[MW Forums]

Apple Computer Inc.'s Senior Vice President of Hardware Product Marketing, Phil Schiller, officially kicked off Apple Expo Paris this week introducing the iMac G5 during his keynote address. Analysts are unanimous in their support for the new consumer machine and the strategic ties Apple has drawn between the iMac and the iPod in marketing the computer. more

[chicote]

I think the ipod has done a tremendous amount to get people to love and respect Apple. My father who when I was in Design school and mentioned buying an Apple (beige g3 266 baby!!) was like "mm... not so sure about that can it run Office?" People just don't know about Apples, but because of the ipod they know now.
Not until the ipod came out did my father give Apple much credit even though i've been raving about them from the get go. He now has 2 ipods 1st and 2nd gen and is about to buy a mini. And because of those and that he has seen my new PowerBook he decided to buy one as well (of course faster than mine and not refurbed).
If it wasn't for the ipod Apple wouldn't be getting the recognition they are getting today. I believe using the ipod as a marketing agent to help boost computer sales is a great idea. And the new iMac goes hand in hand with that sell.

[technologist]

In the widely-distributed AP wire story on the iMac, the only analyst quote that appeared was a laughably pessimistic one

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[...] some analysts suggested the new iMac could be priced too high to become another hit.
"We've moved forward on the market by six years, and I would have liked to see a lower price point," said Roger Kay, a senior analyst with global IT consultancy IDC.
"I also don't know if an all-in-one has the same punch that it did in 1998," he added. "I'm not sure it will be a slam dunk."

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Mr. Kay may not be the most knowlegable analyst with regards to Apple's strategy, but he was widely quoted. The above appeared on the websites of New York Times and CNN, among others.

[roadwarrior]

Of course he was widely quoted...he put a negative spin on Apple. Even with all the strides Apple has made in recent years, they're still one of the industry's favorite companies to badmouth. Of course, who knows who's paying this guy's bills (maybe he's in Real's pocket?).
Overall, I like this new incarnation of the iMac. The only thing that it needs is FW800 and it WOULD be a slam dunk. As it is, I'm considering getting one for my mom for Christmas.

[montgomery_burns]

A lot of people have legitimate concerns that when the computer becomes outdated, you have throw out a perfectly good monitor because they can't be separated. A possible solution to this would be to put an additional DVI input on the iMac, allowing it to be used as a monitor for a different computer. How about a built-in KVM switch so you could also use the same keyboard and mouse to control the other computer?

[I_like_Macs]

yes, no matter what apple's successes, they never get credit from analysts.

[LeoO]

I remember Jobs disparaging PC AIOs that have the CPU and drives flat behind the LCD because of their clunkiness. And yet he's been able to create a smooth, beautiful example of such a design.
If he can do that, maybe he can return Apple to its Apple ][ design roots and create a computer that's fully contained inside the keyboard.
Here's an example of how the PC world does it.
[image]http://www.cybernetm...pcPortView.jpg+
I'm sure Apple could create something much sleeker and more elegant.
What this gives you is the ability to keep your monitor, have a choice of monitor, and have the oft-requested "headless" iMac, and yet still do something cool, innovative-seeming, and true to Apple's heritage.

[pcharles]

For most users, FW800 would really add very little to this machine because it is a professional level connection.

[Filburt]

In reply to:

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A lot of people have legitimate concerns that when the computer becomes outdated, you have throw out a perfectly good monitor because they can't be separated. A possible solution to this would be to put an additional DVI input on the iMac, allowing it to be used as a monitor for a different computer. How about a built-in KVM switch so you could also use the same keyboard and mouse to control the other computer?

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If iMac has a DVI input, it would be compelling to get a 17-inch iMac ($1299) or 20-inch iMac ($1899) instead of 20-inch Cinema Display ($1299) for expanding PowerBook's viewing area. I am sure a lot of PowerBook users will consider getting an iMac instead if that was the case (especially if Xgrid becomes more mainstream).

[cek2go]

Hello? Is anyone paying attention? Thank you!
The iMac is a CONSUMER MACHINE.
The iMac is not a PROFESSIONAL MACHINE.
There has to be a difference in the products. Don't try to make an iMac into a PowerMac! If the iMac doesn't have all the bells and whistles that you require: UPGRADE TO THE POWERMAC.
You have a choice!

[Filburt]

In reply to:

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The iMac is a CONSUMER MACHINE.
The iMac is not a PROFESSIONAL MACHINE.
There has to be a difference in the products. Don't try to make an iMac into a PowerMac! If the iMac doesn't have all the bells and whistles that you require: UPGRADE TO THE POWERMAC.

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You cannot use PowerMac as a monitor. iMac's LCD, once its "computer" portion become obsolete, will become useless. If the LCD is usable independently, however, it becomes far more compelling buy (at least psychologically).

[bartszyszka]

Nobody ever complains when a laptop is outdated and its LCD screen is locked to it, even though that screen costs a pretty penny. I've been a college student for four years now and have settled into an apartment. Wouldn't mind getting an iMac after four years of owning a laptop.

[ndelc]

I like that idea, but I'd argue that it will be a very long time before an iMac would become obsolete. I still have a DVSE 500 and a DVSE 400 that are going strong. I imagine one of them will become my son's computer when he gets older.

[montgomery_burns]

The P4 processor on today's PC laptops today are usually installed in a removable socket so it's possible to replace it with a faster processor. ATI and NVidia have both introduced upgradeable graphics solutions for laptops:
http://www.macworld....2004/06/01/ati/
People have been saying if you want high end upgradability then get a "Professional" model. Apple markets Powerbooks as "Professional" laptops but they have neither of these features.