The iMac Debate (editorial)

Ok folks after the recent hub bub on Slashdot over the iMac release (check out that story... 300+ comments) Benjamin Shive sent me a bunch of points in response to most of the criticisms that occured in the comments. I would consider one personally (it would end up being an X-Server in my living room :), but it would be nice if it was a couple hundred bucks cheaper. But these things are designed with a different audience than most of us hardcore techies. Anyway, Ben has covered the issues pretty well, so if you were partaking in the flamefest yesterday, it's probably worth reading this.

The following is an editorial by Slashdot reader Benjamin Shive

Over the last 24 hours there has been a literal storm of discussion around Steve's new baby, the Imac. Some think it's cute, others think it's ugly, but a large number of people are overlooking who this machine is really for, 'The rest of us.' It is a very good choice for schools and basic consumers, not technical people with much greater knowlege of how computers work. Some common arguments that seem to be repeated over and over:

Bitch1: It's not upgradeable/hard to upgrade.
When was the last time your parents/grandparents upgraded thier machine by themselves? It has enough space for plenty of ram (128MB) that any 'typical' user might want. Many home users and schools are still using SE/30's, IIci's, and so on quite happily (you can't say the same for 286/386's). Given the power of the G3, these machines should last quite a few years making them a very good investment for low-budgeted schools and homeowners. Ninety perctent of computer owners -never- upgrade thier machines, maybe adding more ram at most. The educational all in one computer (AIO) has a slide out motherboard, and the Imac is most likey similar, there is no reason to belive this mac is any diffrent from any of the current crop in ease of opening it and getting to the components.

Bitch2: You can get a similarly equiped Windows clone cheeper.
Any systems I have seen quoted are typically Pentium, not Pentium ][ systems. These configurations are hardly a match for the G3 processor inside the Imac. I have yet to see anyone quote a 333Mhz P][ system at this price (which it still beats). Most of these quotes are gleaned from pricewatch parts quotes, but most consumers and schools are not going to be building thier own systems from parts. The Imac also includes some very good software, Quicken and Appleworks covers the majority of the needs for a home or school user, plus there is some 'fun' software thrown in as well. This is another consideration that is not added to these 'cheeper' quotes .. where is the software? There is also the issue of quality and small abilities (like the IR port) that you end up paying to add to a Windows clone, but I won't get into that.

Bitch3: No ADB/SCSI/Serial port.
USB covers the need for ADB or a serial port since it is faster, supports more devices and Apple is again taking something new and kicking it into general use. I expect plenty of 3rd party solutions for legacy equipment for home users and schools to keep thier printers/scanners/whatever. Since they have 10/100BT installed right off the bat, most schools will be using (or can convert easily) having the printers on the local network. The lack of a SCSI port is also not a big deal for this machine. Again, most users will never even add anything else to thier box.

Bitch4: No floppy/removable storage ability.
Most software now comes on a CD, floppies are outdated and slowly vanishing technology. If users really need a floppy, there will certainly be USB solutions availible by the time the Imac actually ships. For other portable storage solutions such as Zip or Syquest, USB will be able to handle these. There may not be versions now (relating back to #3 about no SCSI) but in a few months expect at least a Zip USB version. Networks can simply use a few drives for all the machines, in fact you could easily share a few floppy drives or any external devices without a network, since USB is hot-swappable.

Bitch5: Only 33.6 Modem?
Most users with a 56k will never connect over 33.6 rate, if people want a 56k modem in this machine, I'm sure that that will be an option. If you want to go really fast, ISDN/DSL/CABLE it is all ready for that with the built in ethernet.

Everyone needs to simply remember who this machine is intended for. Personally I would not buy one since I am a poweruser, and am comfortable with upgrading/adding things to my machine. On the other hand, my mom would love this machine. Think of schools or home users upgrading .. remove old machine, open box, grab handle on Imac, place, plug in keyboard/mouse and ethernet or phone line and start up. Not much needed there. My only regret about the Imac is they didn't make a small, low-profile unit to either slip under an existing monitor or hide under a desk or away in a drawer. With the dimensions and cost of the Imac, it's certaily feasible to have such a unit for ~$1100, meaning $999 in a few months the way computer prices go. Who knows, maybe Jobs has yet more up his sleeve?