer's sole machine.

That shops are resorting to using iMacs (which is frankly silly, given that even with their late and weak spec bump the Pros still out-geekbench the iMacs by a wide margin) doesn't make them pro machines; they're targeted at consumers.

 

[iMcLovin]

The MBP is about having your data available to make minor edits on the train etc. and being able to give presentations at clients. It isn't really meant to be a designer's sole machine.

That shops are resorting to using iMacs (which is frankly silly, given that even with their late and weak spec bump the Pros still out-geekbench the iMacs by a wide margin) doesn't make them pro machines; they're targeted at consumers.

I see your point and I know that iMacs are designed for the consumer market. But the line isn't completely clear. The MacBook and MacBook pros existed together for a long time until suddenly apple merged them as one pro machine ( as Schiller said: he thinks the mb had earned its pro tag) for me the iMac has earned its pro tag for a long time ago. The high end iMac is a capable machine and it's used as so. One could at least argue that the high end bto iMac 27" is above the needs of a common man, while still not the ideal gaming rig... What then is left other than professional use?

So I would say that 27" iMacs are designed for consumers and used by professionals.

 

[forty2j]

One could at least argue that the high end bto iMac 27" is above the needs of a common man, while still not the ideal gaming rig... What then is left other than professional use?

So I would say that 27" iMacs are designed for consumers and used by professionals.

I think the percentage of gamers that use "ideal gaming rigs" is smaller than you might think. People make compromises for one reason or another. I compromise to get OS X as my primary OS, so I'm the target audience for the top 27".

Anyway the point is that even if you want to argue that Apple no longer cares about enterprise/professionals, that doesn't mean anything with regards to the iMac. It's targeted at consumers first, and if pros found a use for it, great. Pros finding it useful doesn't mean Apple is going to refuse to update it out of spite.

You talked earlier about "greed". Greed is to corporations as hunger is to humans. You absolutely require it, or you will forget to acquire proper nourishment and you won't survive. It's possible it can get out of hand, but it's better to have too much than not enough. Now, is Apple being "greedy" by listing a 450-day-old system for sale at 2011 prices? Only if they're flying off the shelves. I get the impression they aren't. So greed should be motivating them to make the update.

 

[iMcLovin]

I think the percentage of gamers that use "ideal gaming rigs" is smaller than you might think. People make compromises for one reason or another. I compromise to get OS X as my primary OS, so I'm the target audience for the top 27".

Anyway the point is that even if you want to argue that Apple no longer cares about enterprise/professionals, that doesn't mean anything with regards to the iMac. It's targeted at consumers first, and if pros found a use for it, great. Pros finding it useful doesn't mean Apple is going to refuse to update it out of spite.

You talked earlier about "greed". Greed is to corporations as hunger is to humans. You absolutely require it, or you will forget to acquire proper nourishment and you won't survive. It's possible it can get out of hand, but it's better to have too much than not enough. Now, is Apple being "greedy" by listing a 450-day-old system for sale at 2011 prices? Only if they're flying off the shelves. I get the impression they aren't. So greed should be motivating them to make the update.

Greed is when I don't get what I want seriously , calling apple greedy is just another way to whine at them not focusing on the products I love . Isnt this the place to bitch and release frustration among other apple fanboys? What annoys me personally is that apples success on phones and pads does seem to shift their priorities. While I love these products, personally what makes me love apple is that I enjoy doing my work on their machines... And I seem to be of less priority than the kids that likes to play games on an iPad... Maybe I'm wrong but that's how it feels.

About pro or not. I find it almost annoying when people say the iMac isn't a pro machine. Well it's a consumer product I know, but I'm an artist/ illustrator working with huge images, 3d artwork etc, and iMac can handle this. I consider myself someone who needs professional hardware specs. But I guess it's the same as in the pc world. Buying a "gamer" rig works great for most pro users unless you are a very specific user and you get so much for the same price this way... Usually buying a pc with nvidia quadro card etc is just a waste I money... As the price is so much more for so little extra - unless you really need it that is)

 

[Metal Dice]

Hmm. A Scandinavian (official) Apple Reseller, just started labeling their iMac computers as "mid 2011".

 

[141n5]

personally what makes me love apple is that I enjoy doing my work on their machines... And I seem to be of less priority than the kids that likes to play games on an iPad... Maybe I'm wrong but that's how it feels.

