Manage updates with the Download App
-
"Very Pleased with it. Fast, Stable, Secure & Just Plain fun!"
4.5 starson by elejacesPros: iLife packs a solid suite of the most useful programs, and they all work!
Cons: iChat needs better compatibility with non-Mac users (AIM, Messenger, etc.)
Summary: Let me start by saying I actually OWN this computer. It cracks me up that people are rating a machine that they do not own or have not actually even tested, but oh well, this forum is all about opinions.
Speed: the machine does feel about 15% faster than my 2Ghz iMac G5 doing simple tasks, like booting or opening programs. Where you really see more speed is when using iPhoto and video editing. I am reluctant to rate speed by just looking at the sticker GHz of the processor - that is why you use benchmark tests, since other factors also affect speed like total RAM, cache, and hard drive RPM for starters.
Cosmetics: it is truly beautiful, and it looks GREAT on my desk. I find it ludicrous that people bang Apple for charging for looks. I actually don't mind paying extra for something that looks good. The PC these MACs replaced in my house were full of wires, big, noisy, and ugly. Not to mention took a lot more space on my desk. So if you still believe looks don't matter ask Cindy Crawford...
Functionality: the iLife suite is so cool! everything works so well. No compatiblity issues between programs, crashes, or hardware configuration problems. iLife 06 just packs almost everything you would need for your digital life: video, photography, music, and sharing your stuff with family and friends. This is a big deal for me. I had always used Dell desktops. My last one, an XPS "powerhouse" at 3.4 GHz and a long list of "great" hardware had to be re-configured 4 times. I had a long list of problems getting the software to work and not create conflicts with video capture, crashes, and blue screens of death. Not to mention that I had to buy all this extra software to do this, that actually comes free with the MAC and works right out of the box. After endless wasted hours with tech support, I bought my first Mac and ther has been no looking back. I still have my Windows 2000 laptop from work, but there is just no comparison between the simplicity and ease of use of the Macs. All the time I spent "fixing" my PC I spend now doing the stuff I want to do with the computer. I am fairly literate with computers, so I can only think what it must be for people that have little skills or just no time to figure things out.
So yeah, there are faster PC's, so what? For the stuff I do, the Mac is perfect. By the time I priced a similar PC with all the software I wanted, I find the MAC to be a better value.
The only things I would like to see in these machines are:
Better compatibility between iChat and other web video clients, like AIM and so. iChat and the video quality simply smokes out PC programs of the kind. So IMHO, Apple should do some work to make it 100% compatible. There are tricks and ways of doing it, but it is quite a bit of work on the PC side. I would also like to see these MACs go out with 1GIG of RAM. Video editing is smoother and it really brings out the speed of the dual processors to shine.
Very pleased with this computer overall. Easy to use, great looks, good speed for video, photos and music, stable, secure, and just fun. If you have similar needs, this may be for you.
- 9 replies to this review
-
I totally agree with your review, especially the "overpricing" part. It annoys me that people call macs overpriced. I have configured a Dell XPS with same stats and same size screen as a 17" iMac w/ Windows, and the iMac came out just 50$ bucks more, but you get style, compactness, and OS X + Windows. And if you don't add in Windows, an iMac is $150 cheaper. Similar results came out with Alienware and iBuyPower. So if anything, PCs are more expensive.
-
I just want to know if you are editing using imovie or final cut express 2 or fce pro? I do editing using big video files and I am having a hard time using an emac cause it takes so long to render and then to write to video. That's why I'm looking to buy a new computer. Cause you help me make up my mind? Thanks Maria
-
You Said:<br><br>"I had always used Dell desktops. My last one, an XPS "powerhouse" at 3.4 GHz and a long list of "great" hardware had to be re-configured 4 times. I had a long list of problems getting the software to work and not create conflicts with video capture, crashes, and blue screens of death. Not to mention that I had to buy all this extra software to do this, that actually comes free with the MAC and works right out of the box. After endless wasted hours with tech support"<br><br>When I read stuff like that I just have to wonder. I've been using Win XP for about 5 years on 4 different machines and never have problems with the software (ie: I have NEVER had a Blue Screen Of Death since I left Win 98 behind. I don't know if such a thing happens in XP.), and I'm the type of person who installs and uninstalls software and hardware quite frequently (yes, I'm a 60 year old Geek". That said I have had hardware problems with my Dell and Gateway computers, esp with monitors. My 3.2 Ghz P4 had a power supply failure. Since I have a lot of Intel specific software that would be expensive to replace or unavailable for Mac I have not considered Apple before this. For my next machine I definitely will consider a Mac now that I can run Windows on it for the superior quality of the hardware.<br><br>Tom
-
I am going to buy this unit and your opinion just sealed my purchase! My kids have Mac's and I have been waiting for a unit like this.
-
I am soon to be a first time Mac owner and I am looking at this model. My kids have older Mac's and tell me its the only way to go. This opinion by a real user, has sealed it for me. Thanks for the great comments.
-
After 20 yrs with others, I finally gave up 3 yrs ago when I spent my 20th hour with MS tech support rebuilding my XP-run drive (partitioning, to start with). After 3 yrs with a PowerMac G4 (1 meg RAM) and my 1-yr-old iBook (same), I am a true believer that the better mouse trap will eventually take over the world. These things just, flat-out, WORK. Next question?
-
This user summed it up when he was saying that all the time spent fixing things is now spent using the computer.<br><br>Sure, it's possible to keep Windows working and virus-free, but you could be just using the computer and enjoying yourself instead of beating your head against the wall.<br><br>When I first moved to a Macintosh, I had the same experience. I went from a 80386sx machine and configuring it 99 % of the time to use whatever application and, when it died, I spent 99 % of my time using the applications.
-
Why do people have to write MAC, when it's Mac? <br><br>Since iLife is native code, it runs fast. Applications that wont' run as fast are non-native, and some software out there won't run even with Rosetta. I suggest people do their homework before buying if they're concerned about running their current library of software.
-
Thx for your comments. I have a 15" Powerbook and am thinking of getting an iMac for a bigger screen, more HD space, more power, etc. for video editing.<br><br>I completely agree with your comments and experiences. I, too, am somewhat savvy with Win PCs, have built up PCs to "save" money, use WinPCs at work, have several laptops, but the Powerbook runs circles around them all!<br><br>It does what I want/need to do, period. <br><br>Now that I've maxed out my Powerbook, I'm thinking of the iMac. I do have the other non-native apps but end up using mostly iPhoto, iMovie, e-mail, and .Mac so it's not too critical that they all work on it.<br><br>I may be going shopping to our local Apple store....<img border="0" src="http://www.cnet.com/i/mb/emoticons/wink.gif" alt=";)"><br><br>Ernie Medina
%20user%20review%20and%20rating%20-%20CNET%20Reviews&srcUrl=http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/apple-imac-core-duo/4864-3118_7-31661466-1.html&x_breadcrumb=3000:3118&x_arw_bkts=MAD:first_impression){kind=small}