BusinessWeek lauds iMac over multimedia PCs

The new aluminum iMacs solidify Apple's status as the best multimedia computer, with its large screen, efficient software, and plenty of I/O connections, according to a review by BusinessWeek columnist Cliff Edwards. Though Apple's all-in-one computer lacks some conventional features found in other mid-range PCs – such as a media card reader, or HD DVD drive – its simple setup and overall quality wins out in the end. Edwards lauds the iMac's Intel processors, citing that they are a fantastic switch for Apple, opening up a number of markets that were previously inaccessible to the Cupertino-based company.

Edwards highlights the overall presentation of Apple's latest iMac, with the anodized aluminum frame, black plastic backing, and glass front panel, but notes that it lacks the magnetic latch for the remote, leaving it prone to misplacement. The new wireless aluminum keyboard is also a point of interest, saying that is a work of art, with its thin profile and smart power features. Edwards cautions that the glossy screen takes a bit of getting used to, but doesn't affect visibility as much as he initially feared.

Leopard, with it's iMac-inspired looks, helps Apple stay ahead of Windows Vista, according to the columnist. With some Windows Machines taking as long as three minutes to boot, Leopard's speedy 30 second boot times, coupled with features like Time Machine, make Apple's platform much more desirable than its Microsoft counterpart. In addition to Leopard, Edwards praises iLife for its surprisingly powerful capabilities, while remaining easy to use.

Edwards concludes that even though the market is currently biased towards laptops, anyone interested in the new aluminum iMacs will not be disappointed. Apple initially ran into some problems with a freezing issue with the new iMacs, due to a problem with the graphics hardware, but a patch was recently delivered to resolve the problem, re-enforcing Edwards' stance on the computer.

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