About pro or not. I find it almost annoying when people say the iMac isn't a pro machine. Well it's a consumer product I know, but I'm an artist/ illustrator working with huge images, 3d artwork etc, and iMac can handle this. I consider myself someone who needs professional hardware specs.

This is exactly my point of view and position.

I would say that the top end 27 iMac (with or without BTO options) are aimed at the 'pro-sumer' both in price and ability.

They can handle what I am going to be able to chuck at it in terms of work for a few years - or - for a someone needing the latest and greatest facebook machine to blow lots of pennies on it is within range of either user and appealing on both counts.

the smaller units are definitely aimed at the consumer market.

Who knows? maybe the 2013 MP revision might chuck up a machine for the future, they would get my money on a compact professional machine with Thunderbolt connectivity, but the way things are going with iMac maybe that is what I am going to have to buy next.

 

[Soundburst]

This is exactly my point of view and position.

I would say that the top end 27 iMac (with or without BTO options) are aimed at the 'pro-sumer' both in price and ability.

They can handle what I am going to be able to chuck at it in terms of work for a few years - or - for a someone needing the latest and greatest facebook machine to blow lots of pennies on it is within range of either user and appealing on both counts.

the smaller units are definitely aimed at the consumer market.

Who knows? maybe the 2013 MP revision might chuck up a machine for the future, they would get my money on a compact professional machine with Thunderbolt connectivity, but the way things are going with iMac maybe that is what I am going to have to buy next.

I'd also say the bigger 27incher is aimed at Prosumers!

It's powerful and has that important screen.

I'll be connecting my MacBook Pro 13inch to it via Thunderbolt and using the 13inch screen as a secondary monitor.

So i'll be editing sound (I use Pro Tools for audio post production) on the iMac using the massive screen. . .and will have the video I'm putting the sound to on the secondary 13inch display with the timecode burned in. It will be brilliant!!

 

[QuickFlame]

Hmm. A Scandinavian (official) Apple Reseller, just started labeling their iMac computers as "mid 2011".

This is more promising than stock shortage rumours

 

[edry.hilario]

Hmm. A Scandinavian (official) Apple Reseller, just started labeling their iMac computers as "mid 2011".

what is this suppose to mean ??

 

[sukai]

what is this suppose to mean ??

Probably nothing. But perhals apple will continue to sell the current one and a possible newone soon?

 

[pelle41]

what is this suppose to mean ??

well, it looks like they try to differ the current gen iMac from the other iMacs, potentially the new one. But, once again, even most resellers don't know more than we do.

Nevertheless I don't know why this reseller reminds their customers that they're buying one year old hardware, seems to be a rather stupid idea to me.

 

[jonofuf]

- removal of the optical drive and have an easy access slot to drop in a SATA 6.0Gb/s SSD (or two)

Again not likely in a spec upgrade but this could come in the next redesign in 2013.

A spec "UPGRADE"??
This is something I still don't really get. Sure, take it out of the portable computer lineup, make it as thin and light as you please. Students enjoy not noticing the extra weight on their backs... but the iMac is a desktop computer! Am I the only one that still uses MP3 CDs in my car? I also record and produce music and sometimes movies for people that prefer to watch video on their DVD player/TV instead of their tiny computer screens. And last I checked, blank CDs are still a cheaper physical distribution method for audio than flash drives! Isn't this the kind of stuff EVERYONE does with their Macs??

I suppose some people just like thin for the sake of thin, or they want to pretend their iMacs are laptops, instead of getting a MacBook. However, this will unfortunately be a deal-breaker for me. If there is no option in the next iMac to include an optical drive, I will buy a refurbished 2011 instead. Two storage drives are enough for me... I'll buy an external if I need a 3rd physical storage location; 3 internal drives just seems silly to me.

One more week, everyone, until the Mountain Lion release - the day of decision for those of us too impatient to wait until 2013!

 

[iEdd]

No new iMacs again this week.

It's gonna be all the more frustrating when they finally come out, and it's only a minor change. Everyone's expecting something huge now.

 

[Timhet]

No new iMacs again this week.

It's gonna be all the more frustrating when they finally come out, and it's only a minor change. Everyone's expecting something huge now.

I'm not expecting anything big. The current iMac is below par when you compare it to the the MacBookPros. Things like USB3 are missing.

All I want is for Apple to bring the iMac up to par, then I'll buy one.

 

[iEdd]

Same. Ivy Bridge and USB3 is basically all I'm expecting as definite. It's just frustrating, as I always had February in mind for that (then Intel delayed, then Apple delayed excessively).