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First Hands on With new iMac and new Keyboard

engadget.com — Engadget just got their hands on the 4th gen iMac. And all they can say is "it's all super sexy"

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  • Emexci, on 10/10/2007, -21/+11the keyboard looks pretty good...
    • WillHutch5, on 10/10/2007, -1/+10The Glossy screen does not.
      • jellomizer, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1I have a glossy screen on my Laptop yea it looks like crap if you take a photo of it or look at it far away... But normally when you are in normal computing range and the brightness of the new screens usually go straight threw any glare. Don't judge it until you try it.
    • mfearby, on 10/10/2007, -2/+2If Apple could permit somebody that doesn't wear turtle-neck shirts into their keyboard design section, we might actually get a decent ergonomic Mac keyboard! At least the resale value of my Mac (if I buy one) will be slightly higher: "keyboard in mint condition" and "think of the extra mileage/damage you'll be able to do with your wrists with this brand-new keyboard".
    • thatsmyaibo, on 10/10/2007, -2/+2I'm keeping my white Intel iMac. I am really unimpressed with these. Just give me a new iPod already.
  • fpcyber, on 10/10/2007, -19/+27Whatever happened to "don't judge a book by its cover"? I bet typing on that keyboard all day will be somewhat stressful on the hands and wrists.
    • notorious., on 10/10/2007, -1/+12That's what I'm afraid of. I'll have to try it out, I suppose.
      • wageslaven, on 10/10/2007, -9/+3You dont have to "try it out". Its plain to see that this (and the rest of Apple's keyboards) are ergonomic / anthropometrics nightmares. The fashionistas at apple design clearly dont care about your RSI.
    • jtb4, on 10/10/2007, -13/+7And no number keys :(
      • NerdyNinja, on 10/10/2007, -0/+11Did you even look at the article? The first and largest picture shows a keyboard with number keys. You're thinking of the slimmer bluetooth keyboard that's also available.
      • Xenogis, on 10/10/2007, -0/+2I am also pissed about no numpad on the bluetooth keyboard. I like to hook my macbook pro up to a tv and play games with my wireless mouse and keyboard, I was hoping I could get the new keyboard since it would match my laptop but now I have changed my mind.
      • rtkrum, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1I can't believe the wireless keyboard a smaller version without a keypad. That totally blows! You can't even order the old Apple Wireless keyboard from the Apple Store anymore. Anyone who uses a wireless keyboard to do actual work will need to order a non-Apple keyboard. Big mistake Apple!
    • TomFrost, on 10/10/2007, -2/+12That keyboard's not much different from a laptop, and I find the keyboards on the macbook pros to be very comfortable. You don't need near as much force or movement as a standard board.
      • wageslaven, on 10/10/2007, -12/+2Your Macbook Pro's keyboard sucks. I dont care if your reality distortion field obliges you to say "I love my Apple Keyboard", CLEARLY it is bad for your health.

        Ergonomics son, look it up, its like uhm, Science and *****.
        • turbovince, on 10/10/2007, -0/+5Uh, Macbook Pro's keyboard is as ok as any other laptop keyboard.
        • sinembarg0, on 10/10/2007, -1/+7If the only thing you're going to do in the Apple section is bash Apples, the why the ***** are you here? You could link to a study saying the keyboards are bad ergonomically to back up your claims, but no, you just bash away with no proof. If you don't like Apples, then stay away from the Apple section.
      • TheKorn2, on 10/10/2007, -4/+3Ugh. The only people who like laptop keyboards (and I use one every day, mind you) are those that type less than 40 WPM.

        I.E. for two finger typists, they're no big deal. But if you actually have some speed, even the best of them is horrendous. It's not the key height that's so bad, it's the limited travel. When you're used to a full travel keyboard, you wind up bottoming on every keystroke. Besides making you feel like a neanderthol, it also winds up hurting your fingers after a while!
        • mediaphile, on 10/10/2007, -0/+2Wrong. I type 100+ WPM and I love the macbook keyboard. I already have arthritis in my hands, but I have never had less hand stress than on this keyboard. I type just as fast on this keyboard as on any other.
      • tyywebb, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1I don't hate the keyboard on my macbook as much as I used to but I still definitely screw up a lot more on this than on a regular keyboard.
    • geminitojanus, on 10/10/2007, -6/+12Don't judge a book by it's cover, then go and judge a book (keyboard in this case) by it's cover. Way to go poster, following your own morality.
    • doctapeppa, on 10/10/2007, -1/+6Then get whatever keyboard you want and use that instead.
      • cbreaker, on 10/10/2007, -3/+4Yea, cool, spend even more money. Awesome.
        • DrunkenSavior, on 10/10/2007, -0/+0Use the keyboard you are using now. Don't make life any harder than you need it to be.
      • wageslaven, on 10/10/2007, -5/+5Thats a fine answer, but the last 12 hours on Digg has been, this:

