Why the new iMac sucks so much!

[Lancer]

I agree with some of the points but not others.

DVD - it was bound to go, if I need one later I'll get a 3rd party external BluRay.
RAM - as others have said it's NOT soldered in to the 21.5" it's just not easy to get too. We'll have to wait until both are taken apart to see why the smaller one couldn't have an easy access door on the back.
FW800 - now this was a surprise given the iMac is no lacking space on the back.
HDD - good the base is bigger and IMO most users of that model won't even notice the slower speed. That aside I'm getting the 27" and Fusion.

I like the new design but will make up my mind 100% when I see in it store.

Speaking of which spoke to a retailer yesterday and their biggest problem is loss of sales, people wanting to buy an iMac and they now have nothing to sell, even the old model has all but dried up and they can just tell them to come back next month, for the 21.5", Dec for the 27".

 

[MagicThief83]

Sometimes bigger isn't always better!

Here's the way I see it. The $1,999 iMac is a fantastic machine, and if that's the machine/price-point a potential iMac buyer had their heart set on before the 2012 models were announced then there's really little to complain about. But the remainder of the iMac line appears to only exist for the purpose of upselling consumers to the $1,999 model. If a person only needed the 21.5" iMac, they're getting royally screwed. No accessible memory slots, 5400rpm drive, no option for 1GB VRAM, and the $1,299 model doesn't even give the option for Fusion drive or SSD. The base 27" model offers few configuration options either. And the bottom three models are crippled with 512MB VRAM.

All I wanted from a 2012 Mac was a quad-core processor and an Nvidia Graphics card with 1GB VRAM (required by After Effects CS6 for the ray-trace render engine). Apple offers nothing that meets those requirements for under $1,999 (desktop) or $2,199 (laptop), and refuses to allow buyers to configure a less-expensive machine with those features.

I agree but I fully believe that a maxed out 21.5" iMac trumps the base 27", even with it's lower tier GPU. So all in all, the 21.5" isn't that bad of a deal (that's where I'm headed!).

 

[Cory Bauer]

I agree but I fully believe that a maxed out 21.5" iMac trumps the base 27", even with it's lower tier GPU. So all in all, the 21.5" isn't that bad of a deal (that's where I'm headed!).

If your software requires 1GB VRAM then every model Apple offers under $1,999 won't work. In my case, Adobe After Effects CS6's ray-trace render engine requires an Nvidia card with 1GB VRAM minimum; if your computer doesn't meet those requirements then After Effects relies entirely on the CPU and behaves as if you don't have a graphics card at all. We're talking render times going from 5 minutes to 50 minutes.

 

[smoking monkey]

If your software requires 1GB VRAM then every model Apple offers under $1,999 won't work. In my case, Adobe After Effects CS6's ray-trace render engine requires an Nvidia card with 1GB VRAM minimum; if your computer doesn't meet those requirements then After Effects relies entirely on the CPU and behaves as if you don't have a graphics card at all. We're talking render times going from 5 minutes to 50 minutes.

That's really important info for people to know. Thanks for posting it.
But that is specialized use. If you're a casual user, it's shouldn't be a problem.

I'm going for the 1999 model just because this price difference for me is only 14,000yen (180 dollars). over 4 years that equates to 45 bucks a year for something I use pretty much everyday. Seems worth it.

 

[Tri-stan]

If your software requires 1GB VRAM then every model Apple offers under $1,999 won't work. In my case, Adobe After Effects CS6's ray-trace render engine requires an Nvidia card with 1GB VRAM minimum; if your computer doesn't meet those requirements then After Effects relies entirely on the CPU and behaves as if you don't have a graphics card at all. We're talking render times going from 5 minutes to 50 minutes.

Do you think that 1 gig of vram will remain or increase to 2 gigs within the next 3 years or so? or do you think it will just remain a minimum standard like Photoshop is now? You could have more for better performance but still works at the minimum. This is to question the high end graphics card for professional users? Given that we will already be pushing the BTO on the 27 inch already.

 

[Icaras]

You don't have to imagine. Steve said on an All Things Digital D8 conference that if people didn't like what they were doing they wouldn't buy the products. If the sales are going up it's a sign that a company is pleasing more users that is upsetting.

Couldn't agree more. Well said sir!

 

[G51989]

Apple has never been keen on having user-serviceable computers so there is nothing new there.

Wait what?! It has not been until pretty recently that Apples computers became non user serviceable. My Pismo, iBook G3, PowerBook G4, PowerMac G4, PowerMac G5, 1st generation iMac, and lampshade iMac, and my 2006 iMac ( that I only had for a few years, sold ), were all very easily user serviceable.

 

[theSeb]

Wait what?! It has not been until pretty recently that Apples computers became non user serviceable. My Pismo, iBook G3, PowerBook G4, PowerMac G4, PowerMac G5, 1st generation iMac, and lampshade iMac, and my 2006 iMac ( that I only had for a few years, sold ), were all very easily user serviceable.

