What to expect from iMac 2012 - Discussion

[zulkiflim]

Hard to tell if trolls are getting smarter or people are getting dumber... Integrated graphics doesn't matter if you're never going to use it. (And DX11 on integrated graphics doesn't matter... Because you should not be using integrated graphics for anything that requires DX11. Not to mention the iMac comes with a graphics card, and you will never get to use the iMacs integrated graphics.)


Cool? The FX series are all terrible compared to the i7. Just because you can overclock the speed of the chip to 5-6Ghz or higher, doesn't mean it's faster.




A: Intel wouldn't care.
B: AMD won't be setting anyone straight any time soon. Hell, they've practically given up on trying to compete with Intel.

That the purpose of technology right?
To reduce the size, power usage and all the while increasing the capability of a chip.
Your thinking that one requires a graphics cards for DX11 is laughable.
AMD APU has successfully proven that it can be done.

And the FX series are terrible due to the software not hardware.
Apple Grand Central will solve this issue side it is for multi thread , multi core operations.
Look at Handbrake results which is optimized for AMD FX series.


And for your last part, Intel does care if not it would not be doing despicable market manipulations.
Latest one is to create a pool for vendors to utilize if they use Intels chips for portables/ultra portables.
Dude anyone with a right mind would be going with AMD APU.
Just imagine, a light computer lighter than Macbook air able to play DX 11 games?

 

[DomarackiA]

The 27 inch Apple display is just amazing.

Don't really agree totally there, I have three panels replaced on my iMac late last month.

For interests sake, the panels are manufactured by LG.

Anway, after two years my the panel started getting dark areas developing on the panel. So I called AppleCare and they organized the panel to be replaced, it took three panels before one that is decent, not perfect, to be fitted.

The 27" iMac needs a resolution bump to make it retina display, IMHO. Why? After owning the new iPad (3), the iMac panel looks a bit fuzzy to be honest. Yes, I realize I'm spoilt rotten.

 

[iSayuSay]

Better speakers is a must.
Apple has been stuck in a rut on speakers.
There has been no improvement whats so ever.

Also, the overhanging chin must go.
The 27 inch Apple display is just amazing.
Sleek and understated.
Timeless.

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Another is Apple should dump I N T E L.
.

Why iMac must have better speakers? Why not getting a decent external speaker for it? Just like TV, the built in iMac speaker is just complimentary, or even .. bonus ... I don't find it necessary to be good. In fact, iMac should have no internal speakers and instead use the space for better cooling system or additional component in there. The speaker is a waste of effort, it won't sound good ... EVER!

Get a bookshelf monitor + dedicated subwoofer for your iMac to understand what good speaker is. And dump that iMac internal speaker instead of Intel chips. INTEL is doing fine with its CPU, and I really hope they don't switch to ARM for their Mac anytime now. Intel Core is doing just fine and I also don't care much about Intel GPU since iMac would never be able to use the iGP that comes with Intel chips or even AMD APU anyway.

 

[zulkiflim]

Why the IMAC need better speakers ...

1) Look at the Mac book Air...Do you carry around another set of speakers to LISTEN?

2) It is supposed to be all in one concept. Apple vision is just one component the IMAC, with wireless keyboard and wireless mouse or pad. ..No more wires to another peripheral, especially not to a speaker system with sub woofer.


3) Apple is all about progression . And the iMac has had an amazing changes thru out its lifecycle EXCEPT FOR SOUND.

4) It is software not hardware limitation...not all of it.
If you don't believe me, check out HEAR or BOOM...you WILL be amazed.
Download the software and USE it..

That said, if Apple really cannot make a better speakers or optimize the software, BUY OUT the company selling HEAR....

Ok last thought, Apple can make the speakers wireless? thus removing the chin....thought's


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Don't really agree totally there, I have three panels replaced on my iMac late last month.

For interests sake, the panels are manufactured by LG.

Anway, after two years my the panel started getting dark areas developing on the panel. So I called AppleCare and they organized the panel to be replaced, it took three panels before one that is decent, not perfect, to be fitted.

The 27" iMac needs a resolution bump to make it retina display, IMHO. Why? After owning the new iPad (3), the iMac panel looks a bit fuzzy to be honest. Yes, I realize I'm spoilt rotten.

Heya

First off, retina display for the iMac...WOW...but the power consumption would be crazy..imagine the heat from the PSU.

Secondly isn't Apple care for just 2 years? how did you manage to convince Apple to change yours after the warranty is over??

