CNET Editor's rating: 7.6 out of 10
Reviewed by
Rich Brown
Review date: 09/11/06
Release date: 09/06/06
The good: Giant LCD makes the iMac a home-video champ; updated specs stay competitive with the rest of the desktop PC field; expanded upgrade options available at the time of purchase.
The bad: Configurator upgrades are expensive; limited aftermarket upgradability means you won't be able to add a Blu-Ray or HD DVD drive down the road; no media card reader.
The bottom line: Other vendors might offer more flexible configurations and better deals on components, and the specter of HD video looms darkly, but the 24-inch iMac's sprawling display and convincingly capable features should set most people's minds at ease. We highly recommend this new iMac as a PC that doubles as a secondary home-entertainment system.
As recently as two weeks ago, all-in-one PCs were stuck at Apple's 20-inch iMac or Sony's 19-inch VAIO LS1. We like both products, but neither features a screen that's big enough for satisfying video. Apple's new 24-inch iMac Core 2 Duo changes the all-in-one game. Its configuration and upgrade possibilities have shortcomings compared to other desktops on the market (like most all-in-one PCs), but no other system can compete with the baseline $1,999 24-incher for value, ease of use, or strength of design. If you're looking for a system to use strictly for computing tasks, you can find a more powerful system for the money from other vendors. As a digital entertainment device that also serves up computing capabilities, however, the 24-inch Apple iMac is an unparalleled bargain.
The highlight of the 24-inch iMac really is the size of its screen, but the new Core 2 Duo chip is a close second. Twenty-four inches is a noticeably large amount of screen real estate, much more dramatic-looking than even a 21-inch display. Apple also amped the brightness. We looked at the 24-inch model side by side next to a 17-inch Core 2 Duo iMac (with the old brightness level) and the higher-end screen's image gleams. Considering that Apple's and Dell's 30-inch standalone LCDs are now roughly the same price as this 24-inch all-in-one desktop, it feels like the computer functionality is almost secondary. It's not, of course. Apple has included a powerful collection of parts in the update to its iMac line, especially compared to older iMacs.
Our default 24-inch model comes with a 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7400, 1GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM, a 250GB hard drive, a 128MB Nvidia GeForce 7300 GT graphics chip, and a DVD-burning SuperDrive. That's enough power to perform most any productivity task and comfortably consume, produce, or edit most types of digital media. Apple has also expanded the upgradability of the iMac, letting you upgrade the graphics chip at the time of purchase for the first time. You can also add more memory, but Apple's upgrade prices are more expensive than the competition's.
While other desktops in the iMac's price class--namely, the Dell's XPS 410 and Gateway's FX510--start with 2GB of memory, offer a wider range of hard drive and graphics card options, and include TV tuners and media card readers, the iMac provides a limited number of configuration choices. It becomes a surprisingly good deal, however, when you look at the system as a whole--monitor and software included. We configured a Dell XPS 410 as closely as we could to the $1,999 iMac, including Dell's 24-inch LCD, and Dell's PC ended up costing $200 more. Take the screen out of the equation--admittedly hard to do with the iMac--and other vendors have better deals for the computing hardware. Then again, we haven't seen a PC that comes with a software bundle that can rival the apps you get with a Mac.
The usual bugaboo about all-in-one PCs--that the specialized internal design and the conjoined display limits upgrading--becomes especially poignant for the 24-inch iMac when you consider Blu-ray and HD DVD capability. Apple offers no option to upgrade to an internal drive in either format; there currently are no external HD optical drives on the market; and with no HDMI input, it's impossible to connect the iMac to an external home theater-style player. We love the 24-inch iMac as a current-generation, home-theater PC, but HD video content will only become more prevalent. Unless Apple makes an announcement about downloadable HD movies (at which point, we might need to update this review), your $2,000 iMac that's supposed to provide a great digital media experience might experience an accelerated obsolescence. Interestingly though, neither Apple nor Nvidia would comment on whether either of the graphics chip options for the 24-inch iMac come with HDCP support enabled, which would make the iMac a viable link in HD video's copy-protected chain. HDCP support is an option for those GPUs, which makes the fact that we couldn't get an answer intriguing.
Performance-wise, the 24-inch iMac fared about as well as the Velocity Micro ProMagix E2010, an equivalently configured PC that costs $1,299 but whose price doesn't include a display. We found few surprises in its results. Photoshop on the Mac OS X still suffers from the fact that it has to run in a special emulation mode, but the iMac's mobile Core 2 Duo chip and the added memory help things along. Macs are still the kings of iTunes encoding performance, and we were even encouraged by the iMac's Quake 4 scores; its 66.5 frames per second at 1,024x768 (a solid, if forgiving resolution) means that you actually can have a respectable gaming experience on the iMac. Dell's XPS 410 won on many tests, likely because of its higher-end processor and graphics chip, but compared to the nearly identical Velocity Micro system, the iMac held its own. You won't be disappointed with its day-to-day performance.
