Reverse Switcher

[wakerider017]

So I switched to Mac about a year ago, and now I am switching back.

I must say that I am in love with the OS (OS X). It is just wonderful and easy to use. It does have a few downsides, but for the most part it is FANTASTIC!

My biggest problem with "consumer" Macs is the hardware. (Or might I say the lack of it).

When I am spending 2K on a computer I expect it to be pretty darn fast.

Everything in the iMac is "mobile" The CPU, Memory, Video, etc.
When people think laptop, they think slower, and essentially the iMac is a laptop inside.

I was hoping that with the recent refresh in iMacs we might see some improvements, but when I saw the new specs I was pretty disappointed. Yup we still have the merom chips with the slow bus speed, yup we still have that slow notebook ddr2 memory, and wow now we have cheap ATI cards that cost about 60 bucks.

The crappy video cards in the new imacs is what pushed me over the edge. I mean honestly, Dell and HP are using better video cards in their budget computers!!!

Sure one can argue that Apple has to use these "not so hot" parts (no pun intended) so that the iMac does not overheat, due to it being so thing.

But heck, why do we need it that thin? It is not like I need it super light because I am going to be carrying it around. It is going to sit on my desk and look pretty...

I don't know about you, but I would rather have bigger dimensions and a better computer.


Sooo... For now I am going to use and old Dell in my house...

Going to wait until Q4 2007/ Q1 2008 for the new Intel Yorkfield quad chips (accompanied by DDR3 memory) and the new Nvidia Geforce 9 cards...

Just rough specs of what I am going to build:

Yorkfield CPU
Geforce 9 Video
4 GB's of DDR3 Mem
(2) 500GB HDD's in RAID0
Dell's 24" monitor
And we will have to wait and see on the other parts

I am going to be able to build this computer for as much if not less than what I paid for my iMac. Sure it may not look as "pretty", but i can't bet you it will run circles around the iMac.

I don't want to sound like a Mac hater, I am just very frustrated with the company right now.

Maybe one day Apple will go "public" with OS X. I guess I can dream...

Until then it looks like I am stuck with Vista.

 

[megfilmworks]

People who can build a computer to suit their use will have a special computer.
But the average guy needs Apple, and the below average guy needs MS

 

[pknz]

Everything in the iMac is "mobile" The CPU, Memory, Video, etc.

No, the harddrive is not a "mobile" harddrive as far as I know.

 

[wakerider017]

No, the harddrive is not a "mobile" harddrive as far as I know.

Your right it is not... but even if it was a mobile drive, that would not necessarily make it slower...

They make mobile drives now that are just as fast as full size drives(3.5")

 

[macenforcer]

Your right it is not... but even if it was a mobile drive, that would not necessarily make it slower...

They make mobile drives now that are just as fast as full size drives(3.5")

Not true. A 7200rpm laptop drive is 30% slower than a desktop 7200rpm drive with the same cache. I tested them. Don't ask me why.

 

[QuarterSwede]

Not true. A 7200rpm laptop drive is 30% slower than a desktop 7200rpm drive with the same cache. I tested them. Don't ask me why.

The platter sizes are physically different. That'd be why.

I don't quite understand why you want more speed. My father's 24" C2D iMac does everything he'd ever want to just about instantly. Now, if you're a gamer I have no sympathy for you.

 

[inkswamp]

My biggest problem with "consumer" Macs is the hardware. (Or might I say the lack of it).

When I am spending 2K on a computer I expect it to be pretty darn fast.

Everything in the iMac is "mobile" The CPU, Memory, Video, etc.
When people think laptop, they think slower, and essentially the iMac is a laptop inside.

You're not alone. I think Apple blew it with this new iMac. I'm not sure what the big deal is or why it required a special event. What exactly is so special? A new case and bumped specs. Big deal. All other iMac redesigns have come with cool new features, but this was just the same-old same-old packaged in a design that doesn't mesh. This is supposed to be aesthetically pleasing and yet, the keyboard and mouse don't match the brushed metal of the machine and the black back... and let's not even talk about that black band around the display. I'm still trying to figure this new "look" out.

I've been using Macs since the early 90s so I'm not bashing Apple, but I do lots of work with Windows machines at my job and Apple is lagging. The new iMacs didn't rectify that. And after all this time waiting, I think what they unveiled was halfhearted. There was nothing impressive about it.

 

[solvs]

Not true. A 7200rpm laptop drive is 30% slower than a desktop 7200rpm drive with the same cache. I tested them. Don't ask me why.

Seek time is higher.

 

[QuarterSwede]

And after all this time waiting, I think what they unveiled was halfhearted. There was nothing impressive about it.

That I have to agree with. When I first saw it my reaction was, "that's it!? LAME!"

 

[inkswamp]

That I have to agree with. When I first saw it my reaction was, "that's it!? LAME!"

I expected the presentation to end with "But there's one more thing... the iMac. Yes, we already showed it to you but I left one thing out. [Insert killer feature that makes this whole event worth having done in the first place.]"

I'm still puzzled.

