The new, more mature iMac G4
Written: Mar 24 '02
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Pros: fast, easy to use, tons of multimedia potential, amazing monitor, initial purchase price.
Cons: limited software, limited upgrades, mouse
The Bottom Line: The new iMac G4 can do as much or more than a high-end PC, but the winning element is just the overall coolness of this machine.
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| aknutson's Full Review: Apple Flat Panel iMac 700MHz G4 / 15-in. TFT / 40G... |
Although this is the cheapest computer manufactured by Macintosh (except for the old iMacs), it may still seem expensive to people who are used to $700 PC's, but it is much more than a regular computer. It is the newest iteration of the iMac tradition. Simplicity, innovation and style in a neat and affordable package. Compared to the G4 tower, this iMac is a steal. And when looking at the quality of the computer you are getting, the price is definitely justified. How many budget PC's come with a digital flat-panel monitor and canteloupe-sized case? None. But just a word of warning, do not buy this computer hoping it will be a better PC, buy it hoping it will be a better Mac. That means you will have to give up some internet compatibility, a few of your favorite games, or the Windows OS. But in the end, this computer can simplify and intensify your computing experience if you are willing to sacrifice a bit of convenience.
DESIGN
This is probably one of the strongest points of the new iMac, and it is what separates it from the rest of the computers on the market. Compared to the old model G3, it definitely has a more mature and professional feel to it. The new, ultra-compact base, the chrome monitor support, and that beautiful 15" flat-panel go together to make it a handsome and compact computer. The matching keyboard and Apple Pro optical mouse also look very futuristic, with just the right amount of clear plastic to let you see what's inside.
The monitor, as I'm sure you have heard from other reviewers, seems to "float" in the air, and it is really nice to be able to move it in almost any direction. If there is someone beside you, and you want them to see what's on the screen, you just glide the monitor sideways without switching seats or turning the computer. The new chrome support is also tough and elegant.
The base of the computer is a bit odd shaped, and takes some getting used to, but the size is incredibly small. There are lots of ports and plug-ins at the back for all your digital devices. The power button is a bit hard to find on the back of the computer, but once you get used to it, it is not a problem.
The keyboard and mouse are nice too, although they are not very ergonomic or contoured. The keyboard has 15 programmable function keys for internet and audio/video, which is nice. The mouse is very accurate, and both components match the computer nicely in white. Overall, it is a very attractive computer that I am proud to show my friends...everybody thinks it's just too cool.
FUNCTION
I am a first-time Mac user, previously a Windows-only user, so the idea of getting a new Mac was daunting at first. I needed it for a graphic design course I am taking soon at college, and the program required a Macintosh. I think something like 90% of all graphic designers in the world use Macintosh computers...don't quote me on that, but I read it somewhere.
Getting adjusted to the Mac platform took a little while, and the subtle differences, such as "return" instead of "enter" on the keyboard, took time. The single-button mouse is kind of a pain. This is the only functional gripe I have about this machine. Scrolling on the internet is much more painful that it has to be, and Apple really should come out with at least a scroll mouse, if not a multi-button mouse. But if I really needed a change, I could just go and buy a Microsoft Intellimouse to plug into the USB port (kind of ironic, isn't it).
The learning curve is minimal, because 3 programs fill the shoes of about 10 on a Windows-based PC. iPhoto, iTunes and iMovie are three do-it-all programs that let you work with just about any media. I won't take all your time and tell you about each one, but suffice it to say they eliminate a lot of unnecessary programs that would be found on a memory-eating PC. Speaking of memory eating, Mac OS-X is a very efficient OS. It takes much less memory than Windows XP, and it becomes much more intuitive as you get used to it. Plus the cool Mac design touches make it attractive and functional. This is a very functional machine, and it is the simplest way to organize all your digital stuff in one attractive package.
HARDWARE, AND WHAT IT ALL MEANS
- 15" DIGITAL flat-panel monitor. That is much different than just a regular 15" flat-panel. Unlike most PC's, the iMac monitor receives a digital signal, which greatly increases color, brightness and contrast over regular analog flat-panels. Sort of like going between VHS and DVD. In other words, a really nice visual experience.
- 40 Gigabyte hard drive means lots of storage room
- 24x CD-RW drive means if you run out of hard drive space, you have a super-speedy CD burner to put your stuff on CD.
- 32MB DDR NVIDIA GeForce 2 graphics card means more than enough performance for most games, and the DDR memory makes for fast rendering in design software.
- 128MB RAM, not a lot of memory, but enough to survive for users with basic needs. I suggest upgrading to 256 or 512 MB.
- 700 MHz G4 processor. Although the number 700 seems very little compared to the hefty 2.2GHz Pentium 4's out there, the architecture of the G4 processor allows it to compete with processors double it's MHz speed. This means it may not look fast on paper, but in reality it's blazing!
- Ports and Modems - the new iMac has a built-in 56K modem and ethernet, 2 iEEE firewire ports (nice!), 5 USB ports in all, a headphone jack and a VGA video output. Basically this allows you to plug in just about anything digital, from printers and cameras to the latest and greatest miniDV video cameras, not to mention the amazing iPod.
The hardware in the new iMac is impressive, but if you need to keep expanding with the market, you might want to look elsewhere, because you can't upgrade this baby. Just memory and the wireless network "Airport" card. So if you need a bigger hard drive or a better graphics card, go for the G4 tower.
SOFTWARE
If you want the convenience of all the programs you had on your PC to be on the Mac, you will have to pay for it. Also, there is a limited amount of programs available for the Mac platform. You may not be able to get a lot of productivity software or games you had on the PC. But all the necessary programs are available to Mac users.
COST (UPFRONT AND DOWN THE LINE)
The initial purchase price of the new G4 iMac is very low considering the innovation and style of this new cool machine. A new Dell computer with a flat-screen monitor and comparable hardware might be slightly less, but not much. This computer offers a lot for the price. Down the line though, things might get pricey depending on your needs. If you need a lot of RAM, the new iMac uses laptop RAM (smaller chips to fit in the smaller case) which is more expensive. Also, you might need an external hard drive or floppy drive if you need more space. But if you just need the basic Mac stuff, this is a very affordable solution to the digital world.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
- iMac computer preloaded with OS and iTunes, iMovie, iPhoto, and iDVD.
- ApplePro keyboard and mouse
- Internet Explorer and Outlook, as well as Netscape, World Book encyclopedia, Quicken 2002, and Otto Matic.
PROS AND CONS TIME
CONS - not enough standard memory
- limited upgrades, only airport card
- limited and expensive aftermarket software
- no floppy drive (not a biggie)
- this model does not include Apple Pro speakers
PROS - fast processor
- easy to use and intuitive Operating System
- lots of ports for all your digital stuff
- comprehensive included software package
- amazing monitor - best 15" flat-panel out there
- 24X CD-RW is really fast!
- compact and attractive design
- one source for support means Mac can fix your
problem without asking anyone else.
BEST USE
The best use for this computer would be fore someone who needs to do a lot of graphic design, or someone who does not like the complicated tasks regularly associated with media management. With the iMac, you can create great home videos, impressive digital photos, or make your personalized music CD's quicker and easier than any Windows application that I know of. And the iMac is ready to do all of these tasks right out of the box.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1299
Operating System: Macintosh
Processor: PowerPC G4
Processor speed: 601-700
RAM: 128
Internal Storage: CD-RW
Hard Drive (GB): 31-40
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Epinions.com ID:
aknutson
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Location: Canada
Reviews written: 35
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