        A) wow! look at apple's great new keyboard!
        B) It may look pretty, but boy is it ergonomically terrible. I prefer function over form.
        A) You just hate apple/well - I love _MY_ keyboard, and it is very comfortable.
        B) Look up anthropometrics fanboy.

        Then, a chorus of "wow, this keyboard sure looks great" ignores the reality that as far as Keyboards designed to be used as a keyboard (and not injure you in the process) --- every single Apple keyboard is terrible. All of them. and no, "oh, i loves my apple(!)" fixes that their keyboards (these ones included) are terrible at what they are supposed to do.
        • cbreaker, on 10/10/2007, -1/+2I can't agree that all Apple keyboards are terrible, but not well thought out, perhaps. Or, very well thought out to sell units, with no care about what happens after it leaves the store.

          For example, I purchased an Apple keyboard about two months ago at a store that was going out of business for $20. It's one of those white ones with the clear base. Now, it looked good when it was new. The keys are made of a nice soft plastic that's comfortable. They key presses were decent. Now, two months later, every little speckle of dirt or dust is now permanently embedded under the keys, where everyone can see. The long keys, like the tab and shift, are beginning to bind, forcing you to hit them harder.

          Needless to say, I can deal with some reversed keys in MacOS when I'm using a Dell keyboard, if I don't have to put up with bad quality and stupid design.
          • mediaphile, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1Why don't you just clean your keyboard the way you're' supposed to?
          • cbreaker, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1So there's some sort of rule book on how often to clean a keyboard? Sure, I dust my keyboards regularly, but tell me, oh wise one, how you're supposed to clean dirt and dust that's trapped under the keys and wedged into the space between the white plastic bottom and clear casing? Ohh, you can't. It just sits there on display.
        • TheKorn2, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1So... you're saying your apple keyboard in reality sucks as a keyboard? :)
        • sinembarg0, on 10/10/2007, -1/+3Ok, three bashing comments later, you are pissing me off. GET THE ***** OUT OF THE APPLE SECTION if you don't like hearing about Apple stuff and quit calling people fanboys.
        • mistercobber, on 10/10/2007, -0/+0last time i check all laptop keyboard looks pretty much the same, doesn't matter if its Dell, HP, Lenovo, or Mac, except that some keys raise higher than others, some feels softer than others, but the same layout. so if this key board sucks than all keyboard sucks except those ergo design ones. I bet you if Apple came out with a ergo design keyboard you would say it's ugly, just like every other ergo keyboard. funny people can bash something they never even get their hands on.
    • houndeyex, on 10/10/2007, -13/+6"Name one thing your PC can do that my Mac can't!"

