Apple quietly refreshes iMac line, now up to 3.06GHz

[tdhockeyfan424]

today I ordered my new iMac 24" 2.4ghz with 2gb of ram and got the wireless keyboard and mouse.

I am wondering if apple updates the iMacs can I send mine in becuase I probably won't get mine for 3-5 days and the updates would come on Tuesday.

If I can send it I'm what do I have to do and how can I do it.

Also if they changes the ram to 2gb standard do I get 100 back because I updated it

Please help

apple udated ti to the new imacs at no aditional cost,
i now got this:

24" imac 2.8ghz, 2gb ram, 320gb hdd, 256mb ati graphics card and wireless keyboard and mouse.

**also from amazon for 200 dollars less than what apple charges i got the logitech z-5500 digital 5.1 surround sound speakers. they look very nice

[audiopollution]

Originally Posted by tdhockeyfan424

today I ordered my new iMac 24" 2.4ghz with 2gb of ram and got the wireless keyboard and mouse.

I am wondering if apple updates the iMacs can I send mine in becuase I probably won't get mine for 3-5 days and the updates would come on Tuesday.

If I can send it I'm what do I have to do and how can I do it.

Also if they changes the ram to 2gb standard do I get 100 back because I updated it

Please help

Why did you order a new iMac today, considering the large number of reports that an upgraded version will be released in a mere two days?

Cancel the order. Wait until Tuesday.

[PB]

As audiopollution already said, if you still can cancel your order just do it. New iMacs are coming very soon. At least this is what the rumor says. And it was quiet for a long time. So...

EDIT: oh, and if you have ordered directly from Apple you may receive one of the updated models. But better be sure and cancel the order while you can. Good luck.

[Flounder]

Yeah, it's out. Call apple up and find out exactly what computer they're sending you. It might be the updated one, so there may be no need to cancel your order.

[aplnub]

Nice bump to bring everything up to speed but I don't see anything ground breaking.

It did get a new video card 8800GS which looks good compared to my ATI in my 24" aluminum.

[backtomac]

Originally Posted by aplnub

Nice bump to bring everything up to speed but I don't see anything ground breaking.

It did get a new video card 8800GS which looks good compared to my ATI in my 24" aluminum.

I think its a very nice update. I would agree its not ground breaking but the speed bumps are nice. The option of a better gpu is excellent(now the iMac can be used for gaming). And the 2 gbs of standard RAM is long overdue IMO.

[AppleInsider]

Apple on Monday updated its iMac family with the latest Intel Core 2 Duo Penryn mobile processors and the most powerful graphics ever available in the all-in-one desktop line.

With prices starting at just $1,199, the new iMacs also include 6MB L2 cache, a faster 1066 MHz front-side bus, and 2GB of memory standard in most models (expandable to 4GB).

Meanwhile, the new 24-inch Extreme configuration offers a 3.06 GHz Intel processor and a NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS graphics card with 512MB of video memory, which Apple claims will deliver up to two times the standard performance for graphic intensive applications.

“The iMac’s gorgeous aluminum and glass all-in-one design has been an incredible hit with our customers and is just one of the reasons Mac sales are growing three and a half times faster than PC sales,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With the latest Intel processors, a faster new graphics option and more memory, customers now have even more reasons to love the iMac.”

New Configurations

The new iMac line is available immediately through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.

The new 20-inch 2.4 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,199 (US), includes:
20-inch widescreen LCD display2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with a 1066 MHz front-side bus1GB of 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 4GB250GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpma slot-load 8x SuperDrive® with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT with 128MB GDDR3 memorybuilt-in iSight video camerabuilt-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDRmini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately)built-in stereo speakers and microphone; andthe Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse and infrared Apple Remote.
The new 20-inch 2.66 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US), includes:
20-inch widescreen LCD display2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with a 1066 MHz front-side bus2GB of 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 4GB320GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpma slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB GDDR3 memorybuilt-in iSight video camerabuilt-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDRmini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately)built-in stereo speakers and microphone; andthe Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse and infrared Apple Remote.
The new 24-inch 2.8 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,799 (US), includes:
24-inch widescreen LCD display2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with a 1066 MHz front-side bus2GB of 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 4GB320GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpma slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB GDDR3 memorybuilt-in iSight video camerabuilt-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDRmini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately)built-in stereo speakers and microphone; andthe Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse and infrared Apple Remote.
The new 24-inch 3.06 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $2,199 (US), includes:
24-inch widescreen LCD display3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with a 1066 MHz front-side bus2GB of 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 4GB500GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpma slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS with 512MB GDDR3 memorybuilt-in iSight video camerabuilt-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDRmini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately)built-in stereo speakers and microphone; andthe Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse and infrared Apple Remote.



