Apple polishes its desktop line
Related coverage:
• Apple overhauls iMacs, 24-inch models more affordable
• Apple finally refreshes Mac Mini with updated specs
Updated 8:25 a.m. PST with analyst note.
As expected, Apple announced desktop updates on Tuesday with a focus on energy efficiency.
There are new Mac Pro high-end desktops powered by Intel's Nehalem-based Xeon processors, new and more graphics-intensive Mac Mini machines, and updated iMacs that offer the lowest price yet on these consumer desktops.
Here are the new ports on the updated Mac Mini.
(Credit: Apple)All the new machines meet the requirements for Energy Star 5.0 certification, which kicks in this summer.
The new Mac Pro is priced at $2,499 for the quad-core version and at $3,299 for the eight-core version, with the Nehalem-based Xeon processors running at up to 2.93 GHz. The interior of the machine has been cleaned up to make physical expansions easier.
The new iMac all-in-one desktop offers a 24-inch screen and is priced at $1,499, the cost of Apple's previous 20-inch iMac. The 20-inch model now costs $1,199.
The 20-inch version comes with a 2.66 GHz processor, a 320GB hard drive, and 2GB of RAM expandable to 8GB. The 24-inch model offers processor speed options of 2.66 GHz, 2.93 GHz (for $1,799), or 3.02 GHz (for $2,199). The 24-incher comes with a 640GB hard drive and 4GB of RAM expandable to 8GB.
As for the new Mac Mini, the big upgrade: the Nvidia GeForce 9400M integrated graphics chip, which Apple says will improve graphics performance as much as fivefold. The machine (sans a monitor) costs $599 for a lower-end edition (1GB RAM, 120GB hard drive) or $799 for the higher-end (2GB RAM, 320GB hard drive).
The Mac Mini is the "world's most energy efficient desktop computer," Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook claimed in a statement. Cook is currently at the helm of the company while CEO Steve Jobs is out for six months for health reasons.
Analyst Maynard Um at UBS offered this assessment of Tuesday's news:
Not surprisingly, Apple unveiled a much anticipated refresh to its desktop line, though the timing was earlier than we expected. Updated iMac & Mac mini are available immediately with the new Mac Pro available next week. Though the new Macs may provide some boost to end of qtr Mac units (enthusiasts and reseller channel), investors may have been hoping for greater price cuts at the low end.
Rumors of new Apple desktop computers were first reported at AppleInsider.
Caroline McCarthy, a CNET News staff writer, is a downtown Manhattanite happily addicted to social-media tools and restaurant blogs. Her pre-CNET resume includes interning at an IT security firm and brewing cappuccinos. E-mail Caroline. 
On a side note I wonder if Apple sells sales info since it would fetch a nice price. Lots of companies would love to know who spends $1,500+ bucks on a PC in this recession so they can market them more expensive toys.
I've been very impressed by the performance of the 9400M in my macbook !
it surprisingly can play even crysis at low fps on bootcamp !
but ya for 1500$ I'd expect better atleast a 9600m
Doesn't matter they still overcharge for it
The average consumer doesn't know how to pull out ram or a harddrive and is most likely not going to learn how.
So they're still overpriced.
C2D --> Inexpensive, older, greater profitability & reliability.
Sure, it may be marked as "Xeon", but it is a Nehalem, just the same. It is essentially a core i7 which has been rebranded. They are using the same architecture, and, at least on the quad core one, the same number of cores. The 8-core is actually better for multitasking than a standard core i7. Can you imagine 16 threaded apps running at once (8 hyperthreading cores=8x2=16 threads)
@ timber
Core 2 Duo processors do offer greater performance when not multitasking, in some cases. There are 3.33 GhZ Core 2 Duo's, while i7 only goes up to 3.2. There is no real difference in reliability, and the i7's do overclock better.
I think the updates overall are pretty good. Apple has moved it's entire line to use DDR3 and has moved away from Intel's poor GMA series IGPs. Still, I can't help but feel these systems are lacking something. Apple really needs to get a Blu-ray drive in something, regardless of whether they think it's a "world of hurt" or not.
uhhh, i7 is a consumer CPU, the lowest end model falls right into the high end mid range category which Apple sells the iMac to
the reason i7 isn't the the iMac is its 130watt tdp, way too hot and power consuming for an all in one
technically the i7 is not a viable chipset for Apple when Xeon's will still blow the i7 away on the shorter pipeline stages and more stable n faster Fpu's
you can it has mini-display port so a adaptor will cost you 20$ extra
and macs never competed on Price, it's all about OSX and build quality
not to mention reliability and re-sale value
I don't know how much that dell will be in another 2 yrs
but I'm petty sure this Imac will sell in the 900+$ range
The display port is an output port or an input port.
