I'd like to think they'd make the new iMac enclosure similar to the new cinema display from the front. Sure, it'd likely be deeper, but for the first time you could be able to run dual monitors with the iMac without using a drastically different monitor. I use an iMac with a second monitor at work, and I hate the way my second monitor lays out in relation to the mac - it just doesn't flow at all visually.
Apple removed FireWire on *ONE* entry level product (which you actually bought anyway) for reasons of space. There is no reason to expect that it will be removed from any other products and has been included on products released *since* the release of the MacBook unibody.
only wish to point out that there are (a) many people with firewire devices who wish a good new affordable "entry level" Mac that keeps FW access for their devices (HDs, optical disks, cameras, audio, etc);
(b) the non-reason of 'no space for the FW port' is total bs (that would be... 'balderdash'...) - you're just repeating the party line on that one. They decided first to remove FW from the MacBook, and what to keep/add, then design the motherboard and case spacing on that initial decision. They did not make the case and board and suddenly say, jee, we cant fit any more ports on that side, what shall we get rid of, guess FW will have to go... absurd.
The previous MacBook, entry level line, same size, had space for the FW port. And of course, we would not expect Apple to get creative and maybe use the back or other side for ports, as most other notebook manufacturers do... even a mini FW would have been better than none.
It may be passe to you, but i do continue to hope that Apple keeps Firewire on all its machines, especially the upcoming iMac and macmini.
Apple though does seem to have a history of repeatedly crippling their various machines by dropping features, power, ports... (just one example: they designed/shipped Macs with USB1.1 only, long after PC mfgs were shipping USB2 on their lines.) sigh.
Sad so sad. Yet I still have Macs, and even their stock (guess i shoulda sold...) I guess I am a dreamer.
So back on the positive line, I dream of a new iMac with FW 400, and 800, and plenty of USB2, and high quality non-yellow, non-glare display. Just sayin'
I'd like to think they'd make the new iMac enclosure similar to the new cinema display from the front. Sure, it'd likely be deeper, but for the first time you could be able to run dual monitors with the iMac without using a drastically different monitor. I use an iMac with a second monitor at work, and I hate the way my second monitor lays out in relation to the mac - it just doesn't flow at all visually.
This bugs me as well. Granted, I'm using an LG monitor, so I have no expectation that it should line up, but it still wouldn't line up with an Apple monitor even if I wanted one.
Also, they seriously need to give users better access to the inside of these things, especially for replacing/upgrading hard drives. Risking voiding my warranty is simply unacceptable for something so basic.
Now that the quad-core desktop Core i7 CPU (code name: Nehalem) is available, fairly inexpensive and 20% more powerful than a quad-core Penryn desktop processor, it would be yet another mistake to delay the adoption of the Core i7 desktop processor in favor of a lower spec, previous generation Penryn quad-core processor for "all in one" computers. See:
Top dollars go for the latest technology. We deserve no less. Core i7 it will be if Apple wants to grow its market share with a competitive desktop computer.
That's why we need a new Cube. Oh, that and the graphics.
Another deal breaker would be the matte computer screen. The glossy, reflective screens are not for me.
I don't have my 20 year old eyesight and I'm sure that I am not alone. The older, more mature demographics have the money, but a poor eyesight. Apple, think about us, please.
Actually sites like 9to5 actually have rumors and speculation with a shred of credibility. I just simply refuse to support macosrumors.com made up information.
I think thats the first time I've been to that site, but one mans rumour is another mans outright lie
how many pointed and laughed at the 3rd Gen Nano "fatty" and THAT rumour had pictures!
but this is the thing I love to hate about Apple, 9 times out of ten NO-ONE is right aside from things like iLife going from 07 to 08 its difficult to know exactly what they will do, but then that stirs up the end user like you and I who are prone to surf rumour sites in the vain hope of gleaning some insight.
