Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

Apple Updates iMac

apple.com

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

131–140 of 166 posts

Re: Apple Updates iMac

#131

Post by nknighthb »

ctb_mg wrote: post #123
nknighthb wrote: post #81

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I just looked at Lenovo's site. I see plastic cases with mechanical latches. This is not "comparable build quality".

The ThinkPad series has had, for as long as I can remember (including the ThinkPad I got last Christmas), a magnesium rollcage/inner frame [1]. Build quality is more than what you see with your eyes. Sure, it's not pretty and isn't unibody, but that doesn't mean the build quality is uncomparable if you're looking at it from a "ruggedness" perspective. Disclaimer: I owned and used a 13" unibody macbook pro for 3 years…

When the plastic case breaks, can I just take it all off and safely/comfortably use the laptop with only its inner frame? No? Then it's not comparable.

When the plastic latches break off, will my laptop stay closed? No? Then it's not comparable.

When the slider for the latches breaks off, can I still easily and comfortably open my laptop? No? Then it's not comparable.

Re: Apple Updates iMac

#132

Post by Samuel_Michon »

rz2k wrote: post #127
ChikkaChiChi wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Depends on what feature you are looking for. For laptop users, the displays still require you to use a dongle for Magsafe2. I consider this unacceptable. If you are waiting for a Retina screen, you're screwed. IMO this soft launch indicates no Retina iMac is forthcoming in the near future.

Another problem standing in the way of it being an obvious dock for newer MacBooks is that it doesn't yet support USB 3.0.

The Thunderbolt Display has a Thunderbolt port, as the name suggests. You can connect a hub that allows you to connect USB 3 devices.

http://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-F4U055

Re: Apple Updates iMac

#133

Post by Samuel_Michon »

johnbellone wrote: post #73

There is yet a solid date on 10.9 release (sometime in October?) and Apple is updating the iMac line. From the article it says they are shipping with Mountain Lion - I hope that the machines that ship have a free upgrade path to 10.9 because I would hate to have to put out another $20.

> I hope that the machines that ship have a free upgrade path to 10.9

They will, Apple takes care of that via their Up-to-Date program.

When Mountain Lion was announced Apple gave free upgrades for people who bought a computer in the 45 days preceding the release: http://www.macrumors.com/2012/07/25/apples-os-x-mountain-lio...

Re: Apple Updates iMac

#134

Post by rayiner »

ctb_mg wrote: post #129
rayiner wrote: post #97

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'll grant you understated, but Thinkpads are not better-constructed. The Macbooks are solid pieces of aluminum. I bought an X220 for my dad and it's a solid machine too, but it doesn't have the same rigidity and has more moving parts to go wrong.

Durability is more than feeling solid and not having moving parts. Lenovo do some crazy durability tests [1]. Does Apple do the same? [1]: http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-11-26/news...

That link is marketing fluff. You don't need to take a laptop to Everest to understand that moving part are prone to breakage over time or that a rigid casing will better-protect interior parts. Carbon fiber is prone to cracking while aluminum will generally just dent.

Re: Apple Updates iMac

#135

Post by tedunangst »

jasonlotito wrote: post #82
threeseed wrote: post #38

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's all pretty simple really. The number of people who want more hard disk space and aren't willing to use an external drive is small. So small in fact that it isn't worth Apple's time to design a computer specifically catered to them.

> So small in fact that it isn't worth Apple's time to design a computer specifically catered to them. Apple never appreciated it when other companies treated them in the same manner.

I'm not sure what you're referring to. PowerPC? IBM wouldn't sell apple what they wanted, so apple bought from intel. If you don't like what apple is selling, you have the same choice: buy from some somebody else. Feel free to tell the world how much happier you are, too, if that's your thing.

Re: Apple Updates iMac

#136

Post by tedunangst »

jsvaughan wrote: post #61

It is me, or is Haswell taking a very long time to become available everywhere? The Haswell Mac Air came out 3 months ago, (June 10th), but you still can't get it in a MBP or a Thinkpad, and can only now get it in an iMac.

Haswell is more different than ivy bridge. More changes, more verification. Apple and thinkpad lines are also the slowest updating, IMO. They keep existing models around for a lot longer than the two weeks it seems acer or asus do.

Re: Apple Updates iMac

#137

Post by bbrks »

statusgraph wrote: post #27
bbrks wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Here's hoping. I've been waiting for a Retina Macbook Pro for about 8 months now.

Do you mean MacBook Air? The Pros have been retina for a while :)

Sorry, yeah a refresh. I can't stand spending £2000+ on a laptop when the Haswells are just around the corner.

Re: Apple Updates iMac

#138

Post by rz2k »

Samuel_Michon wrote: post #132
rz2k wrote: post #127

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Another problem standing in the way of it being an obvious dock for newer MacBooks is that it doesn't yet support USB 3.0.

The Thunderbolt Display has a Thunderbolt port, as the name suggests. You can connect a hub that allows you to connect USB 3 devices. http://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-F4U055

It did sound very promising for the couple years that it was in development, but the reviews don't make it sound like it is really worth it.

- The USB 3.0 connection operates at half speed

- The Thunderbolt Display also includes most of the same connectors: ethernet, firewire 800, 3xUSB-2.0

You get the audio interface and faster USB with the Belkin dock, but it sounds like it is much further from the plug and play without thinking about it compared to the monitor, which also includes a monitor.

If you compare a Belkin Dock ($300) + 2560x1440 IPS Monitor ($500 ?) to a Thunderbolt Display ($1000), the savings aren't that significant, and it is probably more of a hassle, even if you have to plug any USB-3.0 drives in separately.

It just seems surprising that Apple hasn't upgraded something that makes so much sense as part of a well-integrated and carefully designed system.

Re: Apple Updates iMac

#139

Post by Samuel_Michon »

rz2k wrote: post #138
Samuel_Michon wrote: post #132

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The Thunderbolt Display has a Thunderbolt port, as the name suggests. You can connect a hub that allows you to connect USB 3 devices. http://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-F4U055

It did sound very promising for the couple years that it was in development, but the reviews don't make it sound like it is really worth it. - The USB 3.0 connection operates at half speed - The Thunderbolt Display also includes most of the same connectors: ethernet, firewire 800, 3xUSB-2.0 You get the audio interface and faster USB with the Belkin dock, but it sounds like it is much further from the plug and play wi…

Oh, I definitely agree Apple should update its external display to include USB 3. The Belkin dock is not ideal. My point was merely that it’s possible to connect USB 3 devices.

I do think Apple will release a new display this year. I’m hoping for the introduction of a model with 4K resolution, geared towards creative professionals and (medical) science.

When the new Mac Pro was announced, Apple made a big deal about the Mac Pro being able to drive three 4K displays, it’d be odd if they didn’t come up with a best-in-class display of their own.

I suspect it’s not going to be cheap, though. 4K displays currently go for $3500, and Apple’s current display costs $1000. So if it happens, the 4K display is likely a high-end option, not a replacement for the current model.

Re: Apple Updates iMac

#140

Post by ctb_mg »

rayiner wrote: post #134
ctb_mg wrote: post #129

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Durability is more than feeling solid and not having moving parts. Lenovo do some crazy durability tests [1]. Does Apple do the same? [1]: http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-11-26/news...

That link is marketing fluff. You don't need to take a laptop to Everest to understand that moving part are prone to breakage over time or that a rigid casing will better-protect interior parts. Carbon fiber is prone to cracking while aluminum will generally just dent.

Sorry, let me re-phrase. What objective tests does Apple do to ensure reliability/durability?
Post reply on HN