Home > Consumer Reviews > iMac 24" Desktop 2.8GHz/2GB/320GB/SD

This is a brilliant machine, and it has been my first Mac. For someone changing from PC to Mac in my home office it has taken a little getting used to, but I have to say all (nearly all) the functionality of Windows is available in Macintosh, so it really is not that foreign.
I love the keyboard, it has a nice short travel, and using a standard PC keyboard now feels positively pre-historic. The mouse is a bit of a let-down, the scroll wheel works well but with it being a one piece construction the right click function sometimes doesn't work too well.

(Major) Plus points:
a) the brilliant screen - beware, it is HUGE! If you have constricted space then perhaps it might not be for you, but for photo/video enthusiasts it is perfect
b) Mac software. Windows is rubbish, we know that, and you get SO MUCH free/included functionality in Mac software, it is fabulous stuff
c) It is not really as expensive when you add it all up, Mac software is dirt cheap compared to Microsoft, and it is like a different world. Things make sense, and just... work. Add in the stress hassle and service and software costs for PC then it's often cheaper to go Mac
d) No fussing with anti-virus, and anti-virus stuff for PC has gotten expensive. Its not an expense you need to worry about with Mac
e) Startup and Shutdown times are ridiculously, amazingly, brilliantly fast
f) VERY solidly constructed
g) Online tutorials (free!) from Mac, and also tutorials at Apple shops
h) It is oh so q-u-i-e-t. Lovely! I sometimes don't realise its on, a lovely change from my PC desktop that made so much noise and heat you'd think it was steam powered

(minor) Minus points:
a) Not enough USB slots - it has USB slots on the end of the keyboard, but could do with a few more
b) the Mac mouse is not to my liking, there are some great ones out there that are Mac compatible though
c) There isn't (as far as I can tell) the "Home" and "End" keys on the keyboard like there are on PC

All in all a brilliant piece of kit and Apple provide some brilliant free (can you spot the theme) tutorials online to help you get used to your Mac and to get the most of it

I am writing this review with one aim in mind-to reach out to anyone contemplating leaving the world of windows for a mac.I took the plunge with this model a year ago-any regrets? only one-why didnt I cross over years ago.Everything those mac users with superior looks said is true, and more than you can imagine..it works.its better.I will NEVER use a windows machine again.virus's? what are they? crashing hard drives?nope.lotsa fun?-you bet.
ok, its not cheap but if you're over 30 you'll know that you only get what you pay for..Believe me, it'll be the best grand you ever spent I assure you.I have converted 4 of my friends so far and they all feel the same way.Thinking of changing? do it-you'll only have one regret...

As a film/art student I have generally 3 programs running (After effects, Final Cut, Photoshop) as well as MSN, Web Browser and itunes etc and you wouldn't realize it's so smooth and fast not freezing or stalling as my old window machine used too.

Te actual machine looks gorgeous and I'm sure wont date so awfully as earlier, more tacky, models have. One thing I will note is the price, yes it's expensive but I believe is worth it and if your a student go on the apple site and see if your University is listed you can get a 1/3 off, defiantly not something to sniff at.

What a pleasure to open the box, plug it in and be up and running within minutes. Leaves the Windows experience for dead!
The bundled iLife software is very good and adding iWork '08 Family Pack completes the package. This can read and write MS Office files and the ability to preview (quick look) files in Mail without opening the application is very convenient.
Great sound from inbuilt speakers, and standard output to hifi makes this a great entertainment machine. You need to buy a £15 apple cable to output video to TV. Well worth it for watching BBC iPlayer or Youtube videos.
AppleCare Protection Plan for iMac is well worth it too, giving 3 years on site warranty, even if you leave the country!

I had PCs for 10 years and I become used to crashes , delays , viruses etc.
In the end I decided to invest in a Imac and try a new system , are they any better ? Oh boy they are !
The looks are a given and the machine is a focal point in the study room is very simple to install , not many cables to clatter the room and to install the printer ...well just plug it in.
The data transfer from the PC was slow and I had to use a few CDs but it did not take more than 1 hour. The antivirus program , another £30 , is brilliant and I never notice when is being use and does not slow down the system.
Itunes Iphoto and Safari are much better than anything microsoft will ever produce , in fact most PC run itunes these days.
I had the mac for 5 months and it has not crashed once.
From the time a press the start up to surfing the net is less tan 20 seconds , switching it off is also very quick.
All the otehr features , picture and sound quality etc are great.
Is a an expensive computer but is worth every penny.