DailyTech - Apple starts shipping Intel Core Duo iMacs

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Hardware Apple starts shipping Intel Core Duo iMacs
Tuan Nguyen (Blog) - January 10, 2006 1:19 PM

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31 comment(s) - last by ronster.. on Jan 12 at 9:59 AM

With an incredible reception from the MacWorld audience, Steve Jobs unleashes an iMac based on Intel's Core Duo processor

MacWorld -- Apple has shown the next generation of iMacs which are based on Intel's Core Duo processor. Apple says that the new iMac is more powerful than any PC in its class with benchmarks showing that the new Duo Core iMac is 2 to 3 times faster than current G5 iMacs.

Apple also says that the new iMac will come with OS X 10.4.4 and all applications and utilities included have been recompiled to run natively on the new platform. Professioanl applications such as Aperture and Final Cut will be available sometime in March. For now, any application not yet recompiled for the x86 architecture will still be supported by the new system using Rosetta -- OS X's real-time x86 binary code translation layer. Microsoft's Office for Mac is also currently undergoing transisition to universal binaries but currently will also run on Rosetta.

Apple says that the new iMacs are immediately today with configurations supporting 20" and 17" displays.

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windows?

By Langosta39 on 1/10/2006 2:46:09 PM , Rating: 2

A few months ago when this change was first being discussed there was talk about being able to dual-boot with OS X and Windows. I'm looking forward to moving to the other side of the fence, but there are some programs I use (like circuit simulators and PCB design software) that I would like to keep on my main machine. I know this announcement is brand new, but does anybody have some info on this dual boot capability? Obviously Steve Jobs won't be advertising it even if it is true.

Andy

RE: windows?

By ViRGE on 1/10/2006 2:55:57 PM , Rating: 2

The new Intel Macs use a new partition format because of EFI, but otherwise it's fairly similar. I'm sure someone will get GRUB or another *nix bootloader ported fairly soon.

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RE: windows?

By RMSe17 on 1/10/2006 4:39:43 PM , Rating: 3

I talked to one of Apple's engineers, and he told me that apple basically doesn't care if people want to run other operating systems on the x86 macs, they just wont support you if you have a non-apple OS on it, which I think is great. If I can have my tripple-boot machine, with Apple, Windows, and Linux varient as well, would be great. Hopefully windows will recognise the devices and stuff.....

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RE: windows?

By retrospooty on 1/10/2006 4:53:26 PM , Rating: 2

I still think it's crappy that I can't install OSX on my custom built PC (or my Dell laptop for that matter). I dont want to pay 2x the price to buy equal Apple hardware just to run OSX. If they dont offer it I will pirate it and have my dual boot. I would prefer legally paying, but if Mr Jobs wont let me, I will gladly rob him. =)

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RE: windows?

By mpeny on 1/10/2006 5:19:29 PM , Rating: 3

quote:
If they dont offer it I will pirate it and have my dual boot. I would prefer legally paying, but if Mr Jobs wont let me, I will gladly rob him.

So you threaten to steal? Brilliant.

Your logic makes as much sense as 6 year whinning about his Teddy bear.

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RE: windows?

By retrospooty on 1/10/2006 6:10:43 PM , Rating: 2

Oh relax and dont be such an arse.

All I am saying is that I want OSX on my custom machine and I refuse to buy Apple's overpriced ugly machines. If it is available I will purchase it, but Apple has stated it wont be.

There will be many cracks and cracked versions floating around on the many filesharing apps and I will use one of them.

If that makes me 6, then fine. I am 6 years old (and sucking everything through a straw) ;)

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RE: windows?

By mpeny on 1/11/2006 11:23:13 AM , Rating: 2

quote:
There will be many cracks and cracked versions floating around on the many filesharing apps and I will use one of them.
If that makes me 6, then fine. I am 6 years old (and sucking everything through a straw) ;)

6 and a thief.

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RE: windows?

