[Switched2Mac]

Got your attention?

I am hoping and waiting too.

MacWorld came and went with nothing being announced.

Would be nice to see a metallic colored (like the PowerMac now) iMac and floating display.

17" and 20" only. Who needs a 15" anymore?

USB 2.0 and FW800 all around. 8X DVD burner would be welcome too.

Bluetooth and bluetooth mouse/keyboard would be sweet.

Anything else you can think of?

[hmurchison2001]

The iMac should have

17" screen
G5 1.6Ghz Processor
4x DVD- +r/-r
120GB HD
512MB RAM
USB 2.0/FW 400
Airport Extreme Ready
SPIDF Digital Out
10/100/1000 Ethernet
Bluetooth Ready
iLife 4
128MB Graphics w/video out
Video I/O(Super Video)

$1599

[jasonsRX7]

Those are better specs than the 1.6 Powermac G5, and for less money. I don't think you'll see anything like that for that price.

[gumby5647]

The entire desktop line-up needs an overhaul.

to bad i'm to lazy to explain my idea

[thetman]

it should have fw800, and for those specs id say it would be over 2 easily

[CIA]

Home users don't really need gigabit ethernet...

[Truepop]

Originally posted by gumby5647:
The entire desktop line-up needs an overhaul.

to bad i'm to lazy to explain my idea

This is my idea for the Apple line-up

iBook

12" G3FX / 1.2GHz CDROM $999 up to combo for 100 more
12" G3FX / 1.4GHz Combo 1199
14" G3FX / 1.4GHz Combo 1399


PowerBook

12" G5 / 1.6GHz SuperDrive $1699
15" G5 / 1.6GHz SuperDrive $2199
17" G5 / 1.6GHz SuperDrive $2899


iMac

15" G5 / 1.6GHz Combo $1199 (this one has a 15.2 from a powerbook)
17" G5 / 1.8GHz SuperDrive $1699 (and like the present 17" iMac this has the powerbook display)
20" G5 / 2.0GHz SuperDrive $1999


eMac

17" G3FX / 1.2GHz Combo $699
17" G3FX / 1.4GHz SuperDrive $999


Power Mac

G5 Dual 2.0GHz SuperDrive $1699
G5 Dual 2.2GHz SuperDrive $2399
G5 Dual 2.4GHz SuperDrive $2799

iPod mini

2GB $199
4GB $249

iPod (same)

10GB $299 (I know they have 15GB)
20GB $399
40GB $499


That is my wish list.

[Truepop]

oh and stand alone displays would be

17" From iMac $599
20" From iMac $999
23" HD $1999 (same price)

if apple releases a 20" iMac with a G5 I am jumping on it if it is at the same price point as the current 20" iMac (or lower).

[hmurchison2001]

Those are better specs than the 1.6 Powermac G5, and for less money. I don't think you'll see anything like that for that price.

Yes of course they are. The iMac G5 would be announced in close proximity to RevB Powermacs which may start out at $2GHz

Home users don't really need gigabit ethernet...

iMacs are used in more settings than just "Home" Gigabit cost very little to incorporate and at $1600 it "Should" be in the iMac G5 since this is a mid-range system.

Power Mac

G5 Dual 2.0GHz SuperDrive $1699
G5 Dual 2.2GHz SuperDrive $2399
G5 Dual 2.4GHz SuperDrive $2799

Add $200 to those prices and you'd be in Apples range.

Apple is getting hammered at the low-end and mid-range Desktop units. They need to increase sales here drastically. This is their marketshare builder and edu possibilities. The iMac needs to become cool again.

[Truepop]

I am not sure that they would release a G5 iMac close to release of a Power Mac update because of the chips.

They couldn't get enough G5s last time and now they are putting new ones in xServes and the need to update the Power Mac and if there is a problem with supply 3 computer families would be out of supply.

I think Apple will use the 1.42 G4 in a updated iMac and wait for the 90nm process to get a bit more ahead before putting G5 in them.

Honestly I don't think Apple will be able to get any more life out of the G4. I haven't heard any macintosh site talk about them since the G5 came out and the 1.42 is the last speedbump in it seems like a year.

