Got a mockup or an idea for one? Post it here! [Archive]

pscates2.0

2004-06-11, 11:54

I tweaked my display idea a little:

1. Rounded the top corners slightly, so it's not a sharp, 90-degree edge, and...

2. Made the legs perfectly vertical, with not slant/tilt on the inner portions as the current displays have and my initial mockup. I think, without the slant inward, they pair nicer with the G5 legs/handles (perfectly vertical).

The top is my line drawing, where I worked all the crap out initially. I saved it for fun, then did the gradients, details, reflections, blurring of reflections, etc. on the copy below. Kinda fun to put them together! The only thing not created, from scratch, in Illustrator is the screen shot, which I swiped from Apple's site.

I really enjoy trying to do realistic stuff, all within illustrator. Those transparency tools, along with the gradient mesh features, make it much easier than it used to be in earlier versions!

Anyway, enjoy...and for the record, I wouldn't mind one of these sitting next to my PowerBook one single bit! :)

http://homepage.mac.com/pscates/mockups/display2.jpg

Luca

2004-06-11, 12:03

It looks pretty good, very realistic and I like the thin bezel, but...

From a functionality standpoint, it's arguably worse than the current line of displays. Yeah, you have a thin bezel unlike the current ones, but the feet appear to be totally flat on the bottom rather than rounded. That means that the only way you can have the feet totally in contact with the desk is if the display is in a (useless) totally vertical position.

So, while I commend you on an excellent piece of mockup art, I have to say that it's a step in the wrong direction as far as functionality is concerned. I think a single foot with a pivot point in the center of the display would be a much better idea.

alcimedes

2004-06-11, 12:17

what if the display itself were hinged on the outside support, so you could rotate back/forth, and also have a slide track in there to be able to move it up/down a few inches.

that would give you full moveability.

pscates2.0

2004-06-11, 12:34

Luca, how do you know that the back of the surrounding frame piece isn't softly rounded, allowing for exactly what you talk about? ;)

Was never intended to sit flat/flush (and perfectly vertical) on the desk...that's damn near impossible with this type of design (which is only a variation of Apple's existing one). It'll tilt back just as the current one does, on a softly-rolled roundover to the read of the "frame". The front is flat/sharp for appearances sake (looking nice beside a G5).

Alcimedes...I know. ;)

It's there (that's why that sliver "frame" runs around the entire thing). I've not drawn anything other than a front-on view, but I was thinking about a center-pivot "rocker" where the display does tilt back and forth a bit within the frame. I was going to doodle that up tonight because I'm REALLY big - after owning a G4 iMac - on the notion that displays have some mobility in them!

Look on my mockup web-page to that display a drew a few years ago with the orange background. See how that is set up? I've been carrying that brick of an idea around with me for at least two years!

:D

And it's implemented above, just haven't shown it because of the view I was drawing (the side cam isn't visible).

HOM

2004-06-11, 12:55

Oh god of mock ups and all things Illustrator!

Could you throw together a mock up based on the old Apple Studio Display?

This was always one of my favorite monitors.

http://newsbook.tai.es/2000-07/espjul00-82.jpg

pscates2.0

2004-06-11, 13:03

You just kinda did, didn't you? :confused:

You mean that basic design, sheathed in G5 aluminum?

Hey, I forgot all about those displays!

:eek:

Damn, maybe Apple should think about reviving that! With updated appearance/materials, of course. But, as I recall, that base was VERY heavy and wasn't going anywhere. Granted, it only held a 15" display, so not sure how heavy it would have to get to hold a 20", 23", etc.

I remember those, years ago. Saw them at Fry's all the time, in blue! :)

Didn't they also come off of that post, and sit directly on the desk, using a back-mounted "picture frame" leg?

windowsblowsass

2004-06-11, 13:06

You just kinda did, didn't you? :confused:

You mean that basic design, sheathed in G5 aluminum?

Hey, I forgot all about those displays!

:eek:
i thought that first imac on your page was base on that

pscates2.0

2004-06-11, 13:40

Hom's post (and pic) above got me thinking: if you took the basic design/principle in that photo and think abou t that cool glass "mobius strip" base on the 17" ADC 17" display for 3-4 years ago AND G5 aluminum.

I don't mean something as twisty and organic as the 17" glass base (wouldn't look right with the straight, crisp G5, BUT in how the curves twist into themselves and back into another plane. It's on the G5 a bit, with the cut-outs and inserts. That neat-looking, big "uncut sheet" look the G5 has.

Apply THAT to a nice wide base/tower that patterns itself after HOM's pic above. You could certainly have silt, swivel and raise/lower action on that.

pscates2.0

2004-06-11, 13:42

i thought that first imac on your page was base on that

Yeah, but I drew it a bazillion years ago (okay, late 1999) and haven't really thought of it much since, until seeing HOM's pic. When I put my .Mac mockup page together the other night - I saw it again for the first time in years, but I was more struck by my use of "pineapple" as a possible new color.

:D

windowsblowsass

2004-06-11, 13:58

http://www.hardwebcafe.com/slike/g6.jpg

HOM

2004-06-11, 14:01

Didn't you post an entire thread (http://forums.appleinsider.org/showthread.php?t=485) dedicated to that picture Not Quagmire?

:no:

pscates2.0

2004-06-11, 14:10

Here's a quick doodle of what I had in mind, talked about in my post above:

http://homepage.mac.com/pscates/mockups/aldisplay.jpg

windowsblowsass

2004-06-11, 14:13

Didn't you post an entire thread (http://forums.appleinsider.org/showthread.php?t=485) dedicated to that picture Not Quagmire?

:no:
yeah but i thought this would be a more appropriate place for it

HOM

2004-06-11, 14:16

pscates, I love the quick sketch and it was almost exactly what I was thinking. Can't wait to see you give it the photorealistic touch.

Anyway. One little suggestion. Make the corner a hinge so the monitor can be tilted.

http://homepage.mac.com/hom1/newmonitor.jpg

pscates2.0

2004-06-11, 14:21

Well, the base stays...it's heavy and flat-footed. Where the display meets the base is where it's swivel/tilt comes from. How, I'm not sure yet...

:D

But that pic of that old Studio Display is something like what I'm imagining for mobility (swivel left to right, pivot up and down).

thegelding

2004-06-11, 14:24

actually i think the connection of monitor to heavy AL post can be made to tilt 15 degrees up and 15 degrees down, plenty for that....

the base where hom circled should swivel about 20 degrees in either direction, so pscates can show his drawings at work to the guy next to him...as long as it ain't his boss

g

HOM

2004-06-11, 14:32

I think the base could swivel like this to provide left and right turning.

http://homepage.mac.com/hom1/base.jpg

I'm not sure that illustration really conveys what I'm trying to say. The base would have a round cut out that would allow the display to be pivoted.

Messiahtosh

2004-06-18, 19:04

leoprieto

2004-07-07, 12:15

I've always thought Apple needed a barebones laptop. Ultra small, ultra simple. Great first computer for first time user, and great second (extra) computer for experienced users. Schools would love having 30 of these (no optical drives to break!).

http://www.spoon.cl/ebook/hello-ebook.jpg

There's an extra pic here:
http://www.spoon.cl/ebook/ebook-large.jpg

Barto

2004-07-07, 21:47

Removing the CD ROM from an iBook wouldn't reduce the thickness much (if at all) and don't count on removing the hard drive (thin client over WiFi? Yeah right).

Not going to happen and wouldn't be popular at all, the iBook's optical drive is a solid slot loading model and supporting yet another product line increases Apple's expenses (and the price of all Macs).

pscates2.0

2004-07-07, 22:04

Yes. The total appeal (and selling point) for Apple laptops is that ALL of them have a full range of features and specs that makes for a complete, full-featured laptop at a really nice price.

I haven't checked in a while, but do those super-affordable PC laptops ($700 range) have Ethernet, FireWire, etc.? USB 2.0, Bluetooth and 802.11? A speedy combo drive?

If they do, they still don't have OS X so what's it matter... :p

But seriously, you don't have to compromise or feel like you're "going without" when you buy a Mac. Any Mac, even the entry-level eMac and iBook. You can use it on a network or cable/DSL, iPod and iSight, surf wirelessly (buy the card), etc.

I should go look at Dell and others to see what's out there in the sub-$1,000 laptop arena...

leoprieto

2004-07-08, 12:52

Barto, as a matter of fact, removing the optical drive can reduce the thickness a lot (check the latest Sony laptops). You can get cheap slim profile hard drives these days, although I'll leave it to Apple to figure out how/where they fit in a battery. ;)

About the another product line, I thought about that when Apple made 14", 12" iBooks and 12", 15" and 17" PBG4, and 15", 17" and 20" iMacs. That means that Apple has the means of having yet another product line. All it has to do is be like Volkswagen: share the parts between the models. That's what it does today. Besides, this fits right between an iPad/PowerPod and an iBook, it's a mini-book or mega-pod.

pscates,
you aren't compromising (it has everything you mention). it's not like this is going to be a workstation replacement either. it's just a barebones Mac. my mom would love this. my younger sister too. my girlfriend as well. in my house i have wi-fi, that's all my girlfriend needs, she doesn't need an optical drive. my mom in her house has wi-fi too, and she hardly ever uses the optical drive. what i mean is that you could have one eBook for each person in the house. A mini-mac if you will, and they could have an iMac or eMac around for the CD and DVD burning.

i know i need one. i know 10 people who could use one. schools would love it. and besides, it's just wishing, right?

pscates2.0

2004-07-08, 13:03

True. :)

leoprieto

2004-07-08, 13:04

I should go look at Dell and others to see what's out there in the sub-$1,000 laptop arena...

Compaq: $659 (Centrino 1000, 14-inch, CD-RW, 64 MB Video)
http://www.avadirect.com/product_details_configurator.asp?PRID=2571

Dell: $719 (Celeron 2.2 Ghz, 14-inch, 256 MB RAM, Combo Drive, 30 GB, Wi-Fi)
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/inspn_1000?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

Maybe the eBook would cost $899 instead of $799 (because of the outstanding customer experience).

Barto

2004-07-08, 13:04

I was a Mac techie, the iBook already uses slim CD/DVD drives and hard drives. You can't squeeze blood from a stone.

And even if you could, to what purpose? Who would buy such a crippled computer? You know less than you think.

-----------

Gah, talk about unfair edit :p

Even if your very unique family doesn't need CD/DVD drives, 99.9% do. The sales would be very low volume, pushing the price up, and then you've got squat.

leoprieto

2004-07-08, 13:17

I am a Mac techie, maybe you couldn't make it as thin as I wish (remember *wish*, we're playing, don't get so serious), but I do need a bare bones Mac.

It's not crippled. To run Maya and After Effects and Final Cut Pro, maybe. My younger sister uses a 500 Mhz iMac (*G3*). She doesn't find it crippled. It does all she needs: Web, Mail, AIM, Word.

I don't think my family is unique. I know lots of (Mac using) families that would love this. My mother, and two sisters have iBooks. They don't need all that, they would be just as well with an eBook.

Maybe you know people who are afraid of computers or superusers who need supermacs, but most of the people I know of (I can count 10 friends with 12" iBooks off the top of my head) have a basic computer. A simple laptop for simple tasks. And I'm in Chile, a place that's not supposed to have so many Macs.

I think I'll have to work on my Reality Distortion Field a little bit better, as I'm not being able to convince you. But believe me, I know people who need this. Starting with me (I want to change my current 17" PowerBook into a 23"-PowerMac-G5 and eBook, if only I could).

And don't forget: Schools! They don't need an optical drive in EVERY iBook.

(By the way, I lived in Melbourne for 6 months and loved it)

Messiahtosh

2004-07-08, 14:47

The Mac would not be such a niche product, if there were enough people that considered quality and usefulness over low grade, utilitarian computing. If you want to run Microsoft Office for your whole life, then go ahead. The Mac may be a niche product, but the company is profitable while serving that niche, there is no danger in continuing that corporate strategy. Since 1976 man...who else can claim such a long running tradition of excellence? Dell? No.

