New iMac with Touch Screen Innovations?

[GodBless]

The new iMac is coming and it will be amazing! What are the chances that it will be an innovative touch screen computer? List your views on this topic here. Mine views are as follows:

Reasons That Support It Happening:
- What Else Would The iMac's Innovations Be?
- Leopard Still Needs It's Top Secret Features--Touch Screen Software Could Be Part Of Those Confidential Secrets That Apple Has Done A Great Job Hiding
- A Resolution Independent UI Makes Touch Screen Programming No Different Than Standard Mac OS Programming It Is Already
- Many Tablet Ideas Have Been Patented By Apple
- Jeff Han Has Been Talked About a Lot On MacRumors--Especially In Rumor Articles (like this one)
- Mac OS X Is Ready For Touch Screen Technologies

Reasons Why It Might Not Happen:
- No Information Regarding A New Revolutionary iMac Has Been Leaked From Apple Until Now So It Might Not Be As Major As One Might Think

I am optimistic but I hope I won't be disappointed.

 

[NotFound]

If Touch technology is the case, I can't wait to get my new iMac. lol

 

[Cybergypsy]

LOL I have a HP iq770 that is touchscreen and amazing, and more toys then the 24" imac i had........ Do not think howeve apple will make the next one touchscreen....

 

[NotFound]

LOL I have a HP iq770 that is touchscreen and amazing, and more toys then the 24" imac i had........ Do not think howeve apple will make the next one touchscreen....

The difference between the HP iq770 and the next generation iMac (assuming the iMac will have multi touch technology) is the iMac will make the HP iq770 look like a street hooker.

The HP iq770 looks like it belongs in a kiosk, not on my desk.

 

[Cybergypsy]

The difference between the HP iq770 and the next generation iMac (assuming the iMac will have multi touch technology) is the iMac will make the HP iq770 look like a street hooker.

The HP iq770 looks like it belongs in a kiosk, not on my desk.

LOL you have to be kidding, Imac could not touch the features this Machine has........Plus.. my sig said it all, hhad the 24'' inch and sorry that is butt ugly compared tothe G4....and issues galore......

Oh and who keeps street hooker in buss..... MEN! LOL

 

[GodBless]

LOL you have to be kidding, Imac could not touch the features this Machine has........Plus.. my sig said it all, hhad the 24'' inch and sorry that is butt ugly compared tothe G4....and issues galore.....

Oh really? Apple already has over 200 patents on the iPhone:

Plus read this quote which is most of my views in a nutshell or a in a seed as I like to refer to it as (Apple really is an extremely innovative company):

Well, the problem with your argument is that you are looking at how things are right now. We had touchscreen in cell-phones before iPhone. They were pretty ho-hum. And still iPhone was something really, really different. And really, really great.

Yes, we have computers right now that have touchscreens. And they are pretty ho-hum. What makes you think that IF Apple releases an iMac with touchscreen it will be as boring as current touchscreen-machines are? Was the iPhone as ho-hum as the multitude of touchscreen-phones the preceded it?

And what to do with the touchscreen? Well, maybe Apple is moving in to a whole new UI-paradigm? Maybe they feel that the multitouch-tech in the iPhone could be used in general purpose computers as well? From the top of my head, that touchscreen would be very useful in apps like GarageBand, Logic, Reason, iPhoto, Aperture, Cubase and so forth.

Just because touchscreens are a niche right now, does not mean that it NEEDS to be niche, espesially on Macs.

 

[GodBless]

My guess is that the whole computer will have a built-in screen and will be sloped at the same angle as a standard keyboard (for comfortable usage during many straight hours of usage). If this is true then it will probably look like a filleted woodblock. I can see the headlines: "From Lamp to Woodblock--The New iMac".

Think about how much desk space you will save having the screen mouse and keyboard all in one compact device.

 

[QuarterSwede]

I doubt we'll see one with multi-touch until the iPhone is proved a success. Even then, Jobs has made it clear that he does not think the tablet is the way to go. Multi-touch may have changed his mind but I bet it'll be at least a year or two after the release of the iPhone that we'll see anything.

I personally think that the new iMac design will get rid of the chin and basically look like a thicker Cinema Display, only white.

 

[mrthieme]

I doubt we'll see one with multi-touch until the iPhone is proved a success. Even then, Jobs has made it clear that he does not think the tablet is the way to go. Multi-touch may have changed his mind but I bet it'll be at least a year or two after the release of the iPhone that we'll see anything.

