Apple iMac MB953LL/A 27" Desktop (2.66GHz Intel Quad Core i5 Processor, 4GB RAM, 1TB Hard Drive, Mac OS X Snow Leopard) Review
This review is in agreement with *most* of the reviews for the iMAC. But the question I often get from friends and family is "Why buy a MAC? Isn't PC so much better?"
I currently own a 27" iIMAC, a Gateway Laptop, and a Dell Inspiron. No, no power using here... my higher end AlienWare was sold to pay for my iMAC after it became unplayable due to some problem I can not figure out, my Gateway is good, but no main house computer, and my Inspiron is so old it should go to the museum.
Soooooo at the risk of creating a MAC vs PC forum, here is my answer to that question in review form...
First the CONS:
1. Lurning Curve: There is a learning curve with the MAC X OS for long time PC users. I have used PC's since 1989 when my parents bought their first PC upgrading from the Tandy 2000. The learning curve was the equivalent (at first) of trying to communicate with an Englishman's slang terms vs American English. The curve was not insurmountable, and after a month I felt as though I had been using MAC's all my life. I don't see this being a problem for younger users, they always seem to grasp new tech faster.
2. Gaming: The classic CON I heard for years before I finally bought my iMac was the games. This is not a huge con for me, as I am not an avid gamer by todays terms (i spend a "mere" 6-8 hours a week gaming). The amount of titles are lacking vs PC games, and MAC game 'ports' are not as content filled (unreliable updates) as their PC counterparts. This will appear in the PRO's for reasons listed later.
3. No Blu-Ray: I am not as passionate about Blu-Ray as others. I use it for movies on my big screen and nothing else. Pure and simple, external hard drives are more economical than Blu-Ray disks for both price and space available. I am a bit miffed that during my deployment had I decided I wanted to bring Blu-Rays (rather than use digital media, which is still, in my opinion a better option for those away from home and their big screen), I wouldn't be able to watch them on my iMAC. It might even be nice to pop a Blu-Ray in the iMAC to watch one while my kids have reign over the TV, but it's certainly not even close to a deal breaker.
4. Compatability: The software compatability issues with MAC OS X are not insurmountable. There are various programs out there that allow you to use Windows software on your MAC. Office is now available for native run on MAC OS X, and that was a big deal for me because my school uses Word for everything, and my job basically requires Power Point in order to brief or conduct training. Using Parallels I have not had any issues running Windows software. In the end, the compatability issue grinds down to the money spent on Parallels (45$ when i got it) and the time spent to install the software. Not a big deal for me, since most MAC OS X software that came with the machine replaced almost all of the crap I had on my PC.
5. Power Using: You can mod an iMAC just as much as you can mod a PC. But if you are one of the power user types that can't possibly be satisfied with buying somthing and having it run as intended, you should probably get a PC, because you are the guy that has to have a 6 core computer (even though NOTHING requires one) and 3 graphics cards (again, NOTHING). If you bought that racecar that goes 240mph, even though you will never go that fast in it, then you should go ahead and keep buying a PC, and don't buy a mac to go alongside it (you need that money for the electric bill). For those that have to upgrade their PC constantly, stay with your PC: PC's are far easier to upgrade when you need a new motherboard, CPU, power etc etc. I never did those upgrades with my PC, however. If I couldn't solve antiquity issues with a graphics card and RAM (which are easy to change in a MAC) then I just bought a new comp.
6. One optical drive: 1 drive?! What? My PC always had at least 2! I thought this was a pain at first... until I realized that I havn't used both drives on my PC since 1998. Thats a win for the external HDD.
Now, the PRO's
1. Gaming: Yes, a pro and a con. I play WoW with settings maxed on my iMAC and have not once had issues in 14 days of playtime (not calender days, 14 days actually spent logged into the game). My add-ons work seamlessly and without issue (at least, not without the same issues I had on my PC, such as poorly built add-ons). Steam is a big issue with gamers (people hate the DRM issue) but they are doing all their new releases for MAC OS X to run natively (not ported, for those who know the difference). This is big for me, cause I am a big TotalWar fan, and will soon be playing them on my MAC minus Parallels.
2. Price: You simply can't build a computer with these specs for the price. For those of you that are looking to challenge this, take into consideration the monitor/screen quality. If you build a computer of these specs for less, you are buying a lower quality cooling system and monitor, thats the only way to do it. Too often, MAC's are labeled as pricey, but the 27" iMAC is excellent.
