Apple's new iMac, Mini and Pro
Its 1 am and I just watched 2 back-to-back episodes of "24" season 7. Super exciting.
Right this very hour, Apple refreshed its iMac, Mac Mini and Mac Pro computers.
No big surprise on the specs; they're just shoving in what Intel produces.
Lets start with the Mac Mini. Mac Mini is the cheapest computer that Apple produce (unless you categorise iPod Touch / iPhone as computers!) It is the size of a lunchbox, and it sure packs a punch. It has baseline specs, a low end Core 2 Duo and minimal memory and hard disk. It comes with nVidia's 9400m integrated graphics chip which is basically a "slightly better" extreme graphics. Its nice that Apple's NOT using the cheapo Dual Core series of processor (like YW and I did for our new rigs). Intel probably cut them a deal with super nice discounts.
In short, if you wanna try out the Macintosh Operating system with minimal amount of cash, get a Mac Mini. Just plug your existing monitor, keyboard and mouse and you're set. Prices start at RM 2,299 from apple.com/my/store
Next we have the iMac. In 2009, 24" is the new 17" (remember when 17" LCD were the "in" thing?) All models come with 4GB RAM and 640GB Hard Disk (the same Western Digital that I'm using right now). Base model at RM 5,600 comes with the same lousy 9400M graphics card (shame on you, Apple). You gotta pay another RM 1,100 for a slightly better GeForce GT 120 (brand new chip, but lousier than 4830 that YW has). Imagine, RM 6.7k and still can't run FarCry 2 smoothly at medium settings? SHAME ON YOU APPLE! Only consolation is the faster processors they're using, still Core 2 Duo (latest generation) but now Core i7. Very surprising. A rm8.2k model is also available, but its too embarassing to list down the specs.
Last, my favourite segment, the honourable MAC PRO!
This is where Apple shines. Using the latest "Nehalem" processors, they're offered in Quad or Octo Core configurations. They added software overclocking for the highest end processors, immitating Alienware's configuration of being "overclockable". In their Specs / Performance page, they state that their 2.93ghz can be pumped up to 3.33ghz. that's wickid, considering the 8 super-face cores they use (16 threads via hyper-threading). Compared to their previous 8-core monster, this new machine kicks some serious ass. They're claiming 1.5-1.9x IMPROVEMENT over last generation machines due to Intel's architectural improvements. You can whip in 8 x 4GB (32 GB) of memory just for the lulz.
Funny though, Apple only includes a paltry 640gb hard disk! Wanna upgrade, try paying MORE $! Also, what's up with the GeForce GT 120?? THIS P.O.S in a pro machine? Come on! Smack in a GTX 285 lah (which is maybe 2-3 x faster)?? Apple is such a cheapo!
Pricing? RM 9.3k for the Quad, RM 12.3k for the Octa. Display summor, u'll prolly want a 30" Cinema Display for RM 6.5k more.
Final thoughts? Assemble your own PC lah. Macs are for the filthy rich, and fanboys.
Right this very hour, Apple refreshed its iMac, Mac Mini and Mac Pro computers.
No big surprise on the specs; they're just shoving in what Intel produces.
Lets start with the Mac Mini. Mac Mini is the cheapest computer that Apple produce (unless you categorise iPod Touch / iPhone as computers!) It is the size of a lunchbox, and it sure packs a punch. It has baseline specs, a low end Core 2 Duo and minimal memory and hard disk. It comes with nVidia's 9400m integrated graphics chip which is basically a "slightly better" extreme graphics. Its nice that Apple's NOT using the cheapo Dual Core series of processor (like YW and I did for our new rigs). Intel probably cut them a deal with super nice discounts.
In short, if you wanna try out the Macintosh Operating system with minimal amount of cash, get a Mac Mini. Just plug your existing monitor, keyboard and mouse and you're set. Prices start at RM 2,299 from apple.com/my/store
Next we have the iMac. In 2009, 24" is the new 17" (remember when 17" LCD were the "in" thing?) All models come with 4GB RAM and 640GB Hard Disk (the same Western Digital that I'm using right now). Base model at RM 5,600 comes with the same lousy 9400M graphics card (shame on you, Apple). You gotta pay another RM 1,100 for a slightly better GeForce GT 120 (brand new chip, but lousier than 4830 that YW has). Imagine, RM 6.7k and still can't run FarCry 2 smoothly at medium settings? SHAME ON YOU APPLE! Only consolation is the faster processors they're using, still Core 2 Duo (latest generation) but now Core i7. Very surprising. A rm8.2k model is also available, but its too embarassing to list down the specs.
Last, my favourite segment, the honourable MAC PRO!
This is where Apple shines. Using the latest "Nehalem" processors, they're offered in Quad or Octo Core configurations. They added software overclocking for the highest end processors, immitating Alienware's configuration of being "overclockable". In their Specs / Performance page, they state that their 2.93ghz can be pumped up to 3.33ghz. that's wickid, considering the 8 super-face cores they use (16 threads via hyper-threading). Compared to their previous 8-core monster, this new machine kicks some serious ass. They're claiming 1.5-1.9x IMPROVEMENT over last generation machines due to Intel's architectural improvements. You can whip in 8 x 4GB (32 GB) of memory just for the lulz.
Funny though, Apple only includes a paltry 640gb hard disk! Wanna upgrade, try paying MORE $! Also, what's up with the GeForce GT 120?? THIS P.O.S in a pro machine? Come on! Smack in a GTX 285 lah (which is maybe 2-3 x faster)?? Apple is such a cheapo!
Pricing? RM 9.3k for the Quad, RM 12.3k for the Octa. Display summor, u'll prolly want a 30" Cinema Display for RM 6.5k more.
Final thoughts? Assemble your own PC lah. Macs are for the filthy rich, and fanboys.
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