ah, i'm a technical novice...i am an iMac kinda guy that would move to the cube but not nearly smart enough to need a tower...i thought apple with os x was moving away from pci and to apg...but they could be totally different beasts...in which case somebody smarter than i (like 98% of the walking erect primates on the planet are) can come up with a number of apg and pci to go in the new PM
cube: single processor, video card can be upgraged, ram added (2 open slots), one open apg slot (priced from 1299 to 1799 depending on chip speed and video card...ie for 1299 you get G4 1.2 with ati 9000 video card...for 1499 you get 970 1.2 and new ati 9200 video card...for 1799 you get 970 1.4 and ati 9700 video card)
PM: dual and quad processor, video card can be upgraded, ram added (4 open slots), 4 open apg slots (priced from 1699 on up)
iMac and eMac--single processor, can add ram
g
if you bundle those cubes with monitors they would fly---
i would take the middle cube with a 20 lcd please
The Cube that you describe should start at $899, and the iMac at $999. These are the price point that would get people to really at Macs.
Peeve: It doesn't beg the question. "Begging the question" is the logical fallacy of assuming that the point you're trying to prove is true within the proof.
I have to trust your expertise, as I have none concrerning the use of the phrase "begs the question".
Quote:
Originally posted by Amorph The 970 opens a window for the Cube's return, simply because it's different enough to allow Apple to do something "revolutionary" (note the quotes), or possibly even revolutionary.[/B]
I don't know about the cube, but IBM's 970 unquestionably will open a few windows of opportunity for Apple.
Quote:
Originally posted by Amorph I wouldn't hold out for a consumer Cube, though. I have a feeling it would remain a professional line, for the simple reason that Jobs equates "consumer" with "AIO" (and there's a case to be made there) and he always has. [/B]
If Apple does produce a Cube, and it remains in the "professional line", then I disagree with the statement, "Apple seems to have learned its lesson." But then I still don't comprehend the proper use of "begs the question", so I could be totally wrong.
My experience exactly. I can't believe someone else has that same story. LOVE that song.
Here's something really cool, considering...
Go the the iTunes Music Store, do a search for Simon & Garfunkel. When all the albums pop up, click on the "Bridge Over Troubled Water" album. Click "Keep the Customer Satisfied" song to hear a 30-second preview.
Go the the iTunes Music Store, do a search for Simon & Garfunkel. When all the albums pop up, click on the "Bridge Over Troubled Water" album. Click "Keep the Customer Satisfied" song to hear a 30-second preview.
I do think the iMac2 and 'iCube' are and could be entirely different products meeting the needs of the 95%...sorry, 98% :P of those folks who don't fall within the rigid confines of Apple's eMac/iMac2 'range'.
It's easy, Apple.
Take one iCube.
1. Make it bigger.
2. More expandable.
3. Cheaper.
4. Fully configurable.
It can be edu', consumer, or business, or workstation, or small cluster or server based upon the components you choose from Apple's store.
It's so easy...maybe Apple will think of it one day and call it a 'revolution'.
I gotta say that the cube was the perfect size when it was initially released. I'd cringe at the thought of it getting bigger than it was. I wouldn't want some huge block of plastic on my desk. The cube was perfect for the office because it just looked good. Seems to me that what you all really want is for the components to shrink. I see no problem with this. The first person to ever say that "it's impossible" would promptly need to be fired IMO. The cube was fine just the way it was (size) what we need is for some innovation and a change in the standard sizing of components even if by a little bit. That way you could stuff more things into the cube without it looking like a damn subwoofer on your desk. Not only would it then look ugly and overbearing, but I would stick with my current cube buying updated MOBO's/ G4's as they are released. The cube is fine as it is, though I'd be willing to compromise and give Apple another inch (roughly 2.5cm) to work with in overall circumference.
