The new iMac

[radiantm3]

- 27" LED Display running at 2560x1440
- 2.8GHz quad-core Intel Core i7
- ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics processor with 512MB of GDDR3 memory (not bad)
- Upgradable to 16gb of memory
- Can also be used as an external display

I really hate having 2 computers (I work on a laptop), but this machine is so tempting.

[MetsFan]

Figures... Just bought a 24" imac this summer.

[escobar929]

i was really hoping for it to include blue-ray and there were lots of rumors saying it would

im gonna hold out till the begining of next year but this new iMac is a must, specially w/ the core i7

plus my macbook pro is two years old, its time it gets a big brother to take the load off of it


and the new mouse OMG OMG OMG its so awesome!

beats the hell out of my mighty mouse and thats stupid ball that doesnt wanna scroll every other day

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by escobar929

i was really hoping for it to include blue-ray and there were lots of rumors saying it would

im gonna hold out till the begining of next year but this new iMac is a must, specially w/ the core i7

plus my macbook pro is two years old, its time it gets a big brother to take the load off of it


and the new mouse OMG OMG OMG its so awesome!

beats the hell out of my mighty mouse and thats stupid ball that doesnt wanna scroll every other day

Yea, one site did a tear down and said there was space for the blu-ray drive. I'm betting it will show up in the next minor revision.

[UltimateBMW]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

- 27" LED Display running at 2560x1440
- 2.8GHz quad-core Intel Core i7
- ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics processor with 512MB of GDDR3 memory (not bad)
- Upgradable to 16gb of memory
- Can also be used as an external display

I really hate having 2 computers (I work on a laptop), but this machine is so tempting.

The stock CPU on that is a 2.66GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5. To get the 2.8 i7 is an extra $200. I have to ask, just looking at the components listed, is it really worth $2199? ($1999+$200 for that CPU upgrade) You can build the same system for around $1000 as a PC. Include a monitor and you'll be sitting pretty max at $1500. Since all the parts look like PC hardware, your paying like $600 for OSX or whatever it comes with. I get that mac poeple like the styling and such. But I don't see how it is feasible to try to buy a Mac for power.

Roughly with double the memory (8gb):

[InsaneSkippy]

But, that build won't come with the hip Apple logo sticker! How will people know what kind of computer you have?!?!

[MetsFan]

Some people also like the all in one feature. All you have is a monitor, wireless keyboard and mouse, and only one cable to plug in for power. Speakers sound fantastic on my imac and don't really need to add speakers to the set up. Add to that the customer service at the Genius Bar even after warranty, and you can't beat it.

Don't get me wrong, I also have a core 2 quad rig I built for pc gaming, which came in at around $700.

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by UltimateBMW

The stock CPU on that is a 2.66GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5. To get the 2.8 i7 is an extra $200. I have to ask, just looking at the components listed, is it really worth $2199? ($1999+$200 for that CPU upgrade) You can build the same system for around $1000 as a PC. Include a monitor and you'll be sitting pretty max at $1500. Since all the parts look like PC hardware, your paying like $600 for OSX or whatever it comes with. I get that mac poeple like the styling and such. But I don't see how it is feasible to try to buy a Mac for power.

Roughly with double the memory (8gb):
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/7918/testtttt.jpg

If you just look at hardware specs, you aren't the right buyer in the first place. I run windows for games only. Mac OSX is my OS of choice and price savings won't ever change that. I've built my own PC's for about 8 years prior to moving to the mac platform. I'm well aware of the premium price. But as someone who has been using both platforms for many years, paying more for a mac is worth it for me. And no, I don't expect you to understand it.

[UltimateBMW]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

If you just look at hardware specs, you aren't the right buyer in the first place. I run windows for games only. Mac OSX is my OS of choice and price savings won't ever change that. I've built my own PC's for about 8 years prior to moving to the mac platform. I'm well aware of the premium price. But as someone who has been using both platforms for many years, paying more for a mac is worth it for me. And no, I don't expect you to understand it.

I am not a buyer of their's at all. So I think your sense of high self satisfaction is a bit wasted on me. I was just curious what the appeal was.

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by UltimateBMW

I am not a buyer of their's at all. So I think your sense of high self satisfaction is a bit wasted on me.

