Rating: 
Summary: ImMACulate
Review: After being a Mac-basher for so many years, I finally gave in and bought one of these. After using it for only a short while, I'm a total convert. I don't think I'll be using the ol' PC much any more. This thing is incredible. How they managed to put so much cool stuff into this tiny little package amazes me. Apple really does pay attention to detail; even the box the computer comes packaged in is a work of art. As for the operation of the unit, QUIET. Only if you put your head right up next to it can you hear the fan blowing. The LCD display is beautiful. It took me all of about five minutes to get the thing turned on and connected to the Internet. Upon browsing through the programs that come preinstalled, I found Apple gives you a lot of programs to play with. They give you an Office-type suite (with a word processor, etc.), DVD player, iPhoto, etc etc. I really don't have one negative thing to say about this computer. If you're a current Apple user or if you're thinking of buying an Apple for the first time, I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: I Escaped From Windows At LAst!!!
Review: Having used various windows & linux products all my computing life, and having been fairly unhappy with linux and actively enraged by windows, I decided to take a chance and buy a mac system. I could not be more pleased. This machine is easily as fast as or faster than the P4 1.6 that I use at work, and the transition from using windows to OS X was absolutely painless. I am as thrilled as heck with this machine. Anyone frustrated with their current windows machine should absolutely consider making the switch.
Rating:
Summary: Greatest Computer In The World.
Review: I have been using Macs for about 3 years now. I have bought all 3 generations of iMacs starting with the original bondi blue, and then an new iMac DV Indigo, and now finally this one. This has got to be the most beautiful and versatile computer I have ever bought. Everything is high-quality, even the way Apple packages it in the box, it lets you know you bought something special. I took it out and tossed aside the setup guide because I would know how to hook it up. After I plugged everything in, I turned it on. You are then greeted by the Mac OS X welcome screen. Apple includes all the software to complete your 'digital hub'. iTunes for organizing, ripping, and burning your MP3's. iPhoto for organizing your photos, and downloading them from your digital camera, and ordering prints from Kodak, printing photos from your regular printer, or make a cool slide show for the whole family to watch. iMovie for making your own movies with your digital camcorder. Appleworks, for word proccessing, spreadsheets, presentations, and database. And if you buy the High-End Model you get iDVD, which well let you make and burn your own DVD's that will play in any standard TV DVD Player. It also comes with some games and other misc. software. The design is brilliant. I sometimes wonder how did they manage to fit the whole computer in that little base. And screen looks as if it is floating in mid-air when you look at it from the front. The screen is beautiful too, it is a sharp, bright, and crisp LCD screen. Mac OS X is a very easy to use operating system, and In My Opinion, much easier to use then Windows. It has a fun and fresh looking interface called Aqua. I would recommed this computer to anyone who wants to be creative, or just wants a futuristic looking computer that will fit almost anywhere because it takes up so little space.
Rating:
Summary: The best purchase I've ever made!
Review: I purchased the 700mhz, combo drive imac a couple of days ago, and I decided to write this review to help people that are not sure if they should buy one. In one word, YES! Features that I did not even know about, I realized the computer had when I brought it home. Like you can control most of your applications by using voice commands via your internal microphone! The computer will even tell you jokes if you want it to! You can't even fully appreciate this machine until you have seen it in person, because it truly is a thing of beauty. It burns CDs really fast, and it is so easy to make playlists through your itunes2. I bought a printer to go with it to, and they work together without a hitch. So if you are not sure about buying this computer, I say yes, because it is the best deal for your money with everything that it comes with, its great looking, and really fast!
