So I was at the Apple Store today for 1.5 hrs playing with the new iMac and iLife toys. I can say for sure that with the 20'' base model with 128mb HD 2400 XT cannot handle FCP! Video playback is far from smooth with lots of freezing and stuttering. I was shocked as to why Apple would even install FCS on a machine if it can't handle it. I even rebooted and closed unecessary apps but FCP made no improvement. I pointed out the problem to an Apple employee and he told me it "might be because of the low 128mb VRAM" So I played with another 20'' with the HD 2600 XT and FCP worked flawlessly.
My other impressions:
-Upon seeing the pics of the new iMac upon release, at first impulse I was like "ugh! why black bezel? why?" Seeing it in person, like many have already said, might change your mind. I actually really like it now. The combo of black and aluminum ain't bad at all for a more sophisticated look.
-The keyboard is both aesthetically and functionally awesome. Typing requires less force on it than it does on my old-style Apple external kb.
-I don't know why many of you keep whinning about how the white on the kb doesn't match the new iMac. I don't think it's as bad as some have made it. The mouse is white with the keyboard so those match perfectly. Plus I think Apple wanted the new kb to be compatible with the white iMacs (incase people want to upgrade their kbs) thus choosing white and silver to match both models.
-The heartbreaker is that (*gulp*) the glossy screen really is reflective. I didn't understand what the big deal was about glossy until I saw it in person. The display, be it the LCD itself or the glass, makes everything reflect. I could see the shape of my head along with who's behind me. (perfect if you're the paranoid type) Though I imagine I could learn to block it out and I actually didn't mind it that much. But I can understand how it might be unacceptable to others.
Despite everything, I love the new iMac and f I was going to buy one, I'll really be tempted to buy the midrange 24''. And if I had more money to burn, then the 2.8ghz variant. But being a college student, I can still feel the really huge hole in my pocket blasted by my beloved MBP four months ago.
My other impressions:
-Upon seeing the pics of the new iMac upon release, at first impulse I was like "ugh! why black bezel? why?" Seeing it in person, like many have already said, might change your mind. I actually really like it now. The combo of black and aluminum ain't bad at all for a more sophisticated look.
-The keyboard is both aesthetically and functionally awesome. Typing requires less force on it than it does on my old-style Apple external kb.
-I don't know why many of you keep whinning about how the white on the kb doesn't match the new iMac. I don't think it's as bad as some have made it. The mouse is white with the keyboard so those match perfectly. Plus I think Apple wanted the new kb to be compatible with the white iMacs (incase people want to upgrade their kbs) thus choosing white and silver to match both models.
-The heartbreaker is that (*gulp*) the glossy screen really is reflective. I didn't understand what the big deal was about glossy until I saw it in person. The display, be it the LCD itself or the glass, makes everything reflect. I could see the shape of my head along with who's behind me. (perfect if you're the paranoid type) Though I imagine I could learn to block it out and I actually didn't mind it that much. But I can understand how it might be unacceptable to others.
Despite everything, I love the new iMac and f I was going to buy one, I'll really be tempted to buy the midrange 24''. And if I had more money to burn, then the 2.8ghz variant. But being a college student, I can still feel the really huge hole in my pocket blasted by my beloved MBP four months ago.
