IN the models below the 24" 2.8 I don't believe so. In the 2.8ghz model you have a choice of two video cards. The top of the line 3.06 comes standard with the NVIDEA 512mb card, the top card for the iMac.
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iMac 20", is it really so bad?
- Thread starter rajalot
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That's the way I feel. I dislike the idea of having to discard the both the screen and the computer when it needs to be replaced, but until Apple gives us a mid-range headless desktop, the iMac is the only option. If I'm going to spend the extra $ on the 24", I'd rather put it toward a good external screen that I can use with whatever replaces the iMac down the line, perhaps a move up to a Pro.
To the OP, it's ultimately up to your own eyes/needs/budget. During the age of CRTs, one coworker had serious eyestrain with the refresh rate of our standard monitors, when most didn't.
People like to hammer on the 6-bit/TN aspect of the 20" panel, but they rule the low end of the market now, Apple or not. To me, the only really noticeable difference with the iMac's panel compared to an external is the yellow/green cast off angle, which may be caused by the extra layer of glass that encases it. The standard color profile also doesn't do the screen any favors.
I have both an aluminum 20" iMac and the immediate predecessor white 20" iMac (well, the former is my kids'; the latter is mine), and there's a definite difference in quality--the screen on the white iMac (which uses the same technology as the current 24") is better. That said, the difference isn't that great. Really, the 20" screen is fine for all except the ultra-picky (and graphics pros, who probably wouldn't be using a 20" iMac anyway).
yeah, the quality of the 20" imac screens aren't that great. There's a gradient and it has horrible viewing angles. In fact, I'm growing to hate it because of the headaches I seem to get from viewing glossy screens too long.
Damn i almost bought an aluminum imac lol.i have avoided purchasing because of this issue.I have a white imac and its great but i want the aluminum.I may still buy it.I bought a crappy acer monitor with that washed out glossy screen and i sold it.Damn you steve.
No a normal user should not replace the Graphics card in the iMac's, because they are Surface mounted Soldered to the mother board. I have done Surface Mount Soldering and it is a pain in the neck. If you understand Cmos chip technolgy then you know that heat is a huge factor when soldering. I have used 35 watt irons and still fried chips just taking to long to set them. So i wouldn't even go there unless you have money to blow and nerves of steel.
And i am currently looking for a cheap Mac Mini to fit my need till Apple brings out a Mid range tower that will sit in the middle of Mini's and the Pros. I have even considered a Hacintosh for the time yet don't want to spend $800 dollars and it not work like a Mac.
And i am currently looking for a cheap Mac Mini to fit my need till Apple brings out a Mid range tower that will sit in the middle of Mini's and the Pros. I have even considered a Hacintosh for the time yet don't want to spend $800 dollars and it not work like a Mac.
That's exactly what I have ... 20" Aluminum iMac + Dell 2005FPW = KICK ASS!
And yes, the TN panels on the 20" models are 6bits/channel ... = 18bit. For true 16.7 million color reproduction, you need 8bits/channel = 24bit.
There is excessive color banding, the viewing angles are horrible and the glossy screen only makes things worse.