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Apple Delivers New Macs, Multi-Touch Mouse

Oct. 20, 2009 Paul Thurrott | Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows

Apple today unleashed a number of consumer computing products, all of which look quite interesting. The refreshed products include:

iMac. Now available with 21.5- and 27-inch (!!!) 16:9 widescreen displays, the new iMacs look impressive.

Apple today unveiled an all new iMac line featuring brilliant LED-backlit 21.5 and 27-inch widescreen displays in a new edge-to-edge glass design and seamless all aluminum enclosure. The new iMac line, starting at $1,199, is the fastest ever with Intel Core 2 Duo processors starting at 3.06 GHz, and Core i5 and i7 quad-core processors for up to twice the performance.*

Where "*" means "cough, cough". Twice the performance. Oh, Apple.

Mac mini. There's no separate press release for this one, but Apple also revamped its entry level Mac mini (and in Apple land, "entry level" of course means $600 to $1000, and not $299 as in the PC world).

The Mac mini is now faster, offers more storage and comes standard with double the memory. Starting at $599, the entry level Mac mini features a faster 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 2GB of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, a 160GB hard drive, five USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 800, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics and a SuperDrive. The $799 Mac mini features a 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of memory and a larger 320GB hard drive. Apple now offers a $999 Mac mini that is specially configured with Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server. Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server features two 500GB hard drives for a total of 1TB of server storage in the tiny 6.5-inch square by 2-inch tall Mac mini enclosure.

That last option is really interesting, though I'd like to see an optical disc-less Mac mini for the desktop too. And I'll spare you Apple's claims about the "world’s most energy efficient desktop." OK, maybe I won't.

And last, and potentially most interesting...

Magic Mouse. A new multi-touch mouse. There's no mention of Windows compatibility anywhere, but this one looks good.

Multi-Touch allows customers to navigate using intuitive finger gestures. Instead of mechanical buttons, scroll wheels or scroll balls, the entire top of the Magic Mouse is a seamless Multi-Touch surface. Magic Mouse comes standard with the new iMac and will be available as a Mac accessory at just $69 ... Magic Mouse features a seamless touch-sensitive enclosure that allows it to be a single or multi-button mouse with advanced gesture support. Using intuitive gestures, users can easily scroll through long documents, pan across large images or swipe to move forward or backward through a collection of web pages or photos. Magic Mouse works for left or right handed users and multi-button or gesture commands can be easily configured from within System Preferences.

Magic Mouse isn't available yet, saving me a trip to the Apple Store. ("Dodging a bullet," as I say.) I am curious to see one in action.

