- The 3.2 GHz 21.5″ and dual-core 27″ models use Radeon 5670 graphics with 512 MB of video memory, and the quad-core iMacs have Radeon 5750 graphics with 1 GB of video memory. The Mid 2010 iMacs have 4 USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 800 (but not 400), gigabit ethernet, 802.11n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, an SDXC Card slot, and an 8x SuperDrive.
- IMac Intel 27' EMC 2390. Model A1312 / Mid 2010 / 3.2 GHz Core i3 or 2.8 & 3.6 GHz Core i5 or 2.93 GHz Core i7, ID iMac11,3.
- A 2010 iMac lacks the hardware to run Mojave. Specifically Mojave requires a powerful graphics chip to support the Metal graphics engine; that a 2010 iMac does not have. Why macOS Mojave requires Metal - and deprecates OpenGL.
Apple iMac 21.5-Inch 'Core i3' 3.06 (Mid-2010) Specs
The iMac 'Core i3' 3.2 21.5-Inch Aluminum (Mid-2010) is powered by a dual core 3.2 GHz Intel 'Core i3' I3-550 (Clarkdale) processor with a dedicated 256k level 2 cache for each core and a 4 MB shared level 3 cache. In lieu of a system bus, it has a 'Direct Media Interface' (DMI) that 'connects between the processor and chipset' at 2.5 GT/s.
Identifiers: Mid-2010 - MC508LL/A - iMac11,2 - A1311 - 2389
All iMac 21.5-Inch Models | All 2010 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others
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The iMac 'Core i3' 3.06 21.5-Inch Aluminum (Mid-2010) is powered by a dual core 3.06 GHz Intel 'Core i3' I3-540 (Clarkdale) processor with a dedicated 256k level 2 cache for each core and a 4 MB shared level 3 cache. In lieu of a system bus, it has a 'Direct Media Interface' (DMI) that 'connects between the processor and chipset' at 2.5 GT/s.
By default, it is configured with 4 GB of RAM (1333 MHz PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM), a 500 GB (7200 RPM) hard drive, a vertically-mounted slot-loading DVD±R DL 'SuperDrive', and ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics with 256 MB of dedicated GDDR3 memory.
It also has a built-in iSight video camera and built-in stereo speakers underneath the 21.5' glossy 16:9 LED-backlit TFT Active Matrix LCD (1920x1080 native) display 'with IPS technology'.
Connectivity includes four USB 2.0 ports, a Firewire '800' port, built-in AirPort Extreme, and Gigabit Ethernet, as well as an audio capable Mini DisplayPort, which supports an external display up to 30' (2560x1600).
Externally, the 'Mid-2010' iMac line uses the same 'edge-to-edge' glass design and 'seamless all aluminum enclosure' as the 'Late 2009' models replaced. Internally, however, the 'Mid-2010' line is equipped with faster processors, faster graphics processors, and faster memory, as well as support for the SDXC SD card format.
The 'Mid-2010' iMac models include a compact aluminum Apple Wireless Keyboard and a multi-touch 'Magic Mouse,' but for US$69 could be upgraded to include a multi-touch 'Magic Trackpad' that 'enables users to scroll smoothly up and down a page with inertial scrolling, pinch to zoom in and out, rotate an image with their fingertips and swipe three fingers to flip through a collection of web pages or photos' just like on Apple notebooks from the same era. An aluminum remote was offered for an additional US$19 as well.
Also see:
By default, it is configured with 4 GB of RAM (1333 MHz PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM), a 500 GB (7200 RPM) hard drive, a vertically-mounted slot-loading DVD±R DL 'SuperDrive', and ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics with 256 MB of dedicated GDDR3 memory.
It also has a built-in iSight video camera and built-in stereo speakers underneath the 21.5' glossy 16:9 LED-backlit TFT Active Matrix LCD (1920x1080 native) display 'with IPS technology'.
Connectivity includes four USB 2.0 ports, a Firewire '800' port, built-in AirPort Extreme, and Gigabit Ethernet, as well as an audio capable Mini DisplayPort, which supports an external display up to 30' (2560x1600).
Externally, the 'Mid-2010' iMac line uses the same 'edge-to-edge' glass design and 'seamless all aluminum enclosure' as the 'Late 2009' models replaced. Internally, however, the 'Mid-2010' line is equipped with faster processors, faster graphics processors, and faster memory, as well as support for the SDXC SD card format.
The 'Mid-2010' iMac models include a compact aluminum Apple Wireless Keyboard and a multi-touch 'Magic Mouse,' but for US$69 could be upgraded to include a multi-touch 'Magic Trackpad' that 'enables users to scroll smoothly up and down a page with inertial scrolling, pinch to zoom in and out, rotate an image with their fingertips and swipe three fingers to flip through a collection of web pages or photos' just like on Apple notebooks from the same era. An aluminum remote was offered for an additional US$19 as well.
Also see:
- What are the differences between the 'Mid-2010' Aluminum iMac models?
- How do the 'Mid-2010' Aluminum iMac models compare to the 'Late 2009' models that preceded them?
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- Tech Specs
- Ports
- Global Original Prices
- Popular Q&As
Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is 'open' by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.
