Apple iMac (24-inch, 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, Winter 2009)
Manufacturer: Apple Part number: MB420LL/A
- CNET Editor rating: Not yet rated
- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 3 reviews
- More product information:
- Editors' blog post
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Description:
- The all-new, all-in-one iMac packs a complete, high-performance computer into a beautifully thin design. It includes built-in wireless, Mac OS X, and the iLife '08. So within minutes of opening the box, you'll be doing everything from sharing photos to creating movies and building websites.
Where to buy
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CNET editors' blog post
By Rich Brown, 03/03/09
(Credit:
Apple)
Editors' Note: As of October 20, 2009, the iMac reviewed here has been replaced by 27-inch iMac models.
In addition to updating its Mac Minis this morning, Apple has new iMacs. Each of the four default models received an update, so we'll break them out below list-style for convenience, with new specs in bold.
$1,199 iMac
- 2.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
- 2GB 1,066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
- 320GB hard drive
- 256MB (shared) Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics chip
- 20-inch LCD
$1,499 iMac
- 2.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
- 4GB 1,066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
- 640GB hard drive
- 256MB (shared) Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics chip
- 24-inch LCD
$1,799 iMac
- 2.93GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
- 4GB 1,066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
- 640GB hard drive
- 256MB Nvidia GeForce GTS 120 graphics chip
- 24-inch LCD
$2,199 iMac
- 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
- 4GB 1,066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
- 1TB hard drive
- 512MB Nvidia GeForce GTS 130 graphics chip
- 24-inch LCD
As you can see from all of that bold text, this is a sweeping update across the entire iMac line. A few specs stand out, though. At $1,499, the 24-inch model is the most affordable all-in-one at that screen size from a major desktop vendor in the U.S. The larger hard drives are, of course, also welcome, and the roster of Nvidia graphics chips--in particular the higher-end models with dedicated GPUs--improve the iMacs' outlook for video editing as well as gaming. No other all-in-one approaches those specs at their corresponding prices right now.
(Credit:
Apple)
We're glad to see the iMacs' CPU clock speed go up almost across the board as well, but Apple has also left itself vulnerable by sticking with dual-core CPUs. We'd agree that dual-core chips are generally preferable for single application performance, but quad-core excels at multitasking. Both Sony and Dell offer quad-core chips in their all-in-ones, and we suspect they'll play up that advantage as they refresh their own lines.
As with the Mac Minis, the new iMacs also come with updated ports on the back side. You get the typical USB 2.0 jacks, FireWire 800 output, and Gigabit Ethernet, but the Mini DVI port has been replaced by a Mini DisplayPort. As Mini DisplayPort is unique to Apple displays right now, you'll need to purchase an adapter if you want to connect a standard DVI monitor, at least until other monitor vendors catch up.
User reviews
-
-
Powerful iMac
by milea on May 17, 2009
Pros: + Great 24" H-IPS TFT display
+ The best design on it's class
+ nVidia GT130 on mac is more powerfull than GT130 for PC
+ Standart 4GB SO-DIMM DDR3 RAM
+ Very quiet
+ Very fast WD Caviar Black 1TB HDDCons: - No Core 2 Quad or I7 processor for 2200$
- No numeric pad on keyboard
- No remote control in st. cofiguration
- Only RAM can be replaced easily
- eSata will be much better than Firewire 800
- Mighty mouse
- No Blu-Ray option for optical driveSummary: The best designed machine on market. The only dissapointing about this iMac is that is doesn't have option for more than 2 core processor. 3.06GHz Core 2 Duo ...
Summary: The best designed machine on market. The only dissapointing about this iMac is that is doesn't have option for more than 2 core processor. 3.06GHz Core 2 Duo is very fast processor, but one quad core processor will be much better for mac that worth 2200$. nVidia GT130 is interesting card, i think is a special model for iMac, specifications is more like GT9800m GS than GT130. WD Caviar Black is great choice, it's one of the fastest hard drives with 7200rpm. Display on this Mac is fantastic, it have a expencive H-IPS TFT matrix and is very bright, and don't have very big problems with reflection. Keyboard is great, but it lacks num pad in standart configuration, but iMac can be purschated with full size keyboard with no extra cost.
BTW this iMac is great2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Powerful computer but lacks some basic features
by freedomtoren on September 30, 2009
Pros: Large hard drive standard (1TB), large screen, powerful integrated graphics card upgrade option (ATI Radeon HD 4850), Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 preintalled with iLife included, 4GB of fast triple-channel memory standard.
