New Gaming iMacs? Apple's entry into Gaming MArket?

[lampdeskchair]

In my honest opinion, I don't think Apple will charge into the gaming market on their own. What I want, and really see happening is them teaming up with Nintendo.

Basically give the Wii controllers/accessories and support the games on mac with future Apple computers. Wii would be the TV box of sorts, then Apple could drop an iTunes channel and allow digital streaming between Macs and Wii's similar to the apple tv and how the Xbox 360 streams content with Windows.

Maybe even release little freebies, like say if you have your ipod being charged through the USB port, you can play ipod games on the tv using the ipod as the controller. hehe

 

[RobHague]

Nevermind all that.....

Take the Imac, make it like the G3 (it was the G3 i think) and have the display on an arm, off the main system.

Give that system the use of desktop graphics cards that are user changable.... and there you go. A mac you can use for gaming..... because the current specs seem perfectly fine, except the graphics cards. And graphics technology moves forward quite quickly so the ability to upgrade would be essential...

They could even do an SLI version... and a lower cost single slot solution...

 

[mathwhiz90601]

going off topic here...gaming hardware can be cramed into a tight space ,maybe not as tight as the iMac's but still not bad. Think of this as a really oversized mini
http://www.pcdesignlab.com/

That. Thing. Is. Ugly.

Nevermind all that.....

Take the Imac, make it like the G3 (it was the G3 i think) and have the display on an arm, off the main system.

Give that system the use of desktop graphics cards that are user changable.... and there you go. A mac you can use for gaming..... because the current specs seem perfectly fine, except the graphics cards. And graphics technology moves forward quite quickly so the ability to upgrade would be essential...

They could even do an SLI version... and a lower cost single slot solution...

G4.

 

[Matt342]

Can't they make the iMac Quad-Core by putting in 2 dual-core mobile processors (just like the Quad-Core Mac Pro really has 2 dual-core desktop processors)?

~Matt

 

[DoFoT9]

Can't they make the iMac Quad-Core by putting in 2 dual-core mobile processors (just like the Quad-Core Mac Pro really has 2 dual-core desktop processors)?

~Matt

technically there isnt yet a true quad core.. so this would be the only option avaliable.

bring on QuadCore Tho!!!

 

[Matt342]

That might explain why they are dropping the 17 inch model (they need more space inside)

~Matt

technically there isnt yet a true quad core.. so this
would be the only option avaliable.

bring on QuadCore Tho!!!

 

[Digital Skunk]

Hopefully we see a 24" iMac with some kind of upgradeable graphics card (something specially made by Apple and therefore expensive as hell) or just a cheaper, MacPro or smaller MacPro Mini. I don't think there will be too much market competition if the machine (mini tower w/crippled specs but very upgradeable) is priced at $999 - $1199 for the base config. After you add the 1GB of memory a decent grapics card and a 20" monitor (from anywhere) I am sure the price would be around $1499 which would make it less ideal for consumers who want the all-in-one style of the iMac.

BUT... as was once said. Apple made the iPhone for teenagers that had parents with deep pockets, and adults who don't know how to spend their money, so I don't see them making a fully user upgradeable, un-user friendly, non-consumerish, tower for around $1199.

 

[benjydababy]

I really think that apple should put better graphics cards in their Macs. Compared to windows laptops for example, they have miniscule vram, but I suppose windows laptops need that extra vram 'cause of vista. Even so, I still think they should increase the graphics cards in the new iMacs.

Another thing that has annoyed me is the fact EA Games are only gonna work on Intel Macs. I have a PPC mac and I cant get an intel mac at the moment so I am gonna have to live without Harry Potter games. It really excited me whe I saw more games were coming to the Mac. just a shame they didn't mention the games would only work on intel Macs.

 

[Mac.Jnr]

The real question is how can Apple get profits by moving into the gaming market?

Who's going to buy a $1500 mac to play to like 10 games...
They could just by a Dell or build their own rig. Maybe some dedicated Mac enthusiast.

The iMac at the moment is okay for some light gaming, maybe a update will bring a option for a more recent GPU(8600GT/S), who knows. I just hate the Mighty Mouse, at first it was cute and useable but for gaming it just sucks.

 

[iW00t]

Gaming iMac costs between $2000 and $3000?

I do not know what you are smoking, but tell me perchance, you happen to do a course on logic or philosophy or critical thinking at some point in your life? You are talking about how the HP at $1150 offers so much, and in your next breathe you mention the next gaming iMac will start at twice that price.

At that price I will buy a Mac Pro. I do not care how good the LCD screens with those iMacs are. I will buy a Mac Pro.

Can't they make the iMac Quad-Core by putting in 2 dual-core mobile processors (just like the Quad-Core Mac Pro really has 2 dual-core desktop processors)?

~Matt

Thankfully no.

The laptop processors do not work in dual socket configuration. That said if Apple can truly pull something off why couldn't they make a Quad-Quad Mac Pro?

I am sick of the iMac using overpriced and underpowered laptop processors on a desktop anyway. Put in real desktop processors!

 

[DoFoT9]

zaa...zaaa....zaaa


I am sick of the iMac using overpriced and underpowered laptop processors on a desktop anyway. Put in real desktop processors!

i TOTALLY agree!!! this is actually what i think the new imac will have. they have to, dual core wont last that much longer. im suspecting that it will have quad core as the top model, some kinda good gpu... blaablaablaa.. or course it will desktop components, has to be a machine not a toy!!!* lol...


*it never was a toy, it would just be a bigger machine than b4

 

[Erasmus]

As I've said before in another thread, I believe the specs of the new 24" iMac will be:

CPU: 2.2, upgradeable to 2.4 Santa Rosa Merom
GPU: Either base 8400ish with upgrade to 8600, or 8600 with upgrade to 8800GS. First case more likely. NOTE LACK OF "M" IN ALL GPUs. Apple will most likely use the desktop versions in the 24" as they do now, and the 8600 will no doubt have enough power to satisfy almost everyone.
RAM: 2GB
HDD: 500GB

I would say this is an extremely likely scenario.

I still hold out that Apple could design a compact super gaming box with SLI 8800's and a Kentsfield, but I couldn't be bothered to argue for it any more.

If people want an 8800, quad core CPU and faster RAM, I would say you'll want to hope either a minitower or modified Mac Pro appears in the nearish future.

 

[Xeem]

It's been said for some time that Apple is missing a minitower in their lineup, and I still think that is the best hope remaining for Mac gaming. And contrary to what some others have said here, the Mac Pro is NOT a terrible gaming machine. Even assuming a 15% performance drop because of FB-DIMMS, it is still able to easily play any game on the market so long as it has a good video card and Windows XP installed. It definitely isn't worth it to buy a Mac Pro for the sole purpose of gaming, but it is still a very capable machine.

 

[mathwhiz90601]

I am sick of the iMac using overpriced and underpowered laptop processors on a desktop anyway. Put in real desktop processors!

Agreed!