Customer Reviews

Apple iMac G5 Desktop with 20" MA064LL/A (2.1 GHz PowerPC G5, 512 MB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, SuperDrive)

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Time for an authentic and (hopefully) in-depth review for you folks, as opposed to the scripted one by Stephen Hall. No offense, but since his reviews mysteriously appear for just about every Apple computer, I get the sense that they're less than genuine.

As for my own review: I really think this machine is perfect as a general-use PC. A lot of people buy on specs or price alone, but the iMac is proof that there's a better way: buy a system you know you will do what you want and which you'll enjoy having on your desk.

This is the definition of an unintrusive computer: it's extremely quiet when you're using it casually, and even when you stress the system hard (by playing a game or a high-definition video) you'll be hard-pressed to hear the fans. As an entire computer with a 20" screen, it takes up very little space, too. The built-in 802.11 wireless means one less cable running across the room. Why buy a Windows PC that sounds good on the box but will be an inconvenience in practice?

Performance-wise, I'm happy with it. System responsiveness is good even with multiple programs open - something that isn't always the case with Windows. As I mentioned earlier, it can handle high-def video and moderate gaming pretty well. 720p video plays at its full frame rate. Games like Unreal Tournament 2004 and Warcraft 3 will play well at high detail, using moderate resolutions (1024x768 for the former game, 1280x800 for the latter). It's not an ultimate performance machine, but it's very well-balanced.

Front Row isn't perfect, but definitely helps the iMac as a dorm room or kitchen counter PC. The interface is smooth, simple, and easy to read from across the room. I could quite easily see someone relying on their iMac for a house party's jukebox. Streaming Internet trailers directly through the interface is also very convenient. The only catch is that Front Row is a front-end for iTunes/iPhoto/Quicktime, not a player in itself: if you want to get back to your media quickly, you have to leave iTunes and iPhoto open after you exit Front Row. This isn't much of a problem if Front Row is a primary reason to buy the system.

There are only a couple of minor complaints with the system itself. First is that the expansion ports are on the back, so you have to reach around or pivot the system if you're plugging in your DV camera or iPod, for example. This is easy to do - and you can always leave the cables attached to the computer - but I'd recommend getting accessories to make it easier, if your devices don't already include them. A USB card reader or iPod dock will make your life a bit easier.

The other issue is that the built-in speakers are merely adequate. This is forgivable, as there's not enough room in there for a subwoofer, but it's something to factor into your purchase I would make a speaker upgrade (such as to the JBL Creature IIs or Klipsch Promedia 2.1s) a priority if you don't already have decent speakers.

All in all: this is probably one of Apple's best machines in a long while. It does many things well, including a number of things that average Windows PC manufacturers simply neglect. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because it doesn't do everything perfectly, and I wouldn't expect it to for the price!

I have been a PC man for a long time. We bought a used iMac G4 for a good deal and fell in love with it. We broke down and went and bought the brand new iMac G5 20" with the 2.1 GHz processor. All I can say is this computer is AWESOME! I've owned a lot of computers, but none of this quality. I've searched the internet for reviews on Macs and Apple gets a bad name I've noticed, but I can't imagine why. I can sum it up in this way...I'm impressed. I just today ordered the Apple Powerbook and am anxiously awaiting.

This computer (and it's 17" sister) are well-made, easy-to-use machines. Moving stuff from my Dell was very easy and most of the features and software work very well and are pretty intuitive. My kids love the Picture Booth software that comes with the iSight version, it's a lot of fun, and again simple. It takes a slightly different mindset to use this computer effectively, you don't have to know where things are (spotlight fixes that) and you can run tons of programs at the same time (something Windows users are usually careful of). My printers work fine, the help files are decent, and the iLife package is pretty decent. In 5 seconds you can have a basic slideshow of your pictures, set to music, that you can burn to DVD to make your mother cry.

Overall, the few weeks I've had with it have been very pleasureable, and i love having no "stuff" on or under my desk anymore.

Apple's iMac line of desktop computers are always some of the most colorful, beautiful, and respected machines in the industry. In October 2005, Apple updated the iMac G5 making them better than ever.

You'll be impressed with the iMac G5, from the very moment you begin opening the box. It is beautifully and carefully packaged, and you're greeted by a message inside saying "Designed by Apple in California." Then it is time to experience the performance of Apple's fastest consumer-level machine ever...

Faster - The new iMac sports faster processors. This 20-inch model now has a 2.1 GHZ Power PC G5 processor, which is up, from 2.0 GHZ, on the previous 20-inch model. Furthermore, the system's architecture is now faster, with the iMac G5 using DDR 2 memory. The iMac includes 512 MB of DDR 2 memory, and it can be upgraded, to a maximum of 2.5 GB of memory.

In terms of speed, I was immediately impressed. Applications pop open almost immediately, things snap to the screen, its responsive, and even intensive encoding tasks are handled efficiently.

Front Row Experience - Apple has included a new software title that at this time is only available on the iMac G5. Front Row. Front Row comes with your iMac, and a remote control is also included. Front row allows you to watch and listen to media items, on your computer, from across the room. Click one button on the remote, and bring up Front Row, for quick access to your music, movies, podcasts, DVD, and more.

Front row is without question the best way to access media files, on a personal computer. It blew me away, with its graphics, sound, and the overall experience it creates. Turn down the lights, turn up the volume, and bring up Front Row. Your friends' jaws will drop!

