No all-in-one sounds good enough - add external speakers.
I think you'd be hard pressed to find any computer with good sound without adding external parts. I think it can be done with the old horizontal desktop form factor that existed before the tower style took over, but that's silly.
I'm not in need of any new machine right now, but those new iMacs sure do look nice.
As for the whiners, your comments are irrelevant and don't really matter. Apple is selling all that they can make, so your whining will change nothing and has zero effect upon anything. Apple is not interested in making computers for cavemen and dinosaurs who need optical drives anymore. I can't even remember the last time that I touched a physical disc. Get with the program, it's almost 2013.
As for the lack of bass, that is hardly an important issue, because anybody who claims to demand good audio quality is not using any internal speakers on any all in one machine or on any TV. You hook up your machine to quality external speakers and monitors if you need great quality audio and full sound reproduction, including earth shattering bass, or you plug in a pair of expensive headphones if you care about sound quality. That goes for the previous iMacs also, that were thicker.
I think you'd be hard pressed to find any computer with good sound without adding external parts. I think it can be done with the old horizontal desktop form factor that existed before the tower style took over, but that's silly.
As soon as you add anything else to make your AIO function properly it ruins the entire point of it¡ Apple should go back to including the keyboard into the case¡
One thing that is both a step backwards and inexplicable on the grounds of cost is abandoning a line-in port. With both headphone and line in ports it's easy to play and record music from an online source using a double ended 3.5 mm jack plug. It may be less cluttered and more streamlined to eliminate inconvenient holes but when it reduces functionality then it really is ''form over function', this is where my current MacBook (single in/out audio port) loses out to my current (line in and headphones out) iMac.
$2,574.00 for my 3.4GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.9GHz with 8GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x4GB and 3TB Fusion Drive and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680MX 2GB GDDR5 with Magic Trackpad. Plus another $150 for 32GB RAM (4x8GB) from Newegg for a total of $2,724 before taxes. That should last me a couple years.
The heat from the GTX680MX should keep you warm on a cold winters night. I was at the Apple Store tonight and saw the 21.5 inch iMac. It's crazy thin and even in the middle it's very thin. Venting is about mid level on the back of the device, no longer at the top. When I took a look at the ports on the back I could move the iMac around with one finger. At least in my opinion the glare has been cut down dramatically.
If the 27" had been released I would have walked home with one tonight. They had a fairly good supply of both 21.5 inch models. I was also suprised they had every iPad Mini at the store for the exception of Verizon LTE. Tonight was my first time using the Mini, I played around with it for about 15 mins when I picked up the iPad after using the Mini the iPad felt like it weighed 15lbs. It was really interesting going from one to the other.
The heat from the GTX680MX should keep you warm on a cold winters night. I was at the Apple Store tonight and saw the 21.5 inch iMac. It's crazy thin and even in the middle it's very thin. Venting is about mid level on the back of the device, no longer at the top. When I took a look at the ports on the back I could move the iMac around with one finger. At least in my opinion the glare has been cut down dramatically.
If the 27" had been released I would have walked home with one tonight. They had a fairly good supply of both 21.5 inch models. I was also suprised they had every iPad Mini at the store for the exception of Verizon LTE. Tonight was my first time using the Mini, I played around with it for about 15 mins when I picked up the iPad after using the Mini the iPad felt like it weighed 15lbs. It was really interesting going from one to the other.
I almost went home with the 21.5" tonight. The courteous Apple Store employee was able to talk me down from that 5mm ledge before I made a rash decision. Only a 2.5" HDD with 1TB max at 5400RPM, only 2 RAM slots for a maximum of 16GB that is not easily changeable like in the 27". The lowered performance and pretty much everything else that 27" has. They also didn't have anything but the two base 21.5" configurations so I wouldn't have even been able to walk away with a Core-i7 today.
I'm guessing that extra curvature of the back means that the metal can be thinner while still being as rigid. Thinner metal should mean that heat will dissipate though it even faster.
As for the iPad mini. I quite like it but the Retina Display I like more. It's interesting how you can go to a lighter device and not notice the weight but then go back to the heavier one and it's instantly noticeable. Every time I pick up my iPhone 4 for iOS app testing it just feels so heavy and bulky compared to the iPhone 5, like it's some Cold War throwback. It's funny how technology constantly pushes in one direction of what we consider to be acceptable.
