iMacs- convenient size, suitable power- will this one take?

Mortis · February 24th, 2002, 12:47 PM

Greetings... before ya read my input and questions, check out the new iMac if ya havent already- http://www.apple.com/imac/. I am a die hard pc fan and gamer and havent ever owned a mac, but more and more they are appealing as their size decreases and power increases, as well as functionality and compatibility. The only downside I see to this new series is expansion cabilities and the fact that it ships with a G2 versus a G3 or better. As far as business use, I can see mac being trendy in the future and possibly dominating more of the markets. The price is right, much better then macs have been in the past, and size is amazing. Yes, I know there are pc's out there that are small and functional, but I have never seen one that pacs the punch like the iMac. I look around at my workstation setup and space and drool over the size- the computing unit looks more or less like a base for the 15 inch flat screen monitor! I could be wrong, but I think in the future Macintosh will find its self in more homes and businesses. Not too mention, if Microsoft (as the #1 used OS) continues to alienate users with frustrating security measures, flaws and privacy intrusion, it will increasingly lose its users. If my mother, aunt or grandmother asked me right now what type of comp to get- I would comfortably recommend an iMac. Open box, sit on desk, turn on. Internet- subscribe, turn on. No activation or fuss... no need to understand more then sit down and use. I am oversimplifying, which I think is iMacs intent and success.

Please note- my opinion is based on users of computers, not computer users. I think there is a dif- the first is a person who has no other interest or knowledge in comps then sitting down and interfacing for entertainment or business while the latter is a person who not only uses for entertainment and business but also understands a computers components and functionality. The first being a laymen and the second being "informed" and atleast understands the basics of troubleshooting and repair (say A+).

I'd like to know others thoughts on the iMac and Macintosh's future.

Mortis

Tomteriffic · February 24th, 2002, 01:16 PM

Mortis, I live in a dual-platform household, so I have no particular bias, one way or the other.

The new iMac (I saw one in the flesh yesterday and played with it a bit) is the kind of machine that would be the first one that wouldn't scare my 78 year old mom half to death to use. (She got pretty good on my dad's old Mac IIc). I'm not convinced that OS-X is quite ready for primetime yet, althoug the 9 stuff is just fine. The machine itself is obviously unconventional looking, but performs its function well.

Somebody with more way down deep technical acumen could tell me why this is, but the Mac processors, from the G3 on,clock for clock, have always "felt" faster than their PC counterparts to me.

Cons of the Mac, in general... When you dig way down deep into the OS, unless you have some serious programming tools and compiling skills, you get to a point where the OS pretty much says: "Oh don't worry your pretty little head about it" and you have a dialog box with one button that says, "Uhhhh, OK, I guess". Also, hardware interoperablility has historically been a pain, not to mention software stuff. There is a growing trend toward interchangeability, though. My G3 tower is quite happy with PC-type ATA 100 drives, USB devices, and it uses standard garden variety SD-RAM, and about 100 bucks gets you a program that makes your stuff completely interchangeable with PC stuff and vice versa.

I dunno, if I just wanted a computer to "do what I want" without a whole lot of thought to how it gets it done or possible future upgradeability, etc., I think the iMac is a stong contender, as are the current crop of G4's, both tower and laptop, which still rock the house for multimedia production chores.

Will they replace the PC in a business and mainstream uses? I doubt it. Why? Apple has been pulling in the reins on their retailing efforts, going to a limited number of "Gateway Country" -like stores. And discounting, or the competition that brings it about, is practically nonexistent. It's a monoply, just not as big as the Wintel cartel. Software, similarly, is tough to come by except through a limited number of bricks and mortar retailers and the online catalog operations. In short, it just isn't in the public's face very much.

Further, even though OS-X is built on Unix, more and more server side stuff, especially in the small business world, is moving toward Micro$oft applications. A bright spot here is IBM offering Linux in all of their new servers. Still, I would imagine a lot of IT departments are still smarting from the going-over they just got from Micro$oft and aren't really much in the mood to do another conversion.

Would I, a hardcore PC platform geek, get a new iMac? Probably not, as much as I was impressed by it. Would somebody who just wants a computerized communications and entertainment center be attraced to this, a resounding HELL,Yeah!

My $0.02, (and you get what you pay for, heehee!)

bhess · February 24th, 2002, 01:17 PM

If it's the size that impresses you then there is already laptops out there. I don't know how much this costs but you can get a really good laptop from $1000-$2000. Sure you can't upgrade laptops but can you upgrade this?
Having no experience with any mac I can't really comment on stability or ease of use. But think of this for your grandmother. She has a little problem and calls you or someone else to ask a question. Not many people have any experience with mac software to help her.
I personally would never recommend a mac to anyone. My dad wanted on a few years ago when the one with the cute colors came out. I told him fine but don't call me with any problem because I don't have a clue. However I've been able to help him several times with his pc.

brandon184 · February 24th, 2002, 11:24 PM

I would think they're definately a good choice for those with space constraints.

tahoe · March 1st, 2002, 08:10 PM

I've owned Macs before although I owned more Amigas and for a much longer time. For now, I'm quite happy with DIY pc's. If I get another Mac, it would be an iBook. My opinion of Macs are that if you have a specific need such as DVD-authoring and DTP prep, then by all means get one. They are really nice machines and excellent at specific things. My main beef are some of the more snottier users who give the rest a bad name. They're their own worse enemy.

geekgrl · March 5th, 2002, 04:19 PM

I love Macs!!! (They just cost a lot of money for poor little me.)

charmler · March 5th, 2002, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Four years ago we introduced the first iMac. It changed the way people use computers. It changed the way people look at technology. Some people even said it changed the world.

Kinda high on themselves aren't they? I think all the original launch of the IMac did was to save Apple. Similar to when Subaru released the Outback. Before each product launch, both companies were on the brink and it seemed that no one would notice their passing. After an intense and expensive ad campaign, both companies are back as strong or stronger than ever.
Change the world? Not mine. I own neither and would prefer it stay that way.