      Right click.
      • turbovince, on 10/10/2007, -4/+3Uh welcome in 1991
      • mxcl, on 10/10/2007, -1/+2Mac mice can right click since 5 years ago so.
        • mfearby, on 10/10/2007, -3/+1Yes, they can, but can you right-click with 100% accuracy with the Mighty Mouse every time? No... Getting the right amount of right-leaning-click to right-click every time is a right pain in the back side!
    • jellomizer, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1I don't see how it would be different then any other standard keyboard. It might actually have some advantages. Being flat to the table it gives you hands a place to rest vs. needing the extra plastic thing or keeping your wrist raised to properly use the keyboard. I heard from MacBook owners that they actually liked the feel of those raised keys.
      • tainc, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1Having used the new keyboard, I love it. I'll be getting one as soon as they're available separately. It's so quiet and easy on the hands.
  • notorious., on 10/10/2007, -3/+38Ryan Block says the new keyboard is "super sexy," and then the stock plummets.
    • streak, on 10/10/2007, -7/+1It's not so sexy if you can't buy one. The Apple Store didn't go live again until after the market closed.
  • unjustend, on 10/10/2007, -28/+16I'm tired of all these MACbots. This isn't a place for your consumer campaign!
    Joking aside, that keyboard looks like it needs some deeper action, but I could never tell unless I tried it.
    • habbofresh, on 10/10/2007, -3/+6+1 for mention of "deeper action." giggity giggity.
  • over9, on 10/10/2007, -17/+7Apple FTW!
    • willynilly, on 10/10/2007, -3/+9Man, you're pretty dumb when you can't spell "WTF".
      • Tippis, on 10/10/2007, -1/+2Looks to me like he wanted to spell "FTW",,,
    • habbofresh, on 10/10/2007, -0/+4Ya know, I like my mac and it works great and all but these articles are ridiculous. It's just a new product announcement that completes the circle of fanboy jerkoffism (patent discovery -> rumor & speculation -> leaked photos -> unveailing and disappointment [repeat] )
  • KnightWhoSaysNi, on 10/10/2007, -8/+23Chiclet keys?!?!?! I used to have those in my Radio Shack color computer. It was impossible to touch type with that keyboard.
    • Urusai, on 10/10/2007, -6/+1310 ? "THESE KEYBOARDS SUCK"
      20 END
    • mikeyv33, on 10/10/2007, -1/+2actually apple listened to the customers AGAIN. wow imagine that... a company that actually listens to what their customers want. more people said that working on the macbook was easier to type with the chiclet keys. im not saying i like the new keyboard because i havent used it yet. but i have a macbook and a macbook pro and the macbook is much easier to type on
      • TheKorn2, on 10/10/2007, -6/+2So if Apple's customers said, "I WANT A HOT POKER SHOVED UP MY ASS", and apple shoved a hot poker up their ass, it'd be a GOOD thing?

        Sorry, this keyboard completely blows, and FAILS its primary purpose -- being a keyboard!
        • mikeyv33, on 10/10/2007, -0/+3yeah, because a new keyboard and getting raped by a hot stick are the same thing... moron
        • madwelshacre, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1Yay democrazy!
    • cbreaker, on 10/10/2007, -0/+3While I think the new keyboard's keys are crappy, they're not the same chiclet keys as on your CoCo. These keys have travel and behave like normal keys, where as the CoCo's keys were little buttons.
    • happycat, on 10/10/2007, -0/+0"Chicklet" was the first thing I thought of when I saw those keys, but more like something from Timex/Sinclair. Yeesh, the older you get the more things come back in style. I will wait to try the keyboard before passing judgment on it-maybe it is nice to type on.
    • jellomizer, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1Yea technology hasn't changed at all in the past 15-20 years... Sometimes things that didn't work well 20 years ago seem to work now... The first front wheel drive cars were a disaster, early automatic steering made drivers feel like they had no feeling of the road. That is the neat thing with engineering stuff that use to suck actually becomes better. If you look at the keyboard there are debits on the F and J and every key is spaced equivalent to a normal keyboard. The Tandy had larger spacing between keys (difficulty in punching holes so close together back then) all the keys were smooth, probably to save money on the molding process. I am not saying the new keyboard won't suck but judging to a 20 year old computer keyboard is not fair at all.
  • SvMidtown, on 10/10/2007, -4/+55My real question is will they offer it with a non-glossy screen.

    I know everything tends to look nicer on those glossy screens, but the reflection is just too much. My friend and I have a MacBook Pro and his is glossy while mine isn't and the difference is astounding. His looks "prettier" while mine has next to no glare.