Introduction Date: | July 27, 2010 | Discontinued Date: | May 3, 2011 |
Details: | The 'Introduction Date' refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The 'Discontinued Date' refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended. Also see: All Macs introduced in 2010. |
Details: | Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort. |
Details: | Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the iMac11,2 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
Details: | These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the iMac11,2 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
Details: | These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the iMac11,2 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
Details: | These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the iMac11,2 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
Details: | These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the iMac11,2 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
Processor Speed: | 3.06 GHz | Processor Type: | Core i3 (I3-540) |
Details: | This model is powered by a 32 nm, 64-bit Intel Core i3 'Clarkdale' processor with dual cores (two independent processor cores on a single silicon chip). Each core has two threads, for a total of four threads for the system, as well as a dedicated 256k level 2 cache. The processor cores share a 4 MB level 3 cache. It also supports Hyper Threading, but does not support 'Turbo Boost' -- which 'automatically boosts the processor speed based on workload' (so if an application is only using one of the two cores it will automatically increase the speed of the core in use and turn off the unused cores). Also see: How much faster are the 'Mid-2010' Aluminum iMac models than the 'Late 2009' models? |
Details: | N/A |
Processor Upgrade: | LGA 1156 (Socket H)* | FPU: | Integrated |
Details: | *Officially, Apple provides no information about whether or not the processor in this model can be upgraded and the company does not intend for one to upgrade the processor either. However, this processor supports an FCLGA 1156 socket and it is possible to upgrade the processor to some extent. Also see: Is it possible to upgrade the processor in the Aluminum iMac models? |
System Bus Speed: | 2.5 GT/s* | Cache Bus Speed: | 3.06 GHz (Built-in) |
Details: | *This system has a 'Direct Media Interface' (DMI) that 'connects between the processor and chipset' in lieu of a traditional system bus. Intel reports that it runs at 2.5 GT/s. |
Details: | N/A |
Details: | Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 4 MB of shared level 3 cache. |
Details: | Supports 1333 MHz PC3-10600 DDR3 SO-DIMMs (204-pin). Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in this Aluminum iMac model? How much RAM does it actually support? |
Details: | By default, 4 GB of RAM is installed as two 2 GB SO-DIMM modules. Two slots free. In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory -- as well as other upgrades -- for this iMac. In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells memory and other upgrades for this iMac. In Canada, site sponsor CanadaRAM sells RAM and other upgrades for this iMac. In Germany, site sponsor CompuRAM sells memory and other upgrades for this iMac. In Australia, site sponsor Macfixit sells memory and other upgrades for this iMac. Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs. |
Details: | This model supports four 4 GB modules -- one in each slot for a maximum of 16 GB of memory. |
Details: | This model has an ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics processor with 256 MB of dedicated GDDR3 memory. Also see: What type of video processor is provided by the Aluminum iMac systems? Is it upgradable? |
Details: | This model has 256 MB of dedicated GDDR3 video memory. |
Built-in Display: | 21.5' 16:9 Widescreen | Native Resolution: | 1920x1080 |
Details: | This model has a 21.5' glossy LED-backlit 16:9 widescreen TFT active matrix display with 'IPS technology' and a native resolution of 1920x1080. Apple also reports a 'typical' brightness of 330 cd/m2, and viewing angle of 178 degrees horizontal and 178 degrees vertical. The contrast ratio is 1000:1 and the PPI is 102. In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this iMac. No fix, no fee! In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the display, graphics card, motherboard, power supply, and more for this iMac. In Singapore, site sponsor Esmond Service Centre provides highly regarded repairs for the display, graphics card, motherboard, power supply, and more, all with a free estimate and fast turnaround for this iMac. |
2nd Display Support: | Dual/Mirroring | 2nd Max. Resolution: | 2560x1600 |
Details: | Apple reports that this model simultaneously supports the native resolution of the built-in display and up-to a 30-inch external display (2560x1600). |
Standard Storage: | 500 GB HDD | Std. Storage Speed: | 7200 RPM |
Details: | Also see: How do you upgrade the hard drive in the Aluminum iMac models? What type of hard drive do they support? Can you swap the hard drive for an SSD? In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this iMac. In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells storage upgrades for this iMac. In Canada, site sponsor CanadaRAM sells SSDs and other upgrades for this iMac. In Australia, site sponsor Macfixit sells storage upgrades for this iMac. Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs. |
Storage Dimensions: | 3.5' (26.10 mm) | Storage Interface: | Serial ATA (3 Gb/s) |
Details: | This model holds a single 3.5' SATA II (3 Gb/s) hard drive or SSD. |
Standard Optical: | 8X DL 'SuperDrive' | Standard Disk: | None |
Details: | Apple reports that the slot-loading 8X 'SuperDrive' with 4X double-layer burning (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) 'writes DVD+R DL discs at up to 4x speed, writes DVD-R and DVD+R discs at up to 8x speed, writes DVD-RW at up to 6x and DVD+RW discs at up to 8x speed, reads DVDs at up to 8x speed, writes CD-R discs at up to 24x speed, writes CD-RW discs at up to 16x speed, [and] reads CDs at up to 24x speed.' Site sponsor Other World Computing offers a 'Data Doubler' mounting kit that may be of interest. It makes it simple to install a second hard drive or SSD in the optical drive bay of this iMac. |
Standard Modem: | None | Standard Ethernet: | 10/100/1000Base-T |
Standard AirPort: | 802.11a/b/g/n | Standard Bluetooth: | 2.1+EDR |
Details: | AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR standard. Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a? |
Details: | Four USB 2.0 ports and one Firewire '800' port (7 watts). |
