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This week at Apple's online store, save on refurbished iMacs starting as low as $1,099 for the 21.5-inch iMac with a 2.7GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive. For $1,269, after a $230 price drop, is the refurbished 21.5-inch iMac with a 2.9GHz Intel quad-core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive.
Upgrade vendor MaxUpgrades has announced the availability of the SSD SATA module for iMac 2012 models, adapting the "blade" SSD slot to a normal SATA plug. The adapter and optional mount allows 2012 iMac users to use either a dual 2.5-inch SSD configuration, or a 2.5 SSD alongside the existing hard drive. The dual-SSD kit and bracket retails for $120. The package for a single 2.5-inch drive sells for $100.
Yesterday in the MacNN forums, Moderator "P" started a discussion about Intel's new graphics processors, focusing on the specs of the various models as well as the newly-announced naming scheme. Also yesterday, Professional Poster "shifuimam" was looking for a way to speed up a recently-purchased 20-inch (first-generation) iMac G5.
This weeks deals from DealNN include bargain prices on iMacs, printers, monitors and more. Currently MacConnection.com has the 21.5-inch iMac for $1,279, which is $220 off the MSRP and the lowest price we have seen on this iMac by about $90. Free shipping is included, but sales tax applies for residents of New York state. The 21.5-inch iMac features a 2.7GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive. Included are an Apple Bluetooth wireless keyboard, Magic Mouse, and one-year warranty on parts and labor from Apple.
Apple has added 256GB and 512GB SSD options for build-to-order iMac customers at its online store. Picking 256GB adds $300 to the cost of a system, while choosing 512GB adds $600. Stock iMac configurations are priced between $1,299 and $1,999.
This week, MacMall.com has lowered the price on the 27-inch iMac from $2,949 down to $2,899 with free shipping. That's a savings of $49, making this the lowest price on this iMac brand new. This iMac features a 3.4GHz Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and a 3TB Fusion Drive with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680MX graphics processor and two Thunderbolt ports. Included with it are an Apple wireless keyboard, Magic Mouse, and one-year warranty on parts and labor from Apple.
Apple's June-quarter MacBook shipments should increase about 10 percent over the previous quarter, say DigiTimes supply chain sources. The people claim that Apple has almost finished consuming excess inventory, and will probably start placing new orders in mid-May. Most of the ordered systems will likely be Haswell-based MacBooks, the sources comment.
Yesterday in the MacNN forums, Professional Poster "Paco500" was looking for assistance with a trackpad that was not registering clicks on a MacBook Air. In the thread titled "21.5-inch iMac" Professional Poster "mattyb" was trying to decide between purchasing two different iMac models, but was looking for some advice from other forum-goers before taking the plunge.
Apple's online store currently has a wide selection of current-generation refurbished 27-inch iMac models starting at $1,529. The recertified 27-inch iMac with a 2.9GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive has been reduced by $270 to $1,529. Save $300 on the 27-inch iMac with a 3.2GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, now $1,699.
At Apple's online store today, save on refurbished iMacs and Mac Pros. The 21.5-inch iMac with a 2.9GHz Intel quad-core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive has seen a $230 price break to $1,269. The refurbished 27-inch iMac with a 3.2GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM and 768GB of flash storage -- originally released in October 2012 -- has been reduced to $2,969.
Apple's online store currently offers a wide selection of refurbished iMacs, iPods and iPads. The 21.5-inch iMac with a 2.7GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive has been reduced by $200 to $1,099. For $1,269 is the 21.5-inch iMac with a 2.9GHz Intel quad-core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive.
Custom touchscreen manufacturer and licensed Apple service provider Troll Touch has unveiled custom-made touchscreen solutions for the latest model of iMac -- both the 21.5- and 27-inch sizes. The company offers both internal, factory-installed touchscreens and user-installable analog resistive overlay units, paired with a 12-bit USB controller and custom cabling. As a service provider, Troll Touch can also do in-warranty repairs on iMacs with the factory-installed touchscreen without violating the warranty.
Apple's online store today has a selection of refurbished iMacs at discounted prices. A $200 price drop is offered on the 21.5-inch iMac with a 2.7GHz Intel quad-core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and 1TB hard drive, now $1,099. The 21.5-inch iMac with a 2.9GHz Intel quad-core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive has been reduced to $1,269 from $1,499.
