iTunes MP3 conversion, Adobe Photoshop 7, Quake 3 timedemos

Time to rip a 7:27 192kbps MP3 file using iTunes3. Shorter bars are better.

The new iMac systems combine great looks with solid performance. But if you've got an older G4 system, don't hesitate to upgrade it with one of the new PowerLogix cards, they certainly breathe new life into these systems, easily outpacing both iMacs.

Time to manipulate a 100MB test image using Adobe Photoshop 7.0. Shorter bars are better.

Test was performed as follows -

• Automatic script set up to open a 1600x1200 72 dpi image and perform the following functions-
• Increase resolution to 600 dpi.
• Convert from RGB to CMYK.
• Rotate canvas 180 Degrees.
• Apply a Gaussian Blur filter at 3.0 pixels.

This yeilds an approximately 100 MB test file.

I was pleased to see the iMac G4/800 win this test - but by a narrow margin. :>)

Quake 3 testing - Frames Per Second. Longer bars are better.

High quality Quake settings used for all testing, no other modifications performed to the config file. The new iMacs have an nVidia GeForce video card that is not upgradeable, whereas you can continue to upgrade the AGP video card in the minitower system as often as you wish. Notice that the iMac G4/700 scored a very respectable 50fps - not too shabby for an entry level system!