Tuesday, July 27th 2010

Apple Unveils Hardware Specs. Updates for iMacs, Mac Pro, and a New Cinema Display

Apple today announced a large-scale refresh of its Mac line of computers. The refresh includes new models, and hardware updates on existing ones. Highlights include: 1. a complete transition to Intel 2010 Core Series processors (i3/i5/i7, across the board), a speed step up on existing SKUs, and a brilliant new Cinema display. To begin with, the entire range of iMac desktops now feature Core i3/i5/i7 processors, moving forward from Core 2 Duo that featured on the lower models. The lineup starts with Core i3 processors with speeds of up to 3.06 GHz (at the 21.5" $1,199 point), Core i3 3.20 GHz (at 21.5" $1,499 and 27" $1,699 points), and 2.80 GHz Core i5 quad-core (at the 27" $1,999 point).

Earlier, the 27", $1,999 model featured a 2.66 GHz Core i5 processor. Each of these models optionally offer faster processors. While the 21.5" $1,199 model packs ATI Radeon HD 4670 512 MB graphics, the $1,499 and $1,699 models come with ATI Radeon HD 5670 512 MB graphics, and the 27" one packs ATI Radeon HD 5750 1 GB. All models pack 4 GB of dual-channel DDR3-1333 MHz memory.
Next up is a similar specifications update for the top of the line Mac Pro. This highly scalable and customizable workstation from Apple comes in two basic price-points from where customers can expand or buy the system with its default configuration. At $2,499, the Mac Pro is driven by a single Intel Xeon W3530 2.80 GHz quad-core processor with 8 MB of L3 cache, 3 GB of triple-channel ECC DDR3-1066 MHz memory, ATI Radeon HD 5770 1 GB graphics, 1 TB of HDD storage and room for expansion, while at $1,000 more, the $3,499 model is powered by two Xeon E5620 2.40 GHz quad-core processors (dual-socket), 6 GB of memory, and HD 5770 1 GB as well. These models have the option of single and dual socket six-core processors.

Apple topped it off with a new 27-inch Cinema display that makes use of the latest display technologies. The new display maintains an aspect ratio of 16:9, with a native resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels (same as 27" iMacs), with an IPS panel, ambient light sensor that adjusts the display to the lighting conditions, and makes use of LED-backlit that makes illumination more uniform when compared to CFL-based illumination. Other features include a built-in iSight camera, and 3-port USB 2.0 hub. The Cinema display now only uses mini-DisplayPort as its connection. Said to release in September, the new 27-inch Cinema display goes for $999.
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89 Comments on Apple Unveils Hardware Specs. Updates for iMacs, Mac Pro, and a New Cinema Display

#76
HillBeast
Wile EAnd I've seen a lot of Dells or HPs or acers, etc., etc. that had ethernet crap out on them.
Yeah but my point wasn't that Apples ethernet is more likely to break, my point is that it's harder to diagnose the fault on a Mac because they have a pathological hatred towards LEDs and letting the user know what the computer is doing.
Posted on Reply
#77
Unregistered
Wile EZOMG! You mean it's possible to get a defective product from a manufacturer? Surely you jest. :eek:

Even the best manufacturers of any product have defects. Your single experience doesn't account for the entire brand.
yups you are right but the problem is, apple user or apple itself always denying that they have defective product, just take example with their iPHONE 4G antenna problem, iMAC yellow screen, iPHONE3G/iPAD over heating problem or even their security hole in OSX, they even blamed the user for their mistake like "your holding it wrong" meme,
#78
TheGuruStud
Ethernet physically works you just can't make a connection. Both seem to be software issues. It's not surprising b/c they don't care just like the iphone. They were told about the antenna issue a long time ago and ignored it.
Posted on Reply
#79
mdsx1950
shevanelI'll never own another Apple product unless it's free.
That's sad. You'll be missing out on some mind-blowing technology. No gadget so far other than the iPod Touch made by jaw drop (figuratively :laugh:) :rockout:
Posted on Reply
#80
Wile E
Power User
HillBeastYeah but my point wasn't that Apples ethernet is more likely to break, my point is that it's harder to diagnose the fault on a Mac because they have a pathological hatred towards LEDs and letting the user know what the computer is doing.
Fair enough. I have resorted to software that runs in the menu bar to keep track of mine, so I can understand the point. It's just not something I worry about on my end.
wahdangunyups you are right but the problem is, apple user or apple itself always denying that they have defective product, just take example with their iPHONE 4G antenna problem, iMAC yellow screen, iPHONE3G/iPAD over heating problem or even their security hole in OSX, they even blamed the user for their mistake like "your holding it wrong" meme,
Antenna problem = Yep, you're right. They definitely dropped the ball.

iMac yellow screen = they addressed the issue for anyone that complained. I don't see how that's a denial.

iPhone/iPad overheating problem = I haven't seen anyone that's complaining of this mention what conditions they were using their equipment in aside from "direct sunlight", so I can't comment. It says right in the manual that the upper operating range is 95f. So if they were using it in direct sunlight in 95 degree weather, it's not a problem, just a way to complain about Apple. If it's happening in significantly lower temps, it's an issue. Even if it is out of spec, how many other similar devices would have reliability issues in the same conditions? The primary focus of complaints is the eBook factor. Most complaints say that ebook readers can handle it, so if the iPad is such a great ebook reader, why can't it? It's just a troll lawsuit from what I can see so far.

OSX security holes = yep. It's only as matter of time before somebody finds an auto running exploit. I've been saying it for years. Mac viruses are coming.