Built in iSight - The new iMac includes a built in iSight camera, so you can video conference with friends right out of the box. Furthermore, with the built in isight you can take advantage of another new application, available only on this imac right now, called Photobooth. Photobooth allows you to snap photos of yourself or friends, from the built-in camera and add wild effects.

Appearance - The new iMac G5 is thinner than the previous model making it more beautiful than ever. This machine will stand out on your desk.

Display - The iMac 20-inch features a widescreen display, which is great for watching movies and fitting items such as wide spreadsheets, or media projects, onto the screen. You can also squeeze several applications into view, making yourself more productive. The resolution is 1650x1050, and the specifications on the display in this iMac now exceed the specifications on Apple's professional 20-inch cinema display.

Hard Drive - The iMac G5 20-inch includes a big 250 gigabyte hard drive, which will allow you to store thousands of songs, pictures, and hundreds of hours of video.

Mac OS X - If you're considering Macintosh for the first time, you're going to love the Mac operating system, Mac OS X Tiger. It is incredibly user friendly, and you'll quickly find the interface and design is saving you time. Furthermore, Mac OS X is much more secure than Windows, so you can put your mind at rest.

iLife - Apple still includes iLife with every Mac. iLife is a great way to manage your personal digital life. Store and manage your digital images in iPhoto, jam to music in iTunes, create music in Garageband, and create simple movies in iMovie.

Furthermore, there are convenient applications built right into the operating system such as Dashboard, iCal (a great calendar that syncs up with your external devices including iPod), Dictionary, Expose, Stickies, DVD Player, and more.

Wireless - Your iMac will come standard, with an Airport Extreme card, for wireless networking. Furthermore, a bluetooth module is included, allowing you to use wireless devices, such as keyboards and mice, plus sync devices such as a mobile phone.

Value - You will not find many computers available today that delivers what this iMac has at such an affordable price. A fast processor, beautiful 20-inch widescreen display, wonderfully designed computer case, big hard drive, double layer DVD burner, fantastic software, and a lot more. Amazon makes it even more affordable, with great rebates.

Overall, I am truly impressed by the new iMac G5. In fact, it may be one of Apple's most impressive releases, in the past couple years. The iMac delivers high end consumer performance, with features that should meet your toughest expectations. There is simply not much that cannot be done with this very capable computer. Enjoy the new iMac G5. It's a great machine.

This computer is absolute perfection. Macs ease of use and seemless integration between hardware and software is finally becoming as well known to the rest of the world as the Mac users whove known it for decades.

If you enjoyed the iPod then this computer will rock your world. It is a home computer, a complete media center that will organise all your digital media. Fatser than any Windoze machine and FAR more reliable, the iMac G5 is the best computer Apple has ever made.

Just set up the new 20" iMac. Could this be any easier? Transferred all my 60 gigs of programs and docs from my laptop in about 2 hours with a fireware connection (auto prompts, no hitches on anything) . Screen is awesome, speed is great. Amazon offers the best deal (see rebate). I also bought 1 gig of aftermarket memory and put it in (took all of 1 minute). We run Windows and Macs, my hat is off to the Mac people for friendly design, virus resistant OS and good quality. If you're looking for a new desktop, this is a great machine.

This was an upgrade from a 2001 G4, which served me well, but was ready to be put to MacPasture. I LOVE the G5 iMac. I'm not a super techy girl, but I know what I like, and this works well. I run a lot of heavy programs on it, i.e. InDesign, Finale, Garage, etc. and it takes it like a man, a giant man who can eat a lot and then go swimming, without having to wait an hour first. Yeah. Anyway, the screen is clear and beautiful, it's extremely quiet, and I have had no overheating problems that I heard so much about prior to buying it.

My only complaint isn't with the machine, but with Apple itself, regarding the mouse. Mine came with a Mighty Mouse, which is a step up from the generic Mac version, but I can't believe Apple still doesn't make a mouse with forward/backward buttons for easy Internet use. But hey, if that's the worst I can think of, that's saying a lot.

I work in an office with about a dozen Macs, ranging from old B&W G3's to the most current iBook G4's. This iMac is the crown jewel of our collection now, and $350 cheaper than the original price at that. You may be tempted by the new Intel iMacs, but this is simply a better deal for the price. These iMacs were only introduced almost a year ago, so you don't have to worry about them becoming obselete or unsupported anytime soon. It's also the fastest iMac ever made (even compared to the new Intel iMac), and the 20 inch screen is a dream. I'm currently using it to edit video & author & burn DVD's, and it performs beautifully. If I had the extra $ I'd buy another one for my home. It only comes with 512 Mb of RAM, which is adequate but not great. I bought a 1 Gb stick of RAM from crucial for $120, and installing it is extremely simple. I can't recommend this computer more.

I am a Microsoft IT Systems Analyst for 8 years and very familiar with many operating systems to include Linux, all Microsoft OS's. My wife is a 9 year professional graphic designer so we decided to purchase one. I can only say it is a great system to possess at home if you are into a media base machine as well as into editing video (which would be a plus), you can do with it from the Application and network side of things as much as what I can with my 3Gz Windows Media machine which I currently own. As I said this coming from a very technical experienced PC and server systems analyst. Tiger 10.4.5 rules. Your spyware issues are over.

I have been using a PC for a long time. We bought a iMac G4 for the kids and fell in love with it. So I went and bought the iMac G5 20" with the 2.1 GHz processor. All I can say is this computer is just great. I've used lots of computers, but none like this one. I am really impressed. Maybe the price could be better, the only reason I stuck with PC's for so long.