Review: Apple's 27" big screen iMac (late 2009)

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  • Reply 81 of 118
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by melgross View Post


    Well, plasma is a dead technology. Almost no company is producing them anymore. LCD has caught up in the areas in which it was behind, and is now, with LED backlighting, better in delivering good blacks, an area in which Plasma was always poor. The only plasmas that did deliver good blacks, the last high end, and very expensive Pioneers, were discontinued just 3 months after their introduction, followed shortly after by all of Pioneers plasmas. Pretty much everyone else has followed, or has said they soon will.



    Besides, plasma consumes too much power, and gets too hot.



    Excuse me, but you're wrong. HAHAHA. Do some research before you puke misinformation.

    http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/01/16...lasma-in-2009/



    Notice even the NON-Kuros hove better blacks than the LED LCDs. I barf at LCD. A technology intended for static images. You can't get bright and dark in the same area even on the LED LCDs. I prefer a technology developed with the sole intent of displaying images in motion, than you very much.



    Next you'll tell me you need 1080p on a 40"
  • Reply 82 of 118
    melgrossmelgross Posts: 33,510member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by m2002brian View Post


    Excuse me, but you're wrong. HAHAHA. Do some research before you puke misinformation.

    http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/01/16...lasma-in-2009/



    Notice even the NON-Kuros hove better blacks than the LED LCDs. I barf at LCD. A technology intended for static images. You can't get bright and dark in the same area even on the LED LCDs. I prefer a technology developed with the sole intent of displaying images in motion, than you very much.



    Next you'll tell me you need 1080p on a 40"



    As though Engadget is the greatest. And be careful of your language.



    Plasmas are just a small percentage of the market these days, and a blip isn't going to help them.



    The only plasmas regarding blacks were the new Pioneers, which as I said, are no longer around.



    Otherwise, despite what you say, LED backlit LCDs like Samsungs, which turn LEDs on and off locally for better contrast and blacks, have plasma beat. Non Kuros plasma have sucky blacks, and I don't know of ANY high end videophile, who uses them, and I know more than a few. Most use front projectors.
  • Reply 83 of 118
    backtomacbacktomac Posts: 4,579member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by melgross View Post


    Well, plasma is a dead technology. Almost no company is producing them anymore. LCD has caught up in the areas in which it was behind, and is now, with LED backlighting, better in delivering good blacks, an area in which Plasma was always poor. The only plasmas that did deliver good blacks, the last high end, and very expensive Pioneers, were discontinued just 3 months after their introduction, followed shortly after by all of Pioneers plasmas. Pretty much everyone else has followed, or has said they soon will.



    Besides, plasma consumes too much power, and gets too hot.



    Others feel differently. I have a Samsung plasma and colors in general are more saturated and my set has no trouble producing nice black color. My set also doesn't get unusually hot either.



    I would agree that LCDs are taking over the market. I'm not sure why. While I feel plasma sets are slightly better, I can agree that both are pretty close in picture quality nowadays.
  • Reply 84 of 118
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by charlituna View Post


    3. much of the "glare" you speak of is actually reflection which can be reduced by users who aren't too lazy to make a few adjustments in where the display is placed in a room related to the lights and windows. sometimes a couple of simple tweaks will eliminate the issue.



    I get a lot of light reflected from light colored clothing and skin. Exactly how am I supposed to avoid that? Sit so far back that I can't read the display?



    I've never seen my own reflection in a painting at an art gallery, even when standing extremely close to see detail.



    Art quality coated glass is out there and a sheet big enough for the 27" iMac goes for under $50 so Apple could easily offer a better display if they wanted to.



    The only thing I don't know is the chemical makeup of the coatings. Maybe they use chemicals Apple has eliminated.
  • Reply 85 of 118
    melgrossmelgross Posts: 33,510member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by backtomac View Post


    Others feel differently. I have a Samsung plasma and colors in general are more saturated and my set has no trouble producing nice black color. My set also doesn't get unusually hot either.



    I would agree that LCDs are taking over the market. I'm not sure why. While I feel plasma sets are slightly better, I can agree that both are pretty close in picture quality nowadays.



    Except with a short time spent with the Kuros, I've never seen a plasma with good blacks. They are all dark grey. Older LCDs had poor blacks as well, but they've gotten better.



    The main advantage plasma had over LCD was the wide angle of view. While even now, that's an advantage, it's much less than before.



    Saturation also was better, but newer LCDs, particularly those with LED backlights have come even.



