Next updates for iMacs?

[BlakTornado]

Just a @#$%&* non-glossy screen option would be fine with me. Criminy, I still can't believe Apple botched this iMac so badly--and that's an easy thing to get right. I know the new iMac is popular, and I know my opinion is in the minority, especially here on a site like MacRumors where most people don't want to hear the negatives, but it's the truth. Apple hobbled the iMac with that one decision.

Stop exaggerating

The screen is lovely. I am looking at one now. It is miles better than ANY other monitor I have used, and I've used quite a few in my time (Ranging from CRTs to Various types of newer displays). The internet echo tube has blown the problem WAY out of proportion.

It doesn't reflect half as much as people exaggerate. I'm in my room, it's bright outside and I have a window to the right of me, casting it's light on my iMac. And I have a little lamp near me too - no major reflection. Of course, if you're using a LOT of black then you get SOME reflection but it's not hard to close your curtains or ignore it

As said, people are blowing this way out of proportion.

 

[inkswamp]

I think most people who do design work and want macs get Mac Pros. Meanwhile, the iMac is targeted to people who will use iPhoto, websurfing, and occasionally watch dvds - so having a matte screen is not necessary.

You've misunderstood what I wrote. Look at the context of my comment. I'm responding to the idea that the future is matte-less. My argument against that is that Apple wouldn't go all glossy on their cinema displays as pro work requires matte.

I doubt apple will offer a matte imac because their target market doesn't really need it or want it. It's similar to how they haven't offered a matte MB. The people who want matte need more hp under the hood anyway so they go with the pro line.

So if popularity of a given feature or aspect of computers is the determining factor, why are any of us using Macs to begin with? What the "target market" should be buying are Windows PCs then, right? By that logic, I mean. I expect Apple to ignore popularity and give us quality products that are well designed and work well. Glossy screens don't meet that criteria.

 

[inkswamp]

The screen is lovely. I am looking at one now. It is miles better than ANY other monitor I have used, and I've used quite a few in my time (Ranging from CRTs to Various types of newer displays). The internet echo tube has blown the problem WAY out of proportion.
[...]
As said, people are blowing this way out of proportion.

My opinion doesn't come from the Internet echo chamber. I've seen the iMacs myself and the glare is ridiculous. And if you do some searching around on the Internet outside of Mac fan sites, you'll see that there's ample photographic evidence for this. It's not just an echo chamber.

Here's a good place to see for yourself.

http://arstechnica.com/staff/fatbits.ars/2006/5/16/4004

Dunno about you, but I see what appear to be reflections and glare in those photographs. Maybe you can tune that out, but lots of us find that kind of thing an unwelcome distraction.

 

[gregorsamsa]

I don't think some people on these forums appreciate how much this is a rock-and-a-hard-place type of situation for some of us. I'd love for my next machine to be a Mac, but I don't think it's going to be unless Apple updates the line-up with a matte screen option. I use Windows and Macs 50/50 at work and I'm computer savvy enough to jump to another platform with relative ease. It's not that I'm looking for reasons to go to a PC, but there is literally no Mac in the Apple store right now that is what I want for the amount I want to spend.

And you know, it's not like I don't appreciate that Apple's manufacturing costs would go up if they offered that option. Fine. Charge me another $100 for the matte screen. I don't care. I would pay it. It would be a small price, but they don't even offer that. They're at the peak of their popularity and their configs for the consumer machines are as limited as ever. I just don't get why the matte screen, which has been standard on iMacs for years, can't still be an option.

Couldn't agree more. Interestingly enough, I've also read on another Mac forum that without the glossy sheet, the Twisted Nematic panel on the 20" glossy iMac isn't as good as the 20" white iMac's (AFAIA, IPS?) panel. Though the difference in quality isn't great, it's there nevertheless & the new 20" iMac's TN panels are cheaper too. So yes, I too wouldn't mind paying a bit more for a matt option.

Having seen the glossy 20" iMac screens up close recently, I was surprised by the amount of glare I was seeing. For a moment I actually thought that either my eyes were deceiving me or that the screens were badly set up by local PC World staff. AFAIC, unless you either work in a relatively sparsely lit, shuttered room or absolutely don't mind a significant amount of glare, these screens will continue to be a complete turn-off for a number of people.

 

[iphonesrq]

My opinion doesn't come from the Internet echo chamber. I've seen the iMacs myself and the glare is ridiculous. And if you do some searching around on the Internet outside of Mac fan sites, you'll see that there's ample photographic evidence for this. It's not just an echo chamber.