[Cadaver]

I wouldn't mind seeing a special 20th anniversary Mac (yes, I know there already was a TAM) with these specs (trying to be as realistic as possible to something Apple would consider producing):

-iMac 20" form factor
-single 1.6GHz (90nm), or 1.8GHz if possible w/in confines of iMac case
-FW800 port, FW400 port, 3 USB 2.0, ethernet, modem
-Airport Extreme and Bluetooth
-160GB HD
-512MB RAM (base; one DIMM)
-ATI Radeon 9500 64MB graphics
-SuperDrive
-bundled with wireless keyboard and mouse
-bundled with iSight camera
-bundled with SoundStick II speakers

$3,000-$3,500

My reason for the high price - a similar config of the current G4-based 20" iMac is already over $2,700. Plus, it's a limited edition collectors item, not a standard consumer model.

[Talleyman]

Cooling...do you see the cooling zones on a Desktop G5...I'm thinking the form factor would need to change...or perhaps a direct vent to the outside...like a clothes dryer...with a fresh air intake...like a furnace..or a 57 Buick.

My thoughts.

tman

[beb]

Assuming the PowerMac gets updated the same day, I don't see why a 1.8 or 2Ghz G5 iMac is out of the question. I would however, change the price.

$1984.00

[slider]

Originally posted by beb:
Assuming the PowerMac gets updated the same day, I don't see why a 1.8 or 2Ghz G5 iMac is out of the question. I would however, change the price.

$1984.00

Nicely done.

[chrisutley]

Originally posted by Switched2Mac:
Got your attention?

Good one.

[Truepop]

Originally posted by Cadaver:

$3,000-$3,500

My reason for the high price - a similar config of the current G4-based 20" iMac is already over $2,700. Plus, it's a limited edition collectors item, not a standard consumer model.

Are you in Canada? When I go to the Apple Store I see the 20" iMac with a 1.25GHz G4 processor selling for $2199.

I hope Apple never gets beyond the $3000 line again with it's consumer or even prosumer computers.

[hmurchison2001]

I hope Apple never gets beyond the $3000 line again with it's consumer or even prosumer computers.

What would be the differentiating features between "consumer" and "prosumer" Macs?

I tend to look at the eMac/iMacs as "consumer" and the Powermacs as "Professional".

However I have no problems seeing a "professional" computer above $3000 so I'm thinking that you are not including the PM G5 as a "prosumer" computer.

[IrisB]

Originally posted by CIA:
Home users don't really need gigabit ethernet...

You are sooooooooo wrong. First, I have a home computer net that has had as many as 4 users. Speed is always important and transferring files back and forth, whether for homework review or for work review is better when it is faster.

Second, NOW as an empty nester, I use an older 3rd floor computer for backup of my Powerbook. This takes forever, even with a router, switch and fastethernet 100 base T. Remember, if you have a lot of data, (say 60-80 gigs), it still takes HOURS to back up over the network.

While I have other (and faster) ways to back up my computer, only this way allows me to have a clone machine ready to go when my powerbook's hard drive fries. And this WILL happen again! It is the most likely evil to affect my computer.

So speed is and should be an issue for HOME users.

Iris

[mproud]

Although your reasons are justified, most home users don't even know HOW to backup. They never do it - and if they do, they'll probably just burn a CD.

Speed is an issue, but the majority of computer users Apple is targeting don't know what CPU stands for, and isn't critical for everyday functions of the average, home users.

[IrisB]

Originally posted by mproud:
Although your reasons are justified, most home users don't even know HOW to backup. They never do it - and if they do, they'll probably just burn a CD.

Speed is an issue, but the majority of computer users Apple is targeting don't know what CPU stands for, and isn't critical for everyday functions of the average, home users.

Well, I think you are a cynic but anyhow there are home users and home powerusers. A home poweruser may run a business or do work at home and may not need the capacity or cost of a desktop unit.

Also, the IMac fits better in a smaller area. And if I am going to spend extra bucks, it's the screen baby, the screen. I have a 21inch monitor on my third floor with my upgraded 800 mhz G3. The whole thing takes up so much space. I certainly don't want all of that downstairs in my kitchen.

Maybe I AM unique but I could use gigabit ethernet and it would make a difference in several ways to my computing life. Guess I am on my own.

Iris

[hmurchison2001]

Gigabit- Looking at it from the wrong perspective. The "correct" perspective is it's a negligle cost addition so it should be added on all Macs over $1499. I buy Apple to be ahead of the trends...not behind.

[Truepop]

Originally posted by hmurchison2001:
What would be the differentiating features between "consumer" and "prosumer" Macs?

I tend to look at the eMac/iMacs as "consumer" and the Powermacs as "Professional".

However I have no problems seeing a "professional" computer above $3000 so I'm thinking that you are not including the PM G5 as a "prosumer" computer.

