The Mac Observer

Skip navigational links

Featured Article:

Apple Updates iMac, Adds 24-inch Model

by , 8:40 AM EDT, September 6th, 2006 - Digg This

Apple announced the immediate availability of new flat panel iMacs with Intel Core 2 Duo processors, including a new 24-inch model, on Wednesday. All of the new iMacs include a built-in iSight camera, Front Row and Apple Remote, iLife '06, an Apple keyboard and Mighty Mouse, Airport Extreme and Bluetooth, a Serial ATA hard drive, mini-DV out, built-in stereo speakers and microphone, Gigabit Ethernet, five USB 2.0 ports, and two FireWire ports.

17-inch iMac
The 17-inch iMac is available with either a 1.83GHz or 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor. The 1.83GHz model includes 512MB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 2GB, a 24x Combo drive, Intel GMA 950 graphics, and a 160GB SATA hard drive. Bluetooth and the Apple Remote are build-to-order options on this model. It is priced at US$999.

The 2.0GHz iMac includes 1GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 3GB, an 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support, a PCI Express-based ATI Radeon X1600 video card with 128MB RAM, and a 160GB SATA hard drive. It is priced at $1,199.

20-inch iMac
The new 20-inch iMac includes a 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo processor, 1GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 3GB, an 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support, a PCI Express ATI Radeon X1600 video card with 128MB RAM, and a 250GB SATA hard drive. It costs $1,499.

24-inch iMac
The 24-inch iMac features a 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 3GB, an 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support, a PCI Express NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT video card with 128MB RAM, a FireWire 800 port, and a 250GB hard drive. It is priced at $1,999.

BTO Options
Build-to-order options for the new iMacs include a 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, an NVIDIA GeFore 7600 GT video card with 256MB RAM and a 500GB SATA hard drive for the 20 and 24-inch models. A 2.13GHz processor and 500GB hard drive are also available for the 2.0GHz 17-inch iMac.

Observer Comments

Show: Subjects Only | Full Comments
Close Name:nealg Posts: 123 Joined: 22 Mar 2006
Subject: I like...

the new iMacs. I am thinking about upgrading to one of these larger iMacs. Also, with the introduction of a subthousand dollar iMac, the iMac has some compelling price points.

Neal

Close Name:geoduck Posts: 1922 Joined: 30 Dec 2003
Subject:

This is really cool. I did notice one odd thing. When you configure the memory for 3Gb you get 1-1Gb DIMM and 1-2Gb DIMM. I thought that memory in these had to be in matched pairs. Was I wrong or did that change when they went to the Core 2?

Close Name:Small White Car Posts: 1960 Joined: 02 Jul 2004
Subject:

The large monitor we were expecting. The $999 iMac is a BIG surprise. Very, very cool.

I gotta say, though. Even though the mini was upgraded today it still seems like a bad deal compared to these iMacs!

Close Name:vasic Posts: 279 Joined: 09 Aug 2005
Subject: No need for matched pairs

While there is a debate over the optimal performance when unmatched pairs are used (some claim that there should be no diference between matched and unmatched memory pairs), the new Core Duo machines can take any combination. Obivously, the stock configurations themselves are already an unmached pair (single 512MB chip in one slot). You may wish to Google this for more info; there is plenty out there.

24 inches is actually going to be quite nice. Add to that another 23" cinema HD display on the side and you can finally do some serious work.

On another note; if the new iMacs can be configured for 3Gb (1 + 2), wouldn't it make sense, then, to be able to put 4GB there? What could be the difference between the two slots? Anyone has any ideas?

Close Name:Biff Posts: 1479 Joined: 08 Apr 2004
Subject:

Glad they updated some things, but dang it I want a Merom MBP!!!

Close Name:davebarnes Posts: 130 Joined: 12 Jan 2005
Subject: Dell costs more

I went to the DELL website and configured a Dimension 9200 with a 24-inch monitor. DELL costs $129 more. And, no FW 800, no BlueTooth, only 30-days of phone support.