    But plasma dims as time goes on, more so than do the backlights on LCD panels, though they are better than they are. And while it's also much less of a problem than it used to be, plasma can still get burn-in if one watches things such as CNN or other news channels several hours a day.



    I'm not sure what "unusually hot" means. If something is very hot, and is always that way, then it wouldn't be unusual. I'm sure newer plasma are better than old ones were, which got too hot to touch on the top rear.



    I'm not fond of either technology though. I'm willing to give up the thinness for my rear projection DLP with RGB LED backlighting. My 61" is less expensive than either plasma or LCD, and has a number of advantages. The 61" model I have has better color that either of the others, and only uses 224 watts, which is little for a 61" set.



    I don't know what I'll do when this one is ready for the farm though, as it's also a dead end technology.
  • Reply 86 of 118
    backtomacbacktomac Posts: 4,579member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by melgross View Post




    I'm not sure what "unusually hot" means. .



    I can touch my set while its on. It doesn't get any hotter than an Apple TV.
  • Reply 87 of 118
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by melgross View Post


    Well, plasma is a dead technology. Almost no company is producing them anymore. LCD has caught up in the areas in which it was behind, and is now, with LED backlighting, better in delivering good blacks, an area in which Plasma was always poor. The only plasmas that did deliver good blacks, the last high end, and very expensive Pioneers, were discontinued just 3 months after their introduction, followed shortly after by all of Pioneers plasmas. Pretty much everyone else has followed, or has said they soon will.



    Besides, plasma consumes too much power, and gets too hot.



    Wow, Mel! Someone should tell Panasonic and Samsung.



    Most unbiased observers feel that while LCD sets have made great strides, they still don't measure up to plasmas in terms of blackness, motion blur and viewing angle. Also the newer plasmas use less power than older models, so they're improving.



    Pioneer got out of plasma because they were catering to the the high end market, which wasn't big enough to support them.



    Getting back on topic, ever since I replaced my original Mac SE I've always had an expandable desktop Mac and, dating from a Powerbook Duo 280, a laptop for a second computer. Presently I have a MacPro and a seven-year-old Titanium Powerbook, which I was planning on replacing with a MacBook Pro before yearend. But, after examining my laptop usage? which is tethered in a home network 99.9% of the time?and having a chance to play with a 27" iMac several times, I ordered a 27" i7 iMac. I just hope the wait isn't as long as it was when I order my PowerMac G5.



    I'm finding that my iPod Touch meets my mobile needs, so goodbye laptop, hello iMac.
  • Reply 88 of 118
    melgrossmelgross Posts: 33,510member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by OldCodger73 View Post


    Wow, Mel! Someone should tell Panasonic and Samsung.



    Maybe you've noticed that Samsung is spending most of its efforts on selling its new line of LED backlit Tvs. Sets, by the way, which are rated as some of the best, picturewise in all reviews.



    Quote:

    Most unbiased observers feel that while LCD sets have made great strides, they still don't measure up to plasmas in terms of blackness, motion blur and viewing angle. Also the newer plasmas use less power than older models, so they're improving.



    I don't know about that. While I see some articles about how much better the black in plasmas are today compared to the dismal blacks of even a couple of years ago, I don't see those deep blacks in actual sets. Yes, better than before, but every technology is better than before.



    I see viewing angle as being the only real advantage they have, and it's less than before.



    Quote:

    Pioneer got out of plasma because they were catering to the the high end market, which wasn't big enough to support them.



    Pioneer made sets for differing quality levels. They're not the only ones to drop out.



    In addition, the reason why plasmas have made a temporary comeback is because the medium sized models have dropped a lot in price. As LCDs in those sizes drop as much, plasma sales will continue to fall.



    I also don't expect companies that still make them, mostly now by Samsung and LG, to say anything other than, they're great, we intend to make them for the medium term, blah blah.
  • Reply 89 of 118
    Why would a company like Panasonic or Samsung keep making plasma sets if LCDs are just as good and cheaper to build?? Interesting huh?



    It's a rhetorical question you don't have to lie back.



    My guess is Samsung is marketing the heck out of LCD so they can stop building more expensive plasmas.
  • Reply 90 of 118
    melgrossmelgross Posts: 33,510member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by m2002brian View Post


    Why would a company like Panasonic or Samsung keep making plasma sets if LCDs are just as good and cheaper to build?? Interesting huh?



    It's a rhetorical question you don't have to lie back.