I see Apple as a seller of the levels. I am sorry about my definitions not meeting yours.

I see the G5 as "prosumer" and the line of which it crosses to professional is really a powerful computer (could be a G5) in a workstation (with a not of extra hardware needed for a professional setting) designed for a profession.

Say a stock G5 is prosumer and you add your capture card and a tv monitor, real time rendering card, extra hard drives etc for a professional video workstation, or whatever you need extra for photography, or whatever you do.

I don't see how a general purpose stock machine with can be professional. you may see iMove as consumer and Final Cut Pro as Professional but where does Final Cut Express sit? The whole difference between FCP and FCE is FCP as way too many professinal features that no one besides a professional would need.

So yes I think the G5 is a prosumer machine until it is out fitted for a professional field and I hope the top end doesn't go beyond $3000

[CIA]

I agree! Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE gigabit on all the models, but it's not needed on the iMacs and eMacs. Apple is trying to sell these machines to the same people who buy $499 Dells because they are cheap. They don't care about the network capabilities, they just want the high CPU clock speed (and the free printer w/ $100 mail in rebate), because that's what Intel and Dell have been cramming into thier brains since they started using computers. Dell/Intel said Mhz was the all important thing, Joe Schmoe computer guy wants that. I consider most Apple users Prosumers, esp. the ones that post here. If you want gigabit, buy a Pro Mac. People that need gigabit, even in business, make up a very small portion of overall Apple sales. But Apple put it on to make us prosumers happy, and to try and push the market into the gigabit range. Apple does lead the way in that respect. They innovate, and others copy.
Now, like I said, it would be great if Apple went gigabit across the line, and I don't know what the price difference is between a motherboard with a gigabit controller and a 100Bt controller. But I do know that even a $10 difference adds up over thousands of machines.
Apple is a public business, and despite what the marketers tell you, the bottom line is what matters most.

[ApeInTheShell]

I think the iMac form factor should be different to accomadate the G5:

New iMac G5

[Big Mac]

There should be an iMac configuration for $999, and it really shouldn't get much more expensive than $1499. Consumers are no longer prepared to pay two grand for computers. Heck, many people are looking for a $600 price point; even Apple was forced to concede that point recently. No consumer machine should cost $2000.

[Switched2Mac]

So why would you need a gigabit ethernet connection at home anyway?

T1 = 1.544 megabit per second

Even a 10 gigabit ethernet will easily fill that pipe. You won't go any faster over the Internet with that gigabit ethernet connection anyway.

So I assume that you are talking local subnet transfers. But at home?

How much porn do you have?

[Rev-O]

Originally posted by Switched2Mac:
So why would you need a gigabit ethernet connection at home anyway?

T1 = 1.544 megabit per second

Even a 10 gigabit ethernet will easily fill that pipe. You won't go any faster over the Internet with that gigabit ethernet connection anyway.

So I assume that you are talking local subnet transfers. But at home?

How much porn do you have?

I'm all in favor of Gig eth shipping on every Apple product. I often transfer iMovie projects from my iBook to my G5 at home, and I wish my iBook was Gig eth equipped. It wouldn't make a huge diff, but i'm impatient.

[tooki]

OK, the misleading title of this thread (iMac G5 is here!!!!) has been aggravating me for a while now, so I changed it to something accurate.

tooki

[Sosa]

Originally posted by Truepop:
This is my idea for the Apple line-up

iBook

12" G3FX / 1.2GHz CDROM $999 up to combo for 100 more
12" G3FX / 1.4GHz Combo 1199
14" G3FX / 1.4GHz Combo 1399

eMac

17" G3FX / 1.2GHz Combo $699
17" G3FX / 1.4GHz SuperDrive $999

That is my wish list.

I like your use of the G3FX Gobi chip from IBM. It seems the most realistic option available to Apple, now that it does not seem Motorola is doing further improvements to the G4. I'm really curious to find out the power of this chip compared to the G4. We already know it is faster and more energy efficient. However IBM documentation has it as scaling to 1ghz. Are 1.4 ghz 750FXs already available?

Hmm, will IBM move to a 90nm process for this chip as it has done for the 970? What benefits will this bring?

Also I think it a bit worrisome for Apple to be relying completely on one supplier of PowerPC chips. Perhaps in the short term there is no choice.

Finally, what will Apple call this chip, G5 lite?

[Krusty]

Finally, what will Apple call this chip, G5 lite?

How 'bout "G5 Celeron"