Apple iMac Desktop 15" M9105LL/A (800-MHz PowerPC G4, 256 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive)

Driven by a powerful 800 MHz PowerPC G4 CPU and 256 MB SDRAM memory (expandable to one full GB), the iMac Desktop 15" M9105LL/A is ready to handle most any standard computer task. To ensure the machine doesn't bog down during most graphically intensive operations, Apple has included an nVidia GeForce4 MX graphics processor with 32 MB DDR video memory. Those who work primarily with complex 3D applications may want to look at this system's bigger brother, which includes, among other upgrades, a 64 MB graphics card and a 1 GHz PowerPC processor.

The iMac Desktop 15" M9105LL/A's miniature, dome-shaped housing (10.6-inch footprint) usurps very little desktop space, and its 15-inch flat-screen LCD viewing screen looks great on top of its swiveling, extendable neck. The system is equipped with an adequate 60 GB hard drive and a combination DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive through which you can backup files, burn and enjoy audio CDs, and watch the latest movies. Apple has added two ultra-high speed FireWire 400 ports for fast interaction with external devices such as video camcorders, five traditional USB 1.1 ports for peripherals such as digital cameras and joysticks, an integrated speaker, headphone jack, and built-in microphone.

Connectivity options include an integrated 10/100BASE-T Ethernet port, a 56K modem, and wireless support (with the addition of an Apple AirPort card). An Apple Pro Mouse and Apple Pro keyboard complete the hardware picture. The iMac Desktop 15" M9105LL/A is bundled with Apple's next-generation operating system, Mac OS X v.10.2 Jaguar, and Mac OS 9.

A long time ago I returned a new desktop PC to Gateway because I couldn't operate it intuitively (my fault), and Gateway graciously took it back, no questions asked. I then bought a new little Mac 160 notebook and was immediately able to operate it. I used it for years until it finally smoked its motherboard and had to be replaced. The next computer was another Mac notebook, a 5300 CS, which was not one of Apples finest products, but nonetheless it was fairly efficient and easy to operate. It finally lost the top half of its color LCD and ran out of memory and I was again forced to buy a new computer. The jazzy new iMac looked like just the ticket. I now own iMac serial number 0T213E6FMAY.

My iMac was trouble from the start and I got no help from Apple other than advice, and after 90 days I couldn't even get that unless I forked over an extra [$$$] for an extended warranty, which I did.

Here are just a few of my complaints:
1. The iMac functions pretty much like a PC and is no longer as intuitive as the earlier Apple products they built their ease of operation reputation on.
2. At times the screen locks up, the "OFF" button won't work, and the only way to shut it down is to unplug it from the wall.
3. The "OFF" button is located near the left-back of the body in a hard-to-reach place, accessible only with the left hand, not the right, a very poorly thought out location.
4. There is no "ON-OFF" switch on the keyboard.
5. The so-called "SLEEP" function doesn't always work like it should, certainly not like the earlier notebooks. It sometimes awakens hung up.
6. Sometimes when the shut-down command is given it only goes into the sleep mode, can't be shut down by the "OFF" button, and has to be unplugged from the wall for a forced shut-down. On re-booting after such a forced shut down the system has to go through an automatic hard drive assessment before it is again functional. Even after such a shutdown and hard drive assessment the system sometimes doesn't work right.
7. Apple has loaded so much unnecessary "bloatware" bells and whistles into their OX10 and 9.2.2 operating systems there is no way an ordinary user can operate it easily. Even my paid Apple authorized technicians have had difficulties working out the wrinkles. I never know what to expect next.
8. The optical mouse clicker was too sensitive, even at full adjustment for firmer spring resistance. I replaced it with a Logitech optical mouse.

After years of using Apple products I may go back to a PC because my iMac no longer offers the advantages Macs once had over PC's. It doesn't matter to me if the problems stem from Apple software or hardware; the trouble remains and is still real. Software unready for the market is just as bad as a defective motherboard design. A top notch professional computer technician recently told me that Mr. Steve Jobes' tech meddling is responsible for the newest G4 Macs no longer operating with the traditional intuitive ease of the earlier Macs, to say nothing of the continual technical glitches.

I have heard similar complaints from other iMac owners. You won't see this in the advertising, and some iMac users are reluctant to admit the weaknesses of their expensive new toys. I am not one of them.

I give the iMac two stars because of its very practical swivel head and clean looks (one star each).


Good bye PC's   July 6, 2003
J. Fitzpatrick (Quincy, MA United States)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

For years I have dealt with PC's. The freezing up at inappropriate moments, the noise, how they often lag. With some nudging from my girl friend and mother who both have used Macs extensively, I looked into them, and purchased the iMac,, and I have never been so happy using a computer. It used to be a major headache just to open attachments on an e-mail, often times ending in a colorful proliferation of four letter words being bandied about. But with the iMac, the most simple things are just that simple. Sure there may be some drawbacks such as a couple of web sites have glitches when viewing, but the bottom line is that does not matter.

If you're tired of a non user friendly computer which is always crashing. A system to use at home which won't make you want to trash it, this is your answer.


A spunky little computer   February 28, 2004
Peter Payne (Isesaki, Japan)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Our company is based in Japan, so we love using the small iMacs as terminals in our too-small stock room. They are prefect, very fast, connect to anything we need them to, and have all the features you expect of a Mac. The 15" model is great for people who need a compact machine that moves out of the way immediately, and the screen is also great for anyone with less than perfect vision (like me) since you can move the screen right up close to your face. Try doing that with a CRT. All in all, I love the current generation of iMacs to death.


Very prompt   June 7, 2007
Jack Peer Sr. (Granbury,TX USA)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

I am very satisfied with the product and how quickly i received it