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Despite their Apple Computer's new marketing mantra, when I look at the new iMac G5, I don't find myself wondering "Where Did the Computer Go?" Instead, I'm wondering why everyone's so excited.

I am not generally a killjoy when it comes to new technology prodcut announcements. I am a complete Macintosh enthusiast, despite my career-mandated use of both MacOS and Windows. And I'll be the first to admit that it's neat, nifty, ginchy, whatever. But I happen to think that it's not very nice looking and, what's worse, derivative in its design. While I'm impressed with the iMac's engineering and its G5-driven power packed into a small space, I'd like to discuss a few things that could have been done better.

The other major dissenting voice in applying some healthy criticism of the iMac G5 is John Dvorak, but his gripes are more with proper alignment with Apple's core business...oh, and the fact that the iMac doesn't come in multiple colors like it used to (yawn). My own thoughts and complaints, however, are much more from a designer's and end-user perspective.

Aesthetics

First of all, the iMac is a design throwback to the 20th Anniversary Macintosh, shown to the left, minus the CPU trashcan. Heck, the "T.A.M." even had a nice sweeping curve to the front face of the unit. Stylish. And that gray-bronze-not-sure-what-it-is finish was a total winner. Note that the iMac G5 shares its massive, heavy lower frame beneath the screen.

Second, I'm not down with the 1980's white and aluminum look. I will admit that it does wind up "celebrating" what is shown on the screen, but it's too bright to fit with most home interiors, which is clearly something its designers have tried to consider (Welcome sleek simplicity into your home). The flat white and textured aluminum are not different enough to afford a decent amount of visual contrast, nor are they close enough to be harmonious. Apparently Apple has made the decision the alluring aluminum skins of the Powerbooks and G5 Power Macs are too alienating for the mass market.

Third, that stand has got to go. It looks like Apple couldn't afford a real stand design, so they grafted a stand from their (incredibly gorgeous and excellent) LCD displays using superglue.

Technology

256MB of RAM standard. It's 2004, Apple. Your iLife apps are complete memory hogs (despite the fact that they are excellent pieces of software). Give the people some memory.

64MB of Video RAM on an NVidia 5200. Y'all really don't want game developers making more games for the MacOS, do you? This is a video specification from three years ago. Beefier video support would be nice.

The side-slot optical drive makes sense given the form factor, but this also requires a minimum of 5.5 inches of clearance space on the right side of the screen to get a CD in there. We currently have an older iMac on a bookshelf, with 2 inches of clearance on all sides...this new one would fit, but we'd not be able to get a CD into it. Not a dealkiller for many, but a human factors issue nevertheless.

What Went Right

The LCD displays of this iMac G5 are truly stupendous. Bright, tight, little ghosting, and up to 1680 across. That is the Good Stuff.

How the iMac G5 is cooled is a pretty neat story as well. Apple's apparently been looking into high-end liquid cooling, but this fix is pretty sweet...although I suspect it's also a reason why the iMac G5 is as thick as it is.

Final Word

To end my self-indulgent gripe-fest, the iMac G5 is not a bad computer. It's not even really that bad of a deal, starting at $1,300 (well, it's a Macintosh, so it's all relative). However, some of the hype surrounding its design is overlooking some things that could've used more thought. It's a good evolution, Apple - I'll just wait for the revolution.