Details: | In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of external expansion options and hand-picked accessories like external storage, stands, keyboards, cables, adapters, speakers, and more for this iMac. In Australia, site sponsor Macfixit offers an extensive selection of external expansion options and accessories like docks, stands, chargers, keyboards, security products, and more for this iMac. |
Incl. Keyboard: | Apple Wireless Keyboard | Incl. Input: | Magic Mouse |
Details: | This model shipped with a small aluminum 'ultrathin, compact wireless keyboard' (no numeric keypad) and a wireless 'Magic Mouse', where the 'entire top is a seamless multi-touch surface' that allows one to 'navigate using intuitive finger gestures'. As an optional US$69 upgrade, this model also could be configured with a 'Magic Trackpad' that provides multi-touch input like on a recent Apple notebook. Also see: How does the 'ultra thin' keyboard provided with the 'Aluminum' iMac models compare to a more traditional desktop keyboard? How does it feel? |
Details: | The external case used by the 'Mid-2010' iMac models essentially is identical to the one introduced by the 'Late 2009' line with 'edge-to-edge glass' for the display and a 'seamless all aluminum enclosure.' |
Details: | The Apple order number should be unique to this system. |
Details: | Please note that these identifiers often refer to more than one model. Also see: All Macs with the A1311 Model Number, the 2389 EMC Number, and the iMac11,2 Model Identifier. For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section. |
Details: | N/A |
Pre-Installed MacOS: | X 10.6.3 (10D2322a) | Maximum MacOS: | X 10.13.x* |
Details: | *This system fully supports the last version of OS X 10.8 'Mountain Lion,' OS X 10.9 'Mavericks,' and OS X 10.10 'Yosemite' except for Power Nap and AirPlay Mirroring functionality (which also requires an Apple TV 2nd Gen or later). It also supports the last version of OS X 10.11 'El Capitan' -- including Mac-to-Mac AirDrop capability -- but no other advanced features are supported like Metal graphics acceleration. It is capable of running macOS Sierra (10.12) as well, although it does not support the Universal Clipboard, Auto Unlock, or Apple Pay features. Finally, this model is capable of running macOS High Sierra (10.13), and it supports HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), but it does not support hardware accelerated HEVC. It is not compatible with macOS Mojave (10.14) or later versions of the operating system. Additionally, please note that OS X 'Lion' 10.7 and subsequent versions of OS X are not capable of running Mac OS X apps originally written for the PowerPC processor as these operating systems do not support the 'Rosetta' environment. To run PowerPC applications on this Mac, it will be necessary to use Mac OS X 10.6 'Snow Leopard'. Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS High Sierra (10.13)? What are the system requirements? Which Macs support HEVC? |
Minimum Windows: | 7 (32-Bit)* | Maximum Windows: | 7 (64-Bit)* |
Details: | *Apple's Boot Camp 4 supports the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7 on this model. However, the system does meet Microsoft's minimum requirements for Windows 8 and readers have reported successfully running the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of this operating system with appropriate drivers. |
MacOS 9 Support: | None | Windows Support: | Boot/Virtualization |
Details: | Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs? Site sponsor OHS specializes in heavily upgraded Macs capable of running both Mac OS X and Mac OS 9 applications. For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A. |
Dimensions: | 17.75 x 20.8 x 7.42 | Avg. Weight: | 20.5 lbs. (9.3 kg) |
Details: | In inches - height by width by depth, (45.1 cm, 52.8 cm, 18.85 cm). |
Original Price (US): | US$1199 | Est. Current Retail: | US$300-US$450 |
Details: | Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated). Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. |
Click on a category for additional details. Google drive movies download. The most commonly needed info is 'open' by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the computer.
Video (Monitor): | 1* (Mini DisplayPort w/ Audio) | Floppy (Ext.): | None |
Details: | Supports external display in dual display and mirroring modes. Mini DisplayPort also supports DVI, VGA, and dual-link DVI with optional adapters. The 27-Inch models also 'input from external DisplayPort sources' with an adapter, so it is possible to use these models as an external display for a DisplayPort-equipped Mac or Blu-ray player, for example. *Note that the Mini DisplayPort on this system passes audio signals as well as video. |
Details: | N/A |
Details: | N/A |
Details: | Four USB 2.0 ports and one Firewire '800' port (7 watts). |
Details: | No internal modem. Gigabit Ethernet, AirPort Extreme (802.11g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR standard. |
Details: | N/A |
Details: | Combined 'audio line in/optical digital audio input (minijack).' |
Details: | Single shared 'headphone/optical digital audio output (minijack)'. |
Details: | N/A |
![2010 2010](https://i2.wp.com/9to5mac.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2011/05/imac-mid-2011-back-thunderbolt-ports.jpg?resize=1600%2C1000&quality=82&strip=all)
Details: | 100V-240V, 241W maximum for 21.5-Inch models, 365W maximum for 27-Inch models. |
Global original prices for the iMac 21.5-Inch 'Core i3' 3.06 (Mid-2010) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.
For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.
Original Prices - North & South America
Mexico: | MXN $19,499 | United States: | US$1199 |
Original Prices - Europe
Denmark: | DKK 9,499 | Finland: | €1249 |
Ireland: | €1229 | Italy: | €1199 |
Norway: | NOK 10.490 | Portugal: | €1299 |
Switzerland: | CHF 1'449 | United Kingdom: | £999 |
Original Prices - Asia
India: | Rs 74,900 | Indonesia: | Rp 11,999,000 |
Malaysia: | RM 3,899 | The Philippines: | PHP 64,990 |
Thailand: | THB 40,900 | Vietnam: | VND 27,999,000 |
Animal crossing wii download. Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iMac 21.5-Inch models follow.
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Mid 2010 Imac 21.5
Apple has now moved the entire iMac line to Intel’s Core “i” family of CPUs, including the dual-core i3 and i5 as well as the quad-core i7. All CPUs used in the 2010 iMac support Hyper-Threading (on last year’s model, only the i7 versions supported Hyper-Threading). CPU speeds start at 3.06 GHz for dual-core models and 2.8 GHz for quad-core ones, and all but the i3 CPUs support Intel’s Turbo Boost technology, which allows them to run at even higher speeds (making allowance for heat issues).
