Apple iMac 17 in. (MA590LL) Mac Desktop - with Front Row

I've been a long time PC user but also knew how to operate in the Mac OS. A couple of years ago after much frustration with PC security issues, I bought an iBook G4 from my son. After using this laptop, I was hooked on Macs.

What I wanted: I really wanted an operating system that would not crash all the time and one that had significantly less security issues. I also wanted Intel Core Duo because I have a couple of genealogy programs that are strictly Windows based. I have Virtual PC on my laptop but have noticed Windows based programs do run slower so I wanted a system where the program would run without the slowdown.

Where I bought: I bought my iMac online from the applestore.com I was able to customize the computer as I wanted.

What I got in the box: An iMac computer, Apple keyboard, Might Mouse, Apple remote, AC power cord and factory installed software. Additional optional items included wireless keyboard, wireless mouse, remote control and DSL modom. The iMac has both AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth? 2.0 EDR wireless technology.

Ports: On the back of the monitor there are the following ports: mini-DVI, ethernet, audio line-in, headphone out/optical audio out, three USB, and two FireWire 400 ports. The power port is separate from the other ports but also on the back.

Setting Up: Well it just does not get easier than this. All I had to do was plug in the power cord in the power port of the iMac then into the power supply. Everything else just plugged into USB ports and the computer was up and running. From there setting up the wireless keyboard and mouse was as simple as turning it on and letting the computer recognize it.

Transferring data from the iBook G4 to the iMac was a simple as connecting a standard FireWire cable. Within a very short period of time the iMac looked identical to the iBook G4 with all programs automatically installed. This was a nice plus as everything was right ready to go just as on the laptop.

Partitioning the hard drive was a little more effort and I did have to buy a new copy of Windows XP. The Mac OS is 10.4. Getting the wireless keyboard and mouse to work in the Windows environment presented a few problems but with a little fiddling, both finally worked just fine.

What I like: I love the whole design! I think it is sleek and very modern looking. The all in-one unit holds the monitor, hard drive. There is no tower, what you see is it so the iMac frees up space especially on your desk. The 17-inch screen is just perfect for my home workspace. The LCD screen is sharp and clear. I think it is much easier on the eyes than a CRT monitor. A very nice feature is the ambient light sensor. This detects the room's ambient light and automatically adujusts the brightness of the power indicator light on the monitor.

What I really liked was the easy set up. It really is as easy as connecting the keyboard and mouse to a USB port. Once that is done, the wireless keyboard and mouse can be set-up and the wired keyboard and mouse removed. I have an Epson Stylus Photo 890 printer and HP Photosmare C3180 All-in-One. All it took was plugging a printer into a USB port and the iMac recognized it. No installing software, nothing other than plugging into USB and turning the printer on.

Performance: So far I have absolutely no complaints over performance. To power up in Mac OSX just hit the power button and Mac OSX starts. To power up in Windows XP hit the power buton while holding down the control kety. This will bring up a light grey screen with two hard drive icons, one labled Mac and the other Windows. Use the arrow key to highlight the Windows hard drive icon then press return. Windows will now load up. Programs loaded in the Windows partion will now act as they would on a PC. The processor is 1.83 GHz so the computer is fast. In both operating systems, programs run smoothly.

I have a bad habit of having several programs open at the same time. Often that includes several tabs open in my browser in addition to the other programs. The iMac handles this type of abuse without a problem. Installing additional software is very easy. If the software came on a disc, follow install instructions. Downloaded software come as either zip or sit. Once the software icon appears depending on how it was downloaded, drag the software into Applications and it is installed.

Extra features: The iMac comes with a built in iSight camera. You can use this for video chatting, recording a video at the desk, or take pictures using Photo Booth. This is a fun little feature! There is a indicator light that illuminates when the camera is displaying video or when Photo Booth is open.

Comic Life is another fun program the computer comes loaded with. It allows you to drag photos into various templates and you can add word bubbles. This application is perfect for those who scapbook!

OmniOutliner also comes loaded onto the computer. This program has a lot of function. It allows to to create, collect and organize information. An added feature is the ability to attach files. If you plan projects or events, make to-do lists, write or track expenses you will appreciate Apple including this software on the iMac.

There is a built-in microphone on the iMac. This allows to to record sounds directly on the iMac or talk live using iChat. There are built-in speakers as well.

Bottom line: This is an excellent performer that is sure to please anyone. It is easy to use, pleasing to look at and packed full of extra features.