Read Steve Jobs' biography to see his feelings and thoughts on the matter.

 

[masp84]

The mac pros are built for professionals hence the name.. (recording music, grahic design, heavy duty design, film/animation.. you get it).

Have you ever been to a major recording studio that used an iMac as their main machine??? I haven't and ill tell you what - they are not a major recording studio - its embarassing to see an imac used as a main machine for hard core computer tasks such as.. (see list above^^^).

The iMac's have been for consumers since the very get-go. They are more affordable machines. Mac Pro isn't disapearing in the near future for the pure fact that people will never use iPads, iPhones, or iMac's for serious computer work.

Get yourself a macpro and forget about the iMac if you are truly a professional Audio producer. Tim Cook said it himself that they will release an updated iMac in early 2013. Leave the iMac to the consumer and general user.

Why? who are you to say such thing? who are you to determine the tools of an artist? or to put on trial the "seriousness" of people, take the time to read the time the whole thread, take the time to think before you write, that's why your brain is bigger than your hands and mouth.

Facts
All current iMacs are great for Home audio producers
All new iMacs are gimped for Home audio producers
Was it necessary: No
Did it mean tech progress: No
Did the design translate to progress according to the PC desktop concept? No
Did it mean more flexibility and functionality for the user? No
Was the refresh due on time? No
Are the pricing and BTO choices fair? No, including the apple premium
Was the public biased this way before the announcement? No, although pissed

It's all aight, go ahead and buy it I wont for all the things stated above, and coz Apple is scam

 

[spcdust]

Why? who are you to say such thing? who are you to determine the tools of an artist? or to put on trial the "seriousness" of people, take the time to read the time the whole thread, take the time to think before you write, that's why your brain is bigger than your hands and mouth.

Facts
All current iMacs are great for Home audio producers
All new iMacs are gimped for Home audio producers
Was it necessary: No
Did it mean tech progress: No
Did the design translate to progress according to the PC desktop concept? No
Did it mean more flexibility and functionality for the user? No
Was the refresh due on time? No
Are the pricing and BTO choices fair? No, including the apple premium
Was the public biased this way before the announcement? No, although pissed

It's all aight, go ahead and buy it I wont for all the things stated above, and coz Apple is scam

I personally work in the high end video post production industry, however we also have three audio studios running Pro Tools. TBH we would never consider using any iMacs to power these suites and this is the case of any audio studio I've ever had experience of. Indeed, at my current company we are patiently awaiting the release of new Mac Pros so we can upgrade our current kit - the iMacs in the suites are purely for our clients to use during their sound session.

 

[nagareru]

Why? who are you to say such thing? who are you to determine the tools of an artist? or to put on trial the "seriousness" of people, take the time to read the time the whole thread, take the time to think before you write, that's why your brain is bigger than your hands and mouth.

Facts
All current iMacs are great for Home audio producers
All new iMacs are gimped for Home audio producers
Was it necessary: No
Did it mean tech progress: No
Did the design translate to progress according to the PC desktop concept? No
Did it mean more flexibility and functionality for the user? No
Was the refresh due on time? No
Are the pricing and BTO choices fair? No, including the apple premium
Was the public biased this way before the announcement? No, although pissed

It's all aight, go ahead and buy it I wont for all the things stated above, and coz Apple is scam

Can I ask you if any of these applied to the step from 2010 iMacs to 2011 iMacs? Wasn't that just a spec bump? Like this one?

 

[Imaginethe]

Facts
All current iMacs are great for Home audio producers
All new iMacs are gimped for Home audio producers

How? If you get a 27 inch you can still upgrade the RAM only as before (harddrive was not user replaceable without breaking warranty). And the hardware inside is the best at their level. The same as before.

 

[nuckinfutz]

How? If you get a 27 inch you can still upgrade the RAM only as before (harddrive was not user replaceable without breaking warranty). And the hardware inside is the best at their level. The same as before.

He has no intentions of making any sense. I hope his music is better than his logic.

 

[classicaliberal]

Did the design translate to progress according to the PC desktop concept? No

There's a design progress standard for all desktop computers?

Did it mean more flexibility and functionality for the user? No

Faster processors, GPU, more ram, better screen... yeah, I'd say that's better functionality.

Are the pricing and BTO choices fair? No, including the apple premium

Fair? This isn't gradeschool, son. This is business. Apple's goal is to maximize profits by producing products that people want and are willing to pay for. The more profit they produce, the more successful they are. The fact that you have 100% an option to buy or not buy, lots of other alternatives, and no gun pointed to your head... I'd say what they're offering is incredibly 'fair.'

