Next-gen iMacs to bundle new Apple keyboard

[AppleInsider]

An overhaul to Apple Inc.'s popular line of iMac computers, now due in a matter of weeks, will see the company's latest industrial design efforts extend beyond the systems themselves, AppleInsider has learned.

The new all-in-one signature desktops, expected to be available only in 20- and 24-inch configurations, have been described as both slimmer and sleeker than the 17-, 20- and 24-inch models they will replace.

The streamlining, however, won't stop with the iMac enclosure. Each new model will come dressed to impress, bundling a snazzy new Apple keyboard of similarly slender proportions, people familiar with the project say.

Tapping the wizardry of industrial design chief Jonathan Ive and his team, the Cupertino-based Mac maker has reportedly crafted a super-slim external keyboard for the new Macs. It's said to draw upon the aesthetic and feel of the low-profile keyboard which was first integrated with the company's 13-inch MacBook portables in May of 2006.

On its website, Apple explains that MacBooks "features a unique keyboard design that sits flush against the bed for a sleeker, lower profile."

"You’ll also find a firm touch when typing," the company adds. "That ought to make your fingers happy."

As was exclusively reported by AppleInsider back in March, Apple plans to carry the new iMac and keyboard design over to the 20- and 24-inch models exclusively. The 17-inch model -- which has fallen out of the firm's* high-quality, high-definition media strategy --* is expected to become the subject of considerable neglect, withering away alongside similar underachievers like the 12-inch PowerBook and soon-to-be-sacrificed Mac mini.

A close-up of the MacBook's low-profile keyboard.

When they arrive later this month or early next, the new iMacs should help maintain the flow of foot traffic at Apple's international retail chain, which during the recently-ended June quarter combined to sell more Macs than any other quarter in the segment's history, AppleInsider has been told.

A close-up of the MacBook's low-profile keyboard.

The iMacs may also have some company in the software department. According to a separate series of unconfirmed reports, the company recently began preparing some of its high-level suppliers for the next iteration of its iLife digital lifestyle software suite, due sometime in the August - September time frame.

Given the more than half-year delay beyond the suite's traditional January update cycle, Apple may elect to change the name of the software bundle from iLife '07 to iLife '08, those people say.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[gloss]

Thank goodness. Can't stand the current Apple keyboards. Anything closer to the Macbook keyboard can only be a good thing.

[scotty321]

There are some real concerns here, such as what price point these new iMacs will be offered at.

I know many people who could barely afford the $999 iMac, but if Apple is going to eliminate the 17" iMac altogether, then what are they going to sell at the $999 price range?

Similar problem with the elimination of the Mac minis -- this is the ONLY entry-level computer that Apple offers, and it makes it financially easy for users with existing hardware to add a Mac into their lives. Even though the Mac minis are incredibly overpriced & horribly underpowered, it's still a low price of entry.

If all these pending changes to Apple's product line are to come true, then Apple would be showing once again that they have an incredible knack for COMPLETELY IGNORING customers who are on a limited budget, and that Apple caters only to the rich and famous.

Hasn't Apple learned anything with the iPod Shuffle? That the LOW END of the market is an incredibly important one to play in?

[Marvin]

This is great news. *prepares for the thread link to go red in color*

The current keyboards are terrible and I have waited so long to get a slimline Mac keyboard. Some media buttons would be nice but I think I could give those up on my current slim PC keyboard for a sturdy, lightweight Apple one with a Macbook style. I love typing on the Macbook keyboards.

I do wish you'd stop saying that the Mini's going to die though without suggesting there will be a replacement of sorts. It makes people afraid for no good reason. Apple simply can't leave the sub-$1000 desktop slot empty. But I don't want to get into that again in this thread as this is about the awesome news that new keyboards are coming.

[Gandalf the Semi-Coherent]

Am I the only one disappointed in this news? I have played with the new MacBook keyboards and found I didn't like them. They felt like a next-generation version of the old TRS-80 keyboards from the '80s, if anyone remembers them. Horrible.

I was looking forward to getting a new iMac, but I may be forced to purchase an older keyboard now.

[city]

Originally Posted by scotty321

There are some real concerns here, such as what price point these new iMacs will be offered at.

I know many people who could barely afford the $999 iMac, but if Apple is going to eliminate the 17" iMac altogether, then what are they going to sell at the $999 price range?