Here's a good place to see for yourself.

http://arstechnica.com/staff/fatbits.ars/2006/5/16/4004

Dunno about you, but I see what appear to be reflections and glare in those photographs. Maybe you can tune that out, but lots of us find that kind of thing an unwelcome distraction.

got your point, but that link was about macbooks not imacs

 

[iW00t]

Stop exaggerating

The screen is lovely. I am looking at one now. It is miles better than ANY other monitor I have used

Perhaps you should practice what you preach. A TN monitor better than ANY other monitor you have used? Gosh you use lousy monitors.

 

[takeabyteoutta]

Consumerism

The iMac is a consumer oriented machine.

Apple has no reason to offer a matte screen on these machines. All they'd be doing is losing business, because quite frankly, if you need a matte screen, you should be buying a mac PRO and an apple cinema display (which would run you up to nearly twice the cost of an iMac). There's a reason its not called the iMac cinema, though maybe if you beg and complain enough, Apple will start offering.

There's one other simple way to deal with glare, besides closing the blinds and making sure your imac is angled properly. TURN OFF THE LIGHTS! In fact, forcing people to turn off extra lights makes this iMac even more environmentally friendly.

 

[hydrokayak]

How about some 32 mb cache hard drives, instead of these wimpy 8mb cache drives I hear about all the time... Apple HDs are a little behind in the tech world...

 

[southpaw17]

Besides the processor upgrade, what else could be added to the iMac in the next update? I really cant think of anything they would do besides upgrade the RAM limit and hard drive size

Are you aware that there is currently an option for 1 TB of storage? How much more could someone need for home use?

 

[Mac OS X Ocelot]

I'd like to see the graphics card upgraded. 256MB standard and 512MB for the higher end.

 

[TTTimo]

This thread seems to be mainly hitting at the glossy screen of the iMacs. What if we could apply some sort of matte film over the screen. And, if so, will it still affect oversaturation or whatever problems that 'professionals' seem to be so worried about?

I too would love to have a medium range upgradable Mac machine, but I guess this current iMac would have to do for now before I can go 'Pro' with the Mac Pro.

 

[inkswamp]

The iMac is a consumer oriented machine.

Apple has no reason to offer a matte screen on these machines. All they'd be doing is losing business, because quite frankly, if you need a matte screen, you should be buying a mac PRO and an apple cinema display (which would run you up to nearly twice the cost of an iMac). There's a reason its not called the iMac cinema, though maybe if you beg and complain enough, Apple will start offering.

So, if you're a consumer, you don't deserve options?

I don't understand your reasoning. You're suggestion that a matte screen is inherently something only professionals need so those of us preferring a matte screen at home can go pound sand? Well, gee, funny thing because Apple has offered matte screens on their consumer level machines for years now. What, was their thinking completely wrong all these years?

There's one other simple way to deal with glare, besides closing the blinds and making sure your imac is angled properly. TURN OFF THE LIGHTS! In fact, forcing people to turn off extra lights makes this iMac even more environmentally friendly.

Wow, we're approaching a level of cognitive dissonance that only a true Mac zealot can pull off. On one hand we Mac users like to claim that Apple is the best computer maker out there when it comes to designs that take the human at the keyboard into account and get out of our way and let us do our work. And yet, if we want to use the new iMac and get around its design flaws, we must make sure our environment fits the computer's demands.

Ah, I see. So in a roundabout way, you're basically admitting that the iMac's screen sucks. You just don't seem to want to say it in those exact words. I mean, if it were Dell that had done something design-wise that made such demands, we'd be snickering behind our hands at it. But because it's Apple, well then, it's just environmentally friendly.

 

[inkswamp]

This thread seems to be mainly hitting at the glossy screen of the iMacs. What if we could apply some sort of matte film over the screen.

I haven't found any such product for the new iMacs yet. I'd love to see some reviews too. I know such things used to exist back in the CRT days as a way to counteract glare and reflection which was, back then, considered a bad thing but has magically transformed into a good thing nowadays, I guess.

If anyone knows of any such anti-glare coating designed for the new iMacs, I'd appreciate links.

 

[stevegmu]

Clarivue makes great anti-glare screen protectors/films. They will even custom cut a size for you.

http://www.clarivue.com/

 

[takeabyteoutta]

Apple's a smart business... and no, you don't need to be a pro for a matte screen

So, if you're a consumer, you don't deserve options?

I don't understand your reasoning. You're suggestion that a matte screen is inherently something only professionals need so those of us preferring a matte screen at home can go pound sand? Well, gee, funny thing because Apple has offered matte screens on their consumer level machines for years now. What, was their thinking completely wrong all these years?