For the first time since their introduction four months ago, Apple is offering refurbished models of the 27-inch current-generation iMac, at savings of up to 20 percent. Reflecting the constraints that have dogged the model since its introduction, the 27-inch refurbs list a 1-3 business day shipping window, and appear more than two months after Apple began offering refurbished versions of the 21-inch model. Following reports of a production breakthrough, iMacs of both sizes have appeared in greater quantity in the last month.
This week at Apple's online store, take advantage of a selection of refurbished iMacs starting as low as $979. The 21.5-inch iMac with a 2.5GHz Intel quad-core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive has been reduced by $220 to $979. A $200 discount is offered on the refurbished 21.5-inch iMac from October 2012 with a 2.7GHz Intel quad-core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, now $1,099.
This week in the MacNN forums, Senior User "Sosa" was worried that their iMac may have been compromised by the security issue in Java 6, read more about this and provide input here. Today, Grizzled Veteran "all2ofme" was trying to find out if anyone else has been having similar audio issues with Mac Pro running 10.8, click here to read more and join in.
In a sure sign that production of the difficult-to-manufacture latest iMac has now stabilized and is meeting demand, Apple on Thursday added the unit to its own Employees Purchase Program (EPP). Apple employees (including retail employees) are allowed to purchase the unit for 25 percent off its retail price, said to be a small loss for the company. Long-term employees of Apple also receive an allowance of $500 towards a new Mac product every three years, which could cut the cost of a new unit by 50 percent or more.
Apple has added new versions of the iMac, with built-in VESA mount adapters, to its online store. The systems are identical in specifications to their counterparts released last year, except that they can now be mounted to a wall or ceiling in the same style as an HDTV. Apple is charging an extra $40 for the option, which removes the desk stand most iMacs are equipped with.
At MacConnection.com this week, save $20 on a new 21.5-inch iMac (model no. MD093LL/A) which carries an MSRP of $1,299, but is currently $1,279 -- making it about $15 less than the lowest price we have seen on this model anywhere else. Free US shipping is included, and sales tax applies for residents of New York state. This iMac features a 2.7GHz Intel Core i5 processor, with 8GB of RAM and 1TB hard drive. A Magic Mouse and Apple Wireless Keyboard are included, along with a one-year limited warranty on parts and labor from Apple.
Some owners of early 2009 model iMacs that have upgraded to later versions of Snow Leopard, Lion or Mountain Lion have been reporting issues with the included Nvidia GeForce GT 130 video card without a response from Apple, according to a year-long support thread on the company's support website. The issue appears to center around a faulty kernel extension released late in the Snow Leopard updates that remains unfixed, and causes graphic glitches, crashes and even kernel panics when the graphics card is stressed, such as during games.
Apple, which has only just this week seen its ability to supply new iMac models match its ability to produce them, is now offering an education version of the current 21.5-inch iMac to schools and universities. The new model includes most of the same features as the base consumer iMac, but uses a dual-core Intel i3 processor rather than a quad-core i5, and the Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics chipset rather than a discrete card. It is also $100 more expensive than the previous educational iMac version, but features doubled storage capacity and RAM in exchange.
Shipping times for the iMac have been upgraded to "within 24 hours" at Apple's US and Canadian online stores. This includes 27-inch models, which have often been slower to arrive than their 21.5-inch counterparts. Late last week, delays for both models improved from weeks to between 1 and 3 business days.
At Apple's online store, save $230 on the refurbished 21.5-inch iMac with a 2.9GHz Intel quad-core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, now only $1,269. A 20 percent price break is available on the refurbished 27-inch iMac, with a 2.7GHz Intel quad-core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, which lowers the cost by $340 to $1,359. The refurbished 15.4-inch Retina MacBook Pro with 2.3GHz Intel quad-core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of flash storage has been reduced by $320 to $1,779.
The new Apple 27-inch iMac was introduced in late October, however trying to get your hands on one is not easy. Even now, if you choose a stock or customized option as we did, you will need to wait for up to four weeks before you can get yours. Even ahead of its launch, rumors were circulating that Apple's manufacturing partners were having problems using the new 'friction welding' technique that Apple has employed achieve the ultrathin, unibody design that distinguishes it. It seems that some of those issues may have persisted to some extent as Apple has yet to match supply with demand. So, is it worth putting down the money on a computer that you might not get for another month? Read our full review to find out.
This week at Apple's online store, find savings on refurbished iMacs and current-generation iPod nanos. A $200 price drop is offered on the refurbished 21.5-inch iMac with a 2.7GHz Intel quad-core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, now $1,099. A 21.5-inch iMac released in May of 2011 with a 2.7GHz Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive has been reduced by $310 to $1,189.
