A larger screen needs to happen with a design that somewhat easy fix (access) ram and graphics.
Let’s move on Apple as soon as possible.
Nope. Apple’s new paradigm will not have access to either RAM or Graphics cards. Those who are expecting this will be sorely disappointed. In my opinion the only Mac that will see that will be the Mac Pro when it comes. The iMac has always been the computer for the rest of us average users. The new ASi iMacs will double down on that legacy and provide out-of-the-box-and-plug-it-in simplicity. Those who think they have to root around in the guts of their machines and tinker away should really start thinking about moving to a different platform. These new iMacs are going to be even more sealed and locked down. And that’s a good thing for users like me who just want to use their machine, not fiddle with it. I also buy automobiles wit the features I want and not having to add them later, which I can’t anyway.
Although sealed / non upgradable devices have some benefits, it also create issues. For example, you don't see Apple offering on-site service for their notebooks. And if the Apple "double down" with the new iMac, as you said, it could mean that the Mac Pro could be the only device with onsite support. All of my customers have on-site support in their Lenovo devices, and it's very nice have someone to fix the devices at the office. No mail or visit to a store, like with Apple devices.
Other issue from non upgradable devices is that you have to replace everything when something is damage. For example, we had a logic board issue in a mobile workstation, and since the RAM and SSD was replaceable, the user didn't lose any data, neither a restore was needed. That's different from Apple, where you have to replace everything, and there are cases where it result in data loss, like this case I read recently.
Apple does offer onsite service with their Applecare plans. You need to request it when you call them for support. I don’t know if they are doing it during the pandemic though.
A larger screen needs to happen with a design that somewhat easy fix (access) ram and graphics.
Let’s move on Apple as soon as possible.
Nope. Apple’s new paradigm will not have access to either RAM or Graphics cards. Those who are expecting this will be sorely disappointed. In my opinion the only Mac that will see that will be the Mac Pro when it comes. The iMac has always been the computer for the rest of us average users. The new ASi iMacs will double down on that legacy and provide out-of-the-box-and-plug-it-in simplicity. Those who think they have to root around in the guts of their machines and tinker away should really start thinking about moving to a different platform. These new iMacs are going to be even more sealed and locked down. And that’s a good thing for users like me who just want to use their machine, not fiddle with it. I also buy automobiles wit the features I want and not having to add them later, which I can’t anyway.
I would be OK with it if Apple was reasonable with the upgrade pricing. Unfortunately it prefers to charge multiples of retail for RAM and storage upgrades. So it kinda puts a bad taste in your mouth, and overall no doubt limits sales from those with more demanding needs, or demanding desires, at least.
For me, I can understand RAM no longer being upgradeable as it is essentially part of the SOC in ASi, but why not have a little door for secondary NVMe storage?
I remember seeing a large panel computer in an old SciFi movie. Nothing but screen. Looked really cool and I'm surprised that Apple still have the bezel in the iMac.
That's what Apple should do now that the board can be really small and emit low heat.
As long as the display can function separately from the computer. I don’t care whether it’s 27” or 30”, or the fact the SoC is a “fixed thing” you can’t upgrade, as long as that SoC performs admirably for the upcoming 3-5 years.
The iMac is a very environmental unfriendly computer where you have to ditch the computer when the screen malfunctions, or ditch the screen when the computer malfunctions or becomes obsolete. That design is unacceptable in 2021.
A larger screen needs to happen with a design that somewhat easy fix (access) ram and graphics.
Let’s move on Apple as soon as possible.
Nope. Apple’s new paradigm will not have access to either RAM or Graphics cards. Those who are expecting this will be sorely disappointed. In my opinion the only Mac that will see that will be the Mac Pro when it comes. The iMac has always been the computer for the rest of us average users. The new ASi iMacs will double down on that legacy and provide out-of-the-box-and-plug-it-in simplicity. Those who think they have to root around in the guts of their machines and tinker away should really start thinking about moving to a different platform. These new iMacs are going to be even more sealed and locked down. And that’s a good thing for users like me who just want to use their machine, not fiddle with it. I also buy automobiles wit the features I want and not having to add them later, which I can’t anyway.
