Manage updates with the Download AppApple iMac G5 (2.1GHz, 20-inch)
Manufacturer: Apple Part number: MA064LL/A
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Apple iMac G5 gets trimmer and cheaper as it ups its performance and adds a handful of multimedia features, resulting in an all-around first-rate home PC.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memory4Less.com | Not yet rated | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/18/2013 Refurbished |
CNET editors' review
Apple iMac G5 (2.1GHz, 20-inch) price range: $1,279.39
- Reviewed by: Troy Dreier
- Edited by: Rich Brown
- Reviewed on: 11/15/2005
- Released on: 10/12/2005
The good: Built-in iSight camera for videoconferencing and photos; remote control and Front Row software let you enjoy media from across the room; faster and cheaper than past models.
The bad: TV missing from Front Row media application; can't adjust the height of the screen; expandability limited to adding RAM; only 90 days of phone support.
The bottom line: The Apple iMac G5 gets trimmer and cheaper as it ups its performance and adds a handful of multimedia features, resulting in an all-around first-rate home PC.
User reviews
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awesome deal, not yet quite the media center pc
by mynis on October 15, 2005
Pros: excelent upgrades, front row is awesome, slimmer design
Cons: no tv input, mighty mouse and key board should be wireless
Summary: 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 ...
Summary: 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.24 out of 25 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Perfect, awesome, spectacular
by skillzmilloy on October 29, 2005
Pros: Beautiful screen, great with media, the remote and front row are really cool, the most simple machine with great design.
Cons: A bit expensive but you won't regret it as no one else does. If you are a gamer you could get a PC that would do better for much less.
Summary: 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 ...
Summary: 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.
[Edited by: admin]16 out of 16 users found this user opinion helpful.
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How mainstream PCs should be built!
by Jonathan F on December 10, 2005
Pros: Quiet, minimalist, beautiful, surprisingly quick
Cons: Video could be faster; not expandable beyond RAM
Summary: 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, ...
Summary: 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.8 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I just switched from PC to Mac
by polakmaly on January 5, 2006
Pros: Prestige, simplicity and everything an OS should be
Cons: Feeling a bit lost, like in a world 10 years in the future
Summary: This review might bring nothing new to the previous MAC users, but if you are a PC user, and need a little push towards switching to MAC, here are my ...
Summary: This review might bring nothing new to the previous MAC users, but if you are a PC user, and need a little push towards switching to MAC, here are my first impressions. Bottom line: don't be fooled to buy another PC!
I went to Future Shop (a Canadian cousin of Best Buy) to buy a 17-inch PC laptop for my wife (she has an old Dell Inspiron 8100) and I ended up buying the iMac G5.
While I was playing with the PC laptops (the more you test them, the more they look the same) two salesmen were playing with the iMAC, they were connecting a bluetooth phone, and downloading some MP3s. Since I have a bloetooh phone too, so I went over there closer, and the iMac quickly detected my phone. Hey, got my attention here, mr Apple! I just watched on the side amazed at the graphical fluidity of this futuristic operating system, about which I heard many great gossips in the past.
While still in the store, I quickly surfed to cnet to get a quick rating, and with the score 8 and over, 10 minutes later I was the proud owner of the white box.
For car maniacs, this is a 2006 White Range Rover of automobiles (the prestige of driving and the feeling of owning one is the same as this iMAC).
The initial configuration and installation was quick, about ten times faster as a new PC (my estimated impression). My wireless network was automatically detected and set up before I even thought about setting up internet. And then I tried to download and set up Firefox, because I am not familiar with Safari. All was mysteriously simple. I don't even know how it happened, but my Firefox was already up and running.
I inserted a DVD in the slot on the side, and tested the little remote control. The image quality of the DVD movie (a Disney animation) was less than perfect, but I imagine it was the fault of the DVD, and not the screen. The 20-inch screen is bright and clear. 1680x1050.
I could continue raving about the superiority of the X operating system, but I leave it to you to discover what you were missing all these years.
In conclusion, for me, it's two huge steps forward: 1=great machine, 2=great Operating System.
And while I write this review, my wife connected the Canon Powershot S80 digital camera to the usb port on the keyboard. She then clicked on the camera icon, and downloads images. Forget Picasa (which I always thought was the best for PC). Click Play, and the iMac plays a background music, and the photos are professionally animated for a stunning slideshow!
Tomorrow, I go back to the Future Shop to buy another iMac G5 for myself. I can't go back to the prehistoric age of my Dell Inspiron 8600.
And because the G5 is cheaper than any good laptop, I will also save a few bucks!
Can I be happier?5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This will make the copycats extra busy
by zolas on October 18, 2005
Pros: Builtin video camera, front row, and just enough buttons on the remote for anyone to operate it
Cons: Steve said it. We will waist a hell of a lot of productivity playing with photo booth.
