Well, unfortunatily, physics for starters... Gravity does play a small role in this whole thing. Either the base gets bigger, or gets heavier. Laws of Physics.
Well, unfortunatily, physics for starters... Gravity does play a small role in this whole thing. Either the base gets bigger, or gets heavier. Laws of Physics.
Yes. I understand all of this. But the other poster assumed it must be bigger. Smaller and the same (or greater) weight may still suffice for the proper balance. That 17" flat-panel is not very heavy at all. I suspect a 20" will work fine without any change in the base. The base could get smaller but retain its weight.
Yes. I understand all of this. But the other poster assumed it must be bigger. Smaller and the same (or greater) weight may still suffice for the proper balance. That 17" flat-panel is not very heavy at all. I suspect a 20" will work fine without any change in the base. The base could get smaller but retain its weight.
I understand, but the base has to hold the monitor up and if the monitor get's bigger, the base can't get smaller or the thing will fall over.
Apple Computer Inc. engineers are hands-deep into the next major revision of the personal computer that put them back on the map in the late 1990's. According to sources, the computer maker is entering the latter development stages of the third major overhaul to its iMac product line.
The transition to the next-generation models will be reminiscent of the move from the bubble-like CRT machines to the current adjustable flat-screen units, as the new iMacs will sport an 'entirely new form-factor.' Beyond these vague details, little else is known at this time.
AppleInsider sources claim that the company is targeting the 3rd Generation iMacs for a release early next Spring, though one unconfirmed report states that the units may make their debut as early as this coming January. "Ideally, [Apple] would like to make a splash of excitement with these machines during the opening to next year's Macworld San Francisco Expo, though it is too early to tell if that will actually be plausible."
The iMac is widely rumored to adopt IBM's PowerPC G5 microprocessor once ample supplies and effective pricing of the chips allow for competitive marketing of the such computers. Meanwhile, the company is focusing on other aspects of its revenue stream, prepping new iBooks, XServes, XServe RAIDs and Cinema Displays for a release by December.
The last major revision to the iMac product-line took place in January 2002.
Now this is interesting (I know, most "rumours are)...My guess would be new form factor with a G5, after all the iMac2 was the move to the G4 for the consumer so it would make sense that the iMac3 would move to the G5. I dont know that there is much they could do with the display that would be "revolutionary." As far as the industrial design, lets hope that the redesign brings a better computer to the consumer for the money and relies less on flashy design to sell it.
I've been able to procure a top-secret picture of the all-new iMac, which I've at last decided to post here. I can't reveal my sources, but this the real deal, folks.
I have to say I think it's a stunning new direction for the product.
They may introduce a non-AIO consumer computer, but I doubt that Apple will drop the AIO design, it has its place in the market and no one does it better than Apple.
They'll continue to force people to replace their perfectly good flat panel just so they can sell them an AIO. As a result, they will continue to get resistance from potential switchers.
They should make the LCD panel an interchangable add on, like a blade into a razor.
They should make the LCD panel an interchangable add on, like a blade into a razor.
Ok, there are a couple of problems here with that statement. First, with what display do you want the to to have? And Apple one? Sure, that would work, but what about a Sharp, or a Compaq, or Sony one? They all use DVI or ADC so why not? It is because they all do not share the same look, feel, and shape.
Then one could pose the question of interchangable monitors. For the tech savvy (like you and me), that wouldn't be a problem. However, what about someone who wasn't? You want them to take their monitor off that pole, put it off to the side, and replace the base with the new one, and then put on the old monitor again? I am certain that you see the problems with that (how secure would the connection be, additional cost of ownership, etc).
The reason for having the AIO design is to keep costs down, to provide a product that anyone can use easily, and for product recognition. If you want to have something where you can detach the monitor, go with the tower.
I think the immediate future probably holds the following:
(Aside from the obvious CPU, memory and HD updates)
- Minor cosmetic refinements
- 19"-20" display for high-end; 17" for low-end
- slot loading drive
I think that standard bluetooth keyboard and mouse would confirm what I have been thinking about what Apple is trying to do (at least w/iMac)...make everything disappear except the input devices and the display.