Just put it on your credit card. Apple is a permium brand like Lexus!

[gloss]

Originally Posted by Gandalf the Semi-Coherent

Am I the only one disappointed in this news? I have played with the new MacBook keyboards and found I didn't like them. They felt like a next-generation version of the old TRS-80 keyboards from the '80s, if anyone remembers them. Horrible.

I was looking forward to getting a new iMac, but I may be forced to purchase an older keyboard now.

I dunno. I love the MacBook keyboard, personally. Great feel.

[icibaqu]

Originally Posted by city

Just put it on your credit card. Apple is a permium brand like Lexus!

y'know....many many people put things that cost less than 1000 dollars on their credit cards.

[Able-X]

I'd just be happy to have a mac keyboard that doesn't show gunk and dirt the way the current one does. The white look is nice, until it gets dirty.

[G_Warren]

Sounds good, hopefully it will be bluetooth by default, saving me from having to pay extra to upgrade. New iMac, new keyboard, new Leopard and new iLife (although that is less exciting since I plan on moving to Aperture). Bring it on!

[allblue]

Interesting. I can't help thinking that the best application of multi-touch® (whatever) technology is on an input device, some sort of track-pad type thing sitting to the right of the keys. Unlikely I guess, but you should never underestimate the vision/implementation skills of Johhny Ives and the boys...

The timing of iLife 07.5 (?) is a bit tricky as presumably some features, although back compatible, will require 10.5's Core Animation (not to mention 64 bitness and stuff) for full implementation, so it will be a bit odd to release it a couple of months before they let the Leopard out of the cage...

All in all though, Apple looks brilliantly positioned to make month-on-month gains in market share, as one bit of superb technology and design after another are dangled before our jaded consumer eyes. Halos all round!

[Robin Hood]

I don't consider myself rich in any way, but it always puzzles me that some people can't seem to afford even a $999 computer, or barely afford it. Get a better job or work harder!

Stop being lazy. If you weren't so lazy, you'd have more money.

[Charko]

Does anybody know date this month for the June quarter results?

[coolfactor]

Originally Posted by Gandalf the Semi-Coherent

Am I the only one disappointed in this news? I have played with the new MacBook keyboards and found I didn't like them. They felt like a next-generation version of the old TRS-80 keyboards from the '80s, if anyone remembers them. Horrible.

I was looking forward to getting a new iMac, but I may be forced to purchase an older keyboard now.

I found the MacBook keyboard to be very comfortable and easy to adjust to. I was typing just as fast within a few minutes.

[BenRoethig]

Originally Posted by gloss

I dunno. I love the MacBook keyboard, personally. Great feel.

Not if you have small hands. I found the Macbook keyboard extremely difficult to type on.

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by Gandalf the Semi-Coherent

Am I the only one disappointed in this news? I have played with the new MacBook keyboards and found I didn't like them. They felt like a next-generation version of the old TRS-80 keyboards from the '80s, if anyone remembers them. Horrible.

I was looking forward to getting a new iMac, but I may be forced to purchase an older keyboard now.

I agree. Give me a keyboard that feels like an old IBM Selectric and you've got a winner. Modern keyboards are too soft, or squishy... it's like the difference between playing a USB 44-key keyboard (non-weighted) and playing a real piano.

[BenRoethig]

Originally Posted by Robin Hood

I don't consider myself rich in any way, but it always puzzles me that some people can't seem to afford even a $999 computer, or barely afford it. Get a better job or work harder!

Stop being lazy. If you weren't so lazy, you'd have more money.

None of you people have dependents, do you?

[melgross]

Originally Posted by Gandalf the Semi-Coherent

Am I the only one disappointed in this news? I have played with the new MacBook keyboards and found I didn't like them. They felt like a next-generation version of the old TRS-80 keyboards from the '80s, if anyone remembers them. Horrible.

I was looking forward to getting a new iMac, but I may be forced to purchase an older keyboard now.

The MacBook keyboards looked cheaper to many people at first, and that influenced their feelings about using them. But, it's been found that they are among the best keyboards Apple has produced.

As we will never see expensive keyboards again like the old "Pro" models, there is a limitation as to what any company can do.

Even if this a smidgen better than the current mushy models, it will be an improvement.

