Best Reviewed
Apple Laptops and Desktops
- Best Apple laptop 15-inch 2.4 GHz MacBook Pro *Est. $2200
- Best ultraportable Apple laptop 13-inch 128 GB MacBook Air *Est. $1300
- Best-value Apple laptop 13-inch 2.4 GHz MacBook Pro *Est. $1200
- Budget Apple laptop 11-inch 64 GB MacBook Air *Est. $1000
- Best Apple desktop 21.5-inch 2.5 GHz iMac *Est. $1200
- Best tablet computer Apple iPad 2 *Est. $500
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- Good value
- All-in-one design saves space
- Fast performance
- More standard memory than previous versions
- No SD card slot
- Not great for gaming
- Upgrade to 8 GB of memory costs $1,000
The iMac has always been a good value among Apple desktops, and reviewers say the latest version is a better value than ever. Although the iMac has four standard configurations, most experts say the 24-inch 2.66 GHz iMac offers the best combination of value and performance. It has 4 GB of memory, a 640 GB hard drive and Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics. Like most Macs, you can pay to upgrade the components, but it'll cost you $1,000 to upgrade to 8 GB of RAM (most reviewers say this is not worth it). The 24-inch 2.66 GHz iMac wins an Editors' Choice award from PCMag.com, where it gets high marks for value and Windows-compatibility. However, the streamlined keyboard annoys some users, although you can upgrade to a full-size keyboard for free if you buy from the Apple store. In addition, reviewers say the 2.66 GHz iMac isn't the best choice for serious gaming or high-intensity graphics work. For those purposes, experts recommend the 24-inch 3.06 GHz iMac or a Mac Pro.
The best review of the new 24-inch 2.66 GHz iMac appears to be in PCMag.com. This source conducts excellent testing, and benchmarks the desktop against previous versions of the iMac. It also rates the iMac, and does a good job of comparing it to other desktops. Consumer Reports also tests the 24-inch 2.66 GHz iMac, but their test results don't include as much analysis or commentary. Shorter reviews from Gizmodo.com, About.com and TrustedReviews.com are also helpful, but they lack the extensive testing seen in PCMag.com.
Our Sources
The 24-inch 2.66 GHz iMac scores an Editors' Choice award from PCMag.com. Reviewer Joel Santo Domingo says the iMac has "strong multimedia capabilities" and it's offered for the same price as you'd pay for a 20-inch model last year. The HD-compatible display also gets high marks.
Review: Apple iMac (Nvidia GeForce 9400M), Joel Santo Domingo, March 6, 2009
2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
ConsumerReports.org tests the 20-inch iMac and the 24-inch 2.66 GHz iMac. Both computers are rated in various categories and are matched up against comparable PCs.
Review: Desktop Computer Ratings and Reliability, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
3. Gizmodo.com
Wilson Rothman at Gizmodo calls the 24-inch iMac a "great deal," finding that internal improvements result in a jump in performance. Like other reviewers, Rothman finds the glossy screen annoying.
Review: iMac 2009 Review, Wilson Rothman, March 6, 2009
Andy Vandervell at TrustedReviews.com calls the 24-inch 2.66 GHz iMac an "iconic piece of design." He likes the high-quality speakers, but he finds the Mighty Mouse annoying and difficult to use. Overall, he rates it highly with a score of nine (out of 10).
Review: Apple iMac 24in - 2009 Edition Review, Andy Vandervell, March 25, 2009
5. About.com
Tom Nelson, About.com's guide to Macintosh computers, reviews the entire iMac lineup. He says the 24-inch 2.66 GHz model is a good choice for those who want a "high-quality desktop Mac at a reasonable price." Nelson does note that iMacs have little expandability. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Review: iMac Early 2009 Review, Tom Nelson, Not Dated
6. Amazon.com
Out of nearly 35 reviews, the 24-inch 2.66 GHz iMac receives 30 five-star ratings. Owners posting to Amazon.com are obviously pleased with the iMac, calling it "incredible" and "simply fantastic." One owner, however, reports repeated problems with his hard drive.
Review: Apple iMac MB418LL/A 24-Inch Desktop, Contributors to Amazon.com
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