Imagine for a moment the base of iMac getting smaller, display getting larger, keyboard/mouse wires going away.
Suddenly you have this "floating" display and untethered input devices. Imagine some kind of "wireless FireWire" for iPod.
The "computer" begins to fade into the background.
You see this trend in other products, making them even a few millimeters and ounces smaller/lighter (iPod). Apple seems to be on a quest to eliminate anything extraneous from their products (extra size, weight, wires). Legend has it that Steve has always hated wires/cables. So do I.
That said, as I understand it, there are some logistical problems with making the BT keyboard and mouse standard. Something to do with booting up for the first time and needing a KB/mouse.
Not sure about this though.
Chris,
Your analogy is interesting, and I think very appealing as well. Your mention of everything
disappearing except for the input devices and the display made me think of images of the rumored last
upgrade when the internals for the computer were put into a flat form that was then sandwiched onto
the back of a LCD display. Some of these images were quite beautiful with the translucent look of Apple's displays incorporated into the form. I believe actually that the images were PhotoShopped hacked images, so they probably just used basic shots of the Apple LCD display.
That is a design I wouldn't mind, but whatever Jobs means by 'New form factor' I am sure all of us will
be impressed, I haven't ever been disappointed before.
upgrade when the internals for the computer were put into a flat form that was then sandwiched onto
the back of a LCD display.
I think NEC made one of these.
It looked good in a magazine, wireless and all.
When it comes to AIO's, I prefer laptops, a desktop should be expandable, and the argument joe consumer (I for one have never met an average person, not sure where they all are) doesnt/cant and wont upgrade is nonsense. people know computers can be upgraded and are happy to ask their tech savvy friends for help when it comes to upgrading.
The place for an AIO is where space is resticted, I remember a post from Japan talking about this, workspace is the premium there and Apple could do very well to design a computer that makes minimium desktop impact when its not being used, then with a minimium of fuss pops into your life begging to be used.
The NEC model seems to fulfill the space criterea, the begging to be used, only Apple can manage.
This is all assuming that you want to do work with your new imac. From what Im reading people want to encorporate their computer into their home entertainment solution too.
Apple might do well to release a "tivo"ish companion to the imac to help people in taking control of their leisure time as well as their digital life.
Back to the imac, oh I just had another bright idea... make it like the old Amiga 500 ! of course ! and throw that new G3 in it. Also give VGA, DVI and Video out so it can interface with any display you come across. No wait thats a stupid idea.
When it comes to AIO's, I prefer laptops, a desktop should be expandable, and the argument joe consumer (I for one have never met an average person, not sure where they all are) doesnt/cant and wont upgrade is nonsense. people know computers can be upgraded and are happy to ask their tech savvy friends for help when it comes to upgrading.
The place for an AIO is where space is resticted, I remember a post from Japan talking about this, workspace is the premium there and Apple could do very well to design a computer that makes minimium desktop impact when its not being used, then with a minimium of fuss pops into your life begging to be used.
The NEC model seems to fulfill the space criterea, the begging to be used, only Apple can manage.
This is all assuming that you want to do work with your new imac. From what Im reading people want to encorporate their computer into their home entertainment solution too.
Apple might do well to release a "tivo"ish companion to the imac to help people in taking control of their leisure time as well as their digital life.
Back to the imac, oh I just had another bright idea... make it like the old Amiga 500 ! of course ! and throw that new G3 in it. Also give VGA, DVI and Video out so it can interface with any display you come across. No wait thats a stupid idea.
I never saw the NEC computer, but no doubt it is a form that can be well done, and NEC is a superb company at form in function, their monitors are ample proof of that. Their pc's I haven't seen locally for
a while ,hope that is not a bad sign. But your comments are well taken. The 'tivo' idea you mention sounds
terrific, and makes me wonder if Apple produced a slew of small one or two function 'devices' like the iPod that could mesh with pc as well as mac hardware or as you mention with tv's or even stereo systems it could be a way for Apple to expand beyond the OS Wars with MS and just computer boxes.
