What to expect from iMac 2012 - Discussion

[Yinmay]

hdmi is nowhere near the usb3, it just doesnt have the same use, the same functionality

why would apple put hdmi in iMac? what use would it have? they already have thunderbolt which incorporates display and data, hdmi is only video (display), nothing more

apple is all about less is more (minimalism) why would you have two different ports (hdmi + thunderbolt) when you can have all in one (thunderbolt) and they knew this from the beginning...

but usb is a whole different story, and usb3 is natural evolution of usb ports, and apple doesnt have to do anything aside implement ivy bridge to support it, even intel says that thunderbolt and usb3 supplement each other, hence why there'll be support for it in ivy bridge...

usb is already there, they just need to upgrade the standard, from 2.1 to 3.0, like they will be doing with thunderbolt when optical cables arrive, usb 3 is not a new port, its just an evolution of the port that already exists, and they were waiting for support from intel so they dont need to put 3rd party accessories to support it, again very apple-like - less is more

im willing to put a 1000 dollars that macs with ivy bridge will support usb 3, and im also pretty sure that all of the usb ports will be 3.0 standard, if i could make money on this kind of things i would already be a millionaire

really, usb3 is a no-brainer, its 100% if they implement ivy bridge, agree?

if you wanna look at past habits, look how fast they implemented usb 2, that should provide some insight

and thunderbolt to usb3 doesnt make sense, thats why they dont exist yet, and i dont think they ever will, why would you want to hook up your usb key to usb3 - thunderbolt adapter?

and imac 32' wont happen, the reason they discontinued 30' cinema display is because they thought its too big, if you want bigger, you can have 2 cinema displays, hence thunderbolt, more people will buy 27' than 30' for a computer, and thats all that matters, don't you think?

You make a good case for USB 3, and I surely hope you'll be proven right. But for some reasons, even if Intel says they're both meant to coexist, I don't see Apple offering both.

As you said "Apple's philosophy is less is more", and that's why they were so instrumental in developing Thunderbolt, I think their dream is that it replaces every other type of ports.

As for the 32" yes, you're right, it's too big for a computer display... unless the iMac 2012 is meant to be Apple's first foray into TV sets, in which case 32" is actually quite small.

 

[beosound3200]

You make a good case for USB 3, and I surely hope you'll be proven right. But for some reasons, even if Intel says they're both meant to coexist, I don't see Apple offering both.

As you said "Apple's philosophy is less is more", and that's why they were so instrumental in developing Thunderbolt, I think their dream is that it replaces every other type of ports.

As for the 32" yes, you're right, it's too big for a computer display... unless the iMac 2012 is meant to be Apple's first foray into TV sets, in which case 32" is actually quite small.

well, thunderbolt wont replace all the ports, because that would be overkill, but thunderbolt will replace firewire... usb will stay because of the low-end stuff (data wise) like usb keys, cameras, keyboards and so on...

exactly, 27 inch mac will remain, and future itv will be much bigger

 

[Schranke]

I hope and wish for USB 3.0, it won't change appearance on the mac since its the same port as USB 2.0.
So i think apple are going for it

 

[Aliascognito]

I'm not yet a Mac owner but I used them at work and I own other apple products (iPhone4, iPad 1, TV 2). This is a real shot-in-the-dark opinion but I wonder if the new iMacs may have a multi-touch screen option. Consider the mileage Apple has enjoyed a a result of this technology on mobile devices. I know it may seem awkward to consider reaching across one's desk to manipulate items on the screen, but I dare say a great many iPad owners have tried it out of reflex. Isn't a knack for reflexive intuition part of what makes Apple successful?

I've been studying with the intent to purchase an iMac soon. I have the dough but I'm waiting. Based on historical trends posted here at MacRumors it looks like we are approaching the end of the average release interval.

Days since last release = 224 days

Average release interval since 04/2008 = 273 days

Historical--------Release
releases---------interval
05/2011----------280
07/2011----------280
10/2009----------231
03/2009----------309
04/2008----------265

I can see what you are saying but in my opinion this would be counter intuitive. Even as a laptop, I couldn't imagine wanting a screen to be multitouch, it just doesn't seem right. Who knows, i might be wrong but i'm nearly sure that Apple are concentrating on getting Ivy Bridge processors in as their next update along with usb 3.0.