I personally think that the new iMac design will get rid of the chin and basically look like a thicker Cinema Display, only white.

I'm reminded of another comment that Steve made, he said that video on the iPod was a horrible idea and that the really killer app was photos. His viewpoint sure did change when they were ready to release a video iPod didn't it. I am hoping OP is right and that multitouch will be seen on Macs soon.

 

[mrthieme]

My guess is that the whole computer will have a built-in screen and will be sloped at the same angle as a standard keyboard (for comfortable usage during many straight hours of use). If this is true it will probably look like a filleted woodblock. I can see the headlines "From Lamp to Woodblock--The New iMac".

Think about how much desk space you will save having the screen mouse and keyboard all in one compact device.

I was picturing a tablet with a docking base that holds it upright like current imac but also allows for laying it down at an angle like a drafting table or a keyboard as you said. But a wedge shape would take care of that itself wouldn't it.

 

[GodBless]

I doubt we'll see one with multi-touch until the iPhone is proved a success. Even then, Jobs has made it clear that he does not think the tablet is the way to go.

Steve Jobs' behavior has contradicted his statement(s) with at least one other technology that he has surprised many people with releasing in the past (although I don't remember what technology that was but it might have been in reference to the iPhone and/or the video iPod while Apple was in the process of developing them/it).

Multi-touch may have changed his mind but I bet it'll be at least a year or two after the release of the iPhone that we'll see anything.

Apple doesn’t wait--it innovates. If Apple sees a touch screen innovation opportunity, they'll take it--they won't wait to see if it will work--they will make it work from the beginning instead.

 

[QuarterSwede]

Apple doesn’t wait--it innovates. If Apple sees a touch screen innovation opportunity, they'll take it--they won't wait to see if it will work--they will make it work from the beginning instead.

I respectfully disagree. Apple waits with every new Intel chip release. They don't wait on certain things (like the iPhone) but with multi-touch already in a guinea pig device, it would behoove them to even see if it catches on before putting it in one of their most popular computers.

 

[GodBless]

I respectfully disagree. Apple waits with every new Intel chip release. They don't wait on certain things (like the iPhone) but with multi-touch already in a guinea pig device, it would behoove them to even see if it catches on before putting it in one of their most popular computers.

They did it with their popular iPod so why wouldn't they do it with their popular iMac? Users of the new touch screen iMac wouldn't be required to use it as a touch screen computer becuase they can easily plug in a keyboard and mouse and still use the computer just fine--it will just have a new touchscreen option like this.

 

[QuarterSwede]

They did it with their popular iPod so why wouldn't they do it with their popular iMac?

Come again? They've never reinvented the iPod. Although, I would expect them to with the next version, especially after seeing the iPhone's iPod killer multi-touch functionality.

Users of the new touch screen iMac wouldn't be required to use it as a touch screen computer becuase they can easily plug in a keyboard and mouse and still use the computer just fine--it will just have a new touchscreen option like this.

I realize this (I've used touch screen ones at Best Buy). I just see Apple always moving slowly with changing hardware design ... and rightly so because they are so dependent on good design.

It would just really surprise me if they chose to include multi-touch into a new iMac.

 

[GodBless]

Come again? They've never reinvented the iPod. Although, I would expect them to with the next version, especially after seeing the iPhone's iPod killer multi-touch functionality.

I don't know where you get your sources but according to Steve Jobs the iPhone is an iPod (according to this keynote speech)--that's what I was saying.

I realize this (I've used touch screen ones at Best Buy). I just see Apple always moving slowly with changing hardware design ... and rightly so because they are so dependent on good design.

Apple does not move slowly on hardware design. Apple's hardware is almost always the best of the best and the most updated. For example Apple was one of the first companies to stop using a floppy drive (they did this with their iMacs with a CD drive) and they were later one of the first to introduce the SuperDrive and they will probably be one of the first to introduce Blue-ray within the next few weeks. Apple's hardware beauty has also been imitated by other companies but Apple started the fad with their first iMac--so I really don't understand the logic in your argument because you've just given me claims with no evidence--I've presented both claims and evidence.

It would just really surprise me if they chose to include multi-touch into a new iMac.

Me too but I am optimistic.

 

[RRK]

4 Bad "Apple's" in the last 6 months !

Wow you must be the unluckiest person I have ever heard of. My Apple experience has spanned from the Apple IIgs through to a g4 iMac and the only one that I ever actually took in for service was the IIgs for a battery! Now I know that is lucky (knock on wood) but you are very unlucky and also very vocal about it, IMO.

