Apple iMac 17 inch

Rotten Apples – I have owned 5 Apple computers, two coloured iMacs, two 17'' iMacs (one Motorola and one Intel) and a MacPro and while I generally love the operating system (since OSX), every single one of them has had serious hardware failures! Here, in brief, is my experience with Apple. Both coloured iMacs burned out (including the hard drive), one within… Read more

weeks of buying it and the other still under warranty. One was replaced on the spot, the other went through a dodgy repair at a gold certified repair centre. Our airport capability was removed and the operating system changed without giving us replacement disks so we could no longer use bought software, repair the disk or reinstall the OS, all without our consent. That repair eventually also failed, with the screen image initially wavering and changing size before the computer died. That first replacement computer also eventually died.

The 17'' iMacs have both had myriad problems. On one of these we had the screen replaced once because of vertical lines, on the other we had the screen replaced about 5 times(!) before we got a screen that lasted more than a few days (if not just hours). On that last occasion we did have a very pleasant service call (although it could have been even better :-) ) to our home paid for by Apple, because we had been put out so much. Unfortunately that new screen has also died and they no longer support it. Both computer's CD/DVD drives have failed and no longer read, so we cannot easily repair disk problems. One hard drive failed and had to be replaced and one firewire has failed. Not to mention the Might-not mouse.

We recently bought a second hand MacPro. The main issue here is that the power supply is rubbish and the computer turns itself on and off if it gets too cold (like anytime other than during summer). I am not joking, it turns itself on and off literally every 2 seconds, gradually extending that time until after about an hour or two it will stay on, but only if you do not sleep it and it is not too cold (say 10 degrees)! So the computer has to be left on in a heated room 24/7!!

Finally, Apple does not adequately support their products, denying most faults and those they did recognise (the screens) required each customer to be proactive with them to even get a replacement. When I bought the intel 17'' iMac there was an immediate problem with the software (out of the box), causing input from the keyboard and mouse to be ignored after sleep, so it could not be woken up without restarting with the power button. I could not download an update as I did not have broadband at the time and they had the nerve to ask for about $100 to put an update on a disk for me. I got Domayne to kindly do it for me for free!! Also they have only a year warranty on parts which normally have 3 year warranties...no wonder they insist on keeping the replaced ones.

I intend to go to linux on a PC in the future. Operating System (since OSX) Hardware reliability, warranty, service.

Good – Moving from Pc to Mac was a little scary. Easy to use if you just use what is shown to you e.g. Safari, mail, Itunes. At the start didn't know the CTRL+ ALT + Del equivalent was when game crashed had to restart the Mac. A few other issues i ran into which all relates to never using a mac before. Had a few dramas with Windows 7 Audio and… Read more

installing bootcamp.

Once i got used to it, everything was pretty easy. Runs very efficient and has only crashed twice in 2 years that ive had it, compared to 100 on windows. Making movies is very easy. Making Blogs easy and straight forward. Calendar is great.

I found that playing online games i had a lower latency then playing same game on windows. Using Office is as simple as using it on a Pc. Awesome media player, using the remote control to view all your media and view upcoming trailers is one of the best features. Only Reason to go back to PC is to run some programs not supported but other then that always on the Mac. Reliability, Looks Great, User Friendly for Basic users. Problems with windows 7 bootcamp, built in audio issues

Excellent – The iMac is beautifully designed computer system which is easy to use and makes me wonder why it took me so long to switch over. Coming from years of using Windows PCs, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was incredibly easy to set up, and the user interface is very intuitive, so it doesn't take long to get going. … Read more

The quality of the hardware is fantastic, the display is very clear and the system is also very quiet, which is a relief after spending years using noisy Windows boxes. Although there are still some things about OSX that bother me such as not being able to 'cut and paste' files and the lack of a maximise button, overall, I'm finding that I spend a lot more time using my iMac than I do on my Windows PC. It's beautifully designed and just lets you get things done easily. Elegant, minimalistic design. Everything is beautifully integrated into one package. It is comparitively expensive when compared to Windows PCs of similar specificatioins. It's design makes it difficult to perform upgrades by yourself.