One thing that is both a step backwards and inexplicable on the grounds of cost is abandoning a line-in port. With both headphone and line in ports it's easy to play and record music from an online source using a double ended 3.5 mm jack plug. It may be less cluttered and more streamlined to eliminate inconvenient holes but when it reduces functionality then it really is ''form over function', this is where my current MacBook (single in/out audio port) loses out to my current (line in and headphones out) iMac.
I have line in ports on most, if not all of my older Macs, but I wonder how many people actually ever used them? I don't know what the stats are, but I'd venture to guess that the number is extremely low. Why include a port that maybe 1% of customers use? What about the other 99%? I would say that anybody recording anything into their Macs, and is serious about it, are using external interfaces. And if somebody is not serious about it, then they probably fall into the category of people who have never even used that port ever.
I almost went home with the 21.5" tonight. The courteous Apple Store employee was able to talk me down from that 5mm ledge before I made a rash decision. Only a 2.5" HDD with 1TB max at 5400RPM, only 2 RAM slots for a maximum of 16GB that is not easily changeable like in the 27". The lowered performance and pretty much everything else that 27" has. They also didn't have anything but the two base 21.5" configurations so I wouldn't have even been able to walk away with a Core-i7 today.
I'm guessing that extra curvature of the back means that the metal can be thinner while still being as rigid. Thinner metal should mean that heat will dissipate though it even faster.
As for the iPad mini. I quite like it but the Retina Display I like more. It's interesting how you can go to a lighter device and not notice the weight but then go back to the heavier one and it's instantly noticeable. Every time I pick up my iPhone 4 for iOS app testing it just feels so heavy and bulky compared to the iPhone 5, like it's some Cold War throwback. It's funny how technology constantly pushes in one direction of what we consider to be acceptable.
I really hate the use of 5400rpm hdd. I know in most cases they are used to keep heat and noise down but they are so damn slow. I can live with 7200rpm but the fusion drive will work really nice for me. My BTO was fairly modest, I bumped to a 3.4 quad i7 and a 3TB Fusion drive. Update the ram later if needed. I am really glad I waited for the new update.
I was laughing with an Apple employee we were talking about the pros and cons to both the iPad and the Mini. Both of us being 45 he said at some point 640x480 will be our new HD. With my glasses on I can benefit from the Retina display, without them I could pick a new iPad from an iPad 2.
Glad you're so happy. You're not the only person in the world, you know. DVDs still by far outsell downloaded movies. But since you run the world, I guess that's all out the window.
No... I certainly don't run the world, nor would I want to. The vocal minority out there that need an ODD drive in their iMac so they can send grandma a disc with family pictures are the ones that think they do.
Apple has a great knack for jettison old technology and embracing new concepts. What will happen - and already is on some level - is the other makers will do the exact same thing and then "suddenly" it will be commonplace. Of course, no thanks to Apple... </s>
I almost went home with the 21.5" tonight. The courteous Apple Store employee was able to talk me down from that 5mm ledge before I made a rash decision. Only a 2.5" HDD with 1TB max at 5400RPM, only 2 RAM slots for a maximum of 16GB that is not easily changeable like in the 27". The lowered performance and pretty much everything else that 27" has. They also didn't have anything but the two base 21.5" configurations so I wouldn't have even been able to walk away with a Core-i7 today.
I'm guessing that extra curvature of the back means that the metal can be thinner while still being as rigid. Thinner metal should mean that heat will dissipate though it even faster.
As for the iPad mini. I quite like it but the Retina Display I like more. It's interesting how you can go to a lighter device and not notice the weight but then go back to the heavier one and it's instantly noticeable. Every time I pick up my iPhone 4 for iOS app testing it just feels so heavy and bulky compared to the iPhone 5, like it's some Cold War throwback. It's funny how technology constantly pushes in one direction of what we consider to be acceptable.
Glad you were able to walk away from the 21" Solips. Once you use the big boy, there's just no comparison. I had to work on a client's 21.5" today it just felt like I had to look down on it, nice as it was. 27" is simply the new standard.
I'm waiting for next year to see what Apple does with the mini. I think that will be my next iPad purchase.
My sister broke her old 3GS a couple weeks ago after using it for a couple years. I still had my "old" iPhone4 in near perfect condition just lying around after I got my iP5. So I became the good brother and gave it to her. For her, the iP4 felt like fine jewelry, but for me - I agree - the iP5 just makes it feel like an old battleship in a sea of modern destroyers.
Tech does advance quickly, and Apple is the one out front laying the path for everyone else.
