(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
 |
Rendering Multiple CPUs | |
Rendering Single CPU |
Despite its new ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro graphics chip, the iMac still isn't very well suited to playing 3D games. On our Quake 4 test, at a forgiving 1,024x768-pixel resolution, the iMac turned in an only marginally acceptable 39 frames per second (fps). We were surprised by that, since Quake 4 sits on the tail end of what we consider current 3D games.
Comparable Windows PCs from Dell and Velocity Micro perform much better. You should be able to play less-advanced 3D games on the iMac, but we're still disappointed that Apple doesn't want to take gaming seriously.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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1,024 x 768 (4x AA, 8x AF) |
Conclusion
We have reservations about the iMac's operating system. Our biggest complaint with this new system is that, even though Apple's new Leopard operating system is only two months away, Apple hasn't offered any information about its upgrade plans. We find that oversight irksome and inconsiderate, especially since in the past, major operating system updates have cost extra cash. As much as we like this system, we think you'd be smart to wait until October to buy one, when the new OS would presumably be included at no extra cost.
Our other gripe, that Apple's support is lacklustre, is far from news. That you get only 90 days of phone support with an Apple always feels like a slap in the face when we read it. At least the year-long warranty for parts and labour meets the industry standard. Apple's user community has also proven itself a useful resource, and you can find tonnes of helpful troubleshooting tips on Apple's forum.
Aside from those relatively minor concerns, Apple's new iMac is the most complete and most attractive mainstream desktop on the market, all-in-one or otherwise.
Additional editing by Kate Macefield
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User reviews3
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dockerx 13 May 2008
Good: the cheek of the company - rip off
Bad: It doesnt do anything simply
Comment: Bought a 20 inch imac - mainly wanted it to burn DVD easily. Was attracted by apples claim that it is good for media!!
In fact won't do the most simple action related to DVD. Apple infer that people should not try to copy protected material, but the comments above apply to your own dvd non-copyrighted items. In their rush to protect the big media companies from piracy they have deliberately (for a price?) 'sabotaged' their own machine so it doesn't copy anything. It won't even erase discs!! extreme paranoia - don't buy one. Buy a stand alone dvd burner an d avoid this expensive rip off!! Something should be done about this rip off
Hughespipe 24 February 2008
Good: The super sllek elegant design combined with a superb OS and amazing specs PERFECT
Bad: A slight lack of compatability
Comment: I think that this wonderfull new system which combines elegance and performance, with maybee a slight blow to the bank balance, is a must have for the likes of anyone intersted in the more high demanding aspects of the computing world such as editing and graphic design to web programming and music production. This spectacular device ships with ilife 08 which matches iMac in quality and design perfectly. Not only tat buy they al work seemlesly with each other with each application linking in some way to another eg. iphoto has its own upload buttin to iweb and so on. I love this computer and is a must have.
Waz 3 January 2008
Good: Design is amazing (everything is built in), high specs available, mac os x leopard is great and keyboard is a joy to use.
Bad: Lack of support for mac programs + games.
Comment: I got my imac this christmas and it has been nothing but a joy to use. I was new to the whole apple concept but i find mac os x leopard so much easier to use than xp or vista.
Ilife is so powerful, video, music and photo editing has never been so easy.
Everything about it is great!
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