    At the 40 to 50" size, plus or minus, plasmas have recently come down in price more than LCDs have because of the high demand for LCD panels. Cheaper means sales. They might as well sell them if they're making profits.
  • Reply 91 of 118
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Bregalad View Post


    Art quality coated glass is out there and a sheet big enough for the 27" iMac goes for under $50 so Apple could easily offer a better display if they wanted to.



    The only thing I don't know is the chemical makeup of the coatings. Maybe they use chemicals Apple has eliminated.



    I just received a nice big sample of Museum glass, the expensive stuff where the reflection percentage is down to 0.5% from the 8% found on regular glass. Priced a sheet for the new 27" iMac and it's more like $150, not including cutting, painting the border and R&R the metal strips on the back. I'm sure it would be great for a framed piece of artwork, but on the iMac, it's a no-go. Even holding it in from of my older Mac with a matte screen, I can see myself, the window behind me, the tree outside and the frinkin' squirrel sitting in the tree! I can only imagine it would be worse with the glossy LCD screen that Apple is putting on the iMac now. I had high hopes for this stuff, but now am shopping for a new room darkening shade. Take care!
  • Reply 92 of 118
    tbelltbell Posts: 3,146member
    Actually, those are two reasons I am happy with the machine. The last thing I want is BLue Ray's highly restrictive DRM licensing, which requires the hardware maker to lock down all aspects of the system even when Blue Ray isn't in use, to hinder the performance of my fancy new computer. If you want BLue Ray, buy an external one. It is better for you, and better for me. You should ask yourself when has Sony ever did anything consumer friendly? This is the company that without it's users permission installed secret DRM software.



    As far as Matte screens go, I don't really see the appeal. These new screens show all media content better, especially movies. Along time ago, Glossy screens really stank because if you titled the angle of your head, the picture would lose focus. That isn't the case anymore.







    Quote:
    Originally Posted by teckstud View Post


    No Matte

    No Blu-ray

    No Want.



    It should have been 5 out of 5. So sad.



    I'll wait til its gets 5 like the iPhone did 2 years after release. Hopefully this rating will come sooner for the iMac.



  • Reply 93 of 118
    If it's ever sunny here again this winter/fall I'll take some photos's (no flash) of a matte screen and a glossy screen in the sun. I'm willing to bet the glossy one will be easier to see.



    Matte screens diffuse the light across the entire screen. While, glossy does not.

    I have been able to use my Macbook outdoors with NO backlight on at all.

    I also used to have a Compaq with a matte screen. You couldn't see a damn thing outdoor. So, from my experience, Glossy (or clear coated) worked better in sunlight. If there are reflections, I have to really focus on them instead of the content on screen.



    (not my pic) Notice the one on the Bottom, that's the matte screen. Can't even read it!

    http://ruggedpcreview.com/images/del...atte_large.jpg
  • Reply 94 of 118
    melgrossmelgross Posts: 33,510member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by TBell View Post


    Actually, those are two reasons I am happy with the machine. The last thing I want is BLue Ray's highly restrictive DRM licensing, which requires the hardware maker to lock down all aspects of the system even when Blue Ray isn't in use, to hinder the performance of my fancy new computer. If you want BLue Ray, buy an external one. It is better for you, and better for me. You should ask yourself when has Sony ever did anything consumer friendly? This is the company that without it's users permission installed secret DRM software.



    As far as Matte screens go, I don't really see the appeal. These new screens show all media content better, especially movies. Along time ago, Glossy screens really stank because if you titled the angle of your head, the picture would lose focus. That isn't the case anymore.



    I don't understand what the downside would be to having Apple offer a BR drive as an option. In order to play anything in video now, you have DRM. The only other DRM you would be getting is what would allow BR playback. It doesn't affect anything else.



    You guys are setting up a straw dog.
  • Reply 95 of 118
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by teckstud View Post


    No Matte

    No Blu-ray

    No Want.



    It should have been 5 out of 5. So sad.



    I'll wait til its gets 5 like the iPhone did 2 years after release. Hopefully this rating will come sooner for the iMac.



    Really? Every post from you has to be the same BULLSHIT?
  • Reply 96 of 118
    Hey AppleInsider...when people shop for a Mac, they aren't interested in PC's. So stop comparing them to PC's and giving them a CON in your review because they don't have a TV tuner or Blu Ray drive...two things most people don't want to pay for in a Mac or a PC. Then you recommend an expensive PS3 instead of a less expensive stand-alone BD player?



