Systems in September 2006

This page is designed to provide a quick overview of brand-new, currently-shipping Apple computer hardware. It was last updated on September, 2006, following Apple's announcement of the new Intel Core Duo2 iMac line, starting at $999.

In the broader sense a computer "system" is more than simple hardware: it also includes software and procedures which help people, hardware and software cooperate for some (presumably defined and worthwhile) purpose. Since computer hardware changes constantly, this page is intended as a general overview of options, with a focus on currently shipping NEW systems and a few notes on other issues such as finding used hardware. If almost ten years in this business has taught me anything, it is that each person and business' needs are specific, and usually involve some integration with older hardware, techniques and programs: "One size fits none."

Those unfamiliar with the Apple product line should know that it is divided loosely into five segments along two axes: portable versus desktop, professional versus consumer, then general multimedia. With the release of the Mac Pro Apple has completed the transition from G5 "Power PC" chips to Intel brand microprocessors, including new CoreDuo2 in all desktop machines. Please see the links at the bottom of the age for more details and links to suppliers. I can expedite purchases for clients, but as a seller of services try to avoid this as a potential conflict of interest. Beware the "consultant" whose answer to everything is to buy a new box of something from them today.

In answer to the eternal question of whether to buy locally or from an online source, I almost always suggest that people buy from the local merchant. This not only saves on shipping costs and hassle, but assures there is one place to go for a return or if there is a problem. For those who are intimidated by sales people or are afraid of being snowed, I am also available as a personal shopper or bodyguard, to go along with you and advise you if you are fearful of being fleeced.

Mac Mini Budget Machine ($599-799)

Introduced in January 2006.
  • 1.5GHz Intel solo processor, 512 MB RAM, 60GB drive, DVD-ROM/CD-RW "combo drive", multimedia Apple remote and built-in Wifi and Bluetooth. No keyboard, mouse or monitor for $599.
  • As above with 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo processor, 80GB drive, double-layer DVD+R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW "super drive" for $799.

iMac Consumer Desktops ($999-$1999)

Introduced in January, updated September 2006.
  • 17" LCD, 1.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 512MB RAM, 160GB HD, DVD/CDRW "Combo Drive", WiFi, $999
  • As above with 2 GHZ Intel Core 2 Duo, 1GB RAM, DVD+R DL/DVD+-RW/CDRW"SuperDrive", WiFi, Bluetooth, 128 MB ATI Radeon X1600 graphics card and remote for $1199
  • As above with 20" LCD, 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 250GB HD, $1499
  • As above with 24" LCD, 128MB NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT graphics card, $1999

MacBook Consumer Laptops ($1099-$1499)

Introduced in May 2006.
  • 13" MacBook with 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, 512 MB RAM, 60GB Drive, DVD-ROM/CDRW "combo drive," built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, "iSight" video camera and multimedia remote control for $1099.
  • As above with 2 GHz processor and DVD+/-RW, CD-RW "super drive" for $1299
  • As above only in black with 80GB hard drive for $1499.

MacBook Pro Professional Laptops ($1999-$2799)

Introduced in January, updated in April 2006.
  • 15" display with 128MB ATI Mobility Radeon video card. 2 GHz Intel Core Duo processor and 512MB RAM, 80GB drive and 4x SuperDrive. Built-in "iSight" video camera, multimedia remote control, WiFi and Bluetooth with one FireWire 400 and two USB 2.0 ports for $1999.
  • As above with 256 MB video card, 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo processor and 1GB RAM, 100GB hard drive and 4x "super drive" for $2499.
  • as above with 17" display, 120 GB hard drive, 8x double-layer "super drive and additional firewire 800 port for $2799.

MacPro Professional Workstations

Inroduced August 2006, Apple designed this machine to be built to order (BTO).
  • Rock-bottom BTO's are approximately $2150.
  • A "standard" MacPro with two 2.66GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon "Woodcrest" processors, 1GB RAM, 256 MB NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT graphics card, 250GB HD with 16x DVD+R DL/DVD+-RW/CD-RW "SuperDrive" without wireless is $2499.
  • Top-of-the-line systems with multiple drives and fiber-channel can easily top $10,000 and are purchased mainly for display.

Other Products

Apple also has a variety of other software and hardware products such as iSight video cameras, Airport wireless base stations, wireless keyboards and mice and a special $899 17" educational iMac without bluetooth and an 80GB hard drive, available to the education market only. Of their other products, the one of greatest interest to most people is the iPod family of music and video players.

  • iPod Shuffle USB flash player without display in in 512MB and 1GB versions for $69 and $99.
  • iPod Nano player with photo support in 1GB, 2GB and 4GB models for $149-$249.
  • iPods with video playback in 30GB and 60GB versions for $299 and $399.

Handhelds

People use handheld devices for a variety of things, but generally there are four kinds of devices I suggest, depending on the client's needs. Clarifying one's needs is the most important part of choosing a handheld device, and sometimes electronics are not the most logical fit.

  • A better organizational system with printed paper, stationery-based and/or using the computer
  • iPods for people wanting portable media, storage, read-only contacts and calendars
  • Bluetooth telephones for those who need to synch contacts and calendars
  • Palm-based devices for those who need synchronization and real programs or Internet

Windows Hardware

With the Intel-based Mac Mini and MacBook able to run Windows, I am only encouraging clients with extremely specific or legacy needs (such as point-of-sale systems) to consider machines from other PC vendors. Although I am still supporting a small platoon of such Windows machines, I am looking forward to doing so on quality Apple hardware with fewer sharp edges and oddball components to find and troubleshoot IRQ's for. Although there are some very nice manufacturers of PC's out there, the ability to use the same machines for Windows or Macintosh over its entire lifetime is more attractive than retiring Windows machines as Linux boxes and tracking down the oddball drivers that this entails. Such older legacy equipment will eventually rotate out as 68K Macs and x86 machines have previously, and as current Pentiums and PPC machines move toward retirement. Windows Vista is a long way from release, and has already been shown to run on Apple hardware.

Used Computers

Frequently a used computer is the best option, especially for businesses or those with modest technical needs. The main issue with used equipment is knowing its history ("provenance") and locating it through a private party or online site such as Craigslist or Ebay. A few of my trusted commercial sources for used computers are listed below under "Links" and most of these have desktops and even laptops available for $500 or less. Even lower-cost computers are available from private vendors and sources such as Free Geek, but in my experience these are not for the average consumer because of the expertise required to maintain them and find parts as needed. While I am happy to advise people on finding used computers to meet their needs, I've decided not to update this page with specific, general recommendations.

Retail Eddies and Rumors of Things to Come

Discontinued models and open-box specials are sometimes available as "day-old bread" at various retailers, but for new merchandise almost all vendors will be within $20 on price, focusing on incentives such as rebates, free RAM or classes to draw in customers. "Rumor sites" are a long-standing staple of Apple IT culture, and current rumors are mainly about a possible Apple-brand phone, perhaps incorporating certain design features of the iPod.

Links...