--
I just KNOW, for example, that because I've been waiting on a quad core iMac for well over a year, that Apple WON'T put a quad proc in the iMac update THIS time.. I've got too much pent up demand, so it won't happen.
but then if the mini gets any kind of reasonable update or redesign and update then I'm gonna opt for that and I'll wait it out for the "real" iMac update.
Of course even IF the iMac gets updated with a quad, I'll hold off for at least a few weeks to get real life user reviews, and if they prove HOT, as in overheating, then I'll have to wait for Rev B.
its a right royal pain in the backside. I've been doing a little video work on iMovie 08 (and have more to do) and have got to the point where I would rather work on it than 06, and BOY do I need a new Mac!
frustration doesn't cover it
Quote:
Originally Posted by macxpress
macosrumors? I thought they were dead. Every time I go to their website, its dead. The whole site is down.
Their rumors are almost never true. Or they pull a macrumors and just report what everyone else is reporting and claim they were right.
Most of the time though, they're a struggling website.
basically Apple needs to make each product launch into a story that captures the imagination of the media and the public.
It is more difficult to sex-up a move to quad processors with a promise of performance boosts with a new OS release down the line. I think a better story would be a simultaneous release of snow leopard with internally refreshed iMacs that capitalise on the new changes in the OS. This may partially explain why Apple has held off so long on an update to the iMac lineup.
only wish to point out that there are (a) many people with firewire devices who wish a good new affordable "entry level" Mac that keeps FW access....
I think they'll keep FW on the iMac, but not on the mini.
I think there's a misconception within Apple about "consumer Macs" or "entry level Macs". There are no such macs in my opinion. All Macs are reliable, high build quality, sport quality displays, powerful enough to handle pro software, and they all run Mac OS X really well. This is why I think the exclusion of FW on the MacBook with the tagline "Consumers typically need two usb ports" is so sad. A lot of FW users out there would favor this machine due to its portability. But it's probably true though... consumers typically do need just two USB ports. Think they should have a top model of the MacBook with FW connectivity though.
Somewhat off topic:
I can't believe though how Apple, king of industrial design, first made the FireWire 400 socket and connector such a failure. It just jerks from side to side, hanging pretty loose, and I never have the feeling I can trust the connector to stick to the socket. And what's worse... Apple, king of industrial design, went ahead and made a new socket and connector design for FireWire 800, confusing the world with a new standard, which probably made USB win even more ground. One would think that they took the opportunity to fix the poor socket and connector while building the new 800 design. But no... while it might feel slightly sturdier, it's nowhere near the USB socket design that once connected sits like a rock. This is the main problem with FireWire. Not the technology, which is superior.
I'd like to think they'd make the new iMac enclosure similar to the new cinema display from the front. Sure, it'd likely be deeper, but for the first time you could be able to run dual monitors with the iMac without using a drastically different monitor. I use an iMac with a second monitor at work, and I hate the way my second monitor lays out in relation to the mac - it just doesn't flow at all visually.
What new enclosure? I'd be very surprised if there is one; I'm guessing the innards will change, but nothing else.
only wish to point out that there are (a) many people with firewire devices who wish a good new affordable "entry level" Mac that keeps FW access for their devices (HDs, optical disks, cameras, audio, etc);
(b) the non-reason of 'no space for the FW port' is total bs (that would be... 'balderdash'...) - you're just repeating the party line on that one. They decided first to remove FW from the MacBook, and what to keep/add, then design the motherboard and case spacing on that initial decision. They did not make the case and board and suddenly say, jee, we cant fit any more ports on that side, what shall we get rid of, guess FW will have to go... absurd.
The previous MacBook, entry level line, same size, had space for the FW port. And of course, we would not expect Apple to get creative and maybe use the back or other side for ports, as most other notebook manufacturers do... even a mini FW would have been better than none.
It may be passe to you, but i do continue to hope that Apple keeps Firewire on all its machines, especially the upcoming iMac and macmini.
