Compare Prices : Apple iMAC Core Duo - Expert Reviews

Review summary: Our graphics and benchmark tests show similar performance to that of Core Duo notebooks.

Pros: Fast native application performance ; same core features as the iMac G5 for the same price ; updated iLife '06 digital media software included ; faster 3D graphics and memory ; major software vendors have all committed to port over their software

Cons: Non-native software runs slowly ; few firm dates on when the software transition will be complete

Verdict: If you use Photoshop or other non-native apps, wait or look elsewhere; otherwise, Apple continues its trend of delivering better technology for the same price with its first Intel-based desktop, the iMac Core Duo

Review summary: SPCR reader Randy Harris' appraisal of his new 20" iMac, powered by an Intel Core Duo processor, comes on the heels of last week's PR extravaganza at the Spring 2006 Intel Developers Forum and the ensuing tech media frenzy. How does this first product ...

Verdict: If anything I've written about is intriguing to you, I recommend that you give the Mac, particularly the iMac your consideration

Review summary: I hadn't planned on buying a new desktop computer until the fall, but Apple's iMac update caught me off guard. Suddenly, Apple was selling a computer that seemed to offer the right balance of performance and value to meet the needs of the average ...

Pros: Great enclosure, excellent display, good dual-binary gaming performance. Huge performance potential

Cons: Poor Rosetta performance. Front Row can be unresponsive

Verdict: One could argue that the iMac is not meant for power users, and that's why Apple transitioned it to Intel first. But cropping images in Photoshop should not cause any dual-2.0GHz machine to slow to a crawl

Review summary: What's an Intel chip doing in an iMac? Almost exactly the same things PowerPC chips do in older models-just faster on some tasks and, for now, slower on others. Anyone with a recently revved iMac won't have much reason to rush out and buy an iMac Core ...

Pros: Dual-core ; large-cache Intel processor delivers performance boost for Apple software and other native applications ; Rosetta ensures compatibility with most PowerPC programs ; elegant, space-saving design ; big, beautiful screen ; built-in iSight ; ...

Cons: Significant speed penalty for non-native software ; no support for Classic applications ; no productivity software included ; users can no longer do routine hardware repairs

Verdict: Over time, as programs are updated, the Intel-based iMacs should gain a wider performance lead over their PowerPC-based predecessors. If you're thinking of buying now, stop to consider the tradeoffs