The large screen, the updated GPUs, and the expanded online configuration options are the major added features of the 24-inch iMac. Of the new models, it's also the only one to include a FireWire 800 port, which Apple hopes will make it appealing to professional designers who need fast access to external hard drive data. Apple also expanded the audio output to support both analog and digital connections. As with past iMacs and Mac Minis, the 24-inch model comes with the latest version of OS X, Front Row and the accompanying remote for navigating your digital media, and the iLife '06 software suite for organizing and manipulating your digital photos. Before making a purchase, you might consider that Leopard, Apple's next version of its operating system, will come out in the spring of 2007, but we don't find that pending release a deal breaker.
For support, Apple remains behind the rest of the industry. The default plan gets you a year of hardware parts-and-labor coverage but only 90 days of phone support. For an additional $249, you can bump both the warranty and the phone support to three years via the AppleCare Protection Plan. Apple's forums continue to provide a wealth of product help, and Apple's own support page also has a decent amount of information.
Adobe Photoshop CS2 image-processing test (in seconds) (Shorter bars indicate better performance)
System configurations: Apple iMac Core 2 Duo (17-inch)
OS X 10.4.7; 1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5600; 512MB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz; integrated 64MB Intel GMA 950 graphics chip; 160GB Western Digital 7,200rpm Serial ATA hard drive
Apple iMac Core 2 Duo (24-inch)
OS X 10.4.7.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7400; 1GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 128MB (dedicated) Nvidia GeForce 7300 GT graphics chip; 250GB 7,200rpm Serial ATA hard drive;
Dell XPS 410
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 SP2; 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E6600; 2,048MB DDR2 SDRAM 800MHz; 256MB Nvidia GeForce 7900 GS; (2) Western Digital 300GB 10,000rpm Serial ATA hard drive; Nvidia Nforce RAID class controller (RAID 1)
Sony VAIO VGC-LS1
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 SP2; 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo T2400; 2GB DDR2-SDRAM 533MHz; integrated 128MB (shared) Intel 945GM graphics chip; 250GB Western Digital 7,200rpm Serial ATA hard drive
Velocity Micro ProMagix E2010
Windows XP Professional SP2; 2.13GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E6400; 1,024MB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz; 256MB Nvidia GeForce 7600 GS; 320GB Western Digital 7,200prm Serial ATA hard drive
Intro:
The Apple iMAC Core 2 Duo (24-inch, 2.16GHz) is a Core 2 Duo-based, performance personal computer.Compared to other performance desktops on the market, it is midpriced at around $2,295.This unit also comes with a 24-inch flat panel display supporting 1920 x 1200 resolution.This system comes with 1 GB RAM, and a 250GB hard disk.
Noteworthy Features:
Has a DVD? RW(+ R DL) disc drive.The Core 2 Duo based processor installed on this machine is fast enough to handle demanding applications, such as digital video.
Weaker Features:
Only has a nVidia GeForce 7300 GT graphics chip, which is somewhat less desirable than some similarly priced desktops.
Suitability:
Suited for those who want a powerful computer for multimedia or power-hungry applications.Also comes with office-grade word processing software -- fine for most serious business or academic document authors.However, store massive amounts of data on DVD using the DVD burner included in this computer.You can archive videos, photos, audio clips, and all the email from your cousin onto CDs for easy storage with the included CD writer.
Value:
In general, this desktop has great features for the money.Also, note that the purchase price also includes a 24-inch flat panel display.(Click here to see current prices and the latest reviews.)
Suggestions:
(1) Using this PC's Firewire (1394) port, you can connect to many digital camcorders and other equipment and rapidly upload data to the computer's hard drive.(2) If you plan to be playing the latest 3-D games, you may want to invest in a more powerful video card from NVidia or ATI, which are popular with the gaming community (requires an open AGP or PCIe slot).
10 out of 10 - Perfect Wait one damn minute..
You know I find some to be short sighted. C|Net stated that it will not be upgradeable. Where do ...
You know I find some to be short sighted. C|Net stated that it will not be upgradeable. Where do they get these reviewers?
Okay I will give him the benefit that he may have misspoke. The Blu-Ray and the HD/DVD will be able to be used with the iMac through the external case via FireWire or USB 2.0
I wanted to give the rating of 9.5 due to the mighty mouse not being able to shoot the sniper rifle in FarCry. But I rounded up.. The machine deserves a 10. I just bought a inexpensive mouse for FarCry and now I can snipe away.
C|Net needs to spend the time to find the answers instead of pulling them out of there.. You know what I mean.
