The Wall Street Journal’s Walt Mossberg answers questions about computers that he’s received recently, one of which address Apple Macs:
http://ptech.wsj.com/archive/mailbox-20060907.html
Q: I am switching from a Windows computer to the Apple iMac. I just read your Sept. 23, 2004, article on the iMac G5. Can I use this article as an information base for buying an iMac, or have there been important changes since then that later articles would bring me up to speed on?
A: While today’s iMac looks a lot like the G5 version I reviewed in 2004, there have been huge changes in the machine. Today’s version is thinner, faster and more capable, but it actually costs less in most cases. The G5 processor has been retired in favor of dual-core Intel chips. There is now a built-in camera, a remote control and built-in wireless networking. Plus, the new models can run Windows as well as the Macintosh operating system.
Wednesday, Apple announced yet another boost in features and cut in prices on the iMac. All iMacs now have Intel’s latest Core 2 Duo processors. The models with built-in 17-inch and 20-inch screens also have twice the memory, but have been cut in price to $1,199 and $1,499, respectively, from $1,299 and $1,699. And there are two new models — an entry-level 17-inch unit with slightly reduced specs for $999, and a new top-of-the-line model with a huge 24-inch screen and a better video card that goes for $1,999. I have previously called the iMac the best desktop computer on the market, and the fact that you can now get one for $999, and get another with a 24-inch screen, makes it even more attractive.
I haven’t reviewed these latest models yet. But my review of the first Intel-based iMac, from January of this year, can be found at: http://ptech.wsj.com/archive/solution-20060118.html
This column mostly focuses on the processor switch. A slightly earlier article, from late 2005, focusing more on the overall design and other hardware features, is at: http://ptech.wsj.com/archive/solution-20051130.html
Full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Island Girl” for the heads up.]
Related MacDailyNews articles:
Apple iMac line gets 64-bit Intel Core 2 Duo processors; pricing starts at $999; new 24-inch model – September 06, 2006
Digital Trends Review: Apple iMac 17-inch Core Duo ‘silent, beautiful, very fast and reliable’ – July 12, 2006
Seattle Times: Apple iMac is ‘so beautiful with its simple, yet elegant design’ – July 08, 2006
Wired names best media center: Apple 20-inch iMac with Front Row – June 08, 2006
Review: Apple’s new iMac Core Duo ‘an outstanding feat of engineering, a high-precision instrument’ – February 16, 2006
Apple iMac the finest, most reliable, stable, elegant and intuitive personal computer available – February 14, 2006
Review: Apple 20-inch iMac Core Duo 2.0GHz – February 06, 2006
BusinessWeek: Apple’s new iMac Core Duo is an iMac on Steroids – February 02, 2006
Thurrott: ‘I highly recommend Apple’s new Intel-based iMac’ – January 31, 2006
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
InfoWorld: Apple perfects the desktop personal computer with new iMac Core Duo – January 25, 2006
PC Magazine review gives Apple iMac Intel Core Duo 4.5 out of 5 stars – January 20, 2006
Mossberg: New Intel-based iMac the best consumer desktop with the best OS and best software bundle – January 18, 2006
Way to go Walt.
I can remember when Walt was not very Mac-friendly, and we all railed him on this site. It is great to see him positive on Apple products, as well as many other PC magazine columnists.
Moss is the man!
Walt totally gets it. It’s so laughable to compare Walt’s reasoned, insightful, and factually complete reviews with the likes of Kim Komando and James Coates.
Long live Walt Mossberg!
Mossberg’s a dude!
Walt is an honest man.
Windows fanboys do not believe him because he does not spout the Microsoft FUD campaigns like most other PC tech writers.
Wall Street Walt does not care which tech company spends how much on adverts in the Journal, he just tells it like it is.
Other tech writers could learn a lot about integrity from Walt Mossburg.