Tried to keep it as similar to the previous design because I like that look. The colour of a possible new cube will be a more white-ish iMac like color I think. Apple could design a new cube with the top loading cd-rom drive, but I think they are unable to run at full speed in that position, so I tried to keep it horisontal by placing it at the top and out of the main cabinet to not hinder airflow. Ports are still at the bottom, and I'm keeping the handle open mechanism. Air is sucked in at the bottom, as been discussed here before, and blown out at the top trough small vents at the sides and trough bigger vents at the back.
The middel of the cube works as an air-tunnel lined with heatsinks coupled to components that needs cooling, possible coupled to more distant components via heatpipes.
This configuration will make it easy to keep a decent airflow trough the "wind-tunnel" with the cd-rom being kept out of the way and horisontal. The design is also kept very clean and Apple-like IMO.
So what do you think???
Don't be to harsh with me now
That doesn't seem to be an exact cube. Maybe an inch too tall(not counting the plastic skirt). With the way the CD drive is, maybe it has to be like that. Apple could probably shrink down the components inside.
What about the CD tray? Obviously, it shouldn't be plain beige or black or even white. Perhaps a clear acrylic tray, but that might melt. Something clear would be really cool, but possibly hard to make, and it would melt.\
[administrative edit: image too wide, changed to link]
CubeDude, I like your design and it's interesting to see a horizontal option for the CD. I'm unsure whether the vertical limitations I've seen being suggested are factual, and if so, whether those limitations exist in current technology or just prior outdated models. I think if Steve were to reintroduce the Cube, that it'll look just like it did the first time around. I think he'd want it to be instantly recognizable as the Cube without having to hear everyone on the planet say, "It looks similar to the Cube." The idea is for the Cube itself to come out of hiding and to be recognized for what it is. I think the internal design you suggested is sound and could be implemented. One question I'm pondering is the actual heat internally (actual - not speculative) produced needing to be dissipated by convection, or by a silent fan. This would allow us to examine just how large a heat issue we would have. Perhaps the heat dissipation requirements with your design could be met even with a 970, and quality GPU on board (ATI-9700).
As for the clear plastic comment about it melting, I'd have to say that in the configuration CubeDude presented, the heat would not be sufficient to melt a clear plastic tray. There are other options out there available that are better suited. Lexan is a good example of this. The problem with Lexan, plexiglas, or clear plastic is that it clouds when heated. The airflow would have to be significant enough to ensure this didn't happen, but melting is not something that would occur in CubeDude's design. The airflow would prevent the internal temperature from getting that high.
I have to say that all of this talk of the Cube resurfacing is extremely interesting. I would love to have a 970 (even a lower GHz yield) at the helm of a Cube. That's a classy statement in and of itself.
I was thinking just the other day... (yes, that occasionally happens...)
...and I kind of got to thinking about the Pro line of laptops. From the 12inch to 17incher.
I wondered out loud...maybe the new line of 'Pro' 'towers' could offer a similar level of 'case' variety.
A tall, expandable case for Power Pixar Pros. A medium case for Prosumer Workstation/Graphic artists Folk. And a Cube like case for edu'/consumer/gamer market.
All fairly configurable. I quite like the idea of mini-me/maxi-me that's been added to the pro-laptop line.
A range of 'pro' desktops that have mirror drive doors/translucent/acrylic/aluminium casing would be very sexy...and meet the needs of everybody.
We just know that ONE DAY, Amorph is going to want to upgrade his gorgeous Cube...and that he'd be quite happy if Apple pretend CEO Lemon Bon Bon decided he could drop anything from a 2 gig G3SIMD to 2 gig 970 into it. Graphic card of your choice...from integrated to 9700 Ati.
Flexibility. Let Apple consumers buy what they want.
The talk over at Macwhispers of an 'Anniversary Cube' is very exciting to me. I just hope they drop a 970 into it and make it a competively priced machine. A test run for a full return. If there was one machine that didn't need much fixing...it was the Cube. In the flesh, it was the better looking machine if you were to compare it to the iMac2...!