 

[iEdd]

AppleCare is 3 years (2 additional years).

 

[Imaginethe]

Just like TV, the built in iMac speaker is just complimentary, or even .. bonus ... I don't find it necessary to be good. In fact, iMac should have no internal speakers and instead use the space for better cooling system or additional component in there.

I presume if they didn't have a speaker it wouldn't be classed as All-In-One anymore, and people would complain that they pay however much for the machine and it doesn't even come with a speaker.

I would like a couple more outs for sound output, although for music I will probably be using airplay to my stereo.

 

[iSayuSay]

Why the IMAC need better speakers ...

1) Look at the Mac book Air...Do you carry around another set of speakers to LISTEN?

2) It is supposed to be all in one concept. Apple vision is just one component the IMAC, with wireless keyboard and wireless mouse or pad. ..No more wires to another peripheral, especially not to a speaker system with sub woofer.


3) Apple is all about progression . And the iMac has had an amazing changes thru out its lifecycle EXCEPT FOR SOUND.

4) It is software not hardware limitation...not all of it.
If you don't believe me, check out HEAR or BOOM...you WILL be amazed.
Download the software and USE it..

That said, if Apple really cannot make a better speakers or optimize the software, BUY OUT the company selling HEAR....

1) iMac is not Macbook Air, you don't carry it around, no need for space saving or being too thin and light, iMac stays in a table, MBA does not. So investing in a big heavy sound system for an iMac is not a burden.

Even with MBA, you can always get a good pair of headphones to enjoy much better audio experience. The internal speaker are there for casual listening or emergency moments when we just need the sound to be there.

2) It's an all-in-one doesn't mean you don't connect anything through it. iMac doesn't have built-in printer, scanner, or video capturer. I don't buy the idea of having iMac only with one power cable. It's just for commercial purpose. Real world usage can't rely only on power cable, it's supposed to be messy and lots of cables if it's going to be a real workstation. Say, you don't want Thunderbolt external drive someday? It's an extra cable, you wouldn't like it, right?

3) Apple products have a decent DAC built in, from iPhone to their Mac, it's a good but far from perfect DAC. Like I said, internal speaker is a bonus. You want a good sound? Buy another sound system (headphone, amp, or integrated speakers, you name it)

4) Don't get it, I can't hear BOOM with iMac internal speaker, no matter how good the source/codec/software is. A 1.5" minuscule subwoofer inside the iMac can only bring you so far. You want a deep and complete BOOM, you need a good 10" or 12" inch subwoofer, or good pair of headphones.

 

[zulkiflim]

1) iMac is not Macbook Air, you don't carry it around, no need for space saving or being too thin and light, iMac stays in a table, MBA does not. So investing in a big heavy sound system for an iMac is not a burden.

Even with MBA, you can always get a good pair of headphones to enjoy much better audio experience. The internal speaker are there for casual listening or emergency moments when we just need the sound to be there.

2) It's an all-in-one doesn't mean you don't connect anything through it. iMac doesn't have built-in printer, scanner, or video capturer. I don't buy the idea of having iMac only with one power cable. It's just for commercial purpose. Real world usage can't rely only on power cable, it's supposed to be messy and lots of cables if it's going to be a real workstation. Say, you don't want Thunderbolt external drive someday? It's an extra cable, you wouldn't like it, right?

3) Apple products have a decent DAC built in, from iPhone to their Mac, it's a good but far from perfect DAC. Like I said, internal speaker is a bonus. You want a good sound? Buy another sound system (headphone, amp, or integrated speakers, you name it)

4) Don't get it, I can't hear BOOM with iMac internal speaker, no matter how good the source/codec/software is. A 1.5" minuscule subwoofer inside the iMac can only bring you so far. You want a deep and complete BOOM, you need a good 10" or 12" inch subwoofer, or good pair of headphones.

1) It is the idea of it. Macbook Air all about mobility.Light and Powerful for everyday use. and i agree a good earphones or headphones would be better if one is not sharing.
It is also an all in one concept.And most if not all have realized who need a disk drive.

2) First off, a printer? If Apple has thought printer is a necessity it would have included one or even provide one. Just like the floppy disk and blu ray player .. it is no longer necessary, the idea of printing paper in this time and age is nauseating to me.
And you do know that using thunderbolt you can easily daisy chain to other peripherals? So just one cable out.
Hopefully when the Wireless AC becomes standard we will be able to make do with all these wired connections.

