Apple Discontinues 20" Cinema Display, Product Refreshes Coming?

[opeter]

I remember one junior saying to me that they thought it was not possible to "be creative" on anything other than a mac... This was the same person who couldn't use a pencil and paper to communicate a design.

Jesus Holly Christ. Yeah, i know the same situation. BTW:Some designers are quite negative when you say, that you're working on a PC.

Not to mention, how some people look at you after you tell them, that you first make everything hand-drawn on paper and after you are satisfied with the drawing on the paper, you'll sit down to computer to make the final version.

 

[j5045096]

What people want it for is to watch proper high definition movies (in 1080) the reason blue ray drives are not available on apple systems is nothing other than the fact that apple would like people to spend money renting low resolution movies from the itunes store, this is not innovation, this is the worst type of protectionist economics...

Movies on blue ray disc look great, far better and more convienient than downloading crap resolution videos from the itunes store and I can lend them to my friends.

Yeah and you watch movies in High Def. like you speak of on a nice tv, not on a computer. The HD content from the iTunes store is MORE than adequate for your computer. You can't tell the difference between that and BluRay on a computer--on a tv maybe but not on a computer.

 

[true777]

I wonder if the discontinuation of the 20" means they will drop the price of the 24" by $100 once the new displays are announced...

I am in the market for the 24" once I have gotten my unibody 17" MBP but am now wondering whether I should wait until they have announced what they will do about their display lineup. Hopefully this will be before June...

 

[donbadman]

Great, your provider doesn't throttle. Do you think Apple only has your provider in mind? What about the countless others. Until there are actual net neutrality laws, Apple would be foolish to expect people to have the bandwidth to download 1080p video at this time.

Once again, you have shown that the posters of this forum think they represent the majority of Apple's market. No offense to you, as it's very common on online forums, but the fact remains the majority of Apple's customers wouldn't even know where to find an online Mac forum, let alone register and post to one.

I never, ever thought I represented the majority of apples market.

What I do represent is a professional designer, someone who uses computers to make things, and us designers tend to influence people. Apple have just forgotten this.

 

[Tallest Skil]

Yeah and you watch movies in High Def. like you speak of on a nice tv, not on a computer. The HD content from the iTunes store is MORE than adequate for your computer. You can't tell the difference between that and BluRay on a computer--on a tv maybe but not on a computer.

I can tell the difference between 720p and 1080p on my computer. I will not be able to tell the difference between 1080p and 4320p, however, which is why Super Hi-Vision is the last meaningful resolution size.

 

[donbadman]

Yeah and you watch movies in High Def. like you speak of on a nice tv, not on a computer. The HD content from the iTunes store is MORE than adequate for your computer. You can't tell the difference between that and BluRay on a computer--on a tv maybe but not on a computer.

I don't own a tv.

 

[j5045096]

I have a G5 iMac. I can't do HD video on it because that is only supported on Intel. That's because Apple switched architecture and don't support old models. That's not my fault.

I need to replace it. I don't really like the integrated monitor, but I would still consider another iMac. The problem is no blu-ray. And yes I would use it.

So I need a headless mac so I can by an external display with HDMI. Then I can plug a standalone blu-ray player into "input 2".

So, basically, unless I want to spent $3k on a machine I need to wait until Apple releases new hardware. (Unless I want to buy a very outdated mini).

So that's why I'm embargoing Apple. I'm not putting any more money into Apple products until I see what is going to happen. If it takes too long, I'm going to buy a Dell studio mini with blu-ray and a 24" monitor for a lot less than an iMac. And hope Windows 7 "photocopied" enough of "OS X" to be usable.

--t

See I understand your situation (I mean I don't understand because that is not my hardware set up - but I at least recognize and validate that your set up is different than mine), but yours is a bit unique. It's probably a little atypical of the average Mac user and Apple doesn't build custom computers. They build computers (save the Mac Pro) with common installed options/features that are going to reach a bit of a broad spectrum and then let you customize a few options (Ram, hard drive etc.) that will better suit your needs. They have apparently decided that it is not worth it to bring Blu Ray into their offerings yet am I'm going to assume that it's not widely needed/wanted by the average buyer from their vantage point.

