“Apple’s [new iMac] is not the first all-in-one desktop with a glossy screen, an ultrathin keyboard, and a trim profile. But unlike Sony’s, HP’s, and others’ all-in-one efforts, no other vendor comes close to Apple’s near-seamless aesthetic. And as the new iMac design impresses visually, so do its features and overall performance compete against other, similarly priced desktops,” Rich Brown reports for CNET.
“Apple’s new iMac is the most complete and most attractive mainstream desktop on the market, all-in-one or otherwise,” Brown reports.
“We have reservations, though, about the iMac’s operating system. Our biggest complaint with this new system is that, even though Apple’s new Leopard operating system is only two months away, Apple hasn’t deigned to inform anyone about its upgrade plans. We find that oversight irksome and inconsiderate, especially since in the past, major operating system updates have run $129. As much as we like this system, we think you’d be smart to wait until October to buy one, when the new OS would presumably be included at no extra cost,” Brown reports.
MacDailyNews Note: History would suggest that buyers of iMacs, or any other Macs, today will get the current Mac operating system (Tiger) — you’ll have to “settle” for the best operating system on the market today — and be required to purchase the next Mac operating system (Leopard) upon its release. As Apple closes in on Leopard’s release date, the possibility exists that Apple will include no- or low-cost upgrades to the new OS, but this far out, we see nothing to indicate today’s Mac buyers won’t have to pay the $129 like the rest of us.
Brown continues, “With its super-elegant new design and a strong configuration, Apple’s new iMac competes with the PC desktop market better than perhaps any previous Mac to date. Unless you’re a gamer or an upgrade enthusiast, we can think of very few reasons not to make an iMac your next desktop.”
Full review, CNET Editor’s Choice, 8.2 out of 10, here.
Nah…10 out of 10 more like.
Nice! Apple has such a great future on so many fronts. And the stock got down to the $125 range today for no reason other than the market as a whole is down. This will likely be the AAPL low for a while, for a long while. Time to move in to catch the bounce.
MDN Magic Word = “problem” – so not, if you are in cash.
If an iMac with all its elegancy and OSX gets only a 8.2, I wonder what PCs get?
When cNet is dealing with Apple, an 8.2 is a 10. void(0);
wink
Considering that the OS should have been out already, it would be very nice if Apple would include a coupon as they once did (that never seemed to be any use) for a “free” OS upgrade, even if it meant the standard 19.95 s+h fee would apply.
Just can’t wait for 10.5 to get here… for now I will just continue to look at
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The Dude abides.
“even if it meant the standard 19.95 s+h fee would apply.”
“Free shipping on orders over $50.”..from Store.
uh Dude, what $19.95 s&h?
Microsoft had to give vouchers away for Vista because PC sales were tanking, I doubt Apple will quite be able to keep up with demand.
The computer works as advertised when purchased, want something more? – it’s not free, spend some cash or spend some time (waiting).
No doubt knowing Apple there will be more for free but they don’t advertise it in advance (ie use it as a marketing tool), if it comes it’s a bonus, and a welcome bonus too.
> Apple hasn’t deigned to inform anyone about its upgrade plans.
What? I’ve been “informed” many times. Those who are not as well-informed will be perfectly happy using Tiger well beyond the release date of Leopard. PC switchers don’t really care so much what version of Mac OS X they have; they are just glad it’s not Windows. Upgrading Mac users who want Leopard “for free” will wait until October. Everyone’s happy…
In the past, if you bought a machine within 1 month of when the new OS launched, you could get the new OS for a 19.95 Shipping and Handling fee. They did it for at least 10.2 and 10.3 for sure (I participated in both of those)
The Dude abides.
I was going to compare the price of each version of Windows Vista to the price of Mac OS X Leopard, but in order to get the prices Vista you have to go the purchase page for each version separately and there are still three prices listed for each version.
Apparently price isn’t a factor when choosing Windows because there is no price information in the comparison chart for the different versions of Vista.
The lowest price for the most crippled version is $63.98 from a third party vendor (Microsoft price $99.95 + $12.99 if you want backup discs). The highest price for the full version is $273.95.
