How the Apple iMac Functions

The iMac arrived at a pivotal moment for Apple. Steve Jobs, who had founded the company in his garage in 1976, lost an internal battle and departed Apple in 1985. By the time he returned in 1997, Apple was hemorrhaging money and on the brink of collapse. Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Computers, even suggested that Apple be liquidated if he were in charge [source: Singh]. Jobs was appointed CEO and, along with a talented designer, resurrected the company's reputation and set the stage for the iconic Apple we know today. The key to this turnaround was a series of minimalist, innovative machines known as iMacs, which were first revealed on May 13, 1998 [source: Levy].

Before the iMac, Apple had modest success with its PowerPC line, which was essentially a lackluster collection of boxes that looked similar to their Windows counterparts. While these PowerPCs didn’t ignite much excitement, Apple maintained a loyal following among users who valued the Mac’s superior graphics performance.

The original iMacs were a complete reinvention of personal computing, aimed at embracing the relatively new concept of the Web (the lowercase "i" in the name originally stood for Internet). These desktop systems showcased a design ethos of simplicity and clean lines. Their defining feature was the fusion of the tower (the bulky rectangular box housing the CPU, CD drive, and ports) and the monitor into a single, sleek, curvaceous unit, complete with a notorious mouse, which we will explore further later.

Over the years, iMacs have gained significant attention for Apple, although the media coverage hasn't always been positive. While offering more internal space than MacBook laptops, which are known for their tendency to overheat, iMacs still face cooling issues. Initially, their compact design also limited their processing power. While improvements in design and technology have addressed some speed concerns, the overheating problem remains unresolved.

The story behind the iMac is fascinating, and it’s worth exploring the humble beginnings of this iconic device. From an outsider’s viewpoint, the original iMacs were a significant gamble. If the market didn't embrace the translucent, half-egg-shaped design, Apple could have faced disaster. However, Apple didn’t need to win over everyone—just enough people who were tired of the drab, beige boxes that dominated the market at the time.

Could they succeed? What was it about the iMac that drew people back to Apple?

The First iMac

In 1997, the major question looming over the tech world was not whether Apple would go bankrupt, but when. The company had been losing money every quarter since 1995 [source: Apple]. Steve Jobs had a rare gift for seeing market trends, and he believed the industry was ready for a computer with flair. This vision would later become the very product that saved the struggling company.

The iMac’s initial reception was mixed. When compared to PCs in performance tests, the results were underwhelming [source: Silvius]. However, this misses the bigger picture. Apple’s reputation for reliability, combined with a sleek and stylish design—something PCs were sorely lacking—was the true selling point. Apple was betting that consumers would soon recognize how much they valued style once they saw the iMac.

The iMac was a model of simplicity and symmetry. It required minimal external cords and connections. All its components were housed within a colorful, curvy case. They say looks aren’t everything, but Apple made the personal computer more than just a tool—it made it visually captivating for the first time.

One part of the original iMac that didn’t quite catch on (except, ironically, as an example of poor design) was the small, round, single-buttoned mouse. It might have been cute, but users were generally relieved when this design was abandoned. Its size made it uncomfortable to use for extended periods, and its round shape made it challenging to orient properly.

The original iMac also helped hasten the demise of the " floppy disk drive. By eliminating the drive, Apple saved space inside the machine, but this move upset many users until alternative storage methods became more widely adopted.

For many, the trade-off of living without a floppy drive and dealing with that troublesome puck-shaped mouse was worth it just to have a stylish computer gracing their desk. Suddenly, the translucent design trend was everywhere [source: Edwards]. Even the practice of adding a lowercase "i" to random words became an unexpected cultural phenomenon.

Apple didn’t just survive—it thrived. But in the competitive world of tech, resting on your laurels isn’t an option, so the iMac has undergone several updates over the years. Let’s take a nostalgic look at the iMacs from past holiday seasons.