Excellent – At the end of the day, it works for me. I'm not a techno. geek, I don't get into all the bits and bytes of the thing. It does everything I need for it to do. The only time I've gotten stuck and started wishing I had a PC was when I went to do my tax online - then I found a program called "Crossover" and that fixed that problem. Contrary to some… Read more

reviews I've read recently, I love the aesthetics of it! Oh, so pretty! lol The resolution is awesome (my previous computer was a 2002 PC with a crappy old 15inch monitor - call me deprived!) I love that it's so compact. For a die-hard PC fanatic, it took alot of cajoling before I grudgingly handed over all that money. Must admit, I was quite overwhelmed when I first tried to work the thing (5 mths later still trying to get used to not having a "right-click"), but it is extremely user friendly, and I must say that I am completely converted! Once you get the hang of it, it really is easy to use. So much more simple - and if (like me) you need to use windows programs such as excel, powerpoint, word etc, there are a lot of crossover programs that make it possible to run windows programs on your mac. A little bit costly - though you kinda forget about that once you get it home and set up. Also a bit of a worry that if one component breaks down, you'll have to hand over your entire computer to get fixed - that'd be a real bummer.

Excellent – the initial period of getting used to thinking mac like was a bit of a challenge but once I had gotten my head around the simplicity of it all I realised that it was intuitively more user friendly than what I had previously been used to... it's a great computer, it's external design is very different from an IBM and it's operating system is… Read more

different from windows, what else could you ask for? it comes with some really good pre loaded software and all the extras that you might want to use, they generally have mac equivalents or even mac editions. the expensive price, luckily I inherited my fathers old imac when he upgraded...

Awesome – I am a new convert to Apple and I can never go back. The iMac is simply stunning to look at and to use. Took me a little aclimitisation after years of windows based machines but i love it. Very fast and seamless in operation. I would recommend them to anyone and a now going to upgrade my laptop to a macbook also.

Excellent – The iMac is a dream come true for anyone interested in photography, directing, music, or anything creative. I recently got mine for my birthday and love it. It's very easy to use and set-up - It took 5 minutes to get it from out of the box to surfing the web. The iMac is also good to watch movies on! My iMac doesn't get viruses whereas my PC got… Read more

them constantly although I had virus protection and scanned it often. I've had no problems with it and love it. Definitely worth buying. Big screen, great inbuilt programs, wide range of programs available, looks very nice, compatible with heaps of pc programs and easy to use and set-up.

Terrible – Was running brilliantly then Apple did an upgrade. Now it is just a piece of junk as far as internet usage goes. Does not load pages until you have tried at least five times and only then if you are lucky - is far more likely to tell you it is not connected to the internet (when you know it is) The pc sitting beside it on the other hand works… Read more

first time every time.

To any one who wants to buy an Apple for internet usage - DON'T... Large Screen, Great with photos Useless on the intenet

Terrible – Having only purchased our IMac in October 2007, after constant freezing, powering down and not reading discs we submitted the computer for repair in early November 2007. The authorised repairer confirmed the repair would not take more than 5 days but 14 days later we were still waiting to pick up our computer. Having left several messages we… Read more

finally received a phone call to say that the part was faulty and they needed an additional 3 days to repair the problem. In early December we picked up our computer and took it home only to find out the computer was now not turning on at all. Apple finally agreed to send a replacement computer 3 days ago. They promised us a brand new computer. What we got was a computer which was damaged on the silver panel and had blown pixel on the screen. Apples response? Pretty much bad luck. Their warranty considers blown pixels as acceptable. Unfortunately I have had to escalate this issue to the Office of Fair Trading in hope of a new computer (one that works just like the demonstartion I was shown in store) or a full refund. Apple got my money and now they do not care. The large screen and the so called reliability and no freezing Did not power up at times, did not power down at times, constant freezing, not reading discs, not copying discs, blown pixels on screen

Terrible – I have wanted a Mac for years & after much nagging I persuaded my husband to buy one. Well..... we brought it home & powered it up & after about 10 minutes the whole thing froze & we couldn't do anything with it. We unplugged it (as advised in the manual), and then it wouldn't power up AT ALL - it was just a big ole black screen staring back at… Read more

us. Tried all the "tips" in the handbook before finally calling mac support who advised us that it was "dead" and to take it back to Myer (where we bought it). As is typical with all things, the mac powered up straight away at the Myer counter & made us look like morons. The manager told us to take it back home & see how it went - he also told us that the mac techie should have given us a "dead on arrival" number so that we could have just swapped the stupid thing for another one. So we drag the mac back home where we power it up again & I play with the IPhoto thingy for five minutes before the whole thing locks up YET AGAIN. Then we switch off the power (like it says in the book to do) & it powers up, only to show us a white screen & then go dead again. So now my husband is LIVID for buying the thing in the first place & the whole thing has left a horrible taste in our mouth. We are taking it back now & asking for a refund - my husband will NEVER trust it again & will certainly never trust it with our photos & important data!! So much for trying to convert him on how "reliable" it is to have a mac. NOT a good experience at all :( We liked the big screen, the "supposed" reliability & some of the features that it was supposed to offer. The fact that it doesn't work!