[coolfactor]

Originally Posted by Robin Hood

I don't consider myself rich in any way, but it always puzzles me that some people can't seem to afford even a $999 computer, or barely afford it. Get a better job or work harder!

Stop being lazy. If you weren't so lazy, you'd have more money.

Agreed. My first computer was a Mac SE and an ImageWriter dot-matrix printer.

Price: $4000

Today's computers are cheap price-wise. People shouldn't be afraid of anything less than $2K for a decent computer.

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by Robin Hood

I don't consider myself rich in any way, but it always puzzles me that some people can't seem to afford even a $999 computer, or barely afford it. Get a better job or work harder!

Stop being lazy. If you weren't so lazy, you'd have more money.

It baffles me too, but "some people" have priorities beyond computers (if you can believe that ).

[melgross]

Originally Posted by Charko

Does anybody know date this month for the June quarter results?

Probably mid, or late, next week.

[Karelia]

Originally Posted by G_Warren

Sounds good, hopefully it will be bluetooth by default, saving me from having to pay extra to upgrade. New iMac, new keyboard, new Leopard and new iLife (although that is less exciting since I plan on moving to Aperture). Bring it on!

A bluetooth keyboard (at least one without a USB version for backup) is a horrible idea. I can't tell you how many times I've dealt with people who can't even boot from a CD or reset their PRAM because they have a wireless keyboard that doesn't activate until the OS boots.

[city]

Originally Posted by BenRoethig

None of you people have dependents, do you?

If you love Apple...

[Charko]

Probably mid, or late, next week.[/QUOTE]

Thanks,

but as I do shift work in a hospital, I was wondering about the exact date so I can arrange to get the evening (I'm in Berlin) free. The sooner I get it, the easier it is to swop duties.

[joeYYY]

Originally Posted by Charko

Does anybody know date this month for the June quarter results?

July 25
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/qtv/earningsq207/

[Slewis]

Null.

[wealjays]

Originally Posted by Robin Hood

I don't consider myself rich in any way, but it always puzzles me that some people can't seem to afford even a $999 computer, or barely afford it. Get a better job or work harder!

Stop being lazy. If you weren't so lazy, you'd have more money.

RobinHood,

I have two words to describe you: "Big" "Schmuk"

Go buy your cat some gourmet cat food and live your alone depressing life.

Forget about the fact that some people are in hard times, struggle to make a living, have a lot of children (how dare they care about something that matters! ), have more important things to do with their money, etc.

Yes, just work harder.

You are obviously not a G-d fearing man, have no friends, and are a stuck up, insensitive bastard.

[snoboardguy21]

Originally Posted by melgross

Even if this a smidgen better than the current mushy models, it will be an improvement.

For what it's worth, the current keyboards are actually quite nice. At work I'm still using the black and green model from a Powermac G3. Now THOSE were horrible. The command key squeaks every time I press it, and almost every key sticks. It's bad.

Improvments are always great, and I'd love a slimline keyboard to use with my MBP, but let's not always complain about everything.

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

When they arrive later this month or early next, the new iMacs should help maintain the flow of foot traffic at Apple's international retail chain...

"international" LOL

When companies have international retail chains, that usually implies a number of international countries, not just a few. Currently Apple's in Italy, England, Japan, Canada and the U.S., international may technically mean two or more countries, but not in my book if were talking international retail chains. Don't ask me what the heck is keeping Apple. You guys can say what you want, but it's inexcusable, and it's a joke.

[Gandalf the Semi-Coherent]

Originally Posted by melgross

Even if this a smidgen better than the current mushy models, it will be an improvement.

I happen to like the current "mushy" model, as you put it. I find it very comfortable. I didn't find the MacBook keyboard to be as comfortable, and I didn't like the tactile feedback. Too "clicky" for my taste. But hey, the majority rules, and I'm clearly not in the majority.

GTSC

[gloss]

Originally Posted by SpamSandwich

I agree. Give me a keyboard that feels like an old IBM Selectric and you've got a winner. Modern keyboards are too soft, or squishy... it's like the difference between playing a USB 44-key keyboard (non-weighted) and playing a real piano.

While I love a nice, clicky, old-school keyboard, I've found that I type more quickly on a quality low-profile design. I even use one on my home PC. I had been planning on dragging that keyboard to my new iMac when I picked one up, but if they're going to be providing a redesigned keyboard as well, then that's just a slice of fried gold.

