The next-generation model is due in September, but Apple has so far declined to say what shape it will take. One thing's for sure, though: the company has a reputation to live up to. The current iMac, which debuted in January 2002, looked like no other computer before it, with a flat-screen display on a swivel arm riding above a half-moon base.
Apple has garnered attention for other designs as well, from the original Macintosh to the Newton PDA to today's zeitgeist gadget, the iPod digital music player. Often the response has been in the form of applause, but there have been catcalls, too, over the years.
As for what the upcoming iMac should look like, readers' response has ranged from requests for specific features to praise for Apple's previous efforts.
Some suggestions include creating a built-in dock for an iPod, crafting some Mac blades and offering a separate monitor.
"The all-in-one in education, K-12, should no longer be the only option from Apple," commented a Michael Theochares. "The cost of repairing/replacing the monitor for these out-weighs the benefits."
Users also predicted that Apple would continue to use the clean white lines so popular on its iPod music player, while possibly adding Bluetooth accessories to eliminate wire clutter.
But more than one reader noted that looking pretty won't be enough to help the company, whose share of the PC market is miniscule.
"Apple needs to compete. Enough of this laid back, whatever type attitude. If they are going to remain a computer company (which I'm starting to question what with Apple seriously focusing on Music and the iPod) they need to kick some butt," writes a reader identified as John Doe.
"They need to put more money into the quality and performance of their computers and lower the price. Don't waste time on some cutesy looking pc, get a pc for its functionality and performance," noted Robert King.
Of course, comments like that predictably prompted shouts from Mac loyalists that "time and time again the computer industry looks to Apple for the next idea or look" of the personal computer, as one reader put it.
There was also some debate as to whether Apple would even go forward with a new iMac, or instead simply focus on G5 desktop and associated models.
"Apple needs three product lines, for both desktop and notebook computers. The entry level, all-in-one desktop coupled with a basic notebook (iMac); the powerful, professional desktop and notebook (PowerMac/Book); AND a midrange pair that look funky and do things that few other computers can," wrote Bc Saxman.
Talkback
What Apple need to do more than anything else is sort out their currency conversion calculator. It was screwy when they started importing the Mac into the UK and Europe with an exchange rate of around 2UKP to the Dollar, as the real rate was almost the opposite, the Mac cost nearly 4 times as much in the UK as in the US.
It hasn't improved much over the years either :-( Using Apple's online store, a quick check shows Rip-off Europe in action, with England being, as usual, more expensive than their neighbours...
A dual 2.5Ghz G5 Power Mac with a 20" Monitor (smallest monitor available in all countries tested) costs around $4,298 in the US, 3,198UKP or €4708 in Germany.
A quick translation using today's rates (€1~=66p and $1~=55p), that works out at $5,804 in the UK and $5,660 in Germany.
I would love to buy a Mac, but until they start using exchange rates to the rest of the world, I won't even be considering them :-( The base (US) prices demand enough of a premium over equivalent PC specs, without ripping of Johnny Foreigner!
look, look, look. Forget about all this financial rubbish - i do not belive apple are in it for the big bucks, not like Microsoft are, and lets face it who is not in competition with them. If apple were to compete like that then they would have gone bust ages ago and sureley those (as pc users) would be worse off.
What apple does is makes things look like a space odecey 2001, i dont have a mac, and have never had one but looking at what they have done leaves me happy in the knowledge that they exist.
I am sure wireless features will play a big role in the next mac, i think a vision from the future from an HP/Microsoft effort had the idea of a dockable portable, but if mac gets it out first then why not.
have you seen the new mac monitors, two dvi-ports, now that says something. the worst aspect of a mac might be its memory and speed, but the os is good and the hardware is excellent.
People now buy those old circular 60's tvs and put a flat pannel screen in them. Although not applicable to old macs, you would not mind it sharing space in 2020 with other household furniture, its just like having a copy of a fashion mag on your coffee table.