Apple iMac Indigo 15 in. (M7669LL/A) Mac Desktop
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- Form Factor: All-in-one
- Operating System: Apple MacOS 9.1
- HDD Size: 20 GB
- Installed Memory: 64 MB (SDRAM)
- Display: 15 in.
- Processor: PowerPC G3 500 MHz
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Apple imac for dummies
Pros
Imac is Cheap, Stylish in an Apple way, and Simple to setup
Cons
Keyboard/Mouse could be better designed. Not as widespread as PC - lack of compatibility
Recommended it?
Yes
The iMac was Apple?s brave attempt at launching a new generation of Apple machines. On many levels it has been a success, but some people might point to its introduction as being merely another nail in the Apple coffin.
Since its introduction a couple of years ago, Apple have made a number of changes to the basic model, both in upping the specification and in introducing even more colourful styles. I?m reviewing the original first generation iMac. We?ve owned the machine for a couple of years now, and while I?ve predominantly being using PC?s, I have used the machine on more than enough occasions to be able to form an opinion on its real worth.
Who is it aimed at?
I?ve glanced through several previous epinions, and a common trend is that of failing to recognise who iMac is aimed at. From where I stand, it looks as though Apple have designed the system for several groups of people:
* Existing Mac users.
* New family computer users with little previous knowledge of computing.
* People who want a no-nonsense machine.
* Desktop publishing/graphics crowd.
Apple?s share of the home computing market is tiny in comparison to PC?s, so they have to either grab those people who are new, in addition to being able to quench the existing Macintosh users from venturing over to the ?dark? side.
How easy is it to set-up?
As I mentioned in a review of my TINY PC, it had broken down this morning, and since the repairman isn?t going to be here till next week, I?ve transferred the iMac into my bedroom.
The absolute basics included with the system:
* Main Monitor/Unit (the iMac itself). With PC?s usually you get a separate monitor and desktop/tower case. The iMac combines these to make it far simpler and give your computer table more room.
* Mouse, keyboard.
* Power cable.
Having carried the computer upstairs (I?d forgotten how heavy the iMac was - watch you don?t pull a muscle lifting it!), it was a simple case of plugging the mouse cable into the keyboard usb slot, and then plugging the keyboard cable into the usb port on the iMac. After attaching the power cable to the back of the machine, it was ready to go.
Once the machine is booted, you are presented with the Apple operating system. I personally think windows 98 is a far superior set-up. For beginners, I highly recommend spending a good couple of hours with the manual and getting a feel for how the iMac operates. For PC users who have no knowledge of the Mac, I can envisage a lot of frustration when trying to shift the mindset from that of the PC world...
How do you rate the components?
iMac - the screen size is 15-inch, and the picture appears clear. No complaints there.
CD-ROM - this is at the front of the machine, with a green button signifying ?open CD tray?. I think the design is rather flimsy. iMac?s CD drive contains the laser for reading the CD?s in a rather precarious place, and inserting CD?s into the tray tends to bend the tray just a bit too much for my liking.
In built Speakers - don?t expect good quality, because they are only functional.
Keyboard - it?s certainly compact; maybe a bit too compact. One thing I found lacking was the home/insert/end keys which I use regularly on PC?s (there maybe function keys for this - I?ve no idea though). However, one feature of the keyboard is that of the ?reset? button, which enables the user to press it to quickly shutdown or reboot the machine if it ever crashes (it will if you use Internet Explorer - mine has crashed 4 times today using that product).
Mouse - the Apple operating system is built on the concept of one-click/one-button. Quite frankly, I hate it. It?s a circular silver disc, which compared to even the most basic PC mouse, doesn?t come close. The idea of a mouse is to be an extension of your hand, not be a source of constant frustration.
No floppy - many will view this as a rather poor decision. With most iMac packages nowadays, an option is included for purchasing an external zip drive, which is a far better storage device than a floppy drive. I think an external zip drive is a necessity when considering purchasing an iMac.
Compared to your beige PC units, the iMac beats it hands down in the looks department. It has all the curves in the right places. The design of the area where you plug in wires has been well though out, enabling an easy route to maintaining a relatively wire-free (and controlled) work space.
What's the software like?
In use, style counts for very little. While it?s a unique machine, and delivers what it intends, it?s not as fast as was originally claimed, and I still can?t fully recommend the operating system as being the best for novices to learn. Maybe I'm windows biased though :-)
What I do know is that in my sister's school the computers of choice for teaching computing basics have been iMac's, and in Glasgow schools, iMac's are predominantly used in Education.
There isn't really a lot of software preinstalled on the machine. You get your basic utilities like Windows 98 provides. I find that although iMac is less prone to crashing that windows. The only applications I've found causing crashes are Microsoft Internet Explorer. Other applications like Claris Works, and Adobe Photoshop which I use a fair deal rarely crash.
When it comes to installing software, I've found it simple enough, with no major hazards.
Worth buying then?
I would only recommend purchasing an iMac if:
* You really needed one for work purposes or educational means.
* You wanted a no fuss machine that was simple to set up and doesn't take up much space.
* You just want to do basic tasks like word processing, surfing, paint programs etc. At around $700 (#500) it's a cheap option.
