Photos of Apple's new iMac and ultra-thin keyboards

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Comments

  • Reply 101 of 182
    techboytechboy Posts: 183member
    I like the overall redesign, but I'm absolutely disappointed in tech specs. It's nearly identical to the old iMac line it's replacing. Where is the upgrade? The entry 20in model looks like a solid buy @$1200 because of it's flexibility to run both Mac and Window but rest of the line is lame for the price they are asking.



    For about $1500 of the 20in iMac, I can build a brand new Intel Core 2 Quad, with a better GeForce video card, Dell 24in/Viewsonic 24in monitor, 2GB memory, ASUS P5W motherboard with remote to start up!



    Ouch, I can't believe I waited nearly a year for this new iMac. I have always love Apple design, that isn't the problem... but where is the value for my dollar? It doesn't even come with OS 10.5! Does Steve really expect people to buy/upgrade hardware and to spend extra on OS as well? I rather they wait and introduce this new line with OS 10.5 at the same time, it would have made it more irresistible!



    I was so looking forward to a bit of speed bump and better specs considering how long it took them to redesign this line. Now, I'm having second thoughts about getting one... maybe, just maybe I'll upgrade/rebuild my PC instead.
  • Reply 102 of 182
    mr omr o Posts: 1,046member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Alonso Perez View Post


    Or maybe the "Jay Leno Panda Mac"



    1998: the candy \



    2002: the sunflower



    2004: the brick



    2007: the helmet
  • Reply 103 of 182
    I like the new keyboards, but I have one problem. I use programs that use the numeric keypad as shortcuts, and the other ones on top of the keyboard are different shortcuts. I wouldnt be able to buy the wireless one
  • Reply 104 of 182
    wilcowilco Posts: 985member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by melgross View Post


    But, let's face it, even if Apple discovered the Platonic design for an AIO, and produced it, there would be the same bunch of people here who would hate it.



    Blah, blah blah. How many times are you (and your ilk) going to pull this out?



  • Reply 105 of 182
    flounderflounder Posts: 2,674member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by wilco View Post


    Blah, blah blah. How many times are you (and your ilk) going to pull this out?







    Probably about the same time you have something positive to say about anyone or anything.
  • Reply 106 of 182
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by apprehensive View Post


    I can't believe the wireless keyboard doesn't have a number pad!! That is a deal killer for me.



    Ditto here. Interesting that on the apple store web, it's not 'smack you upside the head' clear that the keyboard has no keypad. The picture shows it as such, but it also looks like the picture may be cropped. I think they should be a bit clearer...
  • Reply 107 of 182
    wilcowilco Posts: 985member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Flounder View Post


    Probably about the same time you have something positive to say about anyone or anything.



    Really? Maybe you could point out the post where I bad mouth the iMac?



    Or are you just talking out of your ass?
  • Reply 108 of 182
    I don't understand the hype over a newly designed product that harbors a glossy screen (don't place your iMac so that it faces any windows, or you're SOL!) & an entirely non-ergonomic keyboard.



    As a previous user posted, I too keep wondering 'why doesn't the image fill the entire screen?'



    Innovation/change is great; greater still when it serves to achieve some purpose. I just don't see that here.
  • Reply 109 of 182
    jeffdmjeffdm Posts: 12,953member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by sarangiman View Post


    an entirely non-ergonomic keyboard.



    Do you have anything to back up that statement?
  • Reply 110 of 182
    Sure. Any keyboard that is flat requires prolonged contraction of the pronator teres muscle during typing (i.e. rotation of your entire forearm inwards). The median nerve, the same nerve involved more distally in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, runs right through the pronator teres (in between two heads of it, more accurately). Any inflammation due to repetitive stress, or prolonged contraction, of the pronator teres runs the risk of insulting the median nerve. Not as common as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, but worrisome just as well. The more proximal (further 'up' your arm) site of nerve compression has more drastic implications than Carpal Tunnel; i.e. there can profound sensation as well as motor loss in the entire hand.



    Which is why concerned parties have begun developing 'natural' keyboards that are raised in the middle, so that your forearms remain in an 'almost-handshake' like position when typing. A 'natural' mouse also is not flat; rather, you can hold it with you forearm rotated in a 'handshake' (anatomically neutral) position. Give it a few years and the importance of these designs will be realized as more and more people are diagnosed with repetitive stress injuries.



    And as much as everyone likes to hate on Microsoft, they seem to be the only 'mainstream' company putting out such ergonomic human input devices that allow one's arms/hands to remain in anatomically neutral positions.



