What are the differences between the "Early 2009" Aluminum iMac Core 2 Duo models?

Please note that all models mentioned in this Q&A have been discontinued. The "Early 2009" Aluminum iMac models were replaced by the "Late 2009" Aluminum iMac series on October 20, 2009.

The "Early 2009" Aluminum iMac Core 2 Duo models -- the iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 20-Inch (Early 2009), 2.66 24-Inch (Early 2009), 2.93 24-Inch (Early 2009), and 3.06 24-Inch (Early 2009) -- effectively use the same "elegant" aluminum cases as the original and "Early 2008" models and likewise have a glass cover that "joins precisely to the aluminum enclosure creating a virtually seamless front surface" with the entire computer tucked discreetly behind the flat-panel display (the tapered aluminum "foot" is the only difference).

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.

All the "Early 2009" Aluminum iMac Core 2 Duo models have glossy displays, energy-efficient 45 nm "Penryn" Intel "Core 2 Duo" processors -- with two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip and a 6 MB shared level 2 cache -- a 1066 MHz system bus, support for 8 GB of 1066 MHz PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM, and 7200 RPM hard drives.

These systems also share vertically mounted slot-loading DVD+R DL "SuperDrives," built-in iSight video cameras, four USB 2.0 ports, a Firewire "800" port, built-in AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, and a Mini DisplayPort.

By default, the "Early 2009" models are accompanied by a small aluminum "ultrathin, compact wired keyboard" that lacks the numerical keypad but it feels the same as the keyboard on the earlier models and still is based on the keyboard design introduced with the MacBook.

All differences between the standard configurations of the systems are summarized below:

* These models have NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics which "share" the memory with the system. The minimum graphics usage is 256 MB.

† By default, this model has NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 graphics with 256 MB of dedicated GDDR3 memory. It also can be equipped via custom configuration with NVIDIA GeForce GT 130 or ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics each with 512 MB of dedicated GDDR3 memory for an additional US$150 and US$200, respectively.

†† By default, this model has NVIDIA GeForce GT 130 graphics with 512 MB of dedicated GDDR3 memory. It also can be equipped via custom configuration with ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics with 512 MB of dedicated GDDR3 memory for an additