Leave the upgrading to them
OtherWorld Computing is now taking orders for its Turnkey Upgrade Program for the latest 27-inch iMac models. The result is one way-souped-up all-in-one system. But one look at the video of the installation process and we can understand why this is no DYI job.
The most interesting addition of the upgrade is an external eSATA port. After the screen is removed and various screws loosened, the tech threads the thin eSATA cable behind the video card, which then is connected to the iMac's SATA port on the logic board. A hole is cut into the bottom of the iMac case for the eSATA port bracket.
OWC also offers customers choices for the company's brand of solid-state drive (SSD) or a 2TB hard drive. The upgrade uses an adapter that can handle a 3.5-inch drive instead of the standard 2.5-inch drive. If customers want, they can swap out the optical drive for yet another SSD or hard drive.
Apple pushes the Mac Pro for professional workflows, and there's no doubt that it's the model of choice for performance. Still, there's always been a part of the segment that wants a higher-performing iMac and various VARs have given it to them.
Certainly, it can't be terribly difficult or too costly for Apple to make the eSATA port a standard option for the 27-inch iMac. However, I'm sure the internal discussion in Cupertino goes that if users really want expansion options, then they should pick the Mac Pro.
OWC won't complain for the third-party opportunity.