 

[Zwhaler]

I expected the presentation to end with "But there's one more thing... the iMac. Yes, we already showed it to you but I left one thing out. [Insert killer feature that makes this whole event worth having done in the first place.]"

I'm still puzzled.

Agreed! The thing took 11 months to be released and it isn't even that great! And it has a glossy screen! C'mon.

 

[wakerider017]

The platter sizes are physically different. That'd be why.

I don't quite understand why you want more speed. My father's 24" C2D iMac does everything he'd ever want to just about instantly. Now, if you're a gamer I have no sympathy for you.

Meh, If you got on a really fast computer you would be singing a different tune. Ya the iMac can do everyday things quickly...

But I live in photoshop and often use video editing apps...


Plus, what's wrong with a few games on the side when all your work is done?



You know everyone can say that an apple computer is not "meant" for games... But hey, look at the half a dozen stories posted on MacRumors about big title games coming to Mac soon.

Do you think a 2600Pro is going to cut the mustard for the next version of Unreal? Or what about the poor guys with the 2400xt?

Again I am not a Mac hater.... Macs are currently just not for me....

Apple is so focused on design, but they put the actual meat of the computer on the back burner this time.


P.S. That is cool about the whole laptop HDD thing... I have really not worked with them much...

But that is all kind of irrelevant. My point was the thing is built like a laptop, and the fact that it uses a 3.5" HDD does not really make a big difference.

 

[iSlave]

I have to agree with the original poster as well. I waited for 2 months for the new iMac, listened to all the rumors of multi-touch mice, special hardware features to compliment Leopard, new gaming possibilities (upgradeable cards??) - and then when it arrived, I couldn't have been more underwhelmed.

Apart from the aluminium casing, this could've easily been a minor revision done months ago. I honestly don't know what's going through Steve Jobs' mind right now (except 'iPhone iPhone iPhone' repeatedly).

I'll go even further and say that the overall design sucks. The aluminium casing turns it into very expensive radiator - I'm literally sweating as I sit here typing this on a new 24''. The glossy screen blows really hard too (unless you live somewhere where there is no daylight). Last, but not least, the specs suck.

1GB Ram??
Radeon 2600 Pro???

Seriously.

As I posted on a different thread, this 24'' also has some screen yellowing in bottom right corner, so it's going back asap.

As for a replacement.....I am sorely tempted to build a decent PC and save myself hundreds in the process. Not to mention be able to play some decent games. Now, don't get me wrong, I love Apple. I have defended them many times when argueing with PC users, but this revision is a knee in the nuts. An almost year long delay just to deliver an uglier version of the same machine?? C'mon....

 

[Blue Velvet]

I ... listened to all the rumors of multi-touch mice, special hardware features to compliment Leopard, new gaming possibilities (upgradeable cards??) - and then when it arrived, I couldn't have been more underwhelmed.

Then you've got yourself to blame for having unrealistic expectations. There's a huge difference between rumours and unfounded speculation, something which this site is very careful to emphasise.

People get too carried away at times and post all sorts of stuff on no evidence whatsoever. Multi-touch mice are some geek's wet dream at this stage.

 

[Leemo]

Meh, If you got on a really fast computer you would be singing a different tune. Ya the iMac can do everyday things quickly...

But I live in photoshop and often use video editing apps...

I live in Final Cut Pro, Motion, and often use Photoshop - what's your point?

My 20" iMac with 2gb slices through my HD footage like a hot knife through butter.

Working in a professional news environment and having to struggle daily with Avid at work only makes me appreciate my iMac more when I come to use it for extended feature projects.

Sure, everyone's entitled to their own opinions, but in my view I have to completely disagree with what you've said.

My new 20" 2.4ghz iMac cost me £820 with student discount. I *love* the new glossy screen, the keyboard and design - AND the way it's COMPLETELY SILENT even when I'm working with hours and hours of effects and footage.

Go on then. Move back to Windows. I'll just carry on happily working on my iMac knowing I've got the best solution, for me at least.

-Leemo

 

[shakastange]

The original poster definitely has a point. But going back to Windows is a stretch though. I've been using Macs for several year and the OS is superb. It may have a few minor issues but it is far superior to other consumer offerings.
The hardware on the other hand can be troublesome. I've had several components fail in my Mac and it is very expensive to repair these machines. In the case of a desktop PC it is easy enough to swap a defective part for a new one. That's the only plus side of the PC.

Thing is, when I am seated at my computer, I don't stare at the aircraft grade aluminum or the fine make of plastic. I concentrate on whats going on screen and this beauty gimmick goes out the window. Performance of the OS and hardware are the only factors that matter. I'm not advocating that Apple make hideous machines, but they're taking this aesthetics thing to far and ignoring performance in key areas.

Like quite a few others I was waiting on this new iMac to upgrade from a TiBook/PIII Vaio. The ability to run Windows and its games is brilliant. I really don't care how the machine looks and for the most part it is actually a solid piece of hardware. I've used a glossy screen on a laptop and it is not that distracting. The Core 2 Duo is a fine processor. A 20" screen is really good as well. But the choice of GPU breaks my heart. I was so looking forward to gaming on this new iMac. But the GPU can't even run current games at god rates, far less games in the pipeline. I really want to upgrade but this iMac doesn't cater to people like me. And no I cannot afford or don't care too much for the Mac Pro. It is a bit of overkill.

