MobiPress Electronics and Gadgets Review

Well its 2009 out there and lots of new gadgets are flooding the market. But some things change, and some things stay the same. Let's see which way Apple decided to go this year with its brand new iMac.

We already talked about iPhone 3Gs, and iTouch, but these are relatively new additions to the Apple family, but what about computers? the iMacs? the whole reason why Apple is here with us till this day!

If you decided to get a new iMac and impress your friends, you might just have a little trouble there. The 2009 iMac looks the same as last year's model, and unfortunately as iMac the year before that too! Same old annoying reflective screen (yup, might wanna turn the lights off), same white/silver casing, identical corded keyboard, and exactly the same corded mouse [who makes corded peripherals these days?]. Although there is a $300 price reduction, and a slightly better hardware, you might want to keep your 2007 iMac model instead. If you're a true fan, then reading and see what comes inside the big white box!

Exterior
If you enjoy watching a lot of movies and videos on a big screen, you might be pleased with 20" and 24" displays that bring iMac models to life. 24" model widescreen supports 1920 by 1200 pixels resolution, and weights in at about 25 pounds (mind you there's no computer case, its all in that big screen!) It is about 8" in depth and 22" in width. No real difference to older iMac models. Keyboard and mighty mouse are the same - white and corded. Apple store does offer wireless models, but those look the same too, except for the ugly cable! (Note: Keyboard comes trimmed, without the Num Keypad! But you can ask for one free of charge at the Apple store)

Interior
Despite identical and somewhat outdated box-like design, the inside is relatively up to date. 20" model comes with a new 2.66Ghz Intel Core Duo (2008 iMac had 2.44Ghz) and new Nvidia GeForce 9400 M. It also has 2GB of RAM, and 320GB Hard Drive. Although sitting at a reduced price - $1199, it has little value on the current market. The 24" model however, starts at $1499 but has a 640GB HD, 4GB of RAM, and the same GeForce 9400M video card. For $300 you get twice the RAM and twice the capacity, but most importantly a whooping 24" screen! A slightly better performance, but a much better value!

At the top sits 24" - $2199 model. This iMac comes with 1TB of space, 4GB of RAM, Nvidia GeForce 130 (512MB) video card, and Intel's 3.06Ghz Core 2 Duo CPU. Not exactly a winner here, as you're forced to pay over $1000 just for a little more space, slightly faster CPU, and a better video card, meanwhile 2.66Ghz CPU and 9400M iMacs are perfectly fit to tackle any games and apps on the market today! Apple also offers to install ATI RADEON HD 4850 (512MB) card, but it would bust a hole in your wallet. If you have a budget in mind, $1499 is your pick! All iMac models come with the same 8x Dual Layer Super Drive!

Performance wise, iMac still dominates the family. Even at $1499 it beats MacMini, and MacBook hands down (even the more expensive MacBook models). Snow Leopard and iLife 09 are included in the box.

Final Words
Hard to imagine why Apple has been dragging the same design for years. They could have at least changed the mouse or the keyboard. Cutting off the NumPad is not really an upgrade! Screen itself might also seem too glossy and become incredibly annoying in well lit places. But despite the shell, price reduction of almost $300 and beefier hardware are giving an old face a new look! Although a 3 year old design hasn't changed a bit, you might wanna get an iMac today if you haven't done it last year!
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