Anybody have any idea how long this current body style of the iMac be around? Historically, how long do new designs stick around before the design team makes a decision to change things up? Where can the go from here, just thinner?
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Any guess as to when the iMac design will change?
- Thread starter tinydancer
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tinydancer said:
Well, IIRC the iMac G4 came in in 2001, it was replaced 2004. Actually.. it could have been 2000 it came in. I can't remember. But in this case, the iMac's design is pretty perfect.. they aren't really going to do anything revolutionary. I wouldn't hold your breath.
I really can't see how they're going to improve the iMac design beyond small details, somewhat thinner, maybe a 23" display, improved internal components. But as for a physical design change there's really nothing I can see for them to do.
The iMac G4 was wonderful but it was still three components, the screen, internal computer bits and speakers. It was a huge step forward in terms of design over the G3 but the external speakers made it less of a true "All in one" design. The iMac (G5 and Core Duo) is back to the original G3 philosophy - everything is built in. Apart from the usual interfacing devices (keyboard and mouse) you don't need to plug in anything else to use the computer.
They could shrink it a bit, make the internal stuff better and add abilities but I really don't have any idea as to where they could take the design. Mind you, I can assure you that when they do change the design we'll all look at it and go "aha!! that's what we couldn't think of, that Ive is a genius."
The iMac G4 was wonderful but it was still three components, the screen, internal computer bits and speakers. It was a huge step forward in terms of design over the G3 but the external speakers made it less of a true "All in one" design. The iMac (G5 and Core Duo) is back to the original G3 philosophy - everything is built in. Apart from the usual interfacing devices (keyboard and mouse) you don't need to plug in anything else to use the computer.
They could shrink it a bit, make the internal stuff better and add abilities but I really don't have any idea as to where they could take the design. Mind you, I can assure you that when they do change the design we'll all look at it and go "aha!! that's what we couldn't think of, that Ive is a genius."
I could only see it going thinner, I have no idea what Apple will come up with next. It gets better with every new iMac, completely different from the last one.
I fear it will only see minor adjustments in the near to intermediate future. I want a complete redesign personally though.
Apple could make a lot of design changes.
For one, they could remove the "chin" and make its height adjustable. They could make it all aluminum like the Cinema Displays. They could do a lot of things. Who knows and frankly I love the current design, but Apple will change it eventually to keep it current and to engineer in new features.
For one, they could remove the "chin" and make its height adjustable. They could make it all aluminum like the Cinema Displays. They could do a lot of things. Who knows and frankly I love the current design, but Apple will change it eventually to keep it current and to engineer in new features.
I don't think that changing the iMac is at the top of their list at the moment. Before we see a truly new iMac, I expect to see a media center, a real video iPod, perhaps a phone and certainly a replacement for the Mac tower (and perhaps other goodies not yet somewhat confirmed).
DHagan4755 said:
Bring back the VESA mount?
Here's the basic problem. To the extent they are trying to reduce the computer to all-in-one basics, how much can they change the fundamental design? It's already just a thick screen with a stand. They can shrink it, make bigger versions, add color, change the location of the ports, change the stand, change the rear form, change the materials, etc. But what else fundamentally could they do?
Sure, we could argue that the G4 version is superior (and I might agree), but why would they go back in that direction?
IIRC this is the first time the iMac's design was not changed.
Surely it was ment as to show the public how seamless the PPC >> Intel transition would be... i.e. "you can't even tell from the outside".
Knowing Apple the design will surely get a change when the Core Duo 2 gets in there. maybe they will re-introduce a 22" screen (1680 x 1050) aswell.
Don't forget that is is now possible to place the Intel CPU behind the screen... so your new iMac could look like a big tablet
Surely it was ment as to show the public how seamless the PPC >> Intel transition would be... i.e. "you can't even tell from the outside".
Knowing Apple the design will surely get a change when the Core Duo 2 gets in there. maybe they will re-introduce a 22" screen (1680 x 1050) aswell.
Don't forget that is is now possible to place the Intel CPU behind the screen... so your new iMac could look like a big tablet
Making a 22" screen would only make sense if they upped the resolution. I would never buy a bigger screen if the res didn't follow as well.
I would love a 23-incher though
I would love a 23-incher though
Look at all the designs for all-in-one units, the current iMac is about as sleek as you can make it.
Though design changes could bring more interest to the case, though there is something to be said for a minimalist case.
Would be nice to see them keep the same form factor and do what they did with the Powermac G4, and make is easier for the user to swap some of the internals.
Though design changes could bring more interest to the case, though there is something to be said for a minimalist case.
Would be nice to see them keep the same form factor and do what they did with the Powermac G4, and make is easier for the user to swap some of the internals.
Sun Baked said:
Imagine a MacBook Pro 23", but the screen turned to the outside, and an adjustable foot...
AS this model is not even 2 years old yet.. nothing for a while, the iMac G3 was new for about 3 years 1998-2001(then it was still for sale but the G4 took over) iMac G4 2001-2004, iMac G5/Core Duo 2004-2007
They'll probably add that rumoured display thingy with thousands of cameras instead of the one iSight camera. Other than that, all they can do in my opinion is make it thinner, a model with a bigger screen, and get rid of that big piece under the screen which is basically the only thing that makes it not look like a normal lcd display with no computer inside.
Other than that, all they can do in my opinion is make it thinner, a model with a bigger screen, and get rid of that big piece under the screen which is basically the only thing that makes it not look like a normal lcd display with no computer inside.
If they go with the Merom processor over the Conroe they may be able to make the iMacs thinner as the Merom has much less wattage than the old G5s did.
Personally, I would like to see a merging of the ideas behind the iMac G4 and iMac G5.
Keep the zero footprint computer behind the lcd design while making the computer thinner of course and get rid of the chin. But use some clear plastic or colored anodized aluminum for the casing. I know the iMac was designed after the iPod but I personally think they were sleeker in the G4 days. The iMac can be an icon to itself. There is no need to allude to the iPod in its design. I wouldn't be surprised if Apple does this sooner than we think....They have a tendancy to do things like that...
Personally, I would like to see a merging of the ideas behind the iMac G4 and iMac G5.
Keep the zero footprint computer behind the lcd design while making the computer thinner of course and get rid of the chin. But use some clear plastic or colored anodized aluminum for the casing. I know the iMac was designed after the iPod but I personally think they were sleeker in the G4 days. The iMac can be an icon to itself. There is no need to allude to the iPod in its design. I wouldn't be surprised if Apple does this sooner than we think....They have a tendancy to do things like that...