If you already have a recent Mac, there's no particular reason to rush out and buy this first Intel-based iMac -- you won't find the computing experience all that different. Even if you're due for new hardware, don't buy a new iMac now if you run software that doesn't yet run natively on the Intel-based iMacs. But for other users, there's no reason to hesitate: the Intel-based iMacs are already great machines, and they'll only get better. The extra disk capacity and screen real estate on this model easily justify the extra cost above the 17-inch configuration.

Pros: Dual-core; large-cache Intel processor delivers performance boost for Apple software and other native applications; Rosetta ensures compatibility with most PowerPC programs; elegant, space-saving design; big, beautiful screen; built-in iSight; mini-DVI port with extended-desktop support; includes iLife '06.

Cons: Significant speed penalty for non-native software; no support for Classic applications; no productivity software included; users can no longer do routine hardware repairs.

Basics

Reviewed Price: $1699

Processor: 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo

Information about this system on Apple's website