Integration – The 17" 2.0Ghz is brilliant to use after using windows products all my career .Yes there is a steep learning curve but once practised youve got the situation (anyway a search of the Apple site can find your situation you;ve got no idea how to do ) .I love how my photos come off my DSLR and I can edit them and post to Facebook straight away. … Read more

Back up is easy .Linking all your iphones and tablets and Itunes is dead easy .The i-Movie/i-photo is there included .Yes the price is steep but you will be staggered if you had to buy eqivalent software and time wasted to make it integrate together and iron out bugs (especially if not Tech savvy!!) Seamless ,complete all in one ,Apple support available locally (MS relies on a PC Tech of variable effort and skill) Not easy to find games ,hard to swap out hardware for updating >Apple Mouse too small for my big hands(but loads of manufacturers models work anyway).Doesnt have a I-DVD but a hard to find alter version I-burn

User friendly and awesome post purchase support – My iMac is the best computer I have ever owned. I love: The programs, particularly iPhoto and iMovie. The post purchase care- Always buy AppleCare. They fixes my computer for free after by 3yr old put 3 cd's into it. The graphics. The lack of wires. The one on one training at the Apple stores. The attachment that allows me to watch tv I… Read more

love it all! I love it all, especially Apple Care Sometimes I do things on my computer by accident as the mouse is so sensitive.

Excellent – overall design and simplicity of the beast, don't even consider a clunky pc (I use one at work) and there is no comparison, no viruses, no worries. awesome screen, new numeric keyboard, very ergonomic and soft touch, ability to transport old files so quickly via time machine to new imac, simplicity and design usb ports behind the screen - although the numeric keyboard has 2 ports very accessible for ipod/camera etc

Good – I have always been a Mac User since 1999 and I am very pleased with their products. When the iMac core 2 just came out, it was a little bit pricey but I know I will get great and powerful processor. I never have any problem with the iMac. In fact, I prefer using iMac than my Macbook Pro as the screen is bigger and it is more sturdy. So I only use… Read more

my Macbook Pro when I travel. I'm very happy with iMac and would recommend to anyone. Excellent processor. Very fast and value for money. A little bit expensive compare to other desktop computer.

Excellent – I use both a PC and iMac and I love the fact that the iMac does not crash as often as the PC. It does take a small amount of getting used to if you have always been a PC user - but within a matter of days it becomes second nature. Easy to use and very easy to set up. Great graphics and very user friendly. I also enjoy the wireless keyboard and… Read more

mouse. Even though the wireless keyboard and mouse are a fantastic idea I do miss the numerical pad and miss the scroll button on the mouse. The magic mouse is very t'touchy' and somewhat tempermental.

Excellent – we had always bought pc's but thought PC's technology outdates so easily, so we went for a mac, and its so user friendly and the technology is great, doesnt slow down....just fantastic computer!! I will never go back to PC. Love it, Love it, Love it!!! Just love it!! nothing!!! I just love it!!

Excellent – I have been using an IMac for a couple of years now and will never go back to a pc. The Mac is easier to use and much faster, not just in its processing but also in the steps it takes to save and do things in all of its programs. Their keyboards are superb but the nipple on the mouse buggers up quite quickly. The large screens with all the hard… Read more

drive inside save on room and the Mac instantly recognises every electronic gadget I connect to it. With all the pros on the Mac the dodgy mouse nipple can be excused. I highly recommend it! Everything!, the size, built in camera, the keyboard, ease of use. The nipple on the mouse tends to die pretty quickly.

Excellent – We had never used a Mac and bought one because package is very powerful and all inclusive. It is so much better value than a pc. SO EASY to use. We are still learning the Mac way after a few months, but do not miss our PC at all and will never go back. All the included applications are fantastic and simple to use. iMovie is fantastic and I… Read more

love iPhoto. Also love that there is an Apple helpline and excellent online support. I just wish we had Macs at work rather than the clunky, unreliable PCs. So very easy to use and setting up is brilliant! Nothing, love it.