Apple is the BMW of the computer industry, offering high level performance machines, all the way around. Through innovative software, hardware, and operating system offerings, Apple will always have those customers who value the high end.

Sure, you could buy a $350 dollar PC, but what can it really do? Apple knows that the answer to that question is pretty much: "not too damn much." As a company, Apple realizes that buy selling a standard, they don't become known for offering cheap, low class equipment. They could easily offer a bargain basement PC, but why should they cater to a low standard?

I'll take my 1 inch thin PowerBook G4 with a 15.2'' wide screen display and blazingly fast G4 processor, 2 GB's of RAM, 80 GB hard drive, and 128 Radeon 9700 graphics card, with built in bluetooth and 802.11g networking, and a Superdrive and be happy for many years.

The point is, if you can afford it, there really is no alternative to the Apple solution. Running Mac OS X will make anyone's personal computing life more fast, enjoyable, and easier to do. It will make their professional life more productive too, because everything just works properly, like the finely crafted machine that it is, from the inside out.

BUT (and this is a huge but) Apple may need to bend to the popular demand this time around. Maybe there are fewer and fewer people who require the high end? If so, Apple will still sell to those people, but they may not be enough to keep the company making money and 3rd parties making applications for the X platform.

hobbit.2

2004-07-08, 15:44

New 3G iMac
The one thing people seem to overlook is that whatever the new design will be, it will not have laptop components like slim vertically mounted DVD drives or 2.5" HDs. It wouldn't work out financially. If Apple offers a 17" PowerBook at price X, the price will still be the same if they just rearrange the components vertically behind the screen and now sell it as the new 17" G5 iMac. Admittedly, they save on the battery but probably spend more on cooling and a G5 CPU. I reckon it'll be a wash.
If so, how many people will get a 17" G5 iMac if it costs the same as a 17" G4 PowerBook? Very few. Because people love portability.

To keep costs down Apple needs to use standard desktop components, like desktop memory, 3.5" drives and desktop DVD drives. All relatively big and bulky. Which the new design will have to live with.
Think about it, maybe that was why the Cube was priced so expensively, because it did use some laptop components (http://suyama.co.jp/cubeisd.html), like the small motherboard and slotloading DVD drive!

Having said that, most of the new 3G iMac designs floating around as 'slim box behind the screen' just blew out of the window...

And another point. If the 3G iMac is a headless design, one of the reasons for this would be that people can use their existing monitors. Yet many still have CRTs. So whichever new design, it will have to work well with CRTs. And that just blows any 'L' shaped designs out the window, or designs with a fixed arm and a VESA mount. I can't believe Jobs would have that.

So think again. To fill all these needs the design can only be something very plain. Like a Shuttle box or pizza box design. Any such design could still be stylish in that it has rounded corners, like an oversized iPod mini. Yet Apple is not known to copy itself, so it won't exactly look like that either. Nor like a miniature G5 PowerMac.

It's difficult to figure out what it will be, but most of the designs I've seen so far, are very unlikely for the above reasons.

Robo

2004-07-08, 17:21

Good points, hobbit...I, for one, hope that they don't change the iMac too much (you'll hate me for this, but I don't want them to decapitate it), mainly because I love the current iMac - it's perfect. Should they make a lower-end headless computer? Most definitely - but it shouldn't be the iMac. They could maybe bring back the Cube, only this time (*gasp*) charge less for it than for the PMG5. The timing is right - the Power Mac is bigger than ever, and the case is obviously designed for 2 processors - make a Cube with one, set the price under two grand this time, and I think it'd be more of a success. Or else keep the PMG4 around. Or make something new (Uhh...oMac?) with smaller monitors to match it. I know that you all want a lower-end headless Mac, and I think they need one too, but it shouldn't be the iMac. Although, the idea to allow you to order the iMac (if it was similair to the current design, with a screen, an arm, and a base) without a monitor has some possibilities - you could order any spec of iMac with any size monitor (or none, if you choose) - which would be nice.

hobbit.2

2004-07-08, 17:54

Roboman, the only reason why Apple would do a headless iMac, if ever, is the brand recognition. Switchers know about 'iMac'. They don't know about 'Cube' or any other Apple design.

For that reason alone it would be much easier for Apple to sell a 'new iMac' than a 'new Cube'. The latter would more than likely be greeted with scorn and have to live with a 'failure' tag from day one.

If Apple ever brings back a cube design, it would have to be bigger, as I'm sure Apple will have to use standard desktop components, like DVD drives or full size AGP or PCI Express graphic cards. Even the iMac went from laptop slot-loading DVD drives in the original design back to desktop tray-loading DVD drives in the current design. Reason being cost savings. And if anything iMacs should get cheaper rather than more expensive.

leoprieto

2004-07-09, 01:49

Apple is the BMW of the computer industry, offering high level performance machines, all the way around.
Hear, hear!

Apple quality. That's what we want, from our Workstations to our Watches (including our mobile phones). Couldn't Apple just start doing all sorts of things, soon?

Henriok

2004-07-14, 22:20

I have an idea for those of you thar are much more savvy in 3D apps than me.
Apple is venturing into a completely new market, and they are taking some bold strides too. I'm talking about Supercomputing!

As sexy as Xserves, Cluster Nodes and Xserve RAIDs is up lose, a rack full of them isn't hat much different from a rack full of Dells.

http://macnytt.se/gallery_photos/henrik/l_CB27BE202082CC32.gif
The PowerCluster G5 is in need of cool rack cabinets. HELP!
I think Apple should do something about this. An Apple branded rack cabinet.
I can see a cool door with a backlit Apple, the G5 logo and perhaps some blinken lights controlled via USB from one of the Xserves inside providing visual feedback of stuff like internal temperature, total internal storage, and computational power in Gflops.

The cost of the above steup is $374.910 with vanilla dual machines and full RAIDs. 170 G5 processors in total and 22.7 TB of storage in the RAIDs, servers and cluster nodes.

noleli2

2004-07-14, 22:50

They're just racks. Nobody is supposed to look at them; they're supposed to be tucked away somewhere in an air-conditioned room with a raised floor and all that. The fact that the Xserve looks cool stems from the fact that it's made of brushed aluminum, not amazing design. It's design is pretty much the same as every other 1-2 RU server: hot-swap drives and status lights. Pure function.

Besides that, Apple has never been in the enclosure business. Just look at the iPod. It's a great product, and they ship it with a bare-bones case, but the sheer quantity of quality high-end cases is staggering. But it's not Apple's job.

Anyway, sorry if that sounded a bit rude, but I'm kinda tired now....

Ryan

2004-07-14, 22:52

As sexy as Xserves, Cluster Nodes and Xserve RAIDs is up lose, a rack full of them isn't hat much different from a rack full of Dells.

I don't think that matters all that much. You don't sit at a rack of Xserves for hours at a time like you would with an iBook or PMG5.

pscates2.0

2004-07-14, 23:01

Yeah, I tend to agree on that. Xserves are a whole different beast than something that needs to look cute or cool, sitting on one's desk and getting viewed all day. An iMac it ain't.

Xserves, most likely, are piled up in closets or other rooms and with the kinds of tasks they're performing, no one really gives much thought to their appearance. Besides if Apple did something like that (rack cases), they'd be priced 3x higher than they should and probably wouldn't sell anyway.

:)

I'd rather them focus the eye-catching ID onto products where it counts (the desktops and laptops, displays, iPod and iSight, etc.)

Henriok

2004-07-15, 00:03

They're just racks. Nobody is supposed to look at them
Tell it to these guys then!

http://macnytt.se/newspix/henrik/supercomputers.jpg

These boys are building the _real_ supercomputers. From the left:
Cray MTA-2, SGI Altix 3000, Sun Sunfire 15000, IBM ASCI Blue, Cray X1 (top), Earth Simulator (bottom), NEC SX-6.

Besides that, Apple has never been in the enclosure business.BS! They have won awards for their enclosure designs for years! Jonathan Ive is the most celebrated industrial designer this millennium with no runners up!

If I were to shell out a couple of hundred thousand dollars for a cheap as hell supercomputer I damn want it so look good too, not just like an ordinairy rack. I want to see Apple competing for looks in the server room. When entering a datacenter, it should look like it've been blessed by St. Ive himself! I wan't too have PC journalist drooling over the pictures they take of the new Apple branded supercomputers so that all Wintelinux fanboys out there will choke on them when they see them in their favourite magazines.
Why not claim the look of how a supercomputer should look like from the likes of NEC, IBM and SGI?

C'mon people! Have some vison!!

leoprieto

2004-07-15, 09:47

Henriok,
Don't let the vision-less get you down! I'll be supporting you all the way with this idea.

If I'm going to spend, 100,000, 200,000 or 5.7 million dollars in a XServer cluster, it better look like a room from 2001 Space Odissey. Dramatic and cinematic. Perception is everything. Apple is the king of perception!

pscates2.0

2004-07-15, 10:03

Sorry, I left my vision in the car. I'll try to muster some... :err:

;)

Messiahtosh

2004-07-15, 14:21

Paul should come up with some design concept for the iMac, now that a description has been "leaked".

pscates2.0

2004-07-15, 14:53

Paul's tired, plus he's done tons of mockups kinda based on this "leaked description" (all the ones BEFORE the sunflower iMac). :)

iMeowbot

2004-07-15, 23:39

As sexy as Xserves, Cluster Nodes and Xserve RAIDs is up lose, a rack full of them isn't hat much different from a rack full of Dells.
check out HP's racks (http://h30140.www3.hp.com/page/rack_systemE.html). The photos don't really do them justice; the front doors are curved metal, perforated much like the G5 towers, and open enough that you can see the hardware inside. I think they look better in the light gray ("quartz"), but that's just me. And if HP can sell iPods, xServes can go into HP racks =)

bieder

2004-07-24, 08:09

Maybe the iMac G5 will have tree panels around the screen. I know it may sound kind of wierd, but Apple need something to differentiate the pro (aluminium) and the consumer line (white plastic). Apple has been using white plastic for some time now and the new iMac could bring "the next thing". Tree will make it look a lot different than every other pc and brings more associations to home, cozyness etc. as opposed to the aluminium which brings associations to motors, raw power and tech stuff. What do you think?

Robo

2004-07-25, 03:07

I have an idea for a mockup. I'm not skilled in the ways of the Illustrator, though (although, after hearing about it in the other thread, I want Illustrator CS now!) so maybe Paul could mock-it-up for me? I don't think it's something you've done before...except, perhaps, in another one of my threads. ;) Here goes...

aMac
Anniversary Macintosh

Picture an all-in-one Mac of old...redone in Apple's trademark "Pearl White." It's a bit curvier, especially in the upper back, but still has the profile we all know and love...small screen and all. (It'd be 10" now, and yes, it'd be color. ;)) Now picture it with a 1 GHz G4 (or maybe even a 1.2?) and a CD-Rom/RW drive (gotta be slot-loading!). Oh, and picture it for $499.

That's my dream Mac. Why? Because I can afford it! It'd be a nice second computer for all of you hardcore Mac people out there, too, because you could put it anywhere - kitchen, kids' room, bathroom, you name it. ;) Oh, and Apple could make it a collectable by only making it this year.

I really hope Apple announces something like that at the Paris expo. Yeah, there's very little chance of it, but still...Apple should compete in a lower-end market...I'm selling my laptop, and I don't want to be stuck buying an eMachines just because I (barely!) can't afford the eMac. Plus, Apple said this year would be a special year, so what else could that possibly mean besides an ultra-low-end recreaition of the Mac Classic?!? :D

Hey, at least it wouldn't be the last Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh...;)

The original Mac had a "friendly" design that no computer, not even the iMac, has emulated. I'd like to see that again.

I know I won't.

But I'm holding off my eMachines purchase until September, just in case. ;)

leoprieto

2004-07-25, 21:56

I love that idea.

