Apple iMac Core 2 Duo (Late 2008)

design, usability

60% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Compact all-in-one design, new slimmer keyboard, lower prices across the board, FireWire 800 port, larger screen (especially impressive on 24-inch model)

Glossy screen frustrates some users, viewing angle not so good on 20-inch model

With large displays, room for a lot of internal storage and RAM, and a striking new design, the latest iMacs are a nice step forward and good value to boot. Performance gains are minimal over the last iMacs, but as computers that straddle the line...

This has to be one of the most interesting and striking computers ever created. And, being a Macintosh at heart, it's easy to use. But, being a Macintosh at heart, there's less software available - particularly games - than for the 'IBM' PC brigade. If...

24-inch LED is sharp and beautiful; it doubles as a great HD display for video content. Super performance. New shockingly thin keyboard looks like a million bucks. Every designer in our office was drawn inexorably into the iMac’s orbit, like dingoes to...

Although models start at just ,200, our maxed-out version (with its maxed-out performance) is steep for most consumers. Keyboard was slightly hard to get used to – our WPM was markedly slower for a few days. Glossy screen looks pretty, but reflects any...

One of, if not the, most affordable 24-inch all-in-one PCs, Twice as much hard-drive space as older models, Fast Nvidia graphics chip makes the iMac a capable gaming system, Best-in-class multitasking performance, iLife digital media suite comes standard

Fewer interesting hardware features compared with recent Windows-based all-in-ones

Expensive compared to comparatively specced PC, awkward position of ports, display reflects a lot of glare, no Blu-ray drive, no wireless keyboard and mouse

Slick new design ; Screen is gorgeous in specific circumstances ; Very fast, especially for converts from PowerPC Macs ; Keyboard is a tangible improvement over the old model ; One RAM slot is finally free for an upgrade ; Less expensive than the old...

Glossy screen can be distracting ; no option for matte ; Only 1GB of memory standard ; Radeon HD 2600 Pro is underpowered versus its NVIDIA alternative ; No Apple Remote magnet or sleep light. return to previous page

s and Reservations Having to choose computers from only one vendor means that many buyers won't have much choice: for now, the iMac is still Apple's lone choice for a mid-range desktop. That said, most home customers will find a lot to like in what...