Apple though does seem to have a history of repeatedly crippling their various machines by dropping features, power, ports... (just one example: they designed/shipped Macs with USB1.1 only, long after PC mfgs were shipping USB2 on their lines.) sigh.
Sad so sad. Yet I still have Macs, and even their stock (guess i shoulda sold...) I guess I am a dreamer.
So back on the positive line, I dream of a new iMac with FW 400, and 800, and plenty of USB2, and high quality non-yellow, non-glare display. Just sayin'
If it wasn't due to space constraints then where would it go? Why was the MB not given a 3rd USB port as compensation, or the MBPs not given an additional USB or FW800 if it was just about dropping FW400?
Look at the breakdown and x-ray images and let me know where this magical space is.
Note, that even with the small mDP it seems they still had to set some of the ports slightly closer together. However, their is an upside. With Apple's release of the 17" MBP we should see a move to a non-user replacable battery. This means that HDD doesn't have to be pressed to the very edge, thus allowing for more edge space to used.
Compared to the Sunflower, it looks pretty Dell-ish.
What is not Dell-ish about it, though, and Apple deserves credit for this, is that it is rather quiet.
But, frankly, the iMac could be improved by being a bit more Dell-ish in a few ways, such as having component and/or HDMI inputs for the display. Only Apple requires you to buy their display when you want a mid-range Mac and furthermore only they make it so that you can't use the display for much of anything else.
HDMI ports are useless for an iMac. Why the hell would anyone want HDMI ports on an iMac? Its a desktop computer that sits on your desk, not a television that sits in the living room. I'm sorry Apple doesn't make the iMac to be what you want, but thats just never gonna happen. HDMI IMO is on its way out, replaced my the Display Port. In order for Apple to have an HDMI port they would have to get yet, another license just to ship it in their products which very few people would use it. Component ports? Again, why would any one want component ports on the back of an iMac? Again, its NOT a television! Its a consumer desktop all-in-one computer. If you want component ports on it, buy an EyeTV Hybrid ($129 USD) and there ya go.
Compared the sunflower, which was a TERRIBLE design, it looks a ton better.
only wish to point out that there are (a) many people with firewire devices who wish a good new affordable "entry level" Mac that keeps FW access for their devices (HDs, optical disks, cameras, audio, etc);
(b) the non-reason of 'no space for the FW port' is total bs (that would be... 'balderdash'...) - you're just repeating the party line on that one. They decided first to remove FW from the MacBook, and what to keep/add, then design the motherboard and case spacing on that initial decision. They did not make the case and board and suddenly say, jee, we cant fit any more ports on that side, what shall we get rid of, guess FW will have to go... absurd.
The previous MacBook, entry level line, same size, had space for the FW port. And of course, we would not expect Apple to get creative and maybe use the back or other side for ports, as most other notebook manufacturers do... even a mini FW would have been better than none.
It may be passe to you, but i do continue to hope that Apple keeps Firewire on all its machines, especially the upcoming iMac and macmini.
Apple though does seem to have a history of repeatedly crippling their various machines by dropping features, power, ports... (just one example: they designed/shipped Macs with USB1.1 only, long after PC mfgs were shipping USB2 on their lines.) sigh.
Sad so sad. Yet I still have Macs, and even their stock (guess i shoulda sold...) I guess I am a dreamer.
So back on the positive line, I dream of a new iMac with FW 400, and 800, and plenty of USB2, and high quality non-yellow, non-glare display. Just sayin'
Apparently you've never seen the insides of a new unibody MacBook then? There is absolutely no room what so ever for a FW port, not even a mini 4-pin FW port. The logicboard is really, really small on it. Its not just as simple as well make the board a little larger and you could fit one. That would require a case redesign, and/or an internal redesign. Ain't gonna happen!
Everyone just needs to get over a few things. Lack of FW ports and these god damn glossy screens!
basically Apple needs to make each product launch into a story that captures the imagination of the media and the public.
