Expert's Rating
Pros
- Built-in wireless capabilities
- Addition of FireWire 800 port
- New keyboard
- Compact, all-in-one design
- Same performance as 24-inch model
Cons
- Glossy screen may frustrate some users
- Viewing angle not as good as 24-inch model
Our Verdict
The most distinctive changes to the iMac line come on the outside — the desktop now sports an aluminum enclosure that resembles what you might see from the Mac Pro or MacBook Pro. The 17-inch offerings are gone, replaced by a pair of 20-inch models and a 24-inch iMac, each with a glossy wide screen. Other changes are more modest — processor speeds now top out at 2.4GHz, instead of 2.16GHz. But all iMacs now feature a FireWire 800 port and can support up to 4GB of RAM.
With large displays, room for a lot of internal storage and RAM, and a striking new design, the latest iMacs are a nice step forward–and a good value to boot. This 20-inch configuration is probably the best value of the three available iMacs, with performance that matches the 24-inch, 2.4GHz offering.