Time to speak up about the disappointing iMac

[inkswamp]

Let Apple hear your feedback about the disappointment that is the "new" iMac. It's all fair and good to complain here, but if Apple doesn't hear it, they won't fix it.

http://www.apple.com/feedback/imac.html

The options on the link make it look like this is only for iMac owners, but the previous page indicates that the form is for all feedback.

Here's what I just sent.

I was looking to buy a new iMac early next year to replace my old iMac G4, but the glossy display is a deal-breaker. Why was the matte option not made available as with your MacBook line? Some of us have less-than-perfect eyesight and any reflection or glare, no matter how insignificant to others, can be a strain on the eyes. I'm very disappointed with the decision to eliminate an option that, for many of us, is important. Unless it returns, I won't be buying an iMac and as that's the only machine that fits my desired specs and budget, it's likely I won't buy another Mac at all.

Please give your customers the matte display option for the iMac.

 

[jaduffy108]

I'm with the OP. I think there is much to like about the new iMac, BUT...*I* don't like the glossy screens and will *not* buy a machine with one. Apple isn't too big on giving people options...that's unfortunate.

 

[netdog]

Given the modest tech improvements, the displays that are quantifiably inferior to their predecessors, the glossy screens (really bad even when lit, unlike the MacBook which is really only problematic when dark), and the tremendous heat these new iMacs are producing, I will wait to consider upgrading until there is another quantum leap in technology (4 cores? Smaller processor?) and until they have gotten the expected Rev. A bugs out and committed to a better display.

If these changes aren't made, I can only hope for a good headless Mac that I can couple with an ACD for my next Apple. In the interim, I am so happy with my white 24" iMac that I am in no hurry to upgrade. I expect that this machine will last me for a long, long time.

 

[bousozoku]

I think Apple misread the market and its desire for glossy displays but they apparently wanted to match the MacBook more closely and they've done that. Plus, they added a more game friendly machine, even if it's not amazing for the price.

It's not a horrible lineup but it's not good for people who wanted a cheaper desktop to do actual work. I think I'd rather get one of the previous machines after refurbishment anyway.

 

[rdowns]

Whether you like the glossy screen or not, MR readers are hardly Apple's market. Do you really think the average buyer scrutinizes every detail of the machine or even knows about glossy vs. matte for that matter?

I'd bet the decision to go glossy was based on lappy sales.

 

[Deepdale]

Consumers feel empowered when choice of screen is offered. I've never been a fan of glossy and would like to see that decision revisited, but the likelihood is not very strong.

 

[newkeyboard]

I took the time to ask for a matte option too. It only takes a minute with the direct link so please all do it. Even if you have, and are happy with, the glossy screen. It's always good to have options

 

[seh80]

I wrote in and requested a choice. I'd love to update my iMac to a 24'' and my iBook to a MB, told them that as soon as there is a screen option I will be first in line to do so. Thanks for the link!

 

[mr_matalino]

Unless it returns, I won't be buying an iMac and as that's the only machine that fits my desired specs and budget, it's likely I won't buy another Mac at all.

I'm gonna call "bull crap" on that...

 

[Cosmo modo]

Maybe all you complainers should go hand to hand to Apple stores and try asking if it's still possible to buy an iMac G5?

 

[Drpepper99uk]

Hello,

Didn't Steve say that "Our cutomers liked/wanted glossy screens" when he introduced the new iMac the other week? He obviously didn't listen to me or anyone else then lol as all I've seen on this forum and various other forums/ websites is people all complaining about the light/reflections issues when the iMac's being used under daylight or artificial lighting-ie Lamps etc. You get a light issue with your Macbook you pick it up and locate it elsewhere- with a 24" iMac it's a different matter as not everyone fancies the idea of lugging around a fairly heavy item on the first instance or poor screen viewing, or reflections.

Not so sure on the aluminium casing to be honest if I may, nor the all black trim around the screen. The keyboard is a far cry from the older spec clear perspex in relation to feedback when typing, and also the confusing array of shortcut buttons- I never liked these on my old Compaq PC let alone on a new Mac!!!