It's all aight, go ahead and buy it I wont for all the things stated above, and coz Apple is scam

Right, it's a scam, Apple's pulling the wool over your eyes... they're lying to you... they're selling you something other than what the specs promise. Maybe you need to learn what a scam really is.

 

[MacWanter]

i5 is still a GREAT prosessor. Hence why it is still being upgraded. The i7 is more powerful, but is not required. Showing the thin iMac design will strike customers new to apple, and get them interested in the product. No one is forcing you to get the new one...But it is infact stronger that the previous model.

 

[CoolSpot]

Why? who are you to say such thing? who are you to determine the tools of an artist? or to put on trial the "seriousness" of people, take the time to read the time the whole thread, take the time to think before you write, that's why your brain is bigger than your hands and mouth.

Facts
All current iMacs are great for Home audio producers
All new iMacs are gimped for Home audio producers
Was it necessary: No
Did it mean tech progress: No
Did the design translate to progress according to the PC desktop concept? No
Did it mean more flexibility and functionality for the user? No
Was the refresh due on time? No
Are the pricing and BTO choices fair? No, including the apple premium
Was the public biased this way before the announcement? No, although pissed

It's all aight, go ahead and buy it I wont for all the things stated above, and coz Apple is scam

Who cares about home audio producers? Talk about the most insignificant fraction of a user-base ever.

 

[lzyprson]

Why? who are you to say such thing? who are you to determine the tools of an artist? or to put on trial the "seriousness" of people, take the time to read the time the whole thread, take the time to think before you write, that's why your brain is bigger than your hands and mouth.

Yo buddy. I've played guitar bass and drums for a very long time now. I don't have ProTools or Logic on my iMac. Honestly, I use garageband, and only for my pwn personal memos as it's replaced my obselete tape 8track... Can you use these progs on the iMac?? OF COURSE YOU CAN!!!

Why you ask? Because they are consumer machines, meant for "light" use compared to the type of output needed for serious/hardcore music/video editing. Don't get me wrong, the upgraded/custom configurations are AMAZING and will do the job, but not for the type of recordings you hear on the radio, in movie soundtracks, on TV; etc.

Get a MacPro if you are a "serious" audio engineer.

PS. If you were a Professional Engineer, you would have already known this.. Good luck with all of that.

 

[hkfan24]

This thread and the OP just cracks me up. I've owned almost every generation iMac an in no shape or form has th
e iMac been labeled as a pro caliber machine. If anything it's "pro-sumer" but that's pushing it a bit.

Given that your logic reasoning sux. I'm willing to bet your music producing skills sux as well.

Want a pro level Mac? Get a Mac Pro. Can't afford a Mac Pro? Not our problem. Apple doesn't revolve around high caliber audio and video with their iMacs. I have yet to see a top level producer use an iMac for production whether it be pre or post. My friend graduated from Full Sail and he even said iMacs are not a go to tool for audio.

There's nothing wrong with the new iMac. There's something wrong with YOU.

BTW, what did Apple say about the letter you wrote them? LMAO.

 

[12dylan34]

I put a 7200 RPM drive in my MacBook Pro that originally shipped with a 5400 RPM model and there's literally zero noticeable difference. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

[masp84]

He has no intentions of making any sense. I hope his music is better than his logic.

Sure breaking the bank makes way more sense. As I said I wont get Apple "hardware", I'm already fine running Lion with the parts I picked. ALL GOOD

I know of several studios using iMacs, just do a google image search.
http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/music-audio-podcasting/82272-imac-mac-pro-recording-studio.html

Line up your frustration to Apple not me, it sukcs. PERIOD

 

[jsolares]

Can I ask you if any of these applied to the step from 2010 iMacs to 2011 iMacs? Wasn't that just a spec bump? Like this one?

The 2010 to 2011 was just a spec bump (cpu, gpu, sata ports), although the 2011 gained thunderbolt and with it lost the ability to be used as an HDMI display, the 2012 loses some features again (depending on model easily accesible ram, digital audio input, firewire port), while gaining USB3 and still a spec bump.

Depending on your use case it could really be screwing you over. apple doesn't really do spec bumps, you will lose/gain something as well.

For me, my 2010 model is running just great still, haven't hit a wall, so i'm planing to upgrade the HD to dual SSDs, that should hold me over a year or maybe more (hopefully until broadwell, at the very least haswell)

 

[Glenn.eu]

I ordered the new 21 inch for my dad (in the local reseller), the cheapest version. Only part i wanted to upgrade was the 5400rpm drive. Problem is that you can't upgrade the base 21 inch HDD. You would have to take the more expensive 21 inch model with a faster cpu that he does not need, that is an extra 200€ and then he would have to pay another 250€ for the fusion drive.
So that would be an upgrade of about 450€ just for wanting a faster HDD option.