This week in the MacNN forums, a discussion about the effects of cold on a computer was brought about after one Senior User recounted the tale of how their MacBook Air recently froze and was subsequently resurrected. One Mac Enthusiast plans on upgrading the SSD that originally came with their 27-inch iMac to a more modern SSD in hopes that the newer drive will provide a boost in performance, some members disagree that this will help, join in here.
The new Apple iMac continues to remain in short supply, particularly if you want to customize it. We’ve finally received our 27-inch iMac after waiting a solid four weeks from the time we ordered it, with current shipping times still showing a 3-4 week wait. It’s a highly customized model and includes a third-generation Core i7 quad-core CPU clocked at 3.4GHz, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 680MX with 2GB of VRAM and a 3-terabyte Fusion drive. We left the RAM at 8GB, and plan to upgrade that ourselves to save a few dollars.
At Apple's online store, find low prices on refurbished Mac mini, MacBook Pro and iMac. For $509 is the refurbished Mac mini with a 2.5GHz Intel dual-core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive. A $180 discount is offered on the refurbished 13.3-inch MacBook Pro with a 2.5GHz Intel dual core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive, now $1,019.
Apple is delaying European shipping times for the iMac even further, notes French site MacGeneration. At the company's online store, 21.5-inch models are now only slated to ship in 3 to 4 weeks, where previously the gap was 2 to 3. The situation is worse for 27-inch systems, which have been pushed from 3 to 4 weeks to 4 to 6.
Production problems with the 2012 iMac have been fixed, say Taiwanese parts suppliers reached by regional newspaper the China Times. Assembly conformity for the computer has been improved, and higher production volumes began last month, the suppliers elaborate. It's believed that sales may increase this quarter as a result, and that shipments will stay stable throughout the period, since orders peak within the first four months after launch.
One surprising announcement coming out of today's conference call with financial analysts was Apple CEO Tim Cook's revelation that while iPhone 5 supply improved significantly from its initial launch and that sales of the unit were robust throughout the quarter -- contrary to some rumors -- the continuing demand for the iPhone 4 at its lower price has caused shortages of the two-year-old phone that occurred "throughout the quarter" and may continue for some time. The iMac and iPad mini will also remain very constrained.
In a strange turn of events, the 21.5-inch iMac's ship times in the UK Apple Store have slipped to 2-3 weeks instead of the usual 7-10 days, while the rare 27-inch iMac continues to hold its ship time steady at 3-4 weeks. Both machines, which use new screen-lamination and friction-stir welding techniques, are said to be difficult to assemble, and this may be a warning that the in-demand desktops are coming into another period of short supply. The situation could also be temporary, and just reflect strong demand versus limited supply.
Recent shipping delays for the 27-inch iMac can be blamed on production problems at LG Display, say industry sources reached by DigiTimes. The people claim that LG has been encountering trouble with lamination, limiting the number of screens it can send out for assembly. Only about 100,000 27-inch systems can be shipped each month, the sources say.
For the second time, Apple has pushed back delivery of new 27-inch iMac models to 3-4 weeks, signalling further wait times for customers who order the larger of the two new iMac models. The 21.5-inch models are still somewhat constrained, but continue to list 7-10 business day ship times. Apple had previously warned that 27-inch models would be in very short supply, but expected demand to ease after the holiday shopping period.
Apple has expanded options at its online store, allowing the Fusion Drive on customized orders of the low-end 21.5-inch iMac. Previously, only 27-inch and higher-end 21.5-inch models could get the upgrade. Picking a Fusion Drive adds $250 to the low-end 21.5-inch's pricetag, and still yields a total 1TB in storage.
At Apple's online store today, save on refurbished iMacs, Mac minis, and MacBook Pros. The refurbished 21.5-inch iMac, originally released in May 2011, features a 2.7GHz Intel quad-core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive for $1,189 after a $310 price cut. The refurbished Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server, a 2.0GHz Intel quad-core i7 processor, 4GB of RAM and dual 500GB hard drives has been reduced to $759.
Alongside the Mac Wi-Fi Update that Apple brought out earlier on Monday, the company has now included EFI updates for the most recent iMac and 13-inch MacBook Pro Retina models. Both EFI updates offer other fixes and improvements, but are clearly designed to complement the Wi-Fi update in these models. The iMac update covers both the 21.5-inch and 27-inch "late 2012" (thin at the edges) models, while the MacBook Pro update is aimed solely at the 13-inch "late 2012" MacBook Pro with Retina display, rather than any other variation.
