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New iMac "almost ready," may stay dual-core

updated 10:30 am EST, Mon January 26, 2009

Kaufman Bros on New iMac

Apple is nearing the release of its redesigned iMac but may not stick with the quad-core processors rumored for the system, Kaufman Bros. senior analyst Shaw Wu says. Investigations within the supply chain suggest that Apple is "almost ready" to launch updated iMacs but is still determining whether it will use the low-power Core 2 Quads introduced just last week or else will use faster Core 2 Duos with extra cache, though it's not known whether these last chips would be desktop or mobile parts.

The all-in-one desktops are "almost ready" and may show before March but are being held up by business issues as well as a possible "small technical hurdle" that isn't explained. Casing changes are expected by anonymous sources to be minor at best, though the added heat from any desktop processor choices is said to potentially require an updated cooling system.

No other details of the system are available, though Apple has already slipped out system files that hint the iMac is likely to use an NVIDIA platform in its next update.

Regardless of inside knowledge, Wu explains that Apple's disappointing desktop sales from the fall quarter will likely require a new iMac in the near future to spark sales, which have sagged in the absence of an update. Sales of iMacs, Mac minis and Mac Pros dropped about 25 percent year over year but were countered by a 34 percent increase in MacBook sales.

Separately, the Kaufman researcher also notes that Microsoft's $100 million drop in Zune sales from year to year has likely handed Apple "considerable" additional iPod market share, as the latter's sales ultimately increased 3 percent annually despite declining holiday spending by the public and frequent attempts by Microsoft to promote the Zune and discount models.

Wu maintains a "buy" recommendation for Apple stock and a $120 price target he deems cautious.

 
Previous Comments

huh?

01/26, 10:53am reply

How can Apple "stick with" a rumoured move to Quad-Core CPU's ? Is that like "sticking with" Mallett's time-machine (google Ronald Mallett!) ???

Feathers

Forum Regular

Joined: Oct 1999

+4

Let's hope

01/26, 11:32am (1 reply) reply

they make a better aluminum door for the damned Ram slot. That 2 cent s**** is a nightmare!

chotty

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jan 2003

+1

Offer both...?

01/26, 11:44am reply

...including the rumoured 28" (2560x1600?) display and let the users decide...? Please fill that gap between consumer & pro...

bobolicious

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2002

+1

Comment buried. Show

Re: Offer both?

01/26, 12:03pm (3 replies) reply

To me, the gap fill between consumer and pro is with a mini-tower, not a bigger screen waste of money of an iMac.

It may seem odd, I know, but some users don't want a 28" screen, but need the performance power. Or vice versa.

Oh, right, I forgot. This is Apple, who's determined that consumers only need 13" laptops, and pros need 15/17" laptops.

testudo

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2001

-13

oh, right

01/26, 12:39pm reply

"To me..."

that is so funny! like somebody here actually cares about what you think! fall down funny stuff i tell ya.

oh, right, i forgot, you're unable to imagine such a thing.

nat

Junior Member

Joined: Mar 2002

+2

Mac Mini?

01/26, 02:03pm reply

Come on Apple, refresh the Mac Mini! I want an entertainment system for my TV!!!

cyn1c

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Oct 2008

+1

I want new desktops.

01/26, 03:49pm reply

REAL ones. Not this iMac shizzle.

Monstermind

Junior Member

Joined: May 2000

0

Comment buried. Show

Re: Testudo

01/26, 03:56pm (3 replies) reply

More options also equals a few other things, such as:

1) More models in the supply chain
2) More inventory at the stores/factories
3) More convoluted product line-up


I'm sorry, but where was this concern when the MacBook Air was released? No one seemed concerned about the supply chain or a convoluted line-up, yet it actually meets that criteria more than adding a, say, mini-tower.

And all that extra inventory. Man, I guess if the company had, say, 13 billion dollars sitting around, they could handle it, but right now, no, its too much of a risk.

And I feel sorry for all you other Mac users. Apparently if there was a mini-tower in the line-up, we'd end up with a bunch of drooling, dead-eyed people in Apple stores going "Ummmm, I don't know which one to get. There's just toooooooo many options."

It must be h*** for Mac buyers to go to a grocery store. What, with 50 different types of mustard to choose from.

testudo

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2001

-12

this doesn't make sense

01/26, 05:13pm reply

The new iMac is "almost ready to launch" but they haven't decided which CPU to use? And "may show before March?" What the heck is that supposed to mean?

When an analyst blows smoke out of his o******, I think it makes sense to ask where teh smoke is coming from. There isn't anything in that flawed reasoning or rumor about the product that whispers $120 a share into my left ear. (I think it should be higher, but not because of this).

Aside from putting a great big whackin' huge screen on the thing, I don't think there's anything Apple can do to the iMac that will make a fundamental change to its participation in the shrinking desktop market.

ggirton

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Nov 1999

-2

testudo

01/26, 06:05pm reply

"I'm sorry..."

finally, some reality creeping into your life.

nat

Junior Member

Joined: Mar 2002

+2

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