Why not 'computer' assisted or computer-enhanced devices whose primary function has nothing to do with computers at all? As you mentioned with entertainment, or digital telephony or News or Stock wire tickers? Perhaps a Geo-Navigator ?
Your idea for universiality was NOT bad, I prefer it, it gives the Mac MORE options!
Imagine for a moment the base of iMac getting smaller, display getting larger, keyboard/mouse wires going away.
Suddenly you have this "floating" display and untethered input devices. Imagine some kind of "wireless FireWire" for iPod.
The "computer" begins to fade into the background.
The iMac is already designed to do this. I've sat down and used one for a while, and it just becomes a floating screen and a keyboard under your fingers. The rounded, matte-finish base falls out of focus easily.
Comments
Originally posted by dferigmu
I think a smaller base and bigger screen doesn't make sense. If the iMac comes with a 19" screen expect a bigger base if anything.
Why?
Originally posted by Chris Cuilla
Why?
Well, unfortunatily, physics for starters... Gravity does play a small role in this whole thing. Either the base gets bigger, or gets heavier. Laws of Physics.
Originally posted by Mike Eggleston
Well, unfortunatily, physics for starters... Gravity does play a small role in this whole thing. Either the base gets bigger, or gets heavier. Laws of Physics.
Yes. I understand all of this. But the other poster assumed it must be bigger. Smaller and the same (or greater) weight may still suffice for the proper balance. That 17" flat-panel is not very heavy at all. I suspect a 20" will work fine without any change in the base. The base could get smaller but retain its weight.
Originally posted by Chris Cuilla
Yes. I understand all of this. But the other poster assumed it must be bigger. Smaller and the same (or greater) weight may still suffice for the proper balance. That 17" flat-panel is not very heavy at all. I suspect a 20" will work fine without any change in the base. The base could get smaller but retain its weight.
I understand, but the base has to hold the monitor up and if the monitor get's bigger, the base can't get smaller or the thing will fall over.
Originally posted by dferigmu
I understand, but the base has to hold the monitor up and if the monitor get's bigger, the base can't get smaller or the thing will fall over.
Not if the base remains heavy enough (or gets heavier).
Apple Computer Inc. engineers are hands-deep into the next major revision of the personal computer that put them back on the map in the late 1990's. According to sources, the computer maker is entering the latter development stages of the third major overhaul to its iMac product line.
The transition to the next-generation models will be reminiscent of the move from the bubble-like CRT machines to the current adjustable flat-screen units, as the new iMacs will sport an 'entirely new form-factor.' Beyond these vague details, little else is known at this time.
AppleInsider sources claim that the company is targeting the 3rd Generation iMacs for a release early next Spring, though one unconfirmed report states that the units may make their debut as early as this coming January. "Ideally, [Apple] would like to make a splash of excitement with these machines during the opening to next year's Macworld San Francisco Expo, though it is too early to tell if that will actually be plausible."
The iMac is widely rumored to adopt IBM's PowerPC G5 microprocessor once ample supplies and effective pricing of the chips allow for competitive marketing of the such computers. Meanwhile, the company is focusing on other aspects of its revenue stream, prepping new iBooks, XServes, XServe RAIDs and Cinema Displays for a release by December.
The last major revision to the iMac product-line took place in January 2002.
Now this is interesting (I know, most "rumours are)...My guess would be new form factor with a G5, after all the iMac2 was the move to the G4 for the consumer so it would make sense that the iMac3 would move to the G5. I dont know that there is much they could do with the display that would be "revolutionary." As far as the industrial design, lets hope that the redesign brings a better computer to the consumer for the money and relies less on flashy design to sell it.
I have to say I think it's a stunning new direction for the product.
Originally posted by Chris Cuilla
Possible they will go away from the AIO design?
They may introduce a non-AIO consumer computer, but I doubt that Apple will drop the AIO design, it has its place in the market and no one does it better than Apple.