Roboman, it sounds like a 20th-ann Mac, but so light (and obviously up to date, i mean all sorts of wireless) that you could almost move it around the house. Sorta like a Tablet? but you could just sit it on a table, or use it in your hands.

I love it being simple and inexpensive. I need a second Mac to have around the house.

psgamer0921

2004-08-01, 11:46

Not mine:

iMac G5
http://www.macsecrets.com/2004/img/g5+2.jpg

MacUsers

2004-08-01, 12:07

Eh, ya that's a G5 tower on one of GBoards or whatever they call it and the little attachment for the top. Am I missing something here, iMac G5?

psgamer0921

2004-08-01, 13:20

oops, it still could look like one...

MacUsers

2004-08-01, 13:24

:lol:

psgamer0921

2004-08-04, 11:06

Just think, and miniature tower, as a square, with the "roof" and "board" underneath

Rigo

2004-08-04, 21:45

Don't know if this (http://www.mackompass.de/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1) has been posted here yet, but that one could make it for me :D

pscates2.0

2004-08-04, 21:52

Yeah, I saw that earlier today. Pretty neat. Kinda a bit on the boring side (a Cube revisit and all), BUT who cares...it's what's needed, I believe: a proper mid-range model offering a bit more flexibility/upgradeability and not tying people to a built-in display.

And I really am of the opinion that a 17" version of the displays will joining the other three in short order. I've thought that ever since the new displays were released.

Is the display in that pic white? It looks so, and that's not a bad look either! :)

Spinnetti

2004-08-06, 07:48

I just gathered all mine into one spot (http://homepage.mac.com/pscates/PhotoAlbum24.html). Not all mockups (and some mockups aren't even serious), but a nice smattering of this and that.

All 100% Illustrator...

And the goofy thing in my sig was done last night, playing around with Illustrator CS's new 3D features. Surprisingly nice results, from something that's not a full-tilt, dedicated 3D app.

And no, I'm not changing anything in the gallery above (or sig below), or "taking suggestions". They are what they are, frozen in time (most embarrassingly so...but that's where the fun comes from!).

;)

Cool. You have some neat stuff in there..

pscates2.0

2004-08-06, 09:53

Thank you very much. Most of it is a good 1-3 years old, honestly. I need to refresh it, but I'm not feeling very "Illustrator-y" lately. :)

When inspiration or the mood strikes, I'll try to pounce so I can get some new things to add.

Thanks for looking!

I'm actually - for a month now - making an effort to "get back to my roots" and I've been filling up sketch pads with pencil drawings and tightening up whatever figure/perspective skills I might've had at one time. I'm giving Illustrator and "art on the computer" in general a bit of a rest.

I've forgotten how much I enjoy just sitting on a couch or porch and drawing freehand!

:)

Maybe if I do that enough, it'll bring something back to the digital work...a bold looseness that's currently lacking, perhaps? That's kinda the plan, anyway...

Messiahtosh

2004-08-06, 12:01

pscates, would you mind posting some scans of your hand drawings? I would really enjoy looking at your art!

pscates2.0

2004-08-06, 12:20

I don't have a scanner... :D

I go over and borrow my Mom's Canon scanner when I need one. I'll see if I can snag it this weekend. I guess, considering what I do, I should break down and GET ONE, huh?

:)

thegelding

2004-08-06, 12:47

or a freakin digital camera....

jesus, join the 21st century ;)

g

Messiahtosh

2004-08-06, 13:48

Messiahtosh

2004-08-06, 13:50

pscates2.0

2004-08-06, 14:22

I think you're reaching a bit, there... :D

Messiahtosh

2004-08-06, 14:27

I think you're reaching a bit, there... :DOh, you may think I'm reaching, but I'm not. :p

Disko

2004-08-15, 22:39

dana of danamania.com did a great mockup based on the think secret G5 imac specs article. Being a moderator at AppleTalk, I put it on the front page for her: www.appletalk.com.au

g4tom

2004-08-15, 23:07

I hope the new iMac doesn't look like this....

http://homepage.mac.com/g4tom/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2004-07-12%2000.02.32%20-0700/gatewayAIO.jpg

These machines from Gateway have wireless keyboards, mice,DVD burners and a remote for the built in Tivo. Too bad it's a peecee.

Messiahtosh

2004-08-16, 01:39

An old Apple prototype

http://www.cupertino.de/pages/archiv/proto/images/Proto13.jpg

Gizzer

2004-08-16, 04:12

pscates2.0

2004-08-16, 09:49

That's not an offensive design, IF it was coated in some proper Ive magic. I said, a long time ago, that a modification of the old Apple Studio Display from back in the G3 days (it was an LCD that stood on a pedestal (http://joshua.micronet.it/italian/imp/meridian/studiodisp15.gif)) could be a way to go with a future iMac design.

I mean, you've got to have this thick, somewhat heavy base anyway to support the display...so why not pack it with the guts and be done with it? Drives could be mounted horizontally and the LCD could be as thin and sexy as possible. I dig those old Studio Displays, actually! AND, here's something else...those displays popped off that base, too! You could sit the display directly on the desk and a little leg kicked out from the back like a picture frame "kickstand".

How's THAT for some neat "have it both ways" thinking on Apple's part? Imagine how that might translate into an iMac: you'd essentially have an AIO...BUT the display is in some sort of socket, and is removable...either for repositioning or to pop in a larger version.

The above is a sound design...I've seen worse. It's just a bit clunky and ugly in the Gateway implementation, naturally.

:rolleyes:

Done in smoother white gloss with some nice rounded edges/swoops OR in a G5/PowerBook-matching aluminum, that sort of approach wouldn't make me mad.

What makes me kinda nervous is the notion of stuff "mounted behind the LCD", which will make the LCD probably thicker than the current iMac. That's going backwards, lamely so, because Jobs himself was so big on the whole "let each element be true to itself: let the drives be flat and the LCD be thin...", or words to that effect.

According to the ThinkSecret thing, seems we have a design coming that throws both those things out the window.

:confused:

A thicker display, with the guts "glommed on to the back".

Uh...hello?

;)

I hope ThinkSecret has been fooled, has it all wrong or is engaging in some chain-yanking.

Escher

2004-08-16, 11:09

What makes me kinda nervous is the notion of stuff "mounted behind the LCD", which will make the LCD probably thicker than the current iMac. That's going backwards, lamely so, because Jobs himself was so big on the whole "let each element be true to itself: let the drives be flat and the LCD be thin...", or words to that effect.

pscates: That's exactly what is puzzling me. According to various post-release reports, the Apple design team was working on a design with the innards "mounted behind the LCD." In the legengary flower garden session with Jonathan Ive -- as you recount above -- Jobs reportedly told Ive to let the innards and LCD stand on their own in the G4 iMac sunflower shape we know today.

More relevant to this discussion, everybody in the rumor community (until the Time leak) believed that the iMac G4 would be akin to the 20th Anniversary Mac (TAM) -- guts behind the LCD. Virtually nobody envisioned the half-sphere, stick and LCD shape we have today. My sincere hope is that even Think Secret is misguided in expecting an "LCD with the guts behind it." I'm crossing my fingers for Apple to surprise us once again.

Escher

pscates2.0

2004-08-16, 11:57

Maybe they spread the guts out so thin, that it won't be an increase in thickness to the LCD! :D

What's the point of having an LCD if it's 3-4" thick? Hell, the ones on the new Cinema Displays are thicker than I would've imagined, honestly!

If Apple comes out with some beast out of my worst nightmare, I'm gonna cry. However, their track record does bode well for this not being the case, so I got to remain somewhat optimistic.

I still think the modification of the late-90's Studio Display is a potential winner. Refine and tweak it, of course, to hold the components properly, and dress it up in 2004/2005-friendly iDesign. If it's a tall column kinda thing, then couldn't G4 Cube-type convection cooling and so forth be implemented? Have a center core with top and bottom vents?

Another idea I had was a "T" shape (looking down from above), where the "guts" would be housed in a thin-as-possible slab that butts perpendicular (did I spell that right?) to the rear of the display. You know, there's always a chance THAT is what Think Secret is referring to! Maybe the guts aren't "glommed on" parallel to the display? Maybe it's at a right angle?, providing support/balance out the back?

What follows is perhaps one of the outright crappiest-looking doodles I've ever committed to paper, but it might help get the point across... :D

I'll try to make a cleaner one later, if the idea still impresses me when I get home.

http://homepage.mac.com/pscates/mockups/tmac.jpg

Maciej

2004-08-16, 14:19

I'll try to make a cleaner one later, if the idea still impresses me when I get home.

http://homepage.mac.com/pscates/mockups/tmac.jpg

Show us more! :lol: ;)

pscates2.0

2004-08-16, 14:27

It's mind-blowing, ain't it? :D

Picasso worked in oils, others in watercolor. I, however, work exclusively in the Post-It note medium. :p

Jeez, I should be shot...

Messiahtosh

2004-08-16, 14:32

I was going on my daily 50 minute run (along with my iPod) and I was thinking at a feverish pace about possible designs. I'm going to get my amazingly artistic friend Dom to draw it up for me. I might try to do a basic line drawing of it, so he can get the idea. I think it's going to be mind blowing, I have some cool modular ideas for it.

pscates2.0

2004-08-16, 14:52

Just don't write about it.

:lol: :D

Wheee!

Messiahtosh

2004-08-16, 14:58

Style

Take a slab of a computer, sort of like the Xserve or the PowerBook, (but thicker and with more of an iDesign than either of those) that houses the entire computer, like the cube but not as tall.

Expansion

A door on the top, the back half of it, sort of like those doors on the back of remote controls or the back of the wireless bluetooth mouse, so you can slide it back for easy expansion.

Connections/Ports

On the front, there would be a slot load drive, to the left or right of the optical drive there would be a push-in/out iPod dock, one that you would push in like the PCI slot on a PowerBook, and out slides the iPod dock connector.

The front of the computer would have a few USB ports on it for the keyboard and mouse and the sides would contain the other ports. If you wanted to sit the computer under your desk, you could use a bluetooth keyboard and mouse.

The display

You could attach one right into the back of it, sort of an iMac flat panel redesign. It would slide into the back base of the computer but it could also stand alone, next to the computer. It could also be placed on the desk with the computer below, and still be just as moveable and ergonomic as the current iMac's display is.

Why it would work

This way, I see it as the ultimate switcher machine; it has expansion, good design, AIO if desired, G5, an iPod dock, and pontentially cheap price.

I think it's an amazing idea, anyway. :|

Wrao

2004-08-16, 15:54

Apple used to make Pizza boxes like that. I always liked that style over towers, but whatever.

Messiahtosh

2004-08-16, 16:06

Apple used to make Pizza boxes like that. I always liked that style over towers, but whatever.This aint the typical performa pizza box.

Messiahtosh

2004-08-16, 22:42

OK, just finished scanning in my friend's sketches of the iMac concept I had. He did a pretty good job of taking my idea and getting into a real form. Let me know what you think.

http://homepage.mac.com/untitled5/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2004-08-16%2019.37.40%20-0700/Image-34538298EFF611D8.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/untitled5/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2004-08-16%2019.37.40%20-0700/Image-34539876EFF611D8.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/untitled5/PhotoAlbum50.html

You can see that the design falls in-line with the idea that I laid out in the post above this one. Enjoy! :smokey:

Maciej

2004-08-16, 22:44

IMO, it seems like too close to the iMac we are just leaving...

Messiahtosh

2004-08-16, 22:49

IMO, it seems like too close to the iMac we are just leaving...Why leave the best design?

Maciej

2004-08-16, 22:50

What makes it the best design other than your own opinion?

Messiahtosh

2004-08-16, 22:54

What makes it the best design other than your own opinion?The adjustable screen and the fact that it can be an all-in-one or a separate machine.

Maciej

2004-08-16, 22:55

The adjustable screen and the fact that it can be an all-in-one or a separate machine.

My original question was pertaining to the design we are now LEAVING, not your mockup.. I'm sorry if you misunderstood.