The new iMacs further Apple’s commitment to environmental progress with highly recyclable and durable materials including scratch-resistant glass and professional grade aluminum. Each new model is rated EPEAT Silver, the company said, adding that the power-efficient systems also meet the stringent Energy Star 4.0 requirements for power consumption.

Apple is also now offering more reasonable pricing for iMac memory upgrades, with an upgrade from 1GB to 2GB costing $100, and an upgrade from 2GB to 4GB fetching just $300.

Each iMac ships with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard and iLife '08.

Those readers looking to purchase a new iMac may want to check out MacMall, which is offering up to $100 in rebates (plus a free Epson Printer and copy of Parallels Desktop 3.0) with each purchase.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[Abster2core]

Originally Posted by tdhockeyfan424

today I ordered my new iMac 24" 2.4ghz with 2gb of ram and got the wireless keyboard and mouse.

I am wondering if apple updates the iMacs can I send mine in becuase I probably won't get mine for 3-5 days and the updates would come on Tuesday.

If I can send it I'm what do I have to do and how can I do it.

Also if they changes the ram to 2gb standard do I get 100 back because I updated it

Please help

Most likely if you don't do anything you will receive the new iteration at the published price.

For your own comfort, just call customer support.

[danieldelaney]

Originally Posted by tdhockeyfan424

today I ordered my new iMac 24" 2.4ghz with 2gb of ram and got the wireless keyboard and mouse.

I am wondering if apple updates the iMacs can I send mine in becuase I probably won't get mine for 3-5 days and the updates would come on Tuesday.

If I can send it I'm what do I have to do and how can I do it.

Also if they changes the ram to 2gb standard do I get 100 back because I updated it

Please help

You're totally fine. They have a 14 day return policy. Just call them, I doubt it shipped. Regardless, in the past similar orders have simply been upgraded to the bumped technology at the same price point.

But so ya'll know: Any APPL tech you buy can be upgraded, returned, or swapped within 14 days of purchase with a receipt. If you open it, you may have to pay a restocking fee.

[json]

These look like nice updates. And the Swedish prices have also been adjusted in the right direction.
It's interesting to see that the new 3.06 with wireless keyboard/mouse and 750GB HD is about 20% cheaper than my 24" white iMac with 2.33 GHz, 2 GB memory, wireless keyboard/mouse and the better graphics card was when I bought it two years ago. I guess the value of the dollar also "works in our favour".....

Maybe it's time to upgrade from the white iMac..... but on the other hand I'm still hoping they will introduce a 30" model....

[amac4me]

Overall, a nice refresh to the iMac line.

[Train_Glunkr]

According to the Apple Store, both the "Good" and "Best" have an ATI Radeon 2600 HD PRO 256MB.

[Lorre]

RAM upgrade prices qot a lot friendlier too.

800MHz RAM, does that mean these get desktop processors?

[Franck]

Originally Posted by json

These look like nice updates. And the Swedish prices have also been adjusted in the right direction.

Yeah ! Euro-prices are down accordingly (200-300€ across the line). That's good news.

[NOFEER]

how hard is it to upgrade ram in the new imacs??
what are the criteria for edu discount
i plan on getting 2 for my kids for school (elementary school)
this might be a tougher question
what's the predicted life of these, namely will they be good enough for say 4-6 years--elementary school level? and wouldn't the base 2.4ghz be adequate or should i spend the extra for more processor??
do you think there will be a speed bump for the fall school session??
thanks

[Lorre]

Originally Posted by NOFEER

how hard is it to upgrade ram in the new imacs??
what are the criteria for edu discount
i plan on getting 2 for my kids for school (elementary school)
this might be a tougher question
what's the predicted life of these, namely will they be good enough for say 4-6 years--elementary school level? and wouldn't the base 2.4ghz be adequate or should i spend the extra for more processor??
do you think there will be a speed bump for the fall school session??
thanks

For elementary school, this is more than fast enough to last you about 5 years I'd say, that is if your kids don't want to play a lot of games on these. No need to get the more expensive models. You should get 2GB of RAM though. To replace this ram, you need to loosen 1(one) screw.
Speed bump before fall is possible, I'd say 60% chance they upgrade it once more before September, if you can hold out till November or so, I'd wait.

[ascii]

No glossy/matte screen choice. Customer feedback not reaching engineers.

[posner]

Originally Posted by NOFEER

how hard is it to upgrade ram in the new imacs??
what are the criteria for edu discount
i plan on getting 2 for my kids for school (elementary school)
this might be a tougher question
what's the predicted life of these, namely will they be good enough for say 4-6 years--elementary school level? and wouldn't the base 2.4ghz be adequate or should i spend the extra for more processor??
do you think there will be a speed bump for the fall school session??
thanks

I think you'll be fine for 5+ years even with the base model. Our first iMac (2000; 400mhz g3) lasted 6 years with our two kids (through elementary school), with updates to RAM and external HD along the way. Our current iMac (Sep06 update) should be fine for all required schoolwork through high school (another 3-5yrs from now).

