Why are people so mad about the new iMac?

[macguru9999]

I think the chain of design mis-hits make people nervous and question their attachment to apple, despite the obvious advantages of macos that is the real reason we are attached in the first place .....
1. A mouse that you have to turn over to charge
2. laptops with only 2 ports that need lots of dongles
3. a low end imac 24 with no ethernet port (and only 2 ports)
4. a 3 tone imac with a white border when everyone wants a space grey with a black border
5. silly colours that are unnecessary and complicate the supply chain
6. inadequate internal storage for videos and photo albums on the standard models sold in the retail sector.
7 a ridiculously expensive mac pro that is outdated almost as soon as its launched
8. mac models that cannot be upgraded or repaired.
9 a mac/ipad convergence in features and software (big sur/ios) despite continual denial.

WTF ??

 

[theluggage]

But I think it's exaggerated. The main reason being: it's a product for the average customer, not the pro ones!

The problem is that we still haven’t seen what Apple Silicon is going to offer the pro/prosumer customer - the M1 machines may offer enough raw CPU/GPU grunt to extend what you can do with an entry-level machine and even give the current Intel i7, i9/dGPU Macs a run for their money - but they don’t cut the mustard in terms of things like RAM and external display support. What we really want to see now are the “Pro” Apple Silicon Macs that thrash the current 5k iMac, 16“ MBP etc. by the same sort of margin as the M1 thrashes the old Air etc. The M1 iMac just boils down too the M1 in a different box, with the same limitations as the other M1 machines.

In short, the M1 iMac may make perfect sense when we can sit back and see how it fits in the entire Apple Silicon line up, but at the moment people are trying to extrapolate the entire range from the M1 iMac (which is actually the first from-the-ground-up Apple Silicon design, not based on an existing chassis)... and what people are seeing is a lot of form-over-function, artificial port rationing and echo-chamber design that will hopefully not carry over to higher-end Macs.

 

[agregson]

Ive used iMacs since the first. Always like the all in one - power cable and not much else needed on recent models. I have 2017 5k with 1TB and 32GB. Works well and one cable for most of my use.

The new design has plus and minus for me. Overall I prefer the older iMac look. I really don’t like idea of power brick and ports in brick. The bezels are a bit naff. Ports not such an issue as a decent TB4 hub will work.

I don‘t like the keyboard. Layout “ok”. recent Apple keyboards have not held up well against the best from Logitech which feel better to me, offer more tactile feedback without being too clicks and have adaptive backlight, can connect to multiple devices (iMac, iPad and Windows), support flow across Windows and mac - and still cost less than Apple.

Not too keen on trackpad though I do use it for gestures. Logitech MX Master and Anywhere can do this a little better and support the flow system with multi-device pairing and still cost less.

Touch ID does not work reliably for me as I have circulation and dry hand issues. On iPhone and iPad it was a nightmare. FaceID fixed all that. Why we cannot have Face login is beyond me given there is a webcam and all sorts of coprocessor. My Windows 10 machine can manage it (and also has a much more reliable third party finger reader). I just hope unlock with watch continues to work.

Processor and memory is a bit under powered for the price though I accept it is a consumer rather than a proSumer.

I am sure monitor will be very nice though - it is the standout feature on my 5k iMac and hard to replicate though higher end Dell and LG do come close.

Given the move to modular I just wish Apple would offer a proper monitor for modular approach. I loved the old Cinema Displays. Surely a monitor in a very thing iPad type design with power and data over TB4 cable and some “downstream” ports could be achieved. Then choose a processor brick such as mini or even minimise this further with external power if possible - a super mini is something I would accept a power brick for.

I tried the M1 Mini and had to send it back - wake from sleep issues on Bluetooth though replacing Apple key/mouse with Logitech and unifying receiver solved this and monitor not waking from sleep reliably (tried several).

