Assuming new iMacs at WWDC, will they definitely have a new case design?
I know nothing's definite, but it's odd how the rumblings about a redesigned iMac form factor have significantly died down recently; you'd think we'd be hearing more about that approaching WWDC instead of less. I'm just worried because I want to replace my 5 year old iMac G4, but only if it'll be a new form factor (since I don't want to get a white G5-factor iMac this summer only to have it feel old and busted if they update the form factor in the autumn instead 
). So how solid is the consensus that this summer will, DEFINITELY, see a form factor update?
). So how solid is the consensus that this summer will, DEFINITELY, see a form factor update?
Comments
I know nothing's definite, but it's odd how the rumblings about a redesigned iMac form factor have significantly died down recently; you'd think we'd be hearing more about that approaching WWDC instead of less. I'm just worried because I want to replace my 5 year old iMac G4, but only if it'll be a new form factor (since I don't want to get a white G5-factor iMac this summer only to have it feel old and busted if they update the form factor in the autumn instead
id say very probable.
if there was going to be no new form factor i would have said the imac would have got the macbook treatment and received an incremental update on the quiet
i think they will be announced at WWDC, availability 1-2 weeks later, specs as follows
all models new form factor with bluetooth and airport extreme standard, up to 4gb ram
Baseline model
20 inch 1680 x 1050
2Ghz C2D upgradable to 2.2 ghz
2GB Ram
160GB HDD
Intel gma x3100 integrated graphics
Middle option
20 inch screen 1680 x 1050
2.2ghz c2d upgradable to 2.4hhz
250gb hdd
2GB ram
Nvidia 8600m GT 128mb vram upgradable to 256
high end option
24 inch 1920 x 1200
2.4 ghz c2d
500gb HDD
2GB Ram
nvidia 8600m gt 256mb vram
Wouldnt count out option of upgrading to 2.6ghz processor and 320mb of vram on the 24 inch model
wouldnt completely rule out robson turbo memory, although wouldnt put money on it being there
would like to see apple use hdcp compatable displays too with the imac but cant see it
I know nothing's definite, but it's odd how the rumblings about a redesigned iMac form factor have significantly died down recently; you'd think we'd be hearing more about that approaching WWDC instead of less. I'm just worried because I want to replace my 5 year old iMac G4, but only if it'll be a new form factor (since I don't want to get a white G5-factor iMac this summer only to have it feel old and busted if they update the form factor in the autumn instead
I think it's a must at this point assuming they are released at WWDC. Hopefully now that the Mac Book pro's are out we can get some imac news. My concern is that with the ipod deal they will just ride on that promo until fall.
Also, superlatic_uk, I like those specs you posted - I really want 2GB of RAM and a 500GB HD, so if those come standard in the 24in iMac, I'll save a few hundred dollars by having less to customize. If it's something like that, all I'll really need to upgrade is the GPU.
You guys make a good point - that if it weren't a major update it would be getting the same kind of quiet update that the MB and MBP have gotten recently.
Also, superlatic_uk, I like those specs you posted - I really want 2GB of RAM and a 500GB HD, so if those come standard in the 24in iMac, I'll save a few hundred dollars by having less to customize. If it's something like that, all I'll really need to upgrade is the GPU.
i think with apple though, expect to be underwhelmed untill you are overwhelmed
remember when i bought my ibook g4, last rev before switch to intel. everyone thought 64mb graphics was a nailed on cert
then unveiling ati radeon 9650 with 32mb v ram
i would say the specs for imac that i posted are defo on the pessimistic side, maybe still say 2.2ghz on the 24 inch model upgradable to 2.4 but regarding processors, gone off MBP pattern
i think with apple though, expect to be underwhelmed untill you are overwhelmed
remember when i bought my ibook g4, last rev before switch to intel. everyone thought 64mb graphics was a nailed on cert
then unveiling ati radeon 9650 with 32mb v ram
i would say the specs for imac that i posted are defo on the pessimistic side, maybe still say 2.2ghz on the 24 inch model upgradable to 2.4 but regarding processors, gone off MBP pattern
Well, if the iMac is indeed announced at WWDC, it's far less likely to be underwhelming. Not saying the specs will blow anyone out of the water - bigger Apple unveilings tend to be for new features and functions and new products, not for increased specs.