Rating:
Summary: Get this Machine
Review: I recently bought the new iMac, and it is absolutly amazing. I am somewhat of a gamer, and the graphics are great. Warcraft 3 is stunning on the new lcd screen, and even the older games still look great. The computer is extremley functional as well as space saving. The small cpu is very effective, and the vertical and horizontal movement of the magnificant LCD screen is smooth and effortless. Apple truely hit the nail on the head when they designed this computer. The only problem would have to be the lack of a floppy drive. While I completely understand that Jobs is attempting to bring Apple into the new Millenium (though it's 2 years old) by making a computer without floppy drives. However, his one mistake was that in a Microsoft world, floppy drives are still the main source of transporting files between PC's. I still must commend Apple with their promised ease of use and compatability with other products. I was able to transfer all of my Microsoft Word Files over to the Mac without any trouble. It is truely amazing. This computer is everything they promised and more. Everything in it will be useful in the years of technological advancement to come.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutly Beautiful Machine
Review: I recently bought the new iMac, and it is absolutly amazing. I am somewhat of a gamer, and the graphics are great. Warcraft 3 is stunning on the new lcd screen, and even the older games still look great. The computer is extremley functional as well as space saving. The small cpu is very effective, and the vertical and horizontal movement of the magnificant LCD screen is smooth and effortless. Apple truely hit the nail on the head when they designed this computer. The only problem would have to be the lack of a floppy drive. While I completely understand that Jobs is attempting to bring Apple into the new Millenium (though it's 2 years old) by making a computer without floppy drives. However, his one mistake was that in a Microsoft world, floppy drives are still the main source of transporting files between PC's. I still must commend Apple with their promised ease of use and compatability with other products. I was able to transfer all of my Microsoft Word Files over to the Mac without any trouble. It is truely amazing. This computer is everything they promised and more. Everything in it will be useful in the years of technological advancement to come.
Rating:
Summary: Get this Machine
Review: I'm a university professor and have long been familiar with Macs, which are growing in popularity in my department. Though I was currently using a Dell machine at work, I decided to make this iMac my new home machine. My uses are primarily professional: very heavy office work, making CD's, working with thousands of digital photographs, creating websites, and doing some design work. I can honestly say that in every way that matters, the iMac surpasses (and sometimes greatly surpasses) the other computers I have used. The out-of-the-box experience is wonderful; much care was taken with packing materials (and I later found this to be representative of the overall attention to detail and quality). I immediately installed Microsoft Office. I know Office backwards and forwards and the Mac version has everything (unless you must use Access) and even some minor features the PC version lacks. I have sent hundreds of documents to students and coworkers and no one has had any problem opening them. The formatting is also preserved perfectly when opened with Windows computers - this had been a big concern of mine. This machine is also compatible with everything I've thrown at it. Connecting my Canon camera brought up iPhoto (other options are possible) and my Sony Clie syncs instantly with Palm Desktop 4.0. I've also installed Virtual PC, which very capably runs Windows software in case the need arises. And there are thousands of titles available for the Mac, though you may want to go online to find them all. The Mac, though, really shines because of the countless little things that make it more satisfying to use. Aside from the stunning ergonomic design of the computer itself, the operating system is very pleasurable. If you haven't spent time with a Mac before, you will be amazed at how quickly you can get around in the operating system and how the things you need seem to be where you need them. I was never convinced by the "simplicity" argument before (after all, Windows seemed simple enough), but if you take simplicity to refer to the ease and speed with which you can get real work done, then it starts to really mean something. Do get extra memory. I added 256MB to what was already there and this sped things up considerably. Great computer, highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: A functional work of Art
Review: I've played with computers since the TRS-80 . Since 1984, I've used PCs. I've never been a fan of Apple or it's computers so I never owned one, until the beautiful iMac. So why buy an iMac? First the aesthetics. A beautiful machine no doubt. Unfortunately, although Apple has done an admirable job of reducing the number of cords they didn't complete the journey and make the keyboard, mouse and speakers wireless. The iMac still scores huge points on its form. Next, function follows form! The cooling fan is so quiet you can hear it only in the quietest of rooms. The speakers, although beautiful clear half-globes, sound wonderful with clear high/midranges and warm bass even without the bass module. The keyboard has a wonderful touch and is useful with 2 USB ports. You will never have to worry about the mouse cord getting tangled again. And the fantastic screen is so deliciously clear and readable. It puts no strain on ones eyes and it effortlessly adjusts