Apple iMac DV Special Edition

The iMac started life as a one computer wonder - with your options limited to a single Bondi blue model with just one set of components inside.

Then came the five fruity flavours to complicate matters - should you go for grape or lime? But at least what was inside was the same.

Now things are even trickier. There are three different types of iMac to choose from - a low-cost blueberry model, a fast iMac DV, which adds a few extra features and comes in the full range of five colours and finally the one Computeractive opted to test, the top-of-the-range iMac DV Special Edition.

The iMac DV SE is the only one to come in a clear graphite case, which reveals its insides for all to see. But this isn't the only change. Take a closer look and you'll see the CD-ROM tray has gone, instead there's a slot-loading DVD-ROM - just slip your disks straight into the slot on the front of the computer.

DVD movie playback is handled by Apple's software DVD player and when we watched a film it worked flawlessly. Although, as with all software DVD players, if you start trying to access other applications or moving your mouse around as you watch, picture quality will deteriorate.

If you use your iMac to listen to audio CDs, you'll notice another improvement.The speakers are by Harmon/Kardon, the makers behind luxury car hi-fi systems. Despite not being much bigger than golf balls, the speakers pump out tunes with clarity even at top volume.

Ease of use is synonymous with the Apple brand, and the new iMac is no exception. The first time you start the computer a wizard takes you through the entire set-up procedure and holds your hand as you hook up to the net. We reckon a beginner could be surfing the web within 20 minutes of unpacking their iMac. The downside of this excellent tutorial is the truly appalling folksy tune Apple has chosen for its soundtrack - but you can't have everything.

The more observant among you may be wondering what the DV part of the iMac's new moniker stands for. To put you out of your misery we can reveal it means Digital Video - Apple has provided everything you need to edit footage from a digital video camcorder to make your own movies on this iMac.

There are two Firewire ports, positioned alongside the more familiar USB ports. Firewire works a bit like USB, letting you connect data transfer devices and 'plug and play', but 30 times faster. You can use the port to plug in your DV camcorder using the supplied cable, to get footage onto the computer.

You can then use Apple's iMovie software to do real-time video editing - to add soundtracks, special effects and titles to your own movies. iMovie is really easy to use, allowing you to simply drag and drop footage. But bear in mind that you only get 13Gb of storage on the iMac, which will soon be filled up if you plan to turn your computer into a mini video editing studio.

One change we welcome is the 128Mb of memory. Finally Apple has realised 32Mb just isn't enough. But if 128Mb is still not sufficient then adding extra memory is easy; just pop open the small, lockable door in the base and push in a standard memory upgrade card - one of the easiest upgrades we've seen.

Graphics are handled by impressive ATI Rage 128 VR 2x AGP graphics chip.This delivers some of the fastest 2D/3D graphics and it's good enough to handle the latest games - when we tested it on the trial version of Quake III, results were stunning.

This special edition machine is a giant step forward for the iMac - finally the components inside don't let down the gorgeous design.

Contact: Apple Computer, 0870 600 6010

Website: www.apple.com/uk