People think the same about those who pay premium for BMW's. But you may not realize that I am a user experience/interface designer by trade. So I see software different than most people. Windows has gotten a lot better in the years, but still doesn't come close to Mac OSX. Don't assume every mac user is just a blind bandwagon fanboy. It has nothing to do with the badge. But if that's the only way you can rationalize people preferring macs, that's not my problem.

Don't forget that the 27" imac has a 2560x1440 resolution and an LED backlight. Find a display with that kind of pixel density while building your comparable PC. Price isn't that far off IMO.

[UltimateBMW]

I don't recall mentioning any of those things you have listed in the first paragraph there.

The monitor is a valid point and sounds intriguing. Do you know what type of panel it is?

Also, I am a mechanical engineer with a dual degree in design and innovation. Don't think that just cause I question a products appeal that I am hating on it's consumers.

[UltimateBMW]

Apparently those 27" iMac monitors are IPS panels. Top grade indeed. So thats worth at minimum $500. I know NEC IPS displays that cost upwards of $1200. Depending on some of the software configurations.

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by UltimateBMW

I don't recall mentioning any of those things you have listed in the first paragraph there.

The monitor is a valid point and sounds intriguing. Do you know what type of panel it is?

Also, I am a mechanical engineer with a dual degree in design and innovation. Don't think that just cause I question a products appeal that I am hating on it's consumers.

Well it seems like you are questioning it's appeal based on hardware alone. If people paid more just for the way the hardware looks, then I would agree with you completely. The hardware design is just icing on the cake. It's all about the software and its close integration with its hardware. And you won't understand this by playing with a mac at the Apple store for 5 minutes.

When I bought my first mac 7-8 years ago, it took me about 8 months of use before I really started to understand why people pay a premium for macs.

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by UltimateBMW

Apparently those 27" iMac monitors are IPS panels. Top grade indeed. So thats worth at minimum $500. I know NEC IPS displays that cost upwards of $1200. Depending on some of the software configurations.

Add the fact that you can dual boot windows 7 on them. How is that not a good purchase? (assuming you are willing to spend 2 grand on a computer)

[xbook]

Originally Posted by UltimateBMW

I am not a buyer of their's at all. So I think your sense of high self satisfaction is a bit wasted on me. I was just curious what the appeal was.

Wow, talk about the pot calling the kettle black. That is one SMUG statement. That and your link earlier to the individual parts.

Personally these new iMacs are RIGHTEOUS. I would love to grab one to run Protools, but I really need the internal drive bays and the PCI slots.

edit: And also, UltimateBMW, this is a new iMac thread. Why come in here talking 'bout windoze? It's a losing battle and all you are trying to do is the same ol' OS flame war. Go troll elsewhere.

[.:bHd:.]

Originally Posted by UltimateBMW

The stock CPU on that is a 2.66GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5. To get the 2.8 i7 is an extra $200. I have to ask, just looking at the components listed, is it really worth $2199? ($1999+$200 for that CPU upgrade) You can build the same system for around $1000 as a PC. Include a monitor and you'll be sitting pretty max at $1500. Since all the parts look like PC hardware, your paying like $600 for OSX or whatever it comes with. I get that mac poeple like the styling and such. But I don't see how it is feasible to try to buy a Mac for power.

Roughly with double the memory (8gb):

Thats the same thing as saying can't you just buy and tune up an evo and get the same performance as an M3 for cheaper. You can but it's a totally different experience.

[JME]

Building your own computer is one thing. Oh, and I highly recommend you don't power that i7 and a decent video card on a 350 Watt power supply. That is the worst case of "oh, I'll find the least expensive shit on newegg" that I have ever seen.

If you want to do a comparison, look up Dell. The most accurate comparison I can build on Dell's website (including a 27 inch monitor) is 40 dollars more than the Mac. Add to that the form factor and you have a great deal.

As someone who owns both, I can list pro's and cons of both. However, I think the price is very reasonable, and probably more than reasonable considering how valuable my desk space is.

[UltimateBMW]

Originally Posted by xbook

Wow, talk about the pot calling the kettle black. That is one SMUG statement. That and your link earlier to the individual parts.

Personally these new iMacs are RIGHTEOUS. I would love to grab one to run Protools, but I really need the internal drive bays and the PCI slots.

edit: And also, UltimateBMW, this is a new iMac thread. Why come in here talking 'bout windoze? It's a losing battle and all you are trying to do is the same ol' OS flame war. Go troll elsewhere.

