When did the Intel iMacs first come out?

Hello,

I have a few questions:

I'll answer below.

1) When did the first Intel-based iMacs come out?

January 2006

2) The ones being sold now, are these still the same
models that first came out? Or are they Second
Generation (or Rev B as some people reffer to them -
but someone once explained to me that the proper term
would be 2nd gen) models already?

The models shipping now are the same models as the ones that shipped first in January. No new revision yet.

Anyway, if the Intel iMacs being sold now are still
1st gen, can I get any advice on whether I should
purchase one now or just wait a little longer for new
ones to come out? Mainly, I wanna know if there are
any major issues about the current models that I
should be aware of. Like that hissing sound, for
instance, with some MacBook Pros that alot of people
where talking about a few months back.

The current iMac Intel CoreDuo is actually a 4th generation design of the iMac.

It's an evolution of the design first started with the iMac G5. It's design is almost identical to the last iMac G5 (the 3rd revision).

The main difference between the two are the Intel processor and supporting hardware. The remaining design elements are the same as the iMac G5 iSight.

So, it's actually a pretty refined design.

Still has it's imperfections. But, not nearly as many as the first two generations of the iMac G5.

The complaints this far have been video issues primarily. But, that complaint has been fairly common across the Intel product line. Not necessarily the same complaint. But, all of them have had complaints about various issues in the Video system.

Otherwise, the current iMac's seem pretty good in comparison to the previous iMac systems.

Would really appreciate some input.

All in all, I am not an iMac fan (had my problems with the G5's). But, the current generation is probably a good buy. And, I would probably purchase the current iMac before I'd purchase any of the other products in the current Intel product line.

But, at this point, I personally would hold off a bit just for the newer and faster processors that are on the way. I don't think it will be much longer before we see an upgrade. But, that's really anyone's guess.

If you want one now, I think the quality is probably going to be comparable to the next revision. Personally, the only benefit I see in waiting is a better processor at a comparable price.


I hope this helps.