Another issue is the cost of storage and memory. This is 2021 and the prices for flash and memory is extortionate. I bought a 1TB NVMe Samsung 970 for Windows and it flies at well over 2GB/s - it cost £110. Memory is way cheaper than Apple costs. Plus I cannot upgrade or repair anything.

Dell have an interesting design on their all in one workstaions. Mix and match modular components - stand, monitor, processor and so on. It is a nice idea and one that Apple could make work very well. The components can be upgraded or changed and even the internals can be changed (change out storage and memory). Dell also offer on-site repair and warranty often in the process. I priced one up and a high end Dell with 4K, 1TB, 32GB, high end processor and on-site warranty was less than cost of the “mid” iMac 24.

I am not sure what to do. Would love to go ARM but not sure how. Mini didn’t work for me. 24” iMac is not for me. I am sure the future “pro” iMac will be expensive even if it does fit my needs.

I want to like the iMac. I want to buy the iMac. I have used iMac for >20 years. I just feel a little lost for a future option now. Surely I will not start looking elesewhere?

 

[oldmacs]

d my "obsolete drain" is going to be at least 7 years long!!

I doubt it will be 7 years. Apple turned around and cut support for PPC Macs 3 years after the transition.

 

[jeyf]

medium quality hardware in a premium market
go figure bobtcha will buy it

 

[SuperMatt]

I'm fine with all these color options, really. Whatever floats anyones boat..
But dear lord, just offer a grey/black version with black bezels for the average Joe.

"Oh, but you probably will get your space grey version with black bezels because they most certainly make a "Pro" model"

No, screw that. Why would you have to pay premium price for something that is considered standard?
I bet percentage wise, 80% of the people would still want a silver/grey or black version instead of these fancy colours, 95% would chose black bezels.. You know, these things aren't usually so colourful for a reason, it distracts from the actual content....

Putting that aside, why put that standard color option behind a pay wall? I consider it an ugly move.

If anybody wants the same old boring colors that every single other computer and monitor maker offer, they can buy from any of them.

I would gladly put down money on your bet that 95% want (or even care about) black bezels.

If you want boring, these aren’t for you. Sorry to tell you, but 95% of people don’t agree with you just because you threw that number out there.

Your definition of the “average joe” is just your opinion of what you think others would like, and that in turn appears to be heavily biased towards your personal opinions.

 

[SuperMatt]

I'm not mad about the new iMac, just disappointed. Apple seems to be making no effort to continue on with their innovative, game changing approaches when it comes to their line of computers. I'm currently running from a 27" Late 2012 iMac and see no need to make an upgrade until we have the following provided in a new iMac:

1. An M1 processor that is more powerful than their entry level desktop Mac Mini ( they could have at least provided an M1X processor like others have listed).
2. More storage, seriously 256GB is pitiful and the 512GB on the top tier is just as harsh. For the amount of dough being paid out for one of these machines the baseline should at least come standard with 512GB and the top tier model with 1TB of SSD storage and have the option to expand up to at least 4TB without spending another $1000+ for it.
3. More memory. Again a minimum of 8GB provided with the option to expand up to 16GB. That could be fine for the baseline model but for the top tier we should have seen 16GB as the minimum and have the ability to expand up to at least 32GB or 64GB. Also sucks that Apple has opted to go back to the method of not allowing their customers to upgrade memory themselves, certainly doesn't look like the machine can be opened up without voiding warranty.
4. 1080p Camera. They literally just got to this point and it is years behind the times. You are offering a 4.5K retina display on this machine, the least they could offer is a camera that supports 4K imaging.
5. No Ethernet Port on the baseline!? Really? This is a baseline standard item that should be included on EVERY computer. Why has Apple also abandoned the 10GB Ethernet Port as an option for the Top Tier model? That would at least provide some future proofing on the machine... but hey I guess they expect us to afford to buy a $1700 machine every year. But wait, they just added this as an option to the Mac Mini... makes no sense at all.
6. The dongles... The dongles...

