Apple to revamp iMac line next month?
17in model for the chop, it's claimed
Apple will update its iMac desktop family late next month, it has been claimed - and that the move that will see the 17in model dropped from the line up.
Apple currently offers four standard iMac models: two 17in machines, a 20in version and a fourth, with a 24in display. According to a ThinkSecret report, only the 20in and 24in models will survive the June update.
But most likely by taking on a range of configurations each. iMac pricing currently ranges from £679/$999 for a 17in, 1.83GHz model up to the 24in, 2.16GHz iMac, priced at £1349/$1999.
Apple's iMac line-up: soon to be one chassis shorter?
As per the recent MacBook update, the new iMac line-up is likely to see small price drops accompanied by beefier processor, memory and hard drive specs, with 20in models moving downmarket and the 24-inchers filling out the top end of the range.
Why the change? Nowadays, 20in LCDs are barely more expensive than 17in screens, and by moving from three chassis to two, Apple reduces its production costs. Other differences between models are just a matter of slotting in different components.
COMMENTS
My iMac update wish
I've just been looking at the intel iMac I have in my QA test pool, and it occurs to me that it is still a fantastic ergonomic design until, that is, you need to reach around the back to find a free USB or FireWire socket.
My update wish would be for the whole socketed area at the back to pop-out in a single block with a short multicore cable so that I can leave it next to the keyboard if need be. That would be real progress!
Re. widescreen
Mea culpa.
Yes, the iMacs do all come with widescreen displays. Blame an early morning, pre-caffeine mis-reading of Apple's iMac Tech Specs page.
Tony
Correction, all 3 sreens are 16:10 widescreen
From www.apple.com/imac
>all three models feature a cinematic 16:10 wide aspect ratio...
All widescreen
Er,all the current iMacs already have widescreen - specifically 16:10 aspect ratio - displays. See
http://www.apple.com/uk/imac/graphics.html
for details. Which is not to say that updates (LED backlights perhaps?) wouldn't be appropriate.
