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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
I want new desktops.
01/26, 03:49pm reply
REAL ones. Not this iMac shizzle.
Monstermind
Junior Member
Joined: May 2000
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
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
testudo
01/26, 06:05pm reply
"I'm sorry..."
finally, some reality creeping into your life.
nat
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2002