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More Electronics
Speedier than ever with the latest Intel dual-core processor, the Apple iMac all-in-one desktop PC sports a sleek, professional aluminum enclosure that's joined precisely to a 20-inch glass cover to create a virtually seamless front surface. It's powered by a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, which includess an amazingly fast 1066 MHz front-side bus speed and super-sized 6 MB L2 cache. Part of Intel's 45-nanometer (nm) Penryn series, this processor boosts both speed and efficiency while helping to reduce power consumption. This dual-core processor also provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved multitasking, video, and gaming performance.
The iMac also features an ultra-thin aluminum Apple Keyboard--with an extended layout and dedicated keys for Mac features such as brightness, volume, eject, play/pause, and Exposé--as well as the wired Mighty Mouse. It's pre-loaded with Apple's Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system, which enables easy backup of your most important data via Time Machine, a redesigned desktop that helps eliminate clutter. It also comes with the iLife '08 suite of applications--including iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband, and iTunes--and the newest version of the fast-loading Safari web browser.
Hardware features include a 250 GB hard drive, 1 GB of RAM (with a 4 GB maximum capacity), 8x SuperDrive for burning movies to DVD and music mixes to CD, integrated 802.11n wireless LAN, Gigabit Ethernet wired networking, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR connectivity, and ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT video card with 128 MB dedicated memory.
Power on a Pedestal
![]() Designed with a recyclable anodized aluminum frame and glass cover, the iMac is friendlier to the environment.. |
![]() The new keyboard's ultrathin anodized aluminum enclosure features low-profile keys that provide a crisp, responsive feel. |
With its elegant anodized aluminum enclosure, the new Apple Keyboard looks equally at home in your living room or on your desk. Just connect it to the USB port on your iMac and start enjoying the crisp, responsive feel of its low-profile keys. The extended layout has a full complement of keys, including document navigation controls, a numeric keypad, and special function keys for Mac features such as brightness, volume, eject, play/pause, Exposé, and more. Two USB 2.0 ports provide high-speed connectivity for your iPod, Mighty Mouse, digital camera, and other USB-based electronic devices.
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Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
Experience faster, more nimble application performance and improved energy efficiency with this 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo processor from Intel's 45nm Penryn lineup. The new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--helps to reduce power consumption while delivering. powerful processing speeds. This 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo processor is aided by a 1066 front-side bus speed and a super-sized 6 MB L2 cache--both top-of-the-line for Intel's Penryn processors. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
The Intel Core 2 Duo's 128-bit SSE3 vector engine handles 128-bit computations in a single clock cycle, accelerating data manipulation by simultaneously applying a single instruction to multiple data. And its two execution cores are designed to share resources and conserve power, helping it to achieve higher levels of performance since it uses fewer watts.
Hard Drive and Memory
The 250 GB Serial-ATA (SATA) hard drive (7200 RPM) quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0. The 1 GB of PC6400 DDR2 RAM (one SO-DIMM) has an industry-leading 800 MHz speed, and the RAM capacity can be increased to 4 GB.
Graphics and Video
The 20-inch widescreen TFT active-matrix LCD offers a resolution of 1680 by 1050 pixels. It has a brightness rating of 290 cd/m2 (candela per square meter), a contrast ratio of 800:1, and a viewing angle of 160 degrees (both horizontal and vertical). An ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT graphics processor powers the iMac with 128 MB of dedicated GDDR3 memory. It features some of the most advanced graphics technology available and delivers new levels of visual realism and a huge texture fill rate for smooth surfaces and complex character details. GDDR3 (Graphics Double Data Rate, version 3) is a graphics card-specific memory technology that's better able to deliver fluid frame rates for even the most advanced games and applications.
This iMac also enables you to connect a second display in either extended desktop mode or video mirroring mode. The mini-DVI port connects to DVI displays, VGA monitors and projectors, and S-video and composite devices using the appropriate adapter (sold separately).
Wired and Wireless Connectivity
![]() You get a full complement of ports on the back of the iMac, including three USB 2.0 and two flavors of Firewire--400 and 800. |
Share files around your house with built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet as well as the next-generation high-speed wireless 802.11n technology, which is integrated into the latest Apple Airport Extreme Base Station. The iMac is also Wi-Fi Certified to work with base stations and routers that use industry-standard 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g wireless technologies.
The integrated Bluetooth wireless connectivity--version 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)--allows you to use a wireless keyboard or mouse, and synchronize peripherals such as cell phones and PDAs. Enjoy high-quality sound on almost any speaker system with double-duty analog/digital audio. Record digital and analog sources through audio line in, perfect for your latest podcast in GarageBand.