I understand that different people like/prefer different designs, but I honestly don't think it would take much to improve on the awful, mushy current design. I HATE using our family's iMac because of it.

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by wealjays

RobinHood,

I have two words to describe you: "Big" "Schmuk"

Go buy your cat some gourmet cat food and live your alone depressing life.

Forget about the fact that some people are in hard times, struggle to make a living, have a lot of children (how dare they care about something that matters! ), have more important things to do with their money, etc.

Yes, just work harder.

You are obviously not a G-d fearing man, have no friends, and are a stuck up, insensitive bastard.

This is the best argument yet for a Libertarian system of government.

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by Marvin

This is great news. *prepares for the thread link to go red in color*

Ha!

[cygnusrk727]

Originally Posted by Able-X

I'd just be happy to have a mac keyboard that doesn't show gunk and dirt the way the current one does. The white look is nice, until it gets dirty.

Yep. My white keyboard here at work is pretty nasty.( I know, so clean it.) Here's hoping the new one is black or some variation of.

And a full size keyboard please. No regressing to the iMac G3 era keyboards that came with the hockey pucks.

[dreamraj]

Originally Posted by Charko

Does anybody know date this month for the June quarter results?

July 25th. Buy AAPL shares now because it is expected that Apple will blow the numbers away beating Wall Street expectations again. Stock price could reach the $145-$150 range.

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by Robin Hood

I don't consider myself rich in any way, but it always puzzles me that some people can't seem to afford even a $999 computer, or barely afford it. Get a better job or work harder!

Stop being lazy. If you weren't so lazy, you'd have more money.

That's easy to say when you steal all your money

[BlackSummerNight]

The cat food line was a classic! The guy he's replying to is a fist class A-hole.

Originally Posted by SpamSandwich

This is the best argument yet for a Libertarian system of government.

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by dreamraj

July 25th. Buy AAPL shares now because it is expected that Apple will blow the numbers away beating Wall Street expectations again. Stock price could reach the $145-$150 range.

I don't think so. Expect a brief run up and a dip after results, no matter how good they are.

[Gandalf the Semi-Coherent]

Originally Posted by Robin Hood

I don't consider myself rich in any way, but it always puzzles me that some people can't seem to afford even a $999 computer, or barely afford it. Get a better job or work harder!

Stop being lazy. If you weren't so lazy, you'd have more money.

I don't think the issue is laziness. For most people, the issue is one of three things:

1. They have made the choice to spend money on other things (children, being the primary example) that they consider to be much more important. However, if you have chosen to spend money on other things that you consider much more important, stop complaining that you can't afford something else you want. Children can be a wonderful gift, but it's not Apple's fault you decided to breed.

2. They don't budget money very well, don't keep track of very small expenses that add up over time, then complain when they don't have anything left over to spend. Your lack of budgetary skill is not Apple's problem.

3. They expect something for nothing. A Corvette costs as much as a Corvette because it's a Corvette. It's not a Monte Carlo. Yes, both cars are Chevys, both are "sporty," and both share some similar components... but they're completely different cars in terms of their user experience. So, for you to complain that a Corvette is not priced at the same level as a Monte Carlo (or even worse... an Aveo!) is being, well... stupid. And Apple isn't obligated to listen to stupid people.

GTSC

[REM#1]

I am glad to hear that Apple will upgrade the keyboard as well as the iMac. But, I hope that the upgrade is more than cosmetic and key feel.

I would like to see the considerable skills of Ives and Apple design an ergonomic keyboard for the iMac and the Mac Pro. There is a great need for an ergonomic keyboard that comes with the all desktop macs and not at additional cost. I am not expecting them to include something like the high end ergonomic keyboards, such as those from: Kinesis http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/ , Maltron http://www.maltron.com/ , Safetype http://www.safetype.com/ , that would be overkill and an added expense that most people don't need.

This could also be a good selling point when people compare Apple's to Dells and H-P's.

If they can't actually see their way to designing an ergonomic keyboard perhaps they could work with the ergonomic keyboard companies to make sure that they make a keyboard that is designed for the Mac OS X rather than just an afterthought with some keyboard mapping. And sell them thru the Apple store.