Messiahtosh

2004-08-16, 22:59

My original question was pertaining to the design we are now LEAVING, not your mockup.. I'm sorry if you misunderstood.It's taking the best of both worlds, in that it can be the iMac as we know it now, but it doesnt have to be. It has far more expansion possibilities and is housing a G5 and an iPod dock. It looks pretty cool, eh?

kcmac

2004-08-16, 22:59

http://forums.appleinsider.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=45320

Just as bad...

Title of thread is also... :\

This is pretty good.

http://www.mackompass.de/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=57&Itemid=2

Maciej

2004-08-16, 23:01

It looks too much like the flat panel iMacs that are now out of supply. I don't know that it would be more popular than what has been sold so far. This AIO concept as well as standalone would require a new port I think?

Wrao

2004-08-17, 02:52

This aint the typical performa pizza box.

no, it's not "the typical performa box" it's a today tech pizza box with an option to attach an arm/monitor.

I'm sorry, but I really don't see anything particularly special in it.

Chromeus

2004-08-17, 04:49

let me know what ya think of my quick imac sketch
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0PQDVAqoR8BM7HzSVZ75r3hRTi6VQ3pgDgMEqYwFiRi9uJCFyQ sAL7GL3tKq7tQEzVaclw8EKQZC6XVD63QOfvTuPWSwozMFI

its not done yet :)

Chromeus

2004-08-17, 05:26

update :)
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0PQDtAqsRJxSdXtJR900peC3Pki2VLIHGY5mDD28bITNI!RVvb geKZtP7DXLlIoQhSD9tjs5vfIPyps9Ha5M29TafSIMbFl!C/imac3.jpg?dc=4675485194510445284

Messiahtosh

2004-08-17, 12:13

no, it's not "the typical performa box" it's a today tech pizza box with an option to attach an arm/monitor.

I'm sorry, but I really don't see anything particularly special in it.And the ability to open the top up to expand the internals.

It's modular, not an AIO and can be an AIO if you want it to be. Very simple, very straightforward, and in my opinion, very Apple.

Remember the Duo? Kind of like that, just more practical.

pscates2.0

2004-08-17, 13:50

Has anyone thought any further on my statement yesterday that even though Think Secret speaks of "components mounted behind the display", that what if those components are in a tall slab or squashed "tower" that butts to the rear of the display at a 90-degree angle, forming a "T" if seen from above.

The bottom could flare out, for both stability AND to allow space for a horizontally-mounted optical drive.

In this scenario, the "guts" are indeed mounted BEHIND the display, only not in the way everyone assumes (no "glomming everything on to the back", making for a 3-4" deep "flat" panel LCD).

Tricky little devils!

;)

In a nutshell: take a 17" PowerBook. Break it in two at the hinge (ouch!). Set the display facing you. Take the body, turn it up, spin it around to where the "broken hinge" area meets the rear of the display...it would be standing up like a library book, and joining the display along that thin area. When viewed from above, you have a letter "T", with the display forming the top crossbar and the "guts" housing forming the vertical part of the letter "T".

Does this make sense? Can you picture what I'm saying? It's actually quite simple and clutter-free...and means Think Secret could be dead-on, just not in a way that we've been assuming all along...

Comments?

ElMacintismo

2004-08-17, 14:02

Tremendous idea, why? I've been working on a sketch for the past week, it is exactly as you described. I'll drop the sketch-bomb on you guys a little bit later today.

It is the t-shape, with a base that houses the guts, and it stands on a surface which houses the guts.

alcimedes

2004-08-17, 15:10

the only problems with that design would be immobility for tilt up/down or left/right.

as long as you don't mind a stationary LCD, that would work. it'd have to be fairly thick to hold the G5 and it's cooling components, but that would work. i had just finished a crappy mockup and was going to post it, but i'm sure it won't look like this. i like the "T" idea better, there's probably a few iterations that idea needs to go through, and it could look pretty nice.

the next question would be where's the CD/DVD input? would the "T" behind be thick enough for a cd drive?

ElMacintismo

2004-08-17, 15:15

I think I have the solution, Alcimedes. I'm uploading my designs, as we speak. :)

ElMacintismo

2004-08-17, 15:52

Sorry, I'm on dial up at this location right now, but better late than after the Paris expo! ;)

I call it the TriMac, and as a play on words the marketing people at Apple would probably say something like, "3rd Time's a Charm."

Introducing the all new 3rd Generation iMac, with a G5 processor and a triangular-ergonomic design.

:)

http://homepage.mac.com/elmacintismo/PhotoAlbum1.html

http://homepage.mac.com/elmacintismo/.cv/elmacintismo/Sites/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2004-08-17%2012.51.01%20-0700/Image-42325290F08611D8.jpg-thumb_273_205.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/elmacintismo/.cv/elmacintismo/Sites/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2004-08-17%2012.51.01%20-0700/Image-4229BB9CF08611D8.jpg-thumb_273_205.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/elmacintismo/.cv/elmacintismo/Sites/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2004-08-17%2012.51.01%20-0700/Image-4229906CF08611D8.jpg-thumb_273_205.jpg

ElMacintismo

2004-08-17, 16:06

Oh yeah, the other thing is, people would most likely complain that this design will not allow for the monitor to swivel like the current iMac's does...but all this design would need is for a rotational-plate to be under the actual base, then it's complete.

Like one of those spinning things in a microwave, or the center pieces of some tables. :p

alcimedes

2004-08-17, 16:30

hmm, interesting, but not the "T" design paul was thinking of. paul, whip out an example of what you meant, i know but i can't draw for shit, so it wouldn't do any good if i tried to write it up.

ElMacintismo

2004-08-17, 16:35

I'm not quite sure what the "T" design is, I guess I'll have to see it. However, I think the concept I have here is feasible, whether or not it is the best solution, it probably isnt, but it was my best effort.

thegelding

2004-08-17, 16:41

http://mackompass.de/images/stories/apple/imac_g5_aio.jpg

but with a bigger, jlo-style butt likely to hold the optical drive and internals

screen would tilt, not swivel...but whole computer can be easily turned

nice design...would still like a detactable screen like an earlier paul design for the iMac G5

g

ElMacintismo

2004-08-17, 17:06

That design looks like the Gateway "Fat Butt" design from a while back...

My design looks like a tent, Ive could probably make a mountain out of a mole hill with that though. ;)

alcimedes

2004-08-17, 17:28

the T design would be like the one posted by the gelding. the difference being it would go back further. basically something akin to a pizza box at a 90 degree angle to the screen, only less ugly. dunno, i have a feeling it will be something unexpected.

ElMacintismo

2004-08-17, 17:35

It will be something unexpected, since when has Apple just done the status quo? Everyone and their Mac neighbor is expecting to see a glommed on the back design, I just doubt it. t minus 13 days?

Maciej

2004-08-17, 18:02

I love the display posted by the G, I think its smooth, practical, and sophisticated enough to be an Apple. Hopefully it will look something like this, I think.

Messiahtosh

2004-08-17, 18:22

...and it has a hernia.

pscates2.0

2004-08-17, 20:51

Okay, here's a quick and dirty drawing on my "tMac" idea (VERY important to read remainder of post, below pic) ;)

http://homepage.mac.com/pscates/mockups/imac_8-17.jpg

This is not to any sort of scale, and some of the details are not true-to-life. I just wanted to quickly - with simple shapes - chop out something to illustrate the "T" thing I've talked about for two days, so it's very rough an IS NOT meant to be a hyper-detailed, scaled-to-exact-accuracy thing.

:)

1. The display is hinged, at its midpoint vertically, and the top piece of the "guts" compartment would be beveled back, allowing the display to tilt back like the current Cinema Displays. BUT, it's also on a double-action cam which also allows for side-to-side swivel.

2. Power, USB, FireWire and headphone jack (?) located on front panel, EASILY accessible (like the G5). Sitting at your desk, you don't even see the rear "guts" compartment.

3. I'm not an engineer, so don't bug me about the size, thickness, depth, height, etc. of the rear "guts" compartment (note the two paragraphs immediately following the above pic, and re-read it again if you must).

;)

Needs lots of tweaking and finessing...and a healthy dose of Ive magic. But I just wanted to show that having the components "on the back of the display" doesn't necessarily mean what we assume it to be.

And no, I don't think the upcoming iMac will look anything like this whatsoever. But if it DOES, then everyone here has to concede that I'm the coolest, most visionary motherfucker on the planet.

:lol: :p

Messiahtosh

2004-08-17, 20:57

Could you render a very quick action sequence of the display movement in action, mmmk? That'd be greeeeat Paul, thanks. :p

pscates2.0

2004-08-17, 21:02

Uh, no. Use your imagination. Goodness knows you have one...

Messiahtosh

2004-08-17, 21:03

Uh, no. Use your imagination. Goodness knows you have one...Yeah, I see it, I just thought it'd be cool to force you in to a new realm of creativity! :D

Chromeus

2004-08-18, 05:22

something alittle different but it keeps in line with current lines
cant get image to post on here so here is a link (http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0PAAMA3gRFAeZCiA2FOTeJd6Mvgc2l6gwBDaGg9yqgTEjjjquq GD1*h*NufpWolHL6Uf5AzJFIZCJLak3ZJuI5P7Am2PvRt5t/imac.jpg?dc=4675485331447200956)

_Ω_

2004-08-18, 05:45

Can we confirm if Messiahtosh is also ElMacintismo?

Over in AI these were posted by NittanyLionTosh who I think was outed as Messiahtosh a while back.

pscates2.0

2004-08-18, 09:45

For crying out loud, Chris...pick a name and go with it.

Now you're ElMacintismo too?

I need a scorecard.

I'm pscates EVERYWHERE (except for amateurmilfswingerxxxgangbangfinder.com, where I have a more cryptic name).

:lol: :p

Escher

2004-08-18, 09:47

but with a bigger, jlo-style butt likely to hold the optical drive and internals

thegelding: Bah, you'd need a second limo for that J.Lo butt. :lol:

I like pscates's T-shape idea. And unlike ElMacintismo thinks, a T-shape design could very well feature an adjustable LCD. Nothing says that the base of the T (the part with the guts) has to be joined with the LCD in anything more than a single point (as opposed to the full edge of the "guts box"). That would allow for "easy" articulation.

Edit: pscates already addressed the perceived lack of articulation in the commentary to his rough mockup above. ;)

Escher

Luca

2004-08-18, 10:01

Can we confirm if Messiahtosh is also ElMacintismo?

Over in AI these were posted by NittanyLionTosh who I think was outed as Messiahtosh a while back.
They do definitely share an IP address.

Messiahtosh, do not register any extra screen names. This isn't MacNN.

pscates2.0

2004-08-18, 10:01

Another approach could be the rear "guts" compartment being a bit shorter than the display, and having a Cinema Display-style pivot pin on that edge. Sit tight, I feel a quick sketch coming on...

http://homepage.mac.com/pscates/mockups/pivot.gif

Again, very crude. It could be implemented much nicer (rounded pieces, chrome(?), beveled edges, etc.). Just illustrating the basic idea of a two-way movement system: the up/down pivot cylinder is attached to larger, main left/right swivel "block".

:)

You can swivel display AND tilt it up and down (about the same action/distance as the current Cinema Displays). Also, if front, leading-edge of "guts" compartment were cut in, then that could allow for negative, downward tilt also (not shown above).

pscates2.0

2004-08-18, 10:04

They do definitely share an IP address.

Messiahtosh, do not register any extra screen names. This isn't MacNN.

An effort to "start fresh", perhaps, realizing how permanently damaged the "'tosh" name is at this point? Hey, just don't be a pot-stirring weirdo 24/7 and the rest will take care of itself...would be no need to register multiple accounts.

:)

OMG...look at my post count!!! I had no idea.

:eek:

pscates2.0

2004-08-18, 12:08

Hey, here's a variation on my above three Illustrator CS 3D views:

http://homepage.mac.com/pscates/mockups/imac_08-18.jpg

Just deepened a base area a bit to logically make room for an optical drive and stuff. And rounded over the "guts" compartment so it's not a big square slab poking up.