 

[ivladster]

hmm

Analyzing Apple's latest moves I don't think we will see Mini anymore, their excuse might be that notebooks are replacing desktops forever.

I hope Im wrong. =)

 

[sananda]

Ok, fair enough. It can't be common though. I have a Macbook Pro (got a great refurb deal), but I only spent $150 for an external 20" acer widescreen monitor at 1680x1050. It works perfectly, I can't see why I would spend so much more.

no, it can't be common and i actually agree with your main point.

 

[gmcalpin]

[nevermind]

 

[j5045096]

I don't own a tv.

you aren't missing much.

 

[human5892]

I can tell the difference between 720p and 1080p on my computer.

Plus, if I already own a movie on Blu-ray, why would I want to spend more money on a digital copy of that same movie that I can only play on iTunes?

I think a lot of people miss this point when making excuses for Macs not having Blu-ray drives: it's not always about resolution, it's about wanting the ability to use the format you already have to watch a movie on the road.

 

[JGowan]

Low end systems. If someone was buying the Mini say they are the type of person would might just be tempted to buy the 20" but the 24" would be too far off in terms of price.

I think 20" is a sweet spot in terms of size as it is quite large but not huge.

You haven't looked at iMacs, have you? The 20-inch model starts at $1,199 and includes a camera in the monitor and it's considerably faster (2.4GHz vs 1.83GHz). It comes with a mouse and kick-@rse keyboard. No one (in their right mind) would knowingly buy a Mini and a 20" display ala carte when they could pay about the same and get an iMac.

The Mini is for 3 types:

1) PC switchers who have a decent monitor and want to tip their toe into the Mac pool.

2) Mac users who needs a secondary mac for light tasks.

3) Person who uses the Mini with their HDTV (like me).

While the 20" Display and Mini might seem ideal, the 20" iMac is too good to be overlooked.

 

[WickedRabbit]

No new 20in screens - they will update the 30in once they sell out of them - which won't be for a while... I haven't seen many sales of them where I work not sure about all the rest of the apple stores though.

I want to get the 24in NEW iMac!

But, I'm debating whether to just get a MBP 2.53 and then pick up a 24 inch HP monitor with displayport for connectivity.

Apple better hurry, before i give some of their money to HP! Yuck!

What you just said about buying a MBP and then grabbing the monitor is sort of what I'm wondering if that's what Apple wants you to do anyway.

Think about it. Last year, 70% of apple's computer products sold were laptops. 70 PERCENT! That's huge. And, it's not as if the iMacs are vastly different to the MB's anyway. Aren't they just laptop components anyway? So, they are the same product except one is portable.

If laptop sales are that huge it might be considered by Apple that it's in their best interest to just focus on the laptops and make displays that attach to them for when you're at home. Granted, it might be a little awkward to have a laptop (probably a seperate keyboard if you want it to feel more like a desktop), and a seperate monitor. But with 70% of their products being Macbook's last year apparently many people prefer that now.

I've even considered doing the same and it might be what I end up doing in fact if an updated iMac line doesn't happen by April. I might just grab the 17" MBP and then the 24" monitor for when I'm at home. I have a laptop now (PC) and do that currently with a much older and outdated 19" Viewsonic and while I'd ideally like to just buy a 13" Macbook and a 24" iMac (same price, if not cheaper than buying a 17" MBP and the monitor) it won't kill me either way.

 

[Tallest Skil]

it's about wanting the ability to use the format you already have to watch a movie on the road.

Yep, those Blu-ray playing laptops sure have a long battery life!

What was it, less than the length of one movie while playing a disk?

I'm confused at the point.

 

[donbadman]

you aren't missing much.

LOL

I'm not missing anything, I don't watch the idiots lantern!

 

[Gunga Din]

The 20" is finished in any form. Say goodbye. 24 is the new 20.

Well u can still get them refurbished. Just checked.

 

[drlunanerd]

Analyzing Apple's latest moves I don't think we will see Mini anymore, their excuse might be that notebooks are replacing desktops forever.

I hope Im wrong. =)

Quote from Steve Jobs in 2007, "I can see a time where notebooks are 80-90% of what we sell".

Make of that what you will...

