Rating: 
Summary: Irresistible, but don't toss out the old machine yet.
Review: The latest edition of the iMac 17" flat panel is an impressive combination of elegance, functionality, and state-of-the-art technology. It should easily justify replacing an older machine. At the same time, if I had not kept my previous machine, I would have been without a computer during the time it has taken me to insure stable performance from the present model. The problem was crashes, or so-called "kernel panics," each time I tried using the machine. Finally, after several conversations with Apple specialists, a trip to an Apple repair shop, and yet another re-installation of the OS, I've managed to enjoy an entire week of trouble-free performance with a machine purchased in February. (Now I can afford to address the minor problem of a sticky space bar.) My experience, I suspect, is anomalous, but after all the hype I'd heard about the flat-panel iMac and "crash-proof" OSX, I've learned that Apple can be human after all.A few things worth considering in purchasing the machine: 256 megs is pretty meager, especially for a machine running "Classic" simultaneously with OSX. You'll want to add 512 megs to the empty user's slot. (The 512 MB memory chip is a bit pricey, but you won't regret the extra expense. For one, the machine's start-up time has been reduced by half since installation of the chip ). Also, the comparable eMac ( which I use at work) represents a substantial cost savings, especially if like me you believe there's still a case to be made for the good old CRT. (I find I'm constantly adjusting the position of the flat screen to match my sight-lines for greater contrast. Setting the display to "sRGB Profile" seems to help with reading some text, but all in all I'm still doing some second-guessing about not purchasing another eMac, especially after the shaky start with this model.)
Rating: 
Summary: Fantastic computer!
Review: This computer is all around a fantastic buy, IMHO. The 1GHz G4 CPU is nice and zippy and the beautiful 17" display is simply AWESOME. Includes the latest iApps to play with which is such a nice suite of apps for those wanting to really venture into digital media easily. The unit is almost silently, except when a CD/DVD spins up. I have no complaints.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Machine
Review: This is a beautiful computer. It's extremely easy to set-up, the screen is sharp and bright, it has a very small footprint, and the sound coming from the Apple pro speakers is spectacular. If you're at all concerned about design as well as functionality, this is the machine for you.
Rating:
Summary: fast baby
Review: this is fast its 128 bit G4 processor 3 times faster then a 32bit Pentium 4 processors.Thats the same power as a 3.0GHz Pentium 4 processor,buy this baby! you wont regrent it.
Rating:
Summary: Made the switch
Review: This review is a bit long but if you're even slightly interested in switching to the iMac please take the time to read it (you don't want to spend $2K on just any old computer do you?)
1st of all the individuals who wrote the 1* reviews obviously don't own an iMac and probably own a lot of MS stock so they are Apple bashing. I am in the military and have used PC's since there were PC's. I spent one tour as the IT manager for my command. My only experience w/ Macs had been at my kid's school and with my minister. I was extremely skeptical of Apple and researched for several months before deciding on the iMac. I was tired of having the BBB (big beige box) next to my desk. I had seen the new iMac in the news during its intro and was immediately smitten. I ask you why in the yr 2K3 do computers still look like they did 20 years ago? Apple broke the mold with the original iMac and then vaporized it with the new iMac. I've had mine for about one week now and my wife is about ready to divorce me. The engineering and design that went into the iMac make it the most usable computer on the market. Try moving a regular LCD monitor with one finger to position it precisely where you want it. I can bring the iMac?s monitor right over the keyboard for typing and surfing or put it up high to watch DVD?s with my kids, truly awesome. The 16X9 aspect ratio is great for everything, especially browsing w/ two windows open, one on each side of the screen. I get so tired of hearing how you can't upgrade it. How many average PC users actually crack a case and upgrade their PC's? Not many I'll wager. If you're worried about the iMac's 1GHz processor vs a 2.x GHz PC clone, don't. I run a 2.4 GHz at work and I see no difference in everyday apps. I suppose if you're a game freak you'll want a PC but my kids and I play games on consoles now and use the computer for important things like the wonderfully educational and preloaded World Book encyclopedia. If you're really interested read up on how the G4 chip processes in comparison w/ the PC chips. Set up was a breeze, about 15 mins including unpacking. The speakers look & sound incredible, and there's no power cord! Do you really need a subwoofer w/ a computer (more wires)? I was unsure of the Apple one button mouse but now I'm sure, no carpel tunnel as I move my hand around more the only thing it lacks is a wheel as you can hold the control key and pop up a menu window anywhere (you can add a multi-button mouse if you want). I love the "Dock" that holds all frequently used program icons, it makes opening an app a delight as each icon blows up when moused over. I have yet to use the super drive for burning DVD's or CD's but it plays/loads them fast and fine. The iMac is very quiet and just wait until you see it sleeping for the first time, way cool. Lastly if you know your way around MS Windows then don't fear Mac OS. I estimate it took an hour to familiarize myself w/ the important parts of the system. Go look at the iMac, talk to Mac users, read the switch testimonies and make you choice. Anyone who doesn't give the iMac a test drive and buys a clone will miss a great opportunity to own a truly useful home computer.
Rating:
Summary: Better than Imagined
Review: Upgraded from G4 Imac 800mhz quite an impovement in response and speed. It handels 4 gig of Photos and Video with ease. Really rocks, Save your money on a tower and take a vacation with the Difference.
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