Apple has also adopted 1333 MHz memory, a step up from 1066 MHz RAM in the previous generation. Except for the base 21.5″ model, Apple offers a faster CPU option at $200 more.
The smaller iMac has the same 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution as 1080i high-def television, and the 27″ provides an incredible 2560 x 1440 pixels. Both sizes are LED backlit, and the 27″ iMac also has Mini DisplayPort input, allowing another computer or video device (DVD or Blu-ray player) that supports DisplayPort to use the iMac’s screen (it’s not compatible with HDMI, DVI, or VGA, although there are now some third-party adapters). The SD Card slot, which is on the right side below the SuperDrive, supports SDXC.
Apple’s wireless keyboard is now standard, as is the Magic Mouse. The new iMac can also be ordered with Apple’s new Magic Trackpad.
4 GB of RAM remains standard across the line, and maximum RAM stands at 16 GB using four 4 GB modules.
The base 21.5″ model has ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics with 256 MB of dedicated memory. The 3.2 GHz 21.5″ and dual-core 27″ models use Radeon 5670 graphics with 512 MB of video memory, and the quad-core iMacs have Radeon 5750 graphics with 1 GB of video memory.
The Mid 2010 iMacs have 4 USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 800 (but not 400), gigabit ethernet, 802.11n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, an SDXC Card slot, and an 8x SuperDrive.
The entry-level iMac has 4 GB of RAM, a 500 GB hard drive, an 8x SuperDrive, Radeon HD 4670 graphics with 256 MB of dedicated video memory, and Apple’s aluminum keyboard and Magic Mouse. All other models ship with a 1 TB hard drive and even more powerful Radeon graphics (with 512 MB or 1 GB of video memory).
Clunky ball mac os. The 2010 iMac shipped with OS X 10.6.4 Snow Leopard and is compatible with OS X 10.9 Mavericks.
Intel-based Macs use a partitioning scheme known as GPT. Only Macintel models can boot from GPT hard drives. Both PowerPC and Intel Macs can boot from APM (Apple’s old partitioning scheme) hard drives, which is the format you must use to create a universal boot drive in Leopard. PowerPC Macs running any version of the Mac OS prior to 10.4.2 cannot mount GPT volumes. PowerPC Macs won’t let you install OS X to a USB drive or choose it as your startup volume, although there is a work around for that.
Details
- introduced 2010.07.27 at US$1,199 (21.5″ 3.06 GHz i3, Radeon 4670), US$1,499 (21.5″ 3.2 GHz, Radeon 5670), US$1,699 (27″ 3.2 GHz i3, Radeon 5670), and US$1,999 (27″ 2.8 GHz quad-core i5, Radeon 5750); replaced by Mid 2011 iMac on 2011.05.03.
- Part no.: MC508 (21.5″ 3.06 GHz), MC509 (21.5″ 3.2 GHz), MC510 (27″ dual-core), MC511 (27″ quad-core)
- Model identifier: iMac11,2 (21.5″), iMac11,3 (27″)
Mac OS
- Requires Mac OS X 10.6.4 or later. macOS 10.4 Mojave and later are not supported.
- Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard compatibility
- Grand Central Dispatch is supported.
- 64-bit operation is supported.
- OpenCL is supported.
- OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion compatibility
- AirPlay Mirroring is not supported.
- AirDrop is supported.
- Power Nap is not supported.
Imac 21.5 Inch Review
Core System
Imac 21.5 Mid 2010 Specs
- CPU, 21.5″: 3.06 or 3.2 GHz Intel Core i3, 3.6 GHz i5 option ($200 additional)
- CPU, 27″: 3.2 GHz Intel Core i3, 3.6 GHz dual-core i5 option ($200 additional); 2.8 GHz quad-core i5; 2.93 GHz quad-core i7 option ($200 option)
- L2 cache: 4 MB shared cache on CPU (8 MB on quad-core models)
- Bus: 1333 MHz
- RAM: 4 GB, expandable to 16 GB using four 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM
- Performance:
- Speedmark 6.5: 174 (3.06 GHz i3 21.5″), 179 (3.2 GHz i3 21.5″), 177 (3.2 GHz i3 27″), 196 (2.8 GHz i5 27″), 199 (3.6 GHz i5), 225 (2.93 GHz quad-core i7)
- Geekbench 2, 32-bit: 5585 (3.06 GHz 21.5″ 2-core i3), 5804 (3.2 GHz 21.5″ 2-core i3), 6726 (3.6 GHz 21.5″ 2-core i5), 5815 (3.2 GHz 27″ 2-core i3), 6601 (2.8 GHz 4-core i5), 6784 (3.6 GHz 27″ 2-core i5), 8976 (2.93 GHz 27″ 4-core i7)
- Geekbench 2, 64-bit: 6264 (3.06 GHz 21.5″ 2-core i3), 6439 (3.2 GHz 21.5″ 2-core i3), 7689 (3.6 GHz 21.5″ 2-core i5), 6545 (3.2 GHz 27″ 2-core i3), 7630 (3.6 GHz 27″ 2-core i5), 7884 (2.8 GHz 4-core i5), 10506 (2.93 GHz 27″ 4-core i7)
Video
- GPU, 21.5″ 3.06 GHz: ATI Radeon HD 4670 with 256 MB dedicated VRAM
- GPU, 21.5″ 3.2 GHz: ATI Radeon HD 5670 with 512 MB dedicated VRAM
- GPU, 27″ dual-core: ATI Radeon HD 5670 with 512 MB dedicated VRAM
- GPU, 27″ quad-core: ATI Radeon HD 5750 with 1 GB dedicated VRAM
- Display:
- 21.5″ 1920 x 1080 LED backlit flat panel display
- 27″ 2560 x 1440 LED backlit flat panel display