3)Again the concept of the IMAC is an all in one. The speaker is NOT a bonus.
Try to go to any mac store, do you see them putting external speakers ? No.
IF apple truly think that the speakers are a BONUS, then they are seriously misplaced in their perception of media content consumption of the youth today.
Apple is about Progression, and in sound it has been an uphill.

4) I am taking about a 3rd party software, HEAR or BOOM.
I am using Hear right now, and it is AMAZING. Check it out.
http://www.prosofteng.com/products/hear.php


So whats your thought if Apple makes the speakers wireless with inbuilt sub woofers?

Would be crazy amazing.

 

[iSayuSay]

1) It is the idea of it. Macbook Air all about mobility.Light and Powerful for everyday use. and i agree a good earphones or headphones would be better if one is not sharing.
It is also an all in one concept.And most if not all have realized who need a disk drive.

2) First off, a printer? If Apple has thought printer is a necessity it would have included one or even provide one. Just like the floppy disk and blu ray player .. it is no longer necessary, the idea of printing paper in this time and age is nauseating to me.
And you do know that using thunderbolt you can easily daisy chain to other peripherals? So just one cable out.
Hopefully when the Wireless AC becomes standard we will be able to make do with all these wired connections.

3)Again the concept of the IMAC is an all in one. The speaker is NOT a bonus.
Try to go to any mac store, do you see them putting external speakers ? No.
IF apple truly think that the speakers are a BONUS, then they are seriously misplaced in their perception of media content consumption of the youth today.
Apple is about Progression, and in sound it has been an uphill.

4) I am taking about a 3rd party software, HEAR or BOOM.
I am using Hear right now, and it is AMAZING. Check it out.
http://www.prosofteng.com/products/hear.php


So whats your thought if Apple makes the speakers wireless with inbuilt sub woofers?

Would be crazy amazing.

Problem is .. I don't believe we can get a great or decent sound of a small speaker. Big speakers don't always sound good, but if you want a better sound, you must go with bigger speakers. That's what I believe at least. Headphones are small but able to produce good sound, but it's only good for personal listening.
So, if they keep iMac thin and embed a tiny speakers in there, I don't expect a good sound, just a complimentary sound and that's it.

If you're amazed by a software playing sound on tiny speakers, you will be amazed even more when you play it on bigger and better set of speakers.

And Apple Store don't use external speakers with Macs, because it's for marketing purpose and clean looks. But real world usage is not Apple Store, I wouldn't try to match the cleanliness of Apple Store room, because I use my iMac for real works, I need to connect it to many peripherals.

I even need DVD drive sometime. And if you're talking about "ditch the Superdrive already" and you need it so badly on rare ocassion, you would need to buy another external SuperDrive, and by your logic .. it's not all-in-one anymore.

Yes I do need printers, scanners for my works, I'm not using my iMac only for browsing, twittering or facebook. Just because Apple don't make one doesn't mean the world don't need them .. Geez!! Apple don't make cleaning cloth, does that mean you don't need to clean your iPad/iPhone screen??

One day I'm gonna need Thunderbolt too, and while it's daisy chainable, they're still a lot of cables connected to a lot of peripherals.

I understand your obsession about clean-look that Apple products seems fond of. But again, real world is different. I have to mess around with my iMac to get the job done, and it involves a lot of cables, some peripherals, and many times it would not look as neat as an iMac on Apple Store. No problem, my computer is NOT demo unit.

 

[MR.BUTTON]

what to expect

firstly, the ivy bridge. hope it can provide 2 times faster performance.second, cheaper SSD,the current iMac is a little bit slow at opening apps,so i will choose SSD,but it's too pricy. third,solve the issue of the screen,apple must stop letting dust leak into the display!the last one,cool the machine down,apple hasn't done a good job on cooling, although it has three fans,it still can't cool it down.so, these are what i expect.

 

[zulkiflim]

Yep i hate clutter.

That why i gave up on the PC years ago.
But i sincerely hope Apple keeps with its mantra , progression thru innovation.

Like Apple dumping the floppy disc or the blu ray or superdrive, i hope it will try to make better drivers for audio. ( hope not USB 3...mainly cause 3rd party support for thunderbolt is practically nonexistent)

Apple did try to make better audio right like its short lived speakers and earphones?
So cross fingers, and if they got it right with sounds, just imagine what the next iPad or iPhone would sound like.

 

[B.A.T]

If you want decent sound out of a computer hook it up to a real stereo and stop crying that the tiny speakers in a computer suck. They always will compared to a sound system.