Hopefully we will see some improvements down the road with the iMac but I am seeing nothing new or innovative with this new release. All I see is an attempt to take inspiration from all iMac models of the past and combine them into the new look they have today. They certainly sold a Purple color model on my wife.

You have a 27” iMac. If you like that form factor, you’re not the target customer for this. And anybody complaining about dongles in 2021 apparently missed years 1998-2020 when it comes to Apple and ditching legacy ports.

You know you can get it with up to 2TB of storage, right? And again, this is the low-end iMac (21 inch) replacement. It’s not meant to compete with the 27” with its larger RAM ceiling.

Not sure who needs a 4K camera on the front of their iMac…

 

[SuperMatt]

The reason I'm mad is that I don't want to spend a fortune and get a humongous iMac just to get black bezels. It pains me because the 24-inch size is perfect for me.

What is this obsession on the MR forums with bezels? Almost 50% of comments are about black or white bezels. Seriously? I honestly don’t get it.

 

[SuperMatt]

Thanks: but if I buy another M1 Mac, I’d prefer good speakers, microphones and a new cooling system instead.

Sorry, why do you need a new cooling system? I know a number of developers running their M1 MBPs pretty hard and they say the fans almost never come on. Thee chips are very efficient; they’re not Intel desktop chips that need massive cooling.

 

[SuperMatt]

I think the chain of design mis-hits make people nervous and question their attachment to apple, despite the obvious advantages of macos that is the real reason we are attached in the first place .....
1. A mouse that you have to turn over to charge
2. laptops with only 2 ports that need lots of dongles
3. a low end imac 24 with no ethernet port (and only 2 ports)
4. a 3 tone imac with a white border when everyone wants a space grey with a black border
5. silly colours that are unnecessary and complicate the supply chain
6. inadequate internal storage for videos and photo albums on the standard models sold in the retail sector.
7 a ridiculously expensive mac pro that is outdated almost as soon as its launched
8. mac models that cannot be upgraded or repaired.
9 a mac/ipad convergence in features and software (big sur/ios) despite continual denial.

WTF ??

Thankfully, Apple figured out decades ago they should ignore these types of complaints and focus on what most customers really care about. That’s why they are a $2 trillion company.

 

[Fishrrman]

I don't see why folks are miffed by the "power brick".

There's going to be a power cable to plug into the wall anyway. So what if there's a small box attached to it?

Other reasons why the external power brick is superior:
- LESS HEAT inside the iMac. Who doesn't want that?
- Having an external power supply removes an important "failure point" inside the iMac. If there are "power supply problems", no need to open the case -- just swap out the power cord.

I'd prefer an external power brick for the Mini as well, for the same reasons...

 

[kazmac]

Sorry, why do you need a new cooling system? I know a number of developers running their M1 MBPs pretty hard and they say the fans almost never come on. Thee chips are very efficient; they’re not Intel desktop chips that need massive cooling.

I think it’s wonderful people can push these machines pretty hard.

My M1 MBP fans have kicked in with video transfers and such (Not conversions). Odd considering it’s not doing anything near heavy lifting and the MBP is on a laptop stand for airflow. The battery life isn’t great either. Not here to crank on the previously released M1 machines, my experience has been a bit wonky and I get that. Am skittish about the Mini given reported issues, so I’ve side stepped it.

In regard to the new iMac cooling system though, this was more about replacing my 2013” iMac. That iMac Pro light cooling system in the 24” is very encouraging and smart.

I am a desktop person who uses iPads, this experience just proved it without any doubt.🙂

 

[SuperMatt]

I think it’s wonderful people can push these machines pretty hard.

My M1 MBP fans have kicked in with video transfers and such (Not conversions). Odd considering it’s not doing anything near heavy lifting and the MBP is on a laptop stand for airflow. The battery life isn’t great either. Not here to crank on the previously released M1 machines, my experience has been a bit wonky and I get that. Am skittish about the Mini given reported issues, so I’ve side stepped it.

