[Leia's Left Bun]

To me the iMac's design has reached a bit of a limit. It is pretty close to perfect in terms of looks.

What I mean is that it doesn't look like a computer, it is a display with the computer built in. So where do you go from there? Do you separate components again like the lamp iMac? Change the stand?

I think the look it is now will be around for a very very long time. The only improvements I can see is shrinking the size of its chin or perhaps shipping it in black.

All of Apple's other products have quite a bit of room to grow design wise. That is not saying they are flawed but there are a million different ways you can make a Tower look.

Do you see any drastic design changes for the iMac down the road?

Edit, oops, typo in title

[ort888]

We had this talk at my work when it first came out. I think this is about it. You can't get any simpler then what they have now.

[ajprice]

Lose the chin, yes. White or black, yes. Not sure if it can get any slimmer than it is now. The only big change I can see possible is the stand design to allow height adjustment, and bigger screens if they go ahead with the Mac being a media centre as they have started to with Front Row, so maybe a 23" version using a similar screen to the 23" aluminium display. For small changes, I'd say make the screen surround thinner so that the screen is closer to the edge of the case.

[Kerrigan]

I bought into Ives' design theory for the lampshade iMac when he said that each component should be separate and distinguishable from the others. The 3 pieces, the arm, base, and display, all had clearly defined functions. I know that this is BS, but I bought into it and so I was a little disappointed when I saw that the iMac G5 looked basically like the eMac from the front. AFAIK Ives did not design the iMac G5, since I don't recall hearing his little explanation bit during it's introduction.

Putting that BS aside, the main gripe I have about the iMac is its chin, for obvious reasons.

[olePigeon]

I can imagine it looking similar to what the Cinema displays look like now, except all white or all black. That would be relatively simple to do especially since they're basically sticking a PowerBook behind a bigger screen.

[ajprice]

Whoopsie!

[ajprice]

Whoopsie doo!!

[residentEvil]

In the maybe not so distant future, an iPod type device (small, simple interface) will become all that is needed for computing; with simple wireless (or wired) connection to a display device. Think the mini, but the size of an iPod.

While not an evolution of the iMac that you are asking, it will be a revelotion of computing. Aside from power users, this will become a common source of computing (surfing, email, music, movies, games).

[Apple Pro Underwear]

IMO

thinner, lighter, optionally wall mountable (without expensive mounts because it will be much lighter) and semi-portable

apple will make everything in the main pc have a single wire/powerchord that will go into a "hub" that you can plug the peripherals and ipods into. perhaps that "hub" will be a streaming device as well to other home devices.

[/i'm talking out of my ass]

[CharlesS]

Yeah, I'd change it back to the way the Rev. A and Rev. B iMacs were, when you could just pop the back off and get easy access to the RAM, hard drive, optical drive, etc. With the new ones, you actually have to take the front off and then remove the screen to get access to the components. That's insane. I mean, the hard drives in the iMacs are big, but it's not inconceivable that you might want a bigger one someday, or maybe you'll want to put in an HD-DVD or Blue-Ray drive when they're available, or something (yes, you could get a FireWire drive, but Apple's software such as iDVD tends not to support external drives).

The iMac G4 was a beautiful, ergonomic design, but it was a pain in the ass to get inside. The iMac G5 had less "wow" factor, but it had certain advantages, such as the easy access to the internals, and the VESA mount capability (well, and the fact that it's a G5). Then the Rev. C comes around and sacrifices both of those advantages to save a little bit of width?! Who cares if a desktop machine is a few centimeters thinner anyway? It's not a laptop!

I also think the new iMacs are less aesthetically pleasing with that pyramid-shaped back. The Rev. A and Rev. B look sleek, like an iPod. But maybe that's just me...

[Leia's Left Bun]

To me I liked lots about the Lamp iMac. It looked more like a computer and wasn't trying to hide that fact. The current iMac also looks a bit heavy and clunky.

[Super Mario]

Wi-Fi, battery life, weater proof and remote screen

[Jawbone54]

Smaller chin
Wall-mountable sounds like a big
Multiple colors...do you think they'll ever go back to that?

I don't see them making a significant change in the design for quite some time. Look at it...it's just pretty.

[Kerrigan]

Originally Posted by Leia's Left Bun

To me I liked lots about the Lamp iMac. It looked more like a computer and wasn't trying to hide that fact. The current iMac also looks a bit heavy and clunky.

I agree totally.

To me the lamp imac had more of a classic look to it. The current iMac is a bit.. blah. I think this has a lot to do with the form factor limitations of the G5 chip. When the next major iMac form factor is introduced, I have a feeling it will be a lot more original looking.

