“The new machine features a minimalist, all-in-one design that resembles (not coincidentally) a large iPod. After the keynote ended around 3:30 a.m., I viewed Apple’s newly posted pictures ( [url=http://www.apple.com/imac/]http://www.apple.com/imac/[/url] ), found the iMac G5 to be fairly attractive but not dynamic, and went to bed,” Jeff Carlson writes for The Seattle Times.
“In recent years, this has been my reaction to most of Apple’s new machines: They’re clean and cool, but not always awe-inspiring – at first. But the next morning, as I looked closer at the iMac’s photos and specifications, and read reports from people at the expo, it was clear that Apple has done it again: Instead of simply building a box of circuits and ports, it has designed a piece of art that you want to use and keep near you,” Carlson writes. “The iMac G5 features a number of details, large and small, that prove Apple cares not only about the way in which the machine is used, but also about the person who uses it.”
Carlson writes, “Surprisingly, the iMac G5 is one of Apple’s most internally accessible machines. The back of the case comes off to reveal its innards, nearly all of which are user-replaceable. A set of four diagnostic LEDs also help troubleshoot hardware problems if they arise. You may still want an expert to perform things such as replacing the hard drive, screen, or logic board, but if you’re more mechanically inclined, you’ll be able to do these things without sending the computer off to Apple.”
Carlson writes, “The iMac is only 1.8 inches or 2.2 inches deep, depending on the screen size you choose, which is the same width as some older laptops. With the addition of a VESA mounting kit, available next month, you can remove the stand and mount the iMac on a wall.”
Full article here.
way to go seattle times writer�
Funny, that was exactly the same as my reaction. At first I was like the flat panel was more innovative and better but the more I look into and look AT the new G5 iMac (especially when you consider it with a Vesa Mount on a mechanical arm and a blue tooth keyboard and mouse) and it REALLY IS INCREDIBLE.
The new iMac is definitely worth checking out. i am saving my money to buy one. it will be a thrill to my niece when she gets it in early November.
I will wait for, at least, until a faster bus (800-900 MHz) and improved graphics (ATI Radeon 9600 XT with 126 MB SDRAM) are made available. Hopefully, these options will be offered when Tiger is available in 2005.
I don’t know if a faster bus is really needed but I would think that 20″ screen could use more horsepower.
Someone please tell me what good it is to have easily replaceable innards when Apple refuses to sell consumers parts? I didn’t believe it myself at first but if you want any internal Apple part, it has to be installed by an Apple technician with all applicable extra costs. Does anyone know why they have such an asinine policy?
The title is… “Saettle Times writer: ‘Apple has done it again’ with iMac G5”.
Where is Saettle?
I’m wondering if MDN is using a Mac.
IS YOUR SPELL-CHECKER ON?!!
I suspect most of us noticed the typo. Hey, who of us has never made a typo? I do at least one per message, not that I’m particularly proud of it. MDN does an excellent job so lets give them some slack. But I know you’re just pulling their leg.
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“…Someone please tell me what good it is to have easily replaceable innards when Apple refuses to sell consumers parts?……”
AVI….. It must be noted here, that Apple does sell some parts… but there are plenty of 3rd party distributors out there, (Other World Computing comes to mind) which has taken up the slack.. Plus, you can find just about anything you need on ebay, too !!
And as far as doing the work yourself, …you can, ya kno, and save the installation fees… all because ever since Gil Amelio made the beige boxes… all macs…(with the exception of the “gumdrop” iMacs.. have been fairly easy to work on….
All you have to do is, just open the case, and everything is accessable for you …
The new G5 iMac is no different in this respect…
You really need to learn how to “Think Different”…
and find out why the entire computer industry looks to Apple for real innovation !
wow, and informed reporter.
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It seems that the work that has gone into the xServe line has had a trickle down effect on the design of the iMac G5 eg. easy accessibility, cooling, etc.
“Someone please tell me what good it is to have easily replaceable innards when Apple refuses to sell consumers parts?”
This policy of ensuring that any any replacement part sold by Apple, are to be only installed by Apple authorized support professionals may be the result of:
1- available “Apple” replacement parts mainly only exist during the lifetime of either an AppleCare contract period supporting the actual product line, in which case, it will be replaced and installed free of charge.
After a certain period of a product line, Apple sells their replacement parts to 3rd party resellers.
2- minimize claims that state that the replacement part failed which may have been the direct result of incorrect installation by non-authorized Apple support professionals.
3- Usually people who purchase a new Apple product also purchase an AppleCare package which provides hardware and software coverage and telephone for 3 years.
4- This is a business, so they want to make as much money as they possibly can, just like every other business out there. But, Macs have a strong track record of lasting far longer than their expected life expectancy.
After using Macs since 1991, I have had only 2 instances in which I had a hardware failure, the first was the power supply unit on a 7500 went and the second was the laser that reads DVD’s in my G4 AGP – DVD-RAM drive failed. It was only able to read CD’s but not DVDs.
In both cases, being that the units were still under warranty, I simply took my Macs to an Apple authorized support professional and had them fixed and returned in 24-48 hours at no cost.
All other hardware replacements and installations, I’ve been able to do myself and that has included hard drives, memory, video boards, SCSI/ATA expansion cards, etc….
“I didn’t believe it myself at first but if you want any internal Apple part, it has to be installed by an Apple technician with all applicable extra costs. Does anyone know why they have such an asinine policy?”
Asinine post… As an Apple tech, I KNOW you aren’t charged for warranty repairs… and if it’s out of warranty? You can MOST CERTAINLY install the part yourself, or you can have me install it, it’s YOUR choice. But, as I do enjoy putting FOOD on my table, I sure as heck am not working for free. Do you work for free? Not bloody likely…
avi, as has been outlined by others there are several reasons that apple would want limit who can install parts, especially when warrantees are involved. if what ive heard is correct though, the user can make hd upgrades in the new imac, which is a great improvement. remember this is a consumer machine not a professional one, if youre buying it keep in mind its not meant to be significantly customized or user modifiable.
Saettle -> Seattle – MDN please correct.
All parts in the iMac G5 can be replaced by the end-user, including the screen. The parts can be mailed to the user at no charge.
I’m talking about a 1.5 year old (6 months out of warranty) eMac with the raster shift issue. All it needs is a replacement IVAD cable and Apple refused to sell me one. It was “policy” to have an Apple tech install it to the tune of around $200. I refuse to spend $200 on a cable just because someone went through a training course. My masters in computer engineering is all the training I need, thank you very much. As for a 3rd party replacement, I have yet to find anyone (including on eBay) that sells it. If someone here does know how to get one, I’d greatly appreciate it. And as much as I agree with Mad4Macs assertion that it would be unfair to have it repaired free, he speaks as if he doesn’t KNOW that end-users can’t purchase the above mentioned part from Apple. If you are indeed a Mac tech and will sell me the cable, I’ll gladly purchase it from you.
CapHector, please tell me where I can have parts mailed to me?