Ten thoughts on the new Intel iMac

(continued from previous page)

Front Row
If you haven't used this remote control and multimedia feature yet, go to an Apple store and check it out. It is the future. You can see somewhere down the road that an Apple computer will be able to send all sorts of digital content throughout your home using an interface/software/hardware mashup that only Apple seems capable of getting right. The addition of a high-definition digital video recorder would be a big step in making this happen sooner, and of course the Mac rumor sites have been predicting such capability will be added. The sooner the better.

(Apple added an interesting design note to the iMac by allowing the Front Row remote to attach magnetically to the side of the machine.)

Migration
When starting up the iMac for the first time, you are asked if you want to import data, applications and settings from your old machine. After connecting the FireWire cord and starting up the old machine in "target" mode, the process went flawlessly. The old machine was essentially replicated on the new iMac--e-mail, photo galleries, music playlists, applications, desktop pictures, and so on. Certain items such as VPN set-up information did not transfer, possibly for security reasons. The process took a couple hours but was painless and startlingly effective (although I am having some issues getting Flash Player to work in Safari).

Related video
CNET editors' review

Watch CNET's video review of the Apple iMac Core Duo.

I would imagine this removes a major hurdle for those who are considering a new computer but recall the days of dragging and dropping files, or burning them to a disk to be transferred.

Parental controls
The old iMac was handed down to my daughter, who started using a dying 7500 when she was about 3, but has used an iBook with OS 9 almost exclusively for years. I'd never had a reason to set up separate accounts under OS X before, but they work very well for limiting what children can do with a computer. For example, with her account she can access a single playlist that I created on the new iMac, which she can "share" through a wireless connection. That way she has access to Hilary Duff, but not to The Streets. And for the Web, I easily created a list of Web sites she can visit and limited her ability to download apps. Again, the process was very simple and it seems foolproof, at least for a while.

Applications
The iLife '06 applications that are now shipping with new Macs were written to be "universal," meaning they run on the PowerPC and Intel processors without the need for the Rosetta translation software. And that means they run faster on the Intel iMac than software that has does not have universal code (which is practically everything else). In my limited usage, they performed as expected, with seamless and speedy integration. For example, iPhoto started up and was able to adjust photos much faster than my old machine (which was rated at just 800MHz, as opposed to 2.0GHz).

Does it do Windows?
There's been a lot of speculation about the ability to load Microsoft Windows on the Intel-powered Macs. The salesman at my local Apple store said XP would not run but Vista, the new Windows version due this year, "might." It's comes down to differences in BIOS and EFI, and you can get more details about that in our FAQ.

Bottom line: $1,700 for a PC is not cheap. But considering the size and beauty of the display, the included software (which likely will account for 80 percent or more of the usage on the machine) and extra hardware doodads like the video/audio outputs, remote and built-in Web cam, and the clearly superior GUI, it almost feels like a bargain--assuming I can get a spastic mouse to behave. (Update: The mouse issue was solved. Click here for details.)

[capfan12]

Stupid Desin in the iMac Series (all editions)

why would I put the money in for a 20 inch lcd that I must dispose of with the computer when it dies or no longer meets my needs?

talk about wasting your money. No OSX improvment over windows can make up for that stupid design. Nice looking design, but stupid as can be.

How many times do you throw out perfectly good displays because you need a faster computer?

stupid old argument.

That argument is old and tired. Don't buy one if it is that important
to you. Most people who own Macs don't "throw them away"...
because they function for a very long time... hence the writer
mentioning that he gives his old macs to his daughter. I have an
old iMac 600 DV (that's a mere 600mhz G3) that will be my
daughter's first computer... running mac os 10.3.....flawlessly.

[mcritz]

You miss the point

Many people prefer the all-in-one design. It conserves space and
reduces cable clutter.

Apple's PowerMac and Mac mini models are the alternative to all-
in-one design, allowing the user to choose any variety of monitor.

