“Apple’s iMac home computer is not as iconic as the original, multicoloured iMacs launched in the late 1990s, or even the flat screen, Anglepoise-lamp design that followed it,” Stephen Pritchard writes for The Independent. “But the latest model – and the third generation iMac to use a G5 processor – is Apple’s first serious attempt to build a genuine home entertainment computer. It could also be the first computer to bring video conferencing into the mainstream.”
“Front Row and iChat give the iMac the wow factor, but the computer is also a solid all-round performer. Apple includes wireless networking, Bluetooth and gigabit ethernet, as well as a DVD writer as standard, and the flat-panel displays are widescreen compatible,” Pritchard writes. “The only downside to the new models is that the 17in iMac comes in only one version, with a 1.9GHz processor; the old model came in 1.8GHz and 2.0GHz versions. There is also no in-built modem. But as the new models are cheaper than their predecessors, even with the added features, most buyers probably won’t mind.”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Note: iMac G5 dial-up users will want to add the $49 Apple USB Modem. Choose it in the “Modem” section when ordering from the online Apple Store: Apple USB Modem. Easily connect to the Internet using your dial-up service. $49.00.
Advertisements: The New iMac G5 – Built-in iSight camera and remote control with Front Row media experience. From $1299. Free shipping.
Apple USB Modem. Easily connect to the Internet using your dial-up service. $49.00.
Related articles:
PC Magazine review gives Apple’s new iMac G5 with Front Row 4.5 out of 5 stars – November 04, 2005
Mac enthusiast Web site offers Front Row, Photo Booth to all Mac users – November 01, 2005
Apple’s brilliant, deceptively simple Front Row software has a bright future and raises questions – October 28, 2005
Apple’s Front Row hits torrent sites, video showing application running on Mac mini – October 25, 2005
NY Times’ Pogue: Apple’s iMac G5 with sleek, virus-free, spyware-free OS earns place in living room – October 20, 2005
Analyst: ‘media companies will call Apple to strike deals, Front Row is Media Center done right’ – October 12, 2005
Apple’s new iMac G5, iTunes 6, iPod video designed to bait Hollywood – October 13, 2005
Apple’s Front Row with Apple Remote and iMac G5: media center done right – October 12, 2005
Apple’s Front Row with Apple Remote and iMac G5: media center done right – October 12, 2005
Apple introduces new thinner iMac G5 with built-in iSight video camera, ‘Front Row’ media experience – October 12, 2005
“The only downside to the new models is that the 17in iMac comes in only one version, with a 1.9GHz processor; the old model came in 1.8GHz and 2.0GHz versions”
I don’t think this tradeoff was really a downside. Previously, you got a 1.8 GHz/ Combo for $1299 and a 2 GHz/Super for $1499. Today, you can only get a 1.9 GHz/Super DL for $1299.
To summarize…
Lose 100 MHz; Gain dual-layer support (to existing SuperDrive), PCIe, higher memory celing, iSight, Front Row and Photo Booth all in a thinner and lighter chassis…
$200 less
-or-
Gain 100 MHz; Gain SuperDrive AND dual-layer support, PCIe, higher memory celing, iSight, Front Row and Photo Booth all in a thinner and lighter chassis…
Same price
Looks like a good deal either way you slice it.
macnut222,
Agree. I wish I had a reason to buy one!
no built-in modem… is that true?
Add digital audio out, and a DVI port and count me in.
the 20″ is $100 less than it used to be
The mini plug doubles as optical audio out, supporting 5.1 surround sound
I have had an iSight for over three years, 90% of the time I use it to “point at something” to show someone. The stationary camera within the new iMacG5’s seems kinda … well, stationary.
“I have had an iSight for over three years, 90% of the time I use it to “point at something” to show someone. The stationary camera within the new iMacG5’s seems kinda … well, stationary.”
You can always turn the iMac on its stand if you really need to.
Was just at Resfest yesterday and they had several Imacs in the lobby. Man, they are sweet. I really liked the isight built in for straight on conferencing, but many times I have to help my newbie sister 6000 miles away fiqure something out. I find the easiest way is to point the isight at my screen and go through the instructions. Unfortunately you couldn’t do this with the new imac. Still, pretty sweet having it built in.
No modem … then no faxing capability …
How many buyers won’t figure this out till it’s too late?
Eric: Add the USB modem for $49 then fax away.
Just went and bought a 17″ to finally replace my elderly iMac G3. It took about two hours to transfer all my programs and data, and now I’m sat listening to Snow Patrol and enjoying the new screen, which just seems enormous compared to the old iMac and my lttle 12″ PB.
Now all I need to do is eBay the old one. Should still get £100 for it I think.
Add tires and an engine and drive it away.
“I have had an iSight for over three years, 90% of the time I use it to “point at something” to show someone. The stationary camera within the new iMacG5’s seems kinda … well, stationary.”
Better yet can the iMac use both cameras at the same time? Use one to conference and the other to point at things!
And now after that little gloat I’m off to open a bottle of wine. I love Sundays.
whats a fax?
congrats, dave h – i had an imac g5 (the generation previous to this newest one) and it was an awesome machine, but i had to sell it to pay bills =( but i think once i get caught up, i’m going to get myself one of the new ones =)
Who still uses modems? Faxes have been replaced by email, and I haven’t seen anyone use dial up internet in well over 6 years!! =o)
I’m sure everybody in the UK will sleep more soundly in their beds once Spooks HQ has upgraded to the new models.
AppleInsider is reporting that Apple will announce and ship the Intel iMac in January. PowerBooks too. Mac mini and iBooks a little later (spring).
http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=1368
I guess that makes sense if they’re having problems getting enough G5’s to meet demand for iMac’s (it is their best seller, after all).
“Eric:
No modem … then no faxing capability …
How many buyers won’t figure this out till it’s too late?”
If you have internet access, then you can send faxes without a modem attached to you computer.
You know, for those times you need to show someone what you are doing on your screen you can use a small hand-mirror in front of the built-in iSight to reflect the screen into the camera.
Just an idea…
“If you have internet access, then you can send faxes without a modem attached to you computer.”
Hey that’s right!
anybody who faxes on a regular basis uses a fax machine. not their computer.
To compensate for the older iSight’s ability to turn and see the screen, a good idea is to be able to automatically send a video of the screen, either as a replacement of the iSight image or, even better, as a 2nd image as a kind of 3-way.
The live sending of a person’s own screen would be an awesome ability even if the person doesn’t have an iSight.
oh please supertim
any mac with a modem is a sophistacated scriptable fax machine
why would i buy another thing for the desk