 

[Icaras]

I can see what you are saying but in my opinion this would be counter intuitive. Even as a laptop, I couldn't imagine wanting a screen to be multitouch, it just doesn't seem right. Who knows, i might be wrong but i'm nearly sure that Apple are concentrating on getting Ivy Bridge processors in as their next update along with usb 3.0.

No, you're right. Let's keep touch off the iMac for now please. My arm aches just thinking about it.

 

[onthecouchagain]

My parents are actually in the process of needing a new computer, so I'm hoping a redesign iMac for 2012 is coming soon. That way, I can give them my old iMac.

I'm really hoping for a redesign. But I'm also hoping they keep the CD drive.

 

[mrmarts]

I would have to say ouch to no optical drive i know you can get external but it kinda disorientates the purpose of all in one especially if you need the space.

 

[philipma1957]

Apple has put theirselves in a funny spot with the iMac.

Why have an ssd option when t-bolt is faster and offers instant replacement if the drive fails.


this is no longer for sale but it is faster then any internal ssd apple offers and can run fan less .

http://www.ebay.com/itm/16069266617...X:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1560.l2649#ht_2237wt_1371

this is conflict one.

next glossy screen no need to explain how many people hate it

conflict two

optical drive have it or not how many posts over this.

conflict three

next no blu ray a cousin to number three but still a problem

conflict four

usb 3 is a complete no brainer ivy bridge allows it

it also would let you use the external with pc's, knowing apple they won't have one !

conflict five



screen size 21.5 plus 27 and the rumor that apple want to make tv's this is a huge problem for lots of users how it gets resolved will be interesting. do they go to 27 37 46? or what.

conflict six


lack of a real ht/gaming machine hurts sales of apple.


for 1400 to 1600 an amazing ht/gaming machine can be built. You can use it with any size tv. I have a 46 inch led sony in my ht it is 1080p apple refuses to address the ht/gamer person that wants a big tv 46 to 70 inch as a ht/gaming setup


http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.771104

this is a link to a ht/gaming machine for about 1268. The video card is short but add 150 more for a better card and add 150 for an ssd and for 1575.00 you have a really good setup that will slap an iMac silly and allows any size tv! BTW these case is;

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811280021

about 5 by 17 by 15 put it on your ht rack and you are set.


this is a big conflict for me as it has everything I want except osx snow or lion.

So conflict seven is a big one for me. btw the only mac that can do what this machine does is a mac pro. The 2500 base model is not good enough to match this machine.

The most interesting problem is apple is whaling with iPads iPods iPhones

mostly all a form of crack when compared to real computers. I have seen commercials of people watching a movie on an iPad on their couch in the living room with the 52 inch tv turned off. Think about that does it make sense nooo! This reminds me of the graffiti in NYC in the 80's 'crack is whack'. It is kind of a subculture of real computer users vs mobile toy users. Really good for apple's bottom line. Not good for people that don't use mobile gear much.

this is conflict eight


I am interested in how apple solves some of the issues. I owned a 2009 machine it was a nice iMac I would like to get one again but I will need to wait for the 2012 machine just to see what they build.

 

[gpat]

Mostly certain:
-Ivy Bridge
-USB 3
-more graphics power

Probable:
-No more ODD
-smaller SSD for Intel caching technology, standard on all/some models
-Desktop graphics (space saved with ODD removal would allow that)

Almost impossible:
-Matte Screen (not going to happen, wishful thinking)

 

[Crocadillian]

I can see what you are saying but in my opinion this would be counter intuitive. Even as a laptop, I couldn't imagine wanting a screen to be multitouch, it just doesn't seem right. Who knows, i might be wrong but i'm nearly sure that Apple are concentrating on getting Ivy Bridge processors in as their next update along with usb 3.0.