[ajbright]

huh?

I don't use Macs myself, not because I prefer Wintel PCs, but because the decent models are out of my price range - but that doesn't stop me from admiring from afar.

However it always strikes me as odd when people come up with the most ridiculous and stupid of arguments as to why you shouldn't buy a Mac.

First, if you can afford a 20" iMac - you can afford to upgrade to a new model every 3-5 years as your needs grow.

Second, why would you have to throw away a perfectly good computer? Does the computer lose all value when you decide to part company with it? Obviously you won't get as much as you paid for it, but the fact it includes a 20" flat panel monitor - something that currently costs over $500 by itself, would mean that you would get a decent amount back when it came time to spend.

Finally, yes the decent OS and more reliable hardware is worth the extra cash if you are not someone who is willing to spend hundreds of hours over the lifetime of your computer removing spyware and viruses or downloading and installing patches.

[Thomas, David]

Wrong!

Apple displays out live all personal computers on average. But
you probably don't know that simple fact. Otherwise you would
not have made such an un-informed comment.

The fact is, not only are the displays are of superior quality, but
you will find people still using extremely old Apple products
even today. Why? Because, for the most part (and quite quite
higher than the industry average), they manufacture quality
products that last.

Many people attribute their high prices because Apple likes high
margins. The compare the cheap boxes products by the other
hardware vendors, then sadly conclude that Apples cost is the
same, therefore somehow ripping off the public. Nothing could
be further from the truth.

Bottom line, due to the qualitiy materials, and QC in their
manufacturing process, Apple customers rarely toss out their
monitors or even those old computers. I only got rid of my SE/
30 because the last hurricane flooded my place and the darn
thing was underwater for two days.

Nice try. But the keyword is try, and you should try one :-)

[dansterpower]

Bad Logic

I own an award-winning design and book publishing studio in
Salt Lake City and work with "top tier" software engineers and
designers. We've got 14 PC's running all flavors of the Windows
OS and 12 Apple G4 to G5's -- I have used both to make my
living for 20 years.

I will say this: Apple builds an Amazingly Fine Computer and,
more importantly, Operating System.

For those of you who propogate the myths regarding "Apple
users being stupid," or Apple's being hard to upgrade, imac's
becoming useless, I have very little so say as I know from First
Hand experience that you are incorrect. I have converted many
a brilliant software or network engineer over to Unix Based
Apple OS solutions and XServe and G5 Hardware solutions.

I can state definitely that one CAN upgrade a processor in a Mac:
I have 3 boxes with Processor, Fan and Drive upgrades
combined.

Finally, those posters on this site who speak of an iMac's
longevity are correct: I have 2 1999 iMacs that serve as great
acounting, web, and contact management terminals -- they run
perfectly.

It is easy to repair old imacs: parts abound on ebay and many
electronic shops perform $100 to $300 repairs for consumers.

The people I am interested in speaking to are those who come to
CNet for accurate information on buying PC's: To them I say this:
don't believe the majority of whiney arguments regarding Apple
Mac computers on this site: most of those posters are bound up
by incorrect Facts, Ego and inexperience.

Apple builds a world class computer that runs fast, quite, and
stable: it is a great "workflow" computer and operating system
for office and home. Mac's just work, are stable, virus resistent
due to many features built into Unix and the Operating system,
and great software exists for the system.

Thanks to Apple, my bank account is full. I have home
entertainment all throughout my house, and I spend less time
battling things: And YES I know all Window's operating systems
like the back of my hand: very well -- In fact, I type this on a
Window's 2000 box with Open Office.

Think Different. Keep an Open Mind. Believe.

Dante O.
Salt Lake City

[joshua447]

poor logic

Following your logic that it's "stupid" design to include the display in an "all-in-one" computer, it would be equally "stupid" to include a display on a laptop--right? Should mfrs start selling laptops, sans display?