Summary: 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 ...
Summary: 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.
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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1 Step Forward - 2 Steps Back
by iAero on January 9, 2006
Pros: Front Row, iSight, Sleeker
Cons: 1 Ram Slot, Less Accessability
Summary: 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 ...
Summary: 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.5 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Improved an already stunning computer.
by nickstearns on November 17, 2005
Pros: Apple quality, high performance, stylish, great Customer Service.
Cons: They ain't free.
Summary: 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 ...
Summary: 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.
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Like other people have said...
by MidniteRaider on October 18, 2005
Pros: Front Row is interesting, iSight is a nice bonus.
Cons: Still comes with corded keyboard and mouse. Wish they would take an iPod approach and make glossy black ones also.
Summary: 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 ...
Summary: 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.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The most beautiful mac ever!!!!!!!!
by Juanchito_2006 on October 16, 2005
Pros: A thinnier design, more power and iSight at the same cost as the same cost before!
Cons: They're hard to find in my country (Colombia) and I'd wait for the next year for the Intel processors.
Summary: 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 ...
Summary: 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.
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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iCame, iSight, iMac
by Paulus89 on November 17, 2005
Pros: integrated iSight, new front row w/ remote, faster G5 processor
Cons: No TV tuner (could be a good thing).
Summary: I formerly used a Mac mini but wanted a little more power so I opted for the new 17" iMac G5 with iSight. I thought it would have been easy ...
Summary: I formerly used a Mac mini but wanted a little more power so I opted for the new 17" iMac G5 with iSight. I thought it would have been easy to purchase this over the better 20" model, as my local Apple store didn't have it in stock...until the day I went in! I have to say that I am very glad I opted for the 20" model. The iSight is great, Photobooth is pretty fun, and the large, widescreen display is beautiful. Contrary to what you might read in the Cnet review about having to open the case to upgrade the ram, a door between the two speakers pops off and the memory slides right in. Front Row is nice, but has a few bugs to work out - doesn't scroll song titles, doesn't pick up where you left off in a video, etc. The lack of the TV tuner wasn't really a primary concern to me, but when I realized that it is something I want I decided to go with Elgato's EyeTV 200 - an external tuner and mpeg-2 encoder that allows you to watch and record TV and burn it on to DVD using Toast 7 titanium. There is also an option both online and in the retail store to buy a wireless keyboard and mouse rather than the wired versions for a slight increase in price. The graphics and performance on this machine are great, the benchmarks say it all..blows my old Mac mini out of the water. Despite a few basic flaws in Front Row which'll surely be corrected in a Software Update or two from now, this computer is perfect.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Apple
- Part number: MA064LL/A
- Description: The new iMac G5 is more streamlined than even its earlier incarnation - thinner around its edges and noticeably lighter. Though it neatly conceals an extraordinary range of features that enhance your digital life, the new iMac G5 is one computer you won't want to conceal in your home. It's simply stunning - even when you're not using it. The iSight camera is built right into iMac's display, ready to spring into action when you want to snap a picture or video chat with friends around the world. The simple six-button Apple Remote gives you control over your music, movies and photos from anywhere in the room - and it stows away neatly (and magnetically) on the side of your iMac when not on. An array of rear ports make it easy to connect your iPod or just about any other digital device. Though it's hard to believe, iMac's slim shape contains everything from the power supply (no unsightly power brick to deal with) to a pair of high-quality speakers for beautiful stereo sound. The battle over desktop clutter is over - and you won. iMac G5 may be svelte, but it's no lightweight when it comes to performance. There's more than enough horsepower to satisfy your digital life's every demand. Enjoy your music, record a song, edit a movie, enhance photos, videoconference with friends, play power-hungry games - all with uncompromising performance. Now that Mighty Mouse is standard with every model, you'll feel iMac power right down to your fingertips. You get the programmability of a four-button mouse in an unexpectedly simple design - along with the power of the revolutionary Scroll Ball. Scroll up, scroll down, even scroll diagonally within a document without lifting a finger. See all your open windows with a single squeeze. Or assign other functions to buttons as you wish. Your fingertips have never had it so good.
