Classic Review: iMac G5
August 31, 2004. Apple geeks rejoice to the release of an all new iMac. With an all new design and PowerPC G5 processor that is worlds faster than the previous G4 processor. This was the last model of iMac to use the PowerPC processor and the last iMac to use the snow white plastic design that would be replaced by the black plastic (on the back) iMac and then eventually the aluminum unibody iMac we all know and love today. However it's overall basic design has never changed thus far. And it is likely Apple will keep this design for the foreseeable future. However it will most likely get thinner and faster (like it already has), as technology often tends to do. The iMac G5 would live on from August 31, 2004 - January 10, 2006. It's sucessor: the Black Plastic partial aluminum iMac with the all new Intel processor.
The iMac G5 is my second favorite iMac as far as design goes. My first being the iMac G4, in my opinion the most intuitive iMac design ever. The G5 is my second favorite because it sparked the new upright design that's still in use today. And for it's time it was a speedy mashine. However nothing is perfect and the G5 is no exeption. This iMac was known for it's issues. From it's power transformer to it's logic board. Both of which I had to replace on mine after about a year of use. I've invested more money in repairs on this computer than any other I have ever owned. This is why it's more than worth it to get the Apple Care Protection Plan because you NEVER know what could happen to your iMac. I learned that lesson the hard way. But lets get back to design, which is what i'm trying to focus on in this article. One thing that this iMac has that i wish iMac's still have is a matte display. The new iMac's glossy display are incredibly annoying, in fact it almost stopped me form buying one all together, and going with the Mac Pro. But I opted to using blackout shades in my room to keep all the light away. It's effective but my room looks like a cave 24-7 now. I really liked the plastic look up against the metal stand the G5 had. I thought it looked quite sexy. And i still do. The aluminum unibody iMacs stands seem to blend in with the iMac itself, so it's not as sexy in my opinion. Well, that about wraps up this article. I will proofread this article several times but i'm sure I will miss something. If I do don't be afraid to leave a comment about it. Also if you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them in the comment section.
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The Lone Blogger Mar 27, 2011 at 1:11 PM
Reader Comments (5)
Wow, I always enjoyed the imac series of computers. I have a G4 myself and love using it to browse the internet and listen to music via iTunes. I have taken it apart and put it back together, I know it inside and out and you are right, it is a revolutionary design. I am done with power pc though, and agree with your opinion on the "glossy" displays and that is why I chose to buy a 17" core 2 duo 2ghz that will be arriving on Thursday:)! What is your opinion on the tft displays? I have used my Uncle's 24" aluminum imac and I really like the look of it. I have heard that the white core 2 duo imacs have better display quality over the newer imacs of there time. So, what do you think the tft active matrix displays are like?
Hey, sorry about the late reply, but to answer your question. I think that as far as image quality goes the new iMacs definitely win. But unless you have a dark room to use it in. I think your core 2 duo iMac matte display is great. The resolution is still very high and it has a very good contrast ratio. Good enough for graphic design even. So it depends on what you like i guess. May i ask what your core 2 duo's clock speed is?
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/stats/imac-core-2-duo-2.16-24-inch-specs.html 2006 intel iMac is White I have one.
@davidbowie i'm very aware Apple made a white iMac with an Intel processor.
@davidbowie
have a 2ghz processor. I love this iMac and everything it has to offer. I like the older iMacs because I know that I have a peice of tech history that has features that newer macs don't have. For example, my iMac has a light to indicate when it is sleeping and I am fairly certain that the newer ones do not. I have made my point and thanks for responding.