Apple iMac (PowerPC G5 1.9GHz; 17-inch LCD; SuperDrive)

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Today at the Singapore Shangri-La hotel, Apple launched the 1.9GHz 17-inch iMac G5 which replaces the older 1.8GHz 17-inch iMac, while the higher-end model with a larger 20-inch display and a 2.1GHz PowerPC chip supercedes the older 2GHz 17-inch iMac. One of the most exciting things about a new Apple desktop is the amazing design or novel user-friendliness which will eventually be copied by the PC. However, this time round it's the iMac which is playing catch up. Though it has added features like a remote control and integrated iSight, it's still not up to par as a replacement home entertainment system .

Upside: Using the latest Mac OS Tiger 10.4, the processor has been upped by about 5.5 percent. Airport Extreme and Bluetooth, which were optional in the previous iMac, now comes standard on both versions. Thumbs up to the larger 20-inch screen for the high-end model which will save graphics designers alot of unnecessary scrolling.

For a better audio-visual experience, Apple has added a cool remote control which looks so much like an iPod shuffle you may just want to stick your headphones into it. Using infrared technology which is usable up to 9m from the desktop, it lets you control photo viewing, DVD movies as well as video and music playback vie Apple's proprietary Front Row interface. One feature we liked was the magnetic back which allows the remote to "stick" to the side of the screen when not in use. The remote has enough power to last for up to two years, after which the remote has to be sent to Apple's service center for battery replacement.

Video conferencing and chatting are made easier with the integrated iSight located at the top of the screen. Being a fixed focal length Web cam, users will find it very easy to hook up to the iChat AV and start talking with your buddy without having to adjust any settings. The included iPhoto software puts a neo-print machine in your room with a myriad effects and features.

Downside: Unlike the Marines, the iMac is not all that it could be when placed beside a Media Center PC. A TV tuner is not included in this iteration. The remote control, though simple and elegant, has too few buttons and functionality to allow the iMac to function as a complete entertainment unit. It is unable to boot up the system, which is unfortunate given that the machine cannot play DVDs unless you enter into the operating system. If the video or DVD player window is minimized, you will have to use the mouse or keyboard to maximize it. In our opinion, there is a lot of catching up to do compare with the functionality of a Media Center PC remote.

One improvement we were hoping for was more USB ports. With only three USB 2.0 ports at the rear and two slower USB 1.1 on the keyboard, you definitely need a USB hub to connect extra peripherals.

Outlook: The integrated iSight and remote control certainly makes the iMac G5 an attractive purchase. Like always, the learning curve is made even gentler by integrating the operating system with the peripherals. However, the remote control is a disappointment while the continued glut of USB ports will plague users who have a lot of accessories to connect.