I like seeing Apple actually giving the iMac some decent performance...
The move to 1.9 (not 1.7 like the article states) or 2.1 GHz G5s was a typical boost, but the real improvements include the 512MB DDR2 by default, decently large hard drives and the move to both a solid video card (128MB X600) and PCI Express (vs. PCI-X). This time around, the build to order order upgrades aren't outrageously expensive, either (well, not all of them at least.) Bumping up to 1GB RAM for $100 or 1.5GB for $200, while more expensive than do-it-yourself, isn't at all out of line with other manfacturers... they still need some work on the $1200 option to upgrade to 2.5GB, however.
A couple things I found unusual were the inclusion of a wired kb/mouse when Bluetooth is installed by default, and the software packaging. You can add things like iWork or FinalCut Express for their normal prices, yet you don't get the boxes, manuals, etc. I'd understand it if they were offering software bundles discounted with the iMac, but if I'm going to pay full price, I'll take the full boxed version, thank you...
The theme of the day in San Jose today was thin. In addition to the new iPod with video playback, Apple used today’s "One More Thing" media event in San Jose to announce revisions to it’s all-in-one iMac line.
The new iMac is more than just a speed bump though. Even though it’s got faster 1.7 and 2.1GHz G5 processors and more RAM—it’s now much thinner too. In fact, the new 20-inch iMac is thinner than the 17-inch model it replaces. Another bonus is the built-in iSight video camera (that tiny pinhole above the display bezel) and a wafer-thin six-button remote control that looks like a recycled iPod shuffle.
The built-in iSight video camera is great for video conferencing with iChat and you can use it as a virtual Photo Booth with Apple’s namesake software. The new Photo Booth application takes still pictures that can be emailed or used as your buddy icon and includes a bunch of display effects out of the box. No word yet on whether you’ll be able to use the software with an original iSight camera.
The most interesting component of the new iMac is the included Front Row remote control that turns the iMac into a media center, allowing you to easily switch between music, movies, photos and DVDs—then back to your computer desktop.
The new iMac ships with built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (802.11g), Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, 8x SuperDrive and Mighty Mouse standard. The 17-inch costs $1299 and the 20-inch $1699, both are available now.
