Mac4Ever [Google Translation] is reporting on a number of tips they have received. The most currently relevant subject is the iMac. They reiterate that an imminent refresh is likely, but what sets this report apart from the others, is that specific product details are included.
Such new features claimed to be in the new iMac include an SD card slot (much like the ones in the current 13 and 15 inch MacBook Pros), the possibility of a Quad-core processor. One source even mentioned the inclusion of a Xeon processor, which presumably would be left to the high-end models.
The report raps up by mentioning other Apple product refreshes. Things like a totally multi-touch mouse, and an all aluminum Apple remote. There are also claims of Apple continuing to port software over to 64-bit.
My Opinion? I totally buy the SD card slot tidbit, it seems logical. I also buy into the claim that Apple might be making a new mouse and remote. It couldn’t hurt. However, I really can’t see Apple cramming a quad-core processor of any kind into the iMac, at least not yet anyway.
Why wouldn’t Apple put a quad-core in their iMacs you ask? Well, first off, the inclusion of just such a processor could cut into Apple’s ultra high-end MacPro sales. I have no idea what Apple makes off of the MacPro, but you can be assured it’s a lot. If they were to cut into that, even with a marginally cheaper product, they would still be shooting themselves in the foot.
Secondly, I can’t see Apple including a quad-core, in the iMac’s small thermal envelope, especially if the other rumors about a thinner case design are true. That said, Apple’s engineers normally pull off miracles anyway.
In short it makes little economic sense to me, and packing that much power into an even smaller space seems like a bad idea.
Continue reading:
- Everything New Apple Just Announced (Septembe
- Apple Watch Pre-Order
- Apple Research Kit launches with 5 Apps
- Apple TV now only $69
TAGS: Apple Remote, iMac, mouse, quad-core, redesign
