Mac users:

[WI wide body]

Anyone use or have experience with one of the units that have the whole package integrated with the screen?

Seems like getting rid of the tower is another good idea. We will know for sure if/when the PC's copy it.

[slodave]

PC's already did.

Utter junk.

[maxnine11]

on a lighter note: Homer S. widget:
http://www.apple.com/downloads/dashboard/justforfun/eyes2homeriswatchingyou.html

[island911]

Originally Posted by slodave

PC's already did.
.

Like in 1995.

[WI wide body]

Originally Posted by slodave

PC's already did.

Utter junk.

What exactly are the issues that the Mac's are having with their latest integrated screen units that makes them "utter junk" in your opinion?

[slodave]

Originally Posted by WI wide body

What exactly are the issues that the Mac's are having with their latest integrated screen units that makes them "utter junk" in your opinion?

Re-read my quote. I never mentioned Macs were bad. Sony made an integrated PC/monitor a number of years ago. I had to support it. Every time I saw it, I got angry.

In fact, I have stayed away from all of the bashing threads. Both OS's have a place. Most here only grip about Windows on the desktop level. Windows server is a different story. Apple has made some inroads into the server area, as has Linux. I am a die hard Linux/Unix fan, but use Windows as a desktop.

I may make a few jokes about Apple, but I respect the company.

[WI wide body]

Originally Posted by slodave

Re-read my quote. I never mentioned Macs were bad. Sony made an integrated PC/monitor a number of years ago. I had to support it. Every time I saw it, I got angry.

My bad...since I had asked if any folks had any experience with the new Mac units I assumed that might be what you were talking about.

[9dreizig]

Do you mean like a Lisa ?

[slodave]

Originally Posted by WI wide body

My bad...since I had asked if any folks had any experience with the new Mac units I assumed that might be what you were talking about.

I was addressing your last sentence.

I have always wanted to buy an inexpensive Mac, so I can get familiar with them. I did work on an Apple II many years ago

[Jim Richards]

My wife and I checked out the iMac's yesterday and we're convinced that our next home computer purchase will be one of those babies.

[kstar]

Originally Posted by WI wide body

Anyone use or have experience with one of the units that have the whole package integrated with the screen?

Seems like getting rid of the tower is another good idea. We will know for sure if/when the PC's copy it.

My Mom has the previous generation AIO (all-in-one) iMac and I recently bought my Grandfather the latest AIO iMac.

There are very good machines that serve them both well. You can change/add RAM easily and they have the built-in camera like the portable iMacs. They are both using wireless Bluetooth mice and keyboards; that coupled with the AIO design makes desktop clutter minimal.

I used to be a "tower only" guy, but wouldn't hesitate to get the AIO iMac, FWIW. I use a MacPro almost exclusively now though.

My advice is go to an Apple store and use one for a while and see if you like it. If you buy one, you get one year of excellent warranty coverage at no additional cost, but buying the AppleCare plan for 2 years is highly recommended, IMO.

Apple typically ranks very high in customer satisfaction and I have had good luck with them overall. Here is some consumer info, FWIW:
http://www.theacsi.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=149&Itemid=157&c=Apple+Inc.

Also here is Consumer Reports on the iMac:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/computers/computer/desktop-computers/first-look-apple-imac-9-07/overview/first-look-apple-imac-ov.htm

And CR comparing it to the newer Dell and Gateway AIO's:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/computers/computer/desktop-computers/first-look---gatewayone-dellxpsone-12-07/overview/first-look---gatewayone-dellxpsone.htm

edit: Don't buy additional RAM from Apple - they really mark it up!

FYI.

Best,

Kurt

[kstar]

Originally Posted by island911

Like in 1995.

As 9dreizig mentioned, the Apple Lisa came out in 1983 and was an AIO design - it bombed.

Of course the following year, the AIO Mac came out and the outcome was quite different.

FWIW.

Best,

Kurt

[Scott R]

Biggest issues with anything "integrated" is its expandability and upgrade paths. You're pigeonholed into whatever you can fit inside that chassis going forwards. Back in the 90's compaq had one, Presario all in ones, people always wanted more memory, or to add a new video card, answer was always the same, no room.

[kstar]

Originally Posted by Scott R

Biggest issues with anything "integrated" is its expandability and upgrade paths. You're pigeonholed into whatever you can fit inside that chassis going forwards. Back in the 90's compaq had one, Presario all in ones, people always wanted more memory, or to add a new video card, answer was always the same, no room.

This is a very good point. If you are one who likes to add stuff and upgrade often, any AIO design is a poor choice.

I used to be this type of computer buyer, but now am satisfied if I can add/upgrade RAM and upgrade the drive. Most AIOs from all makers allow at least this level of upgrading relatively easily.

FWIW.

Best,

Kurt

[stomachmonkey]

If you would be ok with a laptop then you'd be ok with an AIO in terms of upgradeability.

[island911]

Originally Posted by kstarnes

As 9dreizig mentioned, the Apple Lisa came out in 1983 and was an AIO design - it bombed.
...

The reference I was making was to a an 'all in one' desktop using an LCD screen. --but I'm not saying or implying that 1995 was the earliest for this configuration

[Scott R]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

If you would be ok with a laptop then you'd be ok with an AIO in terms of upgradeability.

Laptop is a different issue, you sacrifice expansion for portability.

[kstar]

Originally Posted by island911

The reference I was making was to a an 'all in one' desktop using an LCD screen. --but I'm not saying or implying that 1995 was the earliest for this configuration

I understand now.

Apple came out with this AIO in '97 I think, but it was a limited production machine.





I still have one of the old "iLamp" AIOs that I use from time to time.




My Mom is using this AIO:




Finally, Grandpa has this:



Best,

Kurt

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by Scott R

Laptop is a different issue, you sacrifice expansion for portability.

Which is why I specified, "in terms of upgradeability"

I know plenty of people that use laptops only and never take it anywhere. In fact I'm married to one of them.

[Mule]

I'm gettin' wood!