“Apple’s new iMac improves on its predecessor’s design and performance,” Melissa J. Perenson reports for PC World.
“Though the physical dimensions of [Apple’s] new iMac differ only slightly from those of its predecessor, the changes make a tremendous difference in appearance: The new iMac looks sleeker, more stylish, and less squared off than the older, plasticized version. The design is both simple and seamless, with air vents at the back of the screen and beneath it to facilitate airflow (The unit does get a bit toasty after it has been on for a while, but according to Apple that’s to be expected, given the aluminum chassis). The only screw on the entire chassis is beneath the screen; removing the screw gives you easy access to the memory slots. A 640-by-480-resolution Webcam and microphone are subtly built in to the screen,” reports for PC World.
“Accompanying the new iMac is a redesigned matching keyboard with two USB 2.0 ports (the previous generation’s keyboard had USB 1.1 ports). These new ports have enough juice to handle devices that draw up to 500 mA, including an iPod and some portable external hard-disk drives,” Perenson reports.
“When I used the keyboard, I was surprised at how easily my touch-typist fingers adapted to the MacBook Pro-like [sic] keys. Despite having a key height of 0.33mm (versus 0.89mm on the previous version), the keys were distinct and crisp to the touch, and they felt roomy enough to accommodate my fast-flying fingers,” Perenson reports.
“Though the new iMac doesn’t come with a next-generation Blu-ray Disc drive, the integrated graphics on the 24-inch model we tested can decode high-definition (1920-by-1080-pixel) H.264, VC-1, and MPEG-2 video streams of the type used by Blu-ray. Consequently the iMac may be able to support an external Blu-ray Disc option, when a drive and playback software ship for the Mac,” Perenson reports.
Full review here.
MacDailyNews Note: iMacs do not feature “integrated” graphics. The 2.0GHz 20-inch iMac features the ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT graphics processor with 128MB of GDDR3 memory. The 20-inch model with 2.4GHz processor and the 24-inch model feature the ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO graphics processor with 256MB of GDDR3 memory.
MSBlaster opines:
If Apple does not start making dramatic improvements in ease of service, then technicians should start taking matters into their own hands. If customers continue to act like ease of service is not their problem, then technicians should make it the customer’s problem.
Oh yeah, Sparky, that’ll work! The very first thing that’ll jump into a customer’s mind when they’re dicked around by their repair tech is: “Hey, this guy must be protesting Apple’s design shortcomings! I’ll never buy one again!!”.
While you’re at it, there, I’ve got a bridge to sell yah…better buy it quick, while you still have paying customers!
Toasty??? That bothers me more than the stupid wireless keyboard without the numeric keypad, right control key, etc. Not to mention the USB issue on the keyboards.
Toasty. I leave my Mac on most of the time so that’s an issue. It just feels like they released it too soon or rushed it through the design process or something.
It makes good sense to release before the OS though. Early adapters will gladly pay the $129 or whatever to buy the OS when it is released. Adds to the revenue. Good thinking there.
1) I have had an Imac G5 for almost three years. I did the RAM my self. Did have the power supply fail (under apple care, no charge) and yes it did take the local Apple shop a week to get back to me. They had to diagnose the problem, report it and order the part. which added to the delay, so a bit of a drag. But What why else would I possibly want to open up my mac for other than add memory? Possibly a graphics card? I think the IMAC form factor is brilliant for 90% of computer users who never open their computer, Mac or PC. That’s why the new one mimics the old one. J. Ives and his team are miles ahead of any other manufacture’s design. Kind of like a VW beetle update, but pretty much the same year after year. The New Sony I saw at Costco looked kinda cool though, but I would never buy one.
2) I am a bit concerned about the new keyboard. If you do much typing then the keys have to be comfortable. So only time will tell. and Yeah its kind of lame that the mighty mouse wasn’t updated to match the keyboard (no Hockey puck mouse please like the original IMAC) But why doesn’t the wireless version not have a keypad? I don’t understand that bit of marketing. Maybe a new mighty mouse by Xmas?