Pros: Right out of the box everything was better than my PC
Cons: Some software still a step behind PC's (not necessarily Mac's fault)
The Bottom Line: SO much easier than a PC! The computer has NEVER crashed... pc crashed everyday, I assumed that was normal. The advertising worked, I made the switch, I couldn't be happier!
Putt4295's Full Review: Apple iMac 15 in. (M8535LL/B) Mac Desktop
It seems like I can't drive more than a mile without seeing a Macintosh ad encouraging me to switch from PC to Mac. For the longest time I probably sounded like most PC users in that I wouldn't even consider switching. However, I was intrigued by the new iMac and I began to consider it. After about 6 months of research, I decided to make the switch. The switch made sense to me for a few reasons:
* I was no longer in school, and although I love my new iMac, most of my educational computer needs were focused on Excel and Powerpoint. Although you can run those products on a Mac, I have not tried them and I am a little concerned about the ease of compatibility with the Microsoft programs.
* I like to play with home videos as a hobby and the iMac is MUCH easier and more affordable than a PC. Although I could have purchased a PC for less than the total price of my iMac (about $1,800), I would have had to pay for the editing software and DVD burner AND I would have wanted a flat screen. The iMac includes all these features and the best part is that they work seamlessly together.
* I WAS TIRED OF MY PC CRASHING... I still use a pc at work, but I didn't realize that I'm not supposed to have to turn off my computer at least once everyday to fix an unexplained error. I have NEVER had to restart my iMac due to a program error. Everything just works, it is so convenient.
* I was more interested in collecting and organizing music, pictures and movies and a Mac is just better. It is so easy to store my pictures from my camera and my new Canon scanner. iPhoto is a very simple program where I can just drag my pictures from my main index into various subfolders. Once in a folder, I can make a romantic or funny slide show with music in literally 2 clicks. I put all my engagement pictures in one slide show and my fiancé' and I watch it to "our song" and it is just so easy.
Right out of the box, the iMac worked perfectly. It came with all the programs loaded except for iPhoto. I was a little concerned at first, but I found the CD to install it. The documentation that comes in the box is not very informative, but once you get the computer on, all the instructions are in the help section. I actually found the help very easy to use and surprisingly informative. Because the computer turns right on, I don't really need a 200 page manual to help me with the process, if I have a quick question, the computer walks me through the process.
I can burn a CD in about 7 minutes and I haven't burned a DVD yet, but it is so easy. Although there is only one drive, it is easy to upload a CD onto the hard drive and than burn it. I feel like I am repeating myself about the ease, but it really is so easy to use the computer.
There are a few disadvantages to the iMac and they are important to note. First, third party software seems to be a little behind for Macs. Although you can find software to do basically everything you can do on a PC, it is not as easy. For example, I used to use Morpheus to download music, but it is not compatible with Mac. Instead my only real choice is LimeWire which I am not very impressed with. Sure it works (mostly) but I would rather be using Morpheus.
AOL also is only version 5.0 in Mac versus 7.0 and soon 8.0 with PC. Although 5.0 is very similar to a PC 7.0, I have noticed a few differences like changing privacy preferences and customizing the sign on screen. But once again, this is not a problem with the computer itself.
Basically, I have had a MUCH more pleasant experience with my iMac than I ever had with a PC. Although it is not perfect (I would really like to see more software) it is better than my Dell laptop and my old Gateway PC. Those two were great computers, but I realize that the quantity of software does lower the quality. Basically all the software on my Mac works so smoothly that it more than makes up for the lack of software.
OVERALL: My PC is collecting dust under my bed and it is because I LOVE my iMac. The design is beautiful (I LOVE the screen) and everything works together so well. I will not go back to a PC even though I love Dell, they just don't work as well as my new iMac.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1,800 Operating System: Macintosh Processor speed: over 1000 RAM: More than 256 Hard Drive (GB): Over 50
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