14 DAY TRIAL // Aside from a new iPad model (or multiple iPad models), Apple this month reportedly has plans to introduce the first-ever Retina-enabled iMac with a 5K screen resolution and the same design as its predecessor.
The computer is expected to have the same generation of Intel chips but also a faster GPU, in order to cope with the millions of pixels on that Retina display.
Rumored October 16 launch
A more relaxed event is expected on the 16th of this month at Apple’s Town Hall auditorium, where the company plans to showcase a new range of tablets and Macintosh computers, perhaps even the much-hyped Apple television (though we don’t have high hopes for that).
As far as the Macintosh line is concerned, the Cupertino giant wants to introduce a brand new Retina-equipped iMac with a 27-inch display and a 5120x2880 pixel count, sources said last week. The specs include a slightly faster CPU and a much faster GPU, giving users more graphical power but also holding some back to cope with the 5K display.
The design will remain intact, but these three enhancements alone are worth regarding this model as completely new. Undoubtedly there are countless creative people and business environments out there that would make brilliant use of the new iMac.
Expect it to sell well beyond $2,000
It’s not exactly rocket science and you don’t exactly need research to know that the first Retina iMac available will run in the thousands of dollars. Retina panels alone are a fortune (especially at this size), and the lowest-specced model already goes for $1,799. The price is identical in Europe, but in the EU currency.
The faster chips coupled with the massive pixel count will add a lot more than just $200 / €200 to the price tag.
It’s hard to estimate what Apple will end up charging for it, as there are countless aspects to look at from a production perspective. But if we were to take a stab in the dark, we’d say the computer will sell between $2,199 and $2,499.
However, that’s only if the company decides to offer two different CPU variations with the thing. If it somehow decides to sell a single, high-power system, it might even go up to $2,799 or even higher. Same in EU currency. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Who here would like a Retina iMac and what would you use it for? We imagine it coupled with state-of-the-art peripherals for an awesome gaming experience.
Don't rush your purchase
Even if you do need it badly, it's probably best of you don't jump right in. Especially if the money was hard to come by.
If history is any indication, the new iMacs could experience one or more issues that will only emerge in day-to-day usage (i.e. not in controlled testing environments), so keep your money tucked away until you see that early adopters are satisfied with their purchase.
Unless, of course, you're on a deadline. In that case, it's your experience that'll help others decide.