The iMac Grows Up

In January 2002, Apple unveiled a major redesign for the iMac. The second-generation iMac (now known as the iMac G3) featured a flat-screen monitor and repositioned the egg-shaped CPU to its side. The design had a somewhat Pixar-like feel, which makes sense given that Jobs had spent considerable time working at the animation studio before his return to Apple. The high-end model came with an 800MHz processor, 256MB of RAM, a 15-inch adjustable monitor, and a 60GB hard drive. These were excellent specs for that era.

The iMac G5 made its debut at the Apple Expo in Paris in August 2004, marking the introduction of the design that would become iconic. This version, which looked more like a thick flat-screen monitor, featured side-loading disc drives and rear-facing ports. The high-end model offered a 5-inch increase in monitor size, a 1.8GHz processor, 256MB of RAM, and a 160GB hard drive.

Several updates to the iMac G5 line further improved these specs. The upgrade in January 2006 was particularly noteworthy as it marked the first iMac to feature Intel processors.

With so many different iterations and upgrades of the iMac over the years, it can be hard to track the family lineage. If you're ever unsure about which version of the iMac you own, check out Apple’s support pages for more details [source: Apple].

Since 2004, newer iMac models have focused more on enhancing features rather than design. The addition of an internal camera in 2006 was one such upgrade. Other improvements included boosts to hard drive capacity, processor speed, and RAM. The screen sizes also grew over the years, with some reaching up to 24 inches.

The iMac has undeniably had a profound impact on the computer industry. Other manufacturers quickly realized that aesthetics matter to consumers. Jobs' talent for merging design with drama also inspired various other sectors. After the first translucent iMac was launched, products ranging from computer accessories to household items started appearing in vibrant, candy-colored translucent plastics.

New iMac Design

Apple introduced the latest version of the iMac on May 3, 2011, continuing the signature design that combined a large monitor with the computer on top of a sleek stand.

Much like its predecessors, the current iMac boasts an aluminum casing and an LED-backlit display for a sharp, bright screen. All of the machine's ports are placed on the back, with a DVD slot positioned on the side. Other than the screen and frame, the only element visible on the front is a small Apple logo, while a larger logo on the back conceals the wireless receiver.

No desktop computer is completely free from heat, but Apple does its best to minimize fan noise by leveraging thermodynamic principles. Heat naturally rises, so the iMac pulls in cool air from below through the speakers and vents the warm air through the top. While some iMac models experience overheating, it’s not a widespread issue. The official maximum temperature is 95°F (35°C). To reduce heat buildup further, the CPU and GPU are kept separate inside the machine [source: Apple].

To boost the iMac's performance, Apple teamed up with Intel to create the highly anticipated Thunderbolt I/O technology, which we'll dive into further on the next page. This innovation is poised to redefine industry standards for data transfer between computers and peripheral devices.

Today’s iMacs are a benchmark for both speed and design. But just how fast are they, really?

Apple iMac Specs

The current iMac lineup comes in four main configurations, with a fifth tailored specifically for the education market. Let's first examine the shared features, then dive into what sets each model apart, while keeping in mind that, like most computers, these can all be upgraded.

All new iMacs are equipped with Intel's Thunderbolt I/O technology, offering a bi-directional 10Gbps (gigabits per second) speed, making USB2 – which operates at just 480Mbps (megabits per second) – seem outdated [source: Kingsley-Hughes]. Thunderbolt is also double the speed of the soon-to-be obsolete USB3, which promises a max speed of 5Gbps. Unlike the original iMac, which left users without a way to access their previous storage due to the lack of a floppy drive, these updated iMacs still feature USB ports for all your legacy (though soon-to-be-outdated) devices.

Speed is further enhanced with the quad-core Intel Core i5 processors, running between 2.5GHz and 3.1GHz. Almost all iMac models, except the most affordable one, come with a 1TB Seagate hard drive. It's important to note that iMacs sold in May and June of 2011 faced significant issues with the 1TB drive, and Apple is replacing them free of charge at Apple Stores or through a mail-in service [source: Apple]. Additional common features include built-in 802.11n wireless and Bluetooth networking.

The educational version of the iMac is somewhat stripped down. Exclusive to schools, it features an older Core i3 processor and lacks Thunderbolt I/O, yet it remains a solid choice for $899.

