Hi all,

With the latest addition to the iMac family I was wondering how long people expect the current iMac series to be around until Apple introduce a brand new designed iMac?

Probably two weeks after I purchase one.

i would say earliest would be jan 07 but even then its unlikely because they would not have bothered to make the 24" imac in this form then

Maybe it will be a couple more speed bumps and then a new design? I can't wait to see the next incarnation. I've always been a fan of the iMac series.

Macrumors have a very handy buyers guide that gives you as much guess as you can get.

Generally Apple does not bring out new products in the same line too quickly, but the G5 update to Intel iMac was a short period.

In terms of new form factors I think Apple tries to get 3-4 years at least out of a design, but I'm sure they have plenty of options for exciting enclosures.

The important thing as far as the iMac goes is that Apple have chosen to go with laptop class CPUs (Merom) rather then desktop class (Conroe). This means that they have the option of making the enclosures smaller without having a public outcry due to the use of slower CPUs.

Given how Apple shoe-horned the G5 into the first G5 iMac, I wouldn't be surprised if Apple shoe-horned the MUCH cooler Merom CPUs into an even more compact design. The only problem with this is that the resulting system noise might increase, and Apple seem to be more concerned with fan noise now then say, 2 years ago. (I know the MBPs had fan issues, but they had LOTS of issues! ) If they are more concerned with fan noise, it could mean that the iMac form factor will remain how it is until Apple are SURE that they have a new design that is as quiet as the current incarnation.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tempestas @ Sep 11 2006, 07:07 PM) [snapback]212835[/snapback]</div>I can't for the life of me see where else they can go with the current iMac designs in terms of shrinkage. Currently the iMac is just a display. Everything is now inside the display - how can they shrink that? There's no where else to go with it. So will we see another about face with designs suddenly going big & flashy again?
Maybe integration with another device? e.g. iTv/iMac together in one chassis?

The Power Mac (sorry Mac Pro) could certainly go on a diet!
We have a G5 Power Mac at home & it is one big boat anchor of metal indeed.

Apple could bring out a coloured range of anodized aluminum iMacs with the rounded edges just like the new nano's and hopefully leaving out the bezel at the bottom. So essentially it would be just a display. Now that would be nice. I'm not bothering to spend any money on a new imac until there is a new line released. I was going to go the 24" but see no need to lash out as I don't really need it. Looks as though my G5 20" will be with me for a few years yet.

An imac that did not scratch when you breath on it would be nice and just good old fashioned common sense. The black macbbok body would be perfect in either white or black.. what do you reckon?

I think what we'll see now Apple are using Intel processors is more frequent speed and specification bumps, as they'll be competing more closely with PC vendors on specs.

However, unlike previous iMacs, the CPU's aren't soldered (and neither is the GPU on the 24") so you'll be able to stretch the life of the machine longer. Mind you, if you need a new machine less than 3 years after getting a 24" iMac...