iMac DV, a computer you won't want to turn off!
Written: Mar 22 '00 (Updated Mar 25 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Design, Mac OS, ease of use, sound, DVD, etc!
Cons: 90 day support is a bit short.
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| cherrypop's Full Review: Apple iMac DV Indigo 15 in. (M7639LL/A) Mac Deskto... |
Try it, you’ll love it!
I own the Blueberry iMac DV* coupled with Harman/Kardon's iSub*. It’s the third iMac I've owned and my tenth Apple computer in about 15 years (I’m not that old believe me, I just started early). This is a computer you won't want to stop using. The iMac DV's PowerPC 400mhz processor is very fast, Mac OS9 has some great new features, and because it doesn't have an internal fan it's super quiet.
The iMac DV's design is terrific. From certain angles it's hard to believe I'm actually looking at a computer. Pair the iMac DV with H/K's iSub, a translucent sub woofer that looks a lot like a jellyfish, and the result is an aesthetic feast. No one who sees the iMac DV can keep their mouth shut. They ask questions, want to touch it, and listen to the iSub. It's been a real hit.
Many users of the iMac DV don't care for the included mouse and keyboard. I, in fact, do like both very much and I work on my iMac all day. The keyboard is much smaller than its predecessor the Apple Design keyboard. This is nice because it takes up a minimum of desk space.
The mouse has been criticized mainly because of its "hockey puck" shape. Some users believe it adversely effects usability. I have only good things to say about its shape and have found usability to have been enhanced if anything: it just feels right in my hand. Give it a few days/weeks and you'll get used to it. You might end up liking it quite a lot as I do.
The iMac DV differs from previous iMacs in a number of ways. The most substantial, in my epinion ;-), is that the iMac DV can connect to devices with built-in FireWire. If you have a Mini Digital Video camcorder this is the computer for you. Apple includes easy-to-use iMovie* software with the DV models (DV and DV SE) for this purpose. You can check out a movie I made of Madison in about fifteen minutes here:
http://homepage.mac.com/cherrypop/imovie2.html
The power of desktop movies is really mind boggling if you think of the possibilities. Home movies with effects like music (use your favorite song on CD), sound effects, transitions, etc. The company I work for, Fishing Enthusiast Gift of the Month, is now planning to use iMovie to create content for our website. The list goes on and on. iMovie sets this computer apart from all other computers on the market. Try it and you'll see what I'm talking about.
The smaller details I like about the iMac DV:
The slot loading CD drive
The DVD software (admittedly it’s a work in progress, but it works!)
The pulsing power light when the iMac is in sleep mode
The incredibly easy ram upgrade “door”
The built in Harman/Kardon Odyssey speakers
The Software Update Control Panel automatically checks for the latest software updates!
A brief note on productivity.Though the iMac DV is positioned as a consumer desktop computer, I have used my iMac mainly for business purposes. It has exceeded my expectations to such a degree, that I wonder what I'd do with a more expensive computer.
My iMac DV runs on 192mb of installed memory, that's with the Kingston ValueRam 128mb I added myself. During a normal work day, I will run MacAuthorize, update FE's website, work with Office 98 (Excel and Word mainly), maintain our customer database, and retrieve orders from the Internet (Outlook Express and Internet Explorer) simultaneously, only disconnecting from the Internet to allow MacAuthorize to have the phone line.
This is a powerhouse computer don't let anyone fool you (particularly someone who has never used an Apple Computer before). Add the H/K iSub and you have an unique computing experience. At $1299* you can not go wrong. Really. Apple, you hit a home run with the iMac DV!
* links:
iMac DV > http://www.Apple.com/imac
iSub > http://www.Harman-MultiMedia.com
iMovie > http://www.Apple.com/imovie/
Prices > http://shopper.cnet.com/
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
cherrypop
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Location: Boulder
Reviews written: 19
Trusted by: 7 members
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