It seems that these new iMacs that came out today after the store was down do not include a DisplayPort for using a second monitor that supports DVI/VGA. Instead they will use the new ThunderBolt technology for displays instead. If you go read the tech specs for all new iMac models here then you will see what I'm saying above is true. MacStories also notes that you can output to two different displays with the ThunderBolt ports in the 27-inch model (only one in the 21.5-inch model). Engadget demos this for us here. Update 9:45 PM PST May 3rd: 9to5mac reports that the benchmarks for these new models are in, check them out below. Geekbench results: Geekbench normalized results: Speedmark results: Via MacStories
It's nothing strange and mysterious. The Thunderbolt port replaced the MiniDisplay port since the latest MacBook Pro refresh, and Apple said so. Keeping the same form as the MiniDisplay made having Thunderbolt very advantageous, since it can also transfer data at incredible speeds. "Intel's controllers handle all the necessary protocol switching between PCI Express and DisplayPort, which enables simultaneous transmission of data via both protocols over the same cable." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderbolt_(interface) Also, since you can daisy-chain up to 2 Thunderbolt-compatible devices to each Thunderbolt port, you can theoretically connect 4 compatible displays, for a 5-monitor set-up. Whether the video card and OS supports it is another matter. All is all, it's a really nice refresh. You really get what you pay for with the baseline model, which is quite cheap and will more than suit the majority's needs. There really isn't much of an "Apple tax" on this refresh of iMacs.
Oh, well in that case I guess it isn't very new. But leaving out a DisplayPort altogether was a little strange to me.
Yes, I guess it'll be news to quite a few people. Thunderbolt hasn't exactly penetrated the non-elitist Apple market as yet, especially since most manufacturers's peripherals haven't been released as yet. But with the gradual implementation in Apple's devices (along with the lack of USB 3.0—a rather clever move from Apple), it should catch on soon enough. EDIT: A look at a triple-monitor set-up. [Engadget]
Apple uses Intel processors and boards. Intel doesn't natively support USB 3.0 on any of their boards yet. In addition, I think that: Apple purposefully chose not to do it because, since USB 3.0 is currently more supported and popular than Thunderbolt, the everyday user may just end up buying regular USB 3.0 peripherals over Thunderbolt-compatible ones. This will impede the adoption of Thunderbolt. There needs to be a market, and Apple has chosen to create one themselves.By making USB 3.0 obsolete on Macs, Apple is slowly forcing the adoption of Thunderbolt (which is good IMO, since it's better than USB 3.0 in every way). One port to rule them all, if you will. Smart move? You decide. Clever? Undoubtedly.
Lovely... I'm just coming up on my 1st year as an imac user. In another couple of years I'll upgrade agin... I wonder what they will be like then?