I really hope Apple provide some options in relation the the screen and also the GFX card inside. I was quite taken aback to see that NVIDIA was no longer the GFX card choice, and that ATI was now the norm. Considering that Steve touted on about how Apple was working with EA to release a lineup of games-it seems a strange decision to opt for the ATI range(and also see that only the basic 20" imac has a different GFX card model, whereas the other 3 share the SAME card with the same memory allocated to it with no options for either 24" model..........Stingy or what??? Yes ok so the Mac's not all about gaming, but what about those that use Parallels or bootcamp to play games? Surely having a choice would give those current Windows users an incentive to consider an iMac as a alternative that can also double up as a half decent Windows alternative gaming system, as well as the option to run OS X if need be.

Come on Apple, get your fingers out!!! People have spoken.

 

[iLionel]

There's always a group that are never satisfied.

 

[RRK]

Its amazing how people keep coming on here just to repeat the things that have already been discussed extensively.

If you would give up Mac OS X rather then get a screen protector then you might as well get a Dell/ HP etc.

 

[nlivo]

when i first saw it on engadget i thought it wasn't very good but now i love it....i used to hate that black boarder round it but now i think its cool, espiecally how it hides the iSight. i'm a big fan. plus, don't judge a book by t's cover....even if it's cover is smokin hot!!!!

 

[Vidd]

when i first saw it on engadget i thought it wasn't very good but now i love it....i used to hate that black boarder round it but now i think its cool, espiecally how it hides the iSight. i'm a big fan. plus, don't judge a book by t's cover....even if it's cover is smokin hot!!!!

People said that they hated the chin and the black border draws your eyes away from it while the iMac actually got thinner. You can't please everyone, it seems.
It's probably a lot cheaper for them to order 2 panels over 4.

 

[MonkeyHugger]

This thread is a perfect example of the, "how many forum users does it take to change a lightbulb" joke.

 

[twoodcc]

i think most of you have a biased opinion of glossy screens. i have a matte screen on my mbp right now, and my girlfriend has a glossy on her white macbook.

her screen looks great. mine does too.

i think ya'll need to go try one of the new iMacs out at an Apple store before you send stuff like this. and if you have bad eyesight, then you need to get glasses.

seriously, maybe the first glossy screens that came on PCs were bad, but i really think they have came a good ways. go try them out personally before bashing, please

 

[spac3man]

I guess people repeat themselves because they are angry. Considering Apples designs and there big step in every Mac generation, this new iMac took a weird turn.

Apple seemed to have tried to make a model thinner and more glamorous, which at the same time, starved her from nutrition and hence creating a lethargic bimbo. Well not exactly, the girl is still clever and slightly more clever than before. But she could have been more athletic if she put on some muscle. Than choosing Jessica Beil they chose Paris Hilton. They exchanged the white evening gown with business wear..where the shoes and the handbag don't match the dress and the shiny black sunglasses..I want to see her eyes.

So I want Jessica Beil without sunglasses please . Oh and what about that black pendent?

 

[ironjaw]

And I do mean you

You sir, need a life.

I love the new iMac. I went the an Apple reseller and saw it and I just have to say that I love it. They had the old imac and new imac side by side and I prefer the new design. Yes its hard getting used to but the more you work with the more you like it and eventually love it.

The keyboard is absolutely great. I was a bit worried about the design when I first saw it in the keynote but by seeing it live convinced me the design is perfect - its great to type on aswell. As to the wireless keyborad I will buy that for my mac mini that's hooked up to the hdtv, perfect match.

 

[MacVault]

Exactly!

I totally agree with the OP... not in that I don't like the glossy screen. I have a new MacBook witha glossy screen and really like it. But I HATE how Apple is deciding for us what we want and not giving us options. If Apple would do what they should and give us a headless Mac minitower option one could decide for themselves what type of screen they want... one could try out a glossy screen and then change it for a matt screen later on rather than have to change out the whole machine for a new one.

Steve Jobs thinks he's God... he decided for us that we all live in an "all-in-one-world", and apparently he decided for us that we all want a glossy screen.

This wouldn't be such an issue if Apple would allow Mac OS X to run on any Intel hardware. But Apple is just one huge control freek and wants to dictate everything to us.

 

[twoodcc]

I totally agree with the OP... not in that I don't like the glossy screen. I have a new MacBook witha glossy screen and really like it. But I HATE how Apple is deciding for us what we want and not giving us options. If Apple would do what they should and give us a headless Mac minitower option one could decide for themselves what type of screen they want... one could try out a glossy screen and then change it for a matt screen later on rather than have to change out the whole machine for a new one.