It is more difficult to sex-up a move to quad processors with a promise of performance boosts with a new OS release down the line. I think a better story would be a simultaneous release of snow leopard with internally refreshed iMacs that capitalise on the new changes in the OS. This may partially explain why Apple has held off so long on an update to the iMac lineup.
I think that would be an issue. First of all, that would be a logistical nightmare to have to sell all new HW and SW at once. This is a growing issue with Apple as they get bigger. Unlike other vendors who only sell a few of their higher-end machines compared to Apple, Apple has to have a substantial inventory for sale online, in stores and on display. Just look at the iPhone 3G, mOS X v2.0, MobileMe, and App Store launch at the same time. In the past, that would have worked well, bug with so many more customers now Apple has to stagger releases. It seems they have since learned their lesson.
Secondly, waiting for SL to be finished would mean pushing back the iMac even farther. It's just not ready and the HW needs a refresh. IMO, the best move is to have a media attended Special Event at Cupertino to show off the new desktop Macs and to demonstrate Snow Leopard. Perhaps even doing comparative testing against Leopard to show why paying for a "no new features" upgrade will be worth it.
HDMI ports are useless for an iMac. Why the hell would anyone want HDMI ports on an iMac? Its a desktop computer that sits on your desk, not a television that sits in the living room. I'm sorry Apple doesn't make the iMac to be what you want, but thats just never gonna happen. HDMI IMO is on its way out, replaced my the Display Port. In order for Apple to have an HDMI port they would have to get yet, another license just to ship it in their products which very few people would use it. Component ports? Again, why would any one want component ports on the back of an iMac? Again, its NOT a television! Its a consumer desktop all-in-one computer. If you want component ports on it, buy an EyeTV Hybrid ($129 USD) and there ya go.
Compared the sunflower, which was a TERRIBLE design, it looks a ton better.
I agree with everything you said, save for the iMac comment. I love that design. Aesthetically it's great, but I will admit that trying to change the HDD was a huge PITA.
If it wasn't due to space constraints then where would it go? Why was the MB not given a 3rd USB port as compensation, or the MBPs not given an additional USB or FW800 if it was just about dropping FW400?
Look at the breakdown and x-ray images and let me know where this magical space is.
Note, that even with the small mDP it seems they still had to set some of the ports slightly closer together. However, their is an upside. With Apple's release of the 17" MBP we should see a move to a non-user replacable battery. This means that HDD doesn't have to be pressed to the very edge, thus allowing for more edge space to used.
you keep repeating this, apparently because its the party line, but seriously how was there room for firewire AND DVI in the Macbooks and iBooks BEFORE?
You repeat it as much as you want, but you keep ignoring the FACT that these designs had the space to include the ports, I guess they now don't exist?
Sorry, but it gets tedious.
its obvious there is a demand for firewire in the Macbook, and Apple keeping the white Macbook in the line up is likely an admission of that (its also less glossy than the glass screen in the Alu MBs)
and what will happen to your repetition of this "there is no room" meme if and when Apple add back firewire in some shape or form?
Secondly, waiting for SL to be finished would mean pushing back the iMac even farther. It's just not ready and the HW needs a refresh. IMO, the best move is to have a media attended Special Event at Cupertino to show off the new desktop Macs and to demonstrate Snow Leopard. Perhaps even doing comparative testing against Leopard to show why paying for a "no new features" upgrade will be worth it.
Makes sense, plus the thing few seem to realise is that pushing new hardware out the door will ease the pressure on producing SL allowing the SL team more space to get it right, instead of rushing SL out the door full of problems to sit in all new Rev A hardware that might have its own separate bugs.
staggering the releases is probably the safest way forward, but WILL they do that? anyones guess.
falling hardware sales would call for the hardware now, OS later approach, and have the added bonus of all those sales in upgrading to SL.. ahh.. unless SL will be a free upgrade ??