Although sealed / non upgradable devices have some benefits, it also create issues. For example, you don't see Apple offering on-site service for their notebooks. And if the Apple "double down" with the new iMac, as you said, it could mean that the Mac Pro could be the only device with onsite support. All of my customers have on-site support in their Lenovo devices, and it's very nice have someone to fix the devices at the office. No mail or visit to a store, like with Apple devices.
Other issue from non upgradable devices is that you have to replace everything when something is damage. For example, we had a logic board issue in a mobile workstation, and since the RAM and SSD was replaceable, the user didn't lose any data, neither a restore was needed. That's different from Apple, where you have to replace everything, and there are cases where it result in data loss, like this case I read recently.
Apple does offer onsite service with their Applecare plans. You need to request it when you call them for support. I don’t know if they are doing it during the pandemic though.
AppleCare offers onsite support only for desktops,
I have a classic 30" Cinema display next to my 2013 27" iMac and the dimensions of the housings including the bezel and the CD is only 2" wider and 1/2" taller. The physical size difference is not that different. Therefore 30" is reasonable.
Now, mention a 32" iMac and I just need to save a more. SUATMM.
Apple has never had user "accessible graphics chips" in the iMacs and is not about to start now. With the unified RAM and graphics, there will be no user accessible RAM. External memory, as with external storage? Will not happen. It defeats the purpose of unifying it in the first place. No need to "offload" to cross purposes. An eGPU makes sense, but there won't be external RAM from Apple.
A 32" iMac would be great but a 30" iMac in 27" clothing would be OK. Or Apple could to both with the former having "pro" aspirations and options and the later having more modest appointments for the rest of us.
I purchased my 2020 iMac (10-core i9, 128GB, 8TB SSD) with the intent of it being my last Intel-based Mac. By the time I need to retire it way down the road, Apple will had their ASi lineup fully baked in and the major players will have ported everything to native ARM binaries. I'm not interested the first couple years of ASi desktop offerings.
I will say one thing though. Our company purchased our first M1-based MacBook (Air) and as I am responsible for Macs in our company, I used it all day to configure it for our user. I was absolutely floored as to how wicked fast the M1 Air is. As I need to purchase a laptop soon, I was tempted to buy one of these but will bit my lip (and wallet) to see what the next round has. When I went back to my iMac, it felt sluggish in some ways. Damn... color me impressed! Apple did an amazing job with these new CPU's!
I’m personally betting on a new iMac Pro that uses the screen from the XDR display.
1. Apple went through a lot of trouble to get that thing designed, and there’s simply no way they’re selling in quantities that made it worthwhile.
2. The iMac Pro suffered from lack of distinction from the iMac. Yes, it was more powerful, but the iMac was no slouch. An XDR iMac would be fucking pro.
(but probably not this year)
I never understood why they didn't make the iMac Pro 1/3rd or 2/3rds wider. That's what Pros need. I'd love to have an iMac that was wider so I didn't need a second monitor.
all for this an ultra wide iMac would be perfection. If they have difficulty doing this across the board, just do an iMac Pro that is a 36-50" (pro and. pro max) ultrawide with 8k wide and 6k tall resolution. 6k wide and 4k tall. Most of the super ultrawides out now are full of compromise. Let's see a pro level super ultrawide design in an all new iMac pro form factor.
A larger screen needs to happen with a design that somewhat easy fix (access) ram and graphics.
Let’s move on Apple as soon as possible.