[demibob]

i think it will change in the same way the ipod has
in that it would keep getting thiner and ligter and faster
i dont mind the chin but im sure apple is trying to get rid of it
if they get rid of it they would have to do something difrent with the stand

[leehotti]

Originally Posted by Leia's Left Bun

To me the iMac's design has reached a bit of a limit. It is pretty close to perfect in terms of looks.

What I mean is that it doesn't look like a computer, it is a display with the computer built in. So where do you go from there? Do you separate components again like the lamp iMac? Change the stand?

I think the look it is now will be around for a very very long time. The only improvements I can see is shrinking the size of its chin or perhaps shipping it in black.

All of Apple's other products have quite a bit of room to grow design wise. That is not saying they are flawed but there are a million different ways you can make a Tower look.

Do you see any drastic design changes for the iMac down the road?

Edit, oops, typo in title

I thought the lampshade imac was a far superior design. The swiveling tilting screen that had adjustable height was incredible, and it wasn't just 'simple looking', it was actually beautiful. If they made one in that form factor again with dual processors I'd trade my powermac for it in a heartbeat... if ti had a decent videocard.

[greenamp]

Originally Posted by Kerrigan

I bought into Ives' design theory for the lampshade iMac when he said that each component should be separate and distinguishable from the others. The 3 pieces, the arm, base, and display, all had clearly defined functions. I know that this is BS, but I bought into it and so I was a little disappointed when I saw that the iMac G5 looked basically like the eMac from the front. AFAIK Ives did not design the iMac G5, since I don't recall hearing his little explanation bit during it's introduction.

Putting that BS aside, the main gripe I have about the iMac is its chin, for obvious reasons.

Ives spoke quite a bit about the design in the full length version of the keynote introductory movie when the new imac 1st made it's debut. Remember the one with the Black Eyed Peas?

[leehotti]

Originally Posted by Apple Pro Underwear

IMO

thinner, lighter, optionally wall mountable (without expensive mounts because it will be much lighter) and semi-portable

apple will make everything in the main pc have a single wire/powerchord that will go into a "hub" that you can plug the peripherals and ipods into. perhaps that "hub" will be a streaming device as well to other home devices.

[/i'm talking out of my ass]

I'm going to disagree with the wall mount. It isn't very adjustable, and it's rather far away from most desks. Hence the reason the lampshade imac was fantastic. Completely adjustable screen.

[demibob]

Originally Posted by Apple Pro Underwear

IMO
thinner, lighter, optionally wall mountable (without expensive mounts because it will be much lighter) and semi-portable

a mix between an imac and an ibook

[CharlesS]

Originally Posted by leehotti

I'm going to disagree with the wall mount. It isn't very adjustable, and it's rather far away from most desks. Hence the reason the lampshade imac was fantastic. Completely adjustable screen.

I agree, I loved the lampshade as well. The problem was, it was a real pain to get inside them, which meant you were in for a world of pain as soon as the hard drive died and you needed to replace it. The original G5 iMac was a great improvement in this regard, but not the rev. C and Intel version!

[Kerrigan]

Originally Posted by greenamp

Ives spoke quite a bit about the design in the full length version of the keynote introductory movie when the new imac 1st made it's debut. Remember the one with the Black Eyed Peas?

Oops, I didn't know that.

What did he have to say about it? That this what an iPod would look like if it were 40x larger?

[greenamp]

Originally Posted by Kerrigan

Oops, I didn't know that.

What did he have to say about it? That this what an iPod would look like if it were 40x larger?

It was actually something to that effect, lol. He said something about it being in the same school of design as the iPod (simple, clean, worlds fastest, etc). The movie is floating around somewhere I'm betting, but I couldn't track it down in Apple's website.

[Leia's Left Bun]

Originally Posted by Kerrigan

Oops, I didn't know that.

What did he have to say about it? That this what an iPod would look like if it were 40x larger?

Whatever he said he is justifying what the marketing department told him to do.

[Apple Pro Underwear]

Originally Posted by leehotti

I'm going to disagree with the wall mount. It isn't very adjustable, and it's rather far away from most desks. Hence the reason the lampshade imac was fantastic. Completely adjustable screen.

that's why i say optional wall mount...

but you're right. maybe in the future it's so light that it has a swivel base with an arm or is optionally wall mountable

[angelmb]

Originally Posted by greenamp

It was actually something to that effect, lol. He said something about it being in the same school of design as the iPod (simple, clean, worlds fastest, etc). The movie is floating around somewhere I'm betting, but I couldn't track it down in Apple's website.