Dell Dimension 9200 $2218

Processor Intel ® Core™2 Duo Processor E6400 (2.13GHz, 1066 FSB)
Operating System Genuine Windows® XP Professional
Memory 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz- 2DIMMs
Hard Drive 250GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cacheâ„¢
CD or DVD Drive Single Drive: 16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability
Monitor 24 inch UltraSharpâ„¢ 2407FPW Widescreen Digital Flat Panel
Video Cards 256MB nVidia Geforce 7300LE TurboCache
Sound Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Speakers Dell AS501 10W Flat Panel Attached Spkrs for UltraSharpâ„¢ Flat Panels
Wireless Networking Solution Dell Wireless; 1450 WLAN (802.11a/b/g) USB 2.0 DT Adapter
Keyboard Dell USB Keyboard
Mouse Dell® 2-button USB mouse
Optional Ports IEEE 1394 Adapter
Dell Service & Support Plans 1 Year On-site Economy Plan
Phone Support Service Dell On Call 30 Day Getting Started Assistance Unlimited Incidents
Security Software McAfee Security Center w/VirusScan, Firewall and Privacy, 90-day trial
Security & Utilities Webroot Spy Sweeper - Now includes 15 month license

Close Name:duan Posts: 13 Joined: 27 Jul 2005
Subject: holy jeebus

they're spanking good computers.

Close Name:Spider Posts: 2997 Joined: 12 Aug 2001
Subject:

the $999 iMac is the EDU iMac brought to the masses, a la the eMac years ago.

Matched pair RAM does improve performance, but is not necessary in any of the new Macs except the Mac Pro. The real performance boost comes with the Intel 950 video, which is integrated video that shares RAM with the system. Matched pairs and the more RAM gives much better performance than single sticks would.

Close Name:JRocket Posts: 5 Joined: 06 Sep 2006
Subject: $219 ?

Dell Dimension 9200 $2218 - Apple 24" iMac $1,999
= $219 Cost Difference

Close Name:Bosco Posts: 1002 Joined: 03 Jun 2002
Subject: 24" iMac

Wow, there is probably enough desktop space to sling all my important files for 5 or 6 weeks. Amazing!

For semi-portability though, I still like the Mac Mini and hope they'll keep performance on par with the iMacs. Minis also make great home theater system hubs, replacing bulky DVD players.

Close Name:SchmuckyChucky Posts: 125 Joined: 23 Sep 2001
Subject: 24"

WOW!!! The 24" iMac will be my next PC/TV!

Close Name:Tiger Posts: 1018 Joined: 17 Jun 2003
Subject: the measure of a computer...

Two whole feet of iMac.

That's a lot o' real estate!

Close Name:coaten Posts: 3071 Joined: 10 Oct 2001
Subject:

Seriously cool. Apple kicks another goal and the game-winning touchdown comes September 12. I'm tho excited I could thit mythelf.

Close Name:gt34 Posts: 3 Joined: 03 Mar 2006
Subject: Nice machines but...

Excellent machines. Good updates that keep the pressure up on the other side. Shame those of us in the UK are taken for a ride by Apple. 25-27% more expensive than US prices. That stinks!

Close Name:stuartea Posts: 327 Joined: 08 Aug 2005
Subject:

Must be coming soon.

I found a Nice wiki page on laptops using them

Quote
Biff wrote:
Glad they updated some things, but dang it I want a Merom MBP!!!

Close Name:miranderm Posts: 30 Joined: 15 Dec 2001
Subject: blow the socks of the planet

Quote
coaten wrote:
Seriously cool. Apple kicks another goal and the game-winning touchdown comes September 12. I'm tho excited I could thit mythelf.


This has got to be iT!!! The video IPhone that calls to iChat ( like skype but so much more ) plays tunes and movie downloads . This is huge , revolutionary etc etc. Now wait for the line of persons crying Patent infringement. ( heh..haw!!!)

Close Name:Tiger Posts: 1018 Joined: 17 Jun 2003
Subject: Re: Nice machines but...

Quote
gt34 wrote:
Excellent machines. Good updates that keep the pressure up on the other side. Shame those of us in the UK are taken for a ride by Apple. 25-27% more expensive than US prices. That stinks!


Is it Apple's fault the dollar and Euro aren't equal? There is currently a 22% gap between them. They're not going to eat that much in profit margin, that's for sure.

And the VAT? Has anybody done a study as to how much in overall percentage that European taxes are (my sister lives there, I'll ask her to get me the info this week).

Every society that has reached an overall tax level greater than 50% (cumulative) has failed.

Hmm. The US is currently approaching 53%.

Just a thought.

Close Name:davebarnes Posts: 130 Joined: 12 Jan 2005
Subject: Re: Nice machines but...

Quote
Tiger wrote:
Quote
gt34 wrote:
Shame those of us in the UK are taken for a ride by Apple. 25-27% more expensive than US prices.


Is it Apple's fault the dollar and Euro aren't equal? There is currently a 22% gap between them.

And the VAT? Has anybody done a study as to how much in overall percentage that European taxes are?