Then again, since you already knew this your expectation for the build-in speakers were low to begin with. As should be with anyone, so yes, separate, external speakers is the best config if you want to listen to music or play a video. For incoming mail et cetera sounds the build-in speakers will suffice. That's what they're designed for.
Glad you were able to walk away from the 21" Solips. Once you use the big boy, there's just no comparison. I had to work on a client's 21.5" today it just felt like I had to look down on it, nice as it was. 27" is simply the new standard.
I've been using Apple's 13" notebooks as my primary machine since they went Intel. I had a 12" PB before that, and before that various 15" machines going back nearly 15 years. IOW, 21.5" is huge compared to what I am used to for personal use.
I've been using Apple's 13" notebooks as my primary machine since they went Intel. I had a 12" PB before that, and before that various 15" machines going back nearly 15 years. IOW, 21.5" is huge compared to what I am used to for personal use.
I used my original MBA as my primary machine for a couple years back then too. Going to the 27" iMac after that took some getting used to as the screen just felt monstrous and I was not used to having to turn my head slightly to cover all the real estate. After a week or two, and adjusting the position of the monitor to a proper distance for me, it's just night-and-day. I even ended up purchasing the new LED display, along with a new MBA for the office as I just could not (ever) go back to a 13" primary monitor.
You're going to love it. 21" just feels tiny now. Especially when you can do your regular work, and have netflix/iTunes movies playing in a window alongside it. Very cool.
My boss loved my setup, he bought the rMBP along with the 27" monitor - (even thought the rMBP has a higher display). He's going to purchase an iMac for his home as well when they are more readily available. Before that he was using a PC/17" monitor and now could never, ever go back to anything else. We're the envy of the company we work at as the bigger (and higher quality) monitor just lets us be more productive and gives our eyes a break.
I'm fine with the speakers on the iMac. If I was into desktop gaming, I'd probably spring for some Bose speakers. It's funny that even in 2012, reviewers of big screen HDTVs pan them for the small speakers. Does anyone buy a huge 65" LCD and then settle for the built ins? Even a cheap Bose 3-speaker surround system improves the experience tremendously!
BOSE..... Hahahahahaha... Seriously......hahahaha..... Never going to improve ANY audio experience.
I'd be curious to know how many people use the built in speakers with their flat screen TV vs a receiver with speakers and subwoofer. My guess is more people do the latter.
Oh, I doubt that. Only us home theater enthusiasts don't use their TV's built-in speakers.
I have visited many people who have their TVs hooked up to an external sound system, but almost without fail the receiver is switched off and they are using the (increasingly inferior) internal speakers.
I have a 2005 G5 2.0 Mac Pro and been waiting all year for the new iMacs. Nearly opted for the new Mini but for the the HD4000 instead gone for the base 15" rmbp with 16 GB memory upgrade(I know it's a rip off). The new iMacs are nice but can see why people are dissatisfied especially having 5400rpm hard drives as standard on th 21.5" it becomes quite costly to upgrade and for the more power user having to spend nearer to £2000 is realistic. Maybe those people should hang on and see what the new Mac Pro will offer. However the maxed out Mini does look good value if you can get past the HD 4000, which I couldn't. The portability and retina display was what swayed me. The iMac I still a great machine just upgrade the hard drive on n 21.5" !!!!
Comments
I think you'd be hard pressed to find any computer with good sound without adding external parts. I think it can be done with the old horizontal desktop form factor that existed before the tower style took over, but that's silly.
I'm not in need of any new machine right now, but those new iMacs sure do look nice.
As for the whiners, your comments are irrelevant and don't really matter. Apple is selling all that they can make, so your whining will change nothing and has zero effect upon anything. Apple is not interested in making computers for cavemen and dinosaurs who need optical drives anymore. I can't even remember the last time that I touched a physical disc. Get with the program, it's almost 2013.
As for the lack of bass, that is hardly an important issue, because anybody who claims to demand good audio quality is not using any internal speakers on any all in one machine or on any TV. You hook up your machine to quality external speakers and monitors if you need great quality audio and full sound reproduction, including earth shattering bass, or you plug in a pair of expensive headphones if you care about sound quality. That goes for the previous iMacs also, that were thicker.
As soon as you add anything else to make your AIO function properly it ruins the entire point of it¡ Apple should go back to including the keyboard into the case¡
Quote:
Originally Posted by SolipsismX
$2,574.00 for my 3.4GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.9GHz with 8GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x4GB and 3TB Fusion Drive and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680MX 2GB GDDR5 with Magic Trackpad. Plus another $150 for 32GB RAM (4x8GB) from Newegg for a total of $2,724 before taxes. That should last me a couple years.
