RSS

New iMacs are just around the corner.

By Gerard Lagana Fri, Jul 23, 2010 @ 8:30 AM

New iMacs are just around the corner. Photo New iMacs are just around the corner.Is your iMac getting a bit long in the tooth?  Is it time for an upgrade?  If I were you I would hold off on buying that new iMac.  According to AppleInsider, Apple has informed their resellers that inventory is low and to sell what they have.  So what does this all mean?  Usually when Apple does this, it means that a new product in that line is going to be released real soon.  Apple generally does not keep a surplus of old inventory, so when an updated product comes out, the old version is pretty much sold out.

AppleInsider has a few tidbits of information in regards to the updated hardware.  The new iMacs will have both the Intel Dual Core and Quad Core i5 and i7 processors.  This is a nice upgrade from the Intel Core 2 Duo processors that Apple is currently using.  Back in May Apple upgraded their MacBook Pro line to Intel Core i5 and i7 processors.  It also seems that Apple might be using AMD processors in their Macs.  It’s not clear if Apple is replacing the Intel processor with the AMD processor, or if it will be an option to choose.  Personally, I’ve never been a big fan of AMD processors.  I know back in the day you could over-clock the processor, and they were first to offer a 64-Bit processor for Windows-based computers.  However, I had an AMD processor that was equivalent to a Pentium II processor, and I had more headaches with that chip than I care to explain.  In any event, I think it’s too soon for Apple to switch to the AMD processor.  Intel seems to be a good fit for Apple computers.

Let’s switch gears here, I want to talk about the updated USB that Apple will be using.  They will be employing USB 3.0.  USB 3.0 can transfer 5 Gbps of data.  The current USB Hi-Speed 2.0 standard can only transfer 480 Mbps.  This makes FireWire 800 look like USB 1.1 (USB 1.1 only transferred 12 Mbps).  The only negative I can see is that currently there is no hardware that will support it.  Personally, I think it’s great that Apple is putting this in their computers.  This way when the devices start coming out, your iMac will be ready to support them.

Whenever I am thinking about upgrading my Macs, I refer to MacRumors Buyer’s Guide.  It’s a great resource to see if you should hold off, or go out and buy your new Mac computer.  Also, if you are thinking about selling your old iMac so that you can put some money towards your new iMac, you can check out Mac2Sell.net.  Mac2Sell.net will give you a quote based on your iMacs specs.  I use this site to get an idea of how much I can get for my iMac.  Now, it’s not only good for iMacs, but any Mac computer will be listed on this site.  If you don’t want to hassle with selling your iMac on eBay or Craig’s List, you have other options, one being Gazelle.com.  At Gazelle.com you can enter in your iMac’s specifications, condition, and the items you have for your iMac.  With this information they will generate a quote for your iMac that they will pay you for.  This can be the simplest way to offload your iMac.

The new school year is just right around the corner, and a new iMac would make a nice addition to any dorm room.  The only question is, will Apple release the new iMac in August, or will they release it in September with the new iPods?  If I were to have to bet on when, I would say that they would release it in August.  Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

Photo Credit: My New iMac Photography Workspace!

Article Via AppleInsider

  • Randi

    Apple/Jobs may be using AMD processors, because it has now been revealed that Intel’s hardware was artificially rigged to downgrade the performance of AMD processors. Perhaps Apple is now reconsidering AMD’s processors, because the FTC is attempting to stop Intel from those illegal mafia tactics?

    Wow, Intel is truly “evil inside”.

    http://www.eetimes.com/electronics-news/4204693/Report–Intel-settles-with-FTC

    “The FTC filed suit against Intel last December, charging that the chip maker has for a decade illegally used its dominant market position to stifle competition and strengthen its monopoly. The FTC suit also alleged that Intel may have redesigned its software to degrade the performance of rival chips.”

  • Patrick

    I can understand your hesitancy towards AMD processors but you have to consider how long ago that was. I’ve been running AMD since the first Athlon 64′s came out and I’ve had nothing but good luck. I’ve gotten a very good bang for the buck with the processors. I do agree that right now is not the right time for Apple to switch to AMD. However, when AMD switches to a new socket type I think it would be to Apple’s benefit to at least use AMD because AMD keeps socket’s around for a long time. It would take a lot of headaches away for them and allow them to get progressive upgrades options to their processors. Plus, AMD is cheaper and would be a good choice for their lower range products. Yes, early on (Pentium II days) AMD did have some manufacturing difficulties but that’s behind them now. That had a lot to do with the fact that back then, they were reverse engineering Intel’s stuff but now they make their own products which for the money are very competitive until you get into the high end stuff.

  • Pingback: Apple iMac Refresh Rumors Resurface: USB 3.0, CPU Updates and Possible Touchscreen? « you, me, & the pretty

  • http://www.flourla.com/ Flour LA

    Really good quality article! This is one of the most inspiring pieces of work I’ve read a long time. Too many times writers don’t care what they write. It’s obvious that you do. Thank you.