    You forgot your shameless plug to get people to buy from your advertisers too.
  • Reply 97 of 118
    Seriously, what the heck I thought this was about the iMac? But, since we're there. It's always interesting to see how so many people know so much about technology and which is better, isn't that why we are using Apple products? But in the world of TV's Plasma TV's are far better at producing an accurate picture, with good colour and blacks, and no smearing than LCD's. LCD's are good at being popular because the "good" brands make LCD's. Sony.... lol. It is a very astute observation that Panasonic and Samsung make both. Hmm, wonder why? Lemmings, Windows won the first 20 years of computing (for mainstream users), VHS beat out Beta, Blu-Ray is going to lose to digital, and Both LCD and Plasma are going to lose out to OLED displays.



    But until OLED displays are mainstream, If you have to watch something, and have it look as good as possible, Plasma wins hands down. The whole argument that they are glossy is a pretty old red herring, as almost all of the Tv's on the market today, have the same front covering glass regardless of if they are LCD or Plasma.
  • Reply 98 of 118
    djrumpydjrumpy Posts: 1,116member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by superd View Post


    Seriously, what the heck I thought this was about the iMac? But, since we're there. It's always interesting to see how so many people know so much about technology and which is better, isn't that why we are using Apple products? But in the world of TV's Plasma TV's are far better at producing an accurate picture, with good colour and blacks, and no smearing than LCD's. LCD's are good at being popular because the "good" brands make LCD's. Sony.... lol. It is a very astute observation that Panasonic and Samsung make both. Hmm, wonder why? Lemmings, Windows won the first 20 years of computing (for mainstream users), VHS beat out Beta, Blu-Ray is going to lose to digital, and Both LCD and Plasma are going to lose out to OLED displays.



    But until OLED displays are mainstream, If you have to watch something, and have it look as good as possible, Plasma wins hands down. The whole argument that they are glossy is a pretty old red herring, as almost all of the Tv's on the market today, have the same front covering glass regardless of if they are LCD or Plasma.



    Are they dissing reflective coatings on TV's now too? I like the matte screen on my biggest set (a sony). Works very well. What's odd is I don't even notice reflections on my iMac, but they drive me nuts on my TV. Maybe a distance thing. To each his own. I prefer the glossy on a computer screen.



    I need to go check out these OLED's, but it would be hard to compare given their small screen size. I own 3 current HDTV's. One LCD, one LCOS, and one Plasma. I just retired a rear projection.



    The rear projection had great blacks, but I couldn't compare it directly with the others (got rid of it before the latest 3). It was plagued with alignment issues. Good riddance.



    The LCD looks great with digital only images. Poor blacks though. When your shining a back light on your display, it tends to kill your blacks. Still suffers from that 'pixelated' look on analog sources. Looks good only on digital (less of a concern these days).



    Plasma looks great on analog (can someone tell me why this is? I never looked into it, but it's got a fantastic picure on older analog over digital. It has great blacks, and excellent 1080p output over pure digital.



    The LCOS display also has good blacks (projection technology, which makes sense). Too many problems with the lcos color however. It's been replaced twice by the factory. I won't be buying another.



    Given the choice and the size of TV's I currently buy, I would buy another plasma, or possibly an LCD. I haven't looked at LCD in the last year, but from what I see they are indeed getting better blacks than they used to. I'll be curious to see how well the new 27" does when it gets here Monday.



    On topic (seriously), has anyone benchmarked the new i7's yet? Any word on the displayport input functionality glitch that was reported where it only supported input from another display port?
  • Reply 99 of 118
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by teckstud View Post


    No Matte

    No Blu-ray

    No Want.



    It should have been 5 out of 5. So sad.



    I'll wait til its gets 5 like the iPhone did 2 years after release. Hopefully this rating will come sooner for the iMac.





    No E-Sata Connection

    new Design

    No height Adjustment

    Glossy screen I hate it. No Upgrade waiting for the next version
  • Reply 100 of 118
    djrumpydjrumpy Posts: 1,116member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by delizazam View Post


    No E-Sata Connection

    new Design

    No height Adjustment

    Glossy screen I hate it. No Upgrade waiting for the next version



    Why is E-Sata so important to some people? Your internal drive will be doing the bulk of your work I would think. The only benefit to e-sata that I'm aware of is it's faster with external drives. I use an external drive on my HTPC mini, but I only need it to be able to stream 1080P which easily fits within the USB or Firewire speeds.



    Not trolling. I'm honestly curious as to what applications people are using these external drives for.



    The others are minimal. If you really wanted matte on a late model Mac, you could always just buy a Mac pro for $2300 from Amazon and whatever external monitor you wanted, or just buy an after market matte option.
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