What are the differences between the second generation or "Ambient Light Sensor" iMac G5 models?: EveryMac.com

iMac G5 Q&A - Updated January 15, 2007

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What are the differences between the second generation or "Ambient Light Sensor" iMac G5 models?

Please note that the iMac G5 "Ambient Light Sensor" series was introduced on May 3, 2005 and discontinued October 12, 2005.

Like the original iMac G5 systems, the "chassis" of the "Ambient Light Sensor" iMac G5 models rest upon an aluminum stand with an adjustable hinge, and it supports the "Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) mounting interface standard" which makes it easy to mount the system directly on a kiosk, wall, or articulating arm.

Additionally, as the name implies, all "Ambient Light Sensor" models have a sensor under the edge of the display that dims the sleep indicator light when the room is dark -- a nice touch for a system setup in a bedroom.

The major differences are summarized below in this handy chart:

iMac G5	1.8 17" (ALS)	2.0 17" (ALS)	2.0 20" (ALS)
Processor:	1.6 GHz	2.0 GHz	2.0 GHz
System Bus:	600 MHz	667 MHz	667 MHz
Level 2 Cache:	512k	512k	512k
Memory Type:	PC3200 DDR	PC3200 DDR	PC3200 DDR
Std. RAM:	512 MB	512 MB	512 MB
Max. RAM:	2.0 GB	2.0 GB	2.0 GB
Display:	17.0" TFT	17.0" TFT	20.0" TFT
Resolution:	1440x900	1440x900	1680x1050
Video Card:	Radeon 9600†	Radeon 9600†	Radeon 9600†
Video RAM:	128 MB	128 MB	128 MB
Hard Drive:	160 GB††	160 GB††	250 GB††
Optical Drive:	8X "Combo"	8X DL "Super"	8X DL "Super"
AP Extreme:	Standard	Standard	Standard
Bluetooth 2.0:	Standard	Standard	Standard
Expansion:	AP/BL*	AP/BL*	AP/BL*
Model No:	M9843LL/A	M9844LL/A	M9845LL/A
Orig. Price:	US$1299	US$1499	US$1799

†These models have an ATI Radeon 9600 with 128 MB of DDR SDRAM.
††All hard drives are 7200 RPM.
*AirPort Extreme (802.11g) and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR pre-installed.

Please refer to the Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any iMac G5 model to any other G3 or later Mac.

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