Performance
Apple iMac-21.5-inch (Core i3) Apple iMacs earned their reputation being a multimedia-oriented powerhouses, and thanks to its Core i3 processor, the iMac 21.5-inch (Core i3) continues that tradition. When tested in Mac OS X 10.6, the iMac 21.5-inch (Core i3) finished the Photoshop CS4 test in 1 minute 48 seconds and Cinebench R10 test with a score of 8,687 points. The Core 2 Duo-powered Mac mini (HDMI), finished the CS4 test in 3:41, and edged out the last iMac 21.5-inch (Core 2 Duo), which took 1:58—a score drastically behind that of the iMac 21.5-inch (Core i3).
The iMac 21.5-inch (Core i3) is even faster in Windows 7 (64-bit) while running Boot Camp. This program runs Windows natively on Apple computers. The iMac was able to complete the CS4 test in only 1:22, which is blazing fast compared with other systems like the MSI Wind Top AE2220 ($950 list, ), which scored 2:21. Even the current Editors' Choice, the Core 2 Quad-powered Lenovo IdeaCentre B500 ($1,399 direct, ), which scored 1:32, wasn't able to keep up.
The iMac shows its prowess running the Windows Media Encoder test, which at 39 seconds is one second behind the B500, the class leader. The MSI took nearly twice as long for the same task (1:08). What's notable is the iMac with its "entry level" Core i3 processor beat the Lenovo ThinkCentre M90z ($1,199 direct, ) with its faster, mid-range Core i5-650 processor, on all tests.