    I personally prefer the non-glossy screen, would be kinda nice for them to give you a choice.
    • arbulus, on 10/10/2007, -1/+28Glare is my big thing with glossy screens. Sure the colors are sharper, but if you can't see the damned thing because of glare, then what good is it?
    • geminitojanus, on 10/10/2007, -0/+3I'm guessing "no" because the front is now made of a sheet of glass instead of plastic (which could be made either matte or glossy), though I'm sure a cottage industry will erupt with plastic covers to make it less glossy/reflective and people who really cared could remove the glass and install a sheet of matte plex or something.
      • kosibar, on 10/10/2007, -0/+2Some 200 grit sandpaper should take the glare right off. The plastic covers are probably easier to market, though. Just the same, I would love to see the pictures of Apple's anti-glare kit packaging with a piece of sandpaper and accompanying instruction sheet.
    • crazybrit, on 10/10/2007, -4/+5Glare is a big deal with laptops where you're going to be using it outside, but why do you care with the iMac?
      • Tippis, on 10/10/2007, -0/+5Because it's nice -- while not ergonomically optimal -- to sit close to a window.
      • DoMifer, on 10/10/2007, -1/+2Assuming you're constantly using your computer in a pitch-black room with no windows...?
      • TheKorn2, on 10/10/2007, -0/+7Because not *every* mac user computes in a nuclear silo.
      • happycat, on 10/10/2007, -0/+3What? You don't have windows or lights??
    • aldenhg, on 10/10/2007, -0/+4I just don't like glossy screens. I don't care about the color saturation and sharpness if I can see my own reflection and everything behind me. When you're dropping that much cash on a computer you really should be given the option.
    • qwerter, on 10/10/2007, -0/+0I smell a third-party business opportunity.
  • lesty420, on 10/10/2007, -18/+7over priced
  • conspireagainst, on 10/10/2007, -12/+23It's not that great-looking, and honestly, a glossy screen? I could make out the faces of all of the onlookers in the photos. Matte screens are much, much better. If they don't offer that option, they're really shooting themselves in the foot. Most professionals prefer it (then again, most professionals won't buy a crummy iMac).
    • n8r0n, on 10/10/2007, -11/+11I agree, the glossy screen is a horrible idea just look at this shot...

      http://www.engadget.com/gallery/apples-new-imac-and-keyboard-first-hands-on/343535/

      Also, Apple claims that the iMac rids users of clutter and wires. Once you hook up the keyboard, speakers, power cable, and cat5 you still have a mess of wires, but they don't show you all that in the promo pics...
      • geminitojanus, on 10/10/2007, -4/+10It's got speakers built in, if you're smart you have WiFi or know how to run an ethernet cable through the nice little clip that the iMac's stand has integrated (same for the speaker cable really) and well, that leaves the keyboard and power, which they *do* show you.

        What was your point again?
        • cbreaker, on 10/10/2007, -0/+2I think the point is that the iMac has just as many wires as any other computer - minus the monitor cable - whether there's a special clip or not.
        • kosibar, on 10/10/2007, -0/+3The iMac's built-in speakers are excellent for general use. Much better than I've found in other computers. That saves three wires that most speakers use (one for each speaker and power). The built-in Bluetooth allows me to sync my phone and PDA. A wireless printer relieves that cable. Airport takes care of my Internet. So there are only three cables involved in my setup with all stock equipment out-of-the-box, including that miserable Mighty Mouse.

          Personally I have two wires because the wireless mouse I use has one of those dongles so no cables at all there, but I can't count that since it doesn't have any reflection on the iMac's "less clutter" claims.

          I think it's fair to say that most people would probably start wiring things up and making a mess of it, I don't think it's fair to say that it has just as many wires as any other computer. They've done a pretty good job of making a computer that the average user can use as-is without the "hens and chicks" syndrome that we so often see sprawling across (and under) our desks.
      • samssf, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1Uh, no, there's one wire. It's called bluetooth keyboard (which you get by default), wifi, and buil tin speakers. So there's one wire, which is the power cable.
  • godamit, on 10/10/2007, -22/+33let's masturbate
  • smurf22, on 10/10/2007, -3/+42The black outline looks a little weird....
    • miniboss, on 10/10/2007, -0/+9Is anyone going to point out that a company known for style just made a mismatch with the new keyboard and new iMac?

      The iMac looks similar to the sleek iPhone style with the black highlights while the keyboard looks like its from another company with the white keys.
  • kcb2, on 10/10/2007, -2/+22There's quite a bit of black around the edge of the screen...
    • DvS01, on 10/10/2007, -0/+9"...we really, REALLY wish Apple would get rid of the Jay Leno chin on the iMac already..."

