iMac Mid-2007

The iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 20-Inch (Aluminum) model is built with a 2.4 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" processor (T7700), featuring two independent cores on a single chip, a 4 MB shared level 2 cache, and an 800 MHz system bus. Its standard configuration includes 1 GB of RAM (667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, PC2-5300), a 320 GB (7200 RPM) Serial ATA hard drive, and a vertically-mounted slot-loading DVD+R DL "SuperDrive". Graphics are driven by an ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO accelerator with 256 MB of GDDR3 memory. This model also integrates an iSight camera and stereo speakers beneath the 20" glossy TFT Active Matrix LCD (1680x1050 native), designed to "bounce sound off the desk below".

Connectivity options comprise three USB 2.0 ports, a Firewire "400" port, a Firewire "800" port, built-in AirPort Extreme, and Gigabit Ethernet, plus a mini-DVI port for an external display in "extended desktop" mode.

Externally, the "Aluminum" iMac "Core 2 Duo" models are distinguished by their stylish aluminum cases and a glass cover that "joins precisely to the aluminum enclosure creating a virtually seamless front surface," a stark contrast to the white plastic cases of their predecessors. These systems also included a "new ultra-thin aluminum" Apple Keyboard (0.33 inches thick at the front) that matched the popular design of the MacBook keyboard.

On the inside, while some "Aluminum Core 2 Duo" versions had faster processors than previous models, all of them featured an improved "Santa Rosa" motherboard design with a quicker 800 MHz frontside bus (up from 667 MHz), increased RAM capacity, and the inclusion of both Firewire "400" and Firewire "800" ports.

As one of the inaugural aluminum models, this 2.4 GHz 20-inch version was regarded as a well-balanced workhorse of design and performance. Its ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO graphics offered superior performance over the entry-level 2400 XT, enabling smoother graphics work and a better entertainment experience. The generous 320 GB hard drive also provided ample storage for most users. The combination of a sophisticated new look and the solid performance gains from the Santa Rosa platform proved to be a compelling package for consumers, making it a key model in the success of this iMac generation.