Mac OS X Leopard: $129
Windows Vista: $99.95 or $112.94 to $273.95 (or $275.94)
For Vista don’t forget to specify if you want 32 bit discs or 64 bit discs.
Even buying Vista is confusing.
WTF?!?
This far down the page and no friggin troll yet to bitch that the new iMac has a glossy screen? Or that the graphics card is wrong, or that the keyboard sucks, or that the damn thing won’t make your coffee in the morning?
Where the hell are the trolls???????
I agree with the author’s take about Apple’s upgrade paths. They are very clandestine about that. They will have to be more flexible if they want to continue growing at this rate a year or to down the line. I convinced a fellow office worker to buy a MacBook. It was delivered on 08/02. Now Apple released a new iWork. This fella is not happy with the way Apple customer service has treated him. They should do something to help him upgrade.
Apple’s Up-to-Date Program
In all passed release like this Apple will just require you to complete the Up-to-date form send a copy of your packing slip or store receipt and $9.99 or $19.99 (s&h depending on the number of disks) and they will send you a copy of the just released MacOS X.
(see iLife Up-toDate)
http://www.apple.com/ilife/uptodate/
“Where the hell are the trolls???????”
At the monthly Crow Harvest. Black feathers everywhere.
@Petra
Thank you very much. Is there any similar program for iWork??
Seems like with back-to-school coming up it would be an even bigger incentive if Apple offered a free upgrade to Leopard when it comes out. After all, they are trying to bring Windows users into the fold. But if not, at least OS X is more than worth the cost.
@ Freddy the Pig
Everything about the new iMac sucks, ’cause I don’t have one
Happy now? You’ve been trolled !!
Am a Pmac and Pbook user and not in the market for an iMac, but if I was I’d inexcusably retarded not to wait till the ALREADY announced Leapard ships.
The MDN take, I hate to say, is completely warped and devoid of any logic.
I use Apple exclusively because their propducts are better, but I am not deluded. For god’s sake they’re a relatively small company compared to, for example, financial institutions, yet they have a CEO that earns 30 times the highest paid Bank CEO in Australia.
Get real, or get ripped off…buyer beware…
screens are $hit.
“Nah…10 out of 10 more like.”
I think the rewiew and score of 8.2 is fair.
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The iMac does have flaws like not being very upgradable and only glossy screens.
This didnt stop me from ordering one though
But i wouldnt say its perfect which is a requirement for a 10 out of 10 score.
Just my 2 cents
“bitch that the new iMac”
Same modestly updated shit, now in a sliver colored case. Why bother trolling? Even Mac fanboys are trashing these machines.
@Macaday
“Nah…10 out of 10 more like.” It can’t get 10 out of 10 with a non region-free superdrive and only one hard drive. These are compromising the AIO concept. And only glossy screens? Buerk.
Nevertheless, it’s a wonder. I have a MacPro now and I miss the integrated iSight, mike and speakers — but I love the 8 GB (and still 4 slots free), 2TB (and still free place for 2 hdd), 2 superdrives and my 24″ display (seven more to come).
I’m certainly no troll, being a Mac-Mac myself, but I’d have liked an option for screens, as the laptops have. I’ve experienced glossy in every CRT I’ve owned, and hate it.
I’m sure it is more economical to offer only one option though.
@ShadowMac
How can you compare earnings of CEO’s of other companies? Other companie’s pay thier CEO’s a salary. Steve’s CEO salary is ONE DOLLAR. He makes his money off his stock in Apple. So good (or bad) decisions for products affect his annual total worth.
I bet Microsoft’s CEO (or CEO’s of siimilar large companies) draw the same yearly salary regardless of product quality, demand, or the companies stock performance. No incentive there now?
MDN magic word: “based” as in Steve’s worth is based on the performance of his companies products.
I’VE GOT A NEW IMAC (I JUST SWITCHED FROM A PC) – THE GLASS SCREEN HAS A REFLECTION INHIBITOR BUILT IN – THERE IS NO REFLECTION ISSUE.
THE MACHINE GETS A 10 FROM ME. OTHERS WHO SLAM THIS MACHINE ARE JEALOUS. Period.