That doesn't seem to be an exact cube. Maybe an inch too tall(not counting the plastic skirt). With the way the CD drive is, maybe it has to be like that. Apple could probably shrink down the components inside.
Yeah, I had to make it a bit higher to make room for the room for the cd-drive on top with the exhaust from the cooling-tunnel underneath. But it's still not that high, and making it look like this would just make it look slimmer.
Quote:
What about the CD tray?
I thought using a slot-in drive would look better, and maybe save some space as well.
I still maintain that the original design would do the trick. There's nothing wrong with vertical loading. Drop a 9700 in it, a 60 Gig HD (that I would immediately swap with a 200), and of course the 970.
I still maintain that the original design would do the trick. There's nothing wrong with vertical loading. Drop a 9700 in it, a 60 Gig HD (that I would immediately swap with a 200), and of course the 970.
You'd maintain that. But you'd be kinda wrong.
Steve Jobs said himself that vertically mounted stuff doesn't run at optimum.
The Cube couldn't take standard graphic cards. It was TOO small. Which meant waiting ages or never for graphic card retailers to support it with 'special' versions. (Read: not gonna happen.) And cards like the 9700 and FX prob' throw out too much heat.
Stick a 970 in it? Forget about a fanless design.
The grill at the top was ugly. It was the least attractive thing about the Cube in my opinion. And that skirt was a waste of plastic. Toooooooo looooooong.
And what was with the power brick?
1. Make the Cube 10 by 10 (to include the latest graphic cards...and standard components...) and it would still look dainty compared to the bulging bum on the 'power'Mac.
2. Make the CD/RW/Superdrive run horizontally, front mounted.
3. Cheaper white enamel enclosure.
4. Shorter 'skirt' or 'stoppers'.
5. Vent on the back. Less ugly.
6. Ports on the back. Less ugly.
7. Power 'brick' inside.
8. imac 2 style 'silent' fan (so we can have a precious 970 in there...)
9. Make it fully configurable.
10. Price it from £500 - £1500 depending on what you configure.
The Cube was a gorgeous 'but' kinda design. Least in my opinion...
Lemon Bon Bon, Steve may have said that...then. However things are different today. I think a 10" cube is way too bulky. God forbid graphics cards be of decent size. You are right in that the cube would still be smaller than the PM, but 10 inches is a little unsightly. Even the iMac is 10.6 inches and that's nice and rounded to be more pleasing to the eye. A 10 inch cube on the desk would look horrible. As for the power brick, you're right it should be internal. I simply believe that Apple should be revolutionary with it's design rather than making something that looks like a Dell box.
Lemon Bon Bon, nice attempt at avoiding the obvious truth. A 10" cube would be too big. It would be a subwoofer. It would look ugly. So, figure out how to put a 9700 in the current Cube design without having to make it a huge subwoofer-like computer on the desk. Perhaps the mobile version?
Comments
Originally posted by thegelding
PM: dual and quad processor, video card can be upgraded, ram added (4 open slots), 4 open apg slots (priced from 1699 on up)
4 AGP slots? Fine by me if they also have at least 6 PCI slots, but I don't think there's room for 10 slots in the current PM cases.
g
Originally posted by thegelding
i agree:
cube: single processor, video card can be upgraged, ram added (2 open slots), one open apg slot (priced from 1299 to 1799 depending on chip speed and video card...ie for 1299 you get G4 1.2 with ati 9000 video card...for 1499 you get 970 1.2 and new ati 9200 video card...for 1799 you get 970 1.4 and ati 9700 video card)
PM: dual and quad processor, video card can be upgraded, ram added (4 open slots), 4 open apg slots (priced from 1699 on up)
iMac and eMac--single processor, can add ram
g
if you bundle those cubes with monitors they would fly---
i would take the middle cube with a 20 lcd please
The Cube that you describe should start at $899, and the iMac at $999. These are the price point that would get people to really at Macs.
