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iMac

Where's the Computer?
The iMac is Apple's most popular and top selling desktop.  With an eye catching, elegant, slim all-in-one space saving glossy display that houses both the monitor and computer, the iMac is the ideal desktop for most users.
Courtesy of Apple
The newest iMac models introduced on April 28, 20082 maintain the aluminum and glass glossy display first introduced in the August 2007 revision.  Here's a history of the all-in-one iMac models since August 2004.

Intel
  • iMac (Early 2008) - April 28, 2008
  • iMac (Mid 2007) - August 7, 2007
  • iMac (Late 2006) - September 6, 2006
  • iMac (Early 2006) - January 10, 2006
Courtesy of ApplePower PC
  • iMac G5 (iSight) - October 12, 2005
  • iMac G5 (Ambient Light Sensor) - May 3, 2005
  • iMac G5 - August 31, 2004

In the Box

  • iMac
  • Power cord
  • Apple Remote
  • Apple Keyboard
  • Mighty Mouse
  • Install/restore DVDs
  • Printed and electronic documentation

Configuration Options

  • Processor up to 3.06GHz
  • Memory up to 4GB
  • Hard drive up to 1TB
  • NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS with 512MB memory
  • Apple Wireless Keyboard and Wireless Mighty Mouse
  • Apple USB Modem
  • Preinstalled Apple software
  • AppleCare Protection Plan (extended warranty)

Noteworthy features in the latest iMac models
The key improvements in the latest iMacs are directly related to processor specifications and thus speed.  Memory speed has also increased by just under 20%.  Maximum graphics memory has doubled.  Here's a feature by feature overview of the differences:



Standard features:

  • Slot-loading 8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
  • One FireWire 400 port and one FireWire 800
  • Three USB ports; two ports on wired keyboard (no USB ports on wireless keyboard option)
  • Built-in iSight camera
  • Mini-DVI output port with support for DVI, VGA, S-video, and composite video connections (adapter required)
  • Built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi wireless networking (based on 802.11n draft spec) and compatible with 802.11a/b/g
  • Built-in Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
  • Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet
  • Built-in microphone
  • Built-in stereo speakers
  • Headphone/optical digital audio output
  • Audio line in/optical digital audio input

Installed software
All iMac models ship pre-installed with:

  • Mac OS X version 10.5 Leopard operating system which includes key features and applications such as Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Xcode Developer Tools)
  • iLife ’08 which includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, and GarageBand


Design - All In One Display - Beautifully Aluminum
The iMac stands elegantly with a minimal desktop footprint.  The iMac ships with the Apple keyboard and wired Mightly Mouse.  If you decide to custom build your iMac (what Apple calls Build-to-Order), you can upgrade (for a fee) to the wireless keyboard and wireless Mighty Mouse.  The end result would be a iMac setup completely free of clutter. Although it's Apple's mid-level desktop, the iMac offers a full range of features and specifications to take advantage of today's digital lifestyle.  The iMac is easy to set up, just take it out of the box, place it on a desk, run the OS X setup assistant and you're off and running.

Eye Catching and Dazzling
Wow, does that look cool, there isn't a sexier desktop computer on the market.  Coolness aside, the iMacs are fun to work with and easy to use.  They feature a 16:10 wide aspect ratio display perfect for watching movies but more importantly, they enhance productivity because you'll be able to see and do more at the same time.  With the built-in iSight camera at the top of the display, you'll have fun with video chats (iChat AV) and snapping pictures (Photo Booth).  No clunky web cams needed.

Able to Meet Most Needs
Whether you're a casual user, prosumer, professional, or gamer you'll be able to configure an iMac to suit your specific needs.  Apple offers a range of configurations and models to choose from.  The affordable 20-inch models are ideal for most buyers.  With a starting price of just $1,199 you'll be sure to find a system for those essential tasks such as email, web browsing, and iLife.  If you need a more powerful system, you have three pre-configured systems above the base model to choose from with processor speeds up to 3.06GHz.  The higher end models are able to run the most demanding Apple and third-party applications.  The iMac can satisfy the demands put forth by a range of users from students to most professionals.

The 24-inch model offers a more "professional" configuration and serves as an ideal choice for users who don't need a the 8 or quad core performance and expansion options found in the Mac Pro.   The iMac is the perfect middle of the road solution.  If you use graphic intensive apps or are interested in a gaming, your iMac can come with as much as 512MB graphics.  Just configure an iMac to meet your needs.  It's that simple.

Courtesy of AppleWhat can you do with an iMac?
The all in one design of the iMac makes computing on a Mac seamless and enjoyable.  The new iMac models are more versatile than ever and allow you to:

  • Accomplish daily tasks such as email, web browsing, managing photos, editing and sharing home movies, designing DVDs, designing websites, and listening to and composing music
  • Truly experience Front Row with the included Apple Remote as you easily navigate through your photos, music, movies, and videos.  Front Row is interoperable with iLife and ideal for the iMac so you can sit across your room and enjoy the show.
  • Use the built-in iSight camera to video chat with family and friends, make a quick video clip, or play around with the snapshots you captured in Photo Booth.
  • Easily burn CDs and DVDs (SuperDrive required to burn DVDs)
  • Use the built-in AirPort Extreme for wireless networking and to connect to nearby hot spots
  • Connect to the latest Bluetooth enabled peripherals and/or mobile phones
  • Listen to music with the built-in speakers, your iTunes library will sound great
  • Add a second display (extended desktop mode and video mirroring)
  • Connect other devices such as VGA monitors and projectors
  • Use Apple's full range of software from iLife to professional titles such as Final Cut Pro and Aperture


Conclusion & Buying Advice
By offering a range of iMac models, Apple assures that buyers will be able to find and configure a system to suit one's needs and budget.  The 20-inch model is the sweet spot for most users. We recommend that you stay within budget and keep your use case in mind when you decided to buy.  No matter which iMac you choose, rest assured that the iMac will allow you to fully experience what it means to use a Mac.

Updates

  • April 28, 2008 - Updated content for new models and placed new images
  • August 28, 2007 - Updated images and content of iMac to reflect new aluminum enclosure (Mid 2007) models

| Posted to: Macs | iMac