Summary: 2007-03-19 16:17:19 UPDATE (19 Mar 2007):
OK. I was quite premature to give 5 stars to this product. Although it is a great product, just because of an important shortcoming of the OS, I have to downgrade the rating to 4 stars (if possible to 3 and a half).
Here is the MAJOR PROBLEM:
The folder structure on the OS X is written in a way that will NOT give full access folder permisssion to more than one user inside the what is called SHARED folder where users can put files to be accessed by all the other isers on the machine (iTunes songs, iPhoto pictures etc.). Means, only and only ONE (1) user can have full read-and-write privilige to anything under this shared folder (as admitted and explained to me by Apple Technical Support person). Well, the problem arises, if you and your significant other like to use the same machine and access to music and photo folders. Either you or she/he can add song to itunes applications. Only way is to manually change the access configuration to each sub-folder. This is not a problem in Windows OS. So, if you intend to use this machine with multiple users and share music and photos, you will not be smiling. More importantly, this restriction that can be overcome by Apple is ignored. I fail to see why Apple try to sell less computers this way. Otherwise, this is a fine machine for a single user.
Also, there is not a single smart application written for MAC OS X that can smartly and easly manage your photo library. Included iPhote has its own mind to file your photo files. This is another Apple suicide attempt to keep savy customers away from its machine..Apple is almost forcing us to not to but this great machines for these type of small but important shortcomings that can easly be fixed in few upgrades and patches. (19 March, 2007)
(Original review below:)
Styling of this machine was irresistible. And, it functions no worse than PC, if not better. I really do not understand this big fight of PC vs. MAC. Both systems provide the necessary functionalities. It becomes a matter of preference then.
The machine works well. I have not had a crash or freeze yet. OS X seems to be lighter than Windows. No MS Outlook, I am yet to try the Entourage.
I was told that video and photo editing is superior on MAC. Yet, I learned that Adobe PS’s MAC version is optimized for G processors, not Intel, so Adobe PS actually runs faster on a MAC booted with Windows XP OS (learn about Bootcamp). So, OS X will not perform better than PC until Adobe comes up newer versions of its media software applications.
If you have a legit Windows XP CD with SP2 (must be on one CD), you can install it on an iMac easily with the Bootcamp application. As a result, Windows vs. MAC fight should be over for now.
IMAGE QUALITY: is second to none on this machine. It is probably due to the LCD screen quality where the extra cost kicks in. There is ten percent image quality increase on this machine in comparison to a SONY laptop with true-bright screen.
The white plastic casing lamented with a transparent layer (though toxic it might be at the landfills) is making this machine look like it is from 10 years into the future in comparison to best designed PCs out there.
No towers to hide. It is efficiently designed. The video card is mobile version of ATI but dedicated one. Not a true gamer machine. If you are a gamer, stick with a custom made PC.
On-board sound speakers work great. They are located at the bottom of the screen (which is the entire machine).
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are included. So, practically, only cable needed is the power cable.
If you can, upgrade the RAM to two (2) gig. It is the most cost effective.
It will allow you to add an extra monitor should you need it. If you do, make sure it is Apple since no other brand makes better monitors.
Apple will come up with a new OS in March 2007. If you can wait, do so. The new OS will have some slight improvements over this one as Apple site states.
I suggest all of you to go the nearest Apple store in the mall and test drive the machine before buying online. Apple website does not do justice to iMac in presentation.
If you are student or government employee, you get about $100 off the price.
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