- Video out: Mini DisplayPort, DVI and VGA with optional adapters
Drives
- drive bus: 3 Gbps SATA Rev. 2
- Hard drive: 500 GB/1 TB 7200 rpm SATA drive, 2 TB option
- SuperDrive: writes DVD±R, DVD+R, and DVD+RW discs at up to 8x speed, DVD-RW at up to 6x; dual layer at up to 4x; reads DVDs at up to 8x, writes CD-R discs at up to 24x, writes CD-RW discs at up to 16x, reads CDs at up to 24x
Expansion
- USB: 4 USB 2.0 ports
- FireWire 400: none
- FireWire 800: 1 port, 7 Watts
- Ethernet: 10/100/gigabit
- WiFi: 802.11n AirPort Extreme built in
- Bluetooth 2.1: included
- IR receiver: supports Apple Remote (not included)
- SD Card: 1 slot, supports SDXC
- Microphone: internal
- Modem: No longer offered by Apple
Physical
- Power supply: 241W (21.5″), 365W (27″)
- H x W x D (21.5″): 17.75 x 20.8 x 7.42 in/45.1 x 52.8 x 18.85 cm
- H x W x D (27″): 20.4 x 25.6 x 8.15 in/51.7 x 65.0 x 20.7 cm
- weight (21.5″): 20.5 lb/9.3 kg
- weight (27″): 30.5 lb/13.8 kg
CPU Upgrades
- none
Online Resources
- The Mid 2010 iMac value equation, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2010.07.28. The 2010 iMacs have Intel Core ‘i’ CPUs, HyperThreading, and Radeon graphics across the board. But what about close-out prices on 2009 iMacs?
- Know Your Mac’s Upgrade Options, Phil Herlihy, The Usefulness Equation, 2008.08.26. Any Mac can be upgraded, but it’s a question of what can be upgraded – RAM, hard drive, video, CPU – and how far it can be upgraded.
- 27″ iMac firmware update, USB and SSD data recovery, Online Bible for Snow Leopard, and more, Mac News Review, 2009.12.24. Also upgrading your Mac’s hard drive, BackPack shelf for iMacs and Cinema Display, and CaseCruzer 27″ iMac carry case.
- 27″ iMac issues, Windows 7 drives users to Apple, Flash support ending for G3 Macs, and more, Mac News Review, 2009.12.18. Also Macs again #1 in reliability, cleaning and disinfecting your Mac, OWC adds 32 GB upgrades for 2009 Mac Pro, MoFi 3G network router to go, and more.
- i7 iMacs arriving DOA, Mid 2010 iMac and Mac mini reviews, first wireless USB hard drive, and more, Mac News Review, 2009.11.27. Also Seinfeld gets new iMac, Macworld keyboard and mouse guides, Mac mini Server a great value, 2 TB external drive from Samsung, and more.
- i5 iMac benchmarked, Mac mini ‘shouldn’t be overlooked’, Twitter client for Classic Mac OS, and more, Mac News Review, 2009.11.20. Also why Apple leaves the low end to others, 10.6.2 fixes video playback problem in 27″ iMac, 3D Leopard and Snow Leopard performance, and more.
- DVI-to-Mini DisplayPort converters: A ray of hope for the 27″ iMac, Dan Bashur, Apple, Tech, and Gaming, 2009.11.13. The new iMac accepts DisplayPort input, but it won’t work with the usual DVI-to-Mini DisplayPort adapters. It requires a more expensive converter.
- Dumping Macs for Google apps, SSD in iMac, Mid 2010 iMac performance problems, and more, Mac News Review, 2009.11.06. Also pros and cons of the Magic Mouse, Late 2009 Mac mini reviewed, Parallels Desktop 5 for 64-bit OS X and Windows, and more.
- 2009 Mac mini takes 8 GB RAM, mini Server a steal, 27″ iMac now ‘the Mac to have’, and more, Mac News Review, 2009.10.30. Also using Blu-ray with the new iMac, 10 years of Mac OS 9, Magic Mouse potential, SSD upgrade for desktops, Chrome alpha for Mac, and more.
- Why the 20″ iMac is perfect for home or school, John Hatchett, Recycled Computing, 2009.09.29. The aluminum iMac has plenty of power and screen space, yet it’s small enough and light enough to tote from place to place.
- Mac mini the best value in desktop Macs, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2009.08.25. Although the iMac is faster all around, the Mac mini provides plenty of power at half the price. Even with the cost of upgrades, it’s the value champion.
- The 64-bitness of Mac OS X 10.6 ‘Snow Leopard’, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2009.08.19. Although Apple is promoting ‘Snow Leopard’ as a fully 64-bit operating system, it defaults to running in 32-bit mode.
- OS X 10.6 requirements, why Apple owns the high end, when to upgrade your Mac, and more, Mac News Review, 2009.08.14. Also Microsoft Word patent infringement, BackPack shelf for iMac and Cinema Displays, two updated Bible study programs, and more.
- The perfect Mac: MacBook Pro or iMac?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2009.08.11. The 15″ MacBook Pro with antiglare could be the perfect Mac, but the iMac also has much to commend it.
- OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard for $29, run Windows on your Mac for Free, Update Breaks Office 2008, and more, Mac News Review, 2009.08.07. Also getting your Mac ready for Snow Leopard, Time Capsule doubles capacity, Picasa 3 for Mac, Bodega Mac app store, and more.