Wow, we're approaching a level of cognitive dissonance that only a true Mac zealot can pull off. On one hand we Mac users like to claim that Apple is the best computer maker out there when it comes to designs that take the human at the keyboard into account and get out of our way and let us do our work. And yet, if we want to use the new iMac and get around its design flaws, we must make sure our environment fits the computer's demands.

Ah, I see. So in a roundabout way, you're basically admitting that the iMac's screen sucks. You just don't seem to want to say it in those exact words. I mean, if it were Dell that had done something design-wise that made such demands, we'd be snickering behind our hands at it. But because it's Apple, well then, it's just environmentally friendly.

first of, way to misquote and misunderstand me completely. Thats some pretty impressive congnitive dissonance on your part. Glad to see you're doing well in your psych classes though. i'm by no means an apple zealot or do i think that apple's perfect. if they were, there stock would be in the $200 range.

I wasn't suggesting that you need to be a professional to need a matte screen. In fact, its quite the obvious, as apple's website implies:

"No matter what you like to do on your computer — watch movies, edit photos, play games, even just view a screen saver — it’s going to look stunning on an iMac. That’s because iMac now features a glossy display with glass cover that makes graphics, photos, and videos come alive with richer colors and deeper blacks." - taken directly from the imac page. One thing missing: The glossy display reflects light at a higher rate than a matte.

I was simply suggesting that Apple wants you to spend more money on their next level up machine if you're so unwilling to move around a light or your desk to reduce glare.

I'd also like to point out that Apple isn't just thinking about the iMac as a desktop computer anymore. Notice the first activity they mention...watch movies. Notice they also didn't say DVDs. For many consumerisms, the iMac is a high-end Apple TV. Now why would apple want to put a glossy display product that people are associating with a TV??? hmmm

Lets just explore that a little bit. How do places like Best Buy and Circuit City sell TVs. Well, first of all, they single out the (HD)TV they can sell at the most profitable rate during any given day or week. They hook it up to Blu-ray, surround sound, etc and put it out front or in the special "booth" where glare isn't a problem. Then they make sure the other similar TV's around look worse, whether its buy playing a regular dvd, reducing the settings to 720, etc. They adjust the settings of the one they're trying to sell until it looks the best compared to everything else, so when a consumer comes in, they'll more likely to believe their eyes.

The iMac is much the same. Some one shopping for a computer, but with limited knowledge of screens, etc. is going to see that glossy display and say, wow that looks alot better than those dell, gateways, etc. all-in-ones.

o and one more thing... those energy effecient lightbulbs everyone should be buying and using... they tend to produce less glare.

 

[SaSaSushi]

My opinion doesn't come from the Internet echo chamber. I've seen the iMacs myself and the glare is ridiculous. And if you do some searching around on the Internet outside of Mac fan sites, you'll see that there's ample photographic evidence for this. It's not just an echo chamber.

Here's a good place to see for yourself.

http://arstechnica.com/staff/fatbits.ars/2006/5/16/4004

Dunno about you, but I see what appear to be reflections and glare in those photographs. Maybe you can tune that out, but lots of us find that kind of thing an unwelcome distraction.

It's a personal preference issue: end of story. You don't like glossy screens, good for you. To say that the majority of people don't based on some forum postings is ridiculous. I think iMac (and glossy MB) sales figures speak a bit louder.

As for reflections there are none on my screen as I type this. Yes, in a darkened room with a black screen there are reflections but they don't bother me (as in I don't even recognize them unless I am looking for them) and are not visible at all except when the screen is quite dark and the ambient lighting in the room is low.

 

[luffx]

I would like to see the RAM @ 800MHz & the HD @ 7200RPMs.

There is really no excuse for 667MHz & 5400RPM standards. That's just Apple being cheap & using crappy hardware. Yes....the Imac is using mobile technology, but there are plenty of business laptops that are meeting these specs. And heat won't be a problem, I can overclock my Imac's CPU & GPU w/o any freezes.

 

[G-Force]

What? The iMac has 7200 RPM desktop drives... 800 MHz memory would make no sense since the Intel memory controller doesn't support higher speeds than 667 MHz.

The new Centrino Montevina platform will however support DDR3 800 MHz SO-DIMMs.

 

[luffx]

What? The iMac has 7200 RPM desktop drives... 800 MHz memory would make no sense since the Intel memory controller doesn't support higher speeds than 667 MHz.

The new Centrino Montevina platform will however support DDR3 800 MHz SO-DIMMs.

It was a troll. =) hehee.

All kidding aside, I like to buy for the future. And the future isn't 667MHz. I just wish that they would have some 'options' for those who want to think ahead. Perhaps for the highest spec?

I have a love/hate relationship w/ Apple.

 

[Irfan]

I'm becoming impatient

I'm desperately hoping there's gonna be a new iMac this month... I'm ready and waiting to buy...

