While we're waiting for the next rev of the iMac -- which should be next spring or summer if Apple maintains its usual update schedule -- I'm happy to speculate about what features I'd like. And, no, I'm not going to reiterate my plea for Blu-ray playback (well, okay, just briefly -- please, Steve). Instead I'd like to call for improved speakers and an even better display.

The downward firing speakers in the all-in-one iMac are decent 2.1 speakers. However, Apple could do better. I don't really like comparing a Mac to a PC, but I think Acer may be onto something with the audio system in its new Aspire AZ3100-U3072 -- is that a boring moniker or what? -- which sports high-def 5.1 channel audio and a display with true 1080p resolution.

The Acer system is only US$599. Surely, those are features that Apple can add to a machine that costs more (but is certainly worth the moolah).

Or consider the The Wind Top AE2420 3D from MSi, which delivers 2.1 channel surround sound via two hi-fi five-watt channel speakers and a 10-watt subwoofer powered by MSI Premium Sound Technology and THX TruStudio Pro technology. Again, imagine that on an iMac.

What's more, I'd love for the next iMac to accept a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution so that devices such as the Kanex XD could output at 1080. Currently, the iMac display only accepts 1280x720 (720p) or 2560x960 resolution base on the display EDID.

Then there's the Gateway One line, which starts at $899.99, and includes high-definition audio with 5.1 channel support. Oh, and it includes a TV tuner and Blu-ray drives. Oops, sorry. I did mention the Blu-ray thing again, didn't I?

-- Dennis Sellers