Wish

iTrader: (2)

Can any advise when the new iMac is due for release will it be this year ?

Anyone know possible specs ?

JackClark

The 5k was only released mid October.

Wish

iTrader: (2)

Ok so nothing changing in the iMac front ie shapes or models ?

Just want to start looking to buy a new replacement desktop and iMac seems the way to go for me.

JackClark

Pull the trigger, the 5k is absolutely stunning. Max the ram and go for a fusion drive.

Markus

Given the very recent introduction of the 5K Retina iMac, I don't think there will be an update for a little while. I think any new processor bumps would be for the lower end machines.

Most buying guides I've read seem to indicate there might be an update around October 2015, so it's a little while away, and I think it'd be pretty safe to buy one now.

My machine is having GPU issues, and so I'm wondering wether it's worth getting it looked at, and parts replaced (it's a 2010 27" i7), or replace it with a new machine, which would be the 5K iMac, simply as it makes sense to get the latest model you can. The diag and parts would likely be around 600 all in, so that's a fair chunk.

We were discussing maxing the RAM the other day, and one of the guys has a couple of maxed out machines and does a fair bit of stuff and doesn't get anywhere near using 32GB. His advice was to go with 16GB to start off with, see how that goes, and then at a later date, go to 32 if you find you need it.

Given the price of 32GB from Apple, it's + $600 on the base allocation of RAM (8GB), if you were to max it, I'd consider getting the 32 from elsewhere (kingston, crucial, OWC, etc...) and saving.

I do agree about the Fusion drive. If there was a 3TB SSD, at a reasonable, or even comparable to HDD cost, then I would consider it.

Oh, and well worth seeing if the online store has any refurbished 5K's. I know the US and CA stores did have a few i5 5K's, and savings seemed to be around $400, which isn't bad (could use that to upgrade the RAM). If they had i7's, and the spec I wanted (4GB GFX card and 3TB Fusion drive) then I'd likely get one there and as mentioned, use the saving to get more RAM. My current machine is a refurb and it's been great (I think the current issue is similar to the one the 2011 machines had, which Apple had a recall for, alas none - yet - for the 2010's) and so I'd not hesitate to go for another one.

JackClark

Good shout Markus, I posted that thinking the RAM wasn't user upgradable... doh!

http://www.tuaw.com/2014/10/27/the-r...is-incredible/

Wish

iTrader: (2)

I wouldn't go for the 5k it would be a 27" entry model I think

Markus

That was something we did wonder about in the office, so a quick look at pictures showed the same RAM door on the back as on our 2012 models. I think the 25" iMac's have non user upgradeable RAM, which is very stupid indeed.

Markus

A good choice regardless Looks like the only real difference, is the GFX card used in the two machines, and the 5K has Thunderbolt 2, where as the non retina one has Thunderbolt 1

I'm going to have a chat with a (now unfortunately ex) co-worker whose new office machine is a maxed out 5K (lucky bugger!), and see how he likes it. He's already been lauding it over me with my underpowered machine I think he is jealous that my machine was quicker than his one

Wish

iTrader: (2)

Just doing the specs and sums and the fusion drive on the £1599 model pushes the price to £1750

Is the 5k really worth another £250

Do I really need a fusion drive ?

JackClark

http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/mac/s...y-mac-3491965/

I'd definitely spend the 250 for the 5k, sat next to a standard display it's noticeably different.

Wish

iTrader: (2)

Many thanks I will give it some thought.

My current desk top only gets used for iTunes and backing up my iPhones and iPads
I can't see it being used much more than that to be honest.

Standard 27" is back in the frame

Markus

I think it's likely a case of want, rather than need, for the 5K. Having said that, one could argue that for me it does make sense, as I should be able to view full size iOS simulators, which isn't possible, even on a 27" iMac, but the resolution of the 5K would allow for that. Ok, ok, that's just another "excuse" trying to justify the 5K to myself

ScoobyDoo555

As for SSD/fusion, don't underestimate the speed difference between them and regular HDD.

IMHO, this should be one of THE essential options on any computer now. Makes such a performance difference.