Comments
Apple removed FireWire on *ONE* entry level product (which you actually bought anyway) for reasons of space. There is no reason to expect that it will be removed from any other products and has been included on products released *since* the release of the MacBook unibody.
only wish to point out that there are (a) many people with firewire devices who wish a good new affordable "entry level" Mac that keeps FW access for their devices (HDs, optical disks, cameras, audio, etc);
(b) the non-reason of 'no space for the FW port' is total bs (that would be... 'balderdash'...) - you're just repeating the party line on that one. They decided first to remove FW from the MacBook, and what to keep/add, then design the motherboard and case spacing on that initial decision. They did not make the case and board and suddenly say, jee, we cant fit any more ports on that side, what shall we get rid of, guess FW will have to go... absurd.
The previous MacBook, entry level line, same size, had space for the FW port. And of course, we would not expect Apple to get creative and maybe use the back or other side for ports, as most other notebook manufacturers do... even a mini FW would have been better than none.
It may be passe to you, but i do continue to hope that Apple keeps Firewire on all its machines, especially the upcoming iMac and macmini.
Apple though does seem to have a history of repeatedly crippling their various machines by dropping features, power, ports... (just one example: they designed/shipped Macs with USB1.1 only, long after PC mfgs were shipping USB2 on their lines.) sigh.
Sad so sad. Yet I still have Macs, and even their stock (guess i shoulda sold...) I guess I am a dreamer.
So back on the positive line, I dream of a new iMac with FW 400, and 800, and plenty of USB2, and high quality non-yellow, non-glare display. Just sayin'
I hope the new iMac is a half inch thick and the chin is a foot long. Because that would make me laugh.
That's just mean. Incredibly funny, but mean.
So, once again, we're left with the big question: When?
If the update were coming in a week or two Apple wouldn't have bothered with a warning.
Could we be possibly looking at a replay of the dreaded 3-month iMac drought of 2004?
Bring it!!
And while your at it- please add to it
1.) Blu-ray drive
2.) MAtte option
3.) 30" Display
3.) New mouse- flat touch pad.
4.) A unified color scheme with no screen border and no chin.
Funny - I want none of these things.
I'd like to think they'd make the new iMac enclosure similar to the new cinema display from the front. Sure, it'd likely be deeper, but for the first time you could be able to run dual monitors with the iMac without using a drastically different monitor. I use an iMac with a second monitor at work, and I hate the way my second monitor lays out in relation to the mac - it just doesn't flow at all visually.
This bugs me as well. Granted, I'm using an LG monitor, so I have no expectation that it should line up, but it still wouldn't line up with an Apple monitor even if I wanted one.
Also, they seriously need to give users better access to the inside of these things, especially for replacing/upgrading hard drives. Risking voiding my warranty is simply unacceptable for something so basic.
The current iMac couldn't look any more "Dell-ish"
You're an idiot.
Now that the quad-core desktop Core i7 CPU (code name: Nehalem) is available, fairly inexpensive and 20% more powerful than a quad-core Penryn desktop processor, it would be yet another mistake to delay the adoption of the Core i7 desktop processor in favor of a lower spec, previous generation Penryn quad-core processor for "all in one" computers. See:
- Intel to launch 65W desktop CPUs for all-in-one PCs @ http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/40267/139/
Top dollars go for the latest technology. We deserve no less. Core i7 it will be if Apple wants to grow its market share with a competitive desktop computer.
That's why we need a new Cube. Oh, that and the graphics.
I don't have my 20 year old eyesight and I'm sure that I am not alone. The older, more mature demographics have the money, but a poor eyesight. Apple, think about us, please.
Actually sites like 9to5 actually have rumors and speculation with a shred of credibility. I just simply refuse to support macosrumors.com made up information.
