Apple iMac Desktop with 17" Display MA590LL/A (2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive

Customer Reviews:

Caveat Emptor Mac -- let the buyer beware of bad Apples!
I hate to think different and part company with the crowd here but here's my experience with the iMac. I'm just trying to help people, so keep that in mind -- blame the assemblers or product designers, not me.
I too was a Mac Fanatic (40% of my computers have been Apples) and looked forward to this slick cool computer when I bought mine (I'd have given it five stars then). Shortly after purchase, and despite taking care of it and installing nothing more complicated than Mac's antivirus program and surge protection, it frequently crashed, froze, lost data, failed to turn on, and suddenly quit, and it became an untrustworthy machine. It has been in the shop for major repairs several times although, in all fairness, it sometimes has gone without problems for as long as three weeks. From other reviews, this is not just one Bad Apple. It seems the iMac is like a Mercedes -- real cool to look at but don't lose the number to the repair shop.
If you want one that's way cool but I would urge you to: 1. Always back up every single thing; 2.Buy locally, to make it easier to bring it in for repairs; 3. Understand your store's refund policy and ask them what they will do if you have continued problems after a few months; 4. Have a backup computer; 5. Do get the extended warranty. I hope this review helps and that your luck is better than mine. For all I know, Apple has made some major design revisions with the iMac and if so, this should be taken into account.
--2006-12-04

Compact yet Powerful
This is not designed to be a technical review stuffed with a lot of jargon and technical data. This is a snapshot summary of what I think to be important to know for the average consumer looking for a more real summary of the iMac often omitted in a technical spec sheet offered by Apple, including set up, ergonomics, etc.

-Set up was a few minutes initially since I knew all my information. The computer took another 20 minutes or so to automatically download 7-8 updates to the iPod, OS, Quicktime, etc.
-Stand for the monitor is built in, plugged in the mouse and keyboard, power, and off I went! (No tools except fingers and arms!)
-No desktop, everything is built into the flat screen
-In the box the unit is about 25 pounds, including the mouse, keyboard, cables ,etc. (I was so surprised how light it was!)
-8x DVD/CD burner
-Super fast start up after turning the computer on in as little as 15 seconds (although it seems to vary in certain situations). Shutdown is consistently quick at 13-15 seconds
-Runs 10.4.8 which offers several advancements over other Mac OS versions
-5 USBs!!! Three 2.0 USB needed for new iPods and other devices, and two 1.1 USB ports on the keyboard for a mouse or other low speed (or older) devices (plus you get 2 firewire ports)
-Runs Windows XP if you buy "Parallels" or Apple's "Boot Camp" (Beta)... both have received high marks for compatibility, speed, and ease of install. Biggest difference is Boot Camp requires a reboot to use but offers almost full compatibility and the best speed, Parallels can run in parallel (can be launched like any program) but is slower for high end applications (games) and I don't think offers quite the same external device compatibility. (I don't yet own either, but I think I'll end up with both.)
-160 GB hard drive is roomy for us, OS and everything that we have right now including 804 songs for our iPod is 43 GB leaving us 117 GB free still
-Built in wireless internet
-Built in Bluetooth (i.e. good for wireless keyboard or mouse)
-Ethernet connection for networking computers without wireless/Airport
-Super clear and bright computer screen and loud speakers (2 built in)
-1GB memory which I think can be upgraded to 3GB. I also think that this could be upgraded without assistance from a pro using only a Phillips type screwdriver and your fingers. However, as always, seek advice before doing anything like this on your computer.
-"Mighty Mouse" has a scroll wheel which is super handy. I thought it to be a gimmick but am delighted to find it so useful. My computer also works very well with my Sony Memory Stick Mouse/Drive (see my other reviews for this must have)
-Built in camera which can take stills or video (it appears as the little 1/4" x 1/4" black square at the top center edge of the unit)
-Extremely friendly to customize, including extensive availability of widgets (I was surprised to see so many different ones so quickly, reminds me of the pre-System 6 days with all the 3rd party freeware)
-iTunes!!!!
-Blazing fast internet (we have a high-speed wireless T1 line)

