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iMac Technology (Apple) Hardware Technology

iMac G5 Porn Roundup 530

boredMDer writes "Apparently someone who has already recieved their iMac G5 has decided to take it apart. Stupid if only for the fact that he's just voided his warranty." pjcreath writes "Apple has posted official pages listing the components that are 'easy' to install (including the LCD!) and describing how to troubleshoot hardware problems using diagnostic LEDs inside the case. For the very curious, you can download the high-resolution TIFF (10MB) of the iMac's innards from Apple."
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iMac G5 Porn Roundup

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  • by halo1982 ( 679554 ) * on Thursday September 23, 2004 @12:59AM (#10326640) Homepage Journal
    This isn't an old iMac. Apple designed this one so that your grandmother could open it and replace its parts. This didn't void the warranty. It has quite an interesting inside. I like how they focused on the inside design as well (i.e. G5 heatsink that no one will ever see but still looks cool) as the outside.
    • by MrLint ( 519792 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @01:17AM (#10326740) Journal
      This is more interesting than one might be lead to believe. If the parts are easy to replace then this saves on repair labor costs and it also makes nearly the whole unit a collection of field / user swappable parts. Being a PC field tech for a number of years this is really a radical shift for apple.

      Now keeping this in mind i have seen many a screwless case come and go from both dell and gateway, and i would have preferred that they had screws as the mechanisms they used were so crappy it would have been easier to repair.
      • by Tanlis ( 304135 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @01:51AM (#10326852)
        Actually he did void the warranty. There are brass colored screws for all the pieces that can be taken off by users. Remove any of the others and your warranty is gone.
        • by jcostantino ( 585892 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @07:55AM (#10327985) Homepage
          Actually you can do whatever the hell you want with your purchased equipment as long as any modifications you do to it don't cause other components to fail.

          From working in an Apple authorized service center, it didn't matter if a machine with Applecare or Apple's 1 year warranty came in with modifications as long as those changes didn't cause other components to fail. IE: A CPU upgrade fried the motherboard or a HD replacement broke a component off the logic board. Disassembling your Power or iBook would be a huge mistake due to the sheer number of different screws but a careful end user could disassemble his book and put it back together without causing anyone to become suspicious.

          If he disassembled the hard drive to take pictuers, then he would have broken a seal that would have voided his warranty. As it is, I'm sure his warranty is intact.

          I don't know if the Magnusson-Moss warranty act is directly applicable but I don't see why it wouldn't be.

    • by Necro Spork ( 260099 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @01:21AM (#10326758)
      But I did void the warranty on this [hawaii.edu] iMac. The plants are happy and you can see the blueberry glow from a good distance! The old iMacs like this one seem much harder to gut.
      http://www2.hawaii.edu/~brandsbe/iPot.jpg
      • The best part of those CRT + computer iMacs is how if you want to open it up to fix something, you can melt off an appendage on one of the capacitors.

        I don't need any fingers, I have an adorable computer which I have named "bubbles!"
    • Comment removed (Score:5, Informative)

      by account_deleted ( 4530225 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @02:50AM (#10327014)
      Comment removed based on user account deletion
      • by green pizza ( 159161 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @09:27AM (#10328763) Homepage
        The NeXTstation slab was built with the precision of a swiss watch and the strength of a bulldozer. The 4 screws were just about perfect -- they kept tool-less folks from poking around inside, and the prevented the need for cheap "easy to use" latches and such.

        Still, my favorite part of the NeXTstation was the airflow design. Air was pulled in through a row of holes across the top of the rear of the case, flowed past the CPU heatsink, pushed out via a downward-facing fan near the front of the case, then back under the case past the power supply heatsink, and finally out the lower left rear of the case.

        The NeXT keys and mouse were awesome too -- control key where it belongs, no traditional "caps lock" key. Full size power, brightness, and audio keys above the arrow keys. And the best part? The keyboard and mouse were surrounded by a thin rubber bumper to muffle any plastic "clump" sound that would otherwise be made if the mouse were to bump into the keyboard.

        Oh, and the price matched the engineering! :)
    • by Amiga Lover ( 708890 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @03:24AM (#10327092)
      I've seen many photos of the 17" iMac, from Apple's own documentation (the 10MB tiff) to some other disassemblies, but This spymac image [spymac.com] is a picture of the insides of the 20" version.

