[image courtesy of Apple Inc.]

Apple announced the update of the iMac, it’s all-in-one desktop. Apple is offering more iMac for less money. The 24″ model now starts at just $1499. According to the press release.

The elegant, full-featured iMac line starts with the 20-inch iMac for only $1,199 with a 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 memory, a 320GB Serial ATA hard drive and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics. The 24-inch iMac features a beautiful 1920-by-1200 pixel widescreen display that offers 30 percent more screen real estate than the 20-inch model, and starts at just $1,499. The 24-inch iMac includes up to a 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 memory, a 640GB or 1TB Serial ATA hard drive, and a variety of graphics technology from NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics to the NVIDIA GeForce GT 130 or ATI Radeon HD 4850 discrete graphics for ultimate performance.

There are 4 standard models available for the iMac.

The new 20-inch 2.66 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,199 (US), includes:

* 20-inch widescreen LCD display;
* 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 6MB shared L2 cache;
* 2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 8GB;
* NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
* 320GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
* Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* four USB 2.0 ports;
* one FireWire 800 port;
* built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
* the Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse.

The new 24-inch 2.66 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US), includes:

* 24-inch widescreen LCD display;
* 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 6MB shared L2 cache;
* 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 8GB;
* NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
* 640GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
* Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* four USB 2.0 ports;
* one FireWire 800 port;
* built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
* the Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse.

The new 24-inch 2.93 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,799 (US), includes:

* 24-inch widescreen LCD display;
* 2.93 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 6MB shared L2 cache;
* 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 8GB;
* NVIDIA GeForce GT 120; with 256MB GDDR3 SDRAM memory;
* 640GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
* Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* four USB 2.0 ports;
* one FireWire 800 port;
* built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
* the Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse.

The new 24-inch 3.06 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $2,199 (US), includes:

* 24-inch widescreen LCD display;
* 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 6MB shared L2 cache;
* 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 8GB;
* NVIDIA GeForce GT 130; with 512MB GDDR3 memory;
* 1TB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
* Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* four USB 2.0 ports;
* one FireWire 800 port;
* built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
* the Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse.

Read the full press release here.

[via AppleInsider]

According to Kaufan Bros. analyst Shaw Wu, Quad-core iMacs are a likely upgrade. Apart from this, dual-core processors will also be used to create a better tier for the iMac line.

Quoting the AppleInsider article

In his note to clients today, Wu now claims to be hearing from his sources “that both types of processors will likely be used,” which would “makes sense as this helps Apple create better tiers within the iMac family, utilizing quad-core for the high-end, and dual-core for mid-range and low-end.”

iMac stocks have started to dwindle and Apple has in fact advised it’s retail partners of the potential shortage of iMacs in the coming weeks. This usually signals a refresh in the lineup. As Apple is just trying to dispose of existing inventory to make way for the new ones to come in.

I’m looking forward to more powerful iMacs. Bring ‘em on!

Somehow Macworld this year just doesn’t feel the same. With Phil Schiller set to deliver the keynote instead of Steve Jobs, the buzz around Macworld is less.

However Macworld is still Macworld. This is also Apple’s last participation in the expo and thus I hope that Apple goes out with a bang. Here are some news bits regarding Macworld.

Rumor: 17″ inch Unibody MacBook Pro to be unveiled - 9to5mac.com reports that the 17″ Unibody MacBook Pro is set to make its debut during MacWorld. It will also sport a non-removable batter.

Rumor: Mac Mini to get dual display support - AppleInsider reports that the Mac Mini will get dual display support. It’s also set to debut during MacWorld along with an iMac update.

Apple Co-founder Steve Wozniak to appear at Macworld - The other Steve will make an appearance at Macworld. He will be on hand at the unveiling of the latest products of Axiotron, the makers of the Modbook.

If you’re attending the expo please be sure to check out the Macworld Expo Digital Art Gallery. It’s back after a 2 year vacation. Selected digital artists will get the chance to showcase their work for all the world to see. The exhibit will be featured in the hallway between the two halls. Go check it out.

