Apple iMac Core 2 Duo (17-inch, 2GHz)

Average user rating from 6 users 9.2/10 Spectacular Read user opinions >>

Product Summary

The Apple iMAC Core 2 Duo (17-inch, 2GHz) is a Core 2 Duo-based, general-purpose computer.Compared to other general-purpose desktop computers on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $1,075.This PC also comes with a 17-inch flat panel display supporting 1440 x 900 resolution.This PC comes with 1 GB RAM, and a 160GB hard disk.

Apple iMac Core 2 Duo (17-inch, 2GHz)

Manufacturer: Apple

Part Number: MA590LL/A

Specs: Environmental & energy standards compliance: EPA Energy Star See full specs >>

Price range: $699.00 - $1,459.00

See all products in the Apple iMac (3rd Gen.) series

CNET product brief

Description: The Apple iMAC Core 2 Duo (17-inch, 2GHz) is a Core 2 Duo-based, general-purpose computer.Compared to other general-purpose desktop computers on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $1,075.This PC also comes with a 17-inch flat panel display supporting 1440 x 900 resolution.This PC comes with 1 GB RAM, and a 160GB hard disk.

Pros: Has a DVD? RW(+ R DL) disc drive, which is more preferable than some similarly priced desktop computers.Also, this desktop computer has a stereo sound output mode.This is more favorable than the average desktop computer on the market today, but is to be expected for a desktop computer of this price.The Core 2 Duo based CPU installed on this machine is fast enough to handle demanding applications, such as digital video.

Cons: None noted, given available product data.

Suitability: A consumer level desktop computer, suited for basic computing, plus digital photo sorting, audio appreciation, and entertainment applications.Also comes with advanced word processing software -- fine for most serious business or academic document authors.However, comes with a DVD writer, allowing you to convert home movies from your digital camcorder onto DVD's.You can archive videos, photos, audio files, and all the email from your cousin onto CDs for easy storage with the included CD recorder.

Value: Given its relatively inexpensive price, this desktop computer has great features for the money.Also, note that the purchase price also includes a 17-inch flat panel display.(Click here to see current prices and the latest reviews.)

Suggestions: (1) Using this PC's Firewire (1394) port, you can connect to many digital camcorders and other equipment and rapidly upload data to the computer's hard drive.(2) If you plan to be playing the latest 3-D games, you may want to invest in a more powerful video card from NVidia or ATI, which are popular with the gaming community (requires an open AGP or PCIe slot).

CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.