I think thats the first time I've been to that site, but one mans rumour is another mans outright lie
how many pointed and laughed at the 3rd Gen Nano "fatty" and THAT rumour had pictures!
but this is the thing I love to hate about Apple, 9 times out of ten NO-ONE is right
--
I just KNOW, for example, that because I've been waiting on a quad core iMac for well over a year, that Apple WON'T put a quad proc in the iMac update THIS time.. I've got too much pent up demand, so it won't happen.
but then if the mini gets any kind of reasonable update or redesign and update then I'm gonna opt for that and I'll wait it out for the "real" iMac update.
Of course even IF the iMac gets updated with a quad, I'll hold off for at least a few weeks to get real life user reviews, and if they prove HOT, as in overheating, then I'll have to wait for Rev B.
its a right royal pain in the backside. I've been doing a little video work on iMovie 08 (and have more to do) and have got to the point where I would rather work on it than 06, and BOY do I need a new Mac!
frustration doesn't cover it
macosrumors? I thought they were dead. Every time I go to their website, its dead. The whole site is down.
Their rumors are almost never true. Or they pull a macrumors and just report what everyone else is reporting and claim they were right.
Most of the time though, they're a struggling website.
Ahh, Now I see.
It is more difficult to sex-up a move to quad processors with a promise of performance boosts with a new OS release down the line. I think a better story would be a simultaneous release of snow leopard with internally refreshed iMacs that capitalise on the new changes in the OS. This may partially explain why Apple has held off so long on an update to the iMac lineup.
only wish to point out that there are (a) many people with firewire devices who wish a good new affordable "entry level" Mac that keeps FW access....
I think they'll keep FW on the iMac, but not on the mini.
I think there's a misconception within Apple about "consumer Macs" or "entry level Macs". There are no such macs in my opinion. All Macs are reliable, high build quality, sport quality displays, powerful enough to handle pro software, and they all run Mac OS X really well. This is why I think the exclusion of FW on the MacBook with the tagline "Consumers typically need two usb ports" is so sad. A lot of FW users out there would favor this machine due to its portability. But it's probably true though... consumers typically do need just two USB ports. Think they should have a top model of the MacBook with FW connectivity though.
Somewhat off topic:
I can't believe though how Apple, king of industrial design, first made the FireWire 400 socket and connector such a failure. It just jerks from side to side, hanging pretty loose, and I never have the feeling I can trust the connector to stick to the socket. And what's worse... Apple, king of industrial design, went ahead and made a new socket and connector design for FireWire 800, confusing the world with a new standard, which probably made USB win even more ground. One would think that they took the opportunity to fix the poor socket and connector while building the new 800 design. But no... while it might feel slightly sturdier, it's nowhere near the USB socket design that once connected sits like a rock. This is the main problem with FireWire. Not the technology, which is superior.
I'd like to think they'd make the new iMac enclosure similar to the new cinema display from the front. Sure, it'd likely be deeper, but for the first time you could be able to run dual monitors with the iMac without using a drastically different monitor. I use an iMac with a second monitor at work, and I hate the way my second monitor lays out in relation to the mac - it just doesn't flow at all visually.
What new enclosure? I'd be very surprised if there is one; I'm guessing the innards will change, but nothing else.
only wish to point out that there are (a) many people with firewire devices who wish a good new affordable "entry level" Mac that keeps FW access for their devices (HDs, optical disks, cameras, audio, etc);
(b) the non-reason of 'no space for the FW port' is total bs (that would be... 'balderdash'...) - you're just repeating the party line on that one. They decided first to remove FW from the MacBook, and what to keep/add, then design the motherboard and case spacing on that initial decision. They did not make the case and board and suddenly say, jee, we cant fit any more ports on that side, what shall we get rid of, guess FW will have to go... absurd.
The previous MacBook, entry level line, same size, had space for the FW port. And of course, we would not expect Apple to get creative and maybe use the back or other side for ports, as most other notebook manufacturers do... even a mini FW would have been better than none.
It may be passe to you, but i do continue to hope that Apple keeps Firewire on all its machines, especially the upcoming iMac and macmini.
