[beverson]

So I'm saving up for a new 17" iMac sometime this summer. I imagine there may be a chance the line will be updated before then, but I probably won't purchase till August anyway, so it'll be safely after MWNY (or whatever they're calling it now).

But assuming the line stays the same or similar, what do people think about the internal Bluetooth module? I already have a USB Bluetooth adapter, and I'm assuming this will still work with one of these 17" iMacs. Is this assumption incorrect? I really don't think I need to buy an internal Bluetooth module when the USB one will be enough, even though it will be splitting its time between the iMac and my iBook. The only reason I would pony up for one is if for some reason the USB one won't work with this model.

[AssassyN]

If your USB Bluetooth module works with your iBook, it'll certainly work in the USB port of an iMac. The only reason to get the internal module would be if you wanted to save yourself a USB port for something else.

[bink]

Dumb question to follow:

I do not know anything about Bluetooth. So.....Wanting to connect my 17" iMac with an HP USB printer. If I get one of the dongle USB things for each, would that work?

See, I told you I did not know anything about this!

tia......Rich

[beverson]

Originally posted by bink:
Dumb question to follow:

I do not know anything about Bluetooth. So.....Wanting to connect my 17" iMac with an HP USB printer. If I get one of the dongle USB things for each, would that work?

See, I told you I did not know anything about this!

tia......Rich

I don't think, as far as the printer is concerned, you can just add a dongle. At least on the Mac, it requires software too. So I think a printer would have to have Bluetooth built in; or at least it would have to be "Bluetooth ready" of some sort for something like that to work.


Bremen, IN, eh? I went to school in Greencastle, and lived in Indy for a couple years after that.

[beverson]

Here's another question I should have included in my original post. How do the two sound-out ports work? My understanding is that one is a digital out jack that will drive only Apple's Pro Speakers, and that the other is a regular headphones jack that would also drive normal computer speakers. I have two speakers and a sub that I'd like to still use with the new iMac, though the Pro Speakers look much cooler. How do the Pro Speakers sound? And is it possible to use both sets at the same time? I'm thinking the latter may not work since the computer would probably mute the speakers thinking headphones were plugged in. If anyone can confirm how this all works, I'd be greatful.

[Mark E]

Originally posted by beverson:
Here's another question I should have included in my original post. How do the two sound-out ports work? My understanding is that one is a digital out jack that will drive only Apple's Pro Speakers, and that the other is a regular headphones jack that would also drive normal computer speakers. I have two speakers and a sub that I'd like to still use with the new iMac, though the Pro Speakers look much cooler. How do the Pro Speakers sound? And is it possible to use both sets at the same time? I'm thinking the latter may not work since the computer would probably mute the speakers thinking headphones were plugged in. If anyone can confirm how this all works, I'd be greatful.

you're right. once anything is plugged into the headphone jack the sound on the pro speakers is muted.

i don't think it's a "digital out" jack as such. it's just a standard 3.5mm stereo jack with a slight re-design to add a power source to the speakers. so the jack will only work with apple pro speakers - or ones that have the same combined wiring.

as for the sound quality.. well, they're not bad considering their size and power. i can't stand them at full volume though, they distort way too much... but i guess that was expected.

-Mark

[Simon]

Originally posted by Mark E:
i don't think it's a "digital out" jack as such. it's just a standard 3.5mm stereo jack with a slight re-design to add a power source to the speakers. so the jack will only work with apple pro speakers - or ones that have the same combined wiring.

I don't know about the digital thing either, but they are 2.5mm and not 3.5mm precisely because Apple doesn't want users plugging in headphones into the powered speaker port. Take a look at the Pro Speaker plug, it's definitely smaller.

The Apple hardware support doc with this info is here .

[Mark E]

Originally posted by Simon:
I don't know about the digital thing either, but I think they are 2.5mm and not 3.5mm precisely because Apple doesn't want users plugging in headphones into the powered speaker port. Take a look at the Pro Speaker plug, it's definitely smaller.

my mistake. i only took a glance at it once since i got my machine, and that was to plug it in!

-Mark

[Mohammed Al-Sabah]

other then apple pro spks anyone knows any other that uses that port?