The tasks most likely to tax an aging iMac are heavy photo and video editing and storage. Fortunately those tasks are not common in elementary school. The three systems most relevant to these tasks are video RAM, system memory, and hard drive space. Video RAM is tough to update later, so that is the one place where I'd encourage you to max out upon purchase from Apple to increase longevity. Otherwise, prices for both system memory and hard drive storage will continue to drop dramatically in the next few years, so consider going with the base levels of those now and upgrading when you actually need the higher capacity (when prices will be lower). For example, we opted for the 250GB HD in 2006 instead of paying an extra $100+ for 500GB. Next year, when we'll finally start filling that 250GB HD, I should be able to buy an external 750GB HD for about $100 (tripling the storage we get for that $100). Same basic story for system RAM, which is very easy to install on your own and available cheaply through 3rd parties. Of course if you have the cash you won't regret buying a maxed-out system right now, but it'd likely be overkill for now and may delay a future update. Have fun!

edit: I agree with Lorre that upgrading to 2GB RAM right away is probably a good move. Apple charges $100, but you can do better with 3rd party suppliers.

[wtbard]

Originally Posted by ascii

No glossy/matte screen choice. Customer feedback not reaching engineers.

Are all of the new ones just glossy? Weren't some of the previous version matte? (I may be confusing the iMac with the MacBook Pro) My big complaint with the glossy is I see things behind me which is distracting.

[wizard69]

Originally Posted by NOFEER

how hard is it to upgrade ram in the new imacs??
what are the criteria for edu discount

Last I knew registration in a college

i plan on getting 2 for my kids for school (elementary school)

That is nice all I ever got was hand me down socks!

this might be a tougher question
what's the predicted life of these, namely will they be good enough for say 4-6 years--elementary school level?

Well that depends on where your kids are grade wise. 4 years shouldn't be to bad 6 is another matter especially if they are older.
[quote]
and wouldn't the base 2.4ghz be adequate or should i spend the extra for more processor??
[quote]
If you are buying for long term get the fastest processor you can afford.

do you think there will be a speed bump for the fall school session??
thanks

I doubt it as this release really is for the school buying season. Plus there is the question of just what is in this hardware release processor wise. It sounds like Apple maxed out Intels laptop offerings.

Dave

[Ireland]

Putting a huge sign on their homepage is hardly quietly refreshing the iMac. It's saying; "look at our new stuff!"

Aside from Steve doing an event this is the next biggest thing they could do. Using my iPhone now while I wait for a week for my iMac to come back with a new display. Damn burn-in.

[BenRoethig]

Well, at least I know what's replacing by rev. A aluminum iMac either this fall or next spring.

[Zenga]

Originally Posted by json

These look like nice updates. And the Swedish prices have also been adjusted in the right direction.
It's interesting to see that the new 3.06 with wireless keyboard/mouse and 750GB HD is about 20% cheaper than my 24" white iMac with 2.33 GHz, 2 GB memory, wireless keyboard/mouse and the better graphics card was when I bought it two years ago. I guess the value of the dollar also "works in our favour".....

Maybe it's time to upgrade from the white iMac..... but on the other hand I'm still hoping they will introduce a 30" model....

buy a 50" bravia and attach a mac mini to it!

[Zenga]

Originally Posted by ascii

No glossy/matte screen choice. Customer feedback not reaching engineers.

aye!

[ascii]

Originally Posted by wtbard

Are all of the new ones just glossy? Weren't some of the previous version matte? (I may be confusing the iMac with the MacBook Pro) My big complaint with the glossy is I see things behind me which is distracting.

Yes, you are thinking of the MacBook Pro. There is a choice of screen on that but not the iMac.

[Obi-Wan Kubrick]

Hi all this is my first post here. I have been checking this site almost daily for around a year so I figure I should post here. This refresh looks pretty good. But I still wont be repalcing my iMac G5 with isight.

[roehlstation]

Originally Posted by ascii

No glossy/matte screen choice. Customer feedback not reaching engineers.

Just take the glass off the front. and you have matte finish.

[Akanbe]

Originally Posted by ascii

No glossy/matte screen choice. Customer feedback not reaching engineers.

Yeppers. I wonder if the 20" is still the same screen with the uneven brightness and other problems?

[posner]

[QUOTE=wizard69;1245076]Last I knew registration in a college

[quote]
and wouldn't the base 2.4ghz be adequate or should i spend the extra for more processor??

If you are buying for long term get the fastest processor you can afford.