Cons: Expensive, Core 2 Duo proccesor too slow and outdated for this desktop class, 8GB RAM upgrade option is $1,000, no HDMI input, no card reader, no Blu-Ray support
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Best all in one ever
by Yelonde on September 27, 2009
Pros: Very nice product, and semi-portable. I can carry this computer around from place to place, and not have to worry about accessories. The graphics are nice (I have the radeon 4850 HD), good speed for ram, very snappy performance, nice display.
Cons: 3.06 GHZ is great for a dual core, but I prefer a quad core. The DDR3 1066 MHZ ram is very expensive, an 8 gig upgrade costs an additional $1000. The display cannot be used as an external monitor (only software solutions).
Summary: The iMac is one of the best computers around. As an all-in-one of course, I can take it to places without worrying to much about accessories. This computer has been ...
Summary: The iMac is one of the best computers around. As an all-in-one of course, I can take it to places without worrying to much about accessories. This computer has been very fast; I do not have to wait for programs to render, start-up, play, etc. As a cartoon animator, the screen gives me the resolution I need to see all the details. The colors are very bright.
This computer is very game-capable. With the 4850 HD graphics, it is capable of playing crysis at high and very high settings smoothly, and I often play crysis using windows when I have the time. I recommend that if anyone buys this computer, they get the radeon 4850 HD over the GT130. The Radeon graphics are much faster, (nearly twice as fast in games like crysis), and the graphics upgrade is only $50 more.
Finally, the OS is very stable, and allows me to do what I want, so there is no compromise as far as performance, UI, and user-friendliness goes. As before, I can easily switch over to windows via bootcamp, or run it on OSX in vmware fusion.
So overall, this is a very good computer, if you are willing to spend 2 grand for it. It is very fast, a great gaming machine, and very good for graphics, animation, and art.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Apple
- Part number: MB420LL/A
- Description: The all-new, all-in-one iMac packs a complete, high-performance computer into a beautifully thin design. It includes built-in wireless, Mac OS X, and the iLife '08. So within minutes of opening the box, you'll be doing everything from sharing photos to creating movies and building websites.
General
- Type Personal computer
- Product Form Factor All-in-one
- Built-in Devices Camera, Antenna, Stereo speakers, Infrared receiver
- Width 22.4 in
- Depth 8.1 in
- Height 20.5 in
- Weight 25.4 lbs
- Desktop type All-in-one desktop system, Monitor included
Processor
- Type Intel Core 2 Duo 3.06 GHz
- Multi-Core processor technology Dual-Core
- 64-bit processor Yes
- Installed Qty 1
- Max processors supported 1
Cache Memory
- Type L2 cache
- Installed Size 6 MB
- Cache Per Processor 6 MB
Mainboard
- Data bus speed 1066 MHz
Environmental Parameters
- Environmental standards EPA Energy Star, EPEAT Gold
- Min operating temperature 50 °F
- Max operating temperature 95 °F
- Operating humidity range 5 - 95%
RAM
- Installed Size 4 GB / 8 GB (max)
- Technology DDR3 SDRAM
- Memory Speed 1066 MHz
- Memory Specification Compliance PC3-8500
- Form Factor SO DIMM 204-pin
- Configuration Features 2 x 2 GB
Storage Controller
- Type 1 x Serial ATA - Integrated
- Controller interface type Serial ATA-300
Storage
- Floppy drive type None
- Hard Drive 1 x 1 TB - Standard - Serial ATA-300 - 7200 rpm
- Hard Drive (2nd) None
- Hard Drive (3rd) None
Optical Storage
- Type DVD±RW (±R DL)
- CD / DVD read speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD)
- CD / DVD write speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD±R) / 4x (DVD±R DL)
- CD / DVD rewrite speed 16x (CD) / 6x (DVD-RW) / 8x (DVD+RW)
Optical Storage (2nd)
- Type None
Storage Removable
- Type None
Monitor
- Monitor Type LCD display - TFT active matrix
- Diagonal Size 24 in
- Max Resolution 1920 x 1200
- Widescreen Display Yes
- Image Brightness 385 cd/m2
- Image Contrast Ratio 750:1
Graphics Controller
- Type PCI Express x16
- Graphics Processor / Vendor NVIDIA GeForce GT 130
- Video Memory 512 MB GDDR3 SDRAM
- Digital Video Standard Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
Audio Output
- Type Sound card - Integrated
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Speaker(s) 2 x Right / left channel
Keyboard
- Keyboard interface USB
- Keyboard features Built-in two USB 2.0 ports
