This is the mid-range computer most people would *really* be happy with. Why get something that seems to have bigger numbers behind it if it ends up being bulky, noisy, or requires add-in cards to accomplish what you want?
This system is pretty silent. Even when I deliberately stress it with a 720p video, the fans barely spin up at all and can't be heard over even modest volumes.
Also, the iMac definitely the top pick for a dorm room PC, a small apartment, or anyone who wants a reasonably quick desktop but without the usual cable clutter or loss of space. It's heavier than a laptop, but much lighter than most desktops and fairly easy to relocate if you're moving to another room or across the country.
Front Row is surprisingly useful, though it depends on your habits. To me, it's most useful for viewing movie trailers and downloaded video clips. It's faster than visiting Apple's Quicktime page for trailers, and for videos that are sharp enough to display full-screen, it's better than paying for a $30 copy of Quicktime Pro.
About the only gripes I have are about things that are somewhat excusable. The graphics are good enough that many relatively mainstream games (World of Warcraft, Sims 2, etc.) will run well, but obviously this isn't the machine for a dedicated gamer in the rfirst place. The other concern is that the system is more or less closed off; you can add RAM through a slot in the bottom, but you can't replace the hard drive or any other internal parts. It's not a major concern if you're not the sort who'd regularly upgrade or are comfortable buying external drives or other such add-ons.
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First off I just wanted to say that the guy who rated this computer a 1 is wrong. He said that the camera isn't adjustible (its built in to the screen) and he also said that this isn't a gaming computer. Well, if you are a hard core gamer then you wouldn't buy an iMac. Those are both stupid cons and the fact that he gave it a 1 is completely wrong... with that said let me get to my review. I will admit that PC is much better than Mac dollar for dollar when it comes to doing the most sophisticated games. But if you aren't a gamer, then Mac owns everything else.
This computer has two phrases that describe it. Brilliant ease of use and great design.
Everything works great and apple seems to think of anything that you may want to do when you work on a pc. They have given an expose feature which helps you see all the windows open in a second and their operating system (tiger) must be the best OS ever. It is far superior to windows. The front row program looks spectacular. When I show people this computer the first thing I show them is front row media cause it looks so cool.
If you are a PC owner as I have been for the last 7 years it is hard to understand what I mean by "everything works better and simpler and just looks awesome." You might think, everything looks fine on my PC and everything works good. But once you have owned a mac for a week and you see that everything truly is better you will understand what I am saying.
The only true downfall to owning this machine is you may find program compatibility programs. This won't happen for college classes or anything, as it runs all microsoft office programs (including word, excel and powerpoint). You may run into trouble trying to run, for example, an online poker site's program. You can solve this problem by downloading virtual PC which will run anything a PC does but it is considerably slower.
On the bottom line, this computer runs brilliantly and simple. The design is beautiful, the screen is beautiful and when you are using it you just think, "this is great. So much better than my old pc". I can understand the doubters because I was a doubter for years, I just switched to mac a couple weeks ago. It is truly hard to explain but once you have owned one for a week you will know what I am saying. Once you do buy it, come online and write a review.
It never ceases to amaze me how good the ratings are for the macs. Despite the few who rate this computer a 1 or 2 (how could you possibly? The only true complaint may be that it is pretty expensive, but I am completely satisfied and would buy it again) this is the best computer that you can own. MOST EVERYONE RATES IT A 9 or a 10. Doesn't that make you curious? It did make me curious and now I know exactly why.
I'm mac for life.
YES I pay 500$ more for a similar powered computer that a PC is. But here is how I benefit...
1. beautiful design and workspace which you use everytime you turn on your computer
2. The ease of use of an iPod
3. EVERYTHING just makes sense, it is hard to describe.
4. no viruses or spyware junk that everyone gets on PC and is always worried about.
THIS THING OWNS! I WOULD GIVE IT AN 11. I'll never buy a PC again unless I become a gamer (truth is that PC is just a lot better when it comes to playing the most sophiticated games, could you get a mac that could do the same? yes. but it would probably cost you 2500 for a mac that would do the same as a 1100 PC). But for everything other than gaming, i.e. music, pictures, video, DVD, etc. Mac is just ten times better.
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I have a 20" iMac G5 (previous to this version) and I feel that Apple has made the new iMac worse then the previous version. They have only allowed 1 Ram slot now and the back of the iMac is nearly impossible to open making upgrades and maintances MUCH harder. For the price you will pay for 2GB of ram for the new iMac you can get 2GB of ram, an iSight, and money to spare.
Apple brought out a sleeker design with new features, but brought the upgradablity of it down.
Lets just hope they bring back easier accesibility in the next version of the iMac.
Previously we had a iMac G5 2.0. It was a great computer but developed some problems. I was content to have it repaired but after a slight delay Customer Relations offered us the new model instead of repairing the older one. I jumped at their offer. Computer is whisper quiet. Performance is better than before, and it was already fast. Apple definitely came through for us. They are unique in the computer world. If you go Apple you won't go back.
Despite Apple is going to ship its Macs with Intel processors by next year, wich means much more power and lower costs, you won't be wrong if you buy it now.
When things can become really simple and you no more need a degree from MIT to operate a media center remote control then the use of computers becomes fun even for my wife who normaly hates computers. She can not keep away from this one.
This is a nice computer, no doubt. But maybe the remote could have a better place to fit. It looks a little funny sitting on the side. Maybe if it was a little recessed.
Also, something that has been said already, Front Row needs to be on the Mac mini as well. It would be a perfect application for owners of the Mac mini, especially those who use their tv's as monitors.
Owning the previous model of this imac, i would have to say that the upgrades made to this desktop is amazing for the price. Having spent $1499 for the previous middle 17 inch model in march, im kicking myself for not waiting for this one.
As far as making it a media pc, it will not quite take over your tv. Without a tv connection or tivo function, dont think about replacing your tv/dvd player just yet. But with apples flawless design, simplicity, and frontrow with remote this pc will be found in more homes than its predecessor.