Apple iMac (2007-2008)

On August 7th, 2007 Apple released the second generation of its Apple iMac powered by an Intel processor (aka Aluminum iMac). The most significant changes are to the iMac's aesthetic; Apple has replaced their signature sleek white plastic enclosure in favor of a combination anodized aluminum and glass. The screen area has a black border and is under a pane of glass, with the outer enclosure made of aluminum.

Where to Buy

Apple iMac 24"
MSRP$1,199.00
Release date August, 2007
BrandApple
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Pros & Cons16
Reviews29
Details
Buy It
Competitors6
Comments9
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Pros & Cons

ProSCORE
25 reviews
80
negative
mixed
positive
19 positive
2 mixed
4 negative

[i] How is the ProSCORE calculated?

show me!

Pros:
Do you agree?
•
Sleek glass and aluminum aesthetic
+21agreedisagree

•
Very clean aesthetic with very few cables and components
+19agreedisagree

•
Thinner profile than previous generation iMac
+17agreedisagree

•
Decent performance from Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
+10agreedisagree

•
Pretty decent price points for its 4 models
+10agreedisagree

•
24" Model has excellent screen quality.
+10agreedisagree

•
24" model actually has better viewing angle then previous generations (178).
+9agreedisagree

•
Glossy screen gives deeper blacks and higher colour dynamic range
+4agreedisagree

•
Very Quick and Effiecent
+2agreedisagree

•
Energy efficient
+1agreedisagree

•
Silent
+1agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?
•
Poorer viewing angle than previous generation
+5agreedisagree

•
Not the best display quality on the market
+3agreedisagree

•
Not modular: screen and computer components are integrated into one box, making it impossible to upgrade either independently
+3agreedisagree

•
Glossy screen too much reflective
+2agreedisagree

•
doesn't feature the same quality Sony design
-3agreedisagree


29 people added to this review by submitting or voting on pros and cons. Add your say!
See individual votes »

Details

They've also made the iMac significantly thinner profile (see side-by-side iMac comparison), improved its power, and added some new features including integrated wireless. It comes in a total of four models with either a 20" or 24" screen size and a range of Intel Core 2 Duo processors running at 2.0 GHz to 2.8 GHz. The included Apple Keyboard has been drastically redesigned and is much thinner, made from aluminum, and features a larger "strike area" on each key (16mm vs. 14.5mm).

The screen has changed from the matte look found in the previous generation Intel iMac, to a highly glossy finish that is kept clean with an included black cloth. The viewing angle on the 20" model has actually decreased to 160° in this generation from 170° (the 24" boasts a 178° viewing angle). The display features a 380 cd/m2 brightness rating, and a 750:1 contrast ratio.

Available iMac versions (updated versions May, 2008)

20" 2.4 GHz iMac ($1199), includes:

  • 20" widescreen LCD display (1680×1050 native resolution)
  • 2.4 GHz 64-bit Intel Core 2 Duo processor (T7300)
  • 1 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 4 GB
  • 8× SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW)
  • ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT with 128 MB of GDDR3 memory
  • Built-in iSight video camera
  • Built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking
  • Firewire 400/800 Ports
  • 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm
  • Mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately)
  • Built-in stereo speakers and microphone
  • Mighty Mouse and a newly redesigned Apple Keyboard
  • Apple Remote
  • 12 watt amplifier w/ included speakers

20" 2.66 GHz iMac ($1199), includes everything from the 20" 2.4 GHz iMac, with these changes:

  • 2.66 GHz 64-bit Intel Core 2 Duo processor (T7700)
  • 320 GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm
  • ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256 MB of GDDR3 memory

24" 2.8 GHz iMac ($1799), includes everything from the 20" 2.4 GHz model, except:

  • 2.8 GHz Core 2 Extreme (X7900?)
  • 2 GB of DD2 667
  • 320 GB Hard Drive
  • ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB memory

24" 3.06 GHz iMac ($2199)

  • 3.06 GHz Core 2 Duo
  • 2GB memory
  • 500GB hard drive
  • 8x double-layer SuperDrive
  • NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS with 512MB memory