If your previous computer is an iMac, then you cannot connect your new iMac to the old one to use as a dual monitor. Basically, you will have to throw away your old one (the whole all-in-one thing). Even though apple says their computer is green, I see it as tremendous waste because you cannot use your good old monitor from your previous iMac.
I wouldn't mind replacing my entire computer once a couple years, but I don't want to throw away my monitor once a couple years .... unless Apple offers a trade-in credit for old iMac (dreaming).
but I'm petty sure this Imac will sell in the 900+$ range"
And this is exactly why Apple has just a small slice of that computer market pie. Pushing 2 year old depreciated technology at 4 times its worth.
if your replacing a iMac how about selling it to someone else of ebay etc.
{you'd be surprised by how big the used Mac market is}
that way you're being 10 times more Environment friendly than Apple is !
why do you care? It's his money, it's what he wants to buy. Methinks the lady doth protest too much.
http://www.clamxav.com/
There were Macs in 1973?
If only that were the fact. The first virus was the Creeper virus on ARPAnet a few years before Macs even existed.
But NO, these guys are expecting us to buy sub par machine that are years behind performance wise ?!
They seem to forget that some people buy computers for work, where performance is crucial?!
I guess I'll have to stick with PCs for my business, as I wanted to finally switch to Macs, but since I can get a quad core machine for less than a grand, there's no justification for iMacs. I just don't get that Apple is to blind to see this.
Very very expensive.
Dell 24" with the same specs as the Apple monitor is $249.
Dell S2409W Full HD Monitor
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Monitors/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=320-7345
NEC ASLCD24WMCX-BK 24-inch Widescreen Black Flat Panel LCD Monitor with Height Adjustable Stand - $449.99
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Monitors/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A1274951
This same monitor was $419.99 on neweggs site.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824002359
[CNET editors' note: Prohibited content deleted.]
the quad GT120 isn't included in your $2600
if it was, I would be at the Apple store right now
It used to be the base model didn't burd dvds.
Now both "options" have the exact same upgrades available.
It is moderately flexible, but why have two "options" listed?
source:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/intel-atom-efficiency,2069-12.html
I wanted to replace my mac mini, but since I use Firewire quite a bit (sound applications) I will no longer be looking at mac for my new portable machines...
white macbook has firewire
and macbook pros have firewire
So plzz do more research
And who cares if mini-display port is better? I don't know a single person who has a monitor or television with mini-display port.
here's the link-:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10428&cs_id=1042802&p_id=5311&seq=1&format=2
I'll be getting mine soon, you should too if you have a HDTV !
The video is not the biggest problem. The problem is you cannot connect ur mini to the tv or receiver with a single HDMI for both video and audio. (but if they do have hdmi, they might as well get rid of the apple tv).
In my a case it's not a problem cause I don't have a fancy stereo
{plus I prefer the headphone jack to audio as it prevents other sources}
but yea I can see how it's a problem for many people !
Also, as many have already pointed out, superiority doesn't matter when nobody is using it.
the imac is fine feature and pricewise. the 24" model for $1500 is a great value. the mac pro is great value, too for a better price than before (and much cheaper than any windows workstation with the same features, a a comaparable dell workstation is around $1000 more).
i was hoping for an 1/2 TB time capsule though. 500 gb for $299 is a bit lame.
and as always: you get what you pay for.
all you featuritis people here please put a price tag to those "apple features" included for free:
- iLife multimedia software
- no need for antivirus software
- high quality built, made of aluminium and glass instead of glued plastic
- free support at your local genius bar
- longer average life cycle, lower support costs
- integrated backup-system amd one click file- and settings-transfer from your old computer to your new one
- and most important to me: total silence (my windows pc sounds as if there was a jet engine inside)
people just comparing feature-lists will never understand why there is so much value in owning a mac.
life is short, get a mac. ;-)
You really need the aluminum case for a desktop...since everyone needs a convenient way to send a message of "I don't like money."
