iMac 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo 20-inch (Al)

Aluminum | 2.66GHz Intel | 20-inch

This is the base model and the only 20-inch model in the Early 2009 iMac series. The four models in this series represent the third refresh of the aluminum iMac. This refresh comes 309 days after the previous Early 2008 iMac update.

While the new Mac Pro, introduced on the same day, steps up to a Intel “Nehalem” Xeon processor, the iMac must be content with faster processors from the same Intel Core 2 Duo family for now.

The 6MB L2 cache, 1066MHz frontside bus and 8x SuperDrive with 4x double-layer burning remains the same as the previous iMac series – but Apple has dropped the default ATI graphics for Nvidia graphics and chipsets. Default Nvidia graphics haven’t been in iMacs since the original G5 iMac “Chin” models debuted back on August 31, 2004.

This 20-inch model has a glossy widescreen TFT active-matrix LCD with 1680 by 1050 pixels and the Nvidea GeForce 9400M with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM. The standard memory is 2GB (two 1GB SO-DIMMs) with support for up to 8GB of 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM. A 320GB hard drive is standard but can be upgraded to 640GB or 1TB.

All models in the series include a built-in iSight camera, Mini DisplayPort output with support for DVI, dual-link DVI, VGA video connections via adapter, one FireWire 800 port and six USB 2.0 ports (counting the two on the wired keyboard).

Other standard features across the series include built-in stereo speakers with 24-watt digital amplifier, built-in microphone, optical digital audio output/headphone out and optical digital audio input/output.

Wireless connectivity is provided with built-in with AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (802.11n), Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) and IR receiver – and Ethernet by way of 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit).

Unfortunately, the white Mighty Mouse is still with us. I had hoped for a snazzy multi-button anodized metal mouse to better match the keyboard by now but I’m still waiting. The iMac includes the new compact, wired keyboard but buyers may still opt for the full size that includes a number pad.

Naturally, Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard and iLife ‘09 are included. Some of the bundled applications are iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row and Xcode Developer Tools.

Apple is tooting it’s environmental horn more often these days. The iMac is rated EPEAT Gold and meets Energy Star 5.0 requirements, including arsenic-free display glass and highly recyclable aluminum and glass enclosures.

The other three models in this series are all 24-inch models. In addition to this 20-inch 2.66GHz base model, there is another 2.66GHz iMac with a 24-inch display and a 24-inch 2.93GHz iMac and high-end 24-inch 3.06GHz iMac.

distinguishing features

Aluminum case with flush glass display and matching aluminum keyboard.

system software

Mac OS X v10.5.6 Leopard

etymology

[1] iMac: From Internet + Mac

[2] The “i” in iMac originally stood for Internet but eventually developed into a marketing symbol for a wide range of Apple products.

[3] The “Al” or “AL” often seen appended to models in this series denotes the aluminum case.

design

Photo credit: Apple