Apple iMac review

Since Apple released its Intel-based range and Boot Camp to the world, Apple owners have been merrily dual booting into Mac OS X or Windows Vista as the fancy takes them. But is it really a viable alternative to a standard desktop?

In some ways it isn't. This, the lowliest iMac specification available, can't hold a candle to the power of the other systems here. And, let's not forget, you'll have to budget for a copy of XP or Vista if you want to run Windows on it.

The Intel Core 2 Duo E8135 processor is relatively slow, and the 250GB hard drive looks downright frugal, but despite the unholy matrimony of Windows Vista and 1GB of memory, it still managed to score a respectable 1.23 in our benchmarks: for everyday usage, that's plenty speedy enough.

However, all but the most lightweight of gaming is completely out of the question. The iMac barely managed a playable frame rate in Crysis at even the lowest of settings so you'll be stuck playing older titles if anything at all.

But, if it's a sleek, compact, good-looking desktop PC you're after, and you couldn't care a fig about gaming, the iMac is desperately alluring. Every edge and curve is impeccably honed, and even the minimal keyboard and mouse combination look strikingly attractive. It's a far cry from the ugly budget Logitech combinations found with most of its rivals, that's for sure. What's more, they're surprisingly comfortable in use.

Sit in front of the iMac for any length of time and one thing that's conspicuous by its absence is noise. Our readings saw it barely reach 22dBA - which means you won't hear it at all in most rooms.

The display might lose 2in to its PC counterparts, but with a decent 1,680 x 1,050 resolution, and impeccable image quality to boot, those 2in are a small price to pay. Fine colour reproduction goes hand in hand with deep, convincing blacks - enough to embarrass many of the other displays here.

Yes, the specification isn't that inspiring, the warranty is a mere one-year collect and return, and upgrade potential is limited. But, if the iMac fits your needs, and you don't mind sacrificing performance at the altar of stunning design, it's enough to convert the most die-hard PC user at first sight.

Author: Sasha Muller