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    iMac has been updated

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by fabarati, Apr 28, 2008.

  1. fabarati

    fabarati Frorum Obfuscator

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    So the iMac has been updated. Changes?

     
    fabarati, Apr 28, 2008
    #1
  2. S.SubZero

    S.SubZero Notebook Deity

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    Is the RAM upgrade pricing new? They have changed the 2GB->4GB to $200. It used to be a comical $400 option. It's still too much but it might lure a few extra suckers to get the upgrade.
     
    S.SubZero, Apr 28, 2008
    #2
  3. Budding

    Budding Notebook Virtuoso

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    Yeah, although some things are still rather vague (for example, is it the new Monteniva platform? And exactly which 8800GS is it?).
    Nevertheless, the top range model with the 24" S-IPS, 3.06Ghz 45nm Core 2 Extreme X9100, and 8800GS at less than £1400 retail does look quite attractive.

    Yeah, RAM is newer (800Mhz) and upgrades cost less.
     
    Budding, Apr 28, 2008
    #3
  4. fabarati

    fabarati Frorum Obfuscator

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    While I like the availability of a upper-midrange card (whilst not faster than a 9600GT, it's better than a HD3850), the price for the 24" model (£1573] is ridculous here in Sweden. For that price i could get a a Penryn Quad, 8800gt and a 30" screen (from HP). Even if you don't get the C2X (which in itself is wildly overpriced), it's still too much.

    Then again, all All-in-ones have a premium. You just don't get enough for your money with the 24" model. And the 20" has a crappy screen. I gotta say, the aluminium iMacs have continued to dissapoint.
     
    fabarati, Apr 28, 2008
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  5. r0k

    r0k Notebook Evangelist

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    The new iMacs look nice. The prices range from $1200 to $2200. If I didn't already have LCD monitors lying around I would consider one of these. The extra 3 inch strip along the bottom and non-removeable leg results in a machine that is too large for one of the areas I would use one of these. In that spot, a mini plus a 17 inch LCD provides a better fit but a much slower machine. I expect the minis to get updated next. The Mac Pro is more of a niche machine and it is the minis that tend to bring in more switchers (from windows) than any other Mac.
     
    r0k, Apr 28, 2008
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  6. Sam

    Sam Notebook Virtuoso

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    Wow, I didn't expect them to push out the 8800. Kudos!
     
    Sam, Apr 28, 2008
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  7. niemassacre

    niemassacre Notebook Evangelist

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    I was happy to see the upgrades. The 8800 GS is the most welcome change for me - it may not be a cutting-edge card, but it's still quite capable and certainly will handle anything most iMac users would throw at it. The processor boost is nice too, as well as the (slightly) more reasonable RAM pricing (still though, why would anyone buy it through there?)
     
    niemassacre, Apr 28, 2008
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  8. ltcommander_data

    ltcommander_data Notebook Deity

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    What's amazing is that Macs have once again received the latest technology ahead of PCs. The new iMacs appear to be using the Montevina platform as the 1066MHz FSB is faster than the current 800MHz Penryns and the RAM is in SODIMM format which no desktop platform has. Montevina was supposed to support DDR3, but given that I haven't seen any DDR3 SODIMMs in retail yet, I guess Apple is justified in sticking with DDR2 800 SODIMMs.

    Now for the MacBook Pro Montevina refresh.
     
    ltcommander_data, Apr 28, 2008
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  9. hollownail

    hollownail Individual 11

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    Wow... It's nice.
    A friend was looking at Dell's AIO XPS system... It's more expensive than the iMac for what you get :p (well, okay, they have blu-ray... but slower system).
     
    hollownail, Apr 28, 2008
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  10. fabarati

    fabarati Frorum Obfuscator

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    That's true. I actually did the same comparison, and came to the same conclusion: iMacs offer the best value in their class.

    But the 24"' still don't serve all that well as a midrange desktop PC (and yes, I consider Macs PC's). They cost too much for what you get. Apple really need a midrange desktop.
     
    fabarati, Apr 28, 2008
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  11. ubercool

    ubercool Notebook Deity

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    Because it's convenient and safe? :rolleyes:
     
    ubercool, Apr 28, 2008
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  12. queshy

    queshy Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    Nice small speed bump...nothing compelling enough for me to upgrade from my 24" white iMac though. Iguess it's better that way though..hah
     
    queshy, Apr 28, 2008
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  13. Sneaky_Chopsticks

    Sneaky_Chopsticks Notebook Deity

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    I'm pissed off. I should've waited. :(
     
    Sneaky_Chopsticks, Apr 28, 2008
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  14. Robgunn

    Robgunn Notebook Evangelist

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    Decent bump. Definitely better than the spec bump the MBPs got.

    Nehalem is so far away...
     
    Robgunn, Apr 28, 2008
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  15. ltcommander_data

    ltcommander_data Notebook Deity

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    I second that. It'll be nearly a year before Nehalem reaches mobile since server and high-end desktop will go first, followed by mainstream desktop. If only AMD could get their act together and put some pressure on Intel, especially in mobile. The latest news is that AMD's new Puma platform, which has so far been marketed with finally offering a legitimately decent IGP, now has too high power consumption and will also decidedly not be a performance match for the Core 2 Duo. Mobile seems to be the least competitive area right now.

    http://www.tomshardware.com/news/amd-puma-intel,5225.html
     
    ltcommander_data, Apr 28, 2008
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  16. cashmonee

    cashmonee Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    I am really tempted to get an iMac. If I did not have a wife it would probaly be in my office by now. Oh well. I think this upgrade is pretty decent.
     
    cashmonee, Apr 28, 2008
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  17. Sam

    Sam Notebook Virtuoso

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    She'd better not read that :D.

    But I'm really tempted too...if I had money :p.
     
    Sam, Apr 28, 2008
    #17