Why no *dedicated* graphics for the base-line iMac?

[Karvel]

Hello,

I bought my 17" iMac in early 2006 (the base model) and it came with 128MB X1600 graphics, which I understand is dedicated graphics. Why does the base iMac only feature the 9400M, with a price hike to the second model needed to actually have an iMac with actual dedicated graphics? It seems a shame!

 

[tuna]

Hello,

I bought my 17" iMac in early 2006 (the base model) and it came with 128MB X1600 graphics, which I understand is dedicated graphics. Why does the base iMac only feature the 9400M, with a price hike to the second model needed to actually have an iMac with actual dedicated graphics? It seems a shame!

From a business perspective, most likely so that they can market an entry level price at lower margins than they'd like, knowing that most people will end up buying a higher end model, or if not, that they will be back for a new computer in a couple years when a slight increase in graphics demands makes the base iMac useless because the 9400M was already struggling just to be able to output at 1920x1080p resolution at all.

 

[Hellhammer]

All manufacturers are moving towards integrated GPUs because they are cheaper. Integrated GPUs aren't bad, in fact, they are more than fine for most people. 9400M can handle dual 1920x1200 just fine

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Hello,

I bought my 17" iMac in early 2006 (the base model) and it came with 128MB X1600 graphics, which I understand is dedicated graphics. Why does the base iMac only feature the 9400M, with a price hike to the second model needed to actually have an iMac with actual dedicated graphics? It seems a shame!

Two reasons:

1. The iMac 21.5" casing isn't large enough for the heat dissipation, whereas the 9400 is low powered and cool.

2. Having high-end graphics in the low-end product would cannibalise sales of the more expensive iMacs.

 

[flopticalcube]

1. The iMac 21.5" casing isn't large enough for the heat dissipation, whereas the 9400 is low powered and cool.

Not true. The 4670 is offered in the 21.5" form factor. Truth is, many people don't need it for what they do so why should they have to pay more for it?