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This report was started August 9, 2007 at 11:12 am by Erik
with the last edit occurring February 19, 2010 at 10:49 am by Pim Van Der Zwet
This page has been viewed 140362 times, with 316 edits by 39 contributors.
See the full report history »

Buy It

Apple iMac (2008) | 20" display version

• Apple iMac MB323LL/A 20-inch Desktop PC (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD SuperDrive)

• iMac Intel Core 2 Duo 20" Desktop

UPC: 885909203079

EAN: 885909203079

MPN: MB323LL/A

Apple iMac (2008) | 24" display version

• Apple iMac MB325LL/A 24-inch Desktop PC

• iMac Intel Core 2 Duo 24" Desktop

UPC: 885909203093

EAN: 885909203093

MPN: MB325LL/A

Apple iMac (2007) | 20" display version

• Apple iMac Desktop with 20" Display MA876LL/A (2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, SuperDrive)

• iMac 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo 20" Desktop

UPC: 885909150328

EAN: 885909150328

MPN: MA876LL

Apple iMac (2007) | 24" display version

• Apple iMac Desktop with 24" Display MA878LL/A (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1 GB RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, SuperDrive)

UPC: 718908999325

EAN: 885909150311

MPN: MA878LL

Apple iMac (2007) | 20" display version

• Apple iMac Desktop with 20" Display MA877LL/A (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1 GB RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, SuperDrive)

UPC: 718908999318

EAN: 885909150335

MPN: MA877LL

Competitors

Apple iMac (2007-2008) is ranked 1st among it's competitors.  See the top picks in Desktops »
HP TouchSmart IQ800 Series

HP TouchSmart IQ800 Series

MSRP  $1,800 - $2,100    Released  September, 2008
Pros
  • good distinction between models and fair price increase (external drive, improved graphics, Blu-ray drive)
  • awesomely large touchscreen
  • good hardware and monitor for full high definition content
Cons
  • such a large touchscreen is cool, but not functional (especially if you mount it!)
  • the cost of a Mac without the superior design, finesse, or high end software
  • Copying a mac hardly makes it a "fresh take"
ProSCORE
12 reviews
75
Vote! (6 votes)
vote Apple iMac (2007-2008) 50% vs. vote HP TouchSmart IQ800 Series 50%
Lenovo IdeaCentre A600

Lenovo IdeaCentre A600

MSRP  $999.00    Released  April, 2009
Pros
  • innovative 4-in-1 remote can be used in many different ways (as a mouse, VOIP handset or standard remote control for the TV tuner / DVD drive)
  • highly customizable - many high end addon features are available
  • full 1080p capable display
Cons
  • no HDMI inputs for use as a TV
  • most of the innovative/advanced features do not come standard
  • single screen size is somewhat small
ProSCORE
4 reviews
48
Vote! (4 votes)
vote Apple iMac (2007-2008) 75% vs. vote Lenovo IdeaCentre A600 25%
Sony VAIO JS Series

Sony VAIO JS Series

MSRP  $1,099.99    Released  September, 2008
Pros
  • saves space and looks neater than a regular PC
  • not skimpy on RAM or drivespace
  • good PC alternative to a Mac at a similar price
Cons
  • can't display full 1080p (the main reason for buying the enhanced Blu-ray model)
  • no video out for a second monitor
  • still comes with Windows
ProSCORE
12 reviews
44
Vote! (4 votes)
vote Apple iMac (2007-2008) 75% vs. vote Sony VAIO JS Series 25%
Sony VAIO RT Series

Sony VAIO RT Series

MSRP  $3,299.99    Released  September, 2008
Pros
  • fully 1080p capable
  • has the connections the other series should (eSATA, HDMI output etc.. .)
  • can write to the newest optical media (many times the size of DVDs)
Cons
  • extremely costly
  • more advanced model CPU bump / double RAM is not worth $700
  • very poor 1-year limited warranty
ProSCORE
4 reviews
42
Vote! (4 votes)
vote Apple iMac (2007-2008) 75% vs. vote Sony VAIO RT Series 25%
Sony VAIO LV Series

