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iMac's 24" Value.. Will they still be worth it?
- Thread starter sukanas
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You're likely to see a bump of around 200MHz or so in CPU speeds with a bit larger cache. Memory will go up from 667MHz to 800MHz.
All total, I would expect to see performance improve under 10%. Nothing to sneeze at, but also not something to wait for if you need a machine now or find a nice deal on a current unit, IMO.
All total, I would expect to see performance improve under 10%. Nothing to sneeze at, but also not something to wait for if you need a machine now or find a nice deal on a current unit, IMO.
It's a bit hard to say. Part of the input into the equation is what you're planning on doing with the machine...if you're planning on pushing the limits of an iMac with lots of digital video and the like, having the latest and greatest might be more important. Also it depends a bit on your replacement cycle...if you replace your Macs rather frequently, it might not be a big deal to get a previous generation refurb. But if you're trying to squeeze the maximum amount of life out of your purchase, a new one will be best.
You might want to have a look at this recent article, which suggests that the next generation of iMacs might not see all that significant of a boost over the current generation.
You might want to have a look at this recent article, which suggests that the next generation of iMacs might not see all that significant of a boost over the current generation.
The next iMac refresh will most likely be considered a small refresh as the specs wont change that much. I believe the next major refresh will be in late 2008/ early 2009 when Intel releases the new Nehalem processors. According to what I have read, they will represent a MAJOR upgrade from the current core 2 duos. The good news is that Intel has stated that they will start manufacturing QUAD CORE mobile CPU's, which hopefully will find their way into future iMacs. With that refresh Apple will also most likely ship the iMac with an upgraded graphics card, as most consider the ATI card used in current models adequate but underpowered.
I am more than happy with my last generation white 24" iMac as it is enough for most of my needs. For me the differences in the current generation iMacs don't justify upgrading just yet. I will probably hang on to it until Apple ship iMacs with quad core CPU's and an upgraded (better) graphics card. This will most likely mean at least one and a half more years with my trusty old white iMac, but who cares
I am more than happy with my last generation white 24" iMac as it is enough for most of my needs. For me the differences in the current generation iMacs don't justify upgrading just yet. I will probably hang on to it until Apple ship iMacs with quad core CPU's and an upgraded (better) graphics card. This will most likely mean at least one and a half more years with my trusty old white iMac, but who cares
I believe the next major refresh will probably come late 2009/ early 2010. By that time Intel will have quad core mobile CPU's based on the Nehalem architecture witch will find its way to the macbook pro and then the iMac. This upgrade will probably also include a much needed graphics card update and maybe a case redesign.
I remember reading that Apple is working on ways to make the 24" iMac case thinner than it already is. Although the current generation case does look thinner than the last generation white case, it is mainly an optical illusion brought about black backside of the case. Although the sides are thinner, the overall depth of the iMac is the same.
So my hope is that Apple will come out with a drastically thinner iMac with the above mentioned specs. As soon as they come out with that beast I will donate my white 24" to my younger brother or my girlfriend.
I remember reading that Apple is working on ways to make the 24" iMac case thinner than it already is. Although the current generation case does look thinner than the last generation white case, it is mainly an optical illusion brought about black backside of the case. Although the sides are thinner, the overall depth of the iMac is the same.
So my hope is that Apple will come out with a drastically thinner iMac with the above mentioned specs. As soon as they come out with that beast I will donate my white 24" to my younger brother or my girlfriend.
hrm
what do you guys think about me getting a white 24" instead.. hopefully ill be able to find a cheap one on classifieds
the screens on the white lcds arnt as bad as the aluminum ones right?
and were there a lot of "defects" with the white imacs?
thanks
what do you guys think about me getting a white 24" instead.. hopefully ill be able to find a cheap one on classifieds
the screens on the white lcds arnt as bad as the aluminum ones right?
and were there a lot of "defects" with the white imacs?
thanks
I have had my white iMac for more than a year and so far it has never given me any problems whatsoever.
My roommate just bought a 24" aluminum iMac so I have had the oportunity to compare them both side by side. The most obvious differences are the matte and glossy screens. First off, both screens are equally bright, but I have to admit that the colors on the glossy screen do seem to "pop out" more due to the glass casing. Glossy screens do have their drawbacks... you have to position it just so that there is no bright lights or windows reflected off the screen. My roommate says that it doesnt bother him, but the glare sure does distract me quite a bit.
The matte screen on the white iMac obviously doesnt suffer from this problem. From what I have read although the color saturation on the glossy screen is more pronounced, the colors on the matte screen are more "true" (whatever that might mean). Which is why professionals who do heavy graphics and photo editing prefer matte screens. As I said before there really is no different in screen brightness between both models. If I had to choose I would pick the matte screen.
WHY? It's a desktop. What difference does it make if the case is an inch thinner when you're looking at it???
That is interesting. What are the names of these cards and when are they expected to be released?
Looks like the ATI mobility 34x0 and the 3650, no date known -- and the Mac Pro looks like the ATI HD 38x0 has been kicked around since the beginning of the year.
The new Mobility cards looked like Apple was updating their OpenGL engine for them ... was stuffed in the 10.5.3 update to developers, so who knows.
Especially with all the ATI problems the last year or more.
Would be nice to see these cards arrive with 1024MB of VRAM .... though it is Apple, so we would be stuck with half that.
Maybe all hope is not lost then. I'd rather have an iMac with a mid range GPU than a big chunky pc with a top range one. Although ATI latest GPU has sort of been let downs.
I have had the first 24" iMac since the week it came out. Never had any problems with it and it has been in daily use. Recently I´ve really put it under pressure as we use it to compliment our Mac Pro for editing 4 30 min TV programs. We shoot in HDV and the iMac holds up fine. (although the main part of the editing is done on the MP).
I can really recommend this iMac. I don´t think I would have noticed any difference if I had the latest version (except the looks)
I can really recommend this iMac. I don´t think I would have noticed any difference if I had the latest version (except the looks)
Part of the reason the mac is so popular is precisely because Apple finds new and interesting ways to push the envelope on what they call "industrial design". Explain to me if the change from white plastic to aluminum cases changed in any way how OS X is used? No, but it changed the way people viewed macs and made it more interesting in that no matter how much Sony, Gateway or Dell try to market iMac imitations they still have a long way to go before they can even compare.
In regards to the iMac being thinner, the very idea of the iMac is to save space. I always wanted to hang my 24" on the wall but consider it a bit bulky as of yet. Lets say Apple does find ways to make it thinner and lighter while at the same time making it easier to mount on a wall, that in itself would be an enticement to a significant number of people such as myself to upgrade to a newer mac. Remember Apple is in this to sell more iMacs, so the more interesting they make their products, the more they will sell.
In my opinion it will hold it's value for quite some time.
It's a very good system even when working with advanced 3D applications.
It's a very good system even when working with advanced 3D applications.