Either a redesigned iMac will debut at WWDC or a new Mac aimed at lower budget professionals will debut and the iMac will be speed bumped in the very near future. I'm hoping on the later.
We are not friends.
i mean, have they done something similar in the past?
ISo how solid is the consensus that this summer will, DEFINITELY, see a form factor update?
I'd be willing to bet $100 we'll see newly designed iMac's at WWDC. I'm really hoping for something striking, and I'm really really hoping for a multi-touch keyboard.
I'd be willing to bet $100 we'll see newly designed iMac's at WWDC. I'm really hoping for something striking, and I'm really really hoping for a multi-touch keyboard.
Hmm $100! Is that based on gut feeling or facts. I want to believe....I need a new imac and come next Monday I am buying something, maybe a refurn imac or hopefully a brand new imac revision.
would the new imacs come with the beta of leopard, or maybe a coupon for it when it comes out?
i mean, have they done something similar in the past?
No. The only thing similar to what you suggest was OS X Public Beta back in Y2K and it was a joke. Developers will get a copy of a Leopard beta at WWDC but the public won't.
...and I'm really really hoping for a multi-touch keyboard.
What exactly is that? Is that something on which you can't feel the keys so you have no idea what you're typing? Why has the world suddenly gone ga-ga over the phrase multi-touch?
I'm still hoping for something like this but that's just the optimist in me
What is that? Dimensions and specs?
What exactly is that? Is that something on which you can't feel the keys so you have no idea what you're typing? Why has the world suddenly gone ga-ga over the phrase multi-touch?
Out with the old, in with the new. The software potential for efficency of workflow with such a device is huge. Could you imagine something as simple as coming back from lunch and seeing "one new message! Read now? Read later?" on your keyboard, you click 'read now' and Mail pops up displaying this email.. or even having the luxury of changing your keyboard layout in System Preferences. Imagine just having letters and numbers on your keyboard, and like the iPhone, one key to bring up all those odd symbols, now we're talking simplicity.
The possibilities for such a scenario are endless. Not to mention things like putting the dock where the F-keys are. Imagine when you select an app your keyboard layout or setup changed to suit that app, imagine having browser tabs on the top of your keyboard, having back, forward and home buttons on your keyboard. And all this is technically feasible too, in fact it's well possible. Imagine one of those colored photoshop keyboard's appear when you launch photoshop. Imagine a game specifically designed for this new UI, and now imagine an situation whereby when you drag one finger across this multi-touch keyboard, your mouse cursor moves.. no need for a mouse. I know I'm kind of dreaming here, but this would be truly amazing, this would be revolutionary, and this would be soooo much fun. I hope you are reading this Apple, because I'm far too lazy to give you this feedback myself.
Apple didn't make that many external changes to the MBP - they even kept the latch system (mine needs to be replaced for the third time on my PB) instead of a magnetic latch. If the MBP didn't get a major rework (or at least the latch) why would they spend that much time on the iMac? I think they will focus on the internals and save a major change for MWSF 08 at the earliest. But then I'm generally wrong.
possibility 1: minor update at wwdc. seems unlikely, but i'm very keen to buy and at least i know that the current imac design is solid and well tested. i'll buy
possibility 2: major upate. would be great to get something new, but i would be a little wary of problems with the new design. this will leave me with the choice of getting the new model or getting a discounted cd2 model. could be a tough choice but it's nice to have choices!
possibility 3: nothing. ain't gonna happen
i think possibility 2 is definitely the most likely. i'm hoping they will be smart, but rather inelegant, and offer a free or significantly discounted (50%?) leopard option for buyers if the new models really DO have leopard only hardware features. it would really drive hardware sales for new models between now and autumn. otherwise they're going to release a new model and get a lot of people waiting until autumn to buy. bad business
ii think possibility 2 is definitely the most likely. i'm hoping they will be smart, but rather inelegant, and offer a free or significantly discounted (50%?) leopard option for buyers if the new models really DO have leopard only hardware features.
If a new model had Leopard-only hardware features, it wouldn't come out until Leopard was released, IMO. What might such features be?
For the purpose of this thread, we're to assume new iMacs will come out at WWDC. While I might expect a whole new design, I think it's more likely Apple will thin them a bit, upgrade them and adjust prices slightly and maybe even discontinue the 17" model. If the 17" model goes away, I hope Apple finally upgrades the mini!