      The fans are laid out differently, the HD and inverter in a slightly different position, and looks like there would be room for a dual CPU if apple were so inclined.
  • by be-fan ( 61476 )
    Brilliant idea. Post a page of high-res shots to Slashdot...
  • by GrodinTierce ( 571882 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @12:59AM (#10326643) Journal
    an unpacked version of that TIFF would have been nice.
    • well, winzip opens it just fine ... i'd guess it's not the only tool out there that can?
    • by bbdd ( 733681 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @01:33AM (#10326798)
      i found that winzip de-compresses it as well.

      funny thing is that the compressed .hqx file is 10,316 KB, but the decompressed .tif file is 7,582 KB.

      as the new G5 suggests, those apple folks are sure good at packing a lot of hardware into a tight space. but looks like they still need some help packing the software...
      • by Anonymous Coward on Thursday September 23, 2004 @01:46AM (#10326838)
        The point of hqx isn't compression.

        hqx does two things. First, it allows the resource fork of a file to be transported along with the data fork (remember that all Mac files can potentially appear as two files to the file system). Second, it then allows for the resulting mess to be sent over systems that can only handle the low 7-bits of a byte.

        Think of it as a way to uuencode two files into one.

        I'm so happy I'm using Linux today.
      • HQX is not a compression scheme, it's an encoding scheme. 7 bit binary, IIRC. It's called binhex. (I still don't know why they used it on a .TIFF file.)
    • I have no idea how, but Firefox took care of it for me when I downloaded it. After downloading it, it had the name 04imac_inside.tif.hqx.tiff and it opened fine.
  • by still_sick ( 585332 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @12:59AM (#10326644)
    Putting the word "Porn" in the headline when no actual pr0n is involved is just CRUEL.
  • The new IMac presents a wonderful new opportunity for those of us stuck on the old terminal hacking mode of operation to get with the program. This article even shows that the innards of this machine can be beautiful and may win some appreciation among the Linux and GNU crowd. Despite some of the issues with sound, hopefully this will result in the development of more software for the currently undersupported Mac X OS.
  • by rogerborn ( 236155 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @01:04AM (#10326676)

    Actually, he didn't void his warrantee by doing this. The new G5 iMac is extremely easy for customer troubleshooting, upgrading and generally messing around inside the thing. This is way better than even the big G5 PowerMacs.

    Regards
    Roger Born
    writing.borngraphics.com
    "These are my principles. If you don't like them, I have others."
    • by Epistax ( 544591 ) <(epistax) (at) (gmail.com)> on Thursday September 23, 2004 @07:07AM (#10327674) Journal
      I'm surprised he needed a screwdriver. I thought those things would open on the user's sense of elitism alone.
  • Linkey to the blog (Score:5, Informative)

    by Gentlewhisper ( 759800 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @01:05AM (#10326681)
    http://www.kodawarisan.com.nyud.net:8090/imacg5/im acg501.html [nyud.net]

    This is one server that really won't survive a slashdotting too well, so better use the CDN!

  • Coral cache link (Score:5, Informative)

    by p0 ( 740290 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @01:07AM (#10326688)

    Save the guy's website! Use this coral cache link [nyud.net] instead
  • mirror of images (Score:5, Informative)

    by Anonymous Coward on Thursday September 23, 2004 @01:08AM (#10326694)
    mirror of images here [apple-x.net]
  • Apple has had some high res pics of the iMac insides for a while. Here (http://www.apple.com/pr/photos/imacflat/04imac.ht ml) they are.
  • I was quite suprised at the Porn heading... and yes it was cruel. But carrying on looking at the box, it seems very tightly fitted. Looks like a really well thought system. I wish the guy could show some more important images of the system like how well it sucks in air and removes it. But the most amazing thing about the iMac is the price and technology. A nice PPC chip with a Nvidia 5200 board all sounds great. It would be great if Apple made the system such that you could just use it as a media center. It
    • by commodoresloat ( 172735 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @01:42AM (#10326828)
      This is what you wrote:

      But carrying on looking at the box, it seems very tightly fitted.... I wish the guy could show some more important images ... like how well it sucks .... But definately a nice thin client is very appreciated.... my sweaty feet... I give it 4 out of 5. ...sweaty feet ... ass. But thin clients are the way to go for the home. So much easier to move around and easy ... to knock [up]. :)
  • pr0n? (Score:4, Funny)

    by riceslimbo ( 737901 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @01:21AM (#10326757)
    I'm gonna void your warrenty allll night long!
  • Title (Score:2, Funny)

    by Hypharse ( 633766 )
    HAHA. When I first read the title I thought it said G5 Porn and thought it was funny because you know "HAHA it looks like porn". Then I looked at it the second time, saw that it still said G5 porn. Then instead of laughing I conjured up images some of the mac zealots in my college closing the door, turning off the lights, and lubing up usb port. Now I can't get it out of my head. Someone shoot me.
  • Very nice (Score:4, Interesting)

    by Chris Pimlott ( 16212 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @01:23AM (#10326769)
    I was wondering around my local Microcenter the other day when I saw one of these. "Funny," I thought to myself, "I've never seen this style of Apple flatscreen. I thought they were all styled in the Cinema line." Little did I know it was a full computer! Very impressive.
  • by Anonymous Coward on Thursday September 23, 2004 @01:27AM (#10326779)
    Image Use Agreement
    Important Image Use Information

