New(er) iMAC

[toms]

I'm a newbie to the forum and to Insider. My kids have been asking for a 17" iMAC and I'm ready to order one for them. My only question is that in trolling the forum I've seen references that the iMac is going to have another revision, due in August, and that it'll be a 7457 at perhaps 1.2 GHz (to paraphrase)and maybe even a reduction in price (I won't hold my breath). How true is that? If it's just a matter of holding off a few weeks to grab more processing power then I'm most willing to be patient and order then. If it's longer term then I'm willing to pull the trigger on the 1Ghz iMAC now. tx.

[Altivec_2.0]

Well, I would personally wait for the whole line of Macintosh systems go to the G5 plateform. The only computer that will probably stay none G5 is the iBook. That will probably stay at G4 for it's lifetime. As again, I would wait until the iMac turns G5, more performance for your dollar.

[Altivec_2.0]

BTW, this belongs in General Discussion.

[Yevgeny]

The iMac is badly in need of a refresh. Don't buy one right now, it is about as bad as it can get in terms of price/performance. A refresh is certainly coming that will have a better CPU, more RAM, larger HD, and probably a better video card. I don't have any insider information, this is just what the iMac needs to get closer to being competetive.

[joesph mother]

I don't really keep up with the iMac product cycle, so I can't tell you when it is likey to be updated again, but it does seem like the rumor sites are anticipating minor updates.

My guess is that it will remain G4 for at least one more update.

Considerations:

Right now the bottom of the 17" iMac is $1799, but you can get a refurbished one from Apple for $1599 (of course taxes then add a nifty sum if you are in a high-tax state).

The bottom end G5 is $1999, plus a Formac 17" LCD display is $599. If you are really worried about long term muscle/ability, you might go this route. Sure, it is $800 more, but it will have a longer life. Also, I bet that if you call one of the major catalog/web retailers, they will knock a bit off the display. (Try telling them that you want the G5 and the Formac display for $2500 AFTER shipping - worst they can say is "no.")

Finally, there are the G4 powermacs that Apple is still selling. 1.25 Ghz for $1299. Add the Formac display and you are talking about $1898 for a significantly better machine (although no superdrive).

As an additional bonus to the Powermac alternatives, the screen can be used on your next machine too.

Also, I don't know if any of your kids are in College yet, but if so they get a discount.

Of course, the iMac is more pleasing to the eye, and I think the 17" is widescreen, while the standalone LCDs are not.

[kraig911]

Theres no way they are going to put G5's in Imacs for another year and a half, they finally have a processor to diversify their product line now. I think you should just wait till august or september, they'll come out with 1.2's for sure, hopefully with faster video cards, and at a price reduction.

[Ensign Pulver]

Toms,

I know it's your first post and all, but it's iMac, not iMAC.

It's an abbreviation, not an acronym.

Oh, and wait until Sept 16th.

[Ti Fighter]

Originally posted by toms
My kids have been asking for a 17" iMAC

you should be proud of them for being so wise :) I wonder what i would say if my kids (if/when i have kids) asked for a dell :\ I'd prob say if you want a pc you have to build it yourself :)

[Delphiki]

Originally posted by Ti Fighter
you should be proud of them for being so wise :) I wonder what i would say if my kids (if/when i have kids) asked for a dell :\ I'd prob say if you want a pc you have to build it yourself :)

I'd go with if you want a PC you have to buy it yourself ;) j/k

[I, Fred]

Originally posted by kraig911
Theres no way they are going to put G5's in Imacs for another year and a half, they finally have a processor to diversify their product line now. I think you should just wait till august or september, they'll come out with 1.2's for sure, hopefully with faster video cards, and at a price reduction.

that's the stupidest idea i've ever heard. Yeah, hold back the tech so some mythical 'diversity' of procs can be achieved.

I don't use the rolleyes icon, but I am sorely tempted to.

[Powerdoc]

Originally posted by Ensign Pulver
Toms,


Oh, and wait until Sept 16th.

This is a good advice, i will give the same : wait for september. New I macs will certainly be introduced here, for the same price. A 7547 chip in it (if Mot doesnt suck too much, and is ready to produce them) and a better video card (like a geforce 5200) will not cost more. These componements will be at the same price or even lesser (considering that there is less silicium for a 7457), and that a geforce 5200 i no more expansive than the geforce 4mx when it was introduced. The flat panel, also worth less than it use to be. Add a cost of developpement near zero, and you will understand that Apple will not raise the price.