Apple though does seem to have a history of repeatedly crippling their various machines by dropping features, power, ports... (just one example: they designed/shipped Macs with USB1.1 only, long after PC mfgs were shipping USB2 on their lines.) sigh.
Sad so sad. Yet I still have Macs, and even their stock (guess i shoulda sold...) I guess I am a dreamer.
So back on the positive line, I dream of a new iMac with FW 400, and 800, and plenty of USB2, and high quality non-yellow, non-glare display. Just sayin'
If it wasn't due to space constraints then where would it go? Why was the MB not given a 3rd USB port as compensation, or the MBPs not given an additional USB or FW800 if it was just about dropping FW400?
Look at the breakdown and x-ray images and let me know where this magical space is.
Note, that even with the small mDP it seems they still had to set some of the ports slightly closer together. However, their is an upside. With Apple's release of the 17" MBP we should see a move to a non-user replacable battery. This means that HDD doesn't have to be pressed to the very edge, thus allowing for more edge space to used.
Compared to the Sunflower, it looks pretty Dell-ish.
What is not Dell-ish about it, though, and Apple deserves credit for this, is that it is rather quiet.
But, frankly, the iMac could be improved by being a bit more Dell-ish in a few ways, such as having component and/or HDMI inputs for the display. Only Apple requires you to buy their display when you want a mid-range Mac and furthermore only they make it so that you can't use the display for much of anything else.
HDMI ports are useless for an iMac. Why the hell would anyone want HDMI ports on an iMac? Its a desktop computer that sits on your desk, not a television that sits in the living room. I'm sorry Apple doesn't make the iMac to be what you want, but thats just never gonna happen. HDMI IMO is on its way out, replaced my the Display Port. In order for Apple to have an HDMI port they would have to get yet, another license just to ship it in their products which very few people would use it. Component ports? Again, why would any one want component ports on the back of an iMac? Again, its NOT a television! Its a consumer desktop all-in-one computer. If you want component ports on it, buy an EyeTV Hybrid ($129 USD) and there ya go.
Compared the sunflower, which was a TERRIBLE design, it looks a ton better.
only wish to point out that there are (a) many people with firewire devices who wish a good new affordable "entry level" Mac that keeps FW access for their devices (HDs, optical disks, cameras, audio, etc);
(b) the non-reason of 'no space for the FW port' is total bs (that would be... 'balderdash'...) - you're just repeating the party line on that one. They decided first to remove FW from the MacBook, and what to keep/add, then design the motherboard and case spacing on that initial decision. They did not make the case and board and suddenly say, jee, we cant fit any more ports on that side, what shall we get rid of, guess FW will have to go... absurd.
The previous MacBook, entry level line, same size, had space for the FW port. And of course, we would not expect Apple to get creative and maybe use the back or other side for ports, as most other notebook manufacturers do... even a mini FW would have been better than none.
It may be passe to you, but i do continue to hope that Apple keeps Firewire on all its machines, especially the upcoming iMac and macmini.
Apple though does seem to have a history of repeatedly crippling their various machines by dropping features, power, ports... (just one example: they designed/shipped Macs with USB1.1 only, long after PC mfgs were shipping USB2 on their lines.) sigh.
Sad so sad. Yet I still have Macs, and even their stock (guess i shoulda sold...) I guess I am a dreamer.
So back on the positive line, I dream of a new iMac with FW 400, and 800, and plenty of USB2, and high quality non-yellow, non-glare display. Just sayin'
Apparently you've never seen the insides of a new unibody MacBook then? There is absolutely no room what so ever for a FW port, not even a mini 4-pin FW port. The logicboard is really, really small on it. Its not just as simple as well make the board a little larger and you could fit one. That would require a case redesign, and/or an internal redesign. Ain't gonna happen!
Everyone just needs to get over a few things. Lack of FW ports and these god damn glossy screens!
basically Apple needs to make each product launch into a story that captures the imagination of the media and the public.
