Apple adds faster processors and memory, improved graphics, and USB 2.0. Read our First Take.
Apple recently announced new iterations of its venerable iMac line. Still available
in 15- and 17-inch sizes at the same base prices of AU$2,299 and AU$3,299, respectively,
the new iMacs boast faster processors, speedier memory, better graphics, and
USB 2.0 ports.
Upside: The new 17-inch iMac's processor accelerates from
1GHz to 1.25GHz. The 15-inch iMac, like all little siblings, gets the hand-me-down
1GHz processor, which is still an improvement upon its old 800MHz chip. Both
models ramp from 266MHz DDR SDRAM to 333MHz memory. Additionally, the 17-inch
iMac received a graphics upgrade in the form of Nvidia's 64MB GeForce FX 5200
Ultra card. And after clamouring for it for years, Mac fans get USB 2.0.
Downside: Though larger hard drives are available as upgrades,
the standard hard drive size remains 80GB for both models. Also, iMacs still
use FireWire 400 instead of the speedier FireWire 800 that Power Macs enjoy.
Outlook: Although the changes to the iMac amount to only a
few bumps in speed, you're still getting more for the same old price--always
good news for consumers.
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