Apple expo PARIS is the event you have to wait before making a decision. :)

[THT]

Originally posted by toms
My only question is that in trolling the forum I've seen references that the iMac is going to have another revision, due in August, and that it'll be a 7457 at perhaps 1.2 GHz (to paraphrase)and maybe even a reduction in price (I won't hold my breath). How true is that?

Volume availability of the 7457 is still Q4 2003, meaning October to December. Motorola has said this of all of its 130 nm products: 7457, 8560, and 5200. So if this is true, and Apple announces a new 7457 machine in August, you probably won't see it until October.

If it's just a matter of holding off a few weeks to grab more processing power then I'm most willing to be patient and order then. If it's longer term then I'm willing to pull the trigger on the 1Ghz iMAC now. tx.

My usual computer purchasing advice: if you plan on using the same computer for 3 or more years, buy the most expensive you can afford and wait a little bit, if you plan on using the computer for 2 years or less, buy the least expensive variant of the computer you're looking at. This way, one should have the optimum performance for the price over time.

[MacsRGood4U]

Apple is not going to put a G5 in the iMac anytime soon. They haven't even shipped the new Tower G5's. Also, the current iMac would have problems keeping the chip cool enough. There will be a major design change in the iMac next year at which time a G5 will be inside. The current model - 17" 1 Gig, Superdrive is a good buy. Shop around for a deal at the various mail order dealers. You'll get free extra memory, a printer and other stuff. A speed bumped iMac probably will be here in September, introduced at the Paris Expo. But nobody really knows if that will happen. Remember the iMac comes bundled with lots of great software including the iLife apps.

[kraig911]

G5 is pro... G4 is consumer, and just as fast as any other consumer PC, I use them both all the time trust me.

They finally can be a lot more diverse, and now the pro stuff is easily visible difference. I can see it going to a g5 earlier than say a year if they come out with an even newer g6 or a new processor other than the g5 sooner.

[Henriok]

Here in Sweden a PowerMac 1.25 MHz + Cinema Display 17" cost just as much as a vanilla iMac 17".
It's $2679:50 for the Power Mac-bundle and $2680.15 for the iMac (updated currency rates and 25% VAT included)

The Power Mac bundle gives you:
+ 250 MHz faster processor
+ upgradable processor
+ 1MB L3-cache
+ 33 MHz faster FSB (faster RAM)
+ cheaper RAM
+ 1 GB more RAM max
+ 4x PCI-slots
+ better graphics (Radeon 9000 Dual head)
+ upgradable grapics adapter
+ 1x 5.25" bay
+ upgradable optical drive
+ 3x 3.5" drive bays
+ Gigabit Ethernet
+ 2x powered USB-ports
+ 14.720 px larger screen

But.. I won't get the nice pro speakers and the consumer software bundle. It will be a bit noicy, not as easy to place. But I guess that's worth the 65 cents _less_ I'd pay for it.

[joesph mother]

Originally posted by THT
My usual computer purchasing advice: if you plan on using the same computer for 3 or more years, buy the most expensive you can afford and wait a little bit, if you plan on using the computer for 2 years or less, buy the least expensive variant of the computer you're looking at. This way, one should have the optimum performance for the price over time.

I disagree: You earn your living off of fast computers = buy fastest available (aka dual G5); you plan on keeping it for 3-4 years and learning/growing with it = buy cheapest machine with newest architecture/processor (a la G5 1.6Ghz); You type and web browse, maybe kids/you are playing games = buy for comfort and nifty extras that you have a reasonable chance of using in the near term while considering price (a la iMac).

Also, consider why your kids are asking you for an iMac. Are your kids the music/graphics creative types and/or computer game types? If so, a Powermac (G4 or G5) is a better bet for long-term compatibility with up-coming software. You may find your kid coming to you in 2 years complaining that they want to play a new game but that the graphics card just won't cut it. In a Powermac you can upgrade the card later on, but I don't know that you have that option with an iMac. A bit more money now might save you money down the road, but you don't have to break the bank.

[toms]

All, thanks for the feedback/advice. I've taken some time today to also look at the 1.6 GHz G5 and am considering going that route. I looked at the Formac 1900 which appears to have shipped in the past few weeks and looks like a good deal at 19" for $799. At the very least I'll hold off for a few more weeks and order the iMac in September. tx.

[Stratosfear]

If your kids want to play games, buy gameconsole like Playstation 2, XBox or GameCube. Mac has never been huge gamemachine and gameconsoles are cheaper.

