Apple imac DV = fast
Written: Mar 08 '01 (Updated Mar 08 '01)
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Pros: Fast processor, lots of RAM, big hard drive, reasonable price
Cons: New imac coming out, too cute
The Bottom Line: I really like the imac DV SE, but I would recommend buying a newer model with a faster processor, more storage, and a CD-RW drive.
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| bdb55's Full Review: Apple iMac Blue Dalmatian 15 in. (M8347LL/A) Mac D... |
About a month ago I finally did away with my old 94mhz power mac (it was about six years old), and got an imac DV SE (Special Edition.) I am pleased with the imac overall, but I have had a few problems.
My imac came with 128mb of ram (I upgraded to 256), a 30 GB hard drive, a 500mhz processor, a DVD drive, and some basic software. Out of the box, my graphite imac was flawless; most of my problems have been since I added accessories. I have a printer, scanner, floppy drive, zip drive, and speakers all connected to the imac. I had to get a USB port to support all of the other equipment running with the computer; unfortunately the USB hub (an Asanté friendly net USB hub-4) has horribly malfunctioned, complicating my problems. The imac has started to freeze very frequently, but this is most likly an extensions problem created by faulty software (I am told by Apple tech support).
The imac comes with some software, like appleworks and imovie, and a couple games. One of the games, Bugdom, has amazing 3D graphics and great sound (especially on my Monsoon speakers); it's a cool extra.
I find all Apple computers very easy to use, but was especially impressed with the imac. You really can get the imac out of the box and on to the internet in ten minutes.
One of the curious things that I have noticed is that when I am running photoshop (a photo editing program) I am frequently told that "not enough memory is available to preform your request." I really can't believe that with no other programs running and 256 MB of ram I can't put in a lens flare. I have tried the same operation on a 250mhz power pc with less ram and been able to put in a lens flare.
I do like this computer, but I would not recommend buying it now. Apple has come out with a new line of imacs. (look at them at http://www.apple.com/imac) For about the same price as imacs are now, the imacs will have cd-rw drives on the two upper end models (meaning you can burn your own CD's), larger hard drives, faster processors, and come in new colors. They will come with Mac OS 9.1, imovie 2, appleworks 6, the Apple keyboard, the very cool Apple pro mouse, and much more. The specs follow: for $899 the basic imac comes only in Indigo its specs are below
400MHz PowerPC G3
512K L2 cache
(at 160MHz)
64MB SDRAM
10GB Ultra ATA drive
CD-ROM
RAGE 128 Pro w/ 8MB
10/100BASE-T Ethernet
56K internal modem
15-inch display
Two USB ports
Two FireWire ports
For $1,199 the middle imac comes in indigo, flower power, and blue dalmation. Its specs follow
500MHz PowerPC G3
256K L2 cache
(at 500 MHz)
64MB SDRAM
20GB Ultra ATA drive
CD-RW Drive
RAGE 128 Ultra w/ 16MB
10/100BASE-T Ethernet
56K internal modem
15-inch display
Two USB ports
Two FireWire ports
For $1,499 the fastest imac will come in graphite, flower power, and blue dalmation. Info below
600MHz PowerPC G3
256K L2 cache
(at 600MHz)
128MB SDRAM
40GB Ultra ATA drive
CD-RW Drive
RAGE 128 Ultra w/ 16MB
10/100BASE-T Ethernet
56K internal modem
15-inch display
Two USB ports
Two FireWire ports
I would recommend getting a new imac, or possibly a now old 500mhz DV SE if you can get a really good deal. I wish that I had waited a couple weeks to get the faster processor and cd-rw drive, but that's life.
Note: The only downside to a CD-RW drive is that it cannot play DVD's, but I don't like watching DVD's on desktops anyway.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1,199
Operating System: Macintosh
Processor speed: 401-500
RAM: 256
Internal Storage: DVD
Hard Drive (GB): 21-30
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Epinions.com ID:
bdb55
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Location: Portland, Oregon
Reviews written: 41
Trusted by: 23 members
About Me:
I love reading, photography, movies, music, ceramics, computers, hi-tech gadgets, and writing epinions!
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