1. What does the Euro have to do with UK prices?
2. VAT ranges from 15-22%.
See http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/taxation/vat/how_vat_works/rates/vat_rates_2006_en.pdf for detailed info.

Close Name:Websnap Posts: 75 Joined: 17 Jun 2005
Subject: prepaired to be flamed

I really love the new iMacs, especially the 2 footer, however if there is a shortage of merom chips I would have rather seen them first in the MacBook Pro's than a consumer aimed iMac. I just feel that the pro lines should get the fastest series of chips first to accommodate the premium price and provide the power the pro users need, especially if there is a shortage. Love the imacs, but I don't thing the average family who was looking at a new family computer would care if it was a duo or a duo 2, much less notice the difference, where as I, rendering video and authoring DVD's on the fly would.

Flame me if you must, but if you are going to make a Pro and consumer line, then adhere to it.

Close Name:acdc1174 Posts: 723 Joined: 16 Apr 2004
Subject: Re: prepaired to be flamed

Quote
Websnap wrote:
I really love the new iMacs, especially the 2 footer, however if there is a shortage of merom chips I would have rather seen them first in the MacBook Pro's than a consumer aimed iMac. I just feel that the pro lines should get the fastest series of chips first to accommodate the premium price and provide the power the pro users need, especially if there is a shortage. Love the imacs, but I don't thing the average family who was looking at a new family computer would care if it was a duo or a duo 2, much less notice the difference, where as I, rendering video and authoring DVD's on the fly would.

Flame me if you must, but if you are going to make a Pro and consumer line, then adhere to it.


Not looking to flame you at all. But I think that Apple did JUST what you are saying. The FASTEST chips went into the MacPros- Xeon. The MacBook Pros got the Yonah virtually contemporaneously with their release just a few months ago and thus they HAD the fastest chips at the time. But why the wait now? The Yonah and the Merom are pin compatible if using a socketed chip, like in the iMac and can therefore be dropped in without having to make any fabrication changes to the motherboard. This would lend itself to a VERY easy transition for the iMac...MacBook Pros do not use a socketed chip and therefore likely require some more effort and therefore time to make the transition. I wouldn't worry though. With Leopard around the corner sporting 64-bit from the ground up, I have little doubt that Apple will be 64-bit (Merom or better) across the board in the next 12 months. Your MacBook Pros are likely to get refreshed next week or shortly thereafter as we head into the Christmas season.

Now as for my prediction for next weeks "Showtime" event...I mentioned over a year ago that it would be ool to get an iMac for the living room but in a MUCH bigger form factor like say a 42" plasma with built in processor, HDD, and Superdrive. With the recent drop in LCD pricing and the recent introduction ofa 24" iMac, I think that something like this, although more like a 32-36" LCD, may be a definite possibility. After all, it is a foregone conclusion that movies will be introduced. It is also widely hypothesized that we will see an "AirPort AV" device and likely some revision to the iPod line. I don't think it stretches the bounds of reality that Apple may have designs on a "MediaMac" that is basically a JUMBO iMac. That with a "FrontRow 2.0" and DVR capability would be something to compliment the "Showtime" theme of theinvitation and the release of movie downloads. Also, it WOULD be BIGGER than a 24" iMac (pun intended...sorry). but then again, it is really just wishful thinking on my part. We shall see.

Close Name:Nookster Posts: 111 Joined: 27 Oct 2004
Subject: Re: Nice machines but...

Quote
gt34 wrote:
Excellent machines. Good updates that keep the pressure up on the other side. Shame those of us in the UK are taken for a ride by Apple. 25-27% more expensive than US prices. That stinks!


Exactly, the old VAT and import Tax excuses doesn't wash when the price gouge quotient well exceeds it, considering that all our hardware is getting shipped from the same Chinese factory, the excuses wore thin years ago.

I remember when UK Macs were made in the ROI, they were ridiculously priced back then, even if you practically lived on the factories doorstep in Dublin, you were getting seriously stiffed compared to the US.

Close Name:Websnap Posts: 75 Joined: 17 Jun 2005
Subject: Re: prepaired to be flamed

Quote
acdc1174 wrote:

Not looking to flame you at all. But I think that Apple did JUST what you are saying. The FASTEST chips went into the MacPros- Xeon. The MacBook Pros got the Yonah virtually contemporaneously with their release just a few months ago and thus they HAD the fastest chips at the time. But why the wait now? The Yonah and the Merom are pin compatible if using a socketed chip, like in the iMac and can therefore be dropped in without having to make any fabrication changes to the motherboard. This would lend itself to a VERY easy transition for the iMac...MacBook Pros do not use a socketed chip and therefore likely require some more effort and therefore time to make the transition. I wouldn't worry though. With Leopard around the corner sporting 64-bit from the ground up, I have little doubt that Apple will be 64-bit (Merom or better) across the board in the next 12 months. Your MacBook Pros are likely to get refreshed next week or shortly thereafter as we head into the Christmas season.

Now as for my prediction for next weeks "Showtime" event...I mentioned over a year ago that it would be ool to get an iMac for the living room but in a MUCH bigger form factor like say a 42" plasma with built in processor, HDD, and Superdrive. With the recent drop in LCD pricing and the recent introduction ofa 24" iMac, I think that something like this, although more like a 32-36" LCD, may be a definite possibility. After all, it is a foregone conclusion that movies will be introduced. It is also widely hypothesized that we will see an "AirPort AV" device and likely some revision to the iPod line. I don't think it stretches the bounds of reality that Apple may have designs on a "MediaMac" that is basically a JUMBO iMac. That with a "FrontRow 2.0" and DVR capability would be something to compliment the "Showtime" theme of theinvitation and the release of movie downloads. Also, it WOULD be BIGGER than a 24" iMac (pun intended...sorry). but then again, it is really just wishful thinking on my part. We shall see.


I see your point, but I knew about the merom chips like 9 months ago, apple, who has an inside track naturally, couldn't have the specs by now? It shouldn't be that different if the two chips are pin compatible then soldering on the new chip during the MBP creation process shouldn't be THAT difficult. The only thing I can imagine (and it would be great if it were true) is if the case is being redesigned, even if it's adding features rather that an aesthetic re-haul. I doubt this is the case, but rather that the iMac is Steve's baby and also gets the headlines. [/i]

Close Name:Guest
Subject:

I was just thinking of ordering one of those new 20-inch Core 2 Duos, but then I came across this article:

http://www.macobserver.com/columns/userfriendly/2006/20060124.shtml

My question is, does the above still apply? Is Apple going to be releasing updated/cheaper/improved/etc. iMacs in January 2007? If so, I can probably hold off until then... and, if not, I've got my credit card ready.

Close Name:davebarnes Posts: 130 Joined: 12 Jan 2005
Subject:

Quote
Anonymous wrote:
Is Apple going to be releasing updated/cheaper/improved/etc. iMacs in January 2007?


Probably.
Most likely scenario (in my opinion) is:
1. Standard processor will be 2.33 GHz instead of 2.16. A [sarcasm]HUGE[/sarcasm] 8% improvement.
2. Maybe the nVidia 7600 is standard.
3. No price decrease. The new iMacs are very competively priced today.

,dave

NOT WORTH WAITING FOR.
Buy now. Enjoy this great new machine for September-January.

Comment on this Article


You cannot edit your comments.   You cannot delete your comments.
Log in | Register | Having Problems? Reset TMO Cookies & Try Again
Username:   Password:   Log me on automatically each visit   

You are not logged in, and this post will appear as "Guest." Log in with your username and password from the TMO forums. If you do not have a username, you can register here.
Please note that guests are limited to including a maximum of two URLs per post.


Post A Comment
  Subject


  Your Comments



Please enter the word exactly as you see it in the image above. Registered users aren't prompted for this. Having trouble reading the image get a new one.


Recent Headlines - Updated January 8th

Wed, 6:20 PM
Macworld Expo 2009 - Ecamm Introduces World’s First Bluetooth Webcam
6:16 PM
News - Verbatim Announces Speaker Keyboard, Store ‘n’ Go Micro USB Drive
6:09 PM
Photo Gallery - Photo Gallery: Macworld 2009 Day 2
3:24 PM
Just a Thought - First Time Macworld Impression
12:16 PM
News - EMC Issues Beta of Retrospect 8.0 Backup Software
12:04 PM
News - REAL Server 2009 to Ship Next Month
11:40 AM
News - Livescribe to Bring Pulse Smartpen Software to Mac
10:58 AM
Hot Forum Topic - Reader Reactions: Apple’s Macworld Expo Keynote
10:39 AM
News - Verbatim, Lexar Introduce New Flash Storage Options
10:20 AM
Editorial - Don’t shoot the messenger: Content, Not Delivery Marred Apple’s Last Keynote
9:51 AM
News - LaCie Releases 2big Quadra External Hard Drive Line
9:29 AM
News - Microsoft’s Mac Business Unit Reveals Upcoming Office Improvements

The Mac Observer Reader Specials

Apple iTunes