If you don't like the iMac simply because it includes the display, buy a Mac Mini or a Power Mac. I would also encourage you to use more constructive language to futher your argument; "stupid" will just make people stop reading....now that's stupid...

[pajja]

I would like a choice

I bought a G4 FP iMac and I will never buy another all in one
design again. It is acting up and Apple Care has expired. Also,
the genius bar was unable to find anything wrong with it. I will
likely dump it on eBay as a troublesome machine.

I can live with cables and what I want is a separate CPU with
more power than a Mac Mini, but smaller than a Power Mac,
which I do not need. Is that so much to ask for? I do not need a
full size tower, but I do not need a less powerful Mac Mini either.
Is it too much to ask for?

[marcdavinci]

Get a life people

I bought an iMac because it seems like everyone in the music industry is using one. Then when I go to read some reveiws on it all I see is Window's is better than Mac blah blah blah. Get over yourselves and get a Mac already damnit.

[valleeboila]

iMac's LCD

Well, with a laptop one has to do the same thing.

Don't you know that if the LCD fails it can be replace. C'mon now use some common sense

[r124c41]

Aesthetic Design of Devices.

I am reminded of a friend who visited an older relative. Being ushered into the living room for coffee and conversation, my friend noted that the televsion had a emerald green color to it. My friend offered to adjust the color balance for the relative. Puzzled at the polite decline of the offer, my friend asked further and was told that the relative had specifically had the television picture adjusted that way because it matched the decor of the room.

[Mehboob Alam]

Rosetta issues with embedded code

Safari is native, Flash and the Java plugins may not be. Hence, some issues will arise.

[Lucky Lou]

Possible reason for mouse jumping

This seems obvious but maybe the reason for the cursor
jumping was the mousing surface. The included Mighty Mouse
should not be used over reflective surfaces or anything else that
might confuse the optical tracking device. This includes surfaces
that are usually fine but actually build up a subtle reflective
sheen from hand oils or even the process of mousing over time.
I've most often seen this be the main reason for jumpy cursors.

[mcritz]

Mouse Misbehavior

Another cause might be an unclean optical sensor on the mouse.

Occasionally, I get an eyelash or hair stuck in the window of the
optial sensor, causing the pointer to go haywire.

[sard]

Mouse issue solved

I received a lot of email suggestions on potential causes for the
stuttering mouse, so here's an update. It was not the optical
sensor, the desktop surface, lack of memory or redraw issues.
Instead, it appears to be a conflict with the Microsoft keyboard I
was using. Specifically, the problem was apparent when using
the wireless MS keyboard with the Apple mouse connected
*directly* to the iMac. If I plug the mouse into a hub, while using
the MSFT keyboard, there is no problem. There also is no
problem using the included Apple keyboard with the mouse
connected directly to the iMac or to a USB hub. So the wireless
MS keyboard has been unplugged, so to speak.
-- Scott

[norbert_sf]

Where to get RAM...

1st: All you need is more RAM. Apple has always been very bad
about putting in the MIN. amount of RAM they can get away with
just to boot and surf. It's Probably a good idea, cause that way
you can buy cheaper 3rd party RAM after the fact.

2nd: Never get RAM from Apple (unless you have $$$$ to spare).

1 Gig $119:
<http://eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/Upgrades.cfm?
model=242&type=Memory&TI=%23TimeFormat%28Now%28%
29%2C+&shoupgrds=Show+Upgrades>

[SCKarl]

Macs are great... for people too stupid to operate Windows

Other than that, people need to get over their "Mac Superiority" delusions. I have a fair background to make this call also. I started off on Macs because I did graphics for years. They were great for that, but then PCs caught up in that 1 aspect that they were behind in. For years now the PC has been superior in all aspects. This article was obviously written by a Macophile and I feel is biased...

[dansterpower]

I Disagree

See my Post Above for a detailed discussion as to why I am
certain this poster is incorrect.

Regards,

Dante O.