    Now, if only they could design a piano as such! Just kidding, by the way...
  • Reply 111 of 182
    jeffdmjeffdm Posts: 12,953member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by sarangiman View Post


    Which is why concerned parties have begun developing 'natural' keyboards that are raised in the middle, so that your forearms remain in an 'almost-handshake' like position when typing. A 'natural' mouse also is not flat; rather, you can hold it with you forearm rotated in a 'handshake' (anatomically neutral) position. Give it a few years and the importance of these designs will be realized as more and more people are diagnosed with repetitive stress injuries.



    Why a few years? The "straight" keyboard has been used over a century now. I know there are other, older ergonomic keyboards, but Microsoft introduced their original Natural in 1997, that's about ten years already. I love the style, I bought the first black one, and I'm still using the Natural Elite, but as a whole, it doesn't seem to have caught on. If there was a significant difference for most people, I'd think that it would be a more popular style.
  • Reply 112 of 182
    'Why a few years?'



    I said 'a few years' because I think more and more people will be diagnosed with repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) in the near future. Why? Because as a generation, those of us born in the 80's have literally grown up on computers with the PC revolution. A lot of us, myself included, sit in front of a screen using a keyboard & mouse for lengths of time that seem beyond reason. Thus it is us, me, for example, that run the greatest risk of developing RSIs, as opposed to, say, my parents who only really began using computers in their adulthood.



    Remember, RSIs can take a very long time to develop. Computer use, pipetting, etc... damage usually takes years to accrue. Or, so the the theory goes currently...



    Plus, it's not 'common' until it happens to you! That being said, I think RSIs due to computer use will become more common in the near future, for the reason stated above.
  • Reply 113 of 182
    4metta4metta Posts: 365member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by sarangiman View Post


    I don't understand the hype over a newly designed product that harbors a glossy screen (don't place your iMac so that it faces any windows, or you're SOL!) & an entirely non-ergonomic keyboard.



    As a previous user posted, I too keep wondering 'why doesn't the image fill the entire screen?'



    Innovation/change is great; greater still when it serves to achieve some purpose. I just don't see that here.







    And exactly how many computer systems come with an ergo keyboard? Everyone I know that has one bought it aftermarket.





    I prefer glossy screens after purchasing my macbook and seeing how much better colors look. I have a feeling most consumers do as well since they like to watch dvds on their systems.
  • Reply 114 of 182
    melgrossmelgross Posts: 33,625member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Techboy View Post


    I like the overall redesign, but I'm absolutely disappointed in tech specs. It's nearly identical to the old iMac line it's replacing. Where is the upgrade? The entry 20in model looks like a solid buy @$1200 because of it's flexibility to run both Mac and Window but rest of the line is lame for the price they are asking.



    For about $1500 of the 20in iMac, I can build a brand new Intel Core 2 Quad, with a better GeForce video card, Dell 24in/Viewsonic 24in monitor, 2GB memory, ASUS P5W motherboard with remote to start up!



    Ouch, I can't believe I waited nearly a year for this new iMac. I have always love Apple design, that isn't the problem... but where is the value for my dollar? It doesn't even come with OS 10.5! Does Steve really expect people to buy/upgrade hardware and to spend extra on OS as well? I rather they wait and introduce this new line with OS 10.5 at the same time, it would have made it more irresistible!



    I was so looking forward to a bit of speed bump and better specs considering how long it took them to redesign this line. Now, I'm having second thoughts about getting one... maybe, just maybe I'll upgrade/rebuild my PC instead.



    So, go and build your Dell. These machines are not for you.



    everyone who has followed the iMac since its inception knows that it is not going to be a killer 3D machine. There should be no surprise to anyone there.



    As far as the computing power available, it's plenty. Would I have rather seen a Nvidia 8600GTS? Sure, that's a better gpu, no question. Apple should have offered it, or an equivalent, for more money, as they did with the last 24".



    But, they didn't.



    For most people, who, after all, don't play high end video games, this will be fine.



    Those others will have to look elsewhere.



    A good number of people will find these slightly upgradable machines to be more than they need, and Apple is happy with that.



    I'd like to see a mini tower, but, for the near future, at least, it's not to be.



    Cheap PC's are just that. Apple doesn't build them.



    Sometimes you pay for something a bit better made, or elegant. This is one of those times.



    People buy their Tv's according to both specs and looks. There is no reason why they shouldn't buy their computers that way as well.



    If you don't want to, that's your choice.
  • Reply 115 of 182
    flounderflounder Posts: 2,674member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by wilco View Post


    Really? Maybe you could point out the post where I bad mouth the iMac?



    Or are you just talking out of your ass?



    Nope, just talking about how you insult someone or belittle their opinion in virtually every post you make. Nice to see you're keeping the streak alive.
  • Reply 116 of 182
    melgrossmelgross Posts: 33,625member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by wilco View Post


    Blah, blah blah. How many times are you (and your ilk) going to pull this out?







