“Cosmetically, the aluminum iMac represents the biggest change to the iMac line since the transition from the ‘iLamp’ iMac G4 to the iMac G5. Although the general form factor of the iMac G5 is still with us today, the new iMacs look much different than their predecessors,” Eric Bangeman reports for Ars Technica.
“The new look takes some getting used to. With its aluminum case, glass-covered LCD, and black bezel, the new iMac is reminiscent of an LCD TV. The metal case and black bezel have grown on me as I’ve used the machine over the past day or so, but I still can’t get used to the black Apple logo on the front,” Bangeman reports.
“My biggest areas of concern with the iMac going into this review were the new keyboard and glossy display. Both take some getting used to, but the adjustment period was brief—at least for me—and after a while the changes with the keyboard and monitor didn’t really register with me. If I had my druthers, I’d still go with a matte LCD, but Apple doesn’t offer that option with the iMac. If you really hate glossy screens, pass on the new iMacs. If you merely think you don’t like them, but are open to having your mind changed, give it a shot… it’s not as bad as I thought it would be,” Bangeman reports.
MacDailyNews Note: Or wait a bit for someone to produce custom-fitted anti-glare film to apply to iMac monitors — they’re already available for MacBooks, so it shouldn’t take long.
Bangeman continues, “As far as the keyboard goes, after spending the better part of a day using it, I think it’s an improvement over the Apple Pro Keyboard… In terms of performance, the iMac acquits itself very well. For the most part, it outdid a MacBook Pro with an identical CPU and FSB in my testing, and it was more than competitive with a Mac Pro.”
Bangeman reports, “The iMac is also competitive on price with other all-in-one PCs, so if you absolutely love the all-in-one form factor, the iMac is one of lower-priced options available. If you’ve been holding on to your Power PC Mac and waiting for the right time to make the big switch to Intel, the appearance of the new iMac marks an excellent opportunity.”
Full comprehensive review – recommended – here.