3. Customer Service: I can't review it to true faith (because I havn't needed them) but they are top rated for customer service, and have their reps based in the United States who apparently have English as a first language (I'm looking at you Microsoft).
4. Mod-ability: I am not a modder, I am not one of those guys that buys a new product and then spends weeks and months trying to tweak it for more power like Tim Allen. A good friend of mine IS a modder, and has modded his iMAC right alongside his PC. He uses his iMAC more than his PC because it looks nice, is ergonomic and doesn't "...give him crap." This is the guy that installed a liquid cooling system on his XBOX, put Windows on his PS3, and runs Windows, Linux and MAC OS X on his laptop, PC, and iMAC, and has several terabyte HDD's filled with media, software and games. Also, adding a new graphics card and ram is simpler on the PC, not to mention doing a full upgrade. PC's are just superior in this department (CON?).
5. Community: PRO and CON, I guess. Apple buyers, in my opinion, are not the same as PC (powerusers) buyers. Apple guys expect simplicity and don't expect you to know what DIMMM is. To quote Denzel Washington (albeit probly innacuratly) "I don't need to know HOW it works, I just need to know how to USE it." This sums up the majority of the Apple computing community. On the other hand, if you care what people think, non-Apple buyers tend to see Apple users as snobby and 'uppity,' and worst of all - trendy. The MAC is also a great conversation peice, because when your family and friends come over and see it, you get to engage in heated MAC vs PC debates that boil down to two separate products basically being equal, and differing only in user preference.
6. Security/Reliability: No Apple computers are not secure out of the box. They are vulnerable to attack (or so it has been said by so many people). But in my 2 years of MAC I have gotten ZERO issues with viruses. I have had 1 issue with freezing (my computer freezes when I run TotalWar: ROME on Parralels - so I bought the MAC version). I don't care if I live on the moon, which is incredibly vulnerable to attack, I'm pretty sure I would feel safe there because nobody has attacked it. My Windows PC was rife with viruses and somtime froze for the pettiest of reasons. I know that viruses (supposedly) exist for the MAC (google: Mac Virus - turned up a lot of forums asking if people even needed anti virus software, but I don't see a specific reference to an actual virus written for MAC). I use MAC anti virus just in case, though.
7. The Software: iLife is the *&#@. Many MAC users say they immediatly get rid of Safari when they buy their MAC, Safari has never given me issues. All my software has worked well. Running Windows programs with Parallels can give you a headache, but thats about it. On the other hand, I must state a disclaimer. One of the biggest lies about MAC is that the software is 100% superior and graphics editors should always buy a MAC. Not true. If you are one of these guys, the high end software for graphics editing is available on PC just the same as your MAC. When it comes to high end, PC has all the same stuff, and then some competitors, so you will actually have more options on your PC. I am not a hi-end user, and neither is the average consumer. The out-of-the-box, comes-with-my-mac software is awesome and useful, and I did not get a single "bloatware" program with my MAC.
8. Looks: This thing just looks sexy, and a SINGLE wire for one computer is pretty amazing (and practical).
Conclusion: 20 years of PC computing with DOS and then Windows were nothing compared to 2 years of computing with my MAC, I love it. Lovers of simplicity and out-of-the-box quality, this is for you. Lovers of power using and modding, stay with your PC.
Apple iMac MB953LL/A 27" Desktop (2.66GHz Intel Quad Core i5 Processor, 4GB RAM, 1TB Hard Drive, Mac OS X Snow Leopard) Feature
- Ships in Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging
- 2.66GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 Processor
- 1TB Hard Drive, DVD SuperDrive, 4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
- 27" LED-backlit display with a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, 2560x1440 HD resolution, ATI Radeon HD 4850-512MB
- Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard, includes new wireless Magic Mouse and wireless Keyboard
Apple iMac MB953LL/A 27" Desktop (2.66GHz Intel Quad Core i5 Processor, 4GB RAM, 1TB Hard Drive, Mac OS X Snow Leopard) Overview
Intel Quad Core 2.66GHz, 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 SDRAM, 1TB SATA HDD, 27" LED-backlit Display, ATI Radeon HD 4850, SuperDrive, Gigabit Ethernet, AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, iSight
Apple iMac MB953LL/A 27" Desktop (2.66GHz Intel Quad Core i5 Processor, 4GB RAM, 1TB Hard Drive, Mac OS X Snow Leopard) Specifications
Updated with a brilliant 27-inch LED-backlit widescreen display in a new edge-to-edge glass design and seamless all aluminum enclosure, the new Apple iMac is ideal for watching high definition movies and TV shows from iTunes, or editing and watching your own videos or photos using iLife. The iMac now also comes standard with a wireless keyboard and the new Magic Mouse, which features Apple's Multi-Touch technology. And it's faster than ever with a quad-core 2.66 GHz Intel Core i5 processor.