Originally posted by pscates
The first time I ever heard the words "slander" and "libel" and I went to look them up. I was in third grade.
I was in college, now I feel old and I'm still rambling.
Originally posted by Amorph
Peeve: It doesn't beg the question. "Begging the question" is the logical fallacy of assuming that the point you're trying to prove is true within the proof.
I have to trust your expertise, as I have none concrerning the use of the phrase "begs the question".
Originally posted by Amorph The 970 opens a window for the Cube's return, simply because it's different enough to allow Apple to do something "revolutionary" (note the quotes), or possibly even revolutionary.[/B]
I don't know about the cube, but IBM's 970 unquestionably will open a few windows of opportunity for Apple.
Originally posted by Amorph I wouldn't hold out for a consumer Cube, though. I have a feeling it would remain a professional line, for the simple reason that Jobs equates "consumer" with "AIO" (and there's a case to be made there) and he always has. [/B]
If Apple does produce a Cube, and it remains in the "professional line", then I disagree with the statement, "Apple seems to have learned its lesson." But then I still don't comprehend the proper use of "begs the question", so I could be totally wrong.
Originally posted by rickag
I was in college, now I feel old and I'm still rambling.
Join the club. 8)
Originally posted by Ensign Pulver
My experience exactly. I can't believe someone else has that same story. LOVE that song.
Here's something really cool, considering...
Go the the iTunes Music Store, do a search for Simon & Garfunkel. When all the albums pop up, click on the "Bridge Over Troubled Water" album. Click "Keep the Customer Satisfied" song to hear a 30-second preview.
Guess which lyric is in that 30-second snippet?
Cool, huh?
Originally posted by pscates
Here's something really cool, considering...
Go the the iTunes Music Store, do a search for Simon & Garfunkel. When all the albums pop up, click on the "Bridge Over Troubled Water" album. Click "Keep the Customer Satisfied" song to hear a 30-second preview.
Guess which lyric is in that 30-second snippet?
Cool, huh?
Join the club.
I do think the iMac2 and 'iCube' are and could be entirely different products meeting the needs of the 95%...sorry, 98% :P of those folks who don't fall within the rigid confines of Apple's eMac/iMac2 'range'.
It's easy, Apple.
Take one iCube.
1. Make it bigger.
2. More expandable.
3. Cheaper.
4. Fully configurable.
It can be edu', consumer, or business, or workstation, or small cluster or server based upon the components you choose from Apple's store.
It's so easy...maybe Apple will think of it one day and call it a 'revolution'.
Lemon Bon Bon
Originally posted by NETROMac
A quick sketch of the next cube,
http://home.online.no/~mortehof/pics/nucube.jpg
Tried to keep it as similar to the previous design because I like that look. The colour of a possible new cube will be a more white-ish iMac like color I think. Apple could design a new cube with the top loading cd-rom drive, but I think they are unable to run at full speed in that position, so I tried to keep it horisontal by placing it at the top and out of the main cabinet to not hinder airflow. Ports are still at the bottom, and I'm keeping the handle open mechanism. Air is sucked in at the bottom, as been discussed here before, and blown out at the top trough small vents at the sides and trough bigger vents at the back.
The middel of the cube works as an air-tunnel lined with heatsinks coupled to components that needs cooling, possible coupled to more distant components via heatpipes.
This configuration will make it easy to keep a decent airflow trough the "wind-tunnel" with the cd-rom being kept out of the way and horisontal. The design is also kept very clean and Apple-like IMO.
So what do you think???
Don't be to harsh with me now
That doesn't seem to be an exact cube. Maybe an inch too tall(not counting the plastic skirt). With the way the CD drive is, maybe it has to be like that. Apple could probably shrink down the components inside.
What about the CD tray? Obviously, it shouldn't be plain beige or black or even white. Perhaps a clear acrylic tray, but that might melt. Something clear would be really cool, but possibly hard to make, and it would melt.
