One Theory on the long wait for new iMacs

[rallycars]

Hello fellow maniacs!

I am sure several of you are waiting as I am for the next iMac. I have a few ideas on why it is taking so long. Perhaps you won't agree.

I think they are trying to sidestep the whole issue of HDCP implementation between the graphics card and display. I think the 7300 and 7600 graphics cards in the current iMacs should be able to play encrypted HD video with a software or firmware update, but I am positive the 8000 series that has shown up recently in the new Macbook Pros is definitely capable of playing BD and HD-DVD once there is software that supports their playback. If I am wrong about the 7000 series, they are probably prolonging breaking the bad news that the first 24" iMac with full HD display cannot play new video formats if one were to buy an external disc drive.

Another reason why they may be taking their time with an update besides obviously wanting to sell off all their inventory first, is to maximize the upgrades. If they wait until fall, they may be able to use an 8800 graphics card either portable or a desktop version, and perhaps a 45nm penryn(?) desktop chip. I would love to see them use desktop components, but maybe I'm just dreaming. If they do drop a very nice version with upgrades to quad-core, 8800, blu-ray combo drive, then they may be able to wait another year before the version after comes along.

I really only expect a MBP in an iMac case regardless of whether there is a redesign ( I couldn't care less about a resigned case), but anything above and beyond is very welcome.

Whatchu think?

 

[kgmac]

i agree with u but i cant stand this waiting game! just release something!

 

[DoFoT9]

with all respect the 7***'s series were outdated at least last year. they should be put in another mac computer. a minimum of the 8*** series should be put in now their taking their time because its gonna be big.. and leopard...that aswell

 

[ob81]

I am banking on the iMac update to be huge. This is going to mean that the Mac Pro Update will be huge. With the iMac being smaller, they may be running into heat issues or something. I am tired of those laptop components though.

 

[Flaki]

it would be cool if the 24" had a intern TV card!

also a upgradable GPU

 

[theheyes]

If the new 24" iMac has a Bluray drive and a Q6600, I'd get one in a heartbeat.

Wishful thinking on my part though methinks. I'm still going to wait and see what the specs are before I buy any new hardware. I may end up shifting to Linux if the new iMacs are just a "bump" specs-wise.

 

[SolrFlare]

I think there are a number of different factors for the delay, not a single one. Some of those include(and not listed in any real significant way):

- Part shortage for certain components
- Waiting for the Intel price drop before mass production
- Delayed development time due to iphone focus
- Not wanting to trump the launch of the iphone with release of a newly redesigned iMac(ie let the iPhone sink in a bit first)

- Making sure the redesign is just right as there is more involved with this than a simple internal part refresh

- Timing of launch with the rollout of the new Apple Stores inside of Best Buys(Apple is launching apple stores within stores in 300 Best Buys between now and the start of fall. So, there is a lot of coordination going on there and they probably want to have the newest products ready for launch with the Best Buy expansion)

- Coordination of the launch with Leopard/iLife

 

[chicagdan]

Whatchu think?

Um ... my theory is that Apple doesn't give a damn about us anymore. Why bother updating the iMac or getting Leopard out on time when you have Apple TV and iPhone to hype. Apple saw the new sexy products as the easiest way to run up the stock price. New iMacs sell products to existing customers but they don't "change the world."

 

[dv24]

Waiting for an event to launch them at?

I feel that Apple could have the new iMac ready to launch, but doesn't want to do it unless it gains the publicity it needs. The iPhone has recently taken up all of the hype, and maybe it will be at the next Expo - a europe one I believe (probably wrong) that they will release this, so expect to wait a while. They won't just have minor revisions so it will need to be a great big event that has us all sitting; waiting for the news of the updates.