Excellent – I use both the iMac and PC computers and always find the iMac is the most reliable of the two machines. The graphics are exceptional. I love the design of the machine, it is very sleek and does not take up alot of space. I also like the fast boot up compared to a PC. Very easy to use. The iMac always performs and is a sturdy computer. I use my… Read more

iMac for alot of graphics, videos and storage and it has never failed me yet. The mouse is abysmal. I do not understand how Apple think their mouse and keyboards are ergonomically acceptable at all. I threw mine in the bin it was that uncomfortable.

Excellent – The Apple iMacs are a suburb computer and once you have had one you would be hard pressed to go back to a PC. I have had macs for about six years now and I could not see myself using a PC again. They take up such little room in the house and are extremely powerful. I have not had any complaints and work fast and efficient each time. A simple one… Read more

button push turns them on. These computers are also not that expensive in that they do last and I have never had a virus with them. They also look fantastic. Fantastic computer to use, anyone can use these machines they are that simple. The huge screens, effortless computing and fantastic programs.

Excellent – I have used Macs since the late 1980's so of course I'm very partial to them. Hubby and I bought this unit as an upgrade and gave our son a slightly earlier model. Always happy with a Mac purchase and this has been no exception. Only small thing is that the hard-drive gave up the ghost after just 2 years. Considering that I've been on Mac's for 20… Read more

years with no past hard-drive failures, I was surprised. Luckily everything was backed up through the Time Machine facility! The only negative thing I could say is that the trackball on the mouse has died twice in 2 years. Luckily I had the mouse replaced under warranty and then extended warranty and the Apple people were great to deal with.

Nothing specific

Excellent – Love my Mac. Have been using them for about 6 years now & I will never go back to a Microsoft operating system - too many headaches, bugs, glitches & viruses. Not an issue with a Mac. They do take a bit of getting used to after using 'Windows', but after a while you appreciate how much more logical & reliable it all is. There's nowhere near as… Read more

much free software available as there is for Windows, but I think that's a good thing because so many bugs & viruses come from free 3rd party software.

Try a Mac & you'll never go back ! Looks great, very stable system, well designed, small footprint, superb graphics, never crashes or freezes. The track-ball on the mouse 'gunks up' quite often & is hard to clean.

Excellent – I love my imac! It did take me a while to learn how to use it. And even now a year later I am still finding out new things that I didn't know how to use! I love the applications especially iphotos and itunes. I love that you can directly make and order photobooks from apple from the imac and they send them to your home. I found their prices great… Read more

and much cheaper than some of the other companies making photobook. I don't think I could ever go back to a pc now! Everything! Can be a bit difficult to get used to if you've been a pc user for many years!

Excellent – I am having so much fun downloading my CD's and Photos. This has been the best computer I have used. I am glad that I don't need virus protection on it. The Time Machine backup system is excellent. I found that I learned how to do things on this system very quickly. So easy to set up and use immediately. I didn't have to download drivers for my… Read more

printer. The keyboard is so easy to use and love the usb ports on the keyboard. So easy to learn how to use Iphoto and Itunes. I love the design and frosted finish. I thought the mouse cord was too short but I plugged it into the keyboard and changed the settings and it is no longer a problem.

Excellent – Love this Mac - feel like it's one of my best friends. It has so many good built-in features that are extremely easy to use, and I probably haven't utilised anywhere near all of them. Have had this current one for several years and have no problems at all - except for a few that were of my own creation (i.e. did stupid things), and in every… Read more

instance the excellent Apple phone support helped me sort them out. Just about everything. Very easy to use, fast, lots of built-in software, really clear monitor, very reliable. It looks good too, and the lack of the big bulky hard disc means it doesn't take up much space on the desk. Nothing really. Except maybe that some Windows products would not be compatible.

Excellent – Once I got used to the workings of the Mac, I absolutely fell in love with the system. I am not the greatest fan of Safari, but I will use it when Firefox crashes (which seems to happen a lot) but all of the other programs are fantastic. I love that you don't have to buy any virus protection. Simple, logical, beautiful! It very rarely… Read more

crashes and when it does, all you need to do is turn it off and wait 10 minutes then turn it back on.... and it actually starts to work again. It took me a little while to get used to it.

Excellent – Outstanding support offered by Apple Store. You can join for $130 per year and that entitles you to 52 one hour lessons with their 'computer experts'. These lessons are one to one, so you get one persons undivided attention to discuss any aspect of the Macs workings. They show you things you'd never have used because the computers can do soooo… Read more

much.

