I just arranged a return of my new iMac to Apple. A combination of buyer's remorse over the cost/performance, technical problems, and a slight disappointment in the design of it is responsible.
I've been a PC user for over 15 years, and an Amiga user before that, but I've been eyeing Apple products for a couple of year now due to the beauty of OS X mostly. Last year I took the plunge and bought the new Macbook as soon as it was released. It was a great experience, and it worked beautifully for me - mostly browsing the net, playing music, goofing around with Photo Booth etc. All in all, a lovely machine and a great experience.
My main machine has been, and now still will be, a 3GHz P4 which I use for gaming mostly -- especially after the Macbook replaced it as my main internet machine. But it is showing it's old age, so the last year I've been waiting for a good opportunity to switch to a Mac. The new iMac launch would give me the perfect opportunity, or so I thought.
Having sold my Macbook to get some funds I chose the 2nd 20" model. I wasn't completly happy with the new iMac specs, but I decided to try them out. I ordered it on the 8th, and it was delivered on the 10th - impressive.
Here are some general opinions:
- The glossy screen is like a mirror when the screen is dark -- and I sit next to a window. However, once it is turned on and showing something moderately bright -- like the OS X desktop & apps -- it is not bad at all. I can barely see the reflection even if I am really looking for it.
- The design with the aluminum and black border is not very attractive. I can see it get old real fast. :-(
- The keyboard is ok, I guess. Feels very much like the Macbook keyboard. I prefer the "old" types though.
- Not really related to this iMac but I think the Mighty Mouse is horrible. The fake right-click, the ridiculous little scroll ball.. Bleurgh.
- It is very very silent. I was super impressed by this!
- The graphics card is reported in Windows XP as a ATi Radeon Mobility HD2600XT. What's up with that?
All in all, I was slightly dissapointed with the new iMac. But maybe I had too high expectations, I don't know.
Unfortunately I had a problem with the iSight camera -- it was "not available" or "in use by other applications" -- and nothing I could do would change that. Contacted Apple Support and after much troubleshooting was told I had to send the machine in for repair. Bummer. :-(
So, I chose to return it instead. Maybe I'll check it out again when it has been revised, even though I guess the design will stay the same.
One thing is clear, I will almost certainly buy a Macbook again to replace the one I sold.
All in all, I feel a bit melancholy. Thanks for reading this far.
I've been a PC user for over 15 years, and an Amiga user before that, but I've been eyeing Apple products for a couple of year now due to the beauty of OS X mostly. Last year I took the plunge and bought the new Macbook as soon as it was released. It was a great experience, and it worked beautifully for me - mostly browsing the net, playing music, goofing around with Photo Booth etc. All in all, a lovely machine and a great experience.
My main machine has been, and now still will be, a 3GHz P4 which I use for gaming mostly -- especially after the Macbook replaced it as my main internet machine. But it is showing it's old age, so the last year I've been waiting for a good opportunity to switch to a Mac. The new iMac launch would give me the perfect opportunity, or so I thought.
Having sold my Macbook to get some funds I chose the 2nd 20" model. I wasn't completly happy with the new iMac specs, but I decided to try them out. I ordered it on the 8th, and it was delivered on the 10th - impressive.
Here are some general opinions:
- The glossy screen is like a mirror when the screen is dark -- and I sit next to a window. However, once it is turned on and showing something moderately bright -- like the OS X desktop & apps -- it is not bad at all. I can barely see the reflection even if I am really looking for it.
- The design with the aluminum and black border is not very attractive. I can see it get old real fast. :-(
- The keyboard is ok, I guess. Feels very much like the Macbook keyboard. I prefer the "old" types though.
- Not really related to this iMac but I think the Mighty Mouse is horrible. The fake right-click, the ridiculous little scroll ball.. Bleurgh.
- It is very very silent. I was super impressed by this!
- The graphics card is reported in Windows XP as a ATi Radeon Mobility HD2600XT. What's up with that?
All in all, I was slightly dissapointed with the new iMac. But maybe I had too high expectations, I don't know.
Unfortunately I had a problem with the iSight camera -- it was "not available" or "in use by other applications" -- and nothing I could do would change that. Contacted Apple Support and after much troubleshooting was told I had to send the machine in for repair. Bummer. :-(
So, I chose to return it instead. Maybe I'll check it out again when it has been revised, even though I guess the design will stay the same.
One thing is clear, I will almost certainly buy a Macbook again to replace the one I sold.
All in all, I feel a bit melancholy. Thanks for reading this far.