:D

But what I really like about the above is that it represents a total first for me: I used the brush styles and gradient mesh stuff in a mockup for the first time. Actually, I think I've used the gradient mesh before, a little bit. But I was playing around with the brush settings and I love how this looks more "draw-y" and loose. Just something different I wanted to try...

I used the rear view in those 3D renderings above as a template/jump-off point, retracing over them and applying the brush setting afterwards.

:)

Messiahtosh

2004-08-18, 12:47

ElMacintismo must be someone else, someone within my family, being controlled by Murbot to destroy my upstanding reputation. :lol:

SKMDC

2004-08-18, 13:07

ElMacintismo must be someone else, someone within my family, being controlled by Murbot to destroy my upstanding reputation. :lol:

andy kaufman called from the great beyond, he wants you to stop being a stupid putz and blaming him.

christ on a cross.....you could register under a million names and it wouldn't matter. you are easy to identify, cause you are such a stupid putz.

Messiahtosh

2004-08-18, 13:27

andy kuafman called from the great beyond, he wants you to stop being a stupid putz and blaming him.

christ on a cross.....you could register under a million names and it wouldn't matter. you are easy to identify, cause you are such a stupid putz.

I just used Omni Dictionary to look up putz, no such word exists, superkaratemonkeydeathcar.

You know, you have some biblicial fascination with christ on the cross, why not use something more original? How about, "Jesus tap-dancing Christ," or "Holy fucking Christ!" or even, "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!" :no:

709

2004-08-18, 13:29

Use a Real Dictionary. (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=Putz)

Messiahtosh

2004-08-18, 13:32

Use a Real Dictionary. (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=Putz)Oh yes, high brow slang!

Messiahtosh

2004-08-18, 13:57

andy kuafman called from the great beyond...

Spell his name right, stupid.

http://andykaufman.jvlnet.com/

Luca

2004-08-18, 14:03

Messiahtosh, quit derailing the thread.

Ryan

2004-08-18, 15:12

Ok, back on topic!

Hey, pscates, can we get a front view of the new curvy T design?

Escher

2004-08-18, 15:58

http://homepage.mac.com/pscates/mockups/imac_08-18.jpg

What a fabulous mockup, pscates! Although I think you'll have to make those side "wings" even larger so that they can hold a full-size optical drive. Thanks for showing us that there is hope despite the "guts behind LCD" rumor.

And thank goodness for the "Ignore List" feature, otherwise this thread would be completely ruined. It's just a shame that there is still a box that tells me that 'tosh posted and is on my ignore list. ;)

Escher

Chromeus

2004-08-18, 17:56

Finally i got it to work right Geez :lol:
what do you think fellashttp://homepage.mac.com/loyalp1/.Pictures/imac.jpg

Maciej

2004-08-18, 18:01

It is a bit blocky, but I think the concept is great. It reminds me of the really sleek and sexy looking tv's you see out there nowadays.

Chromeus

2004-08-18, 18:10

thanks ;) i think the bottom part might be a slideout detachble keyboard
also the rails on the back let it slide forward and back as well as up and down

Messiahtosh

2004-08-18, 19:15

http://homepage.mac.com/elmacintismo/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2004-08-18%2014.28.37%20-0700/Image-7715BBCEF15D11D8.jpg

sunrain

2004-08-18, 19:18

http://homepage.mac.com/elmacintismo/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2004-08-18%2014.28.37%20-0700/Image-7715BBCEF15D11D8.jpg

Haven't you had enough pain today?

Messiahtosh

2004-08-18, 19:20

What kind of a remark is that? How unfair is that?

I colored it in to show its lines in a better light, that's all.

By the way, I think that mock up actually provides the most possibilities as far as ergonomics and expansion are concerned. It might look really amazing if done by pscates or someone with computer graphic design skill.

DMBand0026

2004-08-18, 19:36

My only question is...what is it?

I don't mean to be cruel or anything like that, but I seriously don't get it at all.

Messiahtosh

2004-08-18, 19:46

No problem man, I am not the best artist.

I'll try to explain it: The LCD sits atop the actual computer box, it is attached to the top of the box via some sort of "train track." The track allows the screen to slide back and forth, and change vertical angles very easily. The top of the screen, where the back part meets the actual LCD, has a pivot joint.

So the screen slides across the surface of the top of the computer that it is attached to.

Underneath the LCD, is the top of the computer, and on it would be a door that would open to reveal the expansion slots inside of the computer. So to get to the expansion slots, push the screen all the way back to a 90 degrees position, and then flip open the door on the top of the computer.

The big box that the LCD stands on houses the entire internals of the iMac, making it ideal for cooling down the G5. With all of that room, expansion would not be a problem and access to it would be even better than the G4 Cube's was or the PowerMac's is.

Was that any help?

http://homepage.mac.com/elmacintismo/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2004-08-17%2012.51.01%20-0700/Image-4229BB9CF08611D8.jpg

Luca

2004-08-18, 20:00

It does seem like a neat concept, and after explaining it, it seems to make more sense. The design seems kind of ugly though - not very Apple-like, perhaps too complex of a solution to the problem. I think the main issue there is the piece on the back that slides back and forth to adjust the LCD - it is large and adds weight and bulk, but it doesn't actually serve any purpose other than to adjust the LCD. Perhaps instead of a flat, square piece of plastic, there could be two sturdy metal poles connected at the base in a U-shape. That would leave the back more open. Or you could have the support for the screen be similar to the old Cinema displays - a wide foot that can change angles.

Then you get into the issue of it being basically a pizza box (again) with a studio display on top (again). Man, it's like every time we try to come up with an idea for an LCD AIO that costs less than the G4 iMac, we end up with a solution that's basically the same as the old LC. I think Apple reached the pinnacle of desktop computer engineering back then :p.

Chromeus

2004-08-18, 20:39

here is another one that i thought of real quick
the reason that it is all in the back is because its also a portable notepad computer aswell and based on the already award winning design of the ipod
just alot bigger and dockable with the keyboard mouse and speakers or you can pluck it out of its dock and use a stylus to move to mouse around
this would be gound breaking for apple and what a way to celebrate the 20th yearhttp://homepage.mac.com/loyalp1/.Pictures/imacdock.jpg

pscates2.0

2004-08-18, 20:42

:D

You know, that is just about too cute. I like it a lot, in spite of myself!

:)

Definitely thinking outside the norm!

709

2004-08-18, 20:42

http://homepage.mac.com/elmacintismo/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2004-08-18%2014.28.37%20-0700/Image-7715BBCEF15D11D8.jpg
Reminds me of the 'iMac 2000':

http://theapplecollection.com/design/macdesign/images/iMac2000big.jpg

http://theapplecollection.com/design/macdesign/images/iMacScreen360.jpg

Which also begs the inevitable question....where are the handles on all of these mockups? It's not a iMac if you cant carry it around somehow. :p

Chromeus

2004-08-18, 21:00

thanks P glad you like it
it came to me just suddenly
and it makes since with all the rumors of the notepad mac floating around
maybe it is the next imac
and how cool would it be to dock the big mutha
or just walk around surfing
oh and the power button would look kinda like the buttons on the 3g ipods
with a white glow instead of redYou know, that is just about too cute. I like it a lot, in spite of myself!

Definitely thinking outside the norm!

pscates2.0

2004-08-18, 21:54

Which also begs the inevitable question....where are the handles on all of these mockups? It's not a iMac if you cant carry it around somehow. :p

Ha, I thought about this today (but didn't have the chance to implement it until I got home). So here's my "added handle" modification, which actually works on this design. Would be like carrying a shark fin around like a briefcase. :p

I also added some more details than the earlier version (vents, played with the gradient mesh some more, rear ports, separated the display from the base a bit, worked on the tilt/swivel hub, deepened the optical drive area so one could fit, added an Apple logo, etc.).

I know I'm totally biased, but the more I look at this, the more I like it. It would swoop up gracefully from that spread-out "feet" part in the front to meet up with the vertical "guts compartment" around back. In fact, think of the JBL Creature II subwoofer (http://store.ecentre.com.tw/images/JBL_300x300.gif), how it does that smooth, swooping "Darth Vader helmet" taper from the bottom to the upper areas. That's exactly the look I imagine for this. Same glossy white casing too...

:)

http://homepage.mac.com/pscates/mockups/imac_08-18a.jpg

billybobsky

2004-08-18, 22:01

Oh yes, high brow slang!

you putz, it's from yiddish...

whatta shmuck.

Chromeus

2004-08-18, 22:26

heres is one to give you a since of scale

good work by the way pscates :D on the tshaped imac
its very eleganthttp://homepage.mac.com/loyalp1/.Pictures/imacdockipod.jpg

Maciej

2004-08-18, 23:09

I definitely like the last three designs discussed. I would be afraid to break 'tosh's design because it looks a little fragile, where the screen adjusts is the trouble spot for me. The Mondo iPod idea is pretty great. I think the design is awesome, and the concept of dock-ability is something we should maybe talk about. I feel that this idea could perhaps be something stronger towards the realm of a tablet maybe? Paul's design is evolving the best I think. What I particularly see cool about it, is that I would be able to fit it in the corner of my desk. The smooth base of the "T" would fit into the corner perfectly, with peripherals like a subwoofer behind the screen. That is how I like my desktops set up typically, maybe not for anyone tho. I'm just concerned with stability, whether adjusting the screen sharply might tip the entire module sideways, but this could be solved easily with weighted feet.

jouster

2004-08-18, 23:10

http://homepage.mac.com/elmacintismo/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2004-08-18%2014.28.37%20-0700/Image-7715BBCEF15D11D8.jpg

I just cannot conceive of Ive producing anything as fugly as that.

Messiahtosh

2004-08-19, 00:17

That drawing is awful looking in comparisson to the likes of pscate's and chrom's graphic design. I wouldnt even think of it as a looker, based on that sketch! I'm just trying to get the idea across, sadly enough, I can not seem to instill beauty into my design. :p

Paul's Design:

Amazing, the way it looks to me now is awesome because it has everything that the current iMac has, and keeps some jellybean iMac traits as well. If that thing came in colors man...

:)

The iPod-iMac concept:

Ridiculously awesome looking! It is really Apple-like and I love the thinking behind it, it's something that completely slipped my mind and is just really original. How cool would that thing be? A great excuse for un-docking it...to do your hair in the morning. ;)

My concept aside, there are some really tremendous ideas here, pretty amazing stuff. This topic sort of shows the power of the internet, it's like one giant focus group. Keep evolving those designs now! Unfortunately, I can not take mine any further, having pencil as my only medium makes it difficult to rival those silky-smooth designs that the rest of you guys have. :cool:

pscates2.0

2004-08-19, 00:27

Someone upthread wanted to see the front of mine...

http://homepage.mac.com/pscates/mockups/imac_08-19a.jpg

FFL

2004-08-19, 00:43

you putz, it's from yiddish...

whatta shmuck.

I think Meshuganatosh would make a nice member title...

Messiahtosh

2004-08-19, 00:44

I think Meshuganatosh would make a nice member title...I like the one I have, thanks. Try to stay on topic. :)

Chromeus

2004-08-19, 00:45

based on the sketch .. from above I came up with a quick sketch of what i think you are looking for :)
http://homepage.mac.com/loyalp1/.Pictures/toshes.jpg

alcimedes

2004-08-19, 00:45

that's a nice mockup paul. think it would have heat vents at the top, where the hanlde is though? i'd guess if it has a G5 in it, it's going to be putting out a pile of heat. probably a similar situation like the current model of pulling air through the base, and out through the top.

Chromeus

2004-08-19, 00:47

btw pcscates that looks awsome keep up the great work :) :lol:

Messiahtosh

2004-08-19, 00:47

Chromeus

2004-08-19, 01:17

sounds good :)

here a pic of my lovely 64bit pc and my g4 imac
http://homepage.mac.com/loyalp1/.Pictures/side.jpg

Messiahtosh

2004-08-19, 02:01

Chromeus, what App are you using to create your designs?

