In the realm of personal computing, few names command as much respect and admiration as Apple’s iMac series. One particular gem in this illustrious lineup is the iMac 20-inch Early 2006, which made its grand entrance onto the tech stage in 2006. This innovative machine wasn’t just a computer; it was a symbol of Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and design.
Back in January 2006, Apple pulled back the curtains to reveal the iMac 20-inch Early 2006, captivating the tech world with its sleek design and powerful performance. Priced at $1,699, it boasted cutting-edge technology that appealed to discerning consumers.
Powered by Mac OS X and the new Intel Core Duo processor, the iMac 20-inch Early 2006 promised a performance boost of up to twice that of its predecessors. This powerhouse featured dual-core processors, a built-in iSight video camera, and the revolutionary media experience of Front Row with the Apple Remote, providing users with an intuitive way to enjoy their content from across the room.
One of the standout features of the iMac 20-inch Early 2006 was its Front Row media experience, coupled with the Apple Remote. This combination allowed users to access their iTunes library, watch videos, enjoy photo slideshows, and even stream movie trailers seamlessly from a distance.
Incorporating an iSight video camera, the iMac 20-inch Early 2006 opened up new avenues for video conferencing, podcasting, and creative endeavors. With the Intel Core Duo processor, users experienced an impressive fourfold increase in resolution compared to previous models.
Equipped with an ATI Radeon X1600 graphics card and a SuperDrive for DVD burning, the iMac 20-inch Early 2006 offered exceptional graphics performance and multimedia capabilities. Its various connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet, AirPort Extreme, Bluetooth, USB, and FireWire ports, ensured seamless integration with various peripherals and networks.
Designed to complement iLife ’06, Apple’s suite of digital lifestyle applications, the iMac 20-inch Early 2006 provided users with a seamless experience for creating and sharing content. The possibilities were endless, whether it was editing photos, producing videos, or crafting websites with iWeb.
Despite its short lifespan—discontinued just eight months after its release—the iMac 20-inch Early 2006 left an indelible mark on the world of technology. Today, it stands as a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and design excellence.
As we reflect on the iMac 20-inch Early 2006, we’re reminded of its role in shaping the trajectory of personal computing. From its groundbreaking features to its enduring legacy, this iconic machine continues to inspire awe and admiration. While it may be 18 years old, its impact reverberates through the halls of tech history, reminding us of the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.
iMac 20-inch Early 2006 Details
| Introduced | January 10, 2006 – 18 years ago |
| Discontinued | September 6, 2006 – 17 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 239 days (7 months) |
| Model Identifier | iMac4,1 |
| Model Number | A1174 |
| EMC | 2105 |
| Order Number | MA200LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,699 |
| Colors | White |
| Weight | 22 Ibs. 9.979 KG |
| Dimensions | 18.6” H x 19.4” W x 7.4” D 47.24 cm H x 49.27 cm W x 18.79 cm D |
iMac Early 2006 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Intel Core Duo T2500 “Yonah” |
| Processor Speed | 2 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 2 |
| System Bus | 667 MHz |
| Cache | 2 MB shared L2 at full processor speed |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 250 GB 500 GB |
| Media | 1 – 8x DVD-R/CD-RW dual-layer “SuperDrive” slot-loading drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 512 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 2 GB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – PC2-5300 200-pin DDR2 SO-DIMM 667 MHz |
| Interleaving Support | Yes |
Display
| Built-in Display | 20″ TFT LCD Display |
| Brightness | 280 cd/m² |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 800 x 500 800 x 600 840 x 524 1024 x 640 1024 x 768 1280 x 800 1344 x 840 1680 x 1050 (Native) |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Radeon X1600 |
| Graphics Memory | 128 MB GDDR3 256 MB GDDR3 |
| Display Connection | 1 – Mini-DVI (DVI, VGA, Composite, and S-video with adapter) |
| Display Modes | Dual display extended and video mirroring |
| External Resolution | Up to 1920 x 1200 pixels on Digital Up to 2045 x 1536 pixels on Analog |
| Camera | iSight |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | None |
| Optical Drive Interface | Ultra ATA/100 |
| Hard Drive Interface | 1.5 Gbps Serial ATA (SATA) |
Connections
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45 – support for jumbo frames) |
| Modem | Apple USB Modem MA034Z/A (Optional) |
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Extreme Card 802.11b/g |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR |
| USB | 3 – 480 Mbps (USB 2.0) |
| FireWire | 2 – 400 Mbps |
| Infrared | 1 – For Apple Remote only |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog/optical input jack 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog/optical combo jack 2 – Built-in speakers |
| Display | 1 – Mini-DVI (DVI, VGA, Composite, and S-video with adapter) |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | Apple Keyboard Apple Mighty Mouse Apple Remote |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS X 10.4.4 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.4.6 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.6.8 |
| Firmware | Intel Extensible Firmware Interface |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS X 10.4 iLife ’06 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand) Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive iWork ’06 (30-day trial) QuickBooks for Mac New User Edition Comic Life FileMaker Pro trial Omni Outliner Photo Booth Front Row Apple Hardware Test |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3 V CR2032 Lithium (922 – 6476) |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 180 W |
| Line Voltage | 100-240 V AC |
Further Reading and References
- iMac (Early 2006): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Unveils New iMac with Intel Core Duo Processor – Apple Newsroom
- iMac (Early 2006) – Low End Mac
- iMac (Early 2006) – Apple History
- iMac (Intel-based) – Wikipedia
- iMac (Early 2006 20-inch) Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
- iMac Core Duo (Early 2006) Special Report: Release Notes – CNET
- Apple iMac (Intel Core 2 Duo) – Review 2006 – PCMag UK
- iMac Core 2 Duo (2006) review – MacWorld
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
