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When it comes to creating computers that look as good as they perform, Apple is clearly ahead of its rivals. The tiny G4 Cube may not be selling as well as was hoped but there's no denying that it's gorgeous, and the latest G4 Powerbook really is a joy to behold.
Of course, the machine that kick-started the style trend was the iMac, and Apple has recently unveiled new versions of its all-in wonder.
As usual, the changes are in both the specifications and the colour schemes available, and it's the latter that strikes you at first glance. While keeping the popular Indigo and Graphite themes, Apple has introduced two new looks: Blue Dalmatian and Flower Power.
The former is a blurry blue and white spotted affair while the latter looks something like a prop from Austin Powers. At best, both could be described as 'different'.
We're pleased to see that Snow has melted away from the range but, come on - what was wrong with Ruby?
Thankfully, our top-of-the-line Flower Power review model looked much better on the inside. A powerful 600Mhz G3 processor is backed by 256Kb of level 2 cache running at the full speed, 128Mb of Ram and a whopping 40Gb hard disk.
There's a 56Kbps modem and, for the first time, a smart slot-loading CD-RW drive replaces the usual DVDRom unit. Apple has admitted missing the boat on recordable CD technology and it's good to finally see it installed.
However, a combination DVD/CD-RW unit would have made much more sense - if only with the high-end models. That said, CD-RW is generally a lot more useful than a DVDRom at the moment.
Other technical goodies include two USB and two FireWire sockets for peripherals, an Ethernet connector and a VGA output for mirroring the built-in 15in display on another monitor.
The display itself is crystal clear and works at resolutions up to 1024x768 pixels in 24-bit colour at 75Hz. It would have been nice to see a flatter tube but the curve isn't too distracting. The images displayed come courtesy of an ATI Rage 128 Ultra combined with 16Mb of dedicated video memory.
The iMac now comes bundled with the same 'professional' keyboard and mouse as bigger G4 systems. The keyboard has a decent-sized layout and full function keys but sadly lacks the trademark Power On button.
The mouse is the stylish 'no button no ball' optical device that allows you to click virtually anywhere along its body. It's very nice but what we really need is a second button and scroll wheel. "Apple, that's the sound of another boat sailing past."
All that said, the main selling point of the iMac is ease of use and here we cannot find fault. Setting the machine up is child's play and even the biggest technophobe could be up and surfing the internet in 20 minutes. More impressive are the bundled iMovie 2 and iTunes applications.
The former allows you to capture video footage using a digital camcorder connected to one of the FireWire ports. You can then edit it, add soundtracks, subtitles and effects, and send the results back to the camera or a VCR at full video quality.
For the musically inclined, iTunes provides easy MP3 encoding (CD ripping), playback and the ability to burn audio CDs. Version 6 of the AppleWorks integrated office suite provides word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation facilities.
You can buy PCs with a 1Ghz processor, faster graphics and an additional DVD drive for the same price, but these need to be weighed against things like FireWire and Ethernet as standard.
Contact: Apple
0800 039 1010
www.apple.com/uk
See also:
With a variety of build options, this is a good business desktop. 07 May 2002
Fold out PC takes on Microsoft's education sector dominance 30 Apr 2002
Good enough to take on offerings from better-known manufacturers. 29 Apr 2002
A snarling, growling beast of a PC that eats Athlons for breakfast. 25 Feb 2002All Desktops
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