 

[Alloye]

I have to agree with the original poster as well. I waited for 2 months for the new iMac, listened to all the rumors of multi-touch mice, special hardware features to compliment Leopard, new gaming possibilities (upgradeable cards??) - and then when it arrived, I couldn't have been more underwhelmed.

That's the problem with rumors. The are laced with fantasy far too often. Lend them any credibility and you will always be disappointed.

 

[pseudonymph]

You're not alone. I think Apple blew it with this new iMac. I'm not sure what the big deal is or why it required a special event. What exactly is so special? A new case and bumped specs. Big deal.

Actually they got the imac stuff out of the way pretty quickly. That event was really focused on ilife/iwork moreso than the new hardware.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

When I am spending 2K on a computer I expect it to be pretty darn fast. The crappy video cards in the new imacs is what pushed me over the edge. I mean honestly, Dell and HP are using better video cards in their budget computers!!!

<snip>

But heck, why do we need it that thin? It is not like I need it super light because I am going to be carrying it around. It is going to sit on my desk and look pretty...

I don't know about you, but I would rather have bigger dimensions and a better computer.


Sooo... For now I am going to use and old Dell in my house...

Sounds to me like Macs aren't quite right for you. You are pretty focused on high hardware specs rather than the OS, ergonomics or software inegration, and Apple has always been conservative with hardware in favor of those last three.

If OSX isn't a big enough improvement over Vista for you to go with a somewhat more conservatively specc'ed machine, you're best off staying in the Windows world - then you'll always be able to keep up with the Joneses in terms of the latest whiz-bang hardware.

Personally I would take an OSX-equipped machine with a mediocre video card over a Vista machine with an extremely fast one. I like to play 3D games but not so much that I'm willing to give up OSX and iLife.

I agree that the GPU specs for the new iMacs are a bit disappointing though. To fair, none of the new mid-level (2600/8600) GPUs are very good. But Apple should have included a better optional GPU with the iMacs.

 

[rainydays]

I completely understand those who want a gaming mac at consumer prices, and it's sad that Apple doesn't offer that yet.
It would be fantastic if they released a MacMini replacement at Apple Expo Paris, something with a great GPU. But it doesn't really go along that well with Apples current directions.

Fact is that the iMac is a wonderful machine that serves most consumers and many professionals very well. To many people design, simplicity and noise level is just as important as performance.

A proof that most consumers don't care that much about raw performance anymore is the fact that more and more people are moving over to notebooks. And that's simply because there are other factors that are more or just as important as the performance.

I'm happy that Apple tries to make a computer that fits the need of those who doesn't want a big noisy tower, but still wants good performance.
In my opinion they have succeeded very well at that. Just look at the competition.

Good thing there's a choice right? I hope you'll be happy with your new machine and that it will fit your needs.

 

[TheSilencer]

Agreed.

Just look at the competition.

Yes, look at DELL XPS M2010, THAT is expensive and the X1800XT GPU isn´t that good too, well it is old.

 

[shortelvis]

Gaming, gaming, gaming....what gives?

Just buy a 360 and get over it! Gaming is a money pit that I tend to avoid on computers. Even if the new iMac had a card that was decent for gaming, how long do you think that would last, considering the design? You can't change it, so what's the point? It's like those goobers who come into my store and want a bad a$$ gaming laptop, how dumb is that really? What a waste of money, buy a tower! If you can run games for the time being on your iMac/laptop, then that's great, but Apple isn't interested in making the iMac for the hardcore gamer. For the money, the iMac is the best all-around solution for style, size, functionality, software and harware. I just put up the new iMac yesterday, and it's fantastic! 99% of people looking for a computer would love it, it's pure sex. I love gaming, been at it since the intellivision, but it has it's place. The majority of Mac buyers, could give a rat's a$$ about gaming, save for the round of Jewel Quest or two...Sorry, Apple was right on the money with this one, fella's. Did you see the last iMac at all? What else would they have done that wouldn't have sky rocketed the price? You have to remember that
Apple is a business, they don't just make toys for YOU.

 

[Maxington]

Maybe one day Apple will go "public" with OS X. I guess I can dream...

Until then it looks like I am stuck with Vista.

And thats why people spend 2K on a machine that works and is reliable...

 

[Cormier6083]

Why are you dissing the hard drives.... it's better the 8" ones we had back in the day....


lol, just joking. Well, I hope you look back on what you said and reconsider...

Think Different​

 

[shortelvis]

Exactly!

And thats why people spend 2K on a machine that works and is reliable...

You get what you pay for, it's the experience in total. The average consumer could buy a Mac Mini and still be better off then buying a $1200 brand-new HP rig. Most people don't know how to build a computer, let alone make back up discs. We are the minority and always will be. Apple sells to the majority, period, why? Because they want to stay in business, period.