I spent the past three days working exlusively on two clients’ new G5 iMacs. One was the basic 17″ model and the other was a top of the line 20″ computer, including 1GB of memory, plus Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
A 20″ iMac is far superior to its 17″ sibling, especially because of screen size and quality. An enhanced technology is incorporated into the larger unit, but this commentary is not going to explore under the hood in any detail.
Screen brightness is so intense on the 20″ monitor that we needed to reduce the brightness slider by 25 percent for extended viewing. The physical size of this 20″ giant allows its user to display two full-sized web or document pages side by side without any compromise. Sit w-a-y back for optimum viewability.
Using a typical broadband connection, a pair of QuickTime movie trailers can play simultaneously. I consider this the ultimate determinant of bandwidth, processor muscle, and multimedia stress testing.
A 1.8GHz processor is fast, but not spectacularly so, when having 1GB of physical onboard memory. New iMac RAM is darn expensive when the machine is purchased directly from Apple, which is what this particular owner did. OS X is a memory hog, so maximum RAM should be high on every wish list. Apple’s skimpy 256MB standard memory (or 512 with the Bluetooth package) is a disservice to the purchaser.
Computer fan noise and heat buildup were insignificant, although we didn’t compile iMovies or burn DVDs (but we did a lot of CD ripping and Photoshop image editing). The Bluetooth mouse and keyboard performed perfectly.
Buying one of these Big Berthas will cost $2000 to $2500, depending upon how you customize and where you buy it. The expense is justified when you consider what is included, with such tremendous versatility and potential.
The model I’m considering weighs in at $2200 plus, before tax or shipping. I’d rather pay for additional RAM than for Bluetooth wireless capability if money is tight, and I don’t need a SuperDrive. To date my existing G3 computers are humming along nicely in both OS 9 and X, so the longer I can wait the better, faster, and cheaper are the G5 iMacs.
I was anticipating becoming an owner of a swiveling 20″ G4 iMac, and I’m glad the G5 replaced it. This is the finest one-piece computer of all time, PowerBooks notwithstanding. iMac G5’s sensational screen is the clincher.
The upper right side media slot for CDs and DVDs is wonderful, but the rear lineup of ports is not. Aesthetics aside, I suggest Apple reposition these ports along either right or left side for ease of access. This idea will not be popular, but leaning and squinting and tilting and fumbling becomes annoying very quickly.
I know at least one of our writers and one of our frequent blog-responders have a G5 17″ iMac, and I welcome their comments. Ditto from any of you with personal experience on a 20″ or 17″ iMac G5.
The price difference between a comparably-equipped G4 eMac and G5 20″ iMac is roughly $1000, and it’s a clear call as to which is the winner. Whatever it takes in savings or overtime, I’m sure a 20″ iMac is going to be a superior computer for 2005 and many years beyond.
My next face-off will be between 14″ iBook and 15″ PowerBook, including an $800 differential for reasonably comparable models. I’m leaning toward the less expensive iBook (around $1650), so check back in a few weeks once I’m able to do a side-by-side assessment.
[Nemo]
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