    By copying or making any use of the image below, you acknowledge that you have read and understand, and agree to, the Image Usage Agreement below that governs your use of the Image. If you do not agree to the Agreement's terms, do not copy or use the Image in any way, unless you have written permission signed by Apple.

    Usage Agreement:

    Subject to the terms of this Agreement, you may use the Image solely in whole for editorial use by press and/or industry analysts. This right to use is personal to you and is not transferable by you to another party. The Image cannot be used to promote or sell any product or technology (such as on advertising, brochures, book-covers, stock photos, t-shirts, or other promotional merchandise). You may not alter, or modify the Image, in whole or in part, for any reason.

    As between you and Apple, Apple is and shall remain the sole and exclusive owner of the Image. You will not delete, alter, or obfuscate any proprietary legends relating to the Image, and each use will be accompanied by the applicable proprietary attribution shown next to the Image.
    The Image is provided by Apple on an 'as is' basis, without warranty of any kind, including non-infringement or ownership. You, not Apple, are responsible for your use of the Image. Any misuse of the Image or breach of this Agreement will cause Apple irreparable harm. Apple is either an owner or licensee of the image, not an agent for the owner. We understand that you will give our company a credit line as follows: "Courtesy of Apple " and also credit the photographer if noted.

    I have read and understand, and agree to, the Image Usage Agreement.
    (Image will immediately begin download)

    I disagree and would like to return to the Apple PR site.

    --

  • by jupo ( 717073 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @01:34AM (#10326801) Homepage
    No disassemble G5, NOOOO!!!!
  • Taking apart (Score:5, Interesting)

    by philoticjane ( 771475 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @01:41AM (#10326823)
    I took apart a 20" iMac G5 today. It took 45 minutes to take it 100% apart (well, at least 100% as far as under warranty replacement parts are concerned) and put it back together.

    Easy as pie, as long as you don't strip the screws like an idiot.

    Plus, the midplane isn't very heavy or awkward at all, I'm not a burly geek girl, and I could handle it all by me onesy.
  • iMac G5 Diagnostics (Score:4, Informative)

    by SeaFox ( 739806 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @01:41AM (#10326824)
    Does anyone else find the iMac diagnostic page's instructions [apple.com] a little interesting?

    If you follow the instructions exactly as specified, nobody is going to be able to diagnose their iMac.

    It says in step one to turn off the machine and remove all cables. Then in step seven it describes how to read the status LED's. The problem is the instructions never tell you to plug the computer back in and turn it on while it is open, so none of the LED's are going to function.
  • Haiku Porn (Score:5, Funny)

    by andy55 ( 743992 ) * on Thursday September 23, 2004 @01:41AM (#10326825) Homepage

    "They say porn!", I shout.
    Only circuit boards I see.
    But wait, slot loading?

  • by flaneur ( 217700 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @01:50AM (#10326850)
    LED diagnostics? That's way too complicated...

    I think THIS Apple tech note is much more helpful [apple.com].

    Thanks for the tip!
  • When will we... (Score:5, Interesting)

    by KitFox ( 712780 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @02:09AM (#10326900)
    Combine a G5 type thing with a Wacom Cinteq [wacom.com] so that we can have some seriously scary tablet computer stuff for artists? I mean, the G5 is almost completely a Tablet computer, it just lacks a way to point directly at the screen. So why not do overkill? The only problem is that if you straight out combine the prices, it gets pretty sick.
  • by SpootFinallyRegister ( 787720 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @02:36AM (#10326966)
    It sure looks nice, but looking at the picture of the fans and how tightly everythign is packed, I'm curious as to how this sounds. Anyone know?

    To me, a pretty computer ceases to be pretty when it sounds like a vacuum cleaner.

  • by panda attack ( 785239 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @02:39AM (#10326981)
    Question is how many bits did he have left over when he put it back together?

    You always end up with a few spare widgets, I think they put them in just to confuse you.
  • Rackmount this (Score:3, Interesting)

    by Arcady13 ( 656165 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @04:11AM (#10327204) Homepage
    This looks like a great form factor motherboard to place in a nice 1U rack. It would make a great entry-level server. If you get rid of the LCD, there would be plenty of room to fit it all in. The only thing that would need work is the ports which would end up facing the top, but that could be solved with right-angle connectors that run to a new backplate.