My original inquiry was what the appeal of a more powerful iMac was. I hardly mentioned operating systems and Mac users are not usually power users. The most common application of consumer power machines is in regard to gaming and most people here admit to having a gaming PC. I guess you could conclude that eventually every topic about Macs is partially about their OS though. Since all a Mac is from what I've seen is it's software package and all-in-one packaging. And the cool peripherals if you want to stretch a bit. (I'll concede their new mouse seems fun.) But I just didn't get the purpose of this new iMac, unless it's nothing more than just the screen size upgrade. Which would be fine.

Originally Posted by .:bHd:.

Thats the same thing as saying can't you just buy and tune up an evo and get the same performance as an M3 for cheaper. You can but it's a totally different experience.

I'll agree with that, partially. But I personally don't view the M3 as the iMac of the automotive world.

Originally Posted by JME

Building your own computer is one thing. Oh, and I highly recommend you don't power that i7 and a decent video card on a 350 Watt power supply. That is the worst case of "oh, I'll find the least expensive shit on newegg" that I have ever seen.

If you want to do a comparison, look up Dell. The most accurate comparison I can build on Dell's website (including a 27 inch monitor) is 40 dollars more than the Mac. Add to that the form factor and you have a great deal.

As someone who owns both, I can list pro's and cons of both. However, I think the price is very reasonable, and probably more than reasonable considering how valuable my desk space is.

You pretty much hit the nail on the head, but finding the cheapest price for the best part typically goes hand in hand with building a computer. So surely you can't blame me for displaying competitive prices. I went to newegg and spent 5 minutes picking random compatible name brand parts. The 350W PSU was just part of that package that I saw, so figured it would work. The list above is missing plenty of items though if we are going to scrutinize. Namely, it is missing an operating system. I left it open ended as to not get into the OSX vs. W7 topic here. Running a similar build quickly through a power calculator yeilds an estimated 302W. So 350W might be cutting it a little close, but it should run it. Taking away the 8GB of ram and upgrading any one of the other components would be fine and come out to about the same price.

You guys should read my original post again without the following conversation. Your all acting like I'm insulting your pride when I was just curious about the appeal of a power Mac.

As for Dell, I haven't look through their computer builder site in a long time. If their price point is about the same, I'd say they should equally be questioned. Taking a glance at it, their version of an all-in-one seemed to be less money, But had a smaller monitor and a mobile GPU.

[UltimateBMW]

Originally Posted by xbook

Wow, talk about the pot calling the kettle black. That is one SMUG statement. That and your link earlier to the individual parts.

Personally these new iMacs are RIGHTEOUS. I would love to grab one to run Protools, but I really need the internal drive bays and the PCI slots.

edit: And also, UltimateBMW, this is a new iMac thread. Why come in here talking 'bout windoze? It's a losing battle and all you are trying to do is the same ol' OS flame war. Go troll elsewhere.

In specific about the 'smug-ness'. My comment out of context could look smug, but as a reply towards the suggestion that I don't understand, or "just don't get it" when I'm in the Mac thread asking why it is appealing. I find my response to be appropriate.

Clearly, if I knew what the appeal was I would not of asked. And risked the inevitable gang-bang from the Apple devote. lol

[.:bHd:.]

Originally Posted by UltimateBMW

In specific about the 'smug-ness'. My comment out of context could look smug, but as a reply towards the suggestion that I don't understand, or "just don't get it" when I'm in the Mac thread asking why it is appealing. I find my response to be appropriate.

Clearly, if I knew what the appeal was I would not of asked. And risked the inevitable gang-bang from the Apple devote. lol

It's hard to explain what appeals to you when the other person can't really see it.

I love how my mac pro that I've had for 2+ years has not crashed once. I love how reliable it is. I love how everything I plug into it works. The inside is so well engineered it takes less than two minutes to install a new hard drive. I payed around $5,000 for my macpro because I needed it for work. I also built myself a a similar PC that cost me about $2,500 and has crashed on me a countless times which i had to spend time to fix. When you're dealing with production deadlines and such, you cannot afford losing time on a machine that is not reliable, so in the long run, you're pretty much saving money.

I'd strongly recommend anyone to get a mac. It has it's flaws but the positive aspects of it outweigh the negative ones by a mile.

[xbook]

Originally Posted by .:bHd:.

...When you're dealing with production deadlines and such, you cannot afford losing time on a machine that is not reliable, so in the long run, you're pretty much saving money...

Well put.