Sony VAIO LV Series

MSRP  $1,699.99    Released  September, 2008
Pros
  • fully 1080p capable
  • HDMI input allows you to use the computer monitor as a TV for gaming consoles and DVD/Blu-ray players
  • stylish design is ideal for those who remain uninterested in getting a Mac
Cons
  • HDMI in only
  • discrete video cards are still less powerful than models found on Macs or HP TouchSmart models
  • most expensive model is a complete ripoff ($900 for 500GB of storage and the ability to write to Blu-ray discs)
ProSCORE
3 reviews
44
Vote! (5 votes)
vote Apple iMac (2007-2008) 80% vs. vote Sony VAIO LV Series 20%
Dell XPS One 20

Dell XPS One 20

MSRP  $1,199.00    Released  February, 2008
Pros
  • includes some quality added technological touches: TV tuner, wireless n and bluetooth, 2MP webcam and microphone, 7200rpm drive
  • a good alternative to the Apple iMac - includes similar specifications at a competitive price
  • sleek and compact with enough performance for the majority of consumers
Cons
  • difficult to upgrade or service yourself
  • 20" model can only display 720p
  • Dell's design/engineering is still inferior to Apple
ProSCORE
3 reviews
39
Vote! (5 votes)
vote Apple iMac (2007-2008) 80% vs. vote Dell XPS One 20 20%

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Comments

23 taps
show more
1.  avatar dialupinternetuser said:

I think iMacs are funny looking, but there a pretty good computer, if you like Macs. My one friend is way into them and was showing everyone pictures the day after it came out. I still prefer Linux to Apple OS X.
Aug 12, 2007 3:14pm
2.  avatar Whipdaddy said:

I see that Erik and Amanie both have tapped this as a WANT. Does this mean that the PW team currently owns PC's ?

I always wondered what hardware the PW team uses!
Aug 25, 2007 9:31am
3.  avatar Erik said:

PCs. If I went for a Mac, I get a 24" Aluminum iMac or a Macbook Pro and dual-boot it. On the other hand, I like building my own computers, and that way you get exactly what you need, save some money, and it's upgradeable.
Aug 25, 2007 10:01am
4.  avatar GT-D said:

yeah I'd second that - I'd totally get a macbook pro, but otherwise I'd rather build my own PC.
Aug 25, 2007 12:52pm
5.  avatar rapidronnie said:

I just saw this over at a MicroCenter. It's sheer style over substance. The keyboard is terrible for use, and the all in one nature means you get rid of the whole thing when something goes bad or the CPU becomes obsolete. I still have a 17" CRT monitor that's ten years old which works fine and a keyboard originally off a IBM AT-it is probably close to twenty. If you want a Mac, the choice is between this, the iMac mini, or the stylish but overpriced tower. I find the difference between MacOS and Solaris, which is free, not worth the Apple hassle.
Aug 25, 2007 8:52pm
6.  avatar beetwozero said:

Ah, yes. You can't beat the ease of use of Solaris. In fact, that's what my grandmother needs for her first computer. A rock solid Solaris box. (But yes, keyboard is down to personal preference, and the idea of tying a long-lived monitor to the rest of the relatively short-lived innards does seem a little wasteful.)
Aug 26, 2007 3:28am
7.  avatar e13e7 said:

The only reason to get a Mac is to get a Mac Pro. Those are amazing computers, they will BLOW YOU AWAY. My friend JUUUST bought an iMac, and he regrets it. It's not to versitile, and hard to surf the net with.
Sep 21, 2007 3:24am
8.  avatar ES46DER, said:

I think that iMacs suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! they are so hard to work with and I really don't think that its helpful for my eyes!!!!!!!!!! But at least it's better than the one MY GRANDMA MADE ME!!!!! Not!:(
Apr 20, 2008 10:53pm
9.  avatar Carole0815 said:

Why on earth did they change to a glossy screen??? I tried it in a store and the reflections were terrible. I will never buy a glossy screen monitor!
Oct 28, 2008 10:55am
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Reviews

Sort by: Most helpful  •  Newest  •  Most positive

hawks22gk

avatar
April 6, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
78
negative
mixed
positive
7 pros
2 cons
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Sleek glass and aluminum aesthetic
  • Very clean aesthetic with very few cables and components
  • Thinner profile than previous generation iMac
  • Decent performance from Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
  • Pretty decent price points for its 4 models
  • 24" Model has excellent screen quality.
  • 24" model actually has better viewing angle then previous generations (178).