 

[clmason]

You haven't looked iMacs, have you? The 20-inch model starts at $1,199 and includes a camera in the monitor and it's considerably faster (2.4GHz vs 1.83GHz). It comes with a mouse and kick-@rse keyboard. No one (in their right mind) would knowingly buy a Mini and a 20" display ala carte when they could pay about the same and get an iMac.

The Mini is for 3 types:

1) PC switchers who have a decent monitor and want to tip their toe into the Mac pool.

2) Mac users who needs a secondary mac for light tasks.

3) Person who uses the Mini with their HDTV (like me).

While the 20" Display and Mini might seem ideal, the 20" iMac is too good to be overlooked.

4) Person who uses the Mini with their standard regular non-HD, non-LCD tv.

 

[0tim0]

It's probably a little atypical of the average Mac user and Apple doesn't build custom computers. They build computers (save the Mac Pro) with common installed options/features that are going to reach a bit of a broad spectrum and then let you customize a few options (Ram, hard drive etc.) that will better suit your needs

Yes, I'm the only person who wants a headless mac (under $2500) or a blu-ray drive.

I'm not just sitting here bitching. I'm trying to decide if it is worth it being tied to one vendor. It used to be. Lately it doesn't seem worth it. That's just simply my decision as a consumer. And if I'm the only one that is bothered by this then it is no problem for Apple.

The best answer is probably to buy a legal copy of "OS X" and install it on a Dell. Of course, I'll still have to switch to Windows to watch movies, but it's better than nothing.

--t

 

[clmason]

Yes, I'm the only person who wants a headless mac (under $2500) or a blu-ray drive.

I'm not just sitting here bitching. I'm trying to decide if it is worth it being tied to one vendor. It used to be. Lately it doesn't seem worth it. That's just simply my decision as a consumer. And if I'm the only one that is bothered by this then it is no problem for Apple.

The best answer is probably to buy a legal copy of "OS X" and install it on a Dell. Of course, I'll still have to switch to Windows to watch movies, but it's better than nothing.

--t

I don't see the need for blu-ray myself. I download stuff with bittorrent, watch it when I want, then delete. I don't have cable or blu-ray disks, what would I need them for? (Ok, for live sports fans, I see the need for cable, but I'm not into that.)

 

[KikoPT]

.... i Dont get apple nowadays!

Hi! Been reading MacRumors for a couple of years but this waiting made me post this ...

Really, i don't get the delay with the Mac Mini ...

Check my situation:

- I'm a IT consultant (mostly SW and Proj.Mang consultancy).

- I have a MacBookPro (not new one, old C2D) machine from work. I use it everyday for work and at home when i need it. The laptop IS NOT mine, if by a chance i quit my job, the machine will be returned.

- I also have an old MacMini G4 1.42 at home. Its a nice machine for normal computing, but i really really need a intel processor for running windows stuff (at acceptable speeds!)

- I have also a couple of old windows machine that have not been upgraded for a couple of years (i just booted them when needed some windows stuff or ocasional gaming, which i now mostly do on the Xbox360 & Wii ).

I have monitors and keyboards, so what i need is not a iMac (because i also want a cheaper machine). I need a small desktop and a Intel MacMini will be very nice and on the sweet spot ... but ... i will NOT buy the current MacMini at this prices ... it's just a slow machine and a steep price.

I have a couple of options:
- Waiting! Is a problem ... i really have the need for a updated Windows machine at home (i have the MacBookPro, but its not a desktop and not really mine). I need an MacMini intel as soon as possible.

- A MacBook? ... hum ... an option, but i have no need for a laptop machine for home use.

- Going PC (small desktop - mid range - good price) ... hum .. nope, sorry ... i WANT MacOS ..

- Going Hackintosh (with the just above mencioned PC) - most logical solution for my situation IMHO ...

So .. in conclusion ... Apple, with the not upgrading MacMini for 2years option, just hasnt a product for my specific situation / problem. It's the MacMini problem: very outdated ...

It's like their decisions are leading me to buy PC hardware + MacOS X + hack/slash it ...

And i think it's a preety common problem:
- Someone has a Laptop from work, has old desktop machines, need a new desktop at mid-price ... but dont want to loose monitors, keyboards, etc., that already have.