The heat from the GTX680MX should keep you warm on a cold winters night. I was at the Apple Store tonight and saw the 21.5 inch iMac. It's crazy thin and even in the middle it's very thin. Venting is about mid level on the back of the device, no longer at the top. When I took a look at the ports on the back I could move the iMac around with one finger. At least in my opinion the glare has been cut down dramatically.
If the 27" had been released I would have walked home with one tonight. They had a fairly good supply of both 21.5 inch models. I was also suprised they had every iPad Mini at the store for the exception of Verizon LTE. Tonight was my first time using the Mini, I played around with it for about 15 mins when I picked up the iPad after using the Mini the iPad felt like it weighed 15lbs. It was really interesting going from one to the other.
I almost went home with the 21.5" tonight. The courteous Apple Store employee was able to talk me down from that 5mm ledge before I made a rash decision. Only a 2.5" HDD with 1TB max at 5400RPM, only 2 RAM slots for a maximum of 16GB that is not easily changeable like in the 27". The lowered performance and pretty much everything else that 27" has. They also didn't have anything but the two base 21.5" configurations so I wouldn't have even been able to walk away with a Core-i7 today.
I'm guessing that extra curvature of the back means that the metal can be thinner while still being as rigid. Thinner metal should mean that heat will dissipate though it even faster.
As for the iPad mini. I quite like it but the Retina Display I like more. It's interesting how you can go to a lighter device and not notice the weight but then go back to the heavier one and it's instantly noticeable. Every time I pick up my iPhone 4 for iOS app testing it just feels so heavy and bulky compared to the iPhone 5, like it's some Cold War throwback. It's funny how technology constantly pushes in one direction of what we consider to be acceptable.
Quote:
Originally Posted by john_l_uk
One thing that is both a step backwards and inexplicable on the grounds of cost is abandoning a line-in port. With both headphone and line in ports it's easy to play and record music from an online source using a double ended 3.5 mm jack plug. It may be less cluttered and more streamlined to eliminate inconvenient holes but when it reduces functionality then it really is ''form over function', this is where my current MacBook (single in/out audio port) loses out to my current (line in and headphones out) iMac.
I have line in ports on most, if not all of my older Macs, but I wonder how many people actually ever used them? I don't know what the stats are, but I'd venture to guess that the number is extremely low. Why include a port that maybe 1% of customers use? What about the other 99%? I would say that anybody recording anything into their Macs, and is serious about it, are using external interfaces. And if somebody is not serious about it, then they probably fall into the category of people who have never even used that port ever.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SolipsismX
I almost went home with the 21.5" tonight. The courteous Apple Store employee was able to talk me down from that 5mm ledge before I made a rash decision. Only a 2.5" HDD with 1TB max at 5400RPM, only 2 RAM slots for a maximum of 16GB that is not easily changeable like in the 27". The lowered performance and pretty much everything else that 27" has. They also didn't have anything but the two base 21.5" configurations so I wouldn't have even been able to walk away with a Core-i7 today.
I'm guessing that extra curvature of the back means that the metal can be thinner while still being as rigid. Thinner metal should mean that heat will dissipate though it even faster.
As for the iPad mini. I quite like it but the Retina Display I like more. It's interesting how you can go to a lighter device and not notice the weight but then go back to the heavier one and it's instantly noticeable. Every time I pick up my iPhone 4 for iOS app testing it just feels so heavy and bulky compared to the iPhone 5, like it's some Cold War throwback. It's funny how technology constantly pushes in one direction of what we consider to be acceptable.
I really hate the use of 5400rpm hdd. I know in most cases they are used to keep heat and noise down but they are so damn slow. I can live with 7200rpm but the fusion drive will work really nice for me. My BTO was fairly modest, I bumped to a 3.4 quad i7 and a 3TB Fusion drive. Update the ram later if needed. I am really glad I waited for the new update.
I was laughing with an Apple employee we were talking about the pros and cons to both the iPad and the Mini. Both of us being 45 he said at some point 640x480 will be our new HD. With my glasses on I can benefit from the Retina display, without them I could pick a new iPad from an iPad 2.
Quote:
Originally Posted by elroth
Glad you're so happy. You're not the only person in the world, you know. DVDs still by far outsell downloaded movies. But since you run the world, I guess that's all out the window.
