It’s a faster, cheaper iMac

Apple’s iMac just got a makeover and what was arguably the best desktop computer on the market for the average consumer is slimmer, sleeker and significantly faster.
But perhaps best of all, it’s cheaper, by $200 to $300, depending on the model.
The 20-inch starts at $1,199 and has a 2 GHz processor, while an impressively huge 24-inch starts at $1,799 for a 2.4 GHz version.
The high-end model goes for $2,299 and has a 500 GB hard drive, a 2.8GH processor and 2GB of memory. That’s the one that boasts the most-improved speed in running programs, up to 29% when compared to the previous top of the line 2.33 GHz iMac.

But as nice as the processor improvements, it is the design changes that are most notable.

Gone is the hunk of white plastic that wrapped around the always-distinctive one-piece iMac screen. That’s been replaced by an anodized aluminum frame bordered by a thin band of black plastic.

It’s clearly an effort by Apple to carry over the iPhone style to its all-in-one iMac line.

The screen itself is markedly different, too. Its glossy glass finish means colors generally look brighter and bolder than with the matte finish of the previous models.

But if the room has a lot of overhead lights or bright windows, the glass could show distracting reflections and glare, even though Apple insists it has treated the surface with an anti-reflective covering that also resists scratches and smudges.

Pro users — those who work with a lot of photo images or video — may also not appreciate the glass, which a lot of image experts say does not register colors as accurately.

But I’ve been using a 24-inch model of the new iMac for almost two weeks now and I have had no real problems with the screen. In fact, I much prefer the new.

By tilting the screen, I’ve been able to minimize or eliminate any glare in my home office where it is set up. And the colors seem more crisp.

The most revolutionary design associated with the new iMac is its super-slim aluminum keyboard.

The keys are flat, not raised, much like on Apple’s MacBook notebooks, and the whole board is just a third of an inch thick. The keys are a tad bit wider than the old Apple keys, and very easy to type on.

And the keyboard has two built-in USB 2.0 ports, instead of the much slower 1.1 on the older keyboards. The new 2.0 ports can power and charge an iPod, an iPhone and even some small external USB drives. They are a subtle but very welcome addition to system.

The standard iMac configuration comes with a wired keyboard and mouse. But for $79 more, you can get Bluetooth versions, meaning a desk totally unencumbered by wires, except for the power cord at the back.

Apple clearly introduced these new iMacs in time for the big back-to-school rush. And I have no problem recommending them, but with one caveat.

In October, Apple will release Leopard, the latest iteration of its OSX operating system.

If you own a Mac, you’re going to want it.

But Apple’s iMac Product Manager Laura Metz told me there is there is no migration path for those who buy a new iMac now to get a free upgrade to Leopard next month.

So be warned: If you buy the iMac now, you’ll have to pay for Leopard in a little over a month if you want to upgrade to the new system. Price has been set at $129.

The iMac comes preloaded with the standard array of Apple software, including iLife ’08; a new suite of digital programs like iMovie; a video editing application that has both been simplified and beefed up with better features; and iPhoto, Apple’s digital image manager, which has new organizational and picture editing tools.