iMac iSight 2005

The Apple iMac G5/2.1 20-Inch (iSight) continues the design of its predecessors, with the entire computer housed behind the flat-panel display in an integrated all-in-one enclosure. This model, however, is up to half an inch thinner and 15% lighter than earlier iMac G5s, and it utilizes a faster architecture and superior graphics. As its name implies, it features an integrated iSight camera for easy video conferencing.

This iMac is equipped with a 2.1 GHz PowerPC 970fx (G5) processor, featuring an optimized AltiVec "Velocity Engine" and a 512k on-chip L2 cache. It also has a 700 MHz frontside bus, 512 MB of 533 MHz PC2-4200 DDR2 SDRAM, a 250.0 GB (7200 RPM) Serial ATA hard drive, a vertical slot-loading 8X "SuperDrive", and ATI Radeon X600 XT graphics with 128 MB of DDR SDRAM (PCI-Express). The system includes a 20" TFT Active Matrix LCD (1680x1050 native) display. Connectivity options consist of USB 2.0, Firewire "400", built-in AirPort Extreme, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, and Gigabit Ethernet. It was bundled with the programmable Apple Mighty Mouse and a new six-button Apple Remote.

As the final PowerPC-based iMac, this 20-inch iSight model was regarded as the culmination of its era. The 2.1 GHz G5 processor and faster front-side bus provided a significant performance boost for creative tasks, satisfying many professional users. The combination of the built-in iSight camera, Front Row software, and the simple Apple Remote greatly enhanced the home multimedia experience, embodying Apple's "digital hub" strategy. The chassis was made even thinner and operated quietly, achieving a pinnacle of sophisticated design on the desktop. On the other hand, the inability to adjust the screen's height and the limited expandability beyond RAM were noted weaknesses. Some also commented that maintenance had become more complex compared to previous models. Nevertheless, this iMac is remembered as a landmark machine that brilliantly fused performance, design, and innovative features, a fitting farewell to the PowerPC era.