      Yeah, They could have gotten rid of that giant Apple logo and and put a small transparent one in the bottom right of that black mask area.
    • DvS01, on 10/10/2007, -5/+6How ***** long does it take to fix the comment system? I put a 'return' in my sentence and the system took it out.
  • Dumbledorito, on 10/10/2007, -8/+11Am I the only one that doesn't like this "when the keys stop, the keyboard ends" design to keyboards these days? I kind of like having a "frame" around my keys (including a wrist-rest). It makes things more comfortable and keeps desk clutter from getting too close to my precious "CAPS LOCK" and numeric keypad.
    • Squidly, on 10/10/2007, -4/+4Yes, you're the only one.
    • unjustend, on 10/10/2007, -1/+5I like a framed keyboard as well. So, you aren't alone.
    • arbulus, on 10/10/2007, -0/+4I don't like wrist rests though.
    • aldenhg, on 10/10/2007, -1/+3Amen. I'm still a huge fan of ergonomic split keyboards with plenty of room on either side. I have a hard time typing without a little room to breathe.
      Also, why on earth would they drop the number pad? I can't touch type the numbers above the letters, so using this keyboard would be a big old pain for me, especially when I'm doing any sort of network management. It takes 3x longer to type in 192.168.0.1 on the horizontal number keys.
  • RadiantBeing, on 10/10/2007, -4/+37I can't believe it still has the chin. It's essentially just the old iMac with a new case.
    • Tippis, on 10/10/2007, -2/+6Well, the actual components have to go *somewhere* after all...
      So it's either a perfect-for-you-post'its chin or a thinker computer.
  • qwerter, on 10/10/2007, -5/+15Whew... it's a good thing it's ugly and has a glossy screen, because otherwise I might have gone into debt to buy one. Thanks for helping me watch my budget, Apple!
  • zapperdude60, on 10/10/2007, -1/+5I'm not wild about the black strip around the screen. We'll have to wait and see about that keyboard.
  • mesmeriffic, on 10/10/2007, -1/+16nice Capitalization, It really Conveyed the importance Of Prepositions.
  • drlha, on 10/10/2007, -2/+44Guess what also:

    The new Macs are all ENERGY STAR COMPLIANT.

    Sorry, just had to get that out after that stupid non-story last week on Digg.
  • skim1420, on 10/10/2007, -4/+17I don't see what the major update here is. They use different material, but basic same form factor. New keyboard, some may be partial for it, some against. The black rim around the screen actually goes against the grain of Apple's traditional clean look they've been so good at.

    I'm falling out of enamor with Apple. Give me something new it DOES. Apple, what have you done for me lately?
    • willynilly, on 10/10/2007, -15/+1WTF is a "form factor"?
    • mxcl, on 10/10/2007, -2/+2It doesn't much matter though since it looks gorgeous!
  • jiggidy, on 10/10/2007, -1/+12sooo much glare.
  • Braddeharder, on 10/10/2007, -1/+17I am not a big fan of the glare off the display. No glare is why I have LCDs. That display would put a hurting on my eyes after about 5 min.
    • Squidly, on 10/10/2007, -1/+3Blame your consumer-peers. Some panel of people somewhere voted glossy.
      • qwerter, on 10/10/2007, -0/+0They should have gotten a more diverse group of people. Cave-dwellers make up only a small fraction of the population.
  • gotamd, on 10/10/2007, -10/+13The new iMac is fugly. What's with the black? It looks horrible.
    • MammasMilk, on 10/10/2007, -0/+8Hey now, Black is the New Black, last year it was the Old Black, but three years before that it was the New Black, and a couple years before that I think is was just "black".

      Ahhh the good old days, when black was black, red was red, yellow was yellow, and Lavender was the girl I'd play doctor with.

      all that aside, I think the black is fine.
      • wageslaven, on 10/10/2007, -2/+2Am i the only person who doesnt give a ***** what colour it is? Show me the specs - tell me how much it costs - END transmission.

        Apple consumers are to technology what Nike owners are to the shoe industry.
    • samssf, on 10/10/2007, -0/+2Yeah? Well you're wrong. It's beautiful.
  • russianmike, on 10/10/2007, -2/+5Im really not digging the rounded edges outside of the screen, gives me some sort of subconscious reference to old school "tube" displays and televisions from the 80's.
    • willynilly, on 10/10/2007, -0/+4The '80s. The apostrophe goes BEFORE the numerals, to take the place of the missing digits.
      • tubeblender, on 10/10/2007, -0/+2Ah, yes BuT thIs iS thuh interneT and it ***** doesn't mattar as long as some-one gets' the gist of WTF you are Say'n.

        So, what about your little rant below?

        "You have to be goddamned stupid to put a glossy surface on an LCD at this point. Way to go BACKWARD, Apple. Actually, it's not even backward: Glossy screens NEVER dominated, because their stupidity is evident without even seeing them."

        So far, I've seen Apple called a great many things, and some deserving, but I wouldn't call them STUPID. You on the other hand appear to be quite BOOK smart.
    • cbreaker, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1Just FYI, CRT's were more then just a fad of the '80s, and only until the very late '90s had LCD screens become affordable enough to use for a Desktop PC, and only until perhaps 2004 did flat panel screens become cheap enough to buy as a TV.