Input Device
- Type Mouse, Keyboard
Mouse
- Mouse technology Optical
- Mouse interface USB
Telecom
- Modem None
Audio Input
- Type Microphone
Networking
- Networking Network adapter - Integrated
- Wireless LAN Supported Yes
- Data Link Protocol Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 2.1 EDR, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
- Features AirPort Extreme ready
- Compliant Standards IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Bluetooth 2.1, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Expansion / Connectivity
- Expansion Slots Total (Free) 2 ( 0 ) x Memory - SO DIMM 204-pin
- Interfaces 1 x Display / video - Apple mini-DisplayPort, 1 x IEEE 1394b (FireWire 800) - 9 pin FireWire 800, 4 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A, 1 x Audio - SPDIF output/headphones - Mini-phone 3.5 mm / TOSLINK, 1 x Audio - SPDIF input/line-in - Mini-phone 3.5 mm / TOSLINK, 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45, 1 x Remote control - Infrared
Printer
- Type None
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Cleaning cloth
- Features 802.11a/b/g/n Wireless LAN, Camera, Bluetooth 2.1
Power
- Power device type Power supply
- Voltage Required AC 120/230 V
- Power provided 280 Watt
Operating System / Software
- OS Provided Apple MacOS X 10.5
- Software Front Row, Apple iCal, Apple iChat, Photo Booth, Apple Safari, Apple Spaces, Apple iTunes, Apple Dashboard, Apple QuickTime, Apple Spotlight, Apple iLife '09, Apple DVD Player, Apple Quick Look, Apple Address Book, Apple Time Machine, Apple Mac OS X Mail, Apple XCode Developer Tools
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year, Technical support - Phone consulting - 90 days
Sustainability
- EPA Energy Star Compliant Yes
- EPEAT Compliant EPEAT Gold
- Greenpeace policy rating (Sept 2009) 4.9
Product series
-
Apple iMac (24-inch, 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, Winter 2009)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (3.06 GHz), 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM, 1 TB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce GT 130, EPA Energy Star, EPEAT Gold, Apple MacOS X 10.5, Personal computer
-
Apple iMac (24-inch, 2.93GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, Winter 2009)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.93 GHz), 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM, 640 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce GT 120, EPA Energy Star, EPEAT Gold, Apple MacOS X 10.5, Personal computer
-
Apple iMac (24-inch, 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, Winter 2009)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.66 GHz), 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM, 640 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M, EPA Energy Star, EPEAT Gold, Apple MacOS X 10.5, Personal computer
-
Apple iMac (20-inch, 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, Winter 2009)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.66 GHz), 2 GB DDR3 SDRAM, 320 GB Standard, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M, EPA Energy Star, EPEAT Gold, Apple MacOS X 10.5, Personal computer
Accessories
- Apple AirPort Express Base Station (30910240)139.99
- Logitech Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser for Mac (31661183)229.99
- Apple iWork '08 (32564562)66.99
- ATI TV Wonder HD 650 Combo USB for MAC - ATSC HDTV / QAM receiver / analog TV / video input adapter - Hi-Speed USB (32852839)113.99
- Kingston memory - 8 GB ( 2 x 4 GB ) - SO DIMM 204-pin - DDR3 (33508861)705.59 - 980.00
- Logitech G19 (33485079)169.99 - 199.99
- Saitek Cyborg Keyboard keyboard (33073269)63.61 - 79.95
- OCZ Alchemy Series Elixir II Keyboard - keyboard (33625258)18.00 - 18.05
- Cherry J86-4400 Vandal-proof Keyboard - keyboard , trackball (33518924)356.40 - 358.43
- Apple Mighty Mouse (31470406)37.77 - 49.00
- Logitech V220 Cordless Optical Mouse for Notebooks (32481206)20.55 - 29.99
- Logitech Performance Mouse MX (33769469)84.99 - 109.99
- Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse (32554802)55.99 - 69.99
- Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 8000 - mouse (32062182)49.00 - 84.99
- HP Deskjet D1560 - printer - color - ink-jet (33019326)99.99 - 189.99
Manufacturer info
- Apple
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Apple products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.apple.com
- Address:
One Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014 - Phone: 1-408-996-1010
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