You may not know this but The Opinionator purchased a new iMac G5 home computer over the holidays. I did this knowing that at some point Apple would begin putting Intel processors in their new systems. Since this was likely to happen several months from now and the iMac had just been released, I felt comfortable with the purchase. As it turns out, I should have waited. At MacWorld this past week, Apple released a new iMac with an Intel Core Duo processor. Normally, this would be no big deal as the computer I just bought has excellent performance. However, the benchmarks for the new Intel version are 2X the current ones! Additionally, they have a new version of iLife, OS 10.4.4 and a better graphics card all for the same price. What the heck?!
I called Apple, a bit peeved to say the least. I just bought this less than a month ago. They were good about it. It turns out that Intel had the new processor ready early so Apple pulled the trigger on the new model. It looks like I will be able to return my current iMac and separately order the new model. This will cost me a 10% restock fee which comes to about $150 including the shipping back to Apple. However, given that the new iLife upgrade is $79 and there is a new OS update and graphics, it makes sense for me to order the new system despite the inconvenience. I will let you know what I do and how the new system turns out if I make the trade.
Update: I have received an RMA number and will be boxing this iMac up and shipping her back later this week.
Update II: Walter Mossberg did a review of the Intel based iMac and recommends it due to the performance boost that will only get more evident as more software is ported to run on the Intel platform.
Thanks to Greyhawk at Mudville Gazette for the Open Post and welcome Mudville Gazette readers. Thanks for stopping by!
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