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BOTTOM LINE
Casual Mac users will love the new iMac (Intel Core Duo), but
professional users or anyone who uses graphics apps like Adobe Photoshop and video-editing software (such as Final Cut Pro) should wait until those tools are updated.

PROS
Intel Core Duo dual-core processor. Mini-DVI port for true dual-monitor usage. Front Row software is now peppier.

CONS
Many applications that are not optimized for Intel will run slower. Classic OS 9 environment no longer available.

TECH SPEC.
Type: All-in-one, General Purpose, Media, Business
Processor Family: Intel Core Duo
Installed RAM: 1024 MB
Hard Drive Capacity: 250 GB
RAID: No
Graphics Card: ATI Radeon x1600
Primary Optical Drive: Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW
Monitor Size: 20 inches

REVIEW
On the outside, the new Apple iMac (Intel Core Duo) ($1,699 direct, $1,799 as tested) looks no different than the previous PowerPC-based iMac G5 (iSight). The differences are all under the hood. The 20-inch new iMac combines a dual-core Intel Core Duo (formerly Pentium M or Yonah) processor with the Mac OS X experience. Casual Mac users, switchers from Microsoft Windows, and iPod aficionados will love the new iMac; however, professionals and people who use graphics apps such as Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro should hold off until the critical app is updated to work smoothly with the Intel processor. For these people, we recommend holding on to your current G5-powered Mac, at least for now.