Cons

  • Poorer viewing angle than previous generation
  • Glossy screen too much reflective

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

lonehunter

avatar
January 14, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
8 pros
0 cons
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Sleek glass and aluminum aesthetic
  • Very clean aesthetic with very few cables and components
  • Thinner profile than previous generation iMac
  • Decent performance from Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
  • Pretty decent price points for its 4 models
  • 24" Model has excellent screen quality.
  • 24" model actually has better viewing angle then previous generations (178).
  • Glossy screen gives deeper blacks and higher colour dynamic range

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Competitors

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

fractalhorizon

avatar
January 8, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
8 pros
0 cons
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Sleek glass and aluminum aesthetic
  • Very clean aesthetic with very few cables and components
  • Thinner profile than previous generation iMac
  • Decent performance from Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
  • Pretty decent price points for its 4 models
  • 24" Model has excellent screen quality.
  • 24" model actually has better viewing angle then previous generations (178).
  • Glossy screen gives deeper blacks and higher colour dynamic range

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Competitors

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

ollie08

avatar
November 24, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
7 pros
0 cons
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Sleek glass and aluminum aesthetic
  • Very clean aesthetic with very few cables and components
  • Thinner profile than previous generation iMac
  • Decent performance from Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
  • Pretty decent price points for its 4 models
  • 24" Model has excellent screen quality.
  • 24" model actually has better viewing angle then previous generations (178).

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Competitors

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Erik

avatar
August 9, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
71
negative
mixed
positive
5 pros
2 cons
want itwant it
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Sleek glass and aluminum aesthetic
  • Very clean aesthetic with very few cables and components
  • Thinner profile than previous generation iMac
  • Decent performance from Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
  • Pretty decent price points for its 4 models

Cons

  • Poorer viewing angle than previous generation
  • Not the best display quality on the market

Comments

"PCs. If I went for a Mac, I get a 24" Aluminum iMac or a Macbook Pro and dual-boot it. On the other hand, I like building my own computers, and that way you get exactly what you need, save some money, and it's upgradeable."
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

freqk

avatar
August 9, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
6 pros
0 cons
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Sleek glass and aluminum aesthetic
  • Very clean aesthetic with very few cables and components
  • Thinner profile than previous generation iMac
  • Decent performance from Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
  • 24" Model has excellent screen quality.
  • 24" model actually has better viewing angle then previous generations (178).

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

sebasg

avatar
July 19, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
50
negative
mixed
positive
3 pros
3 cons
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Sleek glass and aluminum aesthetic
  • Very clean aesthetic with very few cables and components
  • Thinner profile than previous generation iMac

Cons

  • Poorer viewing angle than previous generation
  • Not the best display quality on the market
  • Glossy screen too much reflective

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

squalorking

avatar
December 13, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
67
negative
mixed
positive
4 pros
2 cons
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Sleek glass and aluminum aesthetic
  • Thinner profile than previous generation iMac
  • Decent performance from Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
  • Pretty decent price points for its 4 models

Cons

  • Poorer viewing angle than previous generation
  • Not the best display quality on the market

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

beetwozero

avatar
August 26, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
83
negative
mixed
positive
5 pros
1 con
want itwant it
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Sleek glass and aluminum aesthetic
  • Very clean aesthetic with very few cables and components
  • Thinner profile than previous generation iMac
  • Decent performance from Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
  • Pretty decent price points for its 4 models

Cons

  • Poorer viewing angle than previous generation

Comments

"Ah, yes. You can't beat the ease of use of Solaris. In fact, that's what my grandmother needs for her first computer. A rock solid Solaris box. (But yes, keyboard is down to personal preference, and the idea of tying a long-lived monitor to the rest of the relatively short-lived innards does seem a little wasteful.)"
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

serhat

avatar
October 11, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
5 pros
0 cons
want itwant it
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Sleek glass and aluminum aesthetic
  • Very clean aesthetic with very few cables and components
  • Thinner profile than previous generation iMac
  • Decent performance from Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
  • Pretty decent price points for its 4 models

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No
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2007, 2008, 20072008