- Computer disaster ends happily, Alan Zisman, Zis Mac, 2009.08.05. The iMac was getting slower and slower, and Disk Utility kept trying to fix the same problems. With a new hard drive, the iMac is running as well as ever.
- SSD in Mac Pro, Mac cloner opens store, Ubuntu vs. OS X, new Nvidia drivers, and more, Mac News Review, 2009.07.17. Also Classilla brings Firefox to OS 9, slow networking in OS X, iMac vs. Mac Pro, URL shortening software, Quicken update finally coming in 2010, and more.
- Optimized Software Builds Bring Out the Best in Your Mac, Dan Knight, Low End Mac’s Online Tech Journal, 2009.06.30. Applications compiled for your Mac’s CPU can load more quickly and run faster than ones compiled for universal use.
- Intel’s promise fulfilled: More processing power per processor cycle, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2009.06.30. Apple promised improved CPU efficiencies when it announced the move to Intel in 2005. Three years of MacBooks show the progress.
- Avoiding dead and stuck pixels on your LCD screen, Charles W Moore, ‘Book Value, 2009.06.22. While CRT monitors would sometimes develop burn-in, LCD monitors may ship with or develop bad pixels.
- Snow Leopard Up-to-Date, 13 Mac browsers, run Windows 7 on your Intel Mac for free, and more, Mac News Review, 2009.06.19. Also Mac sales steady in May, Apple vs. low-bandwidth users, Opera Unite turns browser into a personal server, and more.
- Macs tracking swine flu, 6 quick Mac OS fixes, iMac EFI Firmware Update 1.4, and more, Mac News Review, 2009.05.08. Also Right Zoom maximizes windows, GeForce GTX 285 coming to Mac, APC backup batteries incompatible with Intel Macs running OS X 10.5.4 and later, vertical mice, and more
- Fix for sluggish Leopard dialup, iMac a 3D gaming contender, Easter Mail stationery, and more, Mac News Review, 2009.04.09. Also new HP hardware design superior to Mac Pro, 2 GB of free online backup with IDriveforMac, fast and easy ZoHo Writer online word processing, and more.
- US Mac sales down 16% in February, Opera Turbo available for testing, new iMac benchmarks, and more, Mac News Review, 2009.03.20. Also farewell to FireWire, Mac mini ‘deliberately neglected’ to protect iMac sales, Mini DisplayPort to VGA firmware update released, and more.
- New Mac mini and iMac benchmarked, FireWire 400-to-800 solutions, dual-band AirPort Extreme, and more, Mac News Review, 2009.03.06. Also new iMac and Mac mini dissected, OS X share still above 10%, fastest SATA boot drives for the Mac Pro, iMac keyboard loses numeric keypad, and more.
- Ubuntu Linux and Boot camp make it easy to create a triple boot Mac, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2008.12.24. Boot Camp makes it easy to install Windows on Intel Macs, and Ubuntu now makes it easy to install Linux to a virtual Windows drive.
- Why DisplayPort is the video connector for the future, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2008.12.23. DisplayPort supports multiple displays, combines audio and video on one cable, and costs nothing to use.
- The ‘Better Safe Than Sorry’ Guide to Installing Mac OS X Updates, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.12.16. Most users encounter no problems using Software Update, but some preflight work and using the Combo updater means far less chance of trouble.
- Why You Should Partition Your Mac’s Hard Drive, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.12.11. “At the very least, it makes sense to have a second partition with a bootable version of the Mac OS, so if you have problems with your work partition, you can boot from the ’emergency’ partition to run Disk Utility and other diagnostics.”
- 15 reasons Macs are better, quad-core iMac in January?, USB 3.0 spec finalized, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.11.21. Also 25 years of Macs, ‘Snow Leopard’ in Q1?, SimpleTech’s faster and greener hard drive, Hyperspaces, StarOffice for OS X, and more.
- Virtualization shootout: VMWare Fusion 2 vs. Parallels Desktop 4, Kev Kitchens, Kitchens Sync, 2008.11.20. Both programs do the same thing, but one runs Windows XP smoothly alongside Mac apps, while the other bogs down everything but Windows.
- Anticipating Macworld: Nehalem, Snow Leopard, and updated desktops, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.11.18. Intel’s Core i7 CPU has to make it way into the next Mac Pro, Nvidia GeForce graphics will drive the iMac and Mac mini, and ‘Snow Leopard’ will unleash the animal within.
- Debunking the Apple Tax, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2008.10.31. “…no one else is offering the quality of computer construction that Apple offers in the same price range.”
- One OS to rule them all, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2008.10.29. With Fusion or Parallels letting you run Windows at full speed, Mac OS X gives you the best of both worlds.
- Nvidia may power new Mac mini and iMac, FireWire firestorm, OS X on PCs, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.10.27. Also turning your Mac into a WiFi access point, iKey keyboard with Bluetooth and trackpad, MacSpeech Dictate updated, and more.
- Economic crunch may slow Mac sales, a recycled Cube, ToCA Race Driver 3 for Mac, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.10.10. Also don’t buy RAM from Apple, customize your Mac’s appearance, MacTribe expanding into print, My Apple Space social networking, and more.
- How to clone Mac OS X to a new hard drive, Simon Royal, Tech Spectrum, 2008.10.07. Whether you want to put a bigger, faster drive in your Mac or clone OS X for use in another Mac, here’s the simple process.
- CodeWeavers brings Google’s Chrome browser to Intel Macs, Alan Zisman, Zis Mac, 2008.10.02. Google’s new Chrome browser uses separate processes for each tab and brings other changes to Windows users. Now Mac fans can try it as well.