I think you can find it here:

http://www.cubeofmovies.com/

go to:

Archives/Apple Hardware/iMac/G5 --> iMacG5IntroReport.mov (54.3 MB)

[MM-o4]

this is so whinny I know but I really don't like the Apple logo on the chin and one on the screen at start up at the same time. It just looks wrong. Silly but thats me

MM

[demibob]

i realy do think the newest imac is amazingly well designed in terms of looks
Im going to get one soon

[leehotti]

Originally Posted by CharlesS

I agree, I loved the lampshade as well. The problem was, it was a real pain to get inside them, which meant you were in for a world of pain as soon as the hard drive died and you needed to replace it. The original G5 iMac was a great improvement in this regard, but not the rev. C and Intel version!

I disagree. It wasn't hard at all compared to the original iMac. But honestly, I'd rather have a computer that was a total BITCH to work on and upgrade and have it look that sexy and have a screen that versatile anyday of the week. I just needed more oomph. I regretted selling it, it was beautiful.

[ort888]

FLOWER POWER!

[demibob]

^ changable face plates for the imac
that could work

[MM-o4]

I just don't get this changable face-plate thing at all. This will never be a deciding factor in anything for me. The only colour-change that I could be remotly interested in is a mobile phone, and thats more just so I know which is mine. The computer sits on my my desk at my home.
It just another way to make money off you like downloadable ring tones.

MM

[CharlesS]

Originally Posted by leehotti

I disagree. It wasn't hard at all compared to the original iMac.

Yes it was. You didn't need thermal paste just to replace the hard drive on the original iMacs.

[leehotti]

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Yes it was. You didn't need thermal paste just to replace the hard drive on the original iMacs.

You didn't on the flat panel imac either. I took it apart and was careful not to 'disturb' the paste that was already there, or accidentally scrape it off. I put it back together without adding more paste and experienced ZERO problems. It really wasn't necessary to add new stuff each time.

[andreas_g4]

As others have already pointed out, I'd like to see a G4 iMac design again. In fact, for me the 17" iMac G4 is the best looking Apple desktop computer to this day. Period.

[Leia's Left Bun]

Originally Posted by andreas_g4

As others have already pointed out, I'd like to see a G4 iMac design again. In fact, for me the 17" iMac G4 is the best looking Apple desktop computer to this day. Period.

I disagree. Period.

[Salty]

I imagine we'll see the chin shrink, more display sizes, etc. But honestly this is pretty well what I always expected the G4 iMac to be. That said, I would love to see some nice, coloured aluminium detailing like the iPod mini.
As well once the Intel chips are out, I could see them taking the Mac mini, which is essentially an iBook if I understand properly, and shoving it in the back of a 15 or 14 inch LCD, and calling it the iMac mini and making it a slightly more expensive option than the Mac mini but not quite the same as the 17 inch iMac. I think it'd be a great computer for people needing their first AIO Mac, for kids, etc.

As well I could almost see Apple evolving the design of the iMac to be so light, and so thin that eventually it would be able to be taken with you as a tablet, and simply have a touch screen put in. Don't even sell it with a battery but make that an after market option.
As well I would love to see the iMac become more open-able again. Actually with the switch to Intel I could almost see them adding room for a second HD.

[mdc]

I went to the mall for lunch today and stopped in the Apple store to look for iPod speakers. My friend mentioned she'd have bought an iMac right then if they came in other colors.

I think she'll end up getting a mac anyway after having used mine a lot, but after hearing her, I think there are people who want the colors back.

Me? I like the white, and the current design of the iMac. I don't see too much that they can do to it. The same for the powerbook. How much less than an inch thin can they get it and what more can they do it to before it has buttons all over it and is pc laptop ugly?

[CharlesS]

Originally Posted by leehotti

You didn't on the flat panel imac either. I took it apart and was careful not to 'disturb' the paste that was already there, or accidentally scrape it off. I put it back together without adding more paste and experienced ZERO problems. It really wasn't necessary to add new stuff each time.

Oh boy.

Yes, you do need to replace the thermal paste if you open the G4 iMac. The paste needs to be free of air bubbles, and guess what gets in there when you separate the two components that the thermal paste was in between? You let a heck of a lot of air in. Just because you were lucky and didn't hose your machine does not mean you generally don't need to replace the paste. If you broke the seal, you need to scrape off all the existing paste, clean the area with isopropyl alcohol, and put new paste on.

