I think it is probably Ives' doing to move the entire product line to more neutral colors on the enclosures so they don't "clash" with the very colorful OS X. The colors of the iMac & iBook compete with the color of the OS rather than enhance it like a neutral (white, grey) does.
The more recent Apple designs have been very much influenced by interior fashions, the Cube and the Displays in particular have taken cues from architecture. In order to cary this theme on I would like Apple to use the white, silver and transparency to give the new iMac a sophisticated look, but the product should have the capability to be personalised. This can be done in a number of ways, eg. Nokia Xpresson Covers, Beetle Car has a vase on the dash, (I am not saying put a vase in the computer, this is just a cue for ideas - the ability to add a personal touch). My favourite idea is something I saw on a concept car recently - It displays different emotions and needs through coloured lights on its exterior and interior, you could make your Mac glow in your favourite colour/combination. This would allow you to change the colour whenever, without having to pay for accessories. It would also be a good indicator, it could glow red when there is a problem etc...
But the one thing I feel would be a great addition at very minimal cost, would be to add
TV capabilities. Back in the old days when I was a student, I used to watch DVDs on my iMac, it would have been great to be able to watch TV on it aswell. I couldnt afford my own TV (a computer was a necessity) and I wouldnt have had room for one anyway. This would also add to Apples Hub idea ------ Where is the hub of everyones home?
And dont say the kitchen, unless your from Conemara.
I like your idea of adding colors by lighting or other similar means. Apples current lineup is very simple with a one color 2-3 option approach.
This makes it much easier to select and must make it easier to stock in stores. I will admit however, that I really like the colors on Handspring's latest PDA. (Edge?) Those have that cool retro look. Apple doesn't do much followin' so I am excited to see what they have up their sleeve.
Actually, I think the coloured LCD iMac could work, as long as OS X deviated from blue. Personally, I'm a tad sick of the blue aqua interface, maybe there should be like a 32-bit colour selector for endless optimization of the interface, with the default at the iMac's colour.
At MWNY01 Apple really grasped with their "new" iMac. They gave the iMac the old and failed color of Snow because they realized way beack then that the color just didnt work anymore. Apple will amaze us with new colors that go along with the rest of the current line. The LCD form factor will usher in a very sleek silver look.
One thing that Apple may be doing is trying to bring all the 3rd party manufacturers in check with their "minimalist" designs.
One thing that bothered me after the iMacs color heyday was that all these peripherals started being made in all this funky colors. You could end up with a translucent lime iMac, translucent blue Zip drive, translucent purple USB hub, and the list goes on. By the time you have all your peripherals and accessories on your desk, it looked like a candy factory exploded in your office!
Apple is once again setting the curve by making computers and accessories that go with everything else, instead of computers that everything else should be designed around. Think about it, anything that's clear, silver, grey, or white will go with anything else. If they have simple designs that don't stand out, that's a plus too.
iBook: White
TiBook: Silver/greyish
PMG4's: Silver/greyish & clear
ASD's: White & Clear
iMacs: Grey, White, & Blue (for not much longer)
Regarding the Flower Power and Blue Dalmation iMacs:
I really think that was a "Let's see if anybody will go for this" idea. We didn't, so they stopped. I DO think Blue Dalmation was kind of cool, though.
Comments
2¢
But the one thing I feel would be a great addition at very minimal cost, would be to add
TV capabilities. Back in the old days when I was a student, I used to watch DVDs on my iMac, it would have been great to be able to watch TV on it aswell. I couldnt afford my own TV (a computer was a necessity) and I wouldnt have had room for one anyway. This would also add to Apples Hub idea ------ Where is the hub of everyones home?
And dont say the kitchen, unless your from Conemara.
I like your idea of adding colors by lighting or other similar means. Apples current lineup is very simple with a one color 2-3 option approach.
This makes it much easier to select and must make it easier to stock in stores. I will admit however, that I really like the colors on Handspring's latest PDA. (Edge?) Those have that cool retro look. Apple doesn't do much followin' so I am excited to see what they have up their sleeve.
C.pres
One thing that bothered me after the iMacs color heyday was that all these peripherals started being made in all this funky colors. You could end up with a translucent lime iMac, translucent blue Zip drive, translucent purple USB hub, and the list goes on. By the time you have all your peripherals and accessories on your desk, it looked like a candy factory exploded in your office!
Apple is once again setting the curve by making computers and accessories that go with everything else, instead of computers that everything else should be designed around. Think about it, anything that's clear, silver, grey, or white will go with anything else. If they have simple designs that don't stand out, that's a plus too.
iBook: White
TiBook: Silver/greyish
PMG4's: Silver/greyish & clear
ASD's: White & Clear
iMacs: Grey, White, & Blue (for not much longer)
Regarding the Flower Power and Blue Dalmation iMacs:
I really think that was a "Let's see if anybody will go for this" idea. We didn't, so they stopped. I DO think Blue Dalmation was kind of cool, though.
[ 12-24-2001: Message edited by: CosmoNut ]</p>