SuperDrive
Integrated neatly into the iMac is a slot-loading SuperDrive that lets you play and burn your own CDs and DVDs--including double-layer DVDs. And there's no disc tray--just slide the disc right in. It offers the following speeds:
Other Features
![]() Preloaded with Leopard, you'll enjoy enhanced productivity and a clutter-free desktop (thanks to the the redesigned 3D Dock with Stacks). |
Preloaded with Leopard and iLife '08
The biggest Mac OS X upgrade ever, the Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system features over 300 new features, including:
Time Machine lets you easily back up all of the data on your Mac, find lost files and even restore all of the software on their Mac. With just a one-click setup, Time Machine automatically keeps an up-to-date copy of everything on the Mac. In the event a file is lost, you can search back through time to find deleted files, applications, photos and other digital media and then instantly restore the file.
The iMac also comes with the iLife '08 suite of applications that make it easy to live the digital life. Use iPhoto to share entire high-res photo albums with anyone who's got an email address. Break into indie filmmaking with iMovie and iDVD. Then take all the stuff you made on your iMac and share it on the web in one click with iWeb.
iLife '08 also features iWeb '08, with live web widgets such as Google Maps that let you create even more dynamic websites, and GarageBand '08, with its new Magic GarageBand feature that makes it fun and easy for both musicians and non-musicians to create great sounding songs.
Included Software
Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard (includes Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools); iLife ’08 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand)
What's in the Box
iMac, Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse, Apple Remote, cleaning cloth, power cord, install/restore DVDs, printed and electronic documentation
The all-in-one iMac packs a complete, high-performance computer?including the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors?into a beautifully thin, anodized aluminum and glass design. The latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor runs at 2.4GHz with advanced 45-nm process technology and 6MB of shared L2 cache, allowing you to run your applications faster and more efficiently than ever before. iMac features a glossy 20-inch widescreen display and ATI Radeon HD graphics that gives a blow-you-away level of detail and realism in games, three-dimensional graphics, high-resolution photos, and high-definition video that comes alive with rich, vivid color. Built into the top of iMac is an iSight camera. You'll hardly notice it's there until you want to launch iChat, Photo Booth, or iMovie. iSight is easy to use and highly advanced. The remarkable picture quality and color accuracy make this tiny feature huge. With iLife '08, Mac OS X Leopard, built-in wireless, speakers, and ultrathin anodized aluminum Apple Keyboard, you'll be creating, sharing, surfing, and playing within minutes of opening the box. 20 Glossy Widescreen TFT Active-Matrix (1680 x 1050, 290 cd/m2, 800 - 1 contrast ratio, 160°H/V viewing angle) Liquid Crystal Display Built-in iSight Camera with Microphone ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT with 128MB GDDR3 Dedicated Video Memory Slot-loading 8x SuperDrive with 4x Double-Layer burning (DVD+-RW/CD-RW) Stereo speakers with 24-watt Digital Amplifier AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit) 3 x USB 2.0 (2 x USB ports on keyboard), FireWire 800, FireWire 400, Optical Digital Audio Output/Headphone out, Optical Digital Audio input/audio line in, mini-DVI with support for DVI, VGA, S-Video, and Composite Video connections via Optional Adapter, RJ-45 (LAN) Approximate Unit Dimensions - 18.5? (H) x 19.1? (W) x 7.4? (D) Approximate Unit Weight - 20 Pounds
Total reviews: 5 of 62
Average Rating:
| Date: 2008-09-04
I purchased this iMac about a month ago and I have to say that is has exceeded my expectations, which were pretty high to begin with.
My biggest concern was how glossy the screen would be as I have returned laptops in the past due to the glare. I am happy to say that while the screen is beautiful, the gloss is not a factor at all. Images are bright and clear but I do not see any reflections at all, be mindful though that if you place the system directly opposite an open window you will get some reflections, that is just common sense.
Performance wise the system is very fast. I normally upgrade the memory to 4GB on every system I purchase, but so far I have not had any reason to upgrade from the standard 2GB. I suspect part of this is due to the faster system bus and memory and the larger L2 cache for the CPU.
The system is also whisper quiet - something that is really nice if you are like me and work in a very quiet office and can hear even the slightest fan noise.
All in all I am extremely happy.
| Date: 2008-08-27
I have been a PC user for over 10 years. I still use one at work but if I could chose I would ask for a mac here too. My 4 year old desk top was showing its age very well, although it got the job done. I thought a new computer would be nice, but I thought about what my needs and use are on the pc to determine if I should spend $1000+ for a new one. After reading about the iMac and its OS I thought it sounded like exactly what I wanted. With my pc I email, browse the web, manage my music collection, and recorded TV with media center.