It is more difficult to sex-up a move to quad processors with a promise of performance boosts with a new OS release down the line. I think a better story would be a simultaneous release of snow leopard with internally refreshed iMacs that capitalise on the new changes in the OS. This may partially explain why Apple has held off so long on an update to the iMac lineup.
I think that would be an issue. First of all, that would be a logistical nightmare to have to sell all new HW and SW at once. This is a growing issue with Apple as they get bigger. Unlike other vendors who only sell a few of their higher-end machines compared to Apple, Apple has to have a substantial inventory for sale online, in stores and on display. Just look at the iPhone 3G, mOS X v2.0, MobileMe, and App Store launch at the same time. In the past, that would have worked well, bug with so many more customers now Apple has to stagger releases. It seems they have since learned their lesson.
Secondly, waiting for SL to be finished would mean pushing back the iMac even farther. It's just not ready and the HW needs a refresh. IMO, the best move is to have a media attended Special Event at Cupertino to show off the new desktop Macs and to demonstrate Snow Leopard. Perhaps even doing comparative testing against Leopard to show why paying for a "no new features" upgrade will be worth it.
HDMI ports are useless for an iMac. Why the hell would anyone want HDMI ports on an iMac? Its a desktop computer that sits on your desk, not a television that sits in the living room. I'm sorry Apple doesn't make the iMac to be what you want, but thats just never gonna happen. HDMI IMO is on its way out, replaced my the Display Port. In order for Apple to have an HDMI port they would have to get yet, another license just to ship it in their products which very few people would use it. Component ports? Again, why would any one want component ports on the back of an iMac? Again, its NOT a television! Its a consumer desktop all-in-one computer. If you want component ports on it, buy an EyeTV Hybrid ($129 USD) and there ya go.
Compared the sunflower, which was a TERRIBLE design, it looks a ton better.
I agree with everything you said, save for the iMac comment. I love that design. Aesthetically it's great, but I will admit that trying to change the HDD was a huge PITA.
If it wasn't due to space constraints then where would it go? Why was the MB not given a 3rd USB port as compensation, or the MBPs not given an additional USB or FW800 if it was just about dropping FW400?
Look at the breakdown and x-ray images and let me know where this magical space is.
Note, that even with the small mDP it seems they still had to set some of the ports slightly closer together. However, their is an upside. With Apple's release of the 17" MBP we should see a move to a non-user replacable battery. This means that HDD doesn't have to be pressed to the very edge, thus allowing for more edge space to used.
you keep repeating this, apparently because its the party line, but seriously how was there room for firewire AND DVI in the Macbooks and iBooks BEFORE?
You repeat it as much as you want, but you keep ignoring the FACT that these designs had the space to include the ports, I guess they now don't exist?
Sorry, but it gets tedious.
its obvious there is a demand for firewire in the Macbook, and Apple keeping the white Macbook in the line up is likely an admission of that (its also less glossy than the glass screen in the Alu MBs)
and what will happen to your repetition of this "there is no room" meme if and when Apple add back firewire in some shape or form?
Secondly, waiting for SL to be finished would mean pushing back the iMac even farther. It's just not ready and the HW needs a refresh. IMO, the best move is to have a media attended Special Event at Cupertino to show off the new desktop Macs and to demonstrate Snow Leopard. Perhaps even doing comparative testing against Leopard to show why paying for a "no new features" upgrade will be worth it.
Makes sense, plus the thing few seem to realise is that pushing new hardware out the door will ease the pressure on producing SL allowing the SL team more space to get it right, instead of rushing SL out the door full of problems to sit in all new Rev A hardware that might have its own separate bugs.
staggering the releases is probably the safest way forward, but WILL they do that? anyones guess.
falling hardware sales would call for the hardware now, OS later approach, and have the added bonus of all those sales in upgrading to SL.. ahh.. unless SL will be a free upgrade ??
sometimes it makes your head sore to second guess