Windows XP runs perfect in Boot Camp and Parallels. You can even run Windows apps in OS X without Windows. Now that is funny. All you do is click on the application like Word and CodeWeavers "Cross Over Mac" takes care of the rest. No need to really install Windows.
The real thing I would point out is after using OS X for a few days I really find no reason to ever use Windows again. OS X runs perfect and is much more enjoyable then Windows ever was in the past. I can do more productive things in OS X then Windows and also most replacement software like OpenOffice.org is free. No more paying hundreds of dollars on Microsoft Office.
I think the game is over. Two machines in one. Microsoft just has no innovation going for them in the last 5 years.
I used to own a Dell laptop until Apple introduced the Intel Based Macs.
Good-Bye Windows. You are only good for the occasional game, and that is becoming few and far between due to the iLife suite that comes free with the Mac. I find myself enjoying producing pictures and videos more then games.
Read more
by ispsec (see profile) -
September 12, 2006
I would ...
My goal is to share my personal experience/opinions on converting from a PC (Win) to a MAC.
I would consider myself a medium user of a computer. Focused on, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, email/ contact mgmt, internet, 1,000's of digital photos, home movies and building a personal website.
First off, the Mac construction and hardware is top notch. My wife couldn't believe how many cords our old PC has versus the new MAC. One minor grip on this note, I opted for the wireless keyboard / mouse option and as such there is not easy access to USB ports for ipods etc (Apple put one underneath the monitor).
The OS system took about three days to get use too. I would say the pros out weigh the cons to a Windows. Example - I like being able to drag a software application to the trash can and not worry about residual files not being deleted like on a MAC. The finder function is incredible fast. Renaming files, pictures, etc... is a bit cumbersome.
I had no trouble hooking up to my wireless network and working with my other PC / Xbox.
The only real compliant I have about the conversion is around the contact mgmt software. Apple's email and address software are for very light users. I consider it Junk really. For the time being I am using MS Entourage for email (might convert to thunderbird). Getting Outlook files to a Mac took some research; I found a $10 program to convert the files (called little machines O2M). getting files to attach via the email function is not a right click like in Windows. In my mind the contact mgmt software is the only real let down I have with the Mac.
Iphoto is great for organizing your photos, took a while to get use to the filing system.
Ichat is good
Safari junk, replace it with Firefox and you will be set
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Absolutely Awesome
This is an upgrade for me from an iMac G4 17". I really haven't been all that thrilled with ...
This is an upgrade for me from an iMac G4 17". I really haven't been all that thrilled with the current form factor for iMacs because of the "chin". On the 24", its balanced out and I've found the chin a nice place to stick post-it notes.
This 24" iMac is just terrific. The "transfer" process of moving everything from my old system to the new one via Firewire worked flawlessly, and I was up and running in about 45 minutes. I didn't ever feel like I was in the "dark ages" with the old system until using this new one for just one day. What a difference - its fast, incredibly bright, and things I thought "frivolous" like the remote and iSight are really quite cool. The standard 1gig of memory seems more than adequate for the applications I use most (Quark, Freehand, Photoshop, Word, Excel) and I may not have to upgrade the memory afterall - I'll have to see - but so for, so good. This system really has a lot of value for the money.
Read more
by MW1670 (see profile) -
September 19, 2006
8 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 out of 10 - Perfect only computer anyone will ever need
This is the best computer ive ever used, i can run anything i want with bootcamp, but i mostly use ...
This is the best computer ive ever used, i can run anything i want with bootcamp, but i mostly use tiger, windows is only good for occasional games (7600 GT is great). In my opinion cnet is biast toward gaming computers with overpriced graphics like Nvidia 7950, who needs that, its unpractical, unless ur some geek who can't stop playing games and you absoultly need to constantly play games at the highest resolution, the average, midrange card is fine. i highly recommend this to anyone who has a large media library. My media library is over 60GB and in OSX i can run all kinds of appliacations at once with little or no slowdown. Also front row is great. i you want a tv tuner u can get one from elagto(usb tuner) with eyeTV software. In my opinion the is the only computer anyone would ever need. If ur on a buget check out 17" imac or mac mini.
Read more
by matt_marz (see profile) -
September 19, 2006
7 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 out of 10 - Perfect You're concerned about optical drive upgradablility in an all-in-one?!
The reviewer specifically said "Apple hasn't really annouced an association yet [for Blu-ray or HD-DVD] but when or if ...
The reviewer specifically said "Apple hasn't really annouced an association yet [for Blu-ray or HD-DVD] but when or if they do you'll be out of luck". Funny considering it's not just uninformed, but completly false, honestly where do these guys come from? If you take a 30-second journey over to blu-raydisc dot com click 'about' then 'supporting companies', Apple is listed on the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, are there two "Apple" companies in the computer or electronics industry??? So fix the review, Apple is in the Blu-ray camp. Second, ever heard of external CD/DVD/Anything drives?? Is there some conspiracy that will prohibit anyone from selling an external Blu-ray or HD-DVD drive? Did this reviewer do ANY home work before he reviewed this product?!