The 27-inch iMac features a brilliant LED-backlit display with widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio. |
The iMac declutters your desktop with a wireless keyboard and new Magic Mouse--the world's first Multi-Touch mouse. |
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The iMac's display offers an amazing 2560 x 1440-pixel resolution (for high-definition-plus viewing), and it uses IPS technology to deliver consistent color across an ultra wide 178 degree viewing angle. This 21.5-inch model also features improved graphics with the ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics processor with 512 MB of dedicated video memory. It's powered by a 2.66 GHz Intel Core i5 quad-core processor, which boosts performance up to 2x for improved multitasking, video, and gaming performance. This 27-inch model can also be attached to a wall mount, articulating arm, or other VESA-compliant mounting solution using an optional VESA Mount Adapter Kit.
It comes pre-loaded with Apple's Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard operating system--an operating system custom-designed for the advanced technology inside--and it also comes with the iLife '09 suite of applications, including iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband, and iTunes.
Key Features
- 27-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen display with IPS technology, a 2560 x 1440-pixel resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, 375 cd/m2 brightness rating, and 178-degree viewing angle (horizontal and vertical)
- 2.66 GHz Intel Core i5 quad-core processor (with 8 MB shared L3 cache) delivering up to 2x faster performance for just about everything you do: managing your photos, editing HD video, even playing graphics-intensive 3D games.
- 1 TB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 RPM)
- 4 GB installed RAM (1066 MHz DDR3; supports up to 16 GB)
- ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics processor (with 512 MB of GDDR3 memory) for the fastest, most responsive graphics for photo editing with Aperture, animation with Motion, and graphics-intensive 3D games like Call of Duty.
- 8x slot-loading SuperDrive with double-layer DVD support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/
- Built-in iSight camera for video chatting
- Wi-Fi wireless networking (based on 802.11n specification; 802.11a/b/g compatible)
- Gigabit Ethernet wired networking (10/100/1000BASE-T)
- Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) for connecting with peripherals such as keyboards, mice and cell phones
- Side-loading SD card slot
- Four USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port
- Mini DisplayPort video output with optional adapters for DVI and VGA output; supports input from external DisplayPort sources (requires cables and adapters, sold separately)
- Built-in stereo speakers with two internal 17-watt high-efficiency amplifiers along with built-in microphone, optical digital audio output/headphone out, optical digital audio input/audio line in
- Wall mountable with optional VESA Mount Adapter Kit
- Dimensions: 25.6 x 8.15 x 20.4 inches (WxDxH)
- Weight: 30.5 pounds
- Included Apple Wireless Keyboard and Magic Mouse
What's in the Box
iMac, Apple Wireless Keyboard, Magic Mouse, cleaning cloth, power cord, install/restore DVDs, printed and electronic documentation
Limited Warranty And Service
The iMac comes with 90 days of free telephone support and a one-year limited warranty. Purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan to extend your service and support to three years from your computer's purchase date. Only the AppleCare Protection Plan provides you with direct telephone support from Apple technical experts and the assurance that repairs will be handled by Apple-authorized technicians using genuine Apple parts.
Key Features
Big, Beautiful Display Combined with All-In-One Simplicity
The evolution of the Apple iMac. |
The new iMac has come a long way from the first 15-inch iMac. The all-in-one design of the first flat-panel iMac cleaned up the desktop, and put everything you need--display, processor, graphics card, hard drive, optical drive, memory, and more--inside one simple enclosure. New technology inside and out makes the new iMac a worthy addition to the all-in-one dynasty.
This 21.5-inch model features an edge-to-edge glass display that covers nearly the entire front of the enclosure. When all you see is the display, nothing gets between you and what's onscreen. Movies, TV shows, websites, photos--everything looks stunning on the new 16:9 widescreen iMac display. And the LED backlighting in the new iMac helps push more light through the pixels with remarkable brightness and efficiency. And because the LED backlight doesn't take up much space, the iMac enclosure stays thin--even with all the high-performance components inside.
