Apple's new G5-based iMac dominates the reviews picture this week. Once again, Apple has managed to get everyone talking about a desktop computer (no mean feat), thanks to its design skill and elegant engineering. But is the new iMac more than just a pretty form factor? Read our review and find out. Also this week we bring you a five- product group test of server appliances aimed at small businesses. If you need a 'set and forget' device that delivers a range of useful network services for a reasonable price, read on.
Charles McLellan, Reviews Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TOP REVIEWS THIS WEEK: -- Apple iMac G5 -- Small business server appliances -- Asus MyPal A730 -- GhostSurf 2005 Platinum -- Contribute 3.0 -- McAfee VirusScan 9.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *************************** �ADVERTISEMENT �*************************** Public Service Announcement Attendance at the Government UK IT Forum, 24th November 2004, London, is complimentary for members of the public sector. Learn about the key IT and communication procurement issues surrounding the e-government agenda and discuss and debate the way forward in Government IT. Complimentary places are booking quickly. Register today: http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/36593/1427290/13938/0/ ********************************************************************** Apple iMac G5 The new iMac is as much a design choice as it is a computing choice; as such, it's perfect for people who need to look good while they work. http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/36593/1427290/14508/0/ Small business server appliances If your business can't support a large, dedicated IT department, you need a straightforward appliance that delivers a range of network services. We review five and choose a clear winner. http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/36593/1427290/14509/0/ Asus MyPal A730 The A730's screen and camera are nice, but its mediocre performance and lack of Wi-Fi make it hard to justify the price. http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/36593/1427290/14510/0/ GhostSurf 2005 Platinum Want to remain anonymous while you surf? Check out Tenebril's GhostSurf, which encrypts your Internet connection and provides some useful security-related utilities into the bargain. http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/36593/1427290/14511/0/ Contribute 3.0 Contribute is an easy-to-use and effective program for making visual changes to Web pages. However, the fact that it doesn�t support dynamic database-driven sites will limit its appeal to seasoned Web developers. http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/36593/1427290/14512/0/ McAfee VirusScan 9.0 VirusScan 9.0 is a worthwhile upgrade for current VirusScan users, who will benefit from the improved spyware detection. But VirusScan lacks a firewall, making it an incomplete security solution. http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/36593/1427290/14513/0/ . . . . . . . . . . �READER RESPONSE OF THE WEEK �. . . . . . . . . . . Product: Apple iMac G5 Reader: Sasha S. Response: "The time has finally come that for PCs, just like cars, the raw power and ability to upgrade the graphics card is less important. Most people today buy cars on the basis of details like coffee-cup holders, air conditioning and such -- not power of the engine or acceleration from 0 to 100 Km/h. As computers leave the domain of "geeks" (read: anyone who knows the difference between ROM and RAM), things like overall design, lack of cable jungle, quiet operation and lack of need for complicated maintenance are becoming more important. Macs are really computers that fit a certain vision of what computers should be (an "invisible device" like the telephone rather than a hi-tech toy, a goal in itself and endless excuse for tinkering, upgrading and tweaking). I have purchased this computer because I want to have a computer that I can use in my living room (and look good in carefully chosen interior) for everyday tasks: email, Web access, MS-Office applications and photo/audio and occasional video work. The iMac G5 is perfect for that. It is a well built machine and extremely pleasant to use." http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/36593/1427290/14514/0/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . �READER POLL �. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "Which would you rather get for Christmas?" -- An Apple Mac and an iPod -- A Media Center PC and a Portable Media Center -- A flat-screen TV and a digital video recorder -- I don't want tech in my living room To vote in this poll, click here: http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/36593/1427290/1309/0/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *************************** �ADVERTISEMENT �*************************** Silicon Valley is Closer than You Think Network with the hottest and fastest-growing technology companies to emerge from Silicon Valley at Cal-IT 2004, 8 & 9 November 2004, London. Gain unique insights into key technology trends and hear from speakers such as Eric Benhamou, Chairman, 3Com and palmOne; Juha Christensen, President, Mobile & Devices, Macromedia; Marc Fleury, Chairman & CEO, JBOSS, and more. Register Today: http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/36593/1427290/13919/0/ *********************************************************************** ***************** �MORE FREE NEWSLETTERS FROM ZDNET �****************** ZDNet UK publishes many more FREE email newsletters on all your favourite topics: Broadband, News, Security, Software Tools, Mobile, Reviews and Prices and more. Sign up today at: http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/36593/1427290/12518/0/ *********************** �ELSEWHERE ON ZDNET UK �*********************** Find a new job here: http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/36593/1427290/1048/0/ Research IT solutions using ZDNet's database of companies and White Papers: http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/36593/1427290/2796/0/ ********************** �MANAGE MY SUBSCRIPTIONS �********************** The email address for your subscription to this newsletter is: To unsubscribe from this email newsletter in the future, please go to: http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/36593/1427290/12518/0/ Please note that you will need the email address above to unsubscribe. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact us: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
