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 PC Hardware : Apple iMac MB325LL/A 24-inch Desktop PC (2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD SuperDrive) |
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Rating:  - Good Computer, Bad Screen
Recently returned an 24"imac because of the dreaded yellow screen/ yellow gradient issue. The center of the screen is yellowish while the sides are not. The right side of the screen is also progressively darker than the middle or the left side. The yellowish tint is most noticeable on a white background mainly a webpage or word document with lots of white. It is noticeable on other colors as well, very disappointing for graphics or photo work. The yellow tint takes up 1/3 of the center of the screen, very very annoying and inaccurate. If you have a sharp eye for details or need the computer for color sensitive work then you may not want this computer. I also noticed this problem at several mac and best buy stores, some notice it some don't. For me, even viewing amazon.com was a pain because of the yellow tint. If the whole screen was yellowish it would be more tolerable then a partly yellowish screen. It is just really annoying.
Rating:  - Excellent Service and Price!!!
First off, I'm that type of buyer that usually does business in person 99% of the time or whenever possible. I had been searching around for a good deal on a new iMac 24-inch for at least 6 months. I noticed that overall prices were pretty much the same everywhere. I finally chose to go with Amazon because they offered a fair price, free shipping, and an attractive [...] rebate which I received in about 2 weeks time. I was pleasantly suprised with the free delivery option which showed up at my door 4 days early than they had quoted. The package contents were in pristine condition with no visible damage to the box upon arrival. I was so pleased with the service I ordered a new canon printer shortly after. Thanks Amazon!!!
Rating: - My best Mac purchase yet!
I have used Macs on and off for a while now, and I have to say that my iMac here is the best I have owned. Why?
I have been in the video editing and graphics business for a bit now. For those who know about these know that they are extremely taxing on computer resources. Not so with the iMac. I use Final Cut Express, Photoshop, iMovie, Flash, etc. the list goes on. I have never had a performance problem. The graphics card is more than adequate, the initial hard disk space is good, but you'll probably need an external (or 3) if you are into video editing.
One recommendation I would throw in is to upgrade to 4 GB or RAM if you plan on doing anything with HD video. While the initial RAM amount is great, you will definitely want to upgrade if you are a video person.
While I don't want to review software, I will say that OS X is very smooth and the UI is second to none. Safari is decent, but has some color problems. Most of the included tools are simple to use, and installing programs is as easy as drag this file to Applications, and deleting is as easy as drag that file to the trash (minus some preference files). Ok, enough about that.
Do you like PC? Do you want Windows as well? No problem, Mac has you covered. Boot Camp will allow you to install Windows XP or Vista on a partition of your hard drive so you can use both! Changing between them is simple. Reboot the computer, hold Alt/Option upon hearing the tone, and then select Windows or OS X. Most of your Windows programs should work fine. I did run into a few, and let me stress few, problems related to the graphics card. Some programs (Maya 7 I believe) and a game here and there didn't work, but fret not. A small price to pay if you want 2 computers in one at the cost of 1% or less of the software library on one.
Did I mention the slick flat keyboard and mouse? Both are great! Not to trail off much, but a warning for your Windows users. You'll have to switch an option back in forth if you want your keyboard to allow you to use the function keys as normal instead of the mac way (ie sound control, brightness control, etc.). A big note on the mouse though. You may want to get another mouse when using the PC side, or disable side buttons. The mighty mouse's left side button is almost impossible not to touch. It is a hair trigger for going back in a web browser. This will drive you nuts (I promise you) if you old a mouse normally. Jumping back and forth through pages is annoying, so do yourself a favor and switch out your mouse or disable the button.
So what are you waiting for? This is a Mac and PC (Windows sold separate) all in one. Amazing high quality for watching DVD's, playing games, making art, publishing, editing video, etc. Not to mention the price, while a bit steeper than some, is more than fair for this computer + High Definition 24" monitor!!
Rating:  - An excellent machine for most home use
The iMac has been a very solid machine for us thus far. While it isn't the best-performing all-in-one out there, it handles most tasks a home user could throw at it with aplomb. The screen is absolutely one of the best computer screens I've ever had the privilege to use.
The only downside is that this model, like all the models Amazon carries, does not even have the option of the upgraded NVIDIA graphics adaptor, hence my docking a full star.
Rating: - Best Mac I've owned...
I own a MacBookPro, a MacBook and a variety of other Windows based laptops and desktops for my business.
This iMac is by far the best computer I've owned. Stunning screen...lightening fast...and great system.
I'd buy 10 more if I had the money!
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