Apple’s iMac personal computer has been a huge success so far for the company. By incorporating Intel processors, and having the capability to run Windows operating system, Apple has achieved a near perfect blend of functionality, versatility and let’s not forget, high style (after all, it is still an Apple).
PC Magazine is reporting that Apple is about to update the popular line, rolling out several new versions of the iMac featuring Intel Core 2 Duo processors, and standard 2 GB onboard memory. The new iMacs will also feature the most advanced graphics card available so far in the line, with NVIDEA GeForce 8800 GS graphics, which will be available on some models.
With a beginning price around $1200, the new iMacs boast a 24 inch high-definition screen, and a variety of innovative features including built-in WiFi, Bluetooth and Ethernet support. In addition, the new iMacs will include USB 2.0 support, both FireWire 400 and 800 ports, and the built-in Apple iSight video camera.
The all-in-one design of the iMac has been incredibly popular. As well as taking up less space at home or in the office, the sleek aluminum and glass design of the iMac is as beautiful as it is functional. The minimalist, Scandinavian-like design of the iMac also makes it easy to move around.
Moving a Windows PC from your home office into the living room can be a cumbersome affair, with lots of chords to detach and reattach, and extra peripherals to move and plug-in. But moving an iMac from one room to another is a simple as unplugging it — carrying it to its new location — and simply plugging it back in.
This simplicity is one of the most attractive features of the iMac, and it is helping Apple win over new users at an astonishing rate. And there is also the widespread perception that Apple computers are more reliable than Windows PCs, and that Macs are not nearly as likely to be vulnerable to computer viruses, spyware and other malicious software.
Theoretically, Macs — including the iMac — can be infected with computer viruses and other malware. In reality though, it is extremely rare for a Mac user to experience this issue, as there are very few computer viruses designed to infect the Mac operating system. The same is true of Trojans, spyware and other Web “nasties.” It’s not that a Mac computer is impervious to these things — but simply that there aren’t very many of them that target the Mac operating system.
All of these benefits, combined with Apple’s ongoing research and development, suggest that the company will continue to gain market share over Microsoft. The new and more powerful iMacs are definitely a step in the right direction, and are sure to help Apple to keep the pressure on Microsoft.