Nope. Apple’s new paradigm will not have access to either RAM or Graphics cards. Those who are expecting this will be sorely disappointed. In my opinion the only Mac that will see that will be the Mac Pro when it comes. The iMac has always been the computer for the rest of us average users. The new ASi iMacs will double down on that legacy and provide out-of-the-box-and-plug-it-in simplicity. Those who think they have to root around in the guts of their machines and tinker away should really start thinking about moving to a different platform. These new iMacs are going to be even more sealed and locked down. And that’s a good thing for users like me who just want to use their machine, not fiddle with it. I also buy automobiles wit the features I want and not having to add them later, which I can’t anyway.
I would be OK with it if Apple was reasonable with the upgrade pricing. Unfortunately it prefers to charge multiples of retail for RAM and storage upgrades. So it kinda puts a bad taste in your mouth, and overall no doubt limits sales from those with more demanding needs, or demanding desires, at least.
For me, I can understand RAM no longer being upgradeable as it is essentially part of the SOC in ASi, but why not have a little door for secondary NVMe storage?
When it arrives be prepared to be enraged and disappointed. These forums will be deluged with hate and vitriol from the tinkering crowd.
A larger screen needs to happen with a design that is somewhat easy to fix (access) ram and graphics.
Let’s move on Apple as soon as possible.
There has never been an iMac with user upgradable graphics and I doubt that’s gonna change. The iMac is appliance-computing. I’m fine with it since even as a developer my last one lasted 8 years. My old mini is 11 years old and only giving me trouble now. That’s serious longevity.
A larger screen needs to happen with a design that somewhat easy fix (access) ram and graphics.
Let’s move on Apple as soon as possible.
Nope. Apple’s new paradigm will not have access to either RAM or Graphics cards. Those who are expecting this will be sorely disappointed. In my opinion the only Mac that will see that will be the Mac Pro when it comes. The iMac has always been the computer for the rest of us average users. The new ASi iMacs will double down on that legacy and provide out-of-the-box-and-plug-it-in simplicity. Those who think they have to root around in the guts of their machines and tinker away should really start thinking about moving to a different platform. These new iMacs are going to be even more sealed and locked down. And that’s a good thing for users like me who just want to use their machine, not fiddle with it. I also buy automobiles wit the features I want and not having to add them later, which I can’t anyway.
I agree 100%. Used to build my own PCs until I went Apple. Now it’s just too easy to get what I want / need straight from Apple.
I’m personally betting on a new iMac Pro that uses the screen from the XDR display.
1. Apple went through a lot of trouble to get that thing designed, and there’s simply no way they’re selling in quantities that made it worthwhile.
2. The iMac Pro suffered from lack of distinction from the iMac. Yes, it was more powerful, but the iMac was no slouch. An XDR iMac would be fucking pro.
(but probably not this year)
I never understood why they didn't make the iMac Pro 1/3rd or 2/3rds wider. That's what Pros need. I'd love to have an iMac that was wider so I didn't need a second monitor.
Back at the round table they said the iMac Pro was a stopgap product until the new MP was released. And that the majority of their pro users were software devs, many using iMacs or MBPs.
As long as the display can function separately from the computer. I don’t care whether it’s 27” or 30”, or the fact the SoC is a “fixed thing” you can’t upgrade, as long as that SoC performs admirably for the upcoming 3-5 years.
The iMac is a very environmental unfriendly computer where you have to ditch the computer when the screen malfunctions, or ditch the screen when the computer malfunctions or becomes obsolete. That design is unacceptable in 2021.
Incorrect. The fact that they have very long useful lifespans (longer than any Wintel box I’ve used) and are extremely recyclable says otherwise. My last iMac lasted longer than the screen was useful — retina displays made the screen outdated. When it was time to upgrade the compute power I needed a new screen too, so there was absolutely no downside.
Having them in an AIO design mounted on VESA arm gives me the cordless, clean look on my desk I like. Don’t like that? Don’t get an AIO. That’s an acceptable choice. As is mine.
A larger screen needs to happen with a design that somewhat easy fix (access) ram and graphics.
Let’s move on Apple as soon as possible.
