Several Macsimum readers wanted an even bigger screen -- 27 or 30 inches -- so the iMac can truly double as a TV and movie viewing system. Along the same lines, more than a few of you wanted a built-in TV tuner/recorder.
There were also several requests to make the iMac even thinner and remove the current model's "chin" (the protruding lower section that's home to, among other things, the build-in speakers). Several readers wanted the RAM max capacity upped and either bigger hard drives or dual hard drives. And there were several requests to make the iMac more user configurable/upgradeable.
Other common requests were for: HDMI output, Blu-ray and/or HD DVD support and a moveable display, including (depending on the reader) the ability to move the screen from side to side (as with the previous "sunflower" iMac) or the ability to "flip" it from landscape to portrait mode. Touchscreen capabilities were also a popular request. One reader also wished for an amplifier and outputs to hook up 5.1 dolby surround-sound speakers.
Macsimum reader Mark Kjeldgaard wants a multi-touch controller -- a multi-touch surface that would replace the conventional keyboard. Software could then drive the controls to an unprecedented degree. Here's Mark's vision:
"Imagine Logic with dozens of optional controllers: everything from a steel guitar to piano to various drum pads to touch equalizers -- goodbye mouse, goodbye keyboard commands -- the transport controls are finally under your hands.
"Imagine a game called 'Speedboat' (not very imaginative, but go with me here). When the game loads, the water and rocks are on the screen, and under your hands are a wheel and a throttle, which you can resize and move around. Militaristic? Add depth charges, cannons, etc and blow stuff up. Game developers could invent the best controls for their games.
"iPhoto could simply move images down onto the touch pad, where you resize and edit them with your hands, just like Steve Jobs on the iPhone. If the wireless control pad has sufficient bandwidth you can carry it over to your easy chair and work on your pictures. It becomes a 'tablet' satellite to your iMac.
"Even for Pages or Word, the multi-touch controller would have advantages. You open Pages, lay your hands in the most natural typing position, and the virtual keyboard sizes and configures to your fingers. All your formatting buttons are on the controller, no more command-B or command-I or mousing up to the bullet formatting box -- all toolbars are at your fingertips."
I'm still looking for your next gen iMac suggestions. Send your thoughts to daseller@earthlink.net with “NEW IMAC†as the subject. Also, for those with illustrative or Photoshop capabilities, I’d love to see mockups of your design. Send ‘em to the same email address. And when it comes to mind-blowing mockups of a futuristic iMac, see if you can beat this one.