Since 450€ is too much for my dad needs he will take the base model and i'm sure it will be a perfect computer for his needs. He now uses a very old PC with a 5400rpm drive that has never been cleaned (windows takes almost 15 minutes to boot)
So i'm sure he'll have a perfect experience! It all depends what you are used to and how much you want to pay. Like said many times in this thread, the base 21 inch model is made for basic users and i'm sure they'll love the device alot!

Even i can't wait to check out the new iMac from my dad
Looking forward to see how it runs comparing it to my macbook retina 15 inch.

 

[nuckinfutz]

Sure breaking the bank makes way more sense. As I said I wont get Apple "hardware", I'm already fine running Lion with the parts I picked. ALL GOOD

I know of several studios using iMacs, just do a google image search.
http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/music-audio-podcasting/82272-imac-mac-pro-recording-studio.html

Line up your frustration to Apple not me, it sukcs. PERIOD

I don't see a reason why a studio couldn't use an iMac. Ideally an updated Mac Pro would be the best solution but the iMac would easily work.

Your points aren't making much sense. The iMac doesn't suck because Apple chose i5 processors instead of i7. You can always BTO a change in most cases to the faster processor if that's important to you.

There's no need to have FW ports when there's a "Thunderbolt to Firewire" adapter. You don't really lose a Thunderbolt port because of daisy-chain capability.

5400rpm drives only come in the 21.5 inch model. If you do audio production you need to be using the 27" where 7200rpm HDD is the standard.

The RAM is not soldered on iMacs. I have no idea why you mentioned that. Only Macbook Air and Retina Macs solder the RAM to keep the profile low. At this point you're just tossing whatever you can in an hoping it sticks.

eSATA?? Apple has NEVER used eSATA. It doesn't support power, has a flakey connector and offers no daisy-chain or hub configuration a la Firewire or USB.


Again you have no intention of making any sense. You should stick to music...you probably know more about than that you do about computer technology.

 

[fig]

The mac pros are built for professionals hence the name.. (recording music, grahic design, heavy duty design, film/animation.. you get it).

Have you ever been to a major recording studio that used an iMac as their main machine??? I haven't and ill tell you what - they are not a major recording studio - its embarassing to see an imac used as a main machine for hard core computer tasks such as.. (see list above^^^).

The iMac's have been for consumers since the very get-go. They are more affordable machines. Mac Pro isn't disapearing in the near future for the pure fact that people will never use iPads, iPhones, or iMac's for serious computer work.

Get yourself a macpro and forget about the iMac if you are truly a professional Audio producer. Tim Cook said it himself that they will release an updated iMac in early 2013. Leave the iMac to the consumer and general user.

I'd love to shock you with some vfx shots from feature films that were done on iMacs

The iMacs don't work as pro level machines for everyone, but they're more than fast enough to run a good number of pro apps for a lot of folks (animators and designers included).

Most design apps will run quite capably on a mini or Mac laptop these days as well as the iMac.

 

[masp84]

I don't see a reason why a studio couldn't use an iMac. Ideally an updated Mac Pro would be the best solution but the iMac would easily work.
They do. Mac Pro is really overkill used mostly by big and high end studios for expansion reasons and I/O options.

Your points aren't making much sense. The iMac doesn't suck because Apple chose i5 processors instead of i7. You can always BTO a change in most cases to the faster processor if that's important to you.
Given i7 it's been out for a long time and according to the new MBP specs I did expect to see i7 as BASE not BTO (Extra cash) in 3 of the 4 models offered.

There's no need to have FW ports when there's a "Thunderbolt to Firewire" adapter. You don't really lose a Thunderbolt port because of daisy-chain capability.

It had FW800 before, no need to buy extra stuff. Audio interfaces are also tricky, therefore is better to stick with the standard.

5400rpm drives only come in the 21.5 inch model. If you do audio production you need to be using the 27" where 7200rpm HDD is the standard.

Actually you could say the HD standard in an audio rig or even gaming is a RAID config, let alone that 5400 rpm drives are like 20 years old. Before the refresh I didn't have to pay for a 27" model in order to get a 7200rpm drive.

The RAM is not soldered on iMacs. I have no idea why you mentioned that. Only Macbook Air and Retina Macs solder the RAM to keep the profile low. At this point you're just tossing whatever you can in an hoping it sticks.

You're right, the term is not user serviceable for the 21" model. This models are so gimped that you'll see the 27" as the best value and be forced to buy it (if you're serious about work)


eSATA?? Apple has NEVER used eSATA. It doesn't support power, has a flakey connector and offers no daisy-chain or hub configuration a la Firewire or USB.

That, I was tossing out lol, although it's part of the PC concept. Power and IO is more important than looks although apple fusioned the concepts somehow they cannot lose the real focus.

Again you have no intention of making any sense. You should stick to music...you probably know more about than that you do about computer technology.

Goosfroba, chill mate I'm the angry guy here, not you