 

[anfield11]

http://www.appleinsider.com/article...acs_with_core_i5_i7_cpus_in_june_or_july.html

 

[Yebubbleman]

Well you are right. But I'll think these persons who need the additional the additional storage (2 --> 3 Tb) need even more as the "normal" user so they have to buy either way additional storage.

Given that 27" iMacs are starting to be used in more environments where a Mac Pro had previously been used, using the word "normal" (presumably meaning "consumer") is not appropriate or applicable here. The iMac can do a lot of video tasks, video takes up hard drive space. Sure, you'd need extra storage either way, but having more local storage definitely helps too as it's way faster to capture to internal storage than it is to external storage.

I presume if they didn't have a speaker it wouldn't be classed as All-In-One anymore, and people would complain that they pay however much for the machine and it doesn't even come with a speaker.

I would like a couple more outs for sound output, although for music I will probably be using airplay to my stereo.

The iMac G4 came with Apple Pro speakers that were used externally for sound.

 

[zulkiflim]

If you want decent sound out of a computer hook it up to a real stereo and stop crying that the tiny speakers in a computer suck. They always will compared to a sound system.

Ok i get that,, now let me change my wish.

Apple make the speaker wireless and external from the iMac powered by apple batteries.

Then it can be placed anywhere in the room with a subwoofer built into the mac itself.
Just my wish....Airplay baby!!

 

[AppleDApp]

Ok i get that,, now let me change my wish.

Apple make the speaker wireless and external from the iMac powered by apple batteries.

Then it can be placed anywhere in the room with a subwoofer built into the mac itself.
Just my wish....Airplay baby!!

because wireless will offer great lag-free sound.

 

[I8P'CS]

2012 iMacs With Core i5 And Core i7 Ivy Bridge Processors Coming In June-July Time Frame [Rumor]
No reports about a possible change in form factor of iMac have surfaced as yet but according a recent report Apple is planning to introduce a new Anti-Glare screen in iMacs:



http://www.howtoarena.com/2012-imac...cessors-coming-in-june-july-time-frame-rumor/

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This is why its best to buy when you need an iMac and stop chasing latest (Each to their own, though) Waiting for a chipset that will bring minimal gains over Sandy Bridge and no redesign on iMac is something i couldn't do

 

[forty2j]

This is why its best to buy when you need an iMac and stop chasing latest (Each to their own, though) Waiting for a chipset that will bring minimal gains over Sandy Bridge and no redesign on iMac is something i couldn't do

Honestly, if I didn't get my current 2007 model 35 days before the 2008 refresh, I might be less concerned.

But, gaming is a primary purpose of my iMac, so holding out for an AMD 7970m or equivalent makes sense. Plus the anti-reflective screen, if true, sounds quite nice..

 

[softservedesign]

All these new posted rumors today about the iMac not getting updated till June or July seems a bit far fetched. Seeing as how we are already quite a ways over the longest time between iMac updates I hope we see an update latest at may

http://www.cultofmac.com/158762/new...processors-will-launch-in-june-or-july-rumor/

 

[deconstruct60]

As last year showed with the release of the iMac only a few months before the release of Lion, I think that expecting them to come together is not really sound. It may happen, but I doubt waiting for ML would be the cause since they didn't see it as necessary to wait for Lion.

There are two issues. Availability for new iMac hardware component (Ivy Bridge and updated GPUs) and availability of the new OS X upgrade. Last year the parts for the MacBook Pro's and iMacs were available earlier in the year. Early enough that it put a greater than 8 week gap between the iMac launch and the Lion launch.

If Apple intends to release Mountain Lion (ML) in July ( their roadshow earlier in the year to the press/bloggers/etc stated they wanted to move to something close to a 12 month renewal cycle for OS X ). Then this years iMacs could be impacted the same way last year's Mac Mini was if it slides into June. The Mini was due for an update in June '11. That slid to July in order to refresh with Lion.


Whatever Mountain Lion's release date there is, there likely a 4-6 week "blackout" period preceding it where there will be no hardware updates. It doesn't really make sense to qualify and update a 10.7.x delta when it will be superseded 4 weeks later. Apple's efforts would much more sensibly (in total long term support costs ) be placed in making the new upgrade more robust than in adding a new hardware config to last year's OS.

If ML is sliding out into August then June makes some sense. The open question is whether there are enough "show stopper" bugs in Mountain Lion to extend its release date. July will likely be approximately 4 weeks after WWDC. That makes it a likely release date target. Developers get the "almost golden master" copy at WWDC and have 4 weeks to qualify their apps against that so that ready at release.