[dansterpower]

Bank Account Proves I'm Not Stupid

I own an award-winning design and book publishing studio in
Salt Lake City and work with "top tier" software engineers and
designers. We've got 14 PC's running all flavors of the Windows
OS and 12 Apple G4 to G5's -- I have used both to make my
living for 20 years.

I will say this: Apple builds an Amazingly Fine Computer and,
more importantly, Operating System.

For those of you who propogate the myths regarding "Apple
users being stupid," or Apple's being hard to upgrade, imac's
becoming useless, I have very little to say as I know from First
Hand experience that you are incorrect. I have converted many
a brilliant software or network engineer over to Unix Based
Apple OS solutions and XServe and G5 Hardware solutions.

I can state definitely that one CAN upgrade a processor in a Mac:
I have 3 boxes with Processor, Fan and Drive upgrades
combined.

Finally, those posters on this site who speak of an iMac's
longevity are correct: I have 2 1999 iMacs that serve as great
acounting, web, and contact management terminals -- they run
perfectly.

It is easy to repair old imacs: parts abound on ebay and many
electronic shops perform $100 to $300 repairs for consumers.

The people I am interested in speaking to are those who come to
CNet for accurate information on buying PC's: To them I say this:
don't believe the majority of whiney arguments regarding Apple
Mac computers on this site: most of those posters are bound up
by incorrect Facts, Ego and inexperience.

Apple builds a world class computer that runs fast, quite, and
stable: it is a great "workflow" computer and operating system
for office and home. Mac's just work, are stable, virus resistent
due to many features built into Unix and the Operating system,
and great software exists for the system.

Thanks to Apple, my bank account is full. I have home
entertainment all throughout my house, and I spend less time
battling things: And YES I know all Window's operating systems
like the back of my hand: very well -- In fact, I type this on a
Window's 2000 box with Open Office.

Think Different. Keep an Open Mind. Believe.

Dante O.
Salt Lake City

Too stupid to use Windows duh!

Which is really another way of saying that you have to be smarter to
use Windows! How is that better?

[Lazlo Worzel]

Guessing the IQ of the "too stupid" author...

42? One can only guess the author is also bigoted, misogynistic,
disorderly, and, well, rude. Or typical bully looking for a fight
relying on untouchability for courage. Sigh. Mac vs PC. Get over it.
Both are just tools. It's the old argument of which sports car is
best? The best one is the one you like, can afford (and don't get
either Macophiles or PCophiles started on that one!), and does what
you need it to do. It's a bloody tool!

[Godi GUtierrez]

It's a given fact that most people drive Toyotas...

and only people with discriminating taste go with the BMW. Sure,
the Bimmer is much more expensive than the Toyota--but in life,
one usually get what one paid for. Regarding your subject line--
actually, it's the other way around: the PC is a dumbed down Mac
(for grandmas).

[beestripe]

Arguing about religion and Mac v PC

The article was about a Macintosh computer, and i don't see any
slander about PC, so where is the bias? Both platforms have their
pros and cons, which is best for an individual is a personal choice.
Agnostic Mac owner.

[grdaven]

intelligent people switch to OSX

I have uses Windows since the very first release. I switched to OSX
two years ago. My computer has now become a tool for
productivity. I do not have to pay for virus protection, have no
problems OS wise or hardware wise. While people can debate which
hardware is state of the art. The OSX operating system is trouble
free as is the Mac hardware. For people that think Mac hardware is
expensive. Try to get a Dell with a 20" widescreen display, duo
processor, webcam, microphone, and pay more. Not so intellegent!

[TyTyson]

Poor Karl

His ignorance is stupifying.

You just want to slap and shake these numbskulls.

But they are just not worth it.

Stick with your peecee sunshine - you deserve it.

[ssmiroldo]

Wow, you're a typing contradiction!!

Ha! You just made an excellent point! Interpretation of what you
said... "Windows is too complex for the average person to use
well. You need to be really smart to get the most out of Windows
since it constantly needs such 'geekish' babying."