Several people I know contacted me recently. They were having problems with their Macs and asked for advice. One had a broken LCD and another was having trouble with her trackpad and keyboard. It would later be diagnosed as a logic board problem. These two people have one thing in common, their Macs could not be covered by warranty. The LCD problem was not a factory defect. The owner accidentally sat on his MacBook. The one with the logic board problem was out of the 1 year standard warranty period.

When this happens it really sucks. Most components of your portable are quite expensive if you but it from Apple. So it’s really not a joking matter.

First thing to do is bring it to an Apple Certified Service Provider. If you have an Apple Store near you then better, bring it there. Have your machine diagnosed, unless it’s glaringly obvious what the problem is. A cracked LCD is quite obvious. Still it would be good for you to bring it. Have the whole unit looked at and get a part estimate. This is good for several things. One you can gauge how much Apple will charge for it. If you can afford it and think it’s reasonable then that’s good. If not at least you know what part to look for.

You can check eBay for parts. A lot of people are selling spare parts via eBay. You might be able to get a good deal there. Mac User forums are also a good place to look. Sometimes people post parts for sale. It’s true in the Mac User Group I belong to.

Then there are the web sites that sell parts for your Macs. Sites such as All Mac and iFixit. These are good places to find spare parts for your Mac.

When all else fails or you’re just too lazy to have your Mac fixed, you can try to sell it for parts and go buy yourself a new one. This time remember not to let the warranty lapse and go get yourself the extended warranty.

According to an AppleInsider Story, Mac sales are soaring. It posted a 50% year on year growth for the month of April. A staggering figure compared to 17% for the PC market.

It’s not only the numbers that show it. Even in everyday life you see the Mac gaining popularity. I’ve been seeing more and more glowing Apple logos in coffee shops, schools and offices here in Manila. Sales of Macs are up as evidenced by more and more stores selling Apple stuff.

The strength of Mac OS X coupled with the blunder that is Vista is making people really think about getting Macs.

Check out the full story here.

Apple just updated its iMac line of computers. The base configuration of the updated iMac sports a 2.4ghz Core 2 Duo processor, 6MB shared L2 cache and a 1066MHz front side bus.

Processors up to 3.06Ghz and an NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS with 512MB GDDR3 Memory are upgrades available to the 24″ model.

There are some component upgrades mostly to the processor and video card aspect but most of the iMac stays the same. There’s no radical difference to it. So owners of the previous gen iMac shouldn’t fret. If you’re not a power user your machine will still do fine.

Read Apple’s press release here. The tech specs of the iMac is here.

[Image courtesy of Apple Web site]

Sometimes life can be cruel. I woke up this morning to find out from my brother that our iMac developed a line 1 pixel wide on the right side of its LCD. Apparently we’re not alone.

Apparently people have been experiencing this with their iMac 17″ models both the G5 and the Intel versions. Some PowerBook users have also reported similar incidents. Reports have said that the problem has been traced to a factory in China.

The problem appear to affect the iMacs built in this factory. The serial numbers are quite similar. Here’s the details of our iMac, I’ll just edit the last few numbers of the serial for security’s sake.

Serial number: W863*******
Name: iMac Intel (core duo)
Model: Mxxxx iMac Intel (core 2 duo) 2.0GHz
Bus speed: 667MHz
Screen size: 17 inch
Factory: W8 (Shanghai China)

Model introduced: 2006
Production year: 2006
Production week: 35 (September)
Production number: 5192 (within this week)

These incidents have been documented. There’s an article at MacNN and a thread at the Apple support site as well as numerous other pages on the web. It’s also being discussed at our local Mac community.

I’m really bothered by this. Apart from the fact that our iMac is not under AppleCare, it’s worrisome that this happened to a machine that’s on its second year. I know that technology gets obsolete but not in this short time. Obsolete does not mean defective though. A gadget can be obsolete but still in good working condition.