This is like some people I've met who claimed SCSI doesn't need termination. "Look, I used my computer for years without putting a terminator on the SCSI chain, and it worked fine." ARGH!

[andreas_g4]

Originally Posted by Leia's Left Bun

I disagree. Period.

Well, at least we agree that is is a nice piece of design.

Originally Posted by Leia's Left Bun

To me I liked lots about the Lamp iMac. It looked more like a computer and wasn't trying to hide that fact. The current iMac also looks a bit heavy and clunky.

[Maflynn]

I still mis the old lampshade iMac

[Ghoser777]

I miss me SE/30 "portable"

[leehotti]

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Oh boy.

Yes, you do need to replace the thermal paste if you open the G4 iMac. The paste needs to be free of air bubbles, and guess what gets in there when you separate the two components that the thermal paste was in between? You let a heck of a lot of air in. Just because you were lucky and didn't hose your machine does not mean you generally don't need to replace the paste. If you broke the seal, you need to scrape off all the existing paste, clean the area with isopropyl alcohol, and put new paste on.

This is like some people I've met who claimed SCSI doesn't need termination. "Look, I used my computer for years without putting a terminator on the SCSI chain, and it worked fine." ARGH!

I'l say it again. It doesn't matter. Seriously. I opened mine a few times, and no harm was done. The tolerances between the heatsink and hte chip are so small that any air bubbles would be pushed away, and even if tehre was a super tiny one, it wouldn't matter. You sound like someone who vehemently claims that the oil needs to be changed at EXACTLY 3000 miles or the engine will blow up. It just isn't true.

[CharlesS]

Originally Posted by leehotti

I'l say it again. It doesn't matter. Seriously. I opened mine a few times, and no harm was done. The tolerances between the heatsink and hte chip are so small that any air bubbles would be pushed away, and even if tehre was a super tiny one, it wouldn't matter. You sound like someone who vehemently claims that the oil needs to be changed at EXACTLY 3000 miles or the engine will blow up. It just isn't true.

Well, we had one mysteriously die that oddly enough had had the case opened a few months prior. I can't prove that was the exact cause (I wasn't actually around at the time it died), but considering that pretty much every source you'll find says it's necessary...

[Spliffdaddy]

And, technically, SCSI hard drives can be jumpered to 'terminate' themselves so you don't need a proper terminator thingy on the cable.

[Leia's Left Bun]

It is dated but I think the Grey, sage, blue and ruby iMacs were really sexy.

[leehotti]

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Well, we had one mysteriously die that oddly enough had had the case opened a few months prior. I can't prove that was the exact cause (I wasn't actually around at the time it died), but considering that pretty much every source you'll find says it's necessary...

Sure. And I'm positive you can find a lot of sources that say Elvis is still alive, that PCs are better, and that god is real. That doesn't mean it's true. So the one tht died... did hte cpu die? Or was it something else? People tend to believe in false statements when tehy really just don't know what's going on, and I'm telling you that it isn't necessary to put on new goop each time.

But back to the original argument.... even if that were true, the original imac was still more of a PITA to open.

[CharlesS]

Originally Posted by Spliffdaddy

And, technically, SCSI hard drives can be jumpered to 'terminate' themselves so you don't need a proper terminator thingy on the cable.

I'm talking about people that think you can just plug something into a SCSI chain, not do anything to terminate it, and that it will be fine. And we're talking older devices here, that don't have built-in termination.

Originally Posted by leehotti

Sure. And I'm positive you can find a lot of sources that say Elvis is still alive, that PCs are better, and that god is real. That doesn't mean it's true. So the one tht died... did hte cpu die? Or was it something else? People tend to believe in false statements when tehy really just don't know what's going on, and I'm telling you that it isn't necessary to put on new goop each time.

I don't know, because I wasn't around to examine the corpse. However, I was told that replacing the hard drive, RAM, and anything else they could think of didn't work. Also, the machine apparently started getting kernel panics increasingly frequently up until the point when it finally died.

But back to the original argument.... even if that were true, the original imac was still more of a PITA to open.

Well, granted, I've only worked on the slot loaders, so maybe the original Rev. A iMac was worse. I don't know. But the slot loaders were definitely not more of a PITA than the G4 iMacs.

[demograph68]

Apple patented anti-gravity device. No desk? No problem!

[fhoubi]

The semi transparent outer edge of the lampshade iMac really made the screen beautifully floating in the air. I miss that.

[Apple Pro Underwear]

well i think the single attribute we can bet on is: thinner and lighter

and if Apple can achieve that while still delivering performance — then the design of the iMac is still limitless