Apple refreshed the iMac line not only by adding multiple graphics options, including dedicated graphics processors, but also by lowering the base price on all models. Better performance at a lower cost is especially welcome in the current economy.
With four basic models to choose from, the iMac can meet the needs of individuals looking for an economical desktop, as well as those who want a powerful all-in-one desktop.
- 2.66, 2.93, and 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processors
- Expandable to 8 GB of RAM
- FireWire 800 port
- Four graphics options: NVIDIA GeForce 9400M, GeForce GT 120, and GeForce GT 130; ATI Radeon HD4850
- Mini DisplayPort video output
- Base keyboard has no numeric keypad
- Only memory can be easily upgraded
- Glossy style display is only option
- 2.66, 2.93, or 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
- 1066 MHz front side bus
- Two user-accessible SO-DIMM memory slots support up to 8 GB of DDR3 SDRAM
- 20” or 24” glossy display
- NVIDIA GeForce 9400m, NVIDIA GeForce GT 120, NVIDIA GeForce GT 130, or ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics processor
- Mini DisplayPort supports DVI, VGA, and Dual-Link DVI (adapters sold separately)
- FireWire 800 and four USB 2.0 ports on the iMac; two additional USB 2.0 ports on wired keyboard
- Built-in stereo speakers; microphone; headphone; analog/optical audio in and out
- AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (802.11n) + Bluetooth 2.1
- Built-in iSight camera
Apple refreshed the iMac line to offer four basic configurations, from a 20” model with a 2.66 GHZ Intel Core 2 Duo processor for $1199, to a top-of-the-line 24” 3.06 GHz model starting at $2,199. In between these two extremes sit the two models I believe will be the most popular. Both provide a 24” display and 4 GB of RAM standard.
The $1499 iMac, which has a 2.66 GHz Core 2 Duo processor and an NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor, will appeal to individuals looking for a high-quality desktop Mac at a reasonable price. The NVIDIA GeForce 9400M is no slouch as a graphics processor. It’s the same model used in the MacBooks, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini, and provides a good deal more performance than previous versions of the iMac.
The $1799 iMac ups the processor speed to 2.93 GHz, and, more significantly, offers a choice of three dedicated graphics processors: the GeForce GT 120, the GeForce GT 130, and the ATI Radeon HD 4850. The GeForce GT 120 and GT 130 are good overall performers, with the nod going to the GT 130 for game enthusiasts. If you’re looking for maximum graphics performance, the ATI Radeon 4850 would be the graphics processor of choice.
All of the iMac models were upgraded to a single FireWire 800 port and four USB 2.0 ports on the iMac itself, and an additional two USB 2.0 ports on the wired keyboard. The baseline wired keyboard is the minimalistic type, with no keypad. Apple offers a keyboard with a built-in keypad at no extra cost, so be sure to switch to the larger keyboard option if that is your preference.
The new iMacs do have a few flaws. The glossy-style displays produce pleasing, deep blacks, but they’re also subject to reflections and tend to produce glare. The other major flaw is the lack of expandability. Aside from RAM, nothing is user-accessible for easy upgrades.
