Enthusiasts gaze into iMac crystal ball
Published: 29 Jul 2004 09:50 BST
The recent confirmation from Apple Computer that it's planning to redesign the iMac prompted ZDNet UK sister site CNET News.com to wonder: So what will it look like? And who better to ask than our readers?
The next-generation model is due in September, but Apple has so far declined to say what shape it will take. One thing's for sure, though: the company has a reputation to live up to. The current iMac, which debuted in January 2002, looked like no other computer before it, with a flat-screen display on a swivel arm riding above a half-moon base.
Apple has garnered attention for other designs as well, from the original Macintosh to the Newton PDA to today's zeitgeist gadget, the iPod digital music player. Often the response has been in the form of applause, but there have been catcalls, too, over the years.
As for what the upcoming iMac should look like, readers' response has ranged from requests for specific features to praise for Apple's previous efforts.
Some suggestions include creating a built-in dock for an iPod, crafting some Mac blades and offering a separate monitor.
"The all-in-one in education, K-12, should no longer be the only option from Apple," commented a Michael Theochares. "The cost of repairing/replacing the monitor for these out-weighs the benefits."
Users also predicted that Apple would continue to use the clean white lines so popular on its iPod music player, while possibly adding Bluetooth accessories to eliminate wire clutter.
But more than one reader noted that looking pretty won't be enough to help the company, whose share of the PC market is miniscule.
"Apple needs to compete. Enough of this laid back, whatever type attitude. If they are going to remain a computer company (which I'm starting to question what with Apple seriously focusing on Music and the iPod) they need to kick some butt," writes a reader identified as John Doe.
"They need to put more money into the quality and performance of their computers and lower the price. Don't waste time on some cutesy looking pc, get a pc for its functionality and performance," noted Robert King.
Of course, comments like that predictably prompted shouts from Mac loyalists that "time and time again the computer industry looks to Apple for the next idea or look" of the personal computer, as one reader put it.
There was also some debate as to whether Apple would even go forward with a new iMac, or instead simply focus on G5 desktop and associated models.
"Apple needs three product lines, for both desktop and notebook computers. The entry level, all-in-one desktop coupled with a basic notebook (iMac); the powerful, professional desktop and notebook (PowerMac/Book); AND a midrange pair that look funky and do things that few other computers can," wrote Bc Saxman.
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