RUMOR: Apple prepping 22-inch touch-screen iMac

38 Comments

January Clearance Blowout ends 1/14“A Chinese newspaper reported Monday that Apple Inc. will introduce a 22-inch, touch-screen version of the iMac this year,” The Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal reports.

“The Commercial Times reported that Taiwan-based Sintek Photronic would supply the screens and Quanta would make the hardware,” The Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal reports.

Full article here.

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38 Comments

  1. I guess if you can build it, you build it. It is like climbing the highest mountain. Not sure I will need a lot of those at that size.

    Not sure Steve would see a need for it either. So, it is most likely just a rumor.

    Reply

  2. This seems doubtful unless it’s a special purpose system. MDN’s take on Gorilla Arm seems useful to invoke here… The screen could be the size of a wall but your arms would get tired…unless you were an orchestra leader.

    even then.

    Reply

  3. At this time, I have no interest in a touchscreen iMac or any other either touch screen computer.

    For something with finger prints all over it, must lift my arms just to control the computer, and it would work for commercial purpose in a store- not in my house!

    I will leave it open for some compelling application of the technology, not now though.

    Reply

  6. In its current form, iMac would be practically useless with the touch screen, and neither Jobs, nor Ive would be caught dead pimping it.

    Touchscreen interface is clearly by far the most intuitive user interface for a computing device, when DONE RIGHT (see iPhone). In order to be done right, that new iMac would have to be lying flat on the surface of the desk (or tilted slightly upwards towards the user), and the interface would need to allow the user to rest hands/arms on the surface, being able to reliably tell the difference between finger tip touch and palm/wrist/arm.

    If anyone can do this, Apple can. And when they do it, it will turn computing industry upside down, exactly the way iPhone did for mobile industry.

    Reply

  11. Another rumor with a business motivation/company trying to get attention.

    It’s been covered here many many times in the past. Touching the monitor is not the most efficient way of interacting with a large screen computer. Touching an ancillary device, which can lay on the desk and doesn’t make the screen unusable after ten minutes, makes more sense.

    Apple doesn’t release products so they can put a check mark on their market segment reports like most pc cloners.

    Reply

  12. Unlikely, for several reasons.
    First, desktop computers are not good for touchscreen applications, because of ergonomic reasons.
    Second, capacitive touch screen technology (that used in iPhones) doesn’t scale up to 22” displays. Who would want bad touchscreens?

    Reply

  13. @Predrag

    I fully agree with you. The current form of the iMac does not make this one convenient.
    However, Apple could launch an all-in-one computer for a specific usage (artists, djs, etc).

    @All others,

    Don’t coun’t this rumor out too fast. Apple always thinks beyond the current paradigm.

    Reply

  16. I would like a touch version of the current 24″ monitor that I can plug into my MBP or an iPhone for movies/better-speakers or the potential tablet for even larger touch editing/keyboard.

    If the hinge swung back further and could lock at certain points that would be tops. I wouldn’t want to drag a 24″ tablet around!

    Reply

  17. You heard it here first: An iMac with a vertically-oriented touch screen would be a huge ergonomic disaster. Physical therapists from here to China would be able to retire in style.

    Reply

  19. Makes sense.

    If you build a 21.5 inch iMac, why not just shoot for a clean 22″ inches instead right.

    I don’t know about the touch screen capabilities though. Maybe it’l catch on. I’m sure Apple will do a much better job than HP.

    Reply

  21. I cannot see much value in a touch screen computer on my desk. However, I’m seeing more and more touch screen machines in public places – airports, hotel reception, museums etc. Maybe a bit of a niche market, but possibly an interesting way to put the Apple logo in front of a big public audience?

    Reply

  22. A vertical touchscreen like the HP Touchsmart mentioned above doesn’t make sense to me because of the ergonomic challenge.

    Maybe if a touchscreen was tilted up just above horizontal? But then it seems like it would compete somewhat with the so-far mythical Tablet.

    Perhaps we’ll find out more on Jan. 27.

    Reply

  23. I don’t think it will be a high volume product, buy I do believe they need a touchscreen option. With the macs being so multimedia friendly, it would be a great thing to have for tradeshow booths, interactive kiosks, etc.

    Reply

  24. Gorilla Arm aside, why the hell would I want to have smudgemarks on my screen? Accidental/incedental ones are bad enough, let alone deliberate ones. And what about if you have pizza fingers? What a stupid idea. Anyway a mouse or trackpad gives me so more mechanical advantage then using my arm and hand to move crap around the screen. Being able to do both: mouse, trackpad and touch screen still doesn’t help. Big touch screens is microsh*t’s forte. It surely is too stupid for apple to consider.

    Reply

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