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Apple iMac 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme 24" Desktop (2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme, 2GB DDR2, 500GB, DVD±RW DL, Macintosh OS X 10.4 Tiger, 24" LCD - MPN: Z0FC)
Description: Setting standards for elegance and simplicity, the all-in-one iMac packs all its components from processor to video camera into an astoundingly thin, anodized aluminum frame. |
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| Date Reviewed: 12/08/2007 |
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Strengths: Ease of use, Quality, Design
Weaknesses: Still blinded by the Strengths...
Summary: 2007-12-08 22:34:42 I have been working with and owning various PC's since the IBM PC/XT, and have always been intrigued with the longevity of the Apple Macintosh with it's various design ventures. My work in the past several years has exposed me to more and more corporate Graphic Design departments where Macs are a way of life, and am always being told that "It's the way to go..." Well, now that Apple has moved to the Intel platform and supports running both Apple OS X as well as Windows (either through Apple Boot Camp, Parallels, or Fusion...), I decided that my next new PC would be a Mac.
It was overwhelmingly refreshing to get my new iMac... unbox it... plug in the keyboard, ethernet cable and power (I got the wireless mouse)... turn it on... fill in the registration information... and it was up and running on my network without a hitch in less than a half hour!
The new aluminum and glass design is top-notch. It looks and feels high-end and solid. The 24" screen is beautiful, and the new aluminum keyboard is much nicer than the old clear-plastic tray keyboard before it.
Leopard is a joy to work with so far - of course I'm still finding my way around OS X being a Windows convert, but the discovery has been an eye-opener to the way things should have been all along.
The ads say it, and it's true... It just works!
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| Date Reviewed: 04/18/2008 |
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Strengths: Fast, reliable, stylish, powerful, and easy to maintain
Weaknesses: More expensive than a typical computer, but fair for what you get
Summary: I've had many enjoyable incarnations of the iMac and Apple hasn't disappointed me this time either. The aluminum enclosure and glass display are both beautiful and functional. Heat (a computer's enemy) dissapates smoothly (the fans have so rarely kicked on, and when they did, they were not distracting), and colors on the wide 24 inch screen are vibrant and rich. I was worried that the glossy display would make viewing difficult (reflections, etc.), but this hasn't been a problem, even in my design environment.
The flat aluminum keyboard required a little getting used to, but soon I was typing along faster than normal. The number of ports is good, and the firewire 800 has made backup drives lickity split. Integration with my iPod and iPhone is, of course, excellent. The computer itself is so smooth and svelte, it's really a work of art, whether turned on or off. It sounds silly, but when you're working in a creative environment, that can be inspiring.
Leopard has been a very good OS for me so far. Robust and stable, it has developed into a customizable foundation. Easy to use and therefore fun to use, even for doing my taxes. Highly recommended.
Some advice: buy your own 3rd party (less expensive) RAM (it's so simple to install), choose the wired keyboard for 2 extra USB 2.0 ports and the extended number pad (wireless version is lacking these), try out iWork if you want a cheaper yet still compatible alternative to MS Office, get Applecare (for the great service and peace of mind you'll get, it's worthwhile, as reliable as anything man-made can be), and use those student discounts at the Apple Store if they apply to you.
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| Date Reviewed: 02/12/2008 |
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Strengths: -Aesthetics / Design
-Screen
-Ease of use
-Powerful and fast
-It all "just works"
Weaknesses: -Lack of expandability
-MORE USB PORTS!!!!!
-No card reader built in
-Super expensive Apple upgrades
Summary: While I have had a Mac Mini along side my Dell for a while, it was not until I decided to take the plunge and go all out Mac that I have truly come to understand why some people are crazy about Macs. Aesthetically, this machine is a true piece of art but also packs a punch. I am a budding digital photographer and this machine allows me enough power to run Aperture and Photoshop without missing a beat. When they say it just works, it really just does. Unfortunately, as a former power PC user who was accustomed to tweaking everything and getting into the weeds, this takes time to adjust to but I am getting there. The screen is gorgeous and I have not noticed any issue with respect to the glare being a problem..I just don't notice it. All that being said, sometimes Mac can drive you nuts. The lack of expandability of the machine is a problem. I would have loved to add a second hard drive but no can do. Also, this needs about 2-3 more USB ports...who wants an ugly hub sitting next to this beautiful machine. Also...and for the love of god I cannot understand why they haven't done this...please put a card reader on the side..I am sure apply can make it sexy looking as I don't want a seperate card reader to take up one of my few USB port. I would certainly recommend this machine to anyone not looking to add all sorts of mods later. The one tip is certainly do NOT under any circumstance by the upgraded RAM from Apple...unless you want to flush your $$ down the drain. It is SO easy to upgrade this yourself at a mere fraction of what Apple wants....its almost like they do not want you to buy it from them! Anyway, it basically rocks and is super sexy....enjoy your new iMac.
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| Date Reviewed: 12/22/2007 |
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Strengths: Built in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth. Wide 24" screen lets you easily work on 2 apps together. ultra quiet. ultra fast start up.
Weaknesses: Fewer number of compatible devices
Summary: It is very elegant, simple and intuitive. You don't need manual to make set it up out of the box. Being first time iMac user, I did not know where "power" button is. It happened to be exactly located where I placed my hands in order to locate it. Very clever.
Only problem I noticed was that smaller fonts were not looking sharp enough. Fortunately, this can be corrected by small change. Go to "system preferences" -> "Appearance" and increase the vale of last setting which reads "Turn off text smoothing...".
Another thing I did not know being first time Mac user was how to keep shortcuts permanently in Dock. Just click and hold until the context menu appears, where you can choose "Keep in Dock"
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| Date Reviewed: 12/11/2007 |
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Strengths: Nice slim design, HUGE screen, built in isight, fast, fast, fast
Weaknesses: glass screen is very reflective
Summary: This is my 3rd Mac. I can whole-heartedly say I'm a mac lover. I can't get over this latest model. I started with the original green wedge shaped imac and upgraded to the dome one when that came out 7 years ago. We've been holding out for an upgrade and this was the one. The OS is user friendly. Still learning all the new features on the computer, but so far I'm loving them all.
We ordered the wireless mouse and keyboard and it's nice not to have the wires, but I have to get used to turning off the mouse and keyboard so as not to run down the batteries. I'm sure it will become habit after awhile. Also have to get used to the smaller keyboard. I used the number pad to the right, but that's not on this one nor are the Fkeys. Again, something to get used to, but if you get the standard keyboard, those features should still be there.
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