No... I certainly don't run the world, nor would I want to. The vocal minority out there that need an ODD drive in their iMac so they can send grandma a disc with family pictures are the ones that think they do.
Apple has a great knack for jettison old technology and embracing new concepts. What will happen - and already is on some level - is the other makers will do the exact same thing and then "suddenly" it will be commonplace. Of course, no thanks to Apple... </s>
Quote:
Originally Posted by SolipsismX
I almost went home with the 21.5" tonight. The courteous Apple Store employee was able to talk me down from that 5mm ledge before I made a rash decision. Only a 2.5" HDD with 1TB max at 5400RPM, only 2 RAM slots for a maximum of 16GB that is not easily changeable like in the 27". The lowered performance and pretty much everything else that 27" has. They also didn't have anything but the two base 21.5" configurations so I wouldn't have even been able to walk away with a Core-i7 today.
I'm guessing that extra curvature of the back means that the metal can be thinner while still being as rigid. Thinner metal should mean that heat will dissipate though it even faster.
As for the iPad mini. I quite like it but the Retina Display I like more. It's interesting how you can go to a lighter device and not notice the weight but then go back to the heavier one and it's instantly noticeable. Every time I pick up my iPhone 4 for iOS app testing it just feels so heavy and bulky compared to the iPhone 5, like it's some Cold War throwback. It's funny how technology constantly pushes in one direction of what we consider to be acceptable.
Glad you were able to walk away from the 21" Solips. Once you use the big boy, there's just no comparison. I had to work on a client's 21.5" today it just felt like I had to look down on it, nice as it was. 27" is simply the new standard.
I'm waiting for next year to see what Apple does with the mini. I think that will be my next iPad purchase.
My sister broke her old 3GS a couple weeks ago after using it for a couple years. I still had my "old" iPhone4 in near perfect condition just lying around after I got my iP5. So I became the good brother and gave it to her. For her, the iP4 felt like fine jewelry, but for me - I agree - the iP5 just makes it feel like an old battleship in a sea of modern destroyers.
Tech does advance quickly, and Apple is the one out front laying the path for everyone else.
You're right: a beep should be good enough
I've been using Apple's 13" notebooks as my primary machine since they went Intel. I had a 12" PB before that, and before that various 15" machines going back nearly 15 years. IOW, 21.5" is huge compared to what I am used to for personal use.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SolipsismX
I've been using Apple's 13" notebooks as my primary machine since they went Intel. I had a 12" PB before that, and before that various 15" machines going back nearly 15 years. IOW, 21.5" is huge compared to what I am used to for personal use.
I used my original MBA as my primary machine for a couple years back then too. Going to the 27" iMac after that took some getting used to as the screen just felt monstrous and I was not used to having to turn my head slightly to cover all the real estate. After a week or two, and adjusting the position of the monitor to a proper distance for me, it's just night-and-day. I even ended up purchasing the new LED display, along with a new MBA for the office as I just could not (ever) go back to a 13" primary monitor.
You're going to love it. 21" just feels tiny now. Especially when you can do your regular work, and have netflix/iTunes movies playing in a window alongside it. Very cool.
My boss loved my setup, he bought the rMBP along with the 27" monitor - (even thought the rMBP has a higher display). He's going to purchase an iMac for his home as well when they are more readily available. Before that he was using a PC/17" monitor and now could never, ever go back to anything else. We're the envy of the company we work at as the bigger (and higher quality) monitor just lets us be more productive and gives our eyes a break.
BOSE..... Hahahahahaha... Seriously......hahahaha..... Never going to improve ANY audio experience.
Oh, I doubt that. Only us home theater enthusiasts don't use their TV's built-in speakers.
I have visited many people who have their TVs hooked up to an external sound system, but almost without fail the receiver is switched off and they are using the (increasingly inferior) internal speakers.
The iMac I still a great machine just upgrade the hard drive on n 21.5" !!!!
I cannot believe the idiotic Cnet comment that they felt that Apple was being deceptive by pretending that the computer was actually 5mm deep.
Quote:
Originally Posted by irnchriz
BOSE..... Hahahahahaha... Seriously......hahahaha..... Never going to improve ANY audio experience.
Well mine go up to 11.
The best thing about the new iMacs is they provide even more vindication for having bought the 15" Macbook Pro.
A "zero bass response" is a very strong step backwards if that's the case. I think Apple must stop this fetish with thin design.