Future of the iMac and Mac (Touch) consumer level desktops! (3/10/08)

[takeabyteoutta]

Here's where I'm hoping Apple's headed with the iMac and putting touch capability into desktop computers:

iMac - thicker frame that allows for desktop and upgradeable components, reduction of the chin.

Mac Touch - everyone's seen the concept drawings. The only difference is I think it'll come with a base station similar to the iMac's stand that allows charging and connection to peripherals (USB ports will be in the stand) through a new type of connector. When connected to the base station, it'll essentially look like an iMac. Otherwise, it'll use mobile components similar to those used in the current iMacs

Mac Mini - I see this eventually becoming the deluxe version of the Apple TV. All they really need to do is include an HDMI port and TV Tuner.

 

[techlover828]

sounds cool to me

 

[AGSHender]

Here's where I'm hoping Apple's headed with the iMac and putting touch capability into desktop computers:

iMac - thicker frame that allows for desktop and upgradeable components, reduction of the chin.

Mac Touch - everyone's seen the concept drawings. The only difference is I think it'll come with a base station similar to the iMac's stand that allows charging and connection to peripherals (USB ports will be in the stand) through a new type of connector. When connected to the base station, it'll essentially look like an iMac. Otherwise, it'll use mobile components similar to those used in the current iMacs

Mac Mini - I see this eventually becoming the deluxe version of the Apple TV. All they really need to do is include an HDMI port and TV Tuner.

I think the iMac will remain all-in-one and non-upgradeable for the near-future, meaning for the next few years. Apple's pretty deadset against internal component upgrades save for RAM, and they build their OS around known configurations, which is dramatically simpler and faster for them as OS developers.

I think that Apple may eventually offer consumer-level computer models with a multi-touch LCD screen like the iPhone/iPod Touch, but I don't see that happening for several years at the very earliest and not until the software is more robust for a desktop computer instead of just the basic manipulation that can be done on the touchpad of MacBook Air. Maybe to coincide with OS X 10.6 or 10.7, perhaps? I don't see them porting the current OS X version to be multitouch capable all the way through that a touchscreen would require. Yes, the iPhone is based off 10.5, but that's literally just a handful of apps. Apple needs to create a much bigger API for developers to take advantage of in 3rd-party software. After all, what's the point of having a touchscreen if you can't *do* anything with it?

I don't see the Mac Mini or AppleTV ever getting a TV tuner and DVR capabilities--it would cut into iTunes TV show and movie sales and Apple would lose their good relationships with the studios.

 

[takeabyteoutta]

perhaps, but apple jumped ahead with the MBA to establish the ultrathin companion laptop market.

i think they could do something similar with the Mac Touch, since it'd offer the portability of a laptop, desktop functionality, and next gen user interface with integrated touchscreen and establish a whole new market.

 

[gorby]

On the iMac I agree with you at least on one aspect-- stop with the obsession of shaving the form already! I understand where this might come into play if it's a notebook (and even when you do it there, the reaction is split- MBA anyone?)

This is a desktop, and shaving more mm off the depth really doesn't do much from an ergonomic point of view. What difference did it really make having the Alu slightly thinner than the White? None. If you couldn't fit the white on your desk, you still can't fit the alu. Get a new desk!

I'm not really bothered by the chin, though I am biased because I use the 24", where I think it looks quite fine and balanced. The chin really sticks out on the 20's.

 

[Wireless Buddy]

...companion labtop market....

...portability of a labtop...

I think you mean laptop.

 

[takeabyteoutta]

I'm not really bothered by the chin, though I am biased because I use the 24", where I think it looks quite fine and balanced. The chin really sticks out on the 20's.

I'm not bothered by it either, but some people are and it seems like a natural progression to minimize it over time.

 

[treasurefinder]

desktop components in an all-in-one machine with access for upgrading would be sweet.

as for the mac touch, i like the idea of a computer i could use as a labtop on the road, a notebook in the classroom, a tablet in the living room and set up as a desktop in my office.

 

[clyde2801]

User replaceable destop components on the imac? Was that a serious request, or more like an idle daydream, like 'It sure would be sweet if a lot of girls in bikinis showed up at my house and wanted to wash and wax my car..'?

The day Apple does that, they'll engineer the computer to give anyone who opens it (besides an apple technician) a severe electric shock. Maybe even a beating.

The people who run Cupertino are massive control freaks. Fortunately, they really know their business and do their homework well, and end up making the right calls on options, features, etc. This is one of the main strengths of the mac.

It's also one of its biggest weaknesses, especially with more and more former pee-cee'ers defecting to the platform. There's more of a DIY element with these people, and a lot of frustration with Apple's 'my ball, my rules' approach.

 

[n1ght]

I think that Apple may eventually offer consumer-level computer models with a multi-touch LCD screen like the iPhone/iPod Touch, but I don't see that happening for several years at the very earliest and not until the software is more robust for a desktop computer instead of just the basic manipulation that can be done on the touchpad of MacBook Air. Maybe to coincide with OS X 10.6 or 10.7, perhaps? I don't see them porting the current OS X version to be multitouch capable all the way through that a touchscreen would require. Yes, the iPhone is based off 10.5, but that's literally just a handful of apps. Apple needs to create a much bigger API for developers to take advantage of in 3rd-party software. After all, what's the point of having a touchscreen if you can't *do* anything with it?

Yes, Apple's not going to slap on multi-touch onto an OS that wasn't built for that input method.

Also, we're going to see notebook-size touch devices first, not iMac-like stuff. Making a 20" multi-touch display isn't as simple as a 13.3". Besides, the market is heading toward portable devices.

EDIT: And if Apple's making a multi-touch computer, it might be so revolutionary as to call it Apple Touch, not Mac touch.

 

[Apogee]

as for the mac touch, i like the idea of a computer i could use as a labtop on the road, a notebook in the classroom, a tablet in the living room and set up as a desktop in my office.

So what is the size of the device? A labtop is usually quite hefty you know, those things sitting in labs need a lot of horsepower to do all that analysis work.

 

[treasurefinder]

So what is the size of the device? A labtop is usually quite hefty you know, those things sitting in labs need a lot of horsepower to do all that analysis work.

i'd imagine it as coming in two sizes, 15 and 17 in widescreen, which is the average size of most desktop replacement laptops.

 

[treasurefinder]

Yes, Apple's not going to slap on multi-touch onto an OS that wasn't built for that input method.

Also, we're going to see notebook-size touch devices first, not iMac-like stuff. Making a 20" multi-touch display isn't as simple as a 13.3". Besides, the market is heading toward portable devices.

EDIT: And if Apple's making a multi-touch computer, it might be so revolutionary as to call it Apple Touch, not Mac touch.

if it's still considered a computer, it'll have Mac in front of it. The modbook is 13.3 and I see Apple aiming for between 15 and 17 inches.