[administrative edit: image too wide, changed to link]
As for the clear plastic comment about it melting, I'd have to say that in the configuration CubeDude presented, the heat would not be sufficient to melt a clear plastic tray. There are other options out there available that are better suited. Lexan is a good example of this. The problem with Lexan, plexiglas, or clear plastic is that it clouds when heated. The airflow would have to be significant enough to ensure this didn't happen, but melting is not something that would occur in CubeDude's design. The airflow would prevent the internal temperature from getting that high.
I have to say that all of this talk of the Cube resurfacing is extremely interesting. I would love to have a 970 (even a lower GHz yield) at the helm of a Cube. That's a classy statement in and of itself.
...and I kind of got to thinking about the Pro line of laptops. From the 12inch to 17incher.
I wondered out loud...maybe the new line of 'Pro' 'towers' could offer a similar level of 'case' variety.
A tall, expandable case for Power Pixar Pros. A medium case for Prosumer Workstation/Graphic artists Folk. And a Cube like case for edu'/consumer/gamer market.
All fairly configurable. I quite like the idea of mini-me/maxi-me that's been added to the pro-laptop line.
A range of 'pro' desktops that have mirror drive doors/translucent/acrylic/aluminium casing would be very sexy...and meet the needs of everybody.
We just know that ONE DAY, Amorph is going to want to upgrade his gorgeous Cube...and that he'd be quite happy if Apple pretend CEO Lemon Bon Bon decided he could drop anything from a 2 gig G3SIMD to 2 gig 970 into it. Graphic card of your choice...from integrated to 9700 Ati.
Flexibility. Let Apple consumers buy what they want.
The talk over at Macwhispers of an 'Anniversary Cube' is very exciting to me. I just hope they drop a 970 into it and make it a competively priced machine. A test run for a full return. If there was one machine that didn't need much fixing...it was the Cube. In the flesh, it was the better looking machine if you were to compare it to the iMac2...!
Lemon Bon Bon
Originally posted by CubeDude
That doesn't seem to be an exact cube. Maybe an inch too tall(not counting the plastic skirt). With the way the CD drive is, maybe it has to be like that. Apple could probably shrink down the components inside.
Yeah, I had to make it a bit higher to make room for the room for the cd-drive on top with the exhaust from the cooling-tunnel underneath. But it's still not that high, and making it look like this would just make it look slimmer.
What about the CD tray?
I thought using a slot-in drive would look better, and maybe save some space as well.
I still maintain that the original design would do the trick. There's nothing wrong with vertical loading. Drop a 9700 in it, a 60 Gig HD (that I would immediately swap with a 200), and of course the 970.
You'd maintain that. But you'd be kinda wrong.
Steve Jobs said himself that vertically mounted stuff doesn't run at optimum.
The Cube couldn't take standard graphic cards. It was TOO small. Which meant waiting ages or never for graphic card retailers to support it with 'special' versions. (Read: not gonna happen.) And cards like the 9700 and FX prob' throw out too much heat.
Stick a 970 in it? Forget about a fanless design.
The grill at the top was ugly. It was the least attractive thing about the Cube in my opinion. And that skirt was a waste of plastic. Toooooooo looooooong.
And what was with the power brick?
1. Make the Cube 10 by 10 (to include the latest graphic cards...and standard components...) and it would still look dainty compared to the bulging bum on the 'power'Mac.
2. Make the CD/RW/Superdrive run horizontally, front mounted.
3. Cheaper white enamel enclosure.
4. Shorter 'skirt' or 'stoppers'.
5. Vent on the back. Less ugly.
6. Ports on the back. Less ugly.
7. Power 'brick' inside.
8. imac 2 style 'silent' fan (so we can have a precious 970 in there...)
9. Make it fully configurable.
10. Price it from £500 - £1500 depending on what you configure.
The Cube was a gorgeous 'but' kinda design. Least in my opinion...
Lemon Bon Bon
A 10 inch
I think alot of females would settle for one that size.
Lemon Bon Bon