New iMac, Update or C2 /Kihei? Chapter 2

On Wednesday I posted my views on what might be in the next iMac revision under the critical assumption that the current iMac 333 is still selling reasonably well, i.e. the next iMac revision will have largely market-driven upgrades (400 MHz CPU and larger hard drive were my favorites) and maybe a new feature or two (like Rage 128 and AirPort option) for the same price. These views attracted email from readers suggesting what they think the next iMac would be like and what features that it would have if it were totally new, i.e. the C2 or "Kihei", either because the current iMac 333 sales are drifting inexorably downward or because Steve Jobs has another brilliant G4-like leap to the cutting edge up his sleeve.

Okay then, how about the really new iMac being designed somewhat after the terrific 20th Anniversary Mac but wildly different? Two Wintels have already been announced that look much like the TAM so Apple will have to be more creative. Most suggested that the new iMac would have an LCD screen, based on the assumption that Apple's investment in Samsung solves the nagging LCD cost issue and is sufficient to supply all of Apple's LCD-based products, especially the new iBook. I agree on the LCD but am wary on the supply/cost issue right now--another 6 months would make me feel much more comfortable. However, I hope I am wrong on the latter since a totally new iMac would be exciting. Most suggested the iBook-size 12.1" LCD or a 13 incher. I don't really know much about the specifics of LCD economics but it seems that normal cost considerations would dictate standardization at either 12.1" or 14" as used in the iBook and PowerBook. How about two new iMacs like the two PowerBooks and 2 G4s? An entry-level low end model with a 12.1" screen and much later a higher end model with a 14" screen. Still the biggest rap on an iMac seems to be either it's smallish 13.8" viewable screen size or it's lagging 3D graphics acceleration. Moving from a 13.8" viewable CRT to a near-same 12.1" LCD might be doable if some really great features helped carry it off. What other features? My candidates in addition to high style (design) and very low out-of-the-box weight are AGP Rage 128 graphics, great integrated speakers, AirPort option and DVD. Fast 3D graphics, great sound and the AirPort option plus the for-sure low cost upgrades to a 400 MHz G3 and larger hard drive seem like a winner even with a 12.1" LCD if Steve can say, "... and all of this for the same price as the original iMac, $1299!" [Comments?]

The corollary is the high end iMac with additionally a 14" screen, DVD and FireWire with a very simple home video editing option (software still needed), a la AirPort, for all those camcorders out in consumerland. However, I really don't think we'll see FireWire implemented in an iMac until it is in the PowerBook. Therefore, it could even be a replacement for the low end Power Mac G4-from-G3 (or "Yikes") model or for the low end iMac if the cost of LCDs drop in the spring of 2000. Maybe it would even sport a low end G4 CPU to boost the graphics.

Or the new iMac could be something entirely different. Steve Jobs' Apple-Surprise policy is great fun! Have a good weekend.