    If anyone at Marathon [marathoncomputer.com] is listening, I'd buy a rack kit in 2 seconds. Include a power supply to install in the iMac case and power the LCD, plus add a DVI port, and you end up with a great rackmounted Mac and a nice display to use on some other Mac.

    I wonder if I can order all the parts except the case and LCD, and get the computer cheaper that way. Probably not.

  • by billcopc ( 196330 ) <vrillco@yahoo.com> on Thursday September 23, 2004 @05:05AM (#10327358) Homepage
    I just "accidentally" visited the apple wwwstore a few days ago and needed all of my restraint to not call Visa and extend my credit a couple G's :) Those tiny G5's are damn sexy, and if they didn't cost so much I think I'd crack one open as well. I have a hunch they're using notebook technology in there. Heck, my P4 notebook is bigger than this G5 =)

  • by Titusdot Groan ( 468949 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @06:01AM (#10327492) Journal
    Thanks for posting this!

    Now when ours arrives tomorrow I'll be able to resist the urge to open it up and see what's inside.

    Well, hopefully.

  • by flimflam ( 21332 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @06:29AM (#10327554)
    I saw the first couple pages, but the server died before I got to the porn...

  • Porn. Porn?! (Score:3, Insightful)

    by ayeco ( 301053 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @07:14AM (#10327726)
    Poor use of the word. How silly. What is this, Fark? Surely you geeks could come up with a better headline / summary.

    Main Entry: pornography
    Function: noun
    Etymology: Greek pornographos, adjective, writing about prostitutes, from pornE prostitute + graphein to write; akin to Greek pernanai to sell, poros journey -- more at FARE, CARVE
    1 : the depiction of erotic behavior (as in pictures or writing) intended to cause sexual excitement
    2 : material (as books or a photograph) that depicts erotic behavior and is intended to cause sexual excitement
    3 : the depiction of acts in a sensational manner so as to arouse a quick intense emotional reaction
    - pornographic /"por-n&-'gra-fik/ adjective
    - pornographically /-fi-k(&-)lE/ adverb
  • by adzoox ( 615327 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @07:41AM (#10327889) Journal
    I can't tell from the kodawarison take apart or the Apple diagrams if the processor itself is on a daughtercard this time.

    If so, I wonder how long it will be before PowerLogix or Sonnet can come out with a faster CPU.

    I've also wondered about the GPU (Graphics card) since the educational units have such a different graphics card - I wondered if they were making motherboards specifically for education for the new iMacs or whether the GPU was simply on a card that easy to replace.

  • by capsteve ( 4595 ) * on Thursday September 23, 2004 @10:22AM (#10329438) Homepage Journal
    you all noticed kodawarisan is japanese, and fearlessly, he tore into his brand new imac g5, without a care for the warranty...

    culturally, the japanese have a fetish for "brand new" things (a.k.a. atarashii), so breaking the "seal" on a new product, even if it voids the warranty, is not a threat. the worry is to be embarrassed by having old things, almost counter to american ideology that old/vintage is cool... to the japanese old/vintage is shameful and embarrassing, not to be flaunted at all.

    kodawarisan will probably get new imac in the next 12 months.
  • Nifty (Score:3, Interesting)

    by dchamp ( 89216 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @02:10PM (#10332400)
    I have to admit, the G5 iMacs look pretty nifty. Not that I'm going to buy one... but my main complaint would be that the video processor is imbedded on the mainboard... so there's no way to upgrade it a year from now when it won't play the latest / greatest games any more.
    Some laptops (like Dell Inspirons since it Inspiron 8000) have the video card on a seperate (but proprietary) daughter card. While it's not officially supported by Dell, you can purchase a newer / faster video card for them.
    Too bad there isn't a "standard" mini-agp, or mini-pci-x video card for laptops and all-in-one units like the G5 iMac.
  • Stupid? (Score:4, Insightful)

    by Cloud K ( 125581 ) on Thursday September 23, 2004 @05:28PM (#10335001)
    "Apparently someone who has already recieved their iMac G5 has decided to take it apart. Stupid if only for the fact that he's just voided his warranty."

    What kind of attitude is that for Slashdot?! The first thing *any* true geek does with a new piece of electronics like that, regardless of warranty or expense, is take the thing apart and take a look around!

    Tsch, kids nowadays. Don't even know they're born!

Those who do things in a noble spirit of self-sacrifice are to be avoided at all costs. -- N. Alexander.

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