The iMac display is designed to look great from almost any angle. A technology called in-plane switching (IPS) makes this possible. Whether you're sitting in front of the display or standing off to the side, you'll get a perfect picture with superb color consistency and no loss of detail.
The wider iMac display allows more room to separate the two hottest components, the CPU and the GPU. This keeps things cool inside the iMac enclosure. Apple engineers also implemented an intelligent control system that monitors temperatures and delivers just the right amount of airflow to critical components. And the three fans inside iMac have been tuned to be ultraquiet.
While you'll find a collection of ports on the back of iMac, you won't find much else. A seamless, precision-forged enclosure makes the back one continuous aluminum surface. And there's only one cord: the power cord.
Wireless Magic Mouse and Keyboard
Forget the mouse as you know it. Every iMac comes with the wireless Magic Mouse: the world's first Multi-Touch mouse. Use it once and you'll wonder how you ever used anything else. There's no scroll ball, no clunky wheel, no cord, and no visible button. Instead, the Magic Mouse uses Multi-Touch technology to let you control everything with simple gestures. Give them a try and you'll find that Magic Mouse changes the way you interact with your computer. Built-in software lets you configure Magic Mouse any way you want. Its smooth, seamless design is ambidextrous, and it supports two-button clicking--without buttons.
The iMac banishes desktop clutter completely with a wireless keyboard to go with the wireless Magic Mouse. This low-profile keyboard takes up less desk space--24 percent less--than larger keyboards. There's no numeric keypad, so you can place your mouse comfortably next to the keyboard. And built-in Bluetooth means there are no cables to connect.
Built-in Wi-Fi
High-speed 802.11n wireless technology is built into iMac. And with Time Capsule or the AirPort Express Base Station, every computer in every room can wirelessly connect to iMac, the Internet, and each other. Over this network, everyone can print, surf the web, and play music on iTunes through your home stereo--wirelessly.
iSight Webcam
Hidden behind the glass display at the top of iMac is an iSight camera. Use it with iChat, and you can be anywhere without actually being there. Video chat with up to three of your friends, share a video with a colleague, or present to a client. Use iSight with Photo Booth for fun photo effects. And there's no need to waste valuable primping time installing software or configuring the camera.
Pre-Loaded with Mac OS X Snow Leopard and iLife '09
Every Mac comes with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, the world's most advanced operating system, and iLife, Apple's innovative suite of applications for managing photos, making movies and creating and learning to play music. Snow Leopard builds on a decade of OS X innovation and success with hundreds of refinements, new core technologies and out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange. iLife features iPhoto, to easily organize and manage photos; iMovie with powerful easy-to-use new features such as Precision Editor, video stabilization and advanced drag and drop; and GarageBand which introduces a whole new way to help you learn to play piano and guitar.
Installed software
- Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard (includes Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools)
- iLife '09 (includes iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, iWeb, iDVD)
Environmentally Friendly Design
Because Apple designs both hardware and software, we can reduce our environmental footprint in ways others can't. For starters, a highly efficient power supply reduces the amount of power wasted when bringing electricity from the wall to your Mac. Unlike a lot of PCs, a Mac uses energy-efficient hardware components that work hand in hand with the operating system to conserve power--even between keystrokes.
A Mac also doesn't contain a lot of toxic materials. All Mac displays are mercury and arsenic free, and the internal components are free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs).
Efficient Power Supply
The iMac includes a highly efficient power supply that reduces the amount of power wasted when bringing electricity from the wall to your computer. Lower power consumption reduces energy bills and lessens the environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
Advanced Power Management Unlike a lot of Windows-based PC systems, iMac uses energy-efficient hardware components that work hand in hand with the operating system to conserve power. Mac OS X spins down hard drives and activates sleep mode on already energy-efficient LED-backlit displays. And it balances tasks across both central processors and graphics processors. Mac OS X never misses a power-saving opportunity, no matter how small. It even regulates the processor between keystrokes, reducing power between the letters you type. That's just one of many ways Apple manages small amounts of power that add up to big savings.
ENERGY STAR Qualification
The iMac meets the stringent low power requirements set by the EPA, making it ENERGY STAR qualified. ENERGY STAR 5.0 sets significantly higher efficiency limits for power supplies and aggressive limits for the computer's typical annual power consumption.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: May 17, 2010 00:53:39
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