All-in-one computers such as this machine combine the display and the major components (processor, graphics chip, memory, storage, and so on) into a single physical package. Apple popularized the concept with the original Macintosh computer, and continues the trend to this day with its iMac line.
The chief appeal of an all-in-one desktop lies in its style and integration, and such systems are especially suited to people who have limited space in which to work. But all-in-one PCs often have few (if any) slots and bays for internal expansion, and cluttering up your desk with external USB storage and other peripherals could eliminate much of their appeal. If you do go for an all-in-one, it's a good idea to get a machine that has all the features and drive space you'll need over at least the next 18 months.
Duration of ownership:
Strengths: Fast, very quiet, beautiful screen, monitor spanning, runs OS X+ Windows+Linux, handy built-in webcam, highly portable(!)
Weaknesses: Finicky SuperDrive, mushy keyboard
Overall Evaluation: I'm a long-time Mac user. This computer was an upgrade from a 20" iMac G4 (the lamp-like one with articulating arm and half-dome). I also own a MacBook Pro 15.4", which I've reviewed elsewhere on PriceGrabber.This is a stunningly good computer, a pure joy to use. First of all, I have to say it is very, very quiet. I'm a bit sensitive to hard drive noise (I find it very tiring) and the hard drive on the iMac G4 was so annoying that I hardly used it despite its gorgeous 20" screen. In stark contrast, I don't hear the hard drive or the fan in the computer at all, except in the rarest of instances. I can actually sleep while this computer is on.The screen is also very bright and even, truly gorgeous and much better than the one on the MacBook Pro (thought that screen is actually excellent for a laptop). Though it is the same resolution as the 15.4" MacBook Pro, it is physically larger and thus easier to read for those who hate tiny fonts and interface widgets. Just remember to go through the colour calibration process in System Preferences, as the factory default looks a bit washed out. Once you calibrate it, colours look saturated, rich, and very natural.The other surprisingly useful (for a desktop) feature of the iMac is that it's incredibly portable. Just unplug it (and the keyboard/mouse if yours are not wireless) and easily tote it to any room in your house. Or to work for that matter. It's much lighter than the iMac G4, and doesn't feel like a chore to move it about. Plus, it takes up very little room on the desk-- just a few square inches as the computer+screen virtually hang in the air. A good selection of ports is available (USB, FireWire, Ethernet, miniDVI) though I wish there were more than 3 USB 2.0 ports. Also, unlike earlier iMacs, this one supports monitor spanning so that you can hook up another LCD monitor and use it in concert with the built-in one for a super-large desktop. 17" is not a bad size, however; at 1440x900 it is adequate for most tasks. On the down side, you can't just open up this computer and replace parts easily as with the first iMac G5. Then again, the CPU is known to be socketed and can be replaced with a 64-bit Core 2 Duo at some point in the future. The keyboard is mushy and only works as a USB 1.1 hub with its own two USB ports. I replaced it with a Kensington SlipType, which has much shallower like a laptop keyboard. Most people will be happy with the Mighty Mouse, especially the 360 degree scroll ball which works great. The squeeze button, however, is too awkward to be much use. My only other complaint about the hardware is that the included double-layer slot-loading DVD/CD burner is very finicky when it comes to reading discs. It had problems ripping several less-than-perfect DVDs/CDs that ripped without problems on the tray -loading drives of the iMac G4 or PowerBook G3. The included software bundle (Tiger + iLife 06) is first-rate and better than Windows equivalents which cost a lot of money. Of coure, you can run Windows on the iMac too, via Boot Camp or Parallels, which I do. Most people won't need to buy any software other than perhaps Microsoft Office; the included software plus the selection of high quality Mac freeware out there is astounding. The iMac multitasks better than the MacBook Pro, thanks to the faster hard drive being able to support virtual memory better. (I've upgraded both machines to 1.5 Gb but find that virtual memory still kicks in quite frequently.) In short, this is a dream desktop. Buy it and you will love it!
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