The main iMacs are available at four price points: $1199, $1499, $1699, and $1999. The first two offer a 21.5-inch screen, while the higher-end models come with a 27-inch screen, all maintaining a 16:9 aspect ratio (some earlier models strangely used a 16:10 ratio).

The $1199 model comes with a 500GB hard drive, unlike the three more expensive models that include a 1TB drive. The two pricier models also feature two Thunderbolt ports, compared to just one on the other models. If you’re into high-end graphics or need a second display, these models are worth considering.

In general, the specifications and speed of the iMac are on par with today’s desktop PCs, although PCs have not yet adopted Intel's Thunderbolt I/O. Apple's exclusive use of this technology (a result of their collaboration with Intel) will come to an end in 2012, at which point other manufacturers will be free to use it.

All this processing power is meaningless unless it's put to good use. It's time to explore some fun software to play with – and much of it is free.

Apple iMac Software

What can you do with an iMac? Like most computers, it comes with a variety of pre-installed software, and there are plenty more programs you can purchase separately.

iLife transforms your basic family photos and videos into creations your friends and family will actually enjoy. Design stylish photo albums, or create movie trailers that look like something out of Hollywood with your own family footage. With GarageBand, which comes with iLife, you can learn to play the piano or guitar, and even if your singing voice isn't perfect, it will adjust for any vocal shortcomings.

FaceTime, another preinstalled app, lets you connect with friends and family in stunning high-definition using the iMac's HD camera. However, for it to work, your contacts need to have another Apple device, like an iPad, iPhone, or even iPod Touch. If not, don’t worry—Skype and other free internet calling apps will still let you talk to your PC friends.

Anyone working in an office is probably familiar with Microsoft Office. While it’s available for the iMac, Apple has its own productivity suite called iWork. It includes word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software, but doesn’t come with database creation tools. If you want a free alternative, OpenOffice offers a Mac version that includes database tools compatible with OS X [source: OpenOffice].

So where do you find apps that aren’t bundled with your iMac? The Mac App Store, of course. It’s an app that functions as Apple’s shopping portal for software. After you install it, you can purchase apps like iWork and other software, games, and tools. Apple controls the experience, so the Mac App Store is similar to its mobile App Store, with only approved software available.

Don’t worry—you're not limited to the Mac App Store. You can also download software from other sources. Some essential free apps you should consider adding to your iMac include DropBox for cloud file sharing, Adium to consolidate all your instant messaging accounts, and Skype to stay connected with friends and family.

Now, let’s enhance our iMac with some cool accessories that you can get for it.

Apple iMac Accessories

While it may seem strange to consider accessories for an iMac, given that the design is all about maintaining a clean desk, most of these accessories are wireless, or at least come in wireless versions. Even the keyboard is wireless, though if you prefer, you can opt for a wired version.

iMacs are equipped with a Magic Mouse, which offers multiple finger-tracking capabilities for convenient shortcuts while browsing the web and using applications. A popular alternative, though not included but available for $69, is the Magic Trackpad. It works like a laptop’s trackpad, offering a larger-scale version of the MacBook Pro trackpad, and even clicks like a traditional mouse button. If you're nostalgic for the days of the single-button mouse, this could be the option for you.

Looking to impress your friends with a second monitor? The Thunderbolt Display, priced at around $1,000, is an excellent option. To make full use of the Thunderbolt I/O technology, you'll need to have the 2011 iMac or later model.

What does the future hold for iMacs? Based on recent patents granted to Apple, it seems likely that touchscreens will be making their way to the iMac [source: Purcher].

A more pressing concern for Apple's future is the direction the company will take without Steve Jobs at the helm. Jobs passed on leadership to Tim Cook on August 24, 2011, and sadly passed away in October of the same year. However, Apple’s culture is rooted in Jobs's philosophy, so it seems improbable that the company will stray far from the path he set. Given the typical two-year product development cycle, it will take some time to see the full impact of his departure.

Did the iMac save Apple? That was the big question back in 1998. While it's easy to argue that it helped rescue Apple from its struggles in the mid-1990s, today iMacs contribute much less to Apple’s overall profits compared to the iPhone and iPad.