to any useable position with the touch of a finger. Apple has scored a home run with the functionality. On hardware and software stability/compatibility the iMac stumbles a little. Everyone says Macs don't crash. This is simply not true as I have had numerous crashes out of iMusic, iPhoto, and iMovie. The only way I could get the computer to work again after one crash was to unplug it from the wall. The hardware, however, is all top notch and works perfectly. You can only modify your iMac internally by adding memory or an Airport card but with the USB (unfortunately not 2.0) and amazing Firewire ports (wow they're fast) you can add just about anything you want externally. This is clearly a next generation computer with no throwbacks to obsolete interfaces such as serial and parallel ports and 3.5" floppies. Bravo to Apple for that. So what does this mean? The computer is rock solid, the operating system is not quite there yet. The much touted ease of use and integrated software is also a mixed blessing. In general, all of the iSoftware is very easy to use. iMusic being the best. Pop in a CD and iMusic starts. Connect to the internet and with a click it finds all of the titles and artists for your CD. Way cool and time saving. Click one button and you're ripping songs. It also plays songs from the CD while it rips... very cool and very easy. Hook up an iPod and it automatically updates it for you. It is so simple, easy, and fun you will be making your own portable music library within minutes. iPhoto, iMovie, and iDVD still need work. All are pretty easy to use but there is no manual and the help is lacking. When I was trying to import movies and pictures into iPhoto, it would not let me or tell me why. Very frustrating (reason: iMovie will import only DV or a specific movie format. It won't import normal Quicktime movies. Also, the JPEGs were the wrong size so it would not import them.) All of that should be transparent to me. The next thing about these programs is that they are easy to use but you'll outgrow them after the first time you use them. These programs could easily have been made more powerful without making them any more difficult. However, once you start playing with your photos and movies and creating marvelous digital albums of your life, you'll be addicted. I made a movie from pictures of a recent hiking trip. Set it to music and I was amazed. A whole new world has opened. In addition, it was incredibly nice to plug in my Digital Camera, my Digital Camcorder, and my Smart Media reader and have them all work seamlessly. No trying to figure out how to install a driver. No wondering if you loaded the software in the right sequence. It just worked. Very Very nice. To the PC veteran thinking about switching. For the most part things work very similarly so you should have no trouble using the machine. If you stick with the standard mouse, you will miss the right click and scroll wheel. iMac can read PC files so you can copy any info you want to the Mac. Also, the is a Windows emulator so you can even run many of your programs albeit slower. To the computer newbie. Apple really touts the ease of using the iMac. I would say it is easier to use than a PC. But, that doesn't mean it is as easy to use as a common household appliance. The help system is pretty descent but doesn't replace a good manual that all computers so sadly lack. You absolutely must learn file management and common commands. In plain English, don't expect to just plug in the iMac and know how to do anything useful. Take a class, read a book, or have a friend teach you. Apples, to me, have always been overpriced--one of the reasons I never owned one. Although there is no comparable PC, the iMac does cost slightly more than a comparatively equipped PC but the difference is negligible. So what does all this mumbo jumbo boil down to. Very simple. If you like to play games, don't buy one. The video card is obsolete and there are relatively few games available. If this computer speaks to your soul, buy one. If you're in the market for a computer in iMac's price range, buy one. As far as which iMac to get. I recommend the G4 800. You get a faster computer, more memory, a bigger hard drive, and a DVD burner. Quite a good deal. If you don't want or need the DVD burner then get the cheapest one. There is really not enough in the middle one to pay the extra (speakers, more memory, and DVD player).
Rating:
Summary: A functional work of Art
Review: I've played with computers since the TRS-80 . Since 1984, I've used PCs. I've never been a fan of Apple or it's computers so I never owned one, until the beautiful iMac. So why buy an iMac? First the aesthetics. A beautiful machine no doubt. Unfortunately, although Apple has done an admirable job of reducing the number of cords they didn't complete the journey and make the keyboard, mouse and speakers wireless. The iMac still scores huge points on its form. Next, function follows form! The cooling fan is so quiet you can hear it only in the quietest of rooms. The speakers, although beautiful clear half-globes, sound wonderful with clear high/midranges and warm bass even without the bass module. The keyboard has a wonderful touch and is useful with 2 USB ports. You will never have to worry about the mouse cord getting tangled again. And the fantastic screen is so deliciously clear and readable. It puts no strain on ones eyes and it effortlessly adjusts to any useable position with the touch of a finger. Apple has scored a home run with the functionality. On hardware and software stability/compatibility the iMac stumbles a little. Everyone says Macs don't crash. This is simply not true as I have had numerous crashes out of iMusic, iPhoto, and iMovie. The only way I could get the computer to work again after one crash