If existing PC users were to switch to an iMac, I think many would give up after a couple of hours.
But for existing Mac users, it?s a great improvement over previous incarnations, and Apple are certainly doing a good job in keeping this user base happy. However, if they are ever going to increase their share of the home Computing market by significant margins, then I think a redesign of their operating system would be one place to start.
Since its introduction a couple of years ago, Apple have made a number of changes to the basic model, both in upping the specification and in introducing even more colourful styles. I?m reviewing the original first generation iMac. We?ve owned the machine for a couple of years now, and while I?ve predominantly being using PC?s, I have used the machine on more than enough occasions to be able to form an opinion on its real worth.
Who is it aimed at?
I?ve glanced through several previous epinions, and a common trend is that of failing to recognise who iMac is aimed at. From where I stand, it looks as though Apple have designed the system for several groups of people:
* Existing Mac users.
* New family computer users with little previous knowledge of computing.
* People who want a no-nonsense machine.
* Desktop publishing/graphics crowd.
Apple?s share of the home computing market is tiny in comparison to PC?s, so they have to either grab those people who are new, in addition to being able to quench the existing Macintosh users from venturing over to the ?dark? side.
How easy is it to set-up?
As I mentioned in a review of my TINY PC, it had broken down this morning, and since the repairman isn?t going to be here till next week, I?ve transferred the iMac into my bedroom.
The absolute basics included with the system:
* Main Monitor/Unit (the iMac itself). With PC?s usually you get a separate monitor and desktop/tower case. The iMac combines these to make it far simpler and give your computer table more room.
* Mouse, keyboard.
* Power cable.
Having carried the computer upstairs (I?d forgotten how heavy the iMac was - watch you don?t pull a muscle lifting it!), it was a simple case of plugging the mouse cable into the keyboard usb slot, and then plugging the keyboard cable into the usb port on the iMac. After attaching the power cable to the back of the machine, it was ready to go.
Once the machine is booted, you are presented with the Apple operating system. I personally think windows 98 is a far superior set-up. For beginners, I highly recommend spending a good couple of hours with the manual and getting a feel for how the iMac operates. For PC users who have no knowledge of the Mac, I can envisage a lot of frustration when trying to shift the mindset from that of the PC world...
How do you rate the components?
iMac - the screen size is 15-inch, and the picture appears clear. No complaints there.
CD-ROM - this is at the front of the machine, with a green button signifying ?open CD tray?. I think the design is rather flimsy. iMac?s CD drive contains the laser for reading the CD?s in a rather precarious place, and inserting CD?s into the tray tends to bend the tray just a bit too much for my liking.
In built Speakers - don?t expect good quality, because they are only functional.
Keyboard - it?s certainly compact; maybe a bit too compact. One thing I found lacking was the home/insert/end keys which I use regularly on PC?s (there maybe function keys for this - I?ve no idea though). However, one feature of the keyboard is that of the ?reset? button, which enables the user to press it to quickly shutdown or reboot the machine if it ever crashes (it will if you use Internet Explorer - mine has crashed 4 times today using that product).
Mouse - the Apple operating system is built on the concept of one-click/one-button. Quite frankly, I hate it. It?s a circular silver disc, which compared to even the most basic PC mouse, doesn?t come close. The idea of a mouse is to be an extension of your hand, not be a source of constant frustration.
No floppy - many will view this as a rather poor decision. With most iMac packages nowadays, an option is included for purchasing an external zip drive, which is a far better storage device than a floppy drive. I think an external zip drive is a necessity when considering purchasing an iMac.
Compared to your beige PC units, the iMac beats it hands down in the looks department. It has all the curves in the right places. The design of the area where you plug in wires has been well though out, enabling an easy route to maintaining a relatively wire-free (and controlled) work space.
What's the software like?
In use, style counts for very little. While it?s a unique machine, and delivers what it intends, it?s not as fast as was originally claimed, and I still can?t fully recommend the operating system as being the best for novices to learn. Maybe I'm windows biased though :-)
What I do know is that in my sister's school the computers of choice for teaching computing basics have been iMac's, and in Glasgow schools, iMac's are predominantly used in Education.
There isn't really a lot of software preinstalled on the machine. You get your basic utilities like Windows 98 provides. I find that although iMac is less prone to crashing that windows. The only applications I've found causing crashes are Microsoft Internet Explorer. Other applications like Claris Works, and Adobe Photoshop which I use a fair deal rarely crash.
When it comes to installing software, I've found it simple enough, with no major hazards.
Worth buying then?
I would only recommend purchasing an iMac if:
* You really needed one for work purposes or educational means.
* You wanted a no fuss machine that was simple to set up and doesn't take up much space.
* You just want to do basic tasks like word processing, surfing, paint programs etc. At around $700 (#500) it's a cheap option.
If existing PC users were to switch to an iMac, I think many would give up after a couple of hours.
But for existing Mac users, it?s a great improvement over previous incarnations, and Apple are certainly doing a good job in keeping this user base happy. However, if they are ever going to increase their share of the home Computing market by significant margins, then I think a redesign of their operating system would be one place to start.
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