----------

All these new posted rumors today about the iMac not getting updated till June or July seems a bit far fetched. Seeing as how we are already quite a ways over the longest time between iMac updates I hope we see an update latest at may.

Kind of hard to significantly update any faster than Intel updates the core chipset. Last year the CPU shipped earlier in the year. This year the equivalent chips were not generally released until end of this month. 6-10 months ago that was not Intel's plan/roadmap.

Similarly, if Apple bet on Nvidia mobile GPUs those may not show up till Mid-late may... or even June in the volumes and prices that Apple wants.

Once the release slides into the blackout window preceding Mountain Lion's release that is yet another possible additional delay.

P.S. this is likely why the MacBook Pro's got bumped in the Fall. Their release date was going to slide back also to perhaps May.

 

[adam1080]

Why the IMAC need better speakers ...

1) Look at the Mac book Air...Do you carry around another set of speakers to LISTEN?

2) It is supposed to be all in one concept. Apple vision is just one component the IMAC, with wireless keyboard and wireless mouse or pad. ..No more wires to another peripheral, especially not to a speaker system with sub woofer.


3) Apple is all about progression . And the iMac has had an amazing changes thru out its lifecycle EXCEPT FOR SOUND.

4) It is software not hardware limitation...not all of it.
If you don't believe me, check out HEAR or BOOM...you WILL be amazed.
Download the software and USE it..

That said, if Apple really cannot make a better speakers or optimize the software, BUY OUT the company selling HEAR....

Ok last thought, Apple can make the speakers wireless? thus removing the chin....thought's

First off, from someone who considers themselves a novice audiophile, Apple spent years destroying music quality and "listen-a-bilty." iTunes, for all the wonderful things it gave us, stole a quality music listening experience from several generations.

The crappy earphones provided by apple for their iOS hardware are a sin to the ears, but if you're listening to terribly compressed 128 kbps mp3's, who cares.
Apple does not care about sound. Their entire hardware history is proof of that, not to mention iTunes.

SoftWare to enhance sound on tiny speakers is the same as buying and installing a computer chip that promises 120 extra horsepower in your 1988 Chrysler LeBaron. Its pointless.

Lossless and high-resolution audio files are the best way to listen to music digitally(and iTunes can't even play half of those files), so if you want really good audio, a mac product by itself is not the way to go.

 

[6ftunder]

Do you guys think Apple will ditch LG and transfer to a different screen supplier? I keep hearing about screen failure, dark spots and other problems since the iMacs tend to get pretty hot. Do you think Ivy Bridge could fix that problem since it uses 70% less electricity hence emitting less heat?

I would love to become a first time iMac owner this summer but spending hundreds of dollars (my guess) for a new screen every few months doesn't sound that great.

 

[phonitron]

I would love to become a first time iMac owner this summer but spending hundreds of dollars (my guess) for a new screen every few months doesn't sound that great.

Isn't there a mandatory 12 month warranty included? You get 2 years in Europe so if its happened every few months over here you'd not be paying anything under warranty... Think you're dramatising this one a little if you don't mind me saying so.

 

[I8P'CS]

Do you guys think Apple will ditch LG and transfer to a different screen supplier? I keep hearing about screen failure, dark spots and other problems since the iMacs tend to get pretty hot. Do you think Ivy Bridge could fix that problem since it uses 70% less electricity hence emitting less heat?

I would love to become a first time iMac owner this summer but spending hundreds of dollars (my guess) for a new screen every few months doesn't sound that great.

Think you need to do some research, it's not 70% on heat saving, far from it. plus only high end will see lower TDP from 95w to 77w.

As for screen issues considering you have never owned a mac according to you, you shouldn't go on others issues screen problems to conclude there are major issues.

How many people go on forums to praise their product? Compared to those the complain>

 

[Johnf1285]

Do you guys think Apple will ditch LG and transfer to a different screen supplier? I keep hearing about screen failure, dark spots and other problems since the iMacs tend to get pretty hot. Do you think Ivy Bridge could fix that problem since it uses 70% less electricity hence emitting less heat?

I would love to become a first time iMac owner this summer but spending hundreds of dollars (my guess) for a new screen every few months doesn't sound that great.

Coworker of mine had his 27" 2010 iMac's screen replaced under his AppleCare warranty. He said the screen would've cost around $700 give or take, then you would have to factor in labor, tax, etc.

Crazy!

Good thing he had Apple care!