Apple is starting to ship the first online orders of the updated 27-inch iMac, notes AppleInsider. Buyers say their systems are listed as shipping out of Shanghai, and scheduled to arrive on December 18. The customers add, moreover, that this is earlier than Apple was suggesting at the time the orders were initially paid for.
Shipping times for 27-inch iMacs have stretched into January at Apple's US and Canadian online stores. Prior to today, Apple's website listed times between three and four weeks; now, however, it simply displays a vague "January" date. Under the earlier schedule some systems could conceivably have been delivered before the end of 2012.
Evidence suggests that Apple’s ‘Assembled in USA’ iMacs are being put together in Fremont, Calif. Some readers of 9to5Mac have kept a keen eye on their shipping and tracking information noting that one pick up point in the journey from manufacture to delivery originated in Fremont. If accurate, it would mark a symbolic return to Apple’s former manufacturing heartland having made its original Macs in Fremont during Steve Jobs' original tenure at Apple.
Apple appears to be assembling at least some of its next-generation iMacs in the USA. The latest teardown by iFixit shows markings that appear on the rear of an iMac that show the words “Designed by Apple in California Assembled in USA.” Although Apple has yet to publicly comment on the matter, it may mark the first time since the early 2000’s that Apple has done routine assembly of its major hardware in the US.
Reviews are starting to come in on both the new 21.5- and 27-inch iMac models, with the general consensus that both are lightning-fast (faster, in fact, than any comparable 27-inch Windows-based machine), offer much less reflectivity and a better display, and are gorgeous to look at. They also note some changes, such as the relocation of the memory ports (which are upgradable), and a reduction in quality of the built-in speakers (likely a sacrifice to the thin design). Though considered pricey, the new iMac is still thus far seen as being the best AIO computer around.
Even though Apple only today put the computer on sale at its online store, US shipping times for the 27-inch iMac have already stretched out to between three and four weeks. This morning times were listed as between two to three weeks. With the new delay, it's likely that many new iMac orders will miss Christmas.
Primate Labs, developer of Geekbench, has posted a summary of benchmarks the company is seeing for the 2012 iMac. Although updated 27-inch systems aren't out yet, the high-end 21.5-inch model is said to be scoring 25 percent better than its 2011 equivalent, and even 10 percent faster than last year's high-end 27-inch.
In tandem with its retail availability, the 2012 iMac is now also up for order on Apple's online store. 21.5-inch models are currently shipping in one to three days with stock configurations, or seven to 10 days if built to order. 27-inch models are also on sale, but will only ship in two to three weeks, regardless of whether an order is customized.
The latest version of the iMac is just 5mm (0.2 inches) thick at its thinnest point, and yet the redesigned machine has revealed quite a bit of empty space in a teardown by Japanese enthusiast site Kodawarisan, which took apart a high-end 21.5-inch iMac just hours after the new version had debuted in Japan. The interior layout and engineering matches the sparse, elegant outside -- with a clean organization of components, an emphasis on airflow design, and a central fan distributing and channeling air.
Shipments of the iMac and iPad mini may be limited until sometime in the first quarter of 2013, claim industry sources for Digitimes. Display panels for the iPad mini are reportedly produced by AU Optronics and LG Display, and AU is said to be getting a yield rate of just 22 percent, compared with the 40 percent it was originally aiming for. Complicating matters further is a supply shortage on the part of backlight module makers. The sources assert that Apple wanted to ship 10 million iPad minis during Q4 2012, but might only be able to hit 6 million.
A third-party reseller, Expercom, has published what it says are the extra build-to-order costs for the 2012 iMac, which starts shipping on Friday. The base 21.5-inch system has just a single, $200 option for upgrading from 8 to 16GB of RAM. Moving to the high end, though, also allows a $200 boost to a 3.1GHz Core i7 processor, and a $250 upgrade to a Fusion Drive, Apple's hybrid SSD/HDD format.
Dispelling rumors, Apple has announced that the 2012 iMac will go on sale this Friday, November 30th. Initially, however, only the 21.5-inch model will be available. Orders for the 27-inch option will start shipping sometime next month.
Apple will apparently be shipping new, thinner 21.5-inch iMacs before the end of the month as planned -- barely. Reports from various sources indicate that Apple will make severely limited quantities of the new model available at select US Apple Stores, but that supplies will be very constrained for a prolonged period due to issues with the precision engineering that has gone into the ninth-generation Intel-based models. The issue is expected to also affect the 27-inch models scheduled for December.