General
- Desktop type Monitor included,
All-in-one desktop system - Packaged Quantity 1
- Type Personal computer
- Product Form Factor All-in-one
- Built-in Devices Antenna,
Stereo speakers Processor / Chipset
- Type PowerPC G5 2.1 GHz
- CPU Qty 1
- Max CPU Qty 1
- Front Side Bus 533 MHz
Cache Memory
- Installed Size L2 cache - 512 KB
- Cache Per Processor 512 KB
RAM
- Installed Size 512 MB,
2.5 GB (max) - Technology DDR II SDRAM
- Memory Speed 533 MHz
- Memory Specification Compliance PC2-4200
Environmental Parameters
- Environmental standards EPA Energy Star
- Min Operating Temperature 50 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 95 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 5 - 95%
Hard Drive
- Type HDD
- Capacity 250 GB,
1 - Interface Type Serial ATA,
Serial ATA - Spindle Speed 7200 rpm
Storage Controller
- Type 1 x Serial ATA - Integrated
- Controller Interface Type Serial ATA-150
Storage Controller (2nd)
- Type 1 x IDE - Integrated
- Controller Interface Type IDE/ATA
Optical Storage
- Type DVD±RW (+R DL) - IDE
- Read Speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD)
- Write Speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD±R) / 2.4x (DVD+R DL)
- Rewrite Speed 8x (CD) / 4x (DVD±RW)
Floppy Drive
- Type None
Optical Storage (2nd)
- Type None
Storage Removable
- Type None
Monitor
- Monitor Type LCD
- Diagonal Size 20 in
- Viewable Size 20 in
- Max Resolution 1680 x 1050 ( WSXGA+ )
- Widescreen Display Yes
- Image Brightness 280 cd/m2
- Image Contrast Ratio 800:1
Graphics Controller
- Interface Type PCI Express x16
- Graphics Processor / Vendor ATI Radeon X600 XT
- Video Memory 128 MB,
DDR SDRAM Camera
- Form Factor Integrated
Input Device
- Type Mouse,
Keyboard Audio Output
- Type Integrated
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Speaker(s) 2 x Right / left channel
Keyboard
- Interface USB
- Features Built-in two USB 1.1 ports
Audio Input
- Type Microphone
Telecom
- Modem None
- Max Transfer Rate 56 Kbps
Networking
- Type Integrated
- Wireless LAN Supported Yes
- Data Link Protocol Bluetooth,
Fast Ethernet,
Ethernet,
Gigabit Ethernet,
IEEE 802.11b,
IEEE 802.11g - Compliant Standards IEEE 802.11g,
Bluetooth 2.0,
Wi-Fi CERTIFIED,
IEEE 802.11b Printer
- Type None
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Remote control
Expansion / Connectivity
- Slots 1 Memory
- Interfaces 2 x FireWire,
3 x USB 2.0,
1 x Audio - SPDIF output/headphones,
1 x Audio line-in,
1 x LAN (Gigabit Ethernet),
1 x Display / video Power
- Device Type Power supply
- Power AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
- Power Provided 180 Watt
- Power Consumption Operational 180 Watt
Operating System / Software
- OS Provided Apple MacOS X 10.4
- Software Apple iCal,
Apple QuickTime,
Apple Hardware Test,
Apple Dashboard,
iWork (30 days trial),
Apple Spotlight,
Apple XCode Developer Tools,
Zinio Reader,
Apple iLife '05,
AppleWorks,
Drivers & Utilities,
Apple Address Book,
Apple Sherlock,
Apple Safari,
Apple DVD Player,
Apple iSync,
World Book 2006,
Quicken 2006 for Mac,
Photo Booth,
Front Row,
Apple Mac OS X Mail,
Apple iChat,
Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive,
Nanosaur 2,
Marble Blast Gold Dimensions & Weight
- Width 19.4 in
- Depth 7.4 in
- Height 18.6 in
- Weight 22 lbs
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year,
Technical support - Phone consulting - 90 days Sustainability
- ENERGY STAR Qualified Yes
- Greenpeace policy rating (Nov 2011) 4.6
- Greenpeace policy rating (Nov 2012) 4.5
Accessories
- Klear Screen iKlear Apple Polish Kit - cleaning kit (34705268)17.29 - 20.85
- Apple AirPort Express Base Station (30910240)
- Apple USB Modem - fax / modem (31603217)74.99
- ACP-EP 2GB DDR2 SDRAM Memory Module - 2GB - 266MHz DDR2-533/PC2-4200 - DDR2 SDRAM - 240-pin DIMM (31630820)24.33 - 35.99
- Rain Design iGo Standing Model - system desk stand (31964891)477.50 - 499.00
- Logitech diNovo Mini Keyboard (32784878)115.68 - 168.67
- Intermec keyboard (35058896)478.19 - 517.50
- Kensington Notebook Keypad/Calculator with USB Hub - keypad (34991754)24.00
- Manhattan Numeric - keypad (34564735)10.32
- Unotron SpillSeal Meditech Magic Washable Antimicrobial Keyboard S6000KMT - keyboard (34666150)45.99
- Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 (31485240)33.99 - 63.32
- Logitech Illuminated Keyboard (33264750)60.89 - 117.89
- Razer Lycosa (32640959)69.99 - 94.66
- Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution - keyboard and mouse set (32822577)124.99 - 224.79
- Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro (33300017)229.99
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Apple products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Apple
- Address:
One Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014 - Phone: 1-408-996-1010
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