“I’ve been using a new Intel-based Apple iMac since last week. I had been curious to see how the machine would compare to its predecessors, and I’m happy to say that the news is mostly quite good. Encased in the same case as its predecessor, the 20″ widescreen iMac looks almost identical to the iMac G5 it replaces, albeit with one new exterior addition: a mini-DVI-out port, which, when combined with an external display, lets you extend the Mac desktop to two screens,” Paul Thurrott writes for Connected Home Media. “Inside, of course, the iMac is all new, with an Intel Core Duo processor, and Intel-based versions of Mac OS X 10.4.4, Front Row, and iLife ’06. In day-to-day use, the iMac is virtually indistinguishable from its predecessor: The performance is snappy, especially in the Finder, the bundled applications, and iLife.”
“Some pieces are missing, however, and these exclusions could make Apple’s Intel transition perilous in the short term for long-time Mac users,” Thurrott writes and then goes on to explain that Classic Mac programs won’t run on Intel-based Macs and some applications need to be updated by developers to run at full speed on the Intel-based Macs (Universal Binaries).
Thurrott concludes, “Like its predecessor, the new iMac is available in 17″ and 21″ variants, at prices of $1299 and $1699, respectively. Those prices might seem a bit high compared to similar PCs, but remember that they include the roomy displays and a number of features that most PCs don’t include, such as FireWire, an 8X dual-layer DVD burner, an integrated VGA-quality Web camera, a remote control, and, of course, iLife ’06. A fully equipped iMac can set you back north of $2000, but don’t be misled: This is a high-quality machine with legs for the future. I highly recommend it, especially if you don’t mind living on the edge for the next few months.”
Full article here.
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Related MacDailyNews articles:
Thurrott: ‘Nothing on Windows approaches the quality of Apple’s iLife ’06’ – January 31, 2006
Computerworld: Apple’s MacBook Pro ‘fast, really fast – looks like a real winner’ – January 28, 2006
MacSpeedZone: Apple’s iMac Core Duo nearly as fast as Power Mac G5 Quad – January 26, 2006
InfoWorld: Apple perfects the desktop personal computer with new iMac Core Duo – January 25, 2006
Flawed CNET review pans Apple’s iMac Core Duo with 7 out of 10 rating – January 23, 2006
Washington Post: Wait a month or so before buying Apple’s appealing new Intel-based iMac – January 22, 2006
Apple’s Intel-powered iMac provides a smooth transistion from PowerPC – January 21, 2006
PC Magazine review gives Apple iMac Intel Core Duo 4.5 out of 5 stars – January 20, 2006
Time names Apple iMac Core Duo ‘Gadget of the Week’ – January 20, 2006
Mossberg: New Intel-based iMac the best consumer desktop with the best OS and best software bundle – January 18, 2006
