The 27-inch iMac we're testing is a nice machine, but the specs—3.06GHz Core2Duo CPU with 4GB of 1066MHz RAM and an ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics set up—are the stock low end parts for that size. And that chip is the higher end (built to order) CPU of the previous generation. (The graphics situation is weirder. The ATI card here is better than the stock 9400M NVidia setup of the old base 24-incher but not better than the built to order ATI 4850 option; the 4850 remains the top end choice for this generation's iMac, too.) These quick test results show a few changes, but, well, there are plenty of issues that nullify any meaning that can be interpreted beyond "duh". (Longer bars are better in both charts.)





First of all, XBench is just falling apart as a test these days, having being revised a long time ago and taking advantage of zero of the latest OSX technologies. Also, from what we've seen, XBench scores take a hit in the openGL rendering on Snow Leopard, compared to Leopard. The new machine seems slower than the old 2.66GHz iMac we tested last year (With OS X 10.5) in XBench in OpenGL and overall because of Snow Leopard, not the new computer. Plus, Xbench is just really, really old. I don't really trust these results, especially running between two operating systems.





Secondly, we used Geekbench. Geekbench runs in 32 and 64-bit mode in Snow Leopard and has been updated to take advantage of varying number of cores. (It's multithreaded better than most software and not surprisingly given the simple nature of a synthetic bench). As you can see, though, Geekbench only tests core system tests focusing around CPU/Math/Memory performance. And here, the faster chip has the advantage, apparently in 64-bit mode, too. This isn't surprising either and the numbers don't jump off the page.

So, you'll have to wait for us to test Core i5/i7 machines with ATI 4850 graphics and—Apple willing— 16GB of RAM before we can comment beyond the fact that this machine is prettier by 45% than the last generation of iMac.

But, even if we had that machine, the quad core CPUs don't have enough software beyond native Snow Leopard apps to really take advantage of the extra cores. There's always turbo mode, which bumps utilized cores up in speed when software isn't running across all four channels, but you're talking about chips that run slightly slower clocks than Core2Duos, so its up in the air how turbo that turbo can get.

Point being: I have nothing for you. More soon.

Nice looking from the rear:

Apple avoids the clear glass look, but both Dell and Gateway are suckers for it. The Dell has a clear lucite base that makes us wonder why the designers didn't go further. The Gateway has a funky clear keyboard arm rest that makes us scratch our heads a bit.

All mice are not created equal. Apple's wired mouse is, of course, not a favorite, but even the Wireless Mighty Mouse doesn't always behave. Dell's mouse is okay, very standard. Gateway's is the best, with a touch pad down the center for scrolling, and a cool one-piece two-tone design.

Keyboards are another accessory that can vary a ton. Dell's is my favorite because of all the stuff it can do. It has a full touchpad for mousing around, has full media controls, so you can ditch the ugly silver remote, and it's better looking than Gateway's, even if it doesn't quite have the otherworldly sleekness of the Apple. (Again why, Apple, do you ship ANYTHING with a cord?)

Here you can see all of the fun stuff on the Dell keyboard:

For the most part, these remotes are standard. In fact, the Gateway's controlled the Dell, and the Dell's controlled the Gateway. I know Apple's statement is that the remote is simple, but let's face it, that's because, compared to Windows Media Center, Front Row is too simple. I went with Goldilocks on this one: Gateway's remote is just right, a nice compact model that matches the rest of the system.

The Dell is the only one with controls on its face. They're triply redundant given the fact that both the remote and the sweet keyboard also give similar controls, but they are cool when they light up. I particularly like the disc-indicator light, which only glows when a disc is inside, and the screen shut-off switch, which does nothing to mess with your system:
More pics:

The Official Gizmodo Awards Chart:

Brushed Metal iMacs Dropping at WWDC [9 to 5 Mac]

Apple's Next-gen iMacs to Add a Touch of Grace [AppleInsider]

No Blu-ray for iMac's Until 2008? [Macnn]

UPDATE: Turns out it wasn't Microsoft's decision to demo Vista with a Mac, but instead a Mac was used because it was the only computer around that had the OS installed (which is still a little ironic). Nevertheless, the Mac belongs to VG and not Microsoft.

Microsoft Norway Demos Vista on a Mac [TUAW]