What will the 2004 iMac Look Like?
When Apple releases a new machine, everyone seems to pay attention whether they are mac users or not. Apple stands as a great example of how a little extra investment in attention to detail can make for a better user experience.
At the end of this month, Apple will take the wraps off of a new redesigned iMac. It’s always fun to speculate on what features it will have and, of course, what it will look like. Here’s a look back at the last two versions, and some guesswork at what will be unveiled in a few weeks.
The iMac 1998
Features: All-in-one design, easy to use handle, near silent cooling, priced to move
Aesthetics: Semi-translucent plastic, curvy, pretty colors
Problems: That awful mouse
The iMac 2002
Features: Adjustable display arm, LCDs instead of CRT, even smaller footprint, real mouse
Aesthetics: Clean white plastic and steel arm give a 2001-like quality
Problems: LCDs brought costs up a little, perceived as more fragile a design (although it’s not), only color available, those pretty but custom speakers that don’t work with any other machine
The iMac 2004 (My guesses)
Features: G5 Processor, integration of iSight camera into display, unit glows to notify you of new email and other events, slot loading drive
Aesthetics: It will be available in multiple colors, more metal, less plastic
Problems: Fan noise more than mac users are used to (G5s are hot), can’t make a good cup of coffee
Anyone want to speculate?
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Comments (1)
I don’t know about you, but I’m rooting for the design in the 2004 photograph above. Clean, triangular, the very definition of multifunctional… plus it has a steering wheel. How cool is that?