Con:
-Price
-"Time Machine" not yet available until OS 10.5 comes out (a back up utility similar to "Snapshot" for my PC)
-Headphone jack is in the back (although it's the first plug and thus the easiest to access)

Bottom line: you get what you pay for and I highly recommend this item. We liked it so much that Mom got a 20" version 2 days after we did. Our Grandfather liked it so much he also got the 20" version about 10 days after we did and will be using it to run Windows XP. He'll browse the internet safely using Mac OS and then use "Parallels" to emulate XP to do everything else.
--2006-11-26

Spectacular Apple Imac
Wow! I Think this is one of the best desktop available in the market. I bought this iMac 2 months ago after the apple upgraded to Intel Core 2 Duo with 1 GB ram (prior is just Intel Core Duo with 512MB based on the same price). Everything is perfect for me. The design is not only gorgeous and slim but it comes up with a bundle of cool softwares like iTune, iPhoto, iMovie, IDVD, Garageband. In my view point, the apple tries to design all digital media applications (song, photo, movie and music creation) for Mac and they've done a great job on that. In the iMac, every component seems to carefully assemble with high qualty components to maximize the overall performance. For me, there is no need to buy any additional hardware except the software which is kind of expensive and limited. Anyway, it seem like if there is any problem on the iMac, we gotta bring it to the Apple's service only. We don't allow to get into inside to fix it but that should be a rare case.

However, for some software you should be aware the compatibility to Intel-based iMac processor because some cannot run on that processor yet.

Overall, I'm very happy to switch from PC to Mac and I think I should do it for a long time. The performance is solid you almost never face the pause problem when running multiple tasks like happenning on PC. Sound from fan or hardisk is pretty quite. Make up your mind and I think you won't be disappointed.
--2006-11-22

Annoying Popping Sound
I have this popping issue with my Intel iMac. It occurs at boot up with 4 loud pops and also occurs on a new sound if a sound has not been played for a few seconds. I notice it always in Garage Band while I am attempting to compose music. This is a very annoying issue. Sound that I wish to here from the speaker is never very loud and the speaker plug does not fully insert into the iMac. I took this iMac to the Mac Store where I purchased it to have them repair it and other issues. It has been in twice and the issue still remains. I have been in contact with Customer Relations at Apple about this issue and they are useless. They have stated that they are aware this issue occurs but they do not believe it is a problem and are therefore not going to do anything about it. This is my first Mac, and based on my experience so far with the computer and the so called "customer service" I will never, ever purchase another Apple product, I will also advise others to do the same. It is clear that if Apple manufactures a faulty product that they refuse to admit it and refuse to satisfy its customers.
--2006-11-18

Fantastic!
With some trepidation, I made the big switch from PC to MAC. It takes a little getting used to, but so far, so good! The 17" iMac is gorgeous and does what it is supposed to do. The Dual Core processor is a nice touch, it is very fast. The 1gb of standard RAM is sufficient for most, and if you need more, it is upgradeable to 3gb. There is a user-accessable panel so you can install the memory yourself. I would have liked a larger hard drive, maybe that is something I can upgrade in the future. The slot loading Super Drive does it all and is very cool--no trays to malfunction or break off. The system comes with a cool little remote control that attaches magnetically to the side of the monitor when not in use. You can access the multimedia functions of the computer with the remote via Front Row. The only complaint I have about the remote is that the battery was completely dead when I received the package! What's up with that, Amazon??? The keyboard and Mighty Mouse are cool and sleek. I don't know how long all this white is going to look good in my house, but here's hoping. The cable for the keyboard is not long enough, so if you want to maintain the minimalistic look of the iMac, I would suggest going wireless. The display is crystal clear and bright--great for watching DVDs. The built-in speakers are OK, there is some room for improvement there. The included software is pretty good, but they only give you a test drive of Office 2004; a full version would be much nicer! The iSight camera built in on the top of the display is pretty cool, and the Photo Booth software is fun to play around with. All in all, this is a good deal for the money--I would recommend!
--2006-10-08

- Apple Computer