Simply Awesome (lengthy review)

This is a very fun computer in all aspects. You can definitely tell the difference in size from the 17in. The 24in version wasn't out when I first bought this model, but needless to say, this is still a very awesome computer. Here's the breakdown:

HD Space - 250GB is the default size for a 20" iMac, and it's quite a monster. I have a lot of video files that take up extraordinary amounts of space, and this has just put a small dent in it. (That doesn't stop me from buying an external 500GB HD... but thats a different story...)

Memory - 512MB is probably the single biggest downfall for this iMac. So I went and bought a 1GB RAM for it and installed it. It's probably the one thing you can install easily with these iMacs. Just open up the bottom panel and insert RAM stick. Close and start computer. Bada-bing, bada-boom. Don't buy extra RAM from Apple as the price is too expensive. Get it from other websites for much cheaper! With extra RAM boost, I don't feel any glitches or slowing down or anything at all.

Speed/Processor spd - Excellent! With the new Intel processors, Macs have gotten a huge speed boost compared to the slower G5 and G4 chips. With this iMac you can definitely get a good feel for the 2.0GHz when you're running Photoshop and trying to render a huge file. Or if you're trying to burn your home movie to DVD, the render time is FAST.

Superdrive - Awesome! DVD dual layer +/- RW the whole shbang for what you'd need for a DVD player/writer/burner. It'll also burn CDs too (CD-RW as well). It's a lot faster than the earlier Superdrive models. Only bad thing is for those who are bilingual and therefore have different DVDs from another region, you are limited to only 5 region resets. Then you're stuck. (Way around it is to use external DVD player)

Operating System - Mac OS X.4 is by far one of the greatest OSs out there aside from linux (which is free). I use Win2000 and XP frequently and I still prefer the ease of OS X. Applications are prettier and hardier, and don't die as easily as Windows applications. It's harder to get a virus onto a Mac, the graphical looks of OS X are far better and cleaner than XP... etc etc. XP / OS X debate will probably continue but for me, OS X is harder to break than XP (It's good for new users who aren't sure of much!)

Applications - Bundled with iLife '06, this is probably one of the key selling points. iTunes, iMovie, iPhoto, Garageband, iDVD, all integrated so that you can take your home movies and photos, create a DVD and put sound to it with your fave songs, and put sound effects with garageband! Integration is the key here! Seriously great for families that like to save their videos of their kids.

Hardware - Comes with a built-in camera, speakers, and microphone, so you can chat with friends, take pictures of yourself, and record your voice! Great for family use too with Photobooth, which makes your face look funny :D You can buy the wireless keyboard and mouse bundle or you can get the default bundle which has the wired versions. All you have to do is plug and play, literally. Remote is great for when you want to view videos from afar or play music, etc. Great when iTunes is connected to your stereo system too!

Bonus features - You can install WinXP onto any intel mac! Means you can switch between using Mac and Windows in a flash (restart required)! So now you aren't limited to just one operating system, and with BootCamp, it'll set your windows side up completely so you don't have to search for drivers etc to run!