I would personally say to anyone considering buying a Mac, buy one by all means, because they do look nice, but install a proper operating system on it, unless you want to have headaches. Windows 7 works nicely on them and unlike OS X, it just works without any messing about and you get many more features out of the box with Windows without having to PAY for and install 3rd party software, that due to the fragile nature of OS X and Apples API's often has a habit of screwing up the system.
As regards your comments about so called 'features':
iLife multimedia software
- Most of the iLife suite is poor and non-productive at best and Windows Live Essentials covers most of what is contained there and is free.
no need for antivirus software
- At this point in time, perhaps not. But then, if you have half a brain, there isn't any need on Windows Vista and above either.
high quality built, made of aluminium and glass instead of glued plastic
- Bit unfair really I think, if you buy a decent spec PC you will get a decent case with it, or you can procure your own case if so desired so thats another load of nonsense.
free support at your local genius bar
- Yes, and the funny thing is, I knew a couple of the so called 'geniuses' and in all reality, they don't know a lot about anything.
longer average life cycle, lower support costs
- Tell that to the G5 owners that leaked coolant over the inside of their £3000 mac and hosed it, normally within a few months of the warranty expiring. Apples build quality is no better than anyones and the only reason the life cycle is longer is because people hold onto them for longer because they are so expensive.
integrated backup-system amd one click file- and settings-transfer from your old computer to your new one
- Time machine isn't the best, it doesn't create a true image of your system, it actually misses quite a bit out when you restore it. One click transfer...well, it's certainly more than 1 and have you not heard of Windows Easy Transfer?
and most important to me: total silence (my windows pc sounds as if there was a jet engine inside)
- Trouble with that, I have a Mac Pro, in which the RAM and the Chipset run too hot in my opinion, therefore the fans need to be turned up so I don't end up with a dead box. Also, I have a Sun workstation sitting here that is quieter than the Mac because it has variable speed fans. It isn't hard to have.
All your arguments suck, sorry. Macs are still overpriced for what you get. It's not like you even get a decent operating system with them, which is why my Mac Pro runs Windows 7.
Life IS short, I agree with you there, don't restrict yourselves and give yourselves a headache, if you are getting a Mac, buy a copy of Windows to go with it...
I just checked out a dell studio hybrid aka dell's mini
it's still using intel graphics that r 5 times slower
no VGA support for my old monitor
mini-display and HDMI r the same thing
the dell has more ram (duh vista) and a slighly bigger HD at 160 GB
and costs 699$ the mini is 100$ less with more software bundled {iLife}
ability to run both OSX and Windows
not to mention higher resale value and build quality !
So plzz compare the similar systems and not a tower !
who buys dell towers n e way ? I build mine !
again show me something similar to a Mini not a tower
if I wanted a tower I can build mine with 3 times more performance then either the Dell or a Mini.
the mini is more like a compact HTPC for me
also OSX is better than Vista for HTPC purposes
and
also it's perfect for 80% of consumers IMO
don't be fooled by the specs OSX is not as bloated as Vista is
so it doesn't need 4 gb of ram or faster processors to multi-task
and it can do everything a average consumer expects of a computer
plus OSX is easier for newbie's and less tech savvy people too
"not much larger" Hmmm
me thinks you need glasses !
the studio slim is a pathetic excuse for a desktop
it's neither small enough to keep in the living room
nor is it powerful enough to replace my desktop
I have zero use for it plus it looks ugly,
seriously wat were the Dell designers thinking ?
Also dusty, an entertainment PC that doesn't play blu-ray and comes with awful laptop GPU? A PS3 is a better match for that and costs $399. Be honest, the Mac Mini is good for very few things.
only the graphic cards r not , but then again so are Dells and Hp's all in ones
and people don't buy Macs for gaming n e way
and again plzz find me something similar to a Mac mini
at a better price point !
be it the Dell Xps one or the HP touchsmart
iMacs r no exception !
as for the Mini see my post above !
ok lets do a comparison shall we
comparing it to a dell studio hybrid it's first of 100$ cheaper
2nd it has nvidia graphics that smokes the dell's intel
next it runs OSX my preferred OS of choice and can also run windows if I ever need to , it also ships with iLife which to me is almost essential
on top of that it can drive dual displays which is perfect for me
the only trade off is the HD space {but I already have 1TB external drive}
the ram hardly makes a difference cause even with 1 GB OSX is plenty fast
apart from all this it's the still one of the smallest computers in the world
perfect for my living room as a HTPC
also I'm guaranteed good customer service
which I'm sorry to say dell doesn't have !
and to end it all I'm guaranteed a resale value of 300-400$ in 2yrs time
So I ended up spending 300$ for 2 yrs of use saving about 400$
by not choosing Dell
So if saving money is wat it means to be a snob does, then that's fine !
and as far as yr dell studio 15 goes thats good for you if it fits yr needs
and u did your research !
but for me I always end up saving more buying from Apple !