Your post eludes to the fact that YOU may not be able to operate
Windows!

I use both Mac OS X and Windows and can honestly say that, in
most cases, Macs are more productive because of how trouble
free they are as well as the intuitiveness of the OS. When you go
back-n-forth between the two on a fairly regular basis, you may
know what I mean. However, productivity and "getting the
machine out-of-the-way" doesn't sound like a priority for you.

[torontomec]

bla bla bal

just use what you like, why do people on the net have to resort to childish name calling. If you prefer windows, knock your self out, and if you prefer OS X, then great. Get over it.

I guess I am the one person that bought an iMAC and have had endless problems, not only with the computer but almost every third party product that I got for this computer as well. I jokingly call it the iLEMON.

So, go home, take your PC or MAC on a date or something and stay off these message boards if you are that inlove with your operating system, and feel the need to insult people when their preference is not yours.

[kmashraf]

It may be great but....

Mac's always were that much of snoot. You basically bought a box that you could not fiddle with much. You paid for the Apple mystique. They possibly could not sell you a mess like WinTel for the prices they charge. But they were one up on low cost and functionality, read more software. And high prices usually mean higher asthetics and well made stuff. But of course the **** put paid to such a concept many years ago and gave us low cost = quality + asthetics. The WinTel duo definitely did not toe this line especially the Win of the Tel who decided to pile bad on top of bad inspite of quite reliable Tel hardware (GNU/Linux on x86 proves this). So if you ask me I will stick to my trusty old x86 (PC) platform and the coming 64 bit versions of it and have the freedom of using GNU/Linux on them.

[kmashraf]

Message has been deleted.

[thedevilbegone]

I hope

I do own a Mac "PC" too but now am unable to use the Fortran compiler? Why because I now have 10.4.3. I no longer can do the development I could earlier. All because.. it's another stupid Pc. And if you state that I should go get another compiler (like Benser), please feel free to buy me a new compiler. Don't give me the class act..

I own the revb imac g5 which came with tiger installed. It is buggy, things would freeze and I often required a reboot, but after 10.4.1 things seemed to settle down. I think it's an average operating system and after the next up... (10.4.3) its....
But, you jokers still don't get it? Why crib about something you don't have? Why don't you realize it's just another OEM PC?

My Mac "PC" no longer supports the Fortran compiler. (Tiger 10.4.3) So what's the point of a Mac "PC"? If you still intend to use the standard response of which serious Mac "PC" user would want to use Windows?? then matey let me know what you use it for? For running virtual PC for enabling other applications? If so, why a Mac "PC"? I can complete the task in under 500$. If your grouse is performance, then forget it, Windows XP beats the new Tiger hands down. By the way, you guys have to see the responses at the Apple site before you actually crib back to me about windows.

Why buy something for 3000$ when I can run more applications at around 500$? What's the deal paying? Why do I need virtual PC or a third party emulator as others have pointed out?

If you intend to use it somewhere and not realize where a Mac "PC"'s original position should be then just read the grouses on Mac forum before coming to windows. Start reading about the Grouses about Macs at the Apple site. (Scroll down to bottom of the page)
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?productLearnMore=MA190Z/A

It's not less. It's more. Besides the loss of functionality of most applications, do you really want to spend 3000 dollars for a snob value "PC"?

Also if you are in the multimedia, gaming, design, publishing, the Mac "PC" can be beaten by any custom made Pc. (That's the beauty of a Windows,Unix,Linux or any other operating systems) Below is my advice.
With a 3 Ghz processor and 800 FSB, with DDR 2 memory at 4200 (1-2GB) and a 7800 (6800 or above with 256 MB of video RAM) you have a configuration to handle any application. So why an underpowered Mac "PC"?

