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iMac G5 is "Computer of the Year"

by , 2:35 PM EST, November 30th, 2004

Mark Kellner of The Washington Times has selected Apple's iMac G5 as the "Computer of the Year."

"Apple Computer's iMac G5 is a very impressive machine. It earns top honors from this column, and might well earn a top spot on your holiday shopping list," Kellner writes. "Even if Apple fell into the sea tomorrow, and if not another line of code were written for the Mac platform, the iMac G5 would still be a great achievement that should deliver sterling performance for years. Its compactness, and Apple's emphasis on wireless computing are two very positive factors. I believe this is a computer that will deliver several years of good use and thus is a good value for the money."

A $599 eMachines systems running Windows XP Home Edition was Kellner's runner-up -- a selection that Mac aficionados would hardly consider competition.

Observer Comments

Show: Subjects Only | Full Comments
Close Name:Guest
Subject: rock on

Great googly moogly.

Computer of the year!

They are selling like hotcakes.

now if we could only convince people to buy them instead of ipods.

Close Name:Biff Posts: 1479 Joined: 08 Apr 2004
Subject:

If only there was some sort of moving picture advertisement... that could be sent to millions of people... ah nevermind.

Close Name:kenaustus Posts: 602 Joined: 27 Jun 2003
Subject: Nice story, but . . .

. . . it would have been better if mention had been made of the entry level pricing and the fact that it is under $1,200 with the educational discount. Writers love the 20" (but, then, I love mine) and spend a lot of time on it. Getting the lower price points of the 17" across is just as important for many potential buyers on a budget.

Close Name:Halix Posts: 38 Joined: 03 Sep 2004
Subject: Advertisement?

Quote
Biff wrote:
If only there was some sort of moving picture advertisement... that could be sent to millions of people... ah nevermind.


Why make ads as long as iMacs are selling like hotcakes? They can hardly keep up with demand without advertisement... I'm sure they will start advertising as soon as the orders start slowing

Close Name:Guest
Subject: Slowing?

In some ways I hope their orders do start slowing.. I've been waiting almost two months to receive mine

Close Name:Guest
Subject:

Quote
Guest wrote:
Great googly moogly.

Computer of the year!

They are selling like hotcakes.

now if we could only convince people to buy them instead of ipods.


"Buy an iPod for $2,100...and get a free iMac!"

Close Name:Mace Posts: 9604 Joined: 07 Aug 2003
Subject:

IMHO: The iMac is cheap wrt its specification. I have not bought one yet because I want a more full-featured entertainment version. I will go for the 20" one too. This iMac could sell more than the CRT iMac if market well. Is lovely.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: Christmas? Doesn't look like it.

No one is going to get one for christmas if they are 2 months behind on shipping orders. They need to increase production, then they can start advertising about how every reviewer to date has given it an excellent review.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: Computer of the Year?

"...several years of good use" hmm! However, what about the graphics card? Seems like it can't be upgraded, and as the new generation cards and games come on stream, even the G5 processor will not be able to save the premature obsolesence of this iMac. So what was the idea of having a user friendly interior, even if that much could not be accomplished?

I can only relate to the appeal of the 20 inch, in as much as the size of the screen tends to compensate for the duff design a la scaled up iPod. It would have worked out better if they had simply scaled up the iBook into a transportable briefcase with slide out keyboard!

Close Name:Intruder -   TMO Mac Specialist Posts: 3149 Joined: 07 Jul 2004
Subject: re:guest post

For those who's total existence DOESN'T revolve around games, this computer CAN provide years of use.

There is life outside of Halo and Doom (or whatever the latest processor-burners are). You should try it sometime.

Close Name:Mace Posts: 9604 Joined: 07 Aug 2003
Subject: Re: re:guest post

Quote
Intruder wrote:
For those who's total existence DOESN'T revolve around games, this computer CAN provide years of use.

There is life outside of Halo and Doom (or whatever the latest processor-burners are). You should try it sometime.
Agreed. I always wonder why so many guys spend a fortune to buy a computer for games. Ain't game consoles far cheaper.

Close Name:DawnTreader -   TMO Staff Posts: 15039 Joined: 04 Jan 2002
Subject: Re: Computer of the Year?

Quote
Anonymous wrote:
"...several years of good use" hmm! However, what about the graphics card? Seems like it can't be upgraded, and as the new generation cards and games come on stream, even the G5 processor will not be able to save the premature obsolesence of this iMac. So what was the idea of having a user friendly interior, even if that much could not be accomplished?


I've administered just about every make of Windows PC around and I've yet to find a desktop box that will last more than 18 months in regular use.

My original Bondi blue iMac is powering the library at my children's school and my G3 iMac DV is still in daily use at home.

The G5 iMac isn't designed for heavy gaming anymore than most Windows PCs are designed for gaming. The 64 MB of VRAM is more than adequate on the 17" iMac. On the 20" Apple should offer a 128 MB option. I expect that to happen when the line is updated.

There are so many performance bottlenecks on most PCs the graphics sub-system is only one of the considerations.

Close Name:gslusher Posts: 2088 Joined: 13 Nov 2002
Subject: Re: Slowing?

quote="Guest"]In some ways I hope their orders do start slowing.. I've been waiting almost two months to receive mine [/quote]

Think about that for a moment. If Apple got 1,000,000 orders tomorrow, it wouldn't delay your getting your iMac one minute. You'd still have the same place on the list. If they got no orders for the next month, it wouldn't speed up your delivery, either. In fact, if they got many fewer orders, they might slow the production and it might take longer for you to get yours.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: dear Santa

I wish for a G5 computer ....

Dear Santa....

love grandma Geri

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