Why the mac has been a great fit: Native mail app that is very easy to use and set up. I used iTunes on my pc to sync my ipod so that was nothing new, just the quickness of how it launched and displayed my collection in cover flow. It is so smooth.
-iPhoto has been great for editing and organizing my photo collection. This is something I wanted to be able to do on my pc, but my folders were becoming too much to handle. Plus, I would have to spend $100+ for good photo editing software which would have only fixed one of my issues. That is money I would rather put towards a mac and did.
-Safari has been a great browser with little tricks that make it fun to use. I love how I can press command+i and email an entire web page to anyone, or command+shift+i to send a link. doing this will only open a new email window, not the entire email app. very nice and clean. If you are not a fan of safari, firefox works well on the mac as well.
-iMovie: I like to record video here and there but my pc could not handle the video very well. I have a Canon miniDV camcorder and was able to use it and my mac to create a short video of my niece in no time at all. I had the choice to upload to youtube or send the video to iTunes in a format for iPod, small, medium, or large. After doing this I was able to email the video to my sister-in-law who posted it on her blog.
-Time Machine: I pulled a 500gb drive from my pc, put it in an external case, reformatted it with 2 partitions using native mac apps, and set it up as the time machine drive. The second partition I use for extra storage although 320gb is plenty for my uses now. I plugged the drive in and a box popped up asking me if I want to use this drive as the time machine backup drive. Selecting yes will automatically start your first backup in the back ground. It is nice knowing that I don't have to continue burning backup disc of photos and music now.
There are options to allow you to record tv on a mac, but with most tv shows now online I can just go to their sites and watch a show I missed. The speed of this mac can easily display great looking video streamed from the web on a wireless-g network.
The mac has been fun to use and if you have any questions post in the comments.
| Date: 2008-08-27It took me about a week to get used to the differences between the Mac and the PC, but I learned everything fairly quickly without having to bust open some "Dummies" guide or instructions. Now that I am used to the Mac, I don't think I would ever switch back to a PC. Using a PC at work is frustratingly slow and difficult now. LOL The more I use my Mac and learn, the more I believe that the Mac's user interface is much more intuitive and user friendly than the PC's. Also, the setup straight out of the box is easier, the programs it comes with are not just junk or trial versions, and it is "smarter." =)
| Date: 2008-08-14I own this mac and I have to say, it is amazing! Once you get one you'll never go back to windows! Everything is so easy to understand and simple. There is no separate PC tower thing, it is all inside the monitor along with the CD drive. You also get everything already installed on your dock like iTunes iMovie iPhoto and Mail. Also, there is a dashboard with handy widgets like language, speed, weight, energy, and length converters. You also get a built in camera for iChat, a program for chatting with other people that own macs. They are the best computers out there.
| Date: 2008-08-11
He's had a personal computer since the early 1980's so he is a Switcher rather than a Newbee. I've got a 2 year old iMac, and am writing this after setting up his new system and watching him use it.
Providing the technical support for him, including removing spyware once or twice, should now be much simpler. We've tried out iChat for video conferencing from my home to his, and I've helped him with some questions about Mail with the screensharing capability. It also seems to be a hit with other people in his retirement community. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for parents you do tech support for!
The system is so quiet you can't tell if it is on. This is not particularly good because there no longer is the screensaver/sleep mode light on the front panel. It needs an indicator light.
The unconventional design of the keyboard and mouse were unsettling for him at first. (At 88 you do get set in your ways.) I didn't find it a problem. Some additional USB ports would be welcome, as would a SD memory slot. Why can't Apple put these on their consumer systems when everyone else does?
Bought an external FireWire drive and connected it. Within a minute had it backing up via TimeMachine. Backup worries solved!
His desk is much tidier with the iMac that it was with the Windows box. Should be fewer problems with things getting disconnected.
He's using Mail/AddressBook/Calendar just fine now, and will be using iWork. I visited last weekend and he had iPhoto viewing the 10,000+ images scanned from 6 decades of slides. He never got the hang of looking at them with his old Windows box.
I won't give this review 5 stars because of the need for Parallels for a few of programs (a genealogy program, WordPerfect, and a decent Quicken version) that require Parallels/Fusion that might cause confusion. Also it would be nice if display elements could be resized larger (Windows will do this, most of OS X can but it is a disabled feature -- maybe in January 2009 with the OS 10.6, Snow Leopard?)









