Apple sells three different Mac desktops, each of which features a different Intel processor.
Current models | Previous models
From its perch at the top of the line, the professional-grade Mac Pro puts a pair of dual-core Xeon chips -- that's four processing cores, if you're scoring at home -- to good use inside its hulking, brushed-aluminum chassis. You'll need some serious graphics work ahead of you to justify the cost, but if you are a design professional or a committed photo or video hobbyist, you'll notice that the Mac Pro's price is competitive with those of high-end PCs and workstations.
In the middle of the line sits Apple's all-in-one PC, the iMac. It recently grew larger, with the new 24-inch model. The new 17-inch iMac is noteworthy because it's the first iMac to carry a price below AU$1,600. Regardless of screen size (there's also a third size at 20 inches), all iMacs now boast Intel's latest dual-core CPU in the form of the mobile Core 2 Duo.
On a budget? Like your tech small and compact? Then the à la carte Mac Mini is your pick. Using previous-generation Core Duo processors, the Mac Mini can't keep pace with its higher-end siblings, but it's the cheapest way to gain Apple's excellent iLife software and Mac OS. Its small size and bundled remote control make it a popular choice in the living room as an entertainment PC.
Read our reviews, watch the videos, and find the Mac that best matches your needs and budget.
Apple Mac Pro
Apple's Mac Pro has design innovations that we hope will cross over to other systems. Its performance is as strong as you'd expect for a system in its class, and it's priced right, too. You might need more flexibility in your config options, especially for 3D design, but otherwise, the Mac Pro is as solid a professional-class PC as we've seen.
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Apple iMac Core 2 Duo (24-inch, 2.16GHz)
Other vendors might offer more flexible configurations and better deals on components, and the specter of HD video looms darkly, but the 24-inch iMac's sprawling display and convincingly capable features should set most people's minds at ease. We highly recommend this new iMac as a PC that doubles as a secondary home-entertainment system.
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Apple iMac Core 2 Duo (17-inch, 1.83GHz)
The 17-inch iMac is missing a few features you might like--SuperDrive and a remote control, to name two--but it still makes a stellar home PC, thanks to its great design, new Core 2 Duo processor, and superior software bundle. Plus, its price makes it a borderline budget PC.
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Apple Mac Mini Core Duo (1.67GHz)
Apple packs more media-specific features into the Mac Mini to make an inexpensive and useful entertainment-room computer. It's tremendously easy to use, although it surprised us with poor image processing.
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