_Ω_

2004-08-19, 02:07

Chromeus, that's kind of what I'm going for, though it needs the LCD to be on a "train track" so that it can move back and forth. I also sort of insist on it having the back piece that "doesnt do anything" because I want the whole thing to be able to fold up and lay flat, like a PowerBook. That would make it easily transportable.

If people want portability they buy a laptop. I can still not see the benefits of this design. How does the back piece add value, other than this "train track" which I think would be a negative aspect of the design.

You basically are designing a laptop with the screen on the wrong way....

:confused:

Maciej

2004-08-19, 02:13

...and really fat... like a windows notebook.

Chromeus

2004-08-19, 02:32

the new epod from hondahttp://homepage.mac.com/loyalp1/.Pictures/epod.jpg

Chromeus

2004-08-19, 02:35

good old photoshop cs
on a g4 400mhz towerMessiahtosh
Chromeus, what App are you using to create your designs?

Messiahtosh

2004-08-19, 03:23

If people want portability they buy a laptop. I can still not see the benefits of this design. How does the back piece add value, other than this "train track" which I think would be a negative aspect of the design.

You basically are designing a laptop with the screen on the wrong way....

:confused:You could fold the screen down on itself for storage or when you have to move it from one location to the other. I am not talking about laptop-like portability.

This design has the best possibilities for expansion of any of these here.

Robo

2004-08-19, 03:42

Wow - this thread exploded in popularity after the iMac "leak." There's some awesome concepts here - pscates, at first I despised the "tMac," but now it looks a lot better. And Chromeus...awesome. I think the idea of the next iMac being a "notepad" (and awesome way of describing Tablet PCs, btw) is rather farfetched, but I do hope we see an Apple notepad computer someday, and I would want it to look JUST LIKE THAT.

I like the "iPad" but tablet computers are a lot more practical if they have a keyboard so they can convert into a regular notebook. Knowing Apple, this will be the way they'll try and get everybody to buy a "PowerPad." :D

Notepad computers are sorta in that nether region between PDAs and notebooks - in everything but price, that is. *grumbles* I'm not going to get into price, though, but I'm thinking about size. Again, this takes it further and further away from being the next iMac (hope you don't mind) but I think tablet computers should be sub-notebook in size, too. Maybe one of the reasons that dock is there (besides looking so gosh-darn cool) is because it has an optical drive?

Really, though, I like that concept a lot. I'd actually like the iMG5 better than the current iMac...and that's saying something.

Nobody commented on my "aMac" concept, though. I wish I knew how to draw... :(

Should I try making a picture in ASCII text? :D

Chromeus

2004-08-19, 04:34

here it is without the dockhttp://homepage.mac.com/loyalp1/.Pictures/ipod7.jpg

Escher

2004-08-19, 09:44

Someone upthread wanted to see the front of mine...

pscates: Your mockup is looking better by the minute. It's by far the nicest one in this thread. I also love the hand-drawn quality of your illustration. Almost looks like you used SketchUp, although I know you didn't.

The only issue I can see with your design is that it is very deep. Your current T-design looks like it would be even deeper than the CRT-based iMac G3. Going from my Bondi iMac to an LCD panel (attached to my 'Book or a Wintel box) last winter freed up a large amount of space on my desk. I would hate to give up that desk space again for an iMac G5.

Escher

pscates2.0

2004-08-19, 10:16

Tough! :D j/k

No, it's just Adobe Illustrator. I'm retracing those 3D ones from a couple pages back and applying a calligraphic brush stroke to the lines, then using the gradient mesh for the shading/contouring. I've never used either of those features before, so I'm dabbling and learning as I go.

:)

I too really dig the loose, hand-drawn look. Something totally new and different for me, as you probably know. I get to be precise with the pen tool and transform tools as before, but then it gets instantly "loosened up" by the brush. I really think I'm going to hone that a bit more!

And this is REALLY one of those times I wish I had a proper 3D program because, in my head, I see every aspect of this thing: the surface gloss, the curves/swoops, the "handle", the display tilt/swivel action, etc. and would LOVE to be able to sit down and build a "see it from all angles and see the display move up-and-down/side-to-side" photorealistic model.

:eek:

Anyone good at that stuff who'd like a fun weekend project, get in touch with me. We can collaborate via e-mail and I can provide to-scale, outline/skeleton sketches in Illustrator for you to build off of, as well as verbal "make this more 'swoopy' and make that more glossy" guidance

:)

Messiahtosh

2004-08-19, 10:22

Someone please come out of hiding with your 3D skills, that pscates model would be so cool to see, as he describes it! :eek:

Chromeus

2004-08-19, 10:40

what kind of program pAul?

pscates2.0

2004-08-19, 10:56

Well, kroMEyusss (Gaelic for "smartypants", according to my research :p ) I use Adobe Illustrator CS.

That first set of "tMac" pics were done using the Dimensions-inspired 3D effects. This recent set was drawn the normal way, with calligraphic brush strokes applied, for that varying-width, brushy handdrawn look.

I don't use Photoshop for anything if I can help it. Except maybe cat litter box designs for LoCash...

:D

Escher

2004-08-19, 11:12

I too really dig the loose, hand-drawn look.

And this is REALLY one of those times I wish I had a proper 3D program

pscates: You should definitely check out SketchUp (http://www.sketchup.com/). Have a look at their sample gallery (http://www.sketchup.com/gallery.php) and tell me you don't love those "hand drawn" sketches.

I don't use Photoshop for anything if I can help it. Except maybe cat litter box designs for LoCash... :D

:lol: Think vectors! Except for digital photos or scanned images, pixels make little sense. And the vector option has been viable ever since MacDraw (as opposed to MacPaint). To me, the "How it's Done" section at the bottom of our very own Mike Matas' website (http://www.mikematas.com/) illustrates this best. Mike uses 3D vector images even to make tiny pixel-based 2D icons. It's all about vectors!

Escher

ZeroKool

2004-08-22, 01:06

I predict that the new iMac will have Built in or "modular" iSight camera.
Don't forget to add it to your Mockup or drawings :cool:

sqeeterz

2004-08-23, 20:12

how do i post an image?

pscates2.0

2004-08-23, 21:19

Hi!

You first need to upload the pic(s) to a web folder (is that the proper term?). If you have a .Mac account, that works fine. Anything online, web-based storage set-up (your Earthlink free web-space, .Mac, some third-party photo-hosting service, etc.).

Take the URL represented by the pic and paste it between the IMG tags.

If I have a pic named "meredith_naked.jpg", I'd upload it to my .Mac "Sites" folder where I've created a "fantasy" folder.

The resulting path would be:

http://homepage.mac.com/pscates/fantasy/meredith_naked.jpg

I'd place that URL in between the tags, resulting in an inline pic of Ms. Vieira in her birthday suit.

***aboveURLgoeshere***

You know what, this explanation sucks. Someone who has more of a clue than me help him/her out...

:D

Messiahtosh

2004-08-23, 21:31

Ok, simply upload your picture to your web space.

You can go to www.mac.com and register a free trial of .Mac and then use the homepage feature to host your images.

Once you sign up for a .Mac trial, select the Go menu, then click iDisk. The iDisk icon will then be on your desktop, open that, then drop your desired image onto the "Pictures" folder.

Eject your iDisk.

Go to www.mac.com and go to the homepage section of our account, use the photo album option.

Publish the page.

Copy the web site address, then post it here.

web site address here

You're done.

pscates2.0

2004-08-23, 22:42

Dude, that was worse than MY explanation! :D

SKMDC

2004-08-23, 22:50

Dude, that was worse than MY explanation! :D

do you have naked pictures of her or not?

pscates2.0

2004-08-25, 09:46

No, but I've certainly looked for some. :D

Hey, I saw this earlier. Now THIS is the definitive iMac mockup...covers all bases, and I found it quite funny. :lol:

http://applematters.pmachinehosting.com/images/uploads/rumormacweb.jpg

And no, I didn't do it...

Gizzer

2004-08-25, 11:03

pscates2.0

2004-08-25, 19:27

Just a simple italicized "L" profile. Flat display, guts spread out and mounted in rear box. Display tilts forward and backward at a hidden pivot seam. Horizontal optical drive in front with FireWire and USB handy (forgot to add them to front). All other ports either on side (a la jellybean or eMac) or around back, hidden entirely.

I like this one. Probably the simplest, most frill-free one I've ever come up with. This one's nice because all the stuff is horizontal and spread out over width (not depth) and the screen is allowed to be as thin as possible.

Maybe the whole thing rests on a very slight, subtle "lazy susan" disk on the bottom, allowing for easy side-to-side swivel. That, combined with the back-and-forth display tilt provides your screen mobility?

I think I like this better than anything I've ever done, including last week's "shark fin" (http://homepage.mac.com/pscates/mockups/imac_08-19a.jpg) approach.

:)

http://homepage.mac.com/pscates/mockups/imac_08-25.jpg

Messiahtosh

2004-08-25, 21:15

OMFG now I actually really like that one Paul! You have passed the Messiahtosh-O-Rama design-hating bastard that still has posting privelages test. ;)

thegelding

2004-08-25, 22:04

simple and elegant (and even pretty portable)...might be expensive to make?? but laptop parts are getting cheaper and cheaper

nice job...again

g

Messiahtosh

2004-08-25, 22:06

Yes, it almost begs the question, "how close is AIO coming to portability?"

:(

I think the next iMac should be freakin modular and a mini tower, oh I don't know anymore! Tuesday can't come soon enough.

In the meantime I'll keep busy by shooting my first Final Cut project, complete with Motion and DVD Studio Pro 3. woohoo

pscates2.0

2004-08-25, 22:18

simple and elegant (and even pretty portable)...might be expensive to make?? but laptop parts are getting cheaper and cheaper

nice job...again

g

Thanks.

Expensive? I don't know. I wide, flat and roomy base for the guts. No circular or other funky-shaped boards or super tight spaces. Think of all that stuff crammed into a 17" PowerBook or an Xserve, even.

Then again, I don't know about all that stuff, so I'll shut up. :D

Point is, no circular, dome-based parts to consider, and no Cube-esque "cramped quarters" either. That would have to help some, wouldn't it? Plenty of space/room for vents and even a smart fan system (or the liquid thing?).

Okay, now that would probably get pricey...

:p

Yeah, it's portable in the "easily move it to another room in the house" kinda of way, but it doesn't fold up or get flat or anything, so it's still no threat to a proper laptop. It still isn't something you're going to wanna carry onto a plane.

:)

Just tight and slim enough to be carried easily from kitchen to bedroom to den or whatever the case may be...

With AirPort Extreme and Express, there's no concern with wired Internet access. And you could pair this with a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard. Literally one cable - the power cable - is all that would be required to move with it. Pretty nice, huh? Take it down the hall to the bedroom, plug it in and turn it on. Set the Bluetooth keyboard and mouse in front of it, let AirPort do its thing, etc.

A semi-portable.

:)

Heck, on really nice days you could take it on the deck under your umbrella table!

trailmaster308

2004-08-25, 22:43

Heck, on really nice days you could take it on the deck under your umbrella table!

In that case, I would love to see it have a retractable power cord of some kind. Its the little things that make me love Apple. :)

leoprieto

2004-08-26, 11:11

paul,
i've been following your designs and this is the first time you come close to something apple would actually make. congratulations on the "Lmac". IMO, the sharkfin was completely wrong though, but I didn't want to troll.

and I think (but don't know) that making an Lmac would be inexpensive, as all the parts are readily available and easy to acquire. the iMac G4 already is full of laptop parts TODAY, so that wouldn't change much.

congrats again, simple is best.

oh, and about the "mood changing cases" and all that, I'm not sure if I've said it here but that patent refers to the ring around the powercord of your PowerBook/iBook and the "glowing sleep light" on all Macs.

pscates2.0

2004-08-26, 11:17

paul,
i've been following your designs and this is the first time you come close to something apple would actually make.