      So old school, dude.
  • blacklilyninja, on 10/10/2007, -2/+2i assume they were trying to follow the color design scheme of the iPhone. I'm an apple user and I'm not a fan of the new design. If i did buy one.... i would wait til leopard.
  • ewcost, on 10/10/2007, -2/+5Nice design, but it's not that different from the old iMac.
  • jpb0104, on 10/10/2007, -2/+4is there a keyboard option? one with the number pad? one without?

    http://www.engadget.com/photos/apples-new-imac-and-keyboard-first-hands-on/343538/

    http://www.engadget.com/photos/apples-new-imac-and-keyboard-first-hands-on/343549/
    • adamchristopher, on 10/10/2007, -2/+4Also it looked like one had a power button on the side and one doesn't
    • Bilbobaggins, on 10/10/2007, -1/+4The wireless keyboard has no number pad, the wired one has a number pad.
    • notorious., on 10/10/2007, -3/+4From what I can tell, it looks like the new Bluetooth keyboard does not have the number pad. Whoever came up with that idea needs to be shot in the face repeatedly and then raped by rabid dogs in said bullet holes. That just doesn't make any sense to me.

      http://www.apple.com/keyboard/
      • CrazyRussian, on 10/10/2007, -0/+4Or we can shoot him, cut out his tongue, and shoot his tongue.
      • CompIsMyRx, on 10/10/2007, -0/+6$80 for a wireless keyboard? $50 for the wired one? ***** you, Apple!
    • jpb0104, on 10/10/2007, -1/+1thanks here's what apple says...

      The Apple Keyboard and Apple Wireless Keyboard have been redesigned from the ground up. They feature elegant, ultra-thin anodized aluminum enclosures and low-profile keys that provide crisp, responsive feel. Both keyboards also provide one-touch access to Mac features such as screen brightness, volume, eject, play/pause, fast-forward and rewind, Exposé, and Dashboard.

      The wired Apple Keyboard that comes standard with your iMac features an extended design that includes document navigation controls, a numeric keypad, and two USB 2.0 ports for easy connection of USB peripherals.

      For the ultimate in flexibility and to minimize cable clutter, choose the Apple Wireless Keyboard. Its ultracompact size allows it to fit on your lap, keyboard tray, or even the most crowded desk. It communicates with your iMac via a reliable, secure Bluetooth wireless connection that works up to 30 feet away. It runs on three AA batteries (included), and advanced power management means you’ll get up to nine months of battery life based on average usage patterns.

      The language option you choose will affect your keyboard layout and the printed materials that come with your Mac such as the user’s guide. Mac OS X allows you to select your preferred language when first setting up or at any time using System Preferences.
      • cbreaker, on 10/10/2007, -1/+1Considering that the iMac won't really be any good for under the TV, I don't see a huge market for "lap friendly" iMac keyboards.. And other then the USB ports, the wireless keyboard should come in a normal full size, with the option to go with the tiny crappy expensive one.
  • DvS01, on 10/10/2007, -1/+3What the hell is Magic GarageBand?

    http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2007/08/new-imac-keyboard-03.jpg
    • Bamborzled, on 10/10/2007, -1/+3I think It's like templates, except for music. Quite personally I think the idea is horrible.
  • blugoogirl, on 10/10/2007, -1/+6That's quite retro
    • gotamd, on 10/10/2007, -0/+6Yeah, it's too bad that the 1970's weren't exactly known for having the greatest design aesthetics.
    • cyberwiz01, on 10/10/2007, -0/+3At least it's not Avocado Green.
  • lp1977, on 10/10/2007, -1/+7Command key has no apple now. Rumour confirmed.
    • willynilly, on 10/10/2007, -0/+6But more importantly, IT FINALLY SAYS "COMMAND" ON IT!
  • coldphoenix, on 10/10/2007, -1/+5I absolutely love this view of it http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2007/08/new-imac-keyboard-02.jpg

    /sarcasm
    • CrazyRussian, on 10/10/2007, -0/+7At least people sitting next to you in airplanes won't be able to see what your doing.