Changes I'd like to see:

Faster processor..
More memory, faster too..
Better graphics card..
Larger hard drive as standard..
Blu Ray would be niiiiiice, but I doubt they'll do it...

(That'd be about nearly everything getting changed then... lol)

According to Buyer's Guide we're nearly there...

Last Release August 07, 2007
Days Since Update 181 (Avg = 188)

I'm becoming impatient and my wallet is itching like crazy... What do you think guys, next week?

Waiting in anticipation
Irfan

 

[roudy000]

My first post here! And hope not my last.

I'm ready to buy too. I've made my mind that i would "risk" buying a Imac instead of a monster PC. The only thing I find hard to sacrifice is the graphic card...

I really hope they can go at least the 3600 way.

I have a 2000$ ready for the next update!



cant wait...been a month I read evrything I can about Mac and specificly the Imac.

 

[inkswamp]

It's a personal preference issue: end of story. You don't like glossy screens, good for you. To say that the majority of people don't based on some forum postings is ridiculous. I think iMac (and glossy MB) sales figures speak a bit louder.

Given that there was once an entire industry providing screen hoods and anti-glare coatings of all sorts when CRTs were standard monitors, I would say history speaks even more loudly regardless of whatever happens to be selling at the moment. And if the market has the final word on this matter, then explain why Apple continues to offer matte displays to the high-end customers? Are they doing them some kind of disservice?

As for reflections there are none on my screen as I type this. Yes, in a darkened room with a black screen there are reflections but they don't bother me (as in I don't even recognize them unless I am looking for them) and are not visible at all except when the screen is quite dark and the ambient lighting in the room is low.

Apologist nonsense! I've seen it in person and there's significant glare and reflection. It's a piece of glass. It's not magic Apple iGlass. It reflects. Here, look at these images AppleInsider published when the iMac was unveiled. There isn't a single image that doesn't show significant screen glare or reflection.

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/08/07/photos_of_apples_new_imac_and_ultra_thin_keyboards.html

 

[SaSaSushi]

Given that there was once an entire industry providing screen hoods and anti-glare coatings of all sorts when CRTs were standard monitors, I would say history speaks even more loudly regardless of whatever happens to be selling at the moment. And if the market has the final word on this matter, then explain why Apple continues to offer matte displays to the high-end customers? Are they doing them some kind of disservice?

Sorry, your rants aside I'll go with the sales figures thanks.

As for Apple continuing to offer matte displays are you referring to the Apple Cinema Displays that have not been updated in 306 days??

Apologist nonsense! I've seen it in person and there's significant glare and reflection. It's a piece of glass. It's not magic Apple iGlass. It reflects. Here, look at these images AppleInsider published when the iMac was unveiled. There isn't a single image that doesn't show significant screen glare or reflection.

I'm not trying to sell you a glossy screen nor do I much care if you personally approve of them. I already said this is a matter of personal preference. I am looking at my screen right now and there are NO reflections as in I cannot see anything but the content on the display EXCEPT for the black edges.

I don't live in an Apple Store with harsh fluorescent lighting. I've already confirmed that in certain situations (dark screen content) there are reflections on the screen but they do not distract me from the content which I find MORE attractive because of the glossy screen. I had a 20" Core Duo iMac with a matte screen before this one to compare to.

You don't like glossy screens, fine. So what? Enjoy your opinion which you are obviously completely entitled to.

 

[Ryanb1281]

So if popularity of a given feature or aspect of computers is the determining factor, why are any of us using Macs to begin with? What the "target market" should be buying are Windows PCs then, right? By that logic, I mean. I expect Apple to ignore popularity and give us quality products that are well designed and work well. Glossy screens don't meet that criteria.

You expect a company to ignore demand and try to sell things people don't want? Sure, there are some people (like you) who claim to not be a pro-level user but still want a matte screen. There aren't many people like that. The MBP matte is more popular than the MBP glossy because the people who buy it tend to be pro level users, but the MB, on the other hand is wildly popular, with its glossy screen. That shows that the people buying MBs (consumer users) are more than happy with the glossy (in fact, I'm sure apple research shows the consumers prefer the glossy by a wide margin).

Apple needs enough of a market to make any new product worth the investment. They won't offer matte iMacs if just a few people want it.

 

[TTTimo]

Apple needs enough of a market to make any new product worth the investment. They won't offer matte iMacs if just a few people want it.

Yes. I think Apple should at least have that option on the current 24'' iMacs though. Then it would be a gauge to see how the target consumer reacts. They kind of handicapped themselves by jumping straight unto this current glass screen.

I think the screens look very good on a small size, but as you scale them up the glare and reflections just become too much.