I just dont get Apple decisions ... people in my situation need a affordable (no need for MacPro) mid-range desktop for home / normal use. The iMac is nice option for new users ... not for users that already have monitors and stuff ...

Just my 0,0000002 cents

Btw, MacRumors is the best!

 

[clmason]

Hi! Been reading MacRumors for a couple of years but this waiting made me post this ...

Really, i don't get the delay with the Mac Mini ...

Check my situation:

- I'm a IT consultant (mostly SW and Proj.Mang consultancy).

- I have a MacBookPro (not new one, old C2D) machine from work. I use it everyday for work and at home when i need it. The laptop IS NOT mine, if by a chance i quit my job, the machine will be returned.

- I also have an old MacMini G4 1.42 at home. Its a nice machine for normal computing, but i really really need a intel processor for running windows stuff (at acceptable speeds!)

- I have also a couple of old windows machine that have not been upgraded for a couple of years (i just booted them when needed some windows stuff or ocasional gaming, which i now mostly do on the Xbox360 & Wii ).

I have monitors and keyboards, so what i need is not a iMac (because i also want a cheaper machine). I need a small desktop and a Intel MacMini will be very nice and on the sweet spot ... but ... i will NOT buy the current MacMini at this prices ... it's just a slow machine and a steep price.

I have a couple of options:
- Waiting! Is a problem ... i really have the need for a updated Windows machine at home (i have the MacBookPro, but its not a desktop and not really mine). I need an MacMini intel as soon as possible.

- A MacBook? ... hum ... an option, but i have no need for a laptop machine for home use.

- Going PC (small desktop - mid range - good price) ... hum .. nope, sorry ... i WANT MacOS ..

- Going Hackintosh (with the just above mencioned PC) - most logical solution for my situation IMHO ...

So .. in conclusion ... Apple, with the not upgrading MacMini for 2years option, just hasnt a product for my specific situation / problem. It's the MacMini problem: very outdated ...

It's like their decisions are leading me to buy PC hardware + MacOS X + hack/slash it ...

And i think it's a preety common problem:
- Someone has a Laptop from work, has old desktop machines, need a new desktop at mid-price ... but dont want to loose monitors, keyboards, etc., that already have.

I just dont get Apple decisions ... people in my situation need a affordable (no need for MacPro) mid-range desktop for home / normal use. The iMac is nice option for new users ... not for users that already have monitors and stuff ...

Just my 0,0000002 cents

Btw, MacRumors is the best!

I suggest waiting for the new minis to come out, then buying the old model refurb. You will get a pretty good deal that way.

 

[Kar98]

4) Person who uses the Mini with their standard regular non-HD, non-LCD tv.

5, Person who uses the mini AS their main TV, with a TV tuner connected to it.

Although I would like to see what one would have to do to accomplish 4.

 

[QCassidy352]

Analyzing Apple's latest moves I don't think we will see Mini anymore, their excuse might be that notebooks are replacing desktops forever.

I hope Im wrong. =)

I also hope you're wrong. Laptops have gotten powerful enough that they can do the job of a desktop for most people (yes, there are some people who really need mac pro-level power, but not many) but there are several disadvantages.
1) Cost. My 20" 2.66 ghz imac cost $1500. To get comparable power in a (mac) laptop you have to go with a MBP starting at $2000, and that's with a 2.5" hard drive and a slower processor. Then you have to buy an external monitor, mouse, and keyboard to have a real "desktop" experience.

2) Elegance. I've done the laptop-as-desktop thing, and it's never going to be as elegant as a real desktop. The 24" LED display makes it pretty darn simple, but that's still more cables and clutter than I have with my imac.

3) Noise. This is a big one, IMO. iMacs are dead quiet, pretty much no matter what. Laptop fans can be heard more often than not.

Unless these gaps can be closed, and I doubt they can, there is an important place for desktops.

The Mini is for 3 types:

1) PC switchers who have a decent monitor and want to tip their toe into the Mac pool.

2) Mac users who needs a secondary mac for light tasks.

3) Person who uses the Mini with their HDTV (like me).

Nonsense. Lots and lots of people have a macbook as their only machine and I'm sure they don't see it as "dipping their toe" or only for "light tasks." If apple would just give the mini the internals of a macbook it would be a perfect primary machine for lots of people.