In regard to the new iMac cooling system though, this was more about replacing my 2013” iMac. That iMac Pro light cooling system in the 24” is very encouraging and smart.

I am a desktop person who uses iPads, this experience just proved it without any doubt.🙂

Thanks for the info. Sounds like the data I/O is causing it to heat up more than its processor. That’s good to know.

 

[Bodhitree]

Now that the dust has settled, I’m coming around to these new iMacs, I have to say. I actually like the colours and the white bezels, I think it suits the desktop and the content I’m likely to have on it more than a black bezel.

Technically, the M1 is fast enough to do most things, and the number of ports is acceptable. 256 gb of storage is a bit anemic, considering that my 2011 13” MacBook Air came with that much, but it’s not unexpected given where the iMacs were at before.

All things considered a large part of what you are paying for is that 4.5K screen. There are a lot of nice-to-have things in the package, like decent speakers, the mic’s, the camera, the mouse and keyboard, it’s all stuff you’d have to buy seperately if you were going for a Mac Mini.

You could say it is not a pro machine, but I think that is selling it short. It can compile a million line C++ codebase in 5 minutes and people use these machines to create serious video content. I can see a lot of these machines being used in graphic design departments, as well as in the home.

 

[satchmo]

Because THEY didn’t get what THEY wanted.
I recognize we all have differing opinions, but some don’t seem to understand what civil discourse is.
Remember, when someone disagrees with you (respectfully), it’s okay. You don’t know them from Jack.

If anything, open your mind (and ears) and listen to what they’re saying. You might a) learn something new and b) be convinced or c) just agree to disagree.

 

[TheTrueZoltan!]

#whitebezelgate

 

[MacMediaNet]

Why are people so mad about the new iMac?​

Simple answer: Because the new iMac is ugly.

 

[AVonGauss]

Deleted.

 

[SuperMatt]

Why are people so mad about the new iMac?​

Simple answer: Because the new iMac is ugly.

The new iMac is not ugly.

 

[itickings]

The new iMac is not ugly.

No, it is not.

Maybe the new iMac makes some people look ugly in comparison, and that’s why they are so mad?

 

[hagjohn]

If I understand correctly, they didn't want that because of the heat from the screen.

https://imgur.com/jFKSkwl

And they don't have these issues with the iPad?

 

[hans1972]

I'm not mad.

I just think that while the design is great, some details ruin it.
- The lack of Apple logo
- The white bezels
- The lack of SD card reader

But I understand this is an entry level imac. I wouldn't buy it anyway. And I'm sure Apple will improve the next 27" or whatever inches, with nicer design details, more ports, and a decent colour.

I have never understood why the Apple logo is so important. Lots of people complained when Apple stopped shining light through the logo on the notebooks.

The design itself makes everyone knows it is a Mac.

 

[hans1972]

There are entry-level iMacs, but the iMac is also Apple's "enthusiast" line, containing the most powerful systems you can get before shelling out major money for the Mac Pro. Maybe this is Apple's entry-level iMac replacement, but it has the same core system options and even the same limited number of ports as on the other systems. Whether it's a Mac mini, a MacBook (with some slight variations there), or now the iMac, you're basically getting the exact same thing, just in a different form factor. There's a certain beauty in that, but those of us who find the current offerings limiting are hoping for more.

Shouldn't you compare it to what it replaces?

3.0 GHZ Core i3 (8th generation), 1Tb 5400 ROM HDD with AMD Radeon Pro 555X.

Except for the number of ports and max RAM everything seems better with the new one.

 

[opeter]

And they don't have these issues with the iPad?

Good question.

 

[Squillace]

I have never understood why the Apple logo is so important. Lots of people complained when Apple stopped shining light through the logo on the notebooks.

The design itself makes everyone knows it is a Mac.

It's not about the logo itself. It's about the fact that, without it, the chin looks incredibly empty and feels wrong. At least in the previous designs the logo balanced everything a bit.
I have a pair of AirPods Max, which don't have any visible Apple logo, and I'm fine with it.