Are people forgetting the iMac patent Apple submitted over a year ago that featured a tilting stand and a touch screen? Besides, I love drawing with my iPad and to have a huge canvas at my disposal would be awesome (using my trusty paper stylus!).

I think with the inflexibility of certain downloadable media such as DRM movies and music (unlike CDs and DVDs where you can retain a physical copy) I think that it is still unrealistic to remove a disc drive from the iMac. If they do I will be very disappointed, because iTunes could never replace a DVD with its flexibility and features no matter what they say! :9

For the 2012 iMac id want Ivy Bridge, USB 3.0, a better graphics card and a touch screen.

 

[Identity Fraud]

hdmi is nowhere near the usb3, it just doesnt have the same use, the same functionality

why would apple put hdmi in iMac? what use would it have? they already have thunderbolt which incorporates display and data, hdmi is only video (display), nothing more

Then people can use other hardware (game systems, bluray players, cable boxes) on their iMac. The fact the iMac and TB Display dont allow it is disappointing. I have a 2010 MBP, if the TB Display worked with Min-Display and or had HDMI I could get one now and use it.

Apple clearly is doing well and they dont need any help from me, but having an HDMI port = more attractive prodjuct. There isn't anyone who will not buy it because it has an HDMI port, but there are people like me who wont due to this omission.

 

[doktordoris]

"couldn't care less", not "could care less". Saying that you "could" care less means that you do care, even a little.

On a caring scale of 0 to 100, where 0 is not caring at all, and 100 is full-on caring:

"couldn't care less" = 0
"could care less" > 0

Thanks for that post. The OPs statement irked me too.

 

[Skippern]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 5_0_1 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/534.46 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.1 Mobile/9A405 Safari/7534.48.3)

Seriously, do you people not understand sarcasm? I COULD care less about your irks, but I won't.

 

[derbothaus]

Are people forgetting the iMac patent Apple submitted over a year ago that featured a tilting stand and a touch screen? Besides, I love drawing with my iPad and to have a huge canvas at my disposal would be awesome (using my trusty paper stylus!).

No but they remember the keynote where Steve said they tried it and everyones back hurt and their screens were covered in fingerprints.

-Ivy Bridge (Not as great a boost over SB as everyone thinks, mostly about the integrated GPU)
-USB 3.0 (Because Apple buys Intel chipsets and the support will be onboard)
-SATAIII on all host adapters. Maybe 3x plus support.
-No HDMI
-No Blu-ray
-Updated anemic dedicated graphics for performance around 2009 PC maybe a HD7770 or similar.
-23-27" Higher density displays for res over 2560x1440.
-Cheaper SSD option.

 

[beosound3200]

Then people can use other hardware (game systems, bluray players, cable boxes) on their iMac. The fact the iMac and TB Display dont allow it is disappointing. I have a 2010 MBP, if the TB Display worked with Min-Display and or had HDMI I could get one now and use it.

Apple clearly is doing well and they dont need any help from me, but having an HDMI port = more attractive prodjuct. There isn't anyone who will not buy it because it has an HDMI port, but there are people like me who wont due to this omission.

why would you use gaming system with iMac? or bluray player? to use it as a screen?

Displayport is compatible with thunderbolt, so you can buy thunderbolt cinema display and use it with your macbook pro, if thats what bothers you..

thats true, but why another port if you dont have practical use of it? why have two ports for the same thing? if i was apple i would never put hdmi in it, it already has thunderbolt which transfers video AND data, so two things in one.. and you can even daisy-chain it, from an engineering standpoint its perfect.. its like having two browsers, why would you like two programs for the same thing? pick the one you think is best and use it, thats exactly what apple did..

if you think the more options is better, you shouldnt be buying from apple, for them, the less is more

 

[onthecouchagain]

I really want a redesign that'll address the heat issue, but I also fear that a redesign will mean the omission of the optical drive. As someone said, it kind of defeats the point of an "all in one" when it requires a separate superdrive to use DVDs/CDs.

 

[TwoBytes]

^ yes, heat issue needs addressing for sure.