Originally posted by Chris Cuilla
Possible they will go away from the AIO design?
It makes perfect sense, but they won't do it.
They'll continue to force people to replace their perfectly good flat panel just so they can sell them an AIO. As a result, they will continue to get resistance from potential switchers.
They should make the LCD panel an interchangable add on, like a blade into a razor.
Originally posted by Cubed
They should make the LCD panel an interchangable add on, like a blade into a razor.
Ok, there are a couple of problems here with that statement. First, with what display do you want the to to have? And Apple one? Sure, that would work, but what about a Sharp, or a Compaq, or Sony one? They all use DVI or ADC so why not? It is because they all do not share the same look, feel, and shape.
Then one could pose the question of interchangable monitors. For the tech savvy (like you and me), that wouldn't be a problem. However, what about someone who wasn't? You want them to take their monitor off that pole, put it off to the side, and replace the base with the new one, and then put on the old monitor again? I am certain that you see the problems with that (how secure would the connection be, additional cost of ownership, etc).
The reason for having the AIO design is to keep costs down, to provide a product that anyone can use easily, and for product recognition. If you want to have something where you can detach the monitor, go with the tower.
-Owl
Originally posted by Chris Cuilla
I think the immediate future probably holds the following:
(Aside from the obvious CPU, memory and HD updates)
- Minor cosmetic refinements
- 19"-20" display for high-end; 17" for low-end
- slot loading drive
I think that standard bluetooth keyboard and mouse would confirm what I have been thinking about what Apple is trying to do (at least w/iMac)...make everything disappear except the input devices and the display.
Imagine for a moment the base of iMac getting smaller, display getting larger, keyboard/mouse wires going away.
Suddenly you have this "floating" display and untethered input devices. Imagine some kind of "wireless FireWire" for iPod.
The "computer" begins to fade into the background.
You see this trend in other products, making them even a few millimeters and ounces smaller/lighter (iPod). Apple seems to be on a quest to eliminate anything extraneous from their products (extra size, weight, wires). Legend has it that Steve has always hated wires/cables. So do I.
That said, as I understand it, there are some logistical problems with making the BT keyboard and mouse standard. Something to do with booting up for the first time and needing a KB/mouse.
Not sure about this though.
Chris,
Your analogy is interesting, and I think very appealing as well. Your mention of everything
disappearing except for the input devices and the display made me think of images of the rumored last
upgrade when the internals for the computer were put into a flat form that was then sandwiched onto
the back of a LCD display. Some of these images were quite beautiful with the translucent look of Apple's displays incorporated into the form. I believe actually that the images were PhotoShopped hacked images, so they probably just used basic shots of the Apple LCD display.
That is a design I wouldn't mind, but whatever Jobs means by 'New form factor' I am sure all of us will
be impressed, I haven't ever been disappointed before.
-MacintoshMan
Originally posted by MacintoshMan
rumored last
upgrade when the internals for the computer were put into a flat form that was then sandwiched onto
the back of a LCD display.
I think NEC made one of these.
It looked good in a magazine, wireless and all.
When it comes to AIO's, I prefer laptops, a desktop should be expandable, and the argument joe consumer (I for one have never met an average person, not sure where they all are) doesnt/cant and wont upgrade is nonsense. people know computers can be upgraded and are happy to ask their tech savvy friends for help when it comes to upgrading.
The place for an AIO is where space is resticted, I remember a post from Japan talking about this, workspace is the premium there and Apple could do very well to design a computer that makes minimium desktop impact when its not being used, then with a minimium of fuss pops into your life begging to be used.
The NEC model seems to fulfill the space criterea, the begging to be used, only Apple can manage.
This is all assuming that you want to do work with your new imac. From what Im reading people want to encorporate their computer into their home entertainment solution too.
Apple might do well to release a "tivo"ish companion to the imac to help people in taking control of their leisure time as well as their digital life.
Back to the imac, oh I just had another bright idea... make it like the old Amiga 500 ! of course ! and throw that new G3 in it. Also give VGA, DVI and Video out so it can interface with any display you come across. No wait thats a stupid idea.