I don't know how old your kids are, but maybe you should start with 1GHz eMac.It isn't so expensive and you could wait and see, what your kids are going to do with eMac.You can later buy G5, if your kids needs more powerfull computer. G5 PowerMacs won't be available until September or even late September. Apple Store says August, but there has been some rumors/stories that G5s will ship in September or later. G5 PowerMac is quite expensive computer and I don't know, if it's good start with our kids only.

[iDebaser]

Originally posted by toms
All, thanks for the feedback/advice. I've taken some time today to also look at the 1.6 GHz G5 and am considering going that route. I looked at the Formac 1900 which appears to have shipped in the past few weeks and looks like a good deal at 19" for $799. At the very least I'll hold off for a few more weeks and order the iMac in September. tx.

Don't forget to consider the G4 Dual 1.25 MHz Power Mac, it's still plenty quick and $400 less!!! You could buy an iPod or a couple of iSights or you can have the slowest single 64bit processor in a consumer desktop....hmmm??
And it'll be a few years until it's below the minimum hardware requirement for most software...

We got an iMac for my dad, and i really like the computer for him 'cuz he knows NOTHING about computers (but you do, so maybe the iMac is not the choice for you). The AIO design is fantastic, and a testimony to how simple a Mac is to use. This includes all the software and updates...a bit pricy, yes - but c'mon, you tip your fav bartender well, right??

[PaulP]

You can play the waiting game for a LONG time. The problem with reading rumor sites and forums when you're trying to decide what Mac to buy is that there is always a lot of speculation about the next release - whether there's just been one or not.

The iMac is a really cool machine with a great screen - are you really going to notice that you have a 1.25ghz G4 in there as opposed to a 1ghz?

Jump in now!

[Placebo]

Originally posted by toms
All, thanks for the feedback/advice. I've taken some time today to also look at the 1.6 GHz G5 and am considering going that route. I looked at the Formac 1900 which appears to have shipped in the past few weeks and looks like a good deal at 19" for $799. At the very least I'll hold off for a few more weeks and order the iMac in September. tx.
If you're going to get a G5, chocke up that extra $400 for a 1.8 model. TWICE the Hard Drive, TWICE the RAM, a faster processor, faster RAM, more RAM capacity...it's a no-brainer.

[joesph mother]

Originally posted by Placebo
If you're going to get a G5, chocke up that extra $400 for a 1.8 model. TWICE the Hard Drive, TWICE the RAM, a faster processor, faster RAM, more RAM capacity...it's a no-brainer.

While more RAM capacity is always alluring in theory, most of us will never need the maximum anyway. Unless you have big BIG plans, 4GB RAM capacity should see you through a good many years.

Bigger harddrive is always useful, but with external drives always getting bigger and cheaper, you can grow into an external firewire drive later on (plus, you'll then have a second drive to boot off of and back-up to if anything ever goes wrong with the primary drive).

[Sport73]

I bought a 17" iMac just a few weeks ago, and I recommend the purchase wholehearedly.

As a recent switcher, the decision to buy Mac Hardware rests primarily on 3 factors: OSX, iLife, and machine aesthetics. The iMac gets an A+ in every category.

Compared to my Pentium2 450Mhz PC, this thing screams. The built-in DVD burner, the screen, and the small form factor make it both easier to use and just plain prettier.

I'm a geek; techie...I love Mhz and getting the best performance available, but the iMac has proven to be more than enough. Many people in these forums have been on the Mac platform forever, which makes them more likely to focus on the 'next' thing, whereas switchers can focus on the present.

Rule #1 of Computers: There will ALWAYS be a more powerful processor, HD upgrade etc. etc. etc. right around the corner - No time is ever a good time to buy...

If you have the patience, then by all means wait and see what happens...If you or your kids are anxious to get started, there is NOTHING in the 1Ghz iMac ownership experience that is disappointing.

[rickag]

Originally posted by toms
All, thanks for the feedback/advice. I've taken some time today to also look at the 1.6 GHz G5 and am considering going that route. I looked at the Formac 1900 which appears to have shipped in the past few weeks and looks like a good deal at 19" for $799. At the very least I'll hold off for a few more weeks and order the iMac in September. tx.

Just a note: not sure if any one mentioned this.

If you or your wife is on a PTA board or is an elected OR appointed official of a PTA or PTO you are eligible for educational discounts. Also, this applies to homeschooling.

Most machines are sporting higher than normal discounts right now.