The new iMac has been released into the wild. From an engineering point of view, it’s quite a marvel. From a price/performance point of view, it’s also pretty marvelous: unbelievably good value. Doom 3 is going to scream on this thing.
However, I can’t help but think that, from a form/function point of view, it’s a bit of a step backwards. In my opinion, the anglepoise design of the G4 iMac was one of the finest feats of computer engineering performed by Apple or anybody else for that matter. Having used it constantly, I can testify to its ergonomic power. To be honest, I can’t imagine going back to anything else.
The new iMac still has a certain amount of vetical swivel but it’s clear that what they’re really pushing is the tiny footprint. It’s also abundantly clear from the marketing that Apple want to push the iPod connection. This is a machine that’s intended to be the heart of a digital hub without taking up much space.
I’m not going to pass judgement on the G5 iMac until I get to play with it in the flesh, so to speak. I’ve pooh-poohed other Apple products in the past on their release only to finding myself eating humble pie once I got my paws on them.
There is something that gives me hope for an anglepoised G5 iMac. There’s information on the Apple site about a soon to be released VESA wall mount. If the stand is indeed changable then that opens the door to third-party manufacturers. Any alternate stands would have to be finely engineered for balance but I wouldn’t be surprised if some enterprising hardware manufacturer comes out with an armature in the style of the G4 iMac.