Apple iMac Core 2 Duo (24-inch, 2.16GHz)

CNET editors' review

• Reviewed on: 09/11/2006
• Released on: 09/06/2006

CNET product brief

Description: The Apple iMAC Core 2 Duo (24-inch, 2.16GHz) is a Core 2 Duo-based, consumer level computer.Compared to other general-purpose desktop computers on the market, it is midpriced at around $1,115.This PC also comes with a 24-inch flat panel display that supports 1920 x 1200 resolution.This desktop comes with 1 GB RAM, and a 250GB hard drive.

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 processor installed on this machine is fast enough to handle demanding applications, such as graphics and multimedia.The all-in-one design of this unit is good feng shui.

Cons: None noted, given available product data.

Suitability: Suited for those who want to balance price with performance.Also comes with office-grade 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.Make sharing pictures with offline friends easier: put them on a disc with the CD writer in this desktop.The all-in-one design of this unit makes it more space efficient -- great for crowded dorm rooms.

Value: Overall, this desktop computer's features are as expected for this price.Note that the purchase price also includes a 24-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.

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User opinions

WRITE YOUR OWN REVIEW How would you rate this product?

• 10/10 Perfect September 12, 2006

  by ispsec (see profile)

  "Wait one damn minute.." Read more >>

• 9/10 Spectacular September 26, 2006

  by biglou42 (see profile)

  "New Mac user from PC - Terrific hardware, design and great OS...But I have a few issues" Read more >>

• 9/10 Spectacular September 19, 2006

  by MW1670 (see profile)

  "Absolutely Awesome" Read more >>

• WRITE YOUR OWN REVIEWSee all 41 user opinions >>

Where to buy

Store	CNET Certified	In stock	Shipping	Price
	Write a store review	Yes	See site	$1,454.00
GainSaver.com	Not yet rated Write a store review	No	$39.99	$779.00

See Apple iMac Core 2 Duo (24-inch, 2.16GHz) prices from 2 stores.

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Apple iMac Core 2 Duo (24-inch, 2.16GHz)

• Amazon.com $1,454.00 In stock: Yes
• GainSaver.com $779.00 In stock: Yes