My son and I go weekly and have a lesson each. He's nearly 12 and has learnt how to design his own website, play musical instruments and record it through the mac, design his own party invites and much much more.

The mac works the logical way: for example you don't have to click 'START' to close down the computer duh!!! Simple, logical, totally user friendly That it's not the only computer in the world - I wish all our work computers were MAC

Excellent – My overall thoughts of the iMac are explained in one word... AMAZING! This computer blew me away the first time i used it. There is NO known virus for the mac, making it one of the "Cleanest" computers in the world! Easy to take with you. Comes with very useful programs including: iMovie, Garageband, Time machine, Spaces, iPhoto, iTunes, Address … Read more

book, and more! All of these programs are easy to use, and helpful with projects, or just a home movie or to mess around with friends or family! My overall view of the iMac, is outstanding, and I highly recommend it for anyone who needs a computer that takes 5 minutes to set up, and doesn't include reading a manual! Easy to use, fast, great programs, user friendly, virus free, Portable even is a desktop.

Good – Really love the iMac! Great for the eye, so easy to set-up and use, fast, take almost no-space on my desk, good tech support from Apple, applications interact well to each other....it's a bit pricey compared to PC, but once you have it, you'll never look back. It is quite hard to find an APPLE-friendly software/games though it's getting more and… Read more

more now, however with Intel inside, you can practically run a virtual PC and have a lot of applications used. User-friendly, fantastic resolutions, compact, great looking, fast, Windows friendly Hard to find compatible software and games

Excellent – I really like what Apple has done with the new iMac. Its sleek, stylish, easy to use. It works great for my recording software and has yet to give me any serious problems. I am hooked on Apple now... forever. Small footprint. Easy set-up. Attractive styling. Large screen. Memory can easily be upgraded without taking apart entire machine. Ability… Read more

to drag items through many levels of folders easily. TIME MACHINE!!! Built in bluetooth and WiFi card.

Security of having a naturally (mostly) immune Unix based OS vs. the virus laden Microsoft OS. Intel core 2 duo power gives it the ability to run a Windows OS within your Mac. My mouse has already started acting up and its less than 2 months old.

Good – A great product but takes a bit of getting used to. Looks great and is very compact. Inbuilt bluetooth and a remote control make it a cut above the rest the fact there is no tower, its just screen and keypad and CD/DVDs slide in the back of the screen. Can use windows on it Apple is hard to navigate initially. I still find normal PCs easier to use.

Excellent – The Apple iMac is an essential tool for anyone - and I mean everyone. The machine is highly flexible so whether you're making hardcore graphics, doodling up a website or making a movie this machine can handle everything you could ask and more. It is easy to configure for home or office and there are a lot of safety and security measures which you… Read more

can set up quickly and it is very difficult to get this machine to error - the blue screen of death never happens.

Its also a very pretty machine that is lightweight and looks stylish on your desk. It can cost a bit, but students get an educational discount which considerably reduces the price.

Buy it - you'll like it. Multifunctional and very powerful.

Excellent – I am very impressed with this fantastic machine. It is my first Mac, bought in Oct 07. I had never used a Mac before and found it supremely easy to use. It took 10 minutes to set up once out of the box, and I've had absolutely no problems at all. Picture quality when watching DVDs is better than our TV; big screen perfect for gaming. Everything… Read more

about iMac is far superior to PC. I wonder why it took me so long to convert! Fast; reliable; easy to use; aesthetically pleasing; space saving There's nothing I dislike about it

Excellent – My partner is wedding photographer and now using digital we needed a strong, user friendly computer. We couldn't go past the macs as are designed for artists and the like. While it took a little while to get used to transformation from pc's, learning the shortcuts and buying the "book that should come in the box" we've never looked back. Also macs… Read more

are less prone to viruses.And the kids love the in built camera that can warp their faces. Worth the extra money and the mac experience starts when you get the box brilliant-speed, colour and navigation price of coarse

Excellent – I am no computer buff, but the simplicity of how to use this computer won me over, almost six years ago. This is our third Mac in this time and would not use anything else. Even my sister who has a PC regularly comes over to use my Mac and is considering purchasing one. It is easy on the eye and the way programs and documents are presented on the… Read more

screen looks a lot less cluttered and easier to visually follow. When we were renovating and I had to use my sister PC. I was astounded by how different an internet page looked. We love our Mac. Easy to use, compact compared to a Pc, great design, Nothing with computer, but software can be expensive.