Greetings all,
I'm toying with the idea of getting into a Mac. Not being up to stats with the latest iMacs, I thought I would ask here. Other than the physical differences (plastic vs aluminum, no border vs black border etc.), what are the main differences between the last two versions of the core 2 duo iMacs? For example, what is the processing power differences for a 2.0 former model vs 2.0 black border model. Hope someone understands what I mean.
Cheers,
Eric
Compare latest iMacs
Re: Compare latest iMacs
Yes, correct, the two latest generations both use Core 2 Duo processors. According to what I know, the only main difference is the mainboard platform which has a 800 MHz system bus on the new aluminum models and 667 MHz on earlier white models. Memory is 667 MHz on both, though, so I am not sure the performance is notably different, especially if you compare both at 2 GHz.
Frankly, I would have a look at both of them in real. I am a little sceptic about the new glossy screens (although I am yet to see them), but you personally may like them better than matte screens on white models. Though, if you'll prefer a matte screen, you will also get a lower price on the previous generation iMacs.
Frankly, I would have a look at both of them in real. I am a little sceptic about the new glossy screens (although I am yet to see them), but you personally may like them better than matte screens on white models. Though, if you'll prefer a matte screen, you will also get a lower price on the previous generation iMacs.
Re: Compare latest iMacs
Hi Eric.
There's a handy little freeware program called "Mactracker" for both Mac and Windows that contains specifications for every Macintosh that Apple has ever made. Using that program, I found the following differences between the previous iMac and the recently released iMac.
There's a handy little freeware program called "Mactracker" for both Mac and Windows that contains specifications for every Macintosh that Apple has ever made. Using that program, I found the following differences between the previous iMac and the recently released iMac.
- - OLD: Uses Intel's T7400 (2.16 GHz) or T7600 (2.33 GHz) "Merom" CPU. NEW: Uses Intel's T7300 (2.0 GHz) or T7700 (2.4 GHz) "Merom" CPU.
- OLD: Bus speed 667 MHz, NEW: Bus speed 800 MHz.
- OLD: 250 GB hard drive (500 GB optional), NEW: 250 GB hard drive (320 GB and 500 GB optional).
- OLD: SuperDrive supports up to 2.4x DVD+R DL disks, NEW: SuperDrive supports up to 4x DVD+R DL disks.
- OLD: 22 pounds (US), NEW: 20 pounds (US).
- OLD: Maximum RAM 3.0 GB (logic board only recognized 3 GB even if 2, 2 GB sticks are installed), NEW: Maximum RAM 4.0 GB (logic board now recognizes all 4 GB if 2, 2 GB sticks are installed).
- OLD: Graphics card: ATI Radeon X1600 with 128 or 256 MB GDDR3 RAM on PCI Express bus, NEW: ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT (128 MB GDDR3 RAM) or Radeon HD 2600 Pro (256 MB GDDR3 RAM) on 16-lane PCI Express bus.
- OLD: SATA bus 1.5 Gbps, NEW: 3.0 Gbps
- OLD: 2 FireWire 400 ports supporting up to 8 watts total power, NEW: 1 FireWire 400, 1 FireWire 800 port with 7 watts of power for each.
New glossy screen seems OK
I just got the new iMac last week to replace my old original flat screen iMac. Was also worried about the glossy screen because in the stores I had not liked them as well. However, in my home, I have to say after one week, I had completely forgotten about the glossy vs. matte issue.
One other thing. I know the reviews of the new keyboard have been mixed. Personnally, I love the feel of the new keyboard. To me it is the best keyboard I have ever used. If you get the chance, Eric, try it out. It might make all the differnce to you, one way or the other.
-Rodan
One other thing. I know the reviews of the new keyboard have been mixed. Personnally, I love the feel of the new keyboard. To me it is the best keyboard I have ever used. If you get the chance, Eric, try it out. It might make all the differnce to you, one way or the other.
-Rodan
Re: Compare latest iMacs
I'm going to have to agree with Rodan on the keyboard. I have a Mac Pro but bought the new Apple USB keyboard after trying a friend's out and really do like it.
Re: Compare latest iMacs
Hey, thanks, guys. I'm doing the eBay thing right now partly because Canadian prices haven't adjusted yet. Gettin' closer though.