Dave

Processor speed definitely helps, but here is where you can quickly get routed up the price chart because Apple bundles faster processors with slightly upgraded features across the line -- so in the 20" line, $300 gets you an extra .266GHz speed (~11% increase), but also 1GB RAM, 70GB HD and a slightly better video card. To get any faster, you pay $300 to buy another .134GHz speed (~6% increase) but must move up to 24" monitor. So yes, more speed is great, but you quickly start paying for lots of other stuff that you might not want or that will certainly be cheaper to buy separately later (RAM, HD). Even the base model should be fine for elementary school work for 5+ years. If one of them gets really into processor-intensive multimedia, then you'll be in better shape to spring for whatever Apple is selling 5yrs from now.

[wizard69]

Originally Posted by posner

The tasks most likely to tax an aging iMac are heavy photo and video editing and storage. Fortunately those tasks are not common in elementary school.

Well you hope not do realize that the usage of computers in schools has changed and will continue to change. While I don't know the age group we are talking about here it is not to difficult to imagine a kid taking a photography class or having a video project to deal with. Even with these though you will not tax the iMac that much.


I liked your arguments about RAM and memory, but in my mind your suggestion to go low end with Apple hardware is a bit off base. You go up a model or two not for the RAM and disk space offered, which as you point out gets cheaper every year, but for the processor speed. Like video RAM not easy to update so it pays to get the faster machine if you expect to have it around for the long haul.

The question of course for this specific issue is just how fast will software and the users outgrow the processor speed of a base unit. The problem is you can't predict when or how that will happen, but you can give your self as much breathing room as possible. As an example some time ago I built up a Linux machine which I thought was a pretty good value even if the processor was modest. That Linux box worked pretty good through (1) one upgrade of the OS after which it was noticeably under powered.

Now I'm not trying to say that Apple will evolve it OS in a way that will outstrip the ability of todays processors to deliver good performance in 4 years. Just that you don't really know what will happen and the difference between the slowest and fastest processor 4 to 6 years down the road could be significant. Considering you can't normally upgrade an iMacs processor it is something to think about.

Dave

[wizard69]

Guys I think this is one of the best updates Apple has produced in a long long time. If it wasn't for just buying a Mac Book Pro I think I'd be in line for one right now.

There is already some speculation that this might be Montevina, due to the bus speeds and clock rates. Not sure if that is the case or not but either way this is more than just a modest update. Appel should really be able to drive a lot of sales with this revision for the next 6 months or so.

Dave

[Obi-Wan Kubrick]

Originally Posted by tdhockeyfan424

today I ordered my new iMac 24" 2.4ghz with 2gb of ram and got the wireless keyboard and mouse.

I am wondering if apple updates the iMacs can I send mine in becuase I probably won't get mine for 3-5 days and the updates would come on Tuesday.

If I can send it I'm what do I have to do and how can I do it.

Also if they changes the ram to 2gb standard do I get 100 back because I updated it

Please help

I am assuming you come to this site often. So why would you order an iMac if you knew a refresh was coming?

[shanmugam]

where we can find all these CPUs in intel site?

all of them seems to be special order from Apple to intel...

these are desktop cpus or next generation notebook cpus.

good upgrades!

[backtomac]

Is it me or are the chips in this refresh from the Montevina platform?

If so looks like Apple got them a bit early.

[json]

Originally Posted by Zenga

buy a 50" bravia and attach a mac mini to it!

Bring on the 3.06 GHz, 750GB HD, nVidia 8800 Mini and I will remodel the bedroom to make room for the Bravia!
And oh yeah, a better yen exchange rate too please.

[ros3ntan]

Originally Posted by tdhockeyfan424

today I ordered my new iMac 24" 2.4ghz with 2gb of ram and got the wireless keyboard and mouse.

I am wondering if apple updates the iMacs can I send mine in becuase I probably won't get mine for 3-5 days and the updates would come on Tuesday.

If I can send it I'm what do I have to do and how can I do it.

Also if they changes the ram to 2gb standard do I get 100 back because I updated it

Please help

call them and tell them your problem. Customer is always right

[jragosta]

Originally Posted by roehlstation

Just take the glass off the front. and you have matte finish.

Or use steel wool.

[RoamingGnome]

Originally Posted by backtomac

Is it me or are the chips in this refresh from the Montevina platform?

If so looks like Apple got them a bit early.

Yeah, I highly doubt Apple is shipping desktop processors - that would be too good in terms of cost/performance. I bet this is PC6400 200-PIN RAM don't get your hopes up for desktop RAM, we'd be at a 1.33GHz BUS for both the processor and the RAM.

[cutigerinva]

So are these Montevina chips?

[solipsism]

What are the model numbers of these chips. A cursory looks suggests Penryn's lower power consumption—and thus subsequent heat output—allowed Apple to use desktop-grade C2Ds in the iMac. This would allow for a better bump in speed and slightly lower price of the chip.