By retrospooty on 1/11/2006 11:35:37 PM , Rating: 2

Get a life man, let the world turn as it is.

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RE: windows?

By VIAN on 1/11/2006 1:00:56 AM , Rating: 2

I don't care. If they don't have it the way I want it, I take it. The point is I wouldn't be stealing, because I would never buy one of their machines and Apple OSX isn't available to buy for my custom system. So I'm not stealing at all. It's almost like I'm beta testing it.

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RE: windows?

By Tuan Nguyen on 1/11/2006 1:11:52 AM , Rating: 2

So basically if the road says the speed limit is 65 miles/hour and you drive 75 because you would never just drive exactly 65, then you're not breaking the law?

You're stealing because you didn't purchase the rights to use the OS. That's what software is -- you don't own it, you buy the rights to use install it. Just because OS X wasn't made to run on a generic platform doesn't mean running it on a generic platform is not illegal. First of all, getting OS X to run on a generic platform would require the OS to be hacked to bypass the TPM check. And modifying the product is also against the terms of use.

Any way you slice it, you're stealing/breaking the law. ;)

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RE: windows?

By mpeny on 1/11/2006 11:22:37 AM , Rating: 2

quote:
The point is I wouldn't be stealing, because I would never buy one of their machines

I can't afford the car so me taking it is not stealing.
You are still a thief. Your justification of not being able to afford it or not planning to buy it is older than the dirt.

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RE: windows?

By randomlinh on 1/10/2006 7:43:45 PM , Rating: 2

there's a reason os x works fairly well. it's designed w/ a reference design.. that doesn't really change much. throw in all the variables that you get in the windows world.. bam, you have the problems windows have.

however, I too wish I could run OS X on my system... I'd rather support AMD. But the aluminum cases are just so damn sexy (i spent 3 hrs moving a g4 user to his new g5 w/ a 23" cinema display... heh... very jealous)

But for the cost of that new intel powermac (no display)... I'll have a sweet AMD64 x2 setup plus a dell 24" widescreen probably :p

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RE: windows?

By Oxonium on 1/10/2006 8:44:23 PM , Rating: 2

Exaxtly. As I stated in another thread, selling an OS X version that can run on any PC would create a tech support nightmare for Apple. Right now, Apple tightly controls the hardware which limits the amount of hardware incompatibilites and driver issues that are common with Windows. It makes the hardware and OS easier to support and maintain.

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RE: windows?

By sprockkets on 1/11/2006 8:26:18 AM , Rating: 1

That comment means nothing nowadays. Now OSX supports an Intel Chipset, Intel or ATI or nVidia graphics, and so on. In fact, OSX worked on my AMD nvidia nforce system. You would be suprised how well other OS work with hardware as opposed to Windows.

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RE: windows?

By plinden on 1/10/2006 10:41:52 PM , Rating: 2

Where did you get 2x the price? The iMac is less expensive than [b]all[/b] of the dual core Dells I've looked at, even if you exclude the software that comes with the iMac. The MacBook Pro is maybe 20% more expensive than equivalent windows laptops.

So stop with the 2x mantra.

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RE: windows?

By retrospooty on 1/11/2006 10:02:01 AM , Rating: 2

Uhh... Laptops? iMAC?

I am talking about power machines, The upper end desktops. G5 vs an equivalent performing PC, it is often MORE than 2x the price for Apple hardware, and in my opionion, its ugly too. I just dont want it.

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Apple showing the trusth about X86

By VIAN on 1/10/2006 1:38:57 PM , Rating: 3

Wasn't it apple who claimed to have a faster chip with the G5 against and AMD chip of similar power as the the Core Duo?

RE: Apple showing the trusth about X86

By raskren on 1/10/2006 3:37:43 PM , Rating: 2

Apple has egg on their face. They've lied about G5 performance for years. They've lied and mislead consumers regarding Intel and the x86 architecture in general. Now they're eating crow.

