Apple iMac 24-inch (Late 2006)

92% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

85% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Larger, brighter screen. Faster, more powerful Core 2 Duo processor. More capable graphics. Large 500GB hard drive.

Takes up a bit more desk space than the 20-incher. A bit pricey compared with systems that come without a monitor. No media card slots. No TV tuner.

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Unique all-in-one with good performance

Very limited upgradeability

Intel Core Duo dual-core processor. Mini-DVI port for true dual-monitor usage. Front Row software is now peppier

Many applications that are not optimized for Intel will run slower. Classic OS 9 environment no longer available

Big screen, bright picture, and power make for quality system

Bright 24-inch display; strong application performance; impressive graphics system; FireWire 800 port for fast peripheral connection

3GB RAM limit; lack of free RAM slot makes for costlier memory upgrades; limited internal expansion options

Even with the gigantic display, however, the iMac feels sturdy and well balanced. With its thin design, the iMac weighs only 24.7 pounds, just 2.7 pounds more than the 20-inch model

If anything I've written about is intriguing to you, I recommend that you give the Mac, particularly the iMac your consideration

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 ;...

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

Over time, as programs are updated, the Intel-based iMacs should gain a wider performance lead over their PowerPC-based predecessors. If you're thinking of buying now, stop to consider the tradeoffs

Slick new design ; Screen is gorgeous in specific circumstances ; Very fast, especially for converts from PowerPC Macs ; Keyboard is a tangible improvement over the old model ; One RAM slot is finally free for an upgrade ; Less expensive than the old...

Glossy screen can be distracting; no option for matte ; Only 1GB of memory standard ; Radeon HD 2600 Pro is underpowered versus its NVIDIA alternative ; No Apple Remote magnet or sleep light

Having to choose computers from only one vendor means that many buyers won't have much choice: for now, the iMac is still Apple's lone choice for a mid-range desktop. That said, most home customers will find a lot to like in what Apple has to offer....