AppleInsider Staff
An AppleInsider reader sent word Sunday that the 21.5-inch iMac, and quad-core 27-inch model are both unavailable for the Reserve and Pick Up option at the company's retail store in Buffalo, N.Y. In addition, some desktops are unavailable in other locations, including Apple's Fifth Avenue store in New York City, where the quad-core 27-inch is not available for pick-up.
However, for those shopping on Apple's online store, the hardware is still scheduled to ship within 24 hours.
The changes to the company's Reserve and Pick Up option come soon after Apple warned its direct and indirect sales channels of near-term shortages of the iMac. The company is drawing down its inventory ahead of the launch of new models, expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
Among those out of stock in some locations are the 3.06GHz 21.5-inch iMac, of which Apple has told distributors not to expect any further stock, implying that production of the model has ceased.
Potential configurations of the new hardware include a dual-core Core i5 model and quad-core Core i5 and Core i7 configurations. People familiar with the plan previously indicated to AppleInsider that Intel's low-end Core i3 processor would also find its way into the iMac line.
Earlier this month, it was alleged that the forthcoming iMac update would add USB 3.0, as well as faster FireWire connectivity. The new hardware is not expected to have support for Blu-ray discs.
Signs of another hardware update also came through Apple's online store Reserve and Pick Up option last week, when customers discovered limited availability of the company's other line of desktop machines, the Mac Pro. Users found that multiple retail stores showed no availability of either the Quad-Core or 8-core Mac Pro models.
Christine McKee
William Gallagher
Malcolm Owen
Andrew Orr
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43 Comments
Tuesday seems like a viable bet. Do you think any other updates beside iMac and Mac Pro HW; AppleTV, iLife, iWork, Pro apps? My concern is the stock price and I also wonder if Apple would push an update faster than planned to help hide negative news.
geez - feels like I just got this thing. Will it be cool enough to step up???
geez - feels like I just got this thing. Will it be cool enough to step up???
The iMac was last updated 278 days ago, which is 47 days passed the average cycle update of 221 days before refresh. (via Mac Buyers Guide)
The last update to the iMac (the one you own) was a major overhaul, so next update will likely not be anything major. I don't expect any major design changes for 1-2 years.
The only rumor floating right now is multitouch/iOS integration into iMacs/Apple desktops but that seems unlikely at this time. Would be kinda cool though.
The only rumor floating right now is multitouch/iOS integration into iMacs/Apple desktops but that seems unlikely at this time. Would be kinda cool though.
I don't get having multi touch on a desktop. Seems like it would be uncomfortable to have to lean forward to peck at the screen. Of course, I'm a fatty so maybe it's just me. I prefer a nice comfy chair and keyboard and mouse.
My concern is the stock price and I also wonder if Apple would push an update faster than planned to help hide negative news.
It is highly unlikely that they would push a hardware update to deflect the 'negative' news of late. One because the value has basically recovered already. and Two because if it is too soon and there's some big issue, the negative there would be horrible. Folks would jump all over the notion that Apple is making a habit of releasing stuff before it is ready, etc.
I think that it is possible that the imacs could release soon to catch any students that might want a desktop (like video/film folks that want bigger screen real estate) or those willing to use their annual discount on the family as they already have a well working machine.
The Pro delay is probably due to some external factor like some processor or graphics card that wasn't previously available that will make the update really pop. Or even USB 3.0 which hasn't really put in an appearance, suggesting it wasn't yet ready for prime time.
as for the apps, we shall see.
The only rumor floating right now is multitouch/iOS integration into iMacs/Apple desktops but that seems unlikely at this time. Would be kinda cool though.
To me that rumor is utterly ridiculous. At least the multitouch part of it. Because the rumor is that they are going to drop Mac OS in favor of putting iOS in the machines and making them giant multitouch devices. Which is beyond. Not only because of the growth in the pro apps at studios and labels (which are supported by Mac OS), but the form function is bogus. Outside of a few limited items like previewing kiosks at stores, museums and such, it's just not workable.
That said, there are rumors of an Apple trackpad that has allegedly reached the FCC. I could buy the idea that 10.7 would include an iOS emulator allowing you to run apps on your computer, using said trackpad as your control surface. But this would be an add-on to Mac OS, not a replacement