With the release of their latest iMacs, Apple has broken a couple traditions. The first tradition was one of releasing a new iMac once every three months. The second tradition was producing only one configuration at a time. Apple's latest iMac incarnation, while a few months behind "schedule" comes in three distinct configurations, sports an enhanced color scheme and packs several design enhancements.

Although the new iMacs are slightly smaller and lighter than their predecessors, the form factor will be comfortingly familiar. The basic shape is the same but the 5 "flavors" of previous iMacs have been brightened and a graphite color has been added to the high end model. The low end iMac runs at 350MHz, sports 64MB RAM and is only available in Blueberry. The iMac DV runs at 400MHz and is available in all 5 enhanced flavors. The iMac DV "Special Edition" which also runs at 400MHz, is only available in the new graphite color. All machines use the G3 processor with a 512k backside cache. For a summary of the key differences see our table below. The most exciting news is that Apple has finally broken the $1,000 barrier. The new "low end" iMac retails for $999. The iMac DV and iMac DV Special Edition follow in close pursuit at $1,299 and $1,499 respectively.

Common Features: While there are three distinct models, there are several features that are common to all. Apple borrowed many of the most attractive elements from the iBook and and G4's and incorporated them into the iMac. All three models have a slot for Apples AirPort card for wireless communication at speeds up to 11Mbps. Another addition that will be most welcome by the gaming crowd is the addition of the ATI's 2x AGP RAGE 128 VR graphics accelerator with 8MB SDRAM. Gamers and music lovers alike will be pleased with the high quality Harman Kardon Odyssey speakers. Harman Kardon will also sell a USB based sub-woofer named iSub to round out your listening experience. The iSub is expected to ship this November and will sell for $99. The new iMacs also support the improved sleep and shutdown modes found in the iBook. An option to save your computer's RAM contents at shutdown makes the startup process much faster. Function keys can be used to launch designated programs and the power button has even incorporated the pulsing light when in sleep mode. Both CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives use the very cool auto feed slot similar to those found on car CD players. As of this writing we haven't ascertained whether the classic "bent paper clip" rescue hole is present on the new iMacs but we hope so. Some things should be considered sacred! Borrowing from the high end G4 machines, the iMacs sport dual independent 12Mbps USB ports. Previous iMacs only supported a combined 12Mbps rate. The system bus runs at 100MHz nearly doubling the bandwidth of previous iMacs which ran at 66MHz. A new rear access door has been added to simplify RAM upgrades (previously an intimidating experience) or the addition of an AirPort card. The Rev. E iMac is the first Mac since since 1984 to run without the use of a fan. This should make for a much more peaceful computing experience and let you enjoy the Oddessey speakers to the fullest.

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Uncommon Features: Although all three iMacs share the specs listed above, the two 400MHz DV models sport some additional features that will appeal to the power users. FireWire is on both DV models with transfer rates up to 400Mbps. FireWire is Apple's hot swappable SCSI replacement technology. FireWire is intended for peripherals that demand high transfer rates like hard drives and digital video cameras. To help promote the DV iMac's as digital video editing stations, Apple is bundling software called "iMovie" for editing digital video clips, adding effects, credits, soundtrack etc. In addition to FireWire, both DV models sport DVD drives and the ability to play movies full screen. Apple includes a copy of Pixar's "A Bug's Life" to start your collection. They probably got a cut price on the title somehow ; -) The 400MHz iMacs also have a VGA video connector and support video mirroring but apparently not dual monitor use. Below you will find specs on the entire iMac line, a few preliminary benchmark scores (more to follow) and detailed specs for the Rev. E iMacs.

Da Benchmarks...

Below you will find some preliminary benchmarks comparing the Rev. E iMacs to the competition. These scores come from Apple's web site. We will add MacBench scores as soon as we are able, so check back here often or keep an eye on our "What's New" page for further news.