      Oh wait. Its a desktop
  • iamlutheran, on 10/10/2007, -4/+1Cool... I want to get the wired keyboard for my Mac Pro, because it will match it better than the one it came with. :) Though, I will wait for iSkin to put out a keyboard skin for it first.
  • leowatson, on 10/10/2007, -1/+17Glossy screen = reflection central.
  • Bamborzled, on 10/10/2007, -2/+2More pictures from Apple's website: http://www.apple.com/imac/design.html

    Personally, I like the design, except for the black border.
    • cbreaker, on 10/10/2007, -0/+6So in other words, you don't like the new design, you like the previous iMac model design.
      • Jambi, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1Not quite. I'm not sure if you can tell by looking at the pictures, buy all that light area around the black is aluminum, not plastic, so there is somewhat of a difference. That said, the black bit in the front sucks (having the back covered in it looks fine).
    • thurows, on 10/10/2007, -1/+1And the glossy screen and no number keys and no Apple on the command key. Other than that and it would have been my new computer.
      • cbreaker, on 10/10/2007, -0/+3Wait - the missing apple logo is actually a factor in your buying decisions? You might think about getting .. I dunno, laid or something.
  • ElbowGeek, on 10/10/2007, -1/+3Well I for one and glad that they decided to resurrect ye olde PC Jr. chicklet keyboard. Hey, it worked so well for IBM back in the 80's.

    All I can say is that one thing that Apple is utterly unqualified to do in the computer field is make keyboards. The rather sleek looking white iMac keyboard which accompanies my 21" G5 is one of the worst typing experiences I've ever had. I wish i could hook up my IBM PS/2 keyboard - that think really is a keyboard for typists.
    • willynilly, on 10/10/2007, -1/+2It's "'80s". The apostrophe goes BEFORE the numerals, to take the place of the missing digits.

      Otherwise, yes, Apple's keyboards and mice are just another hole in their illusory "elegant UI" reputation. The good news is that you CAN hook up your old IBM keyboard. Just get a USB adapter for it: http://www.bixnet.com/ps2touskeyan.html
    • Taiman, on 10/10/2007, -0/+2you can, there are ps/2 to usb converters like this http://www.l3shop.com/graphics/CL0014.jpg
      • cbreaker, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1It will take some trial and error before you get one that works properly. I had to buy four different ones before I found one that properly handled multiple key-presses, as well as proper down/hold key events. For some reason the people that make these things think that they should "help" by doing dumb things like key repeating when you hold down a key.
  • Squidly, on 10/10/2007, -1/+7They were too busy designing the iPhone to devote much thought to this redesign. Should've just made the thing slimmer, and left it white plastic until they were ready to do a REAL redesign.

    I bet Jobs was feeling some eco-pressure, which is why they forced a move to Aluminum/Glass.
    • zioxide, on 10/10/2007, -1/+4"I bet Jobs was feeling some eco-pressure, which is why they forced a move to Aluminum/Glass."

      It was probably Al Gore's idea.
  • dromni, on 10/10/2007, -3/+5Definitely ugly, as far as macs go. Mixing silver and black that way as a baaaaaaad move. I would rather prefer the new iMacs in two "brands", one 100% aluminum and the other 100% black glass. This hybrid just don't look good...

    The keyboard, on the other hand, is cute and solves the old problem of dirty showing SO EASILY on nowadays white-transparent keyboards. :)
  • Arkonnan, on 10/10/2007, -2/+3The black border looks horrible. They should have extended the border to fit the entire front panel, like an iPod. Leave the aluminum for the sides and back. I know that it's supposed to make things pop, but it looks more like a distraction with the bright aluminum border contrasting it.

    The keyboard looks nice. You don't know how difficult it is to find a slim keyboard like that for a PC. Unless you're willing to import one from the UK and spend $150+ for it. I guess there isn't much demand for that kind of design on this side of the pond.
    • cbreaker, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1I dunno, my HP monitors have a silver border and it's not distracting at all. Not that I like the iMac; I hate the big "Leno Chin" as they called it on Engadget.
  • dmkemick, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1I'm not too keen on the black border and apple logo either, I think it would look better without the border and a white logo, with or without the black backing.
  • dgcrazykid, on 10/10/2007, -5/+2can;t wait to go to work tomorrow to see it. (I work at an apple retail store)
  • DoMifer, on 10/10/2007, -5/+9At the risk of being unpopular... I sort of like the look of the screen... O_o

    *cowers from angry diggers that disagree*

    (Although, the glare gets a big thumbs down.)
    • tubeblender, on 10/10/2007, -7/+0Don't cower down! Take your negative diggs like a man! watch me, and see how it's done.
  • willynilly, on 10/10/2007, -2/+9You have to be goddamned stupid to put a glossy surface on an LCD at this point. Way to go BACKWARD, Apple. Actually, it's not even backward: Glossy screens NEVER dominated, because their stupidity is evident without even seeing them.

