
Original Release Date: August 7, 2007
OS Shipped with: 10.4.10
Processor Type: Core 2 Duo
Processor Speeds: Core 2 Duo - 2000 - 3060 MHz
Colors: Aluminium + Black
Screen Type: LCD
The 2007 iMac Intel Aluminium represented a pivotal moment in Apple’s design philosophy. The new aluminum construction would replace the iconic white plastic designs of previous iMacs, marking a dramatic shift toward premium materials and industrial aesthetics. This transition signaled Apple’s commitment to creating products that were both functional and beautiful.
The iMac Intel Aluminium 2007 was powered by Intel’s Core 2 Duo processors, featuring a base CPU speed of 2GHz with later models allowing for an increase to 3.06GHz. The Core 2 Duo architecture brought significant performance improvements over the previous Core Duo generation, offering better power efficiency and enhanced 64-bit processing capabilities. This made the iMac Intel Aluminium significantly more powerful than its predecessor, the iMac Intel Core Duo.
This model came as either 20″ or 24″ with the display set into the aluminum and sealed in with a glossy black bezel. This made for a sleek modern look compared to the now aging white plastic design. The aluminum unibody construction not only improved aesthetics but also provided better heat dissipation for the more powerful components. The design language introduced with the iMac Intel Aluminium would influence Apple’s desktop computers for years to come, including later models like the iMac Intel 27-inch.
Base configurations started at 250GB hard drives with upgrade options of 320GB and 500GB. The base model’s graphics were powered by the ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT with 128MB of GDDR3 memory, capable of handling everyday tasks and light creative work. Higher-end configurations featured improved graphics options for more demanding applications.
Connectivity options were extensive, as with previous models. The system included Wireless N, built-in Bluetooth and an IR receiver for the Apple Remote. It also featured the now standard range of FireWire 400 and 800 ports, multiple USB 2.0 ports, gigabit ethernet, and both digital and analog audio input/output.
Interestingly, Apple still included white plastic Mighty Mouse peripherals with these models, though the supplied keyboard had been updated to match the aluminum aesthetic. The usual software bundle of iLife ’08 was included with the package. This marked a transitional period as Apple moved away from the colorful designs of the iMac G3 era toward a more professional aesthetic.
For more technical specifications and support information, visit Apple’s official support page for this model. You can also explore other models in the iMac timeline.
Lewis Dorman on July 19th, 2011 at 10:37 am says:
I would say the white mouse went rather well with the grey…
Apple Rumors and Retail Employees « Technically Theology on May 2nd, 2012 at 11:22 pm says:
[…] new aluminum iMacs were released in 2007. Until this point, Apple was known for everything being white and clean. That […]
Charlie Mathewson on September 7th, 2012 at 2:58 pm says:
My first Apple iMac Purchased in September 2007. Very impressed. Not single problem since the day I bought it. Since then, I have purchased a 13″ MacBook in January 2009 for my daughter and the wife purchased a 15″ MacBook Pro in March 2012. Very happy the the iMac & MacBooks that we have purchased. I wonder why I ever used a PC in the past.