Nope. Apple’s new paradigm will not have access to either RAM or Graphics cards. Those who are expecting this will be sorely disappointed. In my opinion the only Mac that will see that will be the Mac Pro when it comes. The iMac has always been the computer for the rest of us average users. The new ASi iMacs will double down on that legacy and provide out-of-the-box-and-plug-it-in simplicity. Those who think they have to root around in the guts of their machines and tinker away should really start thinking about moving to a different platform. These new iMacs are going to be even more sealed and locked down. And that’s a good thing for users like me who just want to use their machine, not fiddle with it. I also buy automobiles wit the features I want and not having to add them later, which I can’t anyway.
Although sealed / non upgradable devices have some benefits, it also create issues. For example, you don't see Apple offering on-site service for their notebooks. And if the Apple "double down" with the new iMac, as you said, it could mean that the Mac Pro could be the only device with onsite support. All of my customers have on-site support in their Lenovo devices, and it's very nice have someone to fix the devices at the office. No mail or visit to a store, like with Apple devices.
Other issue from non upgradable devices is that you have to replace everything when something is damage. For example, we had a logic board issue in a mobile workstation, and since the RAM and SSD was replaceable, the user didn't lose any data, neither a restore was needed. That's different from Apple, where you have to replace everything, and there are cases where it result in data loss, like this case I read recently.
Apple does offer onsite service with their Applecare plans. You need to request it when you call them for support. I don’t know if they are doing it during the pandemic though.
AppleCare offers onsite support only for desktops,
This could change if Apple seal their desktop devices, as @lkrupp suggests.
Related to the article, one thing Apple could consider is making a monitor for the Mac Mini, like Lenovo do for their Tiny devices.
Apple could go the other way here.
Make the line of monitors with all the trimmings - USB-c/Thunderbolt with a hub for additional Thunderbolt & USB-a ports, an ethernet port and SD card. These would then sell as additional upsell purchases to all their mac line up, Mini, Macbooks and MacPro.
XDR could be top of line with a similar-sized mid-spec below and trailing down to the 24inch.
Then, have a personality card slot in them.
The card (with integrated heat sink maybe fan) could be full SoC makes it an iMac or could be eGPU to support a laptop or extend the distance between rack MacPro and user.
Same cards then get used for MacPro but in multiple, nice mass production for Apple.
They can upsell replacements over time, either way.
The motherboard in M1 MacMini is tiny and has all the infrastructure for the ports on it. Take that away it gets smaller, power requirements to run it at full clip must be less than what is deliverable over PCIe interface.
Comments
For me, I can understand RAM no longer being upgradeable as it is essentially part of the SOC in ASi, but why not have a little door for secondary NVMe storage?
That's what Apple should do now that the board can be really small and emit low heat.
Exciting days ahead.
The iMac is a very environmental unfriendly computer where you have to ditch the computer when the screen malfunctions, or ditch the screen when the computer malfunctions or becomes obsolete. That design is unacceptable in 2021.
https://www.apple.com/support/products/mac/
This could change if Apple seal their desktop devices, as @lkrupp suggests.
Related to the article, one thing Apple could consider is making a monitor for the Mac Mini, like Lenovo do for their Tiny devices.
M1x with 16-24 GB RAM
8 core processing unit
16 core graphics unit
Support for 2 external displays (up to 8k each)
512 GB to 2 TB SSD with data transfer speeds of 3000 MB/s+
C’mon Apple - make it happen this month! I’m so tired of waiting. 😉👋🏼
Now, mention a 32" iMac and I just need to save a more. SUATMM.
A 32" iMac would be great but a 30" iMac in 27" clothing would be OK. Or Apple could to both with the former having "pro" aspirations and options and the later having more modest appointments for the rest of us.
Same.
Back at the round table they said the iMac Pro was a stopgap product until the new MP was released. And that the majority of their pro users were software devs, many using iMacs or MBPs.
Having them in an AIO design mounted on VESA arm gives me the cordless, clean look on my desk I like. Don’t like that? Don’t get an AIO. That’s an acceptable choice. As is mine.