Discuss this Article 116

Logjamming
on Oct 20, 2009
So, what hardware did Microsoft release today? Oh wait, they don't. Apple just released excellent sales numbers and a 27" iMac > HD resolution and quad core processor for less than the price of four Vista Ultimates. You choose.
Waethorn
on Oct 20, 2009
FYI: I've been selling SFF PC's in the Mini-ITX form factor with Intel Core 2 QUAD's for the same money (with 3.5" hard drives ranging up to 1TB - even 2.5" 160GB hard drives are almost non-existant in the channel) for almost a YEAR!
Waethorn
on Oct 20, 2009
Re: Mac Mini Server I'm guessing they include OS X Server on DVD. OH wait... They DO! LOL! EPIC FAIL: http://www.apple.com/macmini/server/
Waethorn
on Oct 20, 2009
DDR3-1066 with a Core i5/i7?? WOW! EPIC SUCK!
Avro
on Oct 20, 2009
No wonder Ballmer is playing down Windows 7.
scottbakertemp
on Oct 20, 2009
I remember all the rev3 apple fan boys on TWIT saying that osx server is crap. I'm surprised they didn't at least offer it with osx regular.
scottbakertemp
on Oct 20, 2009
The mouse sounds really cool, but I'm sure it works as bad as the multi touch track pads do in windows.
Waethorn
on Oct 20, 2009
"No wonder Ballmer is playing down Windows 7." He doesn't need to play it up. With hardware prices like this, the Windows PC industry doesn't have any competition to worry about.
mikegalos@msn.com
on Oct 20, 2009
Log The cheapest 27" with a quad core processor is $2000 I don't know where you've been buying Windows Vista licenses for over $500 each but I'm very pleased for them and I'm sure they love your business.
EricoF3
on Oct 20, 2009
lol Ho apple *fans* you are so funny ... Up to twice the performance with the quad !! lol Come on Apple...
chipwinter
on Oct 20, 2009
It looks like Apple has some Microsoft envy going on with all of these announcements lately. Must be trying to play catch-up with Windows 7, Zune HD, and WinMo 6.5. Good luck, Apple.
daveinla
on Oct 20, 2009
I'll save MSN Galos some typing: Yaaawwwwn... Apple didn't invent the touchpad nor the ellipse form, therefore they did not innovate with the Magic mouse therefore Apple is just releasing products of Marketing. Nothing interesting here. Now let's be honest, Apple's marketing is just super overhyped and it always seems like the Apple PR folks are paid by the number of time they use the word thinnest, bestest, and what elsetest.... tiring but hey I guess we have to deal with it ! Plus when you release the sexiest hardware around here, you are entitled to some bragging rights...
daveinla
on Oct 20, 2009
"It looks like Apple has some Microsoft envy going on" :))))))))))))))))))))) Funniest comment posted on this Blog posted in a long time !!!!!
mikegalos@msn.com
on Oct 20, 2009
Well, to answer Log's question in a reasonable way, also announced today (but not getting anywhere near the press of the Apple processor refresh) were the new Alienware (Dell's gaming PC company) Aurora, Aurora ALX, Area 51 and Area 51 ALX machines featuring support for DirectX 11 and Windows 7. Their Core i7 Quad based systems start at $1300 (for a base Aurora) and go up to the Area 51 ALX which can be configured with multiple graphics cards, factory overclocked processors, liquid cooling, TV tuner , triple displays, 1600MHz DDR, 3TB disk, etc. And, most of that's available as options even on the base Aurora. You know, flexibility and choice from a high end vendor...
mikegalos@msn.com
on Oct 20, 2009
Wow Dave, Actually, I didn't really think a wireless mouse was exactly earth shattering news worth discussing. Even if it does suport Apple's "intuitive" (one finger click versus two finger click vs three finger click versus single then double finger click versus two finger click and then drag your fingers around, etc) interface.
Waethorn
on Oct 20, 2009
"Now let's be honest, Apple's marketing is just...." At least somebody is trying to be honest here when Apple marketing isn't.
mikegalos@msn.com
on Oct 20, 2009
Just out of curiousity, what do people think is the "intuitive" behavior when you move the mouse to the right while dragging your finger to the left? Should the cursor move right to follow the mouse movement? Should the cursor move left to follow the trackpad movement? Should the cursor jiggle back and forth as it tries to follow both movements alternately? Just curious what people think before they try it and decide that "whatever Apple decided is intuitive is what we think is intuitive"
daveinla
on Oct 20, 2009