Apple’s quality control has really been going down or maybe they’re just cutting costs so much that it’s coming out with inferior products. I expect at least 3 years of service out of my gadgets.

Now it seems that I’m forced to buy AppleCare because I am expecting my machines to fail within that time frame. That’s just not right…

Have you guys had any problems like this?

Apple posted it’s second quarter results last April 23, 2008. The most notable figure for me was the fact that Mac sales are up. Apple shipped 2,289,000 units in this period equating to a 51% unit growth.

Macs are gaining market share and it has nowhere else to go but up. Macs actually represented the strongest revenue stream for Apple ahead of iPod and iPhone sales.

These facts aren’t just imaginary. I’m experiencing it first hand. I know 8 people who bought new Macs this month alone. Some of them are already Mac users and there are also new Mac users. That’s 8 people I know personally or family members of people I know. That’s saying a lot.

As time goes by more and more people are drawn to Macs because of the simplicity of OS X. It’s just easier for most people to use. Plus the cost of ownership is indeed going down.

I don’t see this as slowing down anytime soon. For the rest of the year I see that more and more people will be switching to the Mac.

Read the complete earnings press release here.

I was reading through the January 08 issue of MacWorld and I saw the feedback section. Several readers were complaining about the display of the new aluminum iMacs. One reader writes that he’s disappointed with the colors weren’t as good as his previous iMac, meaning that just moving your head a bit distorted the colors already.

Honestly, I love the new iMacs design but I was disappointed to know that it only came in the glossy display. As much as some say that the colors are more vibrant, etc. I still find that the matte displays are better. One reason is the glare of the glossy displays are distracting. Plus it tends to affect how you look at colors.  When I got my MacBook Pro I opted to retain the matte display rather than order it with the glossy one.

Apart from the glossy display woes, other users have also reported condensation problems from their iMacs. The display seems to have a build up of condensation in the lower corners of the screen. Moisture and electronics do not make a good pair.

So with those issues, are the new iMac displays really that bad? Or are these isolated cases? I haven’t had a lot of time with the aluminum iMacs so I can’t really make a sound judgment.  So I turn to you fellow Mac users, if you have any experience with the aluminum iMacs and care to share them leave a comment.

Several days ago images leaked on the internet claimed to be spy shots of the iMac. This was one of them.

A mock up of the iMac was also created. This was it.

The mock up was a wee bit closer to the real thing.

Finally August 7, 2007 came and Apple released the all new iMac. Thinner and more powerful than the previous generation. Instead of keeping the white plastic theme that has long adorned the iMac, they replaced it with aluminum and glass. Citing reasons that it’s more environment friendly as well as higher quality materials.

Here’s the real thing.

The 17″ model is also gone replaced by an entry level 20″ iMac model. The high-end still sports a 24″ display. Together with the new iMac comes a new keyboard design. It’s also a lot thinner than the previous keyboard and shares the same type of keypad design as the MacBook.

My thoughts on the new iMac? I love design. It’s not perfect but it’s a great design nonetheless. I’ve always loved aluminum as opposed to plastic. I love the new keyboard although my opinion of it is still not set in stone. I’ll need to test it out to form a concrete and definite opinion. I do however love the wireless keyboard more than the wired. I’m not a fan of clutter so anything to minimize it, I love.

The new iMacs comes in 2 sizes with 2 configurations each.

1. 20″ 2.0 Ghz Core 2 Duo with 1GB Ram, 250 GB HD and 128 MB VRAM priced at $1,199
2. 20″ 2.4 Ghz Core 2 Duo with 1GB Ram, 320 GB HD and 256 MB VRAM priced at $1,499
3. 24″ 2.4 Ghz Core 2 Duo with 1GB Ram, 320 GB HD and 256 MB VRAM priced at $1,799
4. 24″ 2.8 Ghz Core 2 Duo with 2GB Ram, 500 GB HD and 256 MB VRAM priced at $2,299

Check out the iMac section for all the details.