was to unplug it from the wall. The hardware, however, is all top notch and works perfectly. You can only modify your iMac internally by adding memory or an Airport card but with the USB (unfortunately not 2.0) and amazing Firewire ports (wow they're fast) you can add just about anything you want externally. This is clearly a next generation computer with no throwbacks to obsolete interfaces such as serial and parallel ports and 3.5" floppies. Bravo to Apple for that. So what does this mean? The computer is rock solid, the operating system is not quite there yet. The much touted ease of use and integrated software is also a mixed blessing. In general, all of the iSoftware is very easy to use. iMusic being the best. Pop in a CD and iMusic starts. Connect to the internet and with a click it finds all of the titles and artists for your CD. Way cool and time saving. Click one button and you're ripping songs. It also plays songs from the CD while it rips... very cool and very easy. Hook up an iPod and it automatically updates it for you. It is so simple, easy, and fun you will be making your own portable music library within minutes. iPhoto, iMovie, and iDVD still need work. All are pretty easy to use but there is no manual and the help is lacking. When I was trying to import movies and pictures into iPhoto, it would not let me or tell me why. Very frustrating (reason: iMovie will import only DV or a specific movie format. It won't import normal Quicktime movies. Also, the JPEGs were the wrong size so it would not import them.) All of that should be transparent to me. The next thing about these programs is that they are easy to use but you'll outgrow them after the first time you use them. These programs could easily have been made more powerful without making them any more difficult. However, once you start playing with your photos and movies and creating marvelous digital albums of your life, you'll be addicted. I made a movie from pictures of a recent hiking trip. Set it to music and I was amazed. A whole new world has opened. In addition, it was incredibly nice to plug in my Digital Camera, my Digital Camcorder, and my Smart Media reader and have them all work seamlessly. No trying to figure out how to install a driver. No wondering if you loaded the software in the right sequence. It just worked. Very Very nice. To the PC veteran thinking about switching. For the most part things work very similarly so you should have no trouble using the machine. If you stick with the standard mouse, you will miss the right click and scroll wheel. iMac can read PC files so you can copy any info you want to the Mac. Also, the is a Windows emulator so you can even run many of your programs albeit slower. To the computer newbie. Apple really touts the ease of using the iMac. I would say it is easier to use than a PC. But, that doesn't mean it is as easy to use as a common household appliance. The help system is pretty descent but doesn't replace a good manual that all computers so sadly lack. You absolutely must learn file management and common commands. In plain English, don't expect to just plug in the iMac and know how to do anything useful. Take a class, read a book, or have a friend teach you. Apples, to me, have always been overpriced--one of the reasons I never owned one. Although there is no comparable PC, the iMac does cost slightly more than a comparatively equipped PC but the difference is negligible. So what does all this mumbo jumbo boil down to. Very simple. If you like to play games, don't buy one. The video card is obsolete and there are relatively few games available. If this computer speaks to your soul, buy one. If you're in the market for a computer in iMac's price range, buy one. As far as which iMac to get. I recommend the G4 800. You get a faster computer, more memory, a bigger hard drive, and a DVD burner. Quite a good deal. If you don't want or need the DVD burner then get the cheapest one. There is really not enough in the middle one to pay the extra (speakers, more memory, and DVD player).
Rating:
Summary: It's rediculous
Review: II have used this iMac for about a month, I am one of the beta testers, and have been excited about this comptuer for sometime, but had to keep my mouth shut due to apple's secracy, this computer is the best thing since sliced bread. It's fast. It has an 800 mhz processor in it, which is fast, but then you add the fact that it is a G4 with the Velocity Engine, and that just makes it all the better, this little computer can chug away at anything ant it is still soooooo quite, but the G4 is really fast in OS X, which by the way comes preloaded, but you can still run all of your old programs in it, and they all will still work, its wonderfully easy to use, and it's as stury as a rock! It has 3 USB ports, I have 3 peripherals, and finally I don't have to worry about a hub, and stuff like that that complicates things. It also has 2 firewire ports, so all of you DV fanatics can import, render, and edit your video. Not only that, but most firewire peripherals are daisy-chainable, which means that you can plug your firewire CD burner into it, and then your firewire can be plugged into your Burner its ingenious, and its incredibly fast! This computer is more than decent for gaming. The GeForce2 MX card, is excelent and it looks beautiful with the LCD screen. It has plenty of room, and contrary to popular belief, you can put a bigger hard drive in it, you can replace the video card, though... that one takes a little work. The whole new design is wonderful, the adjustable monitor is great, because if you are short or something you can have it down, well actually I have it down to and I am 6'4, but it's wonderful, I haven't found a flaw yet, its great! Go order one seriously you won't be dissapointed!
| 
