Buyer's Guide Update: iMacs, Mac Minis, and Mac Pros
Even though Apple refreshed MacBook Pros and MacBooks just a couple of weeks ago, many are still holding out for additional updates from Apple.
Our Buyer's Guide shows both the Mac mini and Mac Pro well overdue for updates and persistent rumors point at iMac updates before the holidays.
iMac
The iMac was last updated in April of this year. Intel provided Apple with advanced versions (Montevina-like) of their processors that supported faster bus speeds (1066 MHz) well before they were in wide circulation. As a result, an update to the iMac is least pressing and rumors suggest that Apple will simply upgrade the internals of the iMac to NVIDIA-based chipsets to bring them in line with Apple's newest notebooks.
While it is rather late in the year for any new releases, it's not unheard of for Apple to issue a November upgrade. In 2003, Apple released an iMac update as late as November 18th. If Apple does update the iMac in November, it will likely be a simple press release rather than an organized media event.
Mac mini
Unfortunately, there is little new to say about the Mac mini. The most recent rumors have declared the Mac mini to still be alive, but it seems just barely. Apple has neglected the Mac mini for over a year now. In fact, for the last update, Apple didn't even issue a press release and revealed the upgrade during a Question and Answer session.
Mac Pro
The Mac Pro was last updated in January of this year at Macworld San Francisco. The fate of the Mac Pro largely depends on Intel's delivery of suitable new processors.
Intel has confirmed that they will be delivering the first of the Nehalem (Core i7) processors to customers in November with expectations pointing to the 17th. The Core i7 represents a significant architectural improvement over the Core 2 Duos used in existing Macs. The exact rollout of these chips remains a bit unclear. The first processors to be released in November are said to be high-end Desktop versions of the processor. Apple, however, has traditionally used Intel's server-class processors for the Mac Pro rather than the desktop versions. That being said, Apple has gotten special treatment from Intel in the past and may be able get access to chips earlier than their competitors.
The next major event for such a high profile release is Macworld San Francisco in January 2009. With recent updates to the rest of their product line, it seems there will be little else to talk about at Macworld except the Mac Pro. (Unless, of course, Apple decides to introduce a new product or discuss the upcoming Mac OS X Snow Leopard at the event.)
Our Buyer's Guide shows both the Mac mini and Mac Pro well overdue for updates and persistent rumors point at iMac updates before the holidays.
iMac
The iMac was last updated in April of this year. Intel provided Apple with advanced versions (Montevina-like) of their processors that supported faster bus speeds (1066 MHz) well before they were in wide circulation. As a result, an update to the iMac is least pressing and rumors suggest that Apple will simply upgrade the internals of the iMac to NVIDIA-based chipsets to bring them in line with Apple's newest notebooks.
While it is rather late in the year for any new releases, it's not unheard of for Apple to issue a November upgrade. In 2003, Apple released an iMac update as late as November 18th. If Apple does update the iMac in November, it will likely be a simple press release rather than an organized media event.
Mac mini
Unfortunately, there is little new to say about the Mac mini. The most recent rumors have declared the Mac mini to still be alive, but it seems just barely. Apple has neglected the Mac mini for over a year now. In fact, for the last update, Apple didn't even issue a press release and revealed the upgrade during a Question and Answer session.
Mac Pro
The Mac Pro was last updated in January of this year at Macworld San Francisco. The fate of the Mac Pro largely depends on Intel's delivery of suitable new processors.
Intel has confirmed that they will be delivering the first of the Nehalem (Core i7) processors to customers in November with expectations pointing to the 17th. The Core i7 represents a significant architectural improvement over the Core 2 Duos used in existing Macs. The exact rollout of these chips remains a bit unclear. The first processors to be released in November are said to be high-end Desktop versions of the processor. Apple, however, has traditionally used Intel's server-class processors for the Mac Pro rather than the desktop versions. That being said, Apple has gotten special treatment from Intel in the past and may be able get access to chips earlier than their competitors.
The next major event for such a high profile release is Macworld San Francisco in January 2009. With recent updates to the rest of their product line, it seems there will be little else to talk about at Macworld except the Mac Pro. (Unless, of course, Apple decides to introduce a new product or discuss the upcoming Mac OS X Snow Leopard at the event.)
Top Rated Comments
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43 months ago
Really hope Apple update the Mac Pro sooner rather than later. Im in one of those awkward stages at the moment where Im not sure wether to buy now or wait for the update.
43 months ago
The speculation makes sense Arn. For sure. I will say that we shouldn't expect a Snow Leopard release by any means in January. Like you mention, if anything, it will be a discussion. I'd say that iMac speedbumps are more than likely coming. Apple knows that buying an iMac doesn't take much configuration by its customers, and in preparing for the holiday season, expect this product to be even shinier and slightly refreshed.
I doubt anybody's Mac Mini/Apple TV dreams are going to come true. But we'll see.
I doubt anybody's Mac Mini/Apple TV dreams are going to come true. But we'll see.
43 months ago
17" MBP's (new form factor) at MWSF.
If this happens... It will be a "By the way, we've finally started shipping the new unibody 17" Macbook Pro." -- and that's probably it. No way is Apple spending another chunk of time at a media event to discuss notebooks.
43 months ago
I really like the idea of the Mac Mini.. I've just been waiting for it to be upgraded to be a little faster. I've been waiting for a long time....
43 months ago
I really like the idea of the Mac Mini.. I've just been waiting for it to be upgraded to be a little faster. I've been waiting for a long time....
+1 - woul really love the new mini sooner rather than later
43 months ago
If this happens... It will be a "By the way, we've finally started shipping the new unibody 17" Macbook Pro." -- and that's probably it. No way is Apple spending another chunk of time at a media event to discuss notebooks.
Oh, of course not, but I'm sure that's when we'll see it (if not sooner).
The Mac Pro/Power Mac case is what, 5 years old now? I'd hope for a new case myself.
43 months ago
Mac Mini
Unfortunately, there is little new to say about the Mac mini. The most recent rumors have declared the Mac mini to still be alive, but it seems just barely. Apple has neglected the Mac mini for over a year now. In fact, for the last update, Apple didn't even issue a press release and revealed the upgrade during a Question and Answer session.
Kinda sad. I like the Mac Mini. It's a good little computer for people who don't need to do much (maybe e-mail, MS Word, surf the web). Kinda Sad.
The next major event for such a high profile release is Macworld San Francisco in January 2009. With recent updates to the rest of their product line, it seems there will be little else to talk about at Macworld except the Mac Pro. Unless, of course, Apple decides to introduce a new product or discuss the upcoming Mac OS X Snow Leopard at the event.
My prediction for MWSF 2009: 115 minutes on iPhone, 5 minutes on computers/OS X. And in those 5 minutes, probably saying that they're closing down their computer division & focusing solely on the iPhone.
43 months ago
What about updated displays that work on apple's desktop line (or anything but the new laptops?)
At least drop the price a bit to be competitive, Apple!
At least drop the price a bit to be competitive, Apple!
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