I find it funny that their marketing department has shifted its focus from misleading the consumer regarding the guts of the PC to ridiculing PC users in general.

"What's an Intel chip doing in a Mac? A whole lot more than it's ever done in a PC."

Cute Apple, real cute. Welcome to 2006, its about time.

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RE: Apple showing the trusth about X86

By santa590 on 1/10/2006 7:29:08 PM , Rating: 2

Which company didn't lie on benchmarks? Intel, AMD, ATI, NVidia, etc...didn't they use their own benchmarks also?

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RE: Apple showing the trusth about X86

By raskren on 1/11/2006 11:24:13 AM , Rating: 2

Show me some then?

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RE: Apple showing the trusth about X86

By ronster on 1/12/2006 9:59:06 AM , Rating: 2

Funny how in a seperate piece I read they claim its twice as fast as the G5 was. Yet didn't someone say upthread they claimed the G5 was as fast as an equivalent A64? I'm confused....

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Waiting for Benchies :)

By nowayout99 on 1/10/2006 2:38:57 PM , Rating: 2

It will be nice to finally see apples-to-apples performance benchmarks to see which platform/OS handles what best.

RE: Waiting for Benchies :)

By brshoemak on 1/10/2006 2:56:39 PM , Rating: 2

quote:
It will be nice to finally see apples-to-apples performance benchmarks to see which platform/OS handles what best.

As long as those benchmarks aren't from Jobs. Don't get me wrong I'm a PC person who would love to have a Mac, but I am tired of seeing Jobs with each iteration of hardware show one benchmark that shows the Mac is faster than a PC in Photoshop 6 with these filters and those layers etc. Can't wait to see Anand take it for a spin.

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RE: Waiting for Benchies :)

By retrospooty on 1/10/2006 3:23:48 PM , Rating: 2

True dat !

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sounds sweet! too bad I can't iFord one

By QueBert on 1/10/2006 5:39:32 PM , Rating: 3

I don't care that Job lies about benchmarks. My wireless adapter docs lie about it's range, my cell phone specs lie about it's battery life. Life is one big lie! I don't own an Apple, but I find them a joy to use, and if I could cough up the dough I'd get one.

RE: sounds sweet! too bad I can't iFord one

By PLaYaHaTeD on 1/10/2006 9:41:37 PM , Rating: 2

quote:

I don't care that Job lies about benchmarks. My wireless adapter docs lie about it's range, my cell phone specs lie about it's battery life. Life is one big lie!

I think the problem with the lies is the attitude that comes with it. Other companies may stretch the truth, but very few try and flaunt their feathers like a peacock as Jobs does. Being wrong is one thing, but throw in some "Look at me i'm so cool and stylish" along with some "look at me im 1800 times faster", and it just certain people want to barf. But hey, all those people who watch the OC and just desperately want to be so cool and impressive, they eat it up like candy.

P.S. i own an ipod video.

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MacBook Pro

By ohnnyj on 1/11/2006 3:26:47 AM , Rating: 2

I am more excited about the MacBook than anything else. Yes, they are a tab bit more expensive than PC based laptops, but nothing (except maybe Sony which are expensive as well) come close in styling. Plus the backlit keyboard is something I have been wanting for a while.

RE: MacBook Pro

By chizzle on 1/11/2006 12:15:05 PM , Rating: 2

Ditto. The only Mac I would buy is in notebook form. I don't think the desktops are a good value when compared to PCs. IMO the only reason to buy Apple hardware is for the OS. Give me the OSX for my PC without me having to bootleg it. I know it would cause all sorts of problems, but dammit stop being lazy!

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Apple > Oranges

By Mik3y on 1/10/2006 1:47:32 PM , Rating: 2

Wow. I think this is a great step up for Apple. I am a die hard PC user, but am also partial to Apple, since I've been using them for just as long as PC's and I also have a Mac Mini now.