Apple retires its famous teardrop-shaped consumer computer and replaces it with a visually striking device that has to be seen to be appreciated. Read our First Take.
In a brief, hands-on encounter with the new iMac, we found a lot to like about the different design. The crystal-clear screen swivels, tilts, and lifts with a smooth, easy motion, yet it stays put. The white base loses the slot-loading optical drive of the previous model in favor of a regular pop-out tray, which, when you examine it head-on, looks as though it's smiling at you. Apple dresses up the familiar Pro keyboard and Pro mouse in matching white.
The base is topped with large cooling vents. The power switch and all connection ports sit at the rear. The base sports three USB ports (up from two in the previous model), two FireWire ports, plus Ethernet and modem connections. Aside from attaching external devices, the only possible user upgrades are increasing the amount of system memory and adding the optional AirPort wireless-networking card. You can open the case by removing four screws and a cover plate at the bottom of the unit.
More power to it
Beyond radically redesigning the iMac, Apple finally updated the G3 chip to the G4 chip and upgraded to the Nvidia GeForce2 MX graphics chip. During our session with the new model, performance seemed quite snappy. The G4 processor and the Nvidia graphics card combine to make Mac OS X feel fast and fluid. The LCD display is bright and ultraclear, reminiscent of Apple's regular 15-inch Studio Display.
The new iMac will be available in three configurations. The top-end model comes with an 800MHz G4, 256MB of RAM, a 60GB hard drive, and the SuperDrive, a CD-RW/DVD-R combo drive previously available only on Apple's Power Mac line. It's expected to ship in Q1 this year. The midrange model, due later, includes a 700MHz G4, 256MB of RAM, a 40GB hard drive, and a combo DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive. The cheapest iMac, which won't be available until later still, will cost in the price region of the original Bondi blue iMac. This model will include the 700MHz G4, 128MB of RAM, a 40GB hard drive, and a CD burner.
Bundled software includes Mac OS X 10.1.2 as the default operating system, plus Mac OS 9.2.2 for older Mac software. Productivity software includes AppleWorks and Quicken Deluxe 2002.
While a complete evaluation in our Labs awaits, the new iMac appears to have great potential for both home and small-business users--that is, of course, if buyers can embrace the daringly different design.
Apple iMac 800MHz PowerPC G4
Company: Apple
Price: from AU$2995 (direct from Apple)
Distributor: Apple Computer Australia, Apple hardware suppliers
Phone: 133 622
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