- Apple Trumps Microsoft in Making the 64-bit Transition Transparent to Users, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2008.09.18. To use more than 4 GB of RAM under Windows, you need a 64-bit PC and the 64-bit version of Windows. On the Mac, OS X 10.4 and later already support it.
- SATA, SATA II, SATA 600, and Product Confusion Fatigue, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2008.09.08. In addition to the original SATA specification and the current 3 Gb/s specification, SATA revision 3.0 is just around the corner.
- Does running OS X system maintenance routines really do any good?, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.08.26. Mac OS X is designed to run certain maintenance routines daily, weekly, and monthly – but can’t if your Mac is off or asleep.
- Mac prices in context, Macs best for Microsoft Office, Macs surge in education, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.08.15. Also Macs becoming standard in the enterprise, Linux on old Macs, Gmail feels your pain, BurnAgain FS software for rewritable discs, and more.
- Simple Mac security in the age of malware, Kev Kitchens, Kitchens Sync, 2008.08.13. Unlike Windows PCs, at this point Macs can’t become infected simply from being on the Internet, but you still need to be careful about your downloads.
- iMac beats Dell XPS One on price and features, Kev Kitchens, Kitchens Sync, 2008.08.06. The Dell costs $100 more with a slower CPU, a worse graphics processor, and no alternative to Vista Home Edition.
- Free VirtualBox for Mac now a virtual contender, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2008.07.21. A year ago, the Mac version of VirtualBox lacked some essential features. Over the past year, it’s grown into a very useful tool.
- Win the depreciation game by buying on the low end, Charles W Moore, ‘Book Value, 2008.06.24. The worst depreciation afflicts high-end models. By buying a less powerful version, choosing certified refurbished, or picking up a used computer, you’ll come out ahead.
- No widescreen display for me, accessing MacWrite files, Fedora Linux for G3 Macs, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.06.19. Why monitors need more height, not more width; using MacWrite files, unleashing old Macs with Linux, and using badram to work around bad RAM in LInux.
- 16:9 computer displays: Let’s not go there, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.06.17. “…there’s no reason our computer displays should match the proportions of our television displays.”
- 5 business essentials for ‘The Switch’, Jason Packer, Macs in the Enterprise, 2008.06.06. If you’re planning a migration from Windows to Macs, these five steps will help you succeed in making the switch.
- 5 reasons Macs are right for business, 10.5.3 improves GeForce 8800 performance, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.06.06. Also 3.06 GHz iMac ‘packs a wallop’, convertible keyboard for Macs, free open source virtualization software, hard drive rescue software, and more.
- Virtual PC works with Leopard, Intel vs. PowerPC performance, beyond the Mac mini, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.05.20. Also upgrading Intel iMacs, Compact Flash in a PowerBook 2400, and thoughts on low-end Macs.
- SheepShaver brings Classic Mac OS to Intel Macs and Leopard, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2008.05.20. Mac OS X 10.5 doesn’t support Classic Mode. Neither does Leopard. But SheepShaver lets you emulate a PowerPC Mac and run the Classic Mac OS.
- Open source virtualization for Macs, iMac shutdowns, Psystar reviews, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.05.16. Also aluminum iMac USB power concerns, Penryn iMac twice as powerful as fastest G5 iMac, Radeon vs. GeForce in top-end iMac, Odysseus email client in beta, and more.
- Windows on Macs: Three paths for integration, Jason Packer, Macs in the Enterprise, 2008.05.14. Mac users have three routes for running Windows apps: Run Windows using Boot Camp or virtualization, or use a compatibility layer such as WINE.
- Value of old Power Macs, old computers in school, Panther or Tiger on Pismo, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.05.12. Also new 20″ Penry iMac vs. 24″ Santa Rosa and great results with a low-cost external SuperDrive.
- Apple tops in tech support, Penryn iMacs and Psystar Open Computer reviewed, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.05.09. Also the iMac philosophy, OpenOffice 3.0 going Mac, MozyHome backup comes to Macs, weather in the Dock, and more.
- Prosumer Mac suggestions, bring back the 12″ ‘Book, Pismo displays, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.05.06. Readers offer more thoughts on a midrange Mac, the need for a new 12″ ‘Book, using F-keys as F-keys in OS X, and lid closed video mode for Pismo.
- Mac growth 4x PC rate, USB power famine, Montevina chips not in new iMacs, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.05.02. Also reducing energy waste from peripherals, fixing the Mac’s shortcomings, Open Computer shipping and reviewed, why Apple bought PA Semi, 5x the range for Time Capsule, Mac gaming mouse, and more.
- 50% Mac sales growth is only the beginning, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.05.02. Apple has a great line of computers and an awesome operating system, but a prosumer model could make last quarter’s growth seem normal.
- What’s the Best Version of OS X for My Mac?, Ian R Campbell, The Sensible Mac, 2008.02.28. Which version of Mac OS X is best for your hardware depends on several factors.
- Using the aluminum iMac: Color me impressed, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2008.04.22. A MacBook is a wonderful thing, but an iMac with a 20″ display can really spoil you.
- 18 bits can’t display millions of colors, today’s magic is different from yesterday’s, and more, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.04.16. Also more feedback on Mac browsers, slow dialup Internet, and a SCSI-to-USB 2.0 solution.
- Add a second display, overlooked Leopard features, Nehalem chips hits 3.2 GHz, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.04.11. Also Apple and Canada, firware updates, Kensington keyboard with 3 USB ports, Magic Mail Folder, Newton Connection software, and more.