Gee, thanks for the expert opinion... :err:

I aim to please.

I don't think you've been looking hard enough. ;)

Gosh, I hope the shark fin thing comes to be...because you've had it if it does! :D

I'm gonna WAIL on you!

Luca

2004-08-26, 11:41

the iMac G4 already is full of laptop parts TODAY, so that wouldn't change much.

What laptop parts? The motherboard is custom-made to fit the case. RAM includes one DIMM slot and one SODIMM slot (that's the only laptop part, the SODIMM). The hard drive and optical drive are both full-sized desktop parts, and the graphics chip is a desktop variant, not the lower-clocked mobile version.

Personally, I don't care what an AIO G5 iMac will look like. What I care about is whether it'll be a true desktop (expandable, with a separate monitor) or an AIO. I think everyone has basically assumed now that it'll be an expensive AIO just like the last iMac... and I have to agree. Too bad. I think when Apple chose to redesign the iMac, it was only because they wanted to put a G5 in the existing machine, not because they wanted to actually come up with a new machine.

Gizzer

2004-08-26, 12:31

Pscates: All I can say is WOW!

That design is so simple and so "Apple" I could just imagine that being the first thing I see on the screen when the Apple Store comes back up on Tuesday!

As you already suggested, with a bit of tweaking the design could easily hinge up and down slightly, & the "lazy susan" idea would be bang on: You'd have all the maneuvering ability of the FP iMac (RIP) and a superb space saving design.

Although it doesn't really resemble it, I can't help thinking that swivelling it left and right would remind me of the computer Cap'n Picard always swivels around when he's just about to speak to one of cronies in the ready room :D

pscates2.0

2004-08-26, 21:05

:D

Thank you. I just went to this thread again, and scrolled past it quickly and I even think it looks kinda neat. I usually, by the time I'm done with one, have seen it so much, that the novelty and "zing" wears off me by the time I post it here.

But this one, the italic "L" model, two days later, still makes me stop and go "you know, I'd have that on my desk in a heartbeat!".

Yeah, hands down, my favorite mockup I've ever done. I'd buy two!

Here's the funny/scary thing: it literally took less than 15 minutes (it was about four Elvis Costello songs, that's how I know). I already had the profile shape in mind and I also knew the new 3D extrude feature in Illustrator CS would quickly produce the overall, basic look. All I really had to do was quickly create vents, logo, screen, ports, etc. symbol instances to map on to the various surfaces. Quick and dirty, but it looks like some actual thought and labor went into it when, actually, very little did. Trust me.

:D

A true example of "letting the program do the heavy lifting". I basically drew an "L" shape and held on.

:p

Robo

2004-08-27, 03:51

Great design, pscates...and when you put it like that, I NEED Illustrator CS :D :D :D

leoprieto

2004-08-27, 11:28

What laptop parts?

...all that, and the screen?

leoprieto

2004-08-27, 11:35

Gee, thanks for the expert opinion... :err:

I'm crossing my fingers so that the sharkfin isn't it! ;)

About the "expert opinion", I think we all have a feeling (after following Apple for so many years) about way they might or might not do. You just know when it's not "Apple". Specially if, like me, you're a designer who obsesses in the details.

I'll try to make a mockup myself, only that I don't have a very good idea just yet. I still feel the "L" could be better (or simpler), but so far it's the best.

Besides from that, the iMac has only been "evolution". We haven't seen a "revolution" in a while. Hope it's now! (detachable screen?)

alcimedes

2004-08-27, 11:40

actually, that L design could easily have a handle built into the back of the screen, but just have a cut back there. a nice design, no question.

the base might need to be a little thicker in order to hold a heatsink of some kind, although with a base that wide, heat piping could possibly do the trick w/o too much trouble.

another option would be to have (like the cube) a push button release in the back to slide the innards out for RAM upgrades and the like. would make the whole thing pretty damn slick.

pscates2.0

2004-08-27, 11:48

I still feel the "L" could be better (or simpler), but so far it's the best.

Honestly, about the only way the "L" could be "simpler" is to lose any panels or swoops, and one solid sheet of color. I'm not sure how much more simple an extruded "L" could get.

:confused: ;)

open (doorless/latches) ports, a slot-loading drive, some needed venting, etc. are all present.

:)

I do think the rounded, graceful curve at the front is a little nicer than a sharp, pointy turn. Anyone could do that. Apple would, no doubt, opt for a friendly, soft front (and one you couldn't accidentally stab your hand with).

:D

It's about as simple and plane-free as something can get...four surfaces, technically: left, right, front, back. Again, bear in mind, it was a 15-minute job too (which probably helped in the "keep it simple" aspect...I didn't have time to get cute or complex).

:)

As for knowing what Apple does and doesn't do, I long ago gave that up. We can guess, but we rarely get close. I know I'm always surprised. Everytime we think we get them pegged and can predict a new update (basing it on a current one in the same family, say), they go and do something totally the other way (different materials, shapes, styling, etc.).

No, I don't think the "shark fin" design is likely at all. BUT, I will say that I wouldn't freak out or be TOO surprised if something similar ever came to be. It would simply be par for the course, AFAIC. It would be totally unexpected and new, after two years of the "sunflower" motif (and an overgrown jellybean, before that).

They tend to not repeat themselves, so I don't really enjoy making mockups that only "slightly" differ from the current version. I don't think the new iMac will look ANYTHING at all like the current G4 iMac, so I go into all with that in mind, first and foremost. I've hit some fouls and grounded out plenty, but I've managed a few stand-up doubles and home runs too...

;)

(hey, at least it wasn't a car analogy!)

Messiahtosh

2004-08-27, 13:30

Baseball is awesome, props to Paul. :D

string

2004-08-29, 14:01

That's a really nice design, but it would require laptop components which would limit performance (and keep costs up).

All this talk of Aluminium for the iMac - surely Apple will keep the white 'consumer' finish which worked so well last time, and for the iBook, iPod?

One thought that occurs is the vertical optical drive question - if they can achieve an 8x DVD writer mounted vertically then that may be as far as you need to go - it seems the 16x aren't really much faster.

Fabulous design - I just hope Apple come up with something as attractive next week.

Messiahtosh

2004-08-29, 15:13

Keep in mind that the iPod has both white plastic and a metal back on it, while the more consumer-based iPod mini is all aluminum.

We will see an aluminum iMac, I have no doubt in my mind.

VL-Tone

2004-08-29, 15:27

http://pages.infinit.net/voxel/iMacG5PointOfView.jpg

Hello, I wasted my time doing this for a contest, to find out that they wouldn't take any more entries... anyway... I still had fun doing it :)

You can click Here (http://pages.infinit.net/voxel/iMacG5View.jpg) to see a somewhat higher resolution version. (but you can also see more defects)

My design retains the arm, and the round front is there to fit the rotation aspect, not just to mimick the mini.The lateral rotation joint can slide on a track at the top, but I'm not sure if free movement on the track should be allowed. The track real intent is to go from one rotation mode to the other.

When you slide the arm up to the back, the base-to-arm rotation joint unlocks and provide a small 90 degrees rotation so that the joint and arm will be pointing to you, and the half bottom of the arm will fit perfectly in the track. Once you are in that "mode" you can rotate the whole screen 90 degrees like the good old Radius Pivot display.

When in Portrait mode you can still rotate the screen sideways though with less freedom, using the arm-to-screen joint. The design I provided could be improved in many ways. Also I included the possibility of having a headless model. The track part would be covered ideally.

So what do you think? I know I know... it looks like a lighter, and I said the word "joint" too much in my post :)

VL-Tone (http://pages.infinit.net/voxel/)
[OII II III II III]

Messiahtosh

2004-08-29, 15:38

Looks like the Nike Mac. :D

VL-Tone

2004-08-29, 15:53

Oh no you made me realise that it looks like Nike metalic platform shoes :)

You just ruined the proudness I had ;) Anyway these are small details of the design...the main idea is the dual rotation modes: Normal sideways/up-down movement and the landscape/portrait mode. The only problem I see is that the screen may be a little too high, but thats the problem with a pivot, you need space to accomodate the screen when it's vertical.

Related urls:
http://pages.infinit.net/voxel/iMacG5PointOfView.jpg (http://pages.infinit.net/voxel/iMacG5PointOfView.jpg)
http://pages.infinit.net/voxel/iMacG5View.jpg (http://pages.infinit.net/voxel/iMacG5View.jpg)

VL-Tone (http://pages.infinit.net/voxel/)
[OII II III II III]

(Edit:added links to mockup)

Robo

2004-08-29, 21:41

Wow, VL...that's a great mockup! I like it even more than Paul's LMac, probably because I like the current iMac so much! The only thing I would change is I would make it white.

Seriously, though, it looks like you put a ton of thought into it (unlike "L=Lazy" pscates :D) and it shows. Still, Paul (that's "pscates2.0") nailed the LMac pretty well - it does look more Apple-y then yours.

I just wish Apple would do more stuff like "yours."

Oh, and welcome to the boards! ;)

pscates2.0

2004-08-29, 22:29

Lazy = inspired brilliance. :D :p

Don't downplay ease or brevity in the actual creation (just because I know Illustrator like it's my third arm and can usually crank on it when appropriately stimulated/inspired). I actually put some thought into the "L" Mac before I ever sat down to draw it.

:)

The 15 minutes to draft it doesn't reflect all the doodling and daydreaming I engaged in at work earlier that day. That probably had something to do with the ease/speed I got it on screen!

:D

I'm so, so glad Adobe Dimensions has made a return, even if it's essentially rolled in to Illustrator CS now as a plug-in effect. Actually that makes it better...less round-tripping and back and forth!

VL-Tone

2004-08-30, 11:54

Thanks Roboman.

I think it was seeing one of pscates design on the contest that inspired me to do mine. But I had a similar idea before seeing his and was leaning toward it anyway. My design is a sum of many ideas I had before just like pscates and was done in a couple of hours with Photoshop using an iPod mini and the G4 iMac screen from a Quicktime VR as a basis. So I can't simply do it in white, it would be faked white from an aluminium gray/silver texture and wouldn't look good, I planned to do the other colors though. My main idea, aside from the Pivot thing, is that if the arm stays, the front should be still round or at least hexagonal.

I always wondered how some people asked for a "cube with the same rotating arm on it" and thought it would look good. It simply doesn't fit with the rotation aspect. The reason the G4 iMac has a round base is not just to be "different", it's because design wise it made so much sense. The pscates T-Macs fits rotation too, but the thing is, I'm pretty sure we wont see a one or two inches tick G5 iMac tommorow morning so that's why my base is much larger and needs a round front and vents.

The problem with the G4 iMac was that a white half-dome with a stick moving on it is a too much powerfull image to be used on a computer. The "iBoob G4" factor and simillar things had probably more influence that we would admit. Sure the price might have played a factor, but they could have lowered prices if the demand didn't start to drop so quickly after the initial demand while they still had to pay for all the R&D.

They didn't feel the form factor had the success they hopped and they stopped putting emphasis on the machine, not investing in doing incremental changes to the casing like they did with the original iMac, and didn't invest in lowering the manufacturing price of the design. It didn't take much time until most people had this notion of Apple having to drop the whole or at least a good part of the form factor. I'm sure Apple hoped that it had enough success that they didn't have to expand the eMac to the public, and that eventually they could have sold a $999 or less G4 flat-panel iMac.

Now it looks like Apple abanoned the G4 iMac early on, but it only means they invested much more in creating a successor. We can only hope that Apple has worked on having a lower initial price for the G5 iMac, and I'm sure they aimed low, but we'll have to see, if the design is really "cool" and the machine powerfull enough, a 300$ price difference wont matter that much at first, and if Apple feels it has a hit, it will work on eventually getting the base price back to 999$ or lower and maybe drop the eMac.