OK Mike I know you like logic and that you are totally immune and resistant to any concept of design, manufacturing and beauty but hey c'mon you dare comparing this: http://www.geeks3d.com/public/jegx/200805/alienware-area-51-alx-01.jpg with this !!!!!!!!!!! : http://images.apple.com/imac/images/overview_hero1_20091020.png Who would dare put the former on its desk or anywhere in sight ??? At least support the comparison better (even if it's not made for gaming at all as are all macs): http://images.apple.com/macpro/images/design_expansion_hero20090303.png
RunTimeError
on Oct 20, 2009
@mikegalos: "Well, to answer Log's question in a reasonable way, also announced today (but not getting anywhere near the press of the Apple processor refresh) were the new Alienware (Dell's gaming PC company) Aurora, Aurora ALX, Area 51 and Area 51 ALX machines featuring support for DirectX 11 and Windows 7." I went and checked these out. I looked at the Aurora and went through the customization. After adding and removing a few components, I pretty much had it equalling the new 27" iMac, and the Aurora was about $15 cheaper. Then I went to add a 27" monitor (which would have added another $929 to the price) and the site crashed.
mikegalos@msn.com
on Oct 20, 2009
Dave Well, there's no accounting for your taste. But your accountant must have a category for it.
BrandanL
on Oct 20, 2009
@Mike "Just out of curiousity, what do people think is the "intuitive" behavior when you move the mouse to the right while dragging your finger to the left?" It looks like single-finger drag on the surface is only for scrolling, not cursor movement: http://www.apple.com/magicmouse/#gallery-container But to answer your hypothetical question hypothetically, there is no "intuitive" response here. You're telling your computer to perform two contradictory actions at the same time, like telling a person, "Turn left and right at the stop sign." You can't expect the behavior to be anything BUT random. So either way, Apple would be right, just like always! :-)
mikegalos@msn.com
on Oct 20, 2009
RunTime Really? You found an iMac that supports DirectX 11? Cool. How'd you do that? Friends at Apple offer you a private build? On a serious note, what were you saying wasn't Apple playing catch-up?
GoodThings2Life
on Oct 20, 2009
@Daveinla Yes, yes, we all know that Apple hardware is like the hot cheerleader of the computing world... all looks, no brains. If bimbos are your thing, then more power to you! But seriously, this time around, their improvements are more catchup on the internal specs, because as with everything they do, the really big improvements are only skin deep. As for the mouse... so I still have to move the mouse physically to move the cursor, but I can now use multi-touch instead of buttons for clicking and zooming and scrolling... because you know... buttons are for sissies, even though the mouse itself is incredibly awkward to hold. But again, form over function, as stated above.
gadfly10
on Oct 20, 2009
Paul says: "and in Apple land, "entry level" of course means $600 to $1000, and not $299 as in the PC world." LOL, by that he means Apple doesn't litter us with low-end-disposable-landfill bound-garbage like the PC world does!
chipwinter
on Oct 20, 2009
I wonder if Apple's latest successes in selling hardware suggests that they are not overpriced, but rather properly priced? Maybe Dell and others should consider raising their prices, rather than fighting to underprice the others?
NoNameAtAll
on Oct 20, 2009
I'll ignore the snarky comments from both sides of the camp and say that this is cool stuff. As far as I'm concerned, the more that PC makers and Apple challenge each other both with performance and other things, the better it is for us consumers. Plus, the Magic Mouse is something I really want to see. I've yet to see the Multi-Touch functionality, so this sounds really intriguing. Even then, Apple providing something for Multi-Touch is cool stuff. *GASP* Shocking, I know. I actually like things from both Microsoft and Apple. And I'm doing so without being a snarky troll (Logjamming). For those of you who aren't trolling and actually appreciate both sides, or can be more respectful, then I hope you can see where I'm coming from.
yoshipod
on Oct 20, 2009
@mikegalos - "Their Core i7 Quad based systems start at $1300 (for a base Aurora) and go up to the Area 51 ALX which can be configured with multiple graphics cards, factory overclocked processors, liquid cooling, TV tuner , triple displays, 1600MHz DDR, 3TB disk, etc. And, most of that's available as options even on the base Aurora." Now start with that base $1,300 model, add a high end 27" monitor with 1920x1080 resolution, a wireless keyboard and wireless mouse and bump the hard drive up to 1TB like the iMac Suddenly your price is $2,400+ for the Dell vs. $1,999 for the iMac. You do get a better graphics card though with the Aurora. You get more RAM and a larger Monitor with better resolution with the iMac. Plus the iMac is much nicer looking, sleek all in one design. Which system is overpriced again?