Read more
by octane (see profile) -
September 15, 2006
10 out of 10 - Perfect Wow, Seriously.
I cannot believe that CNET cut this system down based on the fact that it "isn't upgradeable" to HD-DVD ...
I cannot believe that CNET cut this system down based on the fact that it "isn't upgradeable" to HD-DVD or Bluray. Two seconds later they mention that it has a firewire 800 unit (practically as fast as IDE)...
I would not be surprised at all if an external drive for fire800 became available. NOT THAT YOU WOULD EVEN WANT SUCH A THING. This is a nice computer... why, oh why, would you stress out about the HD-Gimmick.
This unit clearly merits the highest score ever granted to a consumer grade computer. It is unacceptable to not give it highmarks.
I'm just trying to keep it objective: Is it useful (check), is it convenient (check), is it fast (check!), is it desirable (check), is it absolutely amazing and unlike anything previously available (absolutely!).
Don't kid yourselves, the new iMacs range from the best deal available (the 17" at $900) to the best available prosumer computer (the 24").
Peace out!
Just to think that this is much faster than most G5 towers... amazing.
Read more
by jb16ostos (see profile) -
September 14, 2006
4 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 out of 10 - Perfect Perfect. Apple did it again
I had my low end eMAc for 3 years now, and i had no problem with it. I NEVER UPGRADED ...
I had my low end eMAc for 3 years now, and i had no problem with it. I NEVER UPGRADED IT!!!
so i think that this iMac will last many years, and if you feel like upgrading you can always buy an external Blu Ray drive.
Read more
by gergo_s (see profile) -
September 16, 2006
3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 out of 10 - Perfect Awesome simply awesome
i am not a professional just wanted a computer for home and small office works. But i big time Gadget ...
i am not a professional just wanted a computer for home and small office works. But i big time Gadget freak , i had been following mac devlopments for a while now. And this machine is so so awesome , using such a fast computer is a true pleasure , no flaw , affcourse i see viewers review if there was a space for taking additional memory cards. but Every application on ilife is awesome. I got I works bye bye Ms Office , max i intend to download neo office from neooffice.com and i am done. why waste money when best things in life are free. i live in a country where its almost 1000 usd more then US but my love for this computer is never ending . Just a little scared they gonna come up with Quad. core soon and mine dual core will be discontinued but i am sure apple computers can last really long. i have old G3 laptop it still works perfect for simple daily jobs plus browsing. what more do we want. PC making companies just want users to buy computer and stop using it in few years and buy again new. its a shame PC users dont know what mac can offer them but i guess in due course Apple will gain major market share.
Read more
by harpreetschawla (see profile) -
October 15, 2006
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
3 out of 10 - Poor No LED backlighting!
I still cannot believe that Apple, after all of their hooplah regarding how environmentally-friendly they are, decided to release this ...
I still cannot believe that Apple, after all of their hooplah regarding how environmentally-friendly they are, decided to release this otherwise elegant machine with CFL backlighting as opposed to the LED backlighting which they claimed to be moving to. Thanks for the continued lead content, Apple.
Read more
by OscarWeb (see profile) -
September 18, 2007
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 out of 10 - Perfect One perfect machine
The 24 inch iMac is by far the best computer I have ever owned. Before purchasing the 24 inch iMac ...
The 24 inch iMac is by far the best computer I have ever owned. Before purchasing the 24 inch iMac last year I had previously owned 3 windows pcs. At first I was a little nervous about going to mac's because I didn't know alot about them. So I walked into the Apple Store in Atlanta, GA and once I saw this beauty and played around with it I was sold. The apple guys showed me some basics of the operating system and once I brought it home, I took it out the box and it was up and running within 5 minutes. I have never had fun with a computer until I used a mac. If your thinking about getting a mac vs. a pc, please, don't think another moment about it. once you go mac you won't go back Read more
by iMac24 (see profile) -
May 12, 2007
Gigabit Ethernet,
Ethernet,
Fast Ethernet,
IEEE 802.11b,
IEEE 802.11g,
Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
Compliant Standards
IEEE 802.11b,
Bluetooth 2.0,
IEEE 802.11g
Printer
Type
None
Expansion / Connectivity
Expansion Slots Total (Free)
2 ( 0 ) x Memory - SO DIMM 200-pin
Interfaces
1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire),
3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A,
1 x Audio - Line-in - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
1 x Audio - SPDIF output/headphones - Mini-phone 3.5 mm / TOSLINK,
1 x Display / video - Apple mini-DVI,
1 x IEEE 1394b (FireWire 800) - 9 pin FireWire 800
Hide
Watch product review video
Show