 

[beosound3200]

I really want a redesign that'll address the heat issue, but I also fear that a redesign will mean the omission of the optical drive. As someone said, it kind of defeats the point of an "all in one" when it requires a separate superdrive to use DVDs/CDs.

imac is overheating?

 

[theSeb]

imac is overheating?

Running at 95 Celsius when encoding is not really great. Sure, the chips have automatic shutdown and throttling built into them so there won't be any damage, but it would be better to keep the CPU at cooler temperatures so that it does not need to throttle at all.

 

[beosound3200]

Running at 95 Celsius when encoding is not really great. Sure, the chips have automatic shutdown and throttling built into them so there won't be any damage, but it would be better to keep the CPU at cooler temperatures so that it does not need to throttle at all.

one would think that only macbooks have high temp problems.. out with the odd!

 

[theSeb]

one would think that only macbooks have high temp problems.. out with the odd!

Actually that temperature I've quoted is not correct for the iMac, I had MBPs on the brain whilst typing the post. It does not get that hot whilst encoding, but it still gets hotter than I would like to see a desktop CPU run at. I am not talking about the temperature of the aluminium casing, I am talking about the internal temps.

 

[beosound3200]

Actually that temperature I've quoted is not correct for the iMac, I had MBPs on the brain whilst typing the post. It does not get that hot whilst encoding, but it still gets hotter than I would like to see a desktop CPU run at. I am not talking about the temperature of the aluminium casing, I am talking about the internal temps.

oh thats more like it... how hot does it get? how much lower than the maximum temperature allowed? and does it get very loud? im waiting for 2012 imac so i want to gather all the information possible about practical things, those that i cant gather just looking at it at the store thank you

 

[theSeb]

oh thats more like it... how hot does it get? how much lower than the maximum temperature allowed? and does it get very loud? im waiting for 2012 imac so i want to gather all the information possible about practical things, those that i cant gather just looking at it at the store thank you

Very loud is difficult to quantify since it's subjective. The fans do spin up when things get hot. How much that bothers you is a personal thing.

Here is a thread from a while back but most of these temps and fan speeds are when the CPU is idling or under a short amount of load also most people forgot to post exactly which iMac they're using, but there are more threads like these on the forums.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1151233/

The one that strikes as having done some real work is this:

Load temperatures: Ambient: 30 — HDD: 68 — CPU: 70 — GPU Diode: 90— GPU-Heat-sink: 85 — Memory Controller: 0 — Optical Drive: 0
Load fans: CPU: 1900 RPM — Hard Drive: 1500 RPM — Optical Drive: 1250 RPM

It depends on the exact configuration, but the quad core chips in the 2011 iMac have a Tcase of 72.6 or around there. That means if your CPU is allowed to run at 70 degrees Celsius, then it's far too close to Tcase and will be throttling itself back to prevent from overheating. I would like to see better coolers on there.

Tcase is the maximum temperature that the CPU can handle before it pops, although it should shut itself down before it gets to that.

 

[tagheuer]

finally ready to make the jump to Apple, and ready to purchase iMac and iPad.

(currently have two iPhone 4s, one for me and one for wife)

Buyer's Guide here says DO NOT BUY iMac, 244 days since last update, and avg cycle is 273 days, so what, we are talking update in 29 days?

I thought iMacs typically get refreshed in May of each year.

So what is the conventional wisdom here, is it really 30 days, or more like 5 months, that is a huge difference...

or something in between, like they announce upgrade end Jan/Feb and it becomes available in May?

THanks.

 

[onthecouchagain]

According to the Mac Buyer's Guide, the new iMacs have been released in May, in July, March, April, etc.

So there's no real solid month the iMac gets refreshed, so the cycle count is probably a better indication. Having said that, Ivy Bridge is expected to come out in April of this year, so that could be another factor. At the same time, Intel and Apple have been known to have a relationship in which Intel will let Apple use new chips exclusively before they're officially released.

In other words, no one really knows. The safest bet is to give it a month or two. If refreshes are coming, rumors will pop up or supply chains will be constrained, leading to shipping delays in current iMac. These are good indicators.