    Chiclet keyboard? Of what value is a super-thin keyboard, when it's sitting on your desk? What problem is this solving? It saves no desk space; the overall footprint of the thing could be exactly the same with full-travel, high-quality keys.

    Meanwhile, there's still no ultra-portable from Apple, a major gap in their product line from which Sony and Toshiba will profit nicely.
    • tubeblender, on 10/10/2007, -4/+11st. sentence. No ***** clue why you care so much though.
      2nd. sentence. No answer for you there. Don't really give a ***** either.
      3rd. sentence. You're just mr. myglass is half empty willynilly, golly wolly willickers. Enjoy your Sonyshiba.
    • cbreaker, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1It's a big deal these days with Notebook PC's and I just don't understand it. I mean, yea, it makes the colors and black levels pop a little bit more, but everyone complains about them. That's one of the great things about LCD screens with normal matte finishes; no glare! My guess is, it's a fad. I hope.
  • grubworth, on 10/10/2007, -1/+12All I see is a fancy iMirror.
  • sri2c, on 10/10/2007, -2/+6Glossy screen = Finger print magnet :(
    • macattacks10, on 10/10/2007, -0/+6I hope you're not touching your screen.
      • cbreaker, on 10/10/2007, -0/+2If your new glossy iMac ends up at an office, then believe me. It will get fingerprints on it. "Click this link here" *touch*
        • nasalspray, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1oh i freaking HATE it when one of those office bitches touches my Macbook screen!!!! get your grubby mits off, ya ho.
  • scott12087, on 10/10/2007, -1/+4Did anybody else read the title and expect to see some sort of hands-on story or review, and all you got were a couple of pictures? Haven't we already seen enough pictures of the new imac?
    • russelbutt, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1seriously.. first hands on.. and all they can say is "sexy"? no kind of review.. lame..
  • thedonga, on 10/10/2007, -1/+3damn crappy video card and glossy screen...bad apple..bad bad apple!
    • russelbutt, on 10/10/2007, -0/+2crappy video card is right.. might as well throw a intel graphics chip in there while they're at it.. :/
  • charlesray, on 10/10/2007, -0/+3"...we really, REALLY wish Apple would get rid of the Jay Leno chin on the iMac already..."

    You realize they have to fit a computer in there, right? It could either be the "chin" or an 8in thick case.
    • TheKorn2, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1Bollocks. When was the last time you saw an 8 in thick laptop?
    • Jambi, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1Personally, I'd like to see them go back to a base of the sort they had on the G4 iMacs. The chin's kinda distracting after a while.
    • Corbomight, on 10/10/2007, -0/+18"? No, it might add another half inch to the thickness, which is well worth it. Who the hell cares about such an insignificant difference in depth, which you never look at anyways, to an ugly protuberance of case. Having the entire face be the screen would look a lot nicer.
  • turbovince, on 10/10/2007, -0/+4Glossy screen is a bad idea.
  • tyrione, on 10/10/2007, -1/+2Proper typing position is analogous to playing a Piano. You don't wrest your wrist. Keeping them up will allow one to type more
    proficiently.
    • mfearby, on 10/10/2007, -0/+1True for the most part, except that bending your wrists inward to keep them straight -- permanently, unlike with a piano where your wrists at least move around a bit -- is a bad idea for typing; which is why I don't understand why Apple haven't made an ergonomic keyboard to date (well, I do understand, and it's the design/artsy/turtle-neck people at Apple that won't have it -i.e., people that don't have to type much).
    • eatbeefjerky, on 10/10/2007, -1/+1I have heard that this is now considered to be bad form. I'm told that keeping one's wrists up causes carpal tunnel, and I'd rather have slightly slower type speed than pained wrists.
  • DanH, on 10/10/2007, -1/+6i love the macbook keyboard and this is exactly like it. I will buy one.
  • TheKorn2, on 10/10/2007, -0/+2Ugh; that keyboard looks like a warmed over pile of TRS-80. The computer/screen looks kind of cool, but engadget is right; lose the Jay Leno chin. (Or go back to a 4x3 aspect.)
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