    Wilco, you are an idiot. Why don't you just get over it.



    And, I'm willing to risk getting warned, or even banned, to say it.
  • Reply 117 of 182
    melgrossmelgross Posts: 33,625member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by sarangiman View Post


    Sure. Any keyboard that is flat requires prolonged contraction of the pronator teres muscle during typing (i.e. rotation of your entire forearm inwards). The median nerve, the same nerve involved more distally in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, runs right through the pronator teres (in between two heads of it, more accurately). Any inflammation due to repetitive stress, or prolonged contraction, of the pronator teres runs the risk of insulting the median nerve. Not as common as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, but worrisome just as well. The more proximal (further 'up' your arm) site of nerve compression has more drastic implications than Carpal Tunnel; i.e. there can profound sensation as well as motor loss in the entire hand.



    Which is why concerned parties have begun developing 'natural' keyboards that are raised in the middle, so that your forearms remain in an 'almost-handshake' like position when typing. A 'natural' mouse also is not flat; rather, you can hold it with you forearm rotated in a 'handshake' (anatomically neutral) position. Give it a few years and the importance of these designs will be realized as more and more people are diagnosed with repetitive stress injuries.



    And as much as everyone likes to hate on Microsoft, they seem to be the only 'mainstream' company putting out such ergonomic human input devices that allow one's arms/hands to remain in anatomically neutral positions.



    Now, if only they could design a piano as such! Just kidding, by the way...



    I assume, therefor, that you have now used said keyboard for an extended time, and can vouch for your statement?
  • Reply 118 of 182
    jeffdmjeffdm Posts: 12,953member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Techboy View Post


    I like the overall redesign, but I'm absolutely disappointed in tech specs. It's nearly identical to the old iMac line it's replacing. Where is the upgrade? The entry 20in model looks like a solid buy @$1200 because of it's flexibility to run both Mac and Window but rest of the line is lame for the price they are asking.



    For about $1500 of the 20in iMac, I can build a brand new Intel Core 2 Quad, with a better GeForce video card, Dell 24in/Viewsonic 24in monitor, 2GB memory, ASUS P5W motherboard with remote to start up!



    I understand what you mean, but it's not so clear cut.



    I would imagine, if your estimates hold true to the pattern that I've seen, the cost for the time used in the "building" is billed at $0.00 on your expense sheet, right? If your main board dies, you are the one that has to empty the machine and repopulate it on your time, because the maker probably doesn't reimburse that. Then there's the OS & driver installation, that tends to take me some time. I would expect that whatever the chosen case is simply not going to be anything special on that budget. You would have to handle all the noise management, if a fan isn't up to spec, replace that at your own expense unless it's highly unusual for the bran, dampen stray vibrations and all that.
  • Reply 119 of 182
    jeffdmjeffdm Posts: 12,953member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by melgross View Post


    I assume, therefor, that you have now used said keyboard for an extended time, and can vouch for your statement?



    I really don't think that was the point at all. The criticism was over the general form factor, the straight keyboards are all problematic with regards with what was written. I really don't see anything special about the new keyboards that distinguish them with this regard or would prevent this problem, so how you contest it doesn't make any sense.
  • Reply 120 of 182
    techboytechboy Posts: 183member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by melgross View Post


    So, go and build your Dell. These machines are not for you.



    everyone who has followed the iMac since its inception knows that it is not going to be a killer 3D machine. There should be no surprise to anyone there.



    As far as the computing power available, it's plenty. Would I have rather seen a Nvidia 8600GTS? Sure, that's a better gpu, no question. Apple should have offered it, or an equivalent, for more money, as they did with the last 24".



    But, they didn't.



    For most people, who, after all, don't play high end video games, this will be fine.



    Those others will have to look elsewhere.



    A good number of people will find these slightly upgradable machines to be more than they need, and Apple is happy with that.



    I'd like to see a mini tower, but, for the near future, at least, it's not to be.



    Cheap PC's are just that. Apple doesn't build them.



    Sometimes you pay for something a bit better made, or elegant. This is one of those times.



    People buy their Tv's according to both specs and looks. There is no reason why they shouldn't buy their computers that way as well.



    If you don't want to, that's your choice.





    1) I'm not building a DELL. PC = Personal Computer, and this to me, it means getting the best value for my dollar... be it a PC running Windows or Mac OS.



    2) I work with Macs all day long and for a long long time now, since Mac's SE back in the Dark Ages. I will not however, blindly endorse their product if it's nothing more than repackaging. Mr. Jobs is very good at doing that.



    3) "People buy their Tv's according to both specs and looks", exactly my point, so we should expect less from this redesign iMac in spec?



    4) Mr Jobs could have sold me the 20in yesterday if they release OS 10.5 at the same time and throw that in as part of the package.
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