Posted on 11/14/2007 12:48:06 PM PST by Swordmaker
A minimalist redesign, a zippy new OS, and terrific new software make the iMac the all-in-one desktop computer of choice for multimedia lovers
Editor's Rating:
The Good: Giant screen, easy-to-use software; plentiful ports for peripherals
The Bad: Pricey; no media card reader; no ability to upgrade optical drive to high-definition DVD
The Bottom Line: The updated iMac remains the champ for those looking for a multimedia PC
Zooming around a sharp corner while playing Electronic Arts' Need for Speed video game on my computer, I spun out of control, hit a guardrail, and sailed over a cliff to my doom. It's an outcome that's all too common now, but one that wasn't even possible until Apple began using zippy Intel (INTC) processors in its computers, prompting EA (ERTS) to create versions of its games for the iMac.
It's been just a year since Apple (AAPL) made the switch, and the iMac has very quickly become the machine to beat if you want an all-in-one desktop computer. Between its design makeover, new multimedia software, and the ability to play games once confined to Windows-based computers and dedicated game consoles, the iMac remains the undisputed champ even as rivals Gateway (GTW), Hewlett-Packard (HPQ), and Sony (SNE) step up their offerings.
(Excerpt) Read more at businessweek.com ...
Was considering a couple G3’s for my kids at Christmastime. Do they come with games? What kind of software?
I’ve always purchased and owned PCs, but find Macs to have crisp graphics and a fairly simple interface for learners.
As a former PC-guy, I’d have to say macs are MUCH better systems than pcs for a number of reasons..the first and foremost being dependability; you turn them on and they go...and go...and go....
Re: post 33 in the other thread
As I said, Apple does not compete in the bargain basement. Frankly I’m having a hard time believing you bought four 500GB hard drives in 2005 for less than $60 each. Less than $360 maybe. Sounds like puffery to me.
So get an external HD DVD player that either runs on USB or Firewire. What's the big deal?
Final Cut Pro Studio from Apple already supports BluRay and HD.
The 1999 iMac DV model was one of the best computers I've owned. I gave it to some relatives and it is still in use today.
The 2002 model was an excellent design too.
The 2004 computer in the illustration looks like a Dell gaming computer.
There are probably others here like me that think people who think the iMac is a joke probably haven't used or looked at one.
And that's fine, if you don't want one don't buy or use one. However Apple Computers are hardly a joke and the company is one of the hottest around right now.
I have an Apple laptop, a XP desktop and a Linnux desktop. The Apple laptop is by far the better computer, and as a matter of fact I have Windows XP loaded on it but after using it a few times I hardly bring it up now.
My next desktop is going to be a iMac. But hey that sure doesn't mean I would expect you to use it, and neither would I address whatever computer you are using as silliness.
But what I would address as worse than silliness is your attitude toward a computer that I have serious doubts you've even tried.
To each his own.
Maybe off the back of a truck. 500 GB drives only recently went below $100.
Well it starts at $457 but once you configure it to match the lowest price 20" iMac, it doesn't compare very well. I configured it with an Intel 2.2 GHz Core 2 Duo, 1GB RAM, 250GB HD, Windows Vista Ultimate, a 128MB Graphic card, 20" WS LCD Monitor, DVD/RW Double Layer, to match the $1199 Apple iMac 20"... the price of the HP was $1291.99 - $92 more than the iMac. I'd call it a draw, since they only offered a 2.2GHz Core 2 Duo instead of the lowest iMac's 2.0GHz. However, both are competitive.
As to the hard drive "grinding away" behind the LCD screen, I don't see what the problem is. LCD screens are not affected in any way by the proximity of magnetic fields or other electronics and I have never heard even the slightest noise from the HD in any of the iMacs I have used... In fact you don't hear any fan noise either.
just a bit of fun-pokin’...
Folding@home - The PS3 and Post-PetaFLOP
Folding@home: The Science | 09/18/2007 | PandeGroup
Posted on 10/04/2007 12:20:01 PM EDT by texas booster
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1906532/posts
[snip] Folding@home hit a true petaFLOP on Sept 16. Then the PS3 folders hit a petaFLOP by themselves on Sept 23! [end]
Just installed Leopard on my PB 12” Aluminum, 867 MHz G4, 640 MB RAM.
I have to say that I find that even with the graphic enhancements, animations, etc, that it feels as fast or faster than Tiger.
Now it is time to play with it.
As to the hard drive “grinding away” behind the LCD screen, I don’t see what the problem is. LCD screens are not affected in any way by the proximity of magnetic fields or other electronics and I have never heard even the slightest noise from the HD in any of the iMacs I have used... In fact you don’t hear any fan noise either.
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I won’t look at or use LCDs that have computers built in behind them. It’s just too weird. Obviously others are happy doing this. Plus an independent HP slimline compact computer allows you to switch around which discrete LCD monitor is used with it. BTW Dell has now copied HP and has a very cute compact computer
$1,077.99 is what I get for HP slimline with 20” screen
HP has 2gb memory.
(from Apple store)
Apple imac gives you 1Gb memory. Does Apple give you two 512mb modules here? So if you want to upgrade yourself you have to chuck them and buy 2gb memory? Apple will get $150 from you if you want 2gb installed on your 20” Imac order
Below you will find the Dell XPS 210 which is very small and comes with 19”-22” LCD screens. It has a 275 watt power supply built in. If it were me I would have stand alone power supply on the floor and pipe the electric into an even smaller design XPS 210
Does your 20” Imac have the power supply built in or is it a separate power brick?
http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/xpsdt_210?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19
http://www.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/cto_xpsdt_210?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs
Then the Mac answer is the 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Mac Mini for $799. Smaller even than your HP or Dell and will work with any monitor.
Re: $1079 for the HP Skimpine with 20” screen.
Did you up grade the OS to march Leopard? That would take Vista Ultimate and even that is not a match for Leopard. Did you also upgrade the graphics card to one with 128MB? I also downgraded the system RAM to 1GB to better match the iMac specs.
I would not buy my memory from Apple. Crucial or Kingston will sell me the upgrade if necessary.
No brick. Built in P/S.
Mac Apple discussion ping.
(”Timing is everything.”)
mac mini has power brick...... with a fan???
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