...oh and I dont think we will get multi-touch in this next iMac but I definitely think it is coming eventually. Isn't Apple just following the basics plans of the MIT oxygen project?

 

[Zwhaler]

I personally can't see it happening. I don't think consumers are ready for touch screen in their personal computers. Maybe in 2008, but I personally don't think it would sell too well. (unless it is as amazing as the iPhone is)

 

[QuarterSwede]

I don't know where you get your sources but according to Steve Jobs the iPhone is an iPod (according to this keynote speech)--that's what I was saying.

He never said it was going to replace the iPod but I can see what you are thinking now.

Apple does not move slowly on hardware design. Apple's hardware is almost always the best of the best and the most updated.

First, I didn't say it wasn't ahead of the curve.

For example Apple was one of the first companies to stop using a floppy drive (they did this with their iMacs with a CD drive) and they were later one of the first to introduce the SuperDrive and they will probably be one of the first to introduce Blue-ray within the next few weeks. Apple's hardware beauty has also been imitated by other companies but Apple started the fad with their first iMac--so I really don't understand the logic in your argument because you've just given me claims with no evidence--I've presented both claims and evidence.

Second, how old is the MacBook Pro design? They didn't even change it from the PowerBook's when they went to Intel and changed the name to MacBook Pro. Now, I'm not saying it's not still beautiful and ahead of the PC curve because it certainly is. What I am saying is that in today's fast pace tech world, a complete redesign is expected yearly. We've just become accustom to things changing so fast even if that's a result of a skewed perspective.

Another example: How long did it take them to update the iBook's design (effectively now the MacBook)? People may have still liked it but there were enough people squawking about how they wanted a new design that I got tired of reading about it.

Last, I'm wasn't being negative toward Apple's caution of changing a good design.

[RANT]
Personally, I'm sick and tired of everything in this culture moving so blasted fast. Most TV show camera shots only last 3 seconds and during commercials things are flashed so fast that they are sometimes hard to follow. Technology changes so fast that if you don't keep up with it for a few months you'll be lost. Of course, part of the way I feel stems from living in a crowded area where every one works, works, works and when they do have time off they are exhausted. People where I live (and in this culture) have forgotten what it is to live.
[/RANT]

 

[Turkish]

This rumor is geek wet dream material, not anything that will make it into a regular machine. Most regular consumers have enough trouble using a computer with a mouse and keyboard.

 

[GodBless]

Most regular consumers have enough trouble using a computer with a mouse and keyboard.

That's why a touch screen computer would be better--it would be easier and more realistic to use. Watch this to see for your self.

 

[Turkish]

That's why a touch screen computer would be better--it would be easier and more realistic to use. Watch this to see for your self.

I'm familiar with multi-touch.

I tutor people on this stuff all day. Believe me, they'd be just as lost on touch screen. No significant advantage for the average consumer.

 

[RRK]

Imagine the interface for the home of the future. A keyboard and mouse stick you to a desk. This is why you would need multi-touch in an iMac. A multi-touch iMac could hang on the wall in my kitchen and anything that required sitting like movies and maybe even games could be streamed to my television. This probably wouldn't be great for getting actual work done on the iMac unless I could maybe take it off the wall and put it on my lap, or maybe I could just have a wireless keyboard and mouse and even stream office applications and the rest to any screen in the house. Anyway, that is what a mac pro is for. Regardless, I see this in the future but not yet.

 

[GodBless]

I'm familiar with multi-touch.

I tutor people on this stuff all day.

That's great! It sounds neat.

Believe me, they'd be just as lost on touch screen. No significant advantage for the average consumer.

You're forgetting how simple Apple makes things--they already made a touch screen handheld device--who says they can't integrate it into their computers? If Apple did integrate it into their computers then they'd make it more simple than you can probably imagine. They made an MP3 player with a few simple and easy to use controls with their iPod, they made an OS that is easier to use and less complicated than Windows, they made a simple remote control with just a few buttons and they made other easy to use software and hardware with simple controls. How can you claim that people will be just as lost on touch screen technology that is developed by Apple?

 

[solvs]

Touch screen adds hundreds of dollars to something as big as an iMac/MacBook/Pro screen. Something most of us wouldn't use. If you really want a touch screen for your Mac, you can buy them as add ons. Do a Google search, there's a whole bunch of places that sell them. Be prepared to pay though if you want something good.

OWC has that tablet, but it isn't touch screen, you need the pen.

 

[RRK]

I don't want to simply replace the mouse curser with my finger. I want multi-touch.