Maybe we'll see a headless model, even if there are some reasons other than "experience" for which Apple doesn't do that now. For example, even if a headless model could ease the transition for windows switchers, it works both ways. A low-end Mac user with an available detached monitor can switch to a free 3 years old pc in a snap. Now it's just like custom connectors on older Apple monitors.

They didn't do it to be greedy, they did it to survive (or so they think). Now with the iPod success and the cummulated whining about the absence of cheap low-end headless model maybe enough that Apple would get much more benefits by releasing one now, much everyone would/will praise Apple. I just hope that there will be just about the same swivel arm screen available somewhere, separatly and/or to be put on the iMac.

LCD's are so light, why stick heavy things to them or put them on unflexible bezels?

Anyway I'm getting off-topic with my in depth analysis of the iMac :)

Oh well, less than 20 hours to go :)

My design is at:
http://pages.infinit.net/voxel/iMacG5PointOfView.jpg (http://pages.infinit.net/voxel/iMacG5PointOfView.jpg)
http://pages.infinit.net/voxel/iMacG5View.jpg (http://pages.infinit.net/voxel/iMacG5View.jpg)

VL-Tone (http://pages.infinit.net/voxel/)
[OII II III II III]

pscates2.0

2004-08-30, 11:58

I was wondering how you got all those screen angles. I assumed you modeled them, and didn't even think of using the QT 360 product movies for that!

:)

Good thinking!

VL-Tone

2004-08-30, 12:59

If I really had the time I could have done a QTVR movie of my design :) But there are too many frames to be "converted" and the perspective depth from them doesn't exactly match the base, since it's made of parts from an iPod Mini close up. I would have loved to modeled the screens, I would have made them different, but I felt using the iMac QTVR kept the "realist" part of my design and it was also just easier to integrate.

I'm actually happy that someone thought the screen was computer rendered :) I wasn't sure if all the perspective would match and I did some distortions to the original screen image to fit it better.

VL-Tone (http://pages.infinit.net/voxel/)
[OII II III II III]

pscates2.0

2004-08-30, 21:24

paul,
i've been following your designs and this is the first time you come close to something apple would actually make. congratulations on the "Lmac".

A bit of a sideways, back-handed compliment, but I took it in good faith anyway. I mean, who am I to argue with Mr. Spoon himself?

:)

Just saw where you left this pithy nugget at engadget.com:

I don't think it's any of the above... at least I hope so.

...in reference to a gallery of some mockups, including my "italic L" design you seemed to dig a couple of days ago.

:err: :D

So which is it, or are you just that hot and cold and subject to swings...and tailor your analysis to the site at hand?

:p

pscates2.0

2004-08-30, 23:15

I can't believe this...this day just keeps getting better and better.

:)

I entered a contest at a website to design an iMac G5. I submitted it last week, knowing tons of others were too (including, apparently, that awesome Applele guy!).

Anyway, I just checked the site:

http://engadget.com/entry/5586148725071248/

:)

I won the big grand prize...I win one of these for my car:

http://griffintechnology.com/products/roadtrip/

Earlier this evening I find out I'm going to be in that "Cult of Mac" book (a two-page, full-color spread with some of my designs) by Leander Kahney from Wired magazine, then a couple of hours later, I win this contest and get a really neat prize!

:eek:

I'm going to just lie down and soak in a pretty cool day.

:)

I'm so happy. I never win anything!

DaveGee

2004-08-30, 23:31

Congrats and atta-boy Paul!

Feeling good? Well you should! :)

Dave

pscates2.0

2004-08-30, 23:41

Yeah, I'm pretty damn chirpy right now, I have to say. Two very cool things, back-to-back, in one evening...both centered around the same thing, even (my Illustrator-based mock-ups).

:)

Kinda proud, but in a mellow, appreciative way.

Just kinda neat that something I do strictly for fun and giggles winds me up in a couple of really cool situations. I mean, I was totally looking at that Griffin Roadtrip thing not one week ago, considering buying it. Now I don't have to!

:)

I need to go to bed, but I'm kinda bouncy and spazzy right now. Not sure I could just lie there and go to sleep. Keynote's in a little over four hours too...maybe I'll just pull an all-nighter and sleepwalk my way through work tomorrow! :D

Escher

2004-08-31, 00:21

Just kinda neat that something I do strictly for fun and giggles winds me up in a couple of really cool situations.

Kudos, pscates! There's nothing more rewarding than fun leading to even more fun! Better yet, those two things are directly connected to your professional skills as a graphic artist. I think that makes it even better.

The real deal would be if the new iMac introduced four hours from now looked suspiciously similar to your mockup. ;)

I've been on CNN (commenting on a new Zeppelin airship in 2001) and quoted in the New York Post (about the launch of the iMac in 1998). But I have yet to get any recognition relating to my work in the legal field, even though it is my chosen profession. :\ (Hopefully that will change when my first academic article is published this fall or next spring.)

Escher

VL-Tone

2004-08-31, 03:07

For those who can't sleep:

http://membres.lycos.fr/nes3d/iMacG5View2s.jpg

Here is a larger view. (http://membres.lycos.fr/nes3d/iMacG5View2.jpg)

VL-Tone (http://pages.infinit.net/voxel/)
[OII II III II III]

leoprieto

2004-08-31, 10:22

A bit of a sideways, back-handed compliment, but I took it in good faith anyway. I mean, who am I to argue with Mr. Spoon himself?

Yeah, sorry. For some reason I wasn't in the mood for an enthusiastic approvement on your design. Maybe it's the perfectionist-who-wants-to-be-impressed-all-the-time inside of me. ;)

So which is it, or are you just that hot and cold and subject to swings...and tailor your analysis to the site at hand?

:lol: Hehe. Well, it's actually the same feeling here and there. Here I said your design is the best IMO. But I also said here that I thought there was something missing to it (I didn't mean making the "L" simpler, rather a simpler design, something other than an "L"). So in Engadget I posted that I hoped the new iMac was none of the above (I was wrong, it is like most of the ones posted there).

But besides that, CONGRATULATIONS PAUL! I kinda felt proud when I saw you win the WWJD Contest. It was like "hey! that's my friend over at applenova". Now that you are a celebrity, what will you do with your newfound fame? :smokey:

pscates2.0

2004-08-31, 10:41

I'm gonna go to Disneyworld! :lol:

And get laid.

709

2004-08-31, 11:07

I'm gonna go to Disneyworld! :lol:

And get laid.
:lol: :lol: :lol:

Congrats, Paul. That's awesome.

When does the 'Cult of Mac' book come out?

pscates2.0

2004-08-31, 11:41

That publisher's site mentioned mid-October. I think you can pre-order it from Amazon and Starch Press right now. I'm gonna...

Gizzer

2004-09-02, 09:32

I couldn't work out how to get a handle on the original image in my .Mac account so I've had to link instead.

iMac G5 without Jay's Chin (http://homepage.mac.com/paul.gisborne/URL_Refs/PhotoAlbum14.html)

It hit me this morning: Why has the new iMac G5 got Jay Leno's chin when a more elegant solution would have been to add "ears" instead? The mockup below gives the extra space needed to fit the gubbins in and has the side effect of accentuating the widescreen format instead of reducing it when looking at the 4:3 ratio it currently resides in.

I don't get it. I think this looks much better all around.

pscates2.0

2004-09-02, 10:17

Yeah, even though I've warmed considerably to the new iMac, I do hate that the huge square look detracts greatly from the "ooh, it's a widescreen!" vibe.

:(

The previous iMac (as well as the two upper-end PowerBook and all three Cinema Displays) are done in such a way that you can't help but notice "hey, that's a cool wide screen!".

At this point, two days later, that's really my only sticking point. Not a big one, but if they could've gone "sideways" maybe (perhaps placing the speakers in the bezel to the left and right of the display, along with some other modifications), a design that really screamed "wide screen!" could've been done.

I'm sure Apple has their reasons. I just would've like to have seen something oriented more horizontally than big and square. That Leno thing (I guess this is becoming official 'Nova terminology at this point!) really undermines the widescreen design. It's NOT the first thing you notice anymore.

thegelding

2004-09-02, 10:33

square keeps the balance better over the foot...wider and just as heavy would be hard to do and have a nice movement for it

g

pscates2.0

2004-09-02, 10:41

They could've re-aligned where the foot/pedestal meets the back of the display...find that perfect balance point.

That's a fixable thing.

:)

Look at the Cinema Displays...they're wider than that are tall.

thegelding

2004-09-02, 10:43

not as heavy as the iMac

anyways, don't you ever work paul?

;)

g

Escher

2004-09-02, 14:31

Why has the new iMac G5 got Jay Leno's chin when a more elegant solution would have been to add "ears" instead?

http://homepage.mac.com/paul.gisborne/.cv/paul.gisborne/Sites/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2004-09-02%2006.21.43%20-0700/Image-26E9D5CEFCE211D8.jpg-thumb_269_202.jpg

Gizzer: Wow, your chin-less iMac G5 with ears looks one hundred times better than what Schiller showed us two days ago. Now that is something I would proudly display in my living room.

Escher

pscates2.0

2004-09-02, 15:18

not as heavy as the iMac

anyways, don't you ever work paul?

;)

g

Not if I can help it!

Actually, this week, in particular, has been DEAD as can be. A massive lull, that I knew was coming after we doubled up on two magazines last month, creating a bit of a vacuum, which is hitting this week. So I've literally sat at work the past three days, surfing and doodling. Today, however, I couldn't stand the thought of sitting there for another eight hours, trying to find something to do and look busy, so I took today off.

:)

My job often requires me to be online anyway, so...I make the best of it. :p

murbot

2004-09-28, 11:35

I don't feel like reading through this whole thread... so I hope this hasn't been posted yet. Just saw it in the Mac Achaia.

The all new PowerBook G5:

http://homepage.mac.com/benf/G5Powerbook.jpg

:D

alcimedes

2004-09-28, 11:37

Dude, you're getting a Dell!

kscherer

2004-09-28, 13:40

Looks kinda like the original Mac Portable :\

jouster

2004-11-09, 19:06

As of this post, the new iMac is 70 days old....how 'bout de-stickying this deader than dead thread?

Ryan

2004-11-09, 19:09

This is a mockup thread, not an iMac thread. It may have started that way, but now we've got iPods and laptops in here too.

Though it is dead.

709

2004-11-09, 20:12

As of this post, the new iMac is 70 days old....how 'bout de-stickying this deader than dead thread? :rolleyes: As of this post, you've got 10. How 'bout leaving this to the discretion of those who made it a sticky in the first place?

pscates2.0

2004-11-09, 20:41

Two things:

1. Perhaps as MWSF nears, there will contributions here and this thread will come to life a bit (but I think it's a cool, one-stop thread and - active or not - like it being anchored to the top...whenever someone gets an idea or gets the mockup bug, they don't have to go digging through 11 pages of threads to find the "official mockup corral"...and be accused of severe bumping practices.

2. It's occurred to me that maybe Apple is as cool as they can possibly be at the moment, and, design-wise, people just aren't finding much to mockup or "improve upon"? Just a theory, but, speaking for myself, I know I'm kinda dry and low on ideas as of late. Honestly, I've got little to no beef with any of the hardware designs currently offered by Apple, except for maybe wanting to see a widescreen iBook...which I mocked up way the hell over a year ago anyway, so... :D

I'm so far ahead of the curve, I can't see the road! :p ;)

But seriously, this thread is just fine. I like going to ONE - and only one - thread to see this sort of thing, and not sifting through tons of others, trying to track down some cool mockup I saw six months ago or whatever. I know it'll be in THIS thread, somewhere, and that makes things nice and easy for people.

I do hope that the iBook - widescreen or not (and most likely not) - is given a new look/design in 2005. It's been well over three years since the Chiclet design came to be. Everything else in Apple's lineup - from the iPod to the Displays, and all points in between - has undergone a redesign from how they looked 3-4 years ago (well, except for the eMac, which gets a pass because it is what it is...a great machine at a great price).