Apple punts 'Penryn' iMacs
Desktops get latest Core 2 Duo CPUs
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Apple has updated its iMac line of consumer desktops, taking the machines' processor into the 45nm era with a set of 'Penryn' Core 2 Duo options. It upgraded the desktops' graphics too.
The standard three iMac configurations again include a pair of 20in, 1680 x 1050 models and a version with a 24in, 1920 x 1200 display. Moving up the line, the Core 2 Duos are clocked at 2.4GHz, 2.66GHz and 2.8GHz, respectively. All three CPUs sit on 1066MHz frontside buses and contain 6MB of L2 cache.
Apple's iMac: now with 'Penryn' processors
Curiously, Intel's price list doesn't currently include 1066MHz FSB Core 2 Duos that also contain 6MB of L2, so these are either 1333MHz desktop parts underclocked, or 1066MHz 'Montevina' laptop processors that Apple's got ahead of the upcoming Centrino 2 launch.
Despite the faster FSB, the iMacs still come with 800MHz DDR 2 memory; 2GB of it in all but the entry-level configuration, which has 1GB. All three desktops have dual-layer multi-format 8x DVD writers, and 250GB or 320GB of 7200rpm SATA hard drive storage.
Graphics acceleration comes courtesy of AMD's ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT chip in the low-end iMac - the other models have Radeon HD 2600 Pros installed. Graphics memory runs to 128MB of GDDR 3 on the most basic model, while the others have 256MB of GDDR 3.
All the boxes have a built-in webcam, 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR. They have mini DVI ports too, but no adaptors are bundled - though Apple has chosen to include a Remote control. The iMac have three USB 2.0 ports - plus two more on the bundled Keyboard - one FireWire 400 and one FireWire 800 port.
Available now, the three machines' prices are £799/$1199, £949/$1499 and £1149/$1799.
COMMENTS
Mouse pointer accuracy
I can't be arsed getting into the mac vs PC argument, but if your mouse doesn't stop where it should get a new mouse. I've got three on the same system (one wireless USB, one PS/2 through switchbox, one integrated trackpoint via PS/2->USB converter) and all are accurate.
It's not a problem on other systems running OS/2, NT4, Win 98, any of the SGI boxes or the dozens of machines at work.
In short, there's nothing wrong with mice on PCs.
I'd also note that I plugged my webcam and printer into the computer, it prompted me if I wanted to download the drivers and 10 minutes later they just worked..
Machines.
Computer 2000 had a nice offer the other week for a Xeon dual core 1.8 Barebones with 250GB hdd, 1GB Ram, DVD writer, etc for £89, add to that a desent GPU, Sound card and RAM, you could probably get a decent machine for < £200
For the true Dell price comparison
As said above at least compare Apples with Apples:
The monitor is not the same resolution, 1280 x 800 is quite different to 1680 x 1050, sure you can increase to the 22" with that res but we're talking a pretty naff monitor here, in my experience the Dell UltraSharp probably do just pip the Apple monitors for colour depth, but they're not an option. Assuming we're happy with the 22" to get the same res, add £30
Multimedia keyboard, add £5
No built in speakers on the Dell, not important to me, but are to someone. £10
Optical Audio output on the Dell? £10 as it's maybe included in the Audigy?
Webcam - £13
Wireless Network - £10
Bluetooth - £20
Firewire - £10
You currently get £60 against a printer from Apple too, so we can add a reasonable printer to the Dell (seen as you can have an HP C4180 for £60, effectively making it free) £40
That little lot comes in at £749.08, which yep it's still cheaper than the iMac.. but then we can talk about built in iLife amongst others, the fact that we don't have to install our webcam, plug everything in and let's be honest it's gonna look a whole lot better in the iMac form.... if you want to remove promo offers too, forego the printer which takes the Mac to the same £799 but the Dell now comes in £789.
I'd rather have a newer, slightly slower processor (seen as the OS will do far better with anyway) and the smaller HDD for the rest of the spec to be nigh on identical.... i get OS X you get an entry level Dell.
But as i said before, take your choice, i'll take mine... but if you're going to draw comparisons, at least make them fair.
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