Waethorn
on Oct 20, 2009
I see that Apple's love for NVIDIA (which they spouted over a year ago) has suddenly dried up.
WebGuy3000
on Oct 20, 2009
Looks like no windows compatibility for the Magic Mouse. "The new device is Bluetooth-enabled for wireless use, and Apple says its equally friendly to either left or right hands. But it will work only with Macs running Leopard version 10.5.8 or later; Windows users need not apply." http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/20/apples-touching-new-mouse/
Waethorn
on Oct 20, 2009
"the iMac is much nicer looking, sleek all in one design" Until this happens: http://applefanbe.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/imac.jpg
Waethorn
on Oct 20, 2009
@"Magic" mouse: Nice! LOL! Buy a new iMac, and you have to buy a second mouse just to use Windows.
Waethorn
on Oct 20, 2009
ROFLMAO!!!! Not only that, but the wireless keyboard is in the same boat. iMac: No longer compatible with Windows out of the box.
planetarian
on Oct 20, 2009
Too bad the mouse will still probably require finger lifting to determine button presses, making it a no-sell for me.
Waethorn
on Oct 20, 2009
@wireless keyboard: LOL! No numpad either. This will get no love from businesses that do any work with Numbers. ;)
Waethorn
on Oct 20, 2009
Apple seriously goofed up this release!
Waethorn
on Oct 20, 2009
Newsflash: Mac guy from ZDNet says Apple is screwing over customers: http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=26266
WebGuy3000
on Oct 20, 2009
"Buy a new iMac, and you have to buy a second mouse just to use Windows." Uh, no. If you mean running Windows on the Mac under Boot Camp or virtualization, the mouse and all the fancy scrolly stuff should work fine. Just like the trackpad gestures on the macbooks work in windows. I assumed Paul was referring to using it with a Windows PC.
yoshipod
on Oct 20, 2009
Waethorn said: @wireless keyboard: LOL! No numpad either. This will get no love from businesses that do any work with Numbers. ;) Maybe you should read the options before you make statements... Apple Keyboard and Documentation The Apple Wireless Keyboard comes standard with your iMac. Its ultra-compact design saves space and lets you place your mouse comfortably next to your keyboard. Or you can choose the wired Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad or the wired Apple Keyboard. In addition, you can select the language of the keyboard and documentation. Learn more Apple Wireless Keyboard (English) and User's Guide Apple Wireless Keyboard (Spanish) and User's Guide Apple Wireless Keyboard (French) and User's Guide Apple Wireless Keyboard (Japanese) and User's Guide Apple Keyboard (English) and User's Guide Apple Keyboard (Spanish) and User's Guide Apple Keyboard (French) and User's Guide Apple Keyboard (Japanese) and User's Guide Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (English) and User's Guide Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (Spanish) and User's Guide Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (French) and User's Guide Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (Japanese) and User's Guide
Logjamming
on Oct 20, 2009
@ RunTimeError Don't bring this sort of information to Mike. Next thing you'll know he'll be inventing nephews and nieces that have hardware configurations that are virtually impossible to understand, as he did when making his point about Snow Leopard upgrades. No hardware manufacturer can bring the type of hardware Apple released today in a single package, with a far more superior OS than W7 and iLife package for the amount of money Apple does.
Waethorn
on Oct 20, 2009
"If you mean running Windows on the Mac under Boot Camp or virtualization, the mouse and all the fancy scrolly stuff should work fine." No, the Magic Mouse ships with all of the new iMac's, and according to the article that YOU posted, it doesn't work on Windows. Even on Apple's website, the keyboard and mouse pages state zero compatibility with Windows, and specifies a set version of OS X that it works with.
crankenstein
on Oct 20, 2009
More expensive junk by Apple that will break after 3 months usage....
Logjamming
on Oct 20, 2009