Originally posted by Chris Cuilla
Possible they will go away from the AIO design?
Jeff Fraser of Core Computers, a small company that is putting
Mac clones together has a design of a 'Pizza' box style.
Something like this could still be considered an All-in-One if
the monitor is clip-locked to the base. Such an attaching scheme
would still allow for multiple sizes of screens and could even be sold
without a screen if a consumer wanted to use their old monitor.
Such a concept, even from a third party, but certainly if from Apple
itself, would mean a machine that could be very affordable - $350-$750
range. The emac and more extensive iMac lamp models could be still
sold at the higher price points.
-Just some thoughts, MacintoshMan
see http://www.2khappyware.com/ for picture
Originally posted by AsLan^
I think NEC made one of these.
It looked good in a magazine, wireless and all.
When it comes to AIO's, I prefer laptops, a desktop should be expandable, and the argument joe consumer (I for one have never met an average person, not sure where they all are) doesnt/cant and wont upgrade is nonsense. people know computers can be upgraded and are happy to ask their tech savvy friends for help when it comes to upgrading.
The place for an AIO is where space is resticted, I remember a post from Japan talking about this, workspace is the premium there and Apple could do very well to design a computer that makes minimium desktop impact when its not being used, then with a minimium of fuss pops into your life begging to be used.
The NEC model seems to fulfill the space criterea, the begging to be used, only Apple can manage.
This is all assuming that you want to do work with your new imac. From what Im reading people want to encorporate their computer into their home entertainment solution too.
Apple might do well to release a "tivo"ish companion to the imac to help people in taking control of their leisure time as well as their digital life.
Back to the imac, oh I just had another bright idea... make it like the old Amiga 500 ! of course ! and throw that new G3 in it. Also give VGA, DVI and Video out so it can interface with any display you come across. No wait thats a stupid idea.
I never saw the NEC computer, but no doubt it is a form that can be well done, and NEC is a superb company at form in function, their monitors are ample proof of that. Their pc's I haven't seen locally for
a while ,hope that is not a bad sign. But your comments are well taken. The 'tivo' idea you mention sounds
terrific, and makes me wonder if Apple produced a slew of small one or two function 'devices' like the iPod that could mesh with pc as well as mac hardware or as you mention with tv's or even stereo systems it could be a way for Apple to expand beyond the OS Wars with MS and just computer boxes.
Why not 'computer' assisted or computer-enhanced devices whose primary function has nothing to do with computers at all? As you mentioned with entertainment, or digital telephony or News or Stock wire tickers? Perhaps a Geo-Navigator ?
Your idea for universiality was NOT bad, I prefer it, it gives the Mac MORE options!
And maybe MORE Market? Lets hope so!
-MacintoshMan
is a well thought out process.
The Register has an interesting article that takes that concept and looks
at hardware interaction in BLUETOOTH iPOD, but the question applies
to iMacs and iBooks and PowerMac and PowerBooks as well. If you can
interface any of these components well, for different effects, why not all
of them?
link is: http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/39/28467.html
I thought is was a cool take on looking ahead.
-MacintoshMan
It could have been the Cube that never happened. The iMac upgrade
that became too expensive and too complex with all the cables.
If this were the New form factor for the new iMac, with blue tooth
keyboard and mouse and monitor? Can you tranmit video over BT?
It would certainly be very very cool with NO cables.
Anyway, here is the link, Beautiful!
http://www.theapplecollection.com/de...ign/iCube.html
-MacintoshMan
Originally posted by Chris Cuilla
Imagine for a moment the base of iMac getting smaller, display getting larger, keyboard/mouse wires going away.
Suddenly you have this "floating" display and untethered input devices. Imagine some kind of "wireless FireWire" for iPod.
The "computer" begins to fade into the background.
The iMac is already designed to do this. I've sat down and used one for a while, and it just becomes a floating screen and a keyboard under your fingers. The rounded, matte-finish base falls out of focus easily.