Steve Jobs thinks he's God... he decided for us that we all live in an "all-in-one-world", and apparently he decided for us that we all want a glossy screen.

This wouldn't be such an issue if Apple would allow Mac OS X to run on any Intel hardware. But Apple is just one huge control freek and wants to dictate everything to us.

well, you gotta admit that they do a good job at it. i bet you that everyone that says they hate the new iMac will love it in a month or two.

i'm telling you, you'll like whatever apple wants you to like.

 

[MacDawg]

Not sure what all the fuss is about...

Apple does listen to it's market base, just not necessarily to the vocal minority. If you go the Apple Store, which I do a good bit, you will find the "average" customer does not traffic in all of the opinions that are expressed here. To be sure, many on the forums are educated and advanced and have legitimate concerns, however Apple is in business to make money. That means they have to make choices from a business standpoint that we may not even understand. I do it all the time as a leader in major company. Those who work for me may have their concerns, and they may be legitimate, but they are not responsible for the big picture. It is easy for us to sit and describe what they SHOULD do, be we don't have to do the research, cost analysis, etc.

As far as Apple being controlling and not opening up to all Intel machines, headless Macs, etc., well, welcome to Apple. This is who they are and have been (except for the brief clone wars era). I for one like having Apple this way. It is what allows them to be who they are and not M$.

Change is never easy, and we are rarely satisfied with updates and upgrades. We crave more... bigger, faster, stronger, lighter, and so be it. But what we have is pretty darn good.

I opted to go with a laptop for many reasons, but the iMac is a great machine. If it were headless, there would be those who want it all inclusive. You can't please everyone, and to offer ever conceivable option is not practical from a business point of view, even though it is great for consumers.


Woof, Woof - Dawg

 

[FleurDuMal]

Don't you make your voice heard by not buying the machine. That is, after all, as a business, all Apple really cares about. If it sells badly, they'll make changes. If it sells well, they'll stick at it, regardless of what a few geeks shouting loudly say.

 

[sinser]

well, you gotta admit that they do a good job at it. i bet you that everyone that says they hate the new iMac will love it in a month or two.

i'm telling you, you'll like whatever apple wants you to like.

For example, I won't. I see that a lot of Mac fanatics are able to accept everything Mr. Jobs dictates, maybe they would even buy an empty box with an Apple logo on it, but I'm not one of them. On certain things the new iMac is disappointing, and nothing will convince me that a glossy display is a good feature. It can look attractive to a certain audience but it's not something useful for real work and its more fatiguing and unhealthy than a non reflective screen. Someone wrote here "your brain adjusts to it", which is something ridiculous.

 

[RRK]

Not sure what all the fuss is about...

Apple does listen to it's market base, just not necessarily to the vocal minority. If you go the Apple Store, which I do a good bit, you will find the "average" customer does not traffic in all of the opinions that are expressed here. To be sure, many on the forums are educated and advanced and have legitimate concerns, however Apple is in business to make money. That means they have to make choices from a business standpoint that we may not even understand. I do it all the time as a leader in major company. Those who work for me may have their concerns, and they may be legitimate, but they are not responsible for the big picture. It is easy for us to sit and describe what they SHOULD do, be we don't have to do the research, cost analysis, etc.

As far as Apple being controlling and not opening up to all Intel machines, headless Macs, etc., well, welcome to Apple. This is who they are and have been (except for the brief clone wars era). I for one like having Apple this way. It is what allows them to be who they are and not M$.

Change is never easy, and we are rarely satisfied with updates and upgrades. We crave more... bigger, faster, stronger, lighter, and so be it. But what we have is pretty darn good.

I opted to go with a laptop for many reasons, but the iMac is a great machine. If it were headless, there would be those who want it all inclusive. You can't please everyone, and to offer ever conceivable option is not practical from a business point of view, even though it is great for consumers.


Woof, Woof - Dawg

Great post. I would like to point out the part where you are talking about Apple's approach to product control being a key difference between Apple and Microsoft. This is very important. Jobs quoted Alan Kay who said "People who are really serious about software should make their own hardware." Its not like Microsoft doesn't hire good people they just have a much harder time making software because they don't control the hardware. You could also say that while Apple is "serious about software", Microsoft is serious about dominating the market.