@ Waethorn Basically, that says: we at Microsoft cannot keep up with technological developments in our OS. Which is no surprise. They haven't been able to do that since the early 90s.
WebGuy3000
on Oct 20, 2009
"No, the Magic Mouse ships with all of the new iMac's, and according to the article that YOU posted, it doesn't work on Windows. Even on Apple's website, the keyboard and mouse pages state zero compatibility with Windows, and specifies a set version of OS X that it works with." Are you really dense enough to believe that Apple would ship a mouse with their computers that didn't work with Windows under Boot Camp? Really? And what does "the keyboard and mouse pages state zero compatibility with Windows" mean exactly? Please point me to that bit. The bit where they "state zero compatibility with Windows." Jeez.
EricoF3
on Oct 20, 2009
It is always a mistery to me to see that a company like apple volontaraly do hardware not compatible with the most used operating system, Windows... Really a mistery... It like to shot yourself in the feet... really a mistery...
Waethorn
on Oct 20, 2009
"Maybe you should read the options before you make statements..." Maybe you should read options on a PC manufacturers site before you compare baseline packages to the iMac too.
Waethorn
on Oct 20, 2009
"we at Microsoft cannot keep up with technological developments in our OS." Wrong. Bluetooth keyboards and mice were made by Microsoft long before Apple had these, and OS support was there long before that. "Are you really dense enough to believe that Apple would ship a mouse with their computers that didn't work with Windows under Boot Camp?" From your link: "The new device is Bluetooth-enabled for wireless use, and Apple says its equally friendly to either left or right hands. But it will work only with Macs running Leopard version 10.5.8 or later; Windows users need not apply." Name calling aside, you're the one that posted a link to a NYTimes article that said the mouse wasn't compatible with Windows, jacka$$. "And what does "the keyboard and mouse pages state zero compatibility with Windows" mean exactly? Please point me to that bit." System requirements, clear as day: "Bluetooth-enabled Mac computer Mac OS X v10.5.8 or later with Wireless Mouse Software Update 1.0 Existing keyboard and mouse for setup" ** "Bluetooth-enabled Mac computer Mac OS X v10.5.8 or later with Wireless Mouse Software Update 1.0 Existing keyboard and mouse for setup" ** http://www.apple.com/keyboard/ http://www.apple.com/magicmouse/ Nope, no Windows there. If the article YOU posted says that it's not Windows compatible, and Apple doesn't say that either is compatible with Windows, I don't see how I can be in the wrong for stating the same. ** How can you have an existing mouse and keyboard for setup if you buy a new iMac that only ships with these? FAIL!
yoshipod
on Oct 20, 2009
crankenstein said: "More expensive junk by Apple that will break after 3 months usage...." Back up that statement. Show me cheaper Windows PCs that have comparable specs. Because the example I showed above the iMac was the less expensive option.
Waethorn
on Oct 20, 2009
"Too bad the mouse will still probably require finger lifting to determine button presses, making it a no-sell for me." According to the video, you're right. Looks like you have to raise your fingers to click on this POS. It's also way too small, making this an ergonomic nightmare. Apple should've made this a big multitouch trackpad. That would've made more sense. Too bad somebody already beat them to the punch: http://www.wacom.com/bamboo/bamboo_touch.php
WebGuy3000
on Oct 20, 2009
"Name calling aside, you're the one that posted a link to a NYTimes article that said the mouse wasn't compatible with Windows, jacka$$." Good. I'm glad we're not calling names. (My "dense" comment was rhetorical. I was not calling you dense - the assumption was that you were not so. Perhaps I did not make myself clear.) The NYT guy was clearly referring to Windows PC hardware, not Mac virtualization. When one runs Windows on the Mac, whether under the mouse *WILL* work. I promise. You can continue to claim it won't, based on a misreading of an article I now regret posting, but you'd be wrong. Then again there's no mention of compatibility with Photoshop, MS Word, porn, or LOLCats.com either, so maybe this thing really is a disaster in the making.
wlow3
on Oct 20, 2009
"Macintosh sales have now grown faster than the rest of the PC market in 19 of the last 20 quarters." -- "Apple’s Profit Climbs 47% as Sales Gain"; New York Times; October 19, 2009

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