- 18-bit video inadequate, restoring AppleWorks speed, Macintosh display info, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.04.09. Also problems importing AppleWorks drawings and a damaged, unfixable mail database in Outlook Express 5.
- Millions vs. thousands of colors: What’s the difference?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.04.07. Once again Apple is being sued over a Mac that can display ‘only’ 262,144 colors per pixel, not the millions it claims. Does it realy matter?
- Too few USB ports in too many Macs, developer Leopard ran on Yikes, Mac IIfx RAM heaven, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.01.16. Also Macworld Expo disappoints, Pismo a great field computer, using flash memory in vintage Macs, and Word vs. Pages for academic writing.
- Restore stability to a troubled Mac with a clean system install, Keith Winston, Linux to Mac, 2008.01.15. If your Mac is misbehaving, the best fix just might be a fresh reinstallation of Mac OS X – don’t forget to backup first.
- The best alternatives to Apple’s USB keyboards, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2007.12.10. There are a lot of USB keyboards out there, even for the Mac, but these two have great keyboard action, are solidly built, and have features Apple’s keyboard don’t include.
- Cross-platform computing: Better than it’s ever been, Andrew J Fishkin, Best Tools for the Job, 2007.11.13. Macs can read PC media, both Macs and Windows PCs play nice with each other on networks, and emulation makes it easy for Intel Macs to run Windows apps.
- Beyond Google, 10 years on the G3, the Cube is not a Road Apple, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.11.13. Also the 64-bit advantage of Core 2, OS 9 on a USB flash drive, sound problems since switching to Leopard, and 7200 rpm in an eMac.
- Proof Macs cost less, Leopard spanks Vista, Mac pride pins, Arabic OS X 10.4.10, and more, Mac News Review, 2007.11.09. Also the pitfalls of Macintel recovery, waiting for the 10.5.1 update, QuickTime 7.3 released, new Leopard books, and more.
- External $100 Sony DVD burner likes Macs, Brian Gray, Fruitful Editing, 2007.10.10. The box and manual say nothing about Mac compatibility, but this 18x USB 2.0 DVD burner is plug-and-play (at least with Tiger).
- FastMac 8x SuperDrive and BurnAgain DVD: Fast and easy multisession disc burning, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2007.10.08. FastMac’s 8x SuperDrive upgrade is remarkably fast compared with older PowerBook burners, and BurnAgain DVD makes it easy to append files to a previously burned CD or DVD.
- 3.2 Gbps FireWire, 4.8 Gbps USB coming, Macs cost less to use, a Core Image-based image editor, and more, Mac News Review, 2007.09.28. Also wireless USB to hit 1 Gbps, Mac sales are surging, aluminum iMacs have great image quality, 802.11n WiFi for most modern Macs, and more.
- Importing video into iMovie, jumping the gun on G3s and Leopard, interference robustness, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.09.18. Also, Intel Macs support 802.11a WiFi alongside b, g, and n, and USB card options for beige G3 Power Macs.
- Does a college freshman need to run Windows on a MacBook?, Al Poulin, My Turn, 2007.07.24. While you can run Windows on today’s Intel-based Macs, is there any reason most college students would want to or need to?
- Software to darken iMac display, columnist returns iPhone, Logitech introduces air mouse, and more, Mac News Review, 2007.07.20. Also a USB turntable for turning your record albums into MP3s, a retractable flash drive, iPhone: The Missing Manual, Parallels Desktop 3 a major update, and more.
- VMware Fusion beta 3 adds new features, takes a giant step toward release, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2007.04.11. Looking for a virtualization solution for your Intel Mac? The latest beta of VMWare Fusion makes several improvements and includes some unique features.
- 1 core, 2 cores, 4 cores, 8: How Much Difference Does It Make?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.04.10. Geekbench scores make it possible to compare the newest 3 GHz 8-core Mac Pro with the 1.5 GHz Core Solo Mac mini – and all the models in between.
- 11 No Cost Tips for Optimizing Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger Performance, Ed Eubanks Jr, The Efficient Mac User, 2007.03.12. If your Mac is getting sluggish, here are 11 tips that can help restore its original performance.
- CrossOver: Run Windows Apps on Intel Macs Without Windows, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2007.02.28. If you need to run Windows apps on your Intel Mac once in a while, CrossOver may be the least expensive way to do so since it eliminates the need to buy a copy of Windows.
- Parallels Revisited: Release Version Far More Polished than Beta, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2006.11.21. Parallels lets you run Windows or Linux without rebooting your Intel-based Mac, and it’s made great strides since the beta came out earlier this year.
- To AppleCare or not to AppleCare?, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.11.20. Consumer Reports, which generally recommends against extended warranties, says AppleCare makes sense. But does it?
- Pre-2006 Software: The Big Reason You Shouldn’t Buy an Intel Mac in 2006, Ted Hodges, Vintage Mac Living, 2006.11.09. If you work with software that predates the Intel transition, you may be better off sticking with PowerPC Macs. And if you use classic apps, you definitely want to avoid Intel.
- Region Free DVD Viewing Options for Intel and PowerPC Macs, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.09.12. Several hardware and software options that will let your view ‘wrong region’ DVDs on your PowerPC or Intel Mac.
- Comparing Apples to Apples: When is Macintel faster? When does PowerPC make more sense?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2006.01.29. Benchmarks show the Intel Core Duo flies through native code but plods through PowerPC programs. Will PowerPC or Intel give you the more productive workflow?
- Macintel stumbling block: Sometimes you need Classic, Jeff Adkins, Mac Lab Report, 2006.01.25. As nice as the new Intel Macs seem to be, the lack of any Classic environment makes it impossible for some people to upgrade.