The baseline iMac features a powerful 700 MHz PowerPC G4 with 256 Cache with 256 MB SDRAM, DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo, NVIDIA GeForce2 MX w/ 32MB DDR graphics, 40 GB Ultra ATA drive and 15-inch flat-panel LCD display.

The enchantment of this new delightful piece begins within its ultra-compact circular base where you will encounter the fastest iMac processor, a powerful PowerPC G4 that blows your mind away with super fast performance. The unprecedented PowerPC G4’s performance is due to a technology called “Velocity Engine” that processes data in huge 128-bit chunks, instead of the smaller 32-bit or 64-bit chunks used in other processors. In simple words, it delivers tremendous processing power whether you’re creating your instructional CDs, editing graphic images or movies, designing web pages, preparing business presentation/report or simply watching DVD movies.

Besides iMac’s powerful performance, it comes with a 15-inch LCD flat screen that is mounted on a smooth but strong adjustable neck. This smooth neck allows you to adjust the height, depth or angle of your screen to accommodate your viewing position with just a touch of your finger. You don’t have to move your posture or chair to adjust your position any more. The LCD panel is much brighter as well as sharper and easier on your eyes than traditional CRT display. The iMac’s mountable and space-saving design gives you a chance to adjust your space more efficiently than traditional computer configuration with a separate CRT.

So much power and functionality into such a compact space is a result of nifty space-saving design that gives more than just a mountable screen. The whole concept of compactness is well adapted in an iMac with integrated video, audio and other devices into a circular base, not to mention the external ports such as 4 USB (2 built-in to CPU and 2 in keyboard), and 2 FireWire (IEEE 1394) ports. The USB based mouse and keyboard are chained together, thus preventing a complex web of wires that PC users often struggle with.

The expandability is often sacrificed with compactness, but it is not true for iMac design. Adding memory or installing a wireless card (AirPort) can be done effortlessly even by a first-time computer user. You only need to remove the cover held with four screws beneath the base. The instructions are printed with images under each of internal slots, so you don’t even need to refer to a manual. For me, it seemed so simple and fun.

iMac has one of the most innovative designs in the industry. It is a true power-packed, compact, and innovative design concept made real.