So I'll continue being a snob if it means saving those 100s of dollars
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10428&cs_id=1042802&p_id=5311&seq=1&format=2
but if you really need bluray then it's better to build a HTPC yrself
BTW HD videos play fine in my macbook so mini should do just fine !
How do you play them? If it's a ripped file or a movie without copy protection, it will play. However, if you try to play a BR encrypted movie (99% of them are) from a BR disc, the MAC OS X will not play at 1080p. In order to do that, the drive, operating system, video card, sound card and monitor must all support the encryption standards otherwise only a lower resolution, when available, will play.
just clips of the web
I haven't jumped on the bluray bandwagon yet
I need a decent plasma first !
It connects to both my iMac and my (black) Macbook just fine.
Today, if you buy a Macbook, Firewire 400 is not an option.
Today, if you buy a Mac Mini, Firewire 400 is not an option.
These new computers don't have the same ports anymore!
Wake up, Apple!
We want compatibility back !!
firewire 800 to 400 adapters r widely available
I wish people would do more research and drop the firewire rants
it's getting old and annoying !
if yr looking for firewire in a Macbook the updated white macbook has one
with macs
you pay for the name
you pay for OSX which is far worth it
you pay for quality
if u just need a cheap pc to do stuff great
but if u would like a more expensive stable , better quailty machine
you can get a dell with the same / more tech spec ... for about same price
but the quailty is wat i want an why im going mac,
i got a gateway and had so much trouble with it
3 hard drives, 2 mother boards , fan, cd drive, keys fell off, touchpad,
machine replaced 3 times.
no joke i can send you the geek squad / gateway repair papers. lol
so i was considering a Dell with XP but the xps only has vista that i know of, vista is ok, i prefer xp , read some reviews an some of the a lot people complained about
turned me to a macbook / pro ...
been doing research bout OSX an been using it a when ever i get to a store...
so im a mac
"you pay for the name" - can we say snob?
"better quality machine" - no, just higher specs, but the same brand components used in PC's.
Don't beleive me? Ok, open up that mac and tell me who makes the hard drive? Who makes the optical drive? Who makes the memory and graphics chip? Don't confuse higher specifications with quality.
I looked, the hard drive is labeled with an apple symbol, the memory is labeled with an apple symbol, the optical drive was labeled with an apple symbol. I bet they are just rebranded regular parts. However apple does make the motherboard. The mother board and os would be the main part of machine reliebiltiy. You s
haha, nice,
"the mother board and os would be the main part of machine reliebiltiy"
thats true.
Still, never mind.
I never said anything about Mac OS X being superior. Since you brought it up what is better? An os that gets updated frequently or one that does not?
Also yes apple does manufacture the motherboards. Almost all laptop boards are custom designed, also any one that has special form factor (all in one, mini) and ones requiring advanced specification. (find me a motherboard from any manufacturer besides apple, that supports 2 intel core i7 processors and 32 gb of ddr3 ram?
Anyways, I'll show my logic.
Ok so the part of a computer that breaks the most often is the hard drive. Any one want to argue that? If an O.S. loads everything into the ram then the hard drive has less reads and writes extending the lifespan. If the processor is not stressed as much it too will have a longer lifespan, same with all peices of hardware in a computer.
The motherboard would also matter, because of its relieability and how much voltage it spits into the rest of the hardware, also how it controls cooling.
1st post. Sorry about typo at end. I am still getting used to this dare.
- by faboumen March 3, 2009 11:50 AM PST
- I'm simply baffled by the lack of UPNP support on the Time Capsule. Apple prides itself with media content and completely fails to deliver on that front.
- Like this Reply to this comment
-
Showing 1 of 3 pages (172 Comments)