If you want to, you can configure any system to run fine on any operating system subject to user's understanding. And as Mac "PC" fanatics you are entitled to respond. But I have only one point to make. Why crib about something you don't have? You guys must seriously be wanting it.... (Remember the old adage, join them if you can't beat them :))

Now you can continue your grouse, Earl, Schmoe(K),Crusoe,Shauheen, Orazzi and the rest of your dumb marooned morons.....

[Padrevaters]

That is strongly worded..

But looking at the facts at the Mac site and the Microsoft site on a comparision, Microsoft has more gripes because it has more products and softwares. Besides they do have a software for almost every field, including antivirus also.
Though I love the Mac, I have experienced a few crashes myself and am poorer by a couple of thousand. Recently I did configure a new system myself for a Linux and Windows combination. And believe me you can run any software on it provided you have the supporting hardware. I hardly do any developing on the Mac because there are (few or) no options at all. I still like the Mac probably because I paid more(or probably because I love underdogs) for it, but in the end it's the windows Pc which does the job for me..

[TyTyson]

Message has been deleted.

[Stan Johnson]

perfectly stated. Why pay more for less?

perfectly stated.

Why pay so much more for so much less?

[darrius3365]

Windows: Patches, Viruses and Spyware

The first computer every used (back in 4th grade or so) was a Mac, and although my family and I have always owned PCs, I still respect Macs for what they are and everything.

However, I don't understand the constant patch/virus/spyware argument against Windows. Yes, the OS is more prone to this. But personally, ever since I stopped using Kazaa P2P software (which I shouldn't have never been using anyway), I've never had spyware issues, and I have never had any viruses. My anti-virus software hasn't even told me that I "almost" got infected. Yes, I've received infected emails and infected AIM messages from others, but I think it is a matter of common sense rather than something that you are inevitably going to get if you go Windows.

Yeah, I guess it is better if you don't have to worry about it at all, but if you take the simple precautions like you have to do with everything else in life, you shouldn't have to worry about a thing.

The Windows patches (which may happen every two weeks or so) are basically background work and I don't have to do a thing. I just get a small notification that it is being installed. And for the supposed reinstallation, I've been using a Windows XP computer for 4 years, and have never had to reinstall it.

I am not saying that what is true for me in regards to this issue is true for the other ca-zillion people that use Windows, but i just had to say that.

Quick note:

The intel iMac is intended to replace the PowerPC iMac. The intel
version of the G5 Tower will be openable and have all the features
required for that. Remember, the iMac is for the user who wants an
all in one computer, not so much the user who wants to install his
or her own memory, etc.

[mcritz]

Re: "Mac Superiority Complex"

> people need to get over their "Mac Superiority" delusions.

I think we should have a support group for "Defensive Windows
User Complex."

Though, it should be more of a twelve step program.

[bobshandon]

you are dumbest!

dell?

Why is it that the comparisons are always done against dells?

I can configure a machine that is leaps and bounds more powerful than both the dell and thousands of lightyears more powerful than a mac of equal price.

It's the dumb people who buy apples and dells, and choose not to invest their money wisely on PROPER computers with UNLOCKED ASUS/MSI/SOLTEK etc. motherboards, PERFORMANCE OCZ EL/Kingston HYPERX/etc. memory, Geforce 7800GTXs, ENERMAX/ANTEC/FORTRON/etc. power supplies, (the list goes on).

You don't need expensive tech support for such a computer because the parts are of such high quality, that you very rarely run into any problems. Not to mention, if there ARE any problems, you can just send the parts in question back, and still have your computer with you.

Give me any apple or dell computer, and I'll configure a much more powerful one, and show you that apples are absolute garbage that are better used as boat anchors.

[valleeboila]

iMac Trade

Hello;

I have the chance to make a straight trade on my 15in Powerbook (the one with the Double Layer DVD burner) for the iMac Core 2 Duo 2gig model.

Should I do it? I don't know why the person with the iMac wants to do the trade because his iMac is far faster than my Powerbook