No, Apple is not perfect, but they are also not the only ones that try to deny design flaws. How many times has Dell done it? Or HP? They just don't get the negative press that Apple does. Apple is just everybody's favorite whipping boy in this industry. It's like reverse fanboyism, especially on PC sites. Anti-Apple zealotry is every bit as bad as the pro-Apple zealotry.

They aren't any different than any other OEM, except maybe in marketing.
Posted on Reply
#82
Wile E
Power User
I'm talking in principle. The idea of being that adamantly anti-Apple, is just as bad as being blindly only-Apple.
Posted on Reply
#83
a_ump
ooooo aaaahhh, so much graphics power!, an HD 5670 to play the already poorly performing games compatible with mac on 24" and 27" high res monitors. And only for $1499 or more. what a deal!

sorry, excuse the bash but i can't help myself XD
Posted on Reply
#84
King Wookie
It really saddens me how a few extreme nuts can really cause such a negative backlash. I can't really comment on Apple's advertising, as it's almost non existant here. No, their products are not all powerful and God's gift to man. They have their advantages, and disadvantages. Just like any other product. I've been using both platforms for years, and probably will keep doing so. Play to the strengths of each.

Just curious as to how people get a Mac to crash that often. Haven't gotten that right, nor the multiple mac users I know of. I'm very sure it's possible though. Is Adobe software the common factor?
Posted on Reply
#85
a_ump
the only thing i have against macs, or apple really, is the OUTRAGEOUS pricing that we all know very well. Seriously. 27", i5, HD 5750 for $1,999? please, you could build the same system on newegg for 900-1100 i bet.

Their products are quality, but not to the level of their pricetag. I also don't understand why anyone would purchase a mac for things beside a workstation. And in that respect wouldn't you want an actual workstation graphic card? and not a gaming one, which is a very moot strength seeing as how with that hardware in a PC, you'd get twice the performance of the mac.

I just felt...limited i suppose during my use of the mac, whereas with my pc i feel in total control of it in everyway and know it's ins and outs. Honestly it just BLOWS my mind how apple is even still selling mac's at their price point with the limited hardware they offer.
Posted on Reply
#86
Wile E
Power User
King WookieIt really saddens me how a few extreme nuts can really cause such a negative backlash. I can't really comment on Apple's advertising, as it's almost non existant here. No, their products are not all powerful and God's gift to man. They have their advantages, and disadvantages. Just like any other product. I've been using both platforms for years, and probably will keep doing so. Play to the strengths of each.
Yeah, I don't understand the logic either. Every type of system has it's pros and cons. The anti-"insert whatever brand here" people get pretty silly sometimes.

I use both PCs and Macs, and I love both for different reasons. I would really like to grab a new iMac to replace my 4 year old model. It has served it's purposes perfectly, and actually continues to do so. No, it's not a gamer, but that was never it's intended purpose.
King WookieJust curious as to how people get a Mac to crash that often. Haven't gotten that right, nor the multiple mac users I know of. I'm very sure it's possible though. Is Adobe software the common factor?
Generally speaking.

I don't manage to crash any of my computers very often. 9/10 times it's my fault or a 3rd party program/driver's fault on PC and Mac both.
a_umpthe only thing i have against macs, or apple really, is the OUTRAGEOUS pricing that we all know very well. Seriously. 27", i5, HD 5750 for $1,999? please, you could build the same system on newegg for 900-1100 i bet.

Their products are quality, but not to the level of their pricetag. I also don't understand why anyone would purchase a mac for things beside a workstation. And in that respect wouldn't you want an actual workstation graphic card? and not a gaming one, which is a very moot strength seeing as how with that hardware in a PC, you'd get twice the performance of the mac.

I just felt...limited i suppose during my use of the mac, whereas with my pc i feel in total control of it in everyway and know it's ins and outs. Honestly it just BLOWS my mind how apple is even still selling mac's at their price point with the limited hardware they offer.
But the prices are fair. First off, you get a 27" IPS screen. Huge difference in quality to the typical tn-film. Secondly, you can't generally build your own all-in-one. If it's not an all-in-one, it's the wrong market. People considering buying an all-in-one are generally looking for that formfactor very specifically. When I bought my iMac in 06, I bought it because I specifically wanted an all-in-one, not a tower or the likes. It happened to be the best all-in-one out at the time. Lastly, these are OEM systems we are talking about. You can't compare a self-built to OEM. Again, 2 different markets. You have to compare this to HPs or Dells or the like.

The only thing that Apple has that's overpriced is their Laptops, really. Everything else lines up in price with the hardware and features you get.
Posted on Reply
#87
a_ump
hmmm i sleepiness agrees with ur statement. N dam i'm dying to see this IPS screen hype i've been hearing about for years. Got the nice TN film screen. But then i don't want to see it bc then i'll feel the need to upgrade.
Posted on Reply
#88
Wile E
Power User
a_umphmmm i sleepiness agrees with ur statement. N dam i'm dying to see this IPS screen hype i've been hearing about for years. Got the nice TN film screen. But then i don't want to see it bc then i'll feel the need to upgrade.
Trust me, if you are happy with yours, never look at an IPS screen. Your wallet will hate you. lol.
Posted on Reply
#89
a_ump
haha i don't doubt it. :P, i was happy with my 8800GTS until i saw my brother run crysis with 2xAA, ultra at 1680x1050. then he got me my HD 5770 which does suffice for me......for now XD
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