The Official Apple Thread: Introducing the new, thinner, lighter...

[MATRIX 2]

Components certainly are a commodity but they way they're put together in a package defines the value.

Hackinthoses brings issues such as software update incompatibility with it. Usually not having those types of issues is where part of the value of the Mac is as well.




I'm sure they're serious, but you have to back up good values with great products. That's something they've struggled with.

If you can assemble your own computer with the exact hardware in an imac/mac pro I fail to see any disadvantage aside from aesthetics.

The advantage is that you can build a PC like you normally would but have the advantage of being able to run OSX in addition to windows, with few if any changes to the specs.

Of course the other option is literally taking components out of existing macs and putting them in your own enclosure.

You have more of a point regarding laptops.

[Cybertox]

Damn are mac minis overpriced. Cost a bunch of money and have specifications of the previous era. Im currently thinking about getting a mac computer. I have a very old 2008 imac and i really need an upgrade. Even though i have a decent computer (Alienware X51), i want to get agood mac for work and other stuff. I use PC mainly for gaming.

[PeanutButterMunky]

Damn are mac minis overpriced. Cost a bunch of money and have specifications of the previous era. Im currently thinking about getting a mac computer. I have a very old 2008 imac and i really need an upgrade. Even though i have a decent computer (Alienware X51), i want to get agood mac for work and other stuff. I use PC mainly for gaming.

The new iMacs are going to be announced either this month or next month... as well as the iPad Mini and the 13" Retina MacBook Pro. Hopefully the Mac Mini will be updated as well... it's been a while. You could always build yourself a Hackintosh. iMacs are a pain in the ass to deal with if you need to replace the hard drive... and from the rumors I'm hearing you may not even be able to take off the display panel this time to access the inside, not to mention it's probably going to be dramatically thinner... and probably more expensive.

[BoyBettaKnow]

13" Mbp with retina display sounds right up my road. I wanted a 27" iMac for a while but until I find a away to be able to use the display with my PC I'll stick to a MBP. May get one once I pay my credit card off


BBK. Tapatalking

[PeanutButterMunky]

You should definitely focus on paying off that credit card debt first.

[BoyBettaKnow]

You should definitely focus on paying off that credit card debt first.

I do my finances are all in check. I rarely use my credit card, only use it occasionally to build up a good credit rating. I won't get a Mbp for the next year anyway. I have other things that I need to get first really


BBK. Tapatalking

[PeanutButterMunky]

I do my finances are all in check. I rarely use my credit card, only use it occasionally to build up a good credit rating. I won't get a Mbp for the next year anyway. I have other things that I need to get first really


BBK. Tapatalking

I hear ya. I'm only now fixing my credit after my younger, dumb ass self went credit crazy. I wish I could go back in time and bitch-slap myself

[F34R]

I hear ya. I'm only now fixing my credit after my younger, dumb ass self went credit crazy. I wish I could go back in time and bitch-slap myself

I'm the same way lol. Once I get it all taken care off ($2000 left to go), I won't have credit cards at all again. Period.

[BoyBettaKnow]

I was put off for having one for ages but as long as you can make the repayments it's never too bad. I usually get s decent interest free period as well. I know some people live off them but I'd just rather use a CC than my overdraft


BBK. Tapatalking

[F34R]

If I can keep the amount low enough to pay it each month, and have interest free when I can't.. ok I'm game.

[PeanutButterMunky]

But do you really NEED to spend that much on a computer?

[BoyBettaKnow]

But do you really NEED to spend that much on a computer?

Do i need to? Nope.
Do i want to? Yes.

I'm someone who likes to treat themselves to gifts. I'm a materialistic guy. I judge my success on what i've been able to treat myself and others with.

[PeanutButterMunky]

Do i need to? Nope.
Do i want to? Yes.

I'm someone who likes to treat themselves to gifts. I'm a materialistic guy. I judge my success on what i've been able to treat myself and others with.

I was just prodding. Whatever makes you happy, that's all that matters.

[MjW]

Are the new iMacs out yet? God this is taking ages!

[PeanutButterMunky]

Are the new iMacs out yet? God this is taking ages!

They'll probably be announced at next week's Apple event. If not... then soon thereafter.

[MjW]

They'll probably be announced at next week's Apple event. If not... then soon thereafter.

I just hope that the rumour of releasing the 21.5" first and the the 27" inch at a later date doesn't come true.

http://www.macrumors.com/2012/10/14/...hoto-surfaces/

[PeanutButterMunky]

I just hope that the rumour of releasing the 21.5" first and the the 27" inch at a later date doesn't come true.

http://www.macrumors.com/2012/10/14/...hoto-surfaces/

That's not really a "rumor". Apple always does that with the iMacs... especially if they're introducing new tech/redesign (bottleneck with manufacturing, etc.). It would actually surprise me if they weren't released at different times.

[MjW]

That's not really a "rumor". Apple always does that with the iMacs... especially if they're introducing new tech/redesign (bottleneck with manufacturing, etc.). It would actually surprise me if they weren't released at different times.

Oh man. The wait will never end.

[PeanutButterMunky]

Apple are the masters of anticipation. =\

[uofmtiger]

If you can assemble your own computer with the exact hardware in an imac/mac pro I fail to see any disadvantage aside from aesthetics.

I think the main disadvantage is the loss of time to research, find the right hardware, and troubleshoot issues. I would rather spend my time doing something else...I could also make money with that time, so depending on the amount of time devoted and the amount of money your time is worth, it could cost more to build than just buying from Apple.

[PeanutButterMunky]

[ double post ]

[MATRIX 2]

I think the main disadvantage is the loss of time to research, find the right hardware, and troubleshoot issues. I would rather spend my time doing something else...I could also make money with that time, so depending on the amount of time devoted and the amount of money your time is worth, it could cost more to build than just buying from Apple.

If you can assemble your own computer with the exact hardware in an imac/mac pro I fail to see any disadvantage aside from aesthetics.

The advantage is that you can build a PC like you normally would but have the advantage of being able to run OSX in addition to windows, with few if any changes to the specs.

Of course the other option is literally taking components out of existing macs and putting them in your own enclosure.

You have more of a point regarding laptops.

And this isn't directed at you, but I find the whole "my time is valuable and costs me money" argument to be a weak one. How often does a person change computers (desktop)? I'd say somewhere between 2-5 years depending on the individual. At most the entire process to assemble a computer and install OS/programs would take at most 1 day. (granted this doesn't take into account shipping time for online purchases or RMA time for defective hardware, but that is hard to account for with a general time estimate).

So at most 1 day every 2-5 years. Essentially nothing. Not to mention apple doesn't give you much value with their desktops. The mac pro is still high priced and not up to date. The mini has limited uses. That leaves the imac as the ideal mac desktop (in apples eyes). So not only do you have to consider the price (which is mostly reasonable for the imac, aside from the hardware being outdated) but the form factor as well (not so reasonable).


It really is a non issue. The biggest obstacle is a person deciding that it is something that they would want to do. (if they think they are capable) Which is vastly less of a concern with internet resources.

[PeanutButterMunky]

I think the main disadvantage is the loss of time to research, find the right hardware, and troubleshoot issues. I would rather spend my time doing something else...I could also make money with that time, so depending on the amount of time devoted and the amount of money your time is worth, it could cost more to build than just buying from Apple.

Yeah no. You're making it sound way more time consuming than it actually is. It's really not a big deal. And you don't quite grasp the full spectrum of issues with Apple's closed off world. They're a P.I.T.A. If you want to talk about wasted time, if your hard drive goes bad, you have to send your iMac to Apple and wait for them to replace it, provided the iMac is still under warranty. If you try to do it yourself... you have to remove the front panel glass with suction cups (making sure you don't damage the panel). Once you finally get inside the thing, you'll realize the SATA connector is a proprietary apple connector which requires ordering a special third-party attachment from OWC. Now... once you get the hard drive you want in there... you'll realize that no third-party hard drive will work due to Apple's proprietary firmware they install on their hard drives. This firmware will cause the fans to speed up to max, leading to a boot error with any third-party drive no matter what you do. The only way to bypass this firmware is to install a third-party fan throttling utility, which will prevent the fans from going overload and allowing you to finally use third-party hard drives with your iMac.

The only thing upgradeable on the iMac that isn't a pain in the ass is the RAM... and hopefully that will also be the case next gen. However, I'm hearing rumors that the front panel is going to be glued on and you won't even be able to replace the hard drive yourself, even if you are adventurous enough to try it.

Another thing... the iMac... despite appearing to be a desktop computer... is using mobile chipsets... and even the same mobile GPU used in their laptops. At first glance it would appear like you're getting a good deal, when in reality all you're paying for is a shiny screen.

Don't get me wrong, I love Apple products and their level of craftsmanship is second to none. But to say you're saving time by just buying the product shows how inexperienced you are in the Apple arena. When there are hardware problems... it is a great deal of wasted time... believe me. Unless you are fortunate enough to bump into Apple employees that are willing to bend backwards to appease you, which isn't always the case... that is... if there's even an Apple store anywhere near you.

And now Apple's laptops are COMPLETELY incapable of being upgraded... pretty much one of the large factors for making the MacBook Pro so appealing. With the Retina MBP (which is where all their laptop line is going)... the freaking parts... like the RAM... are SOLDERED TO THE MOTHERBOARD. The battery is even glued in. The SSD is proprietary, but it can be replaced provide that you go through OWC for the parts... but it requires a lot of fudging.

If you build your own... you can simply swap out parts. If you want a more powerful graphics card... you simply swap it out. If you want to upgrade your sound board... you simply install it... provided that they are supported under OS X. Repairs take two seconds and don't cost you several visits and waiting for your computer to be returned to you.

And this isn't directed at you, but I find the whole "my time is valuable and costs me money" argument to be a weak one. How often does a person change computers (desktop)? I'd say somewhere between 2-5 years depending on the individual. At most the entire process to assemble a computer and install OS/programs would take at most 1 day. (granted this doesn't take into account shipping time for online purchases or RMA time for defective hardware, but that is hard to account for with a general time estimate).

So at most 1 day every 2-5 years. Essentially nothing. Not to mention apple doesn't give you much value with their desktops. The mac pro is still high priced and not up to date. The mini has limited uses. That leaves the imac as the ideal mac desktop (in apples eyes). So not only do you have to consider the price (which is mostly reasonable for the imac, aside from the hardware being outdated) but the form factor as well (not so reasonable).


It really is a non issue. The biggest obstacle is a person deciding that it is something that they would want to do. (if they think they are capable) Which is vastly less of a concern with internet resources.

Exactly.

[keefy]

So why don't apple allow Mac OS on regular hardware?

[PeanutButterMunky]

So why don't apple allow Mac OS on regular hardware?

Because it's a closed system, which allows Apple more control over both the hardware and software, allowing them to deal with issues more easily while also being Nazis.

This is actually one of the perks of Apple products, especially when doing a reformat... you don't have to worry about all the drivers. The closed system also allows Apple to get the most out of their products performance-wise... unless of course your hardware is a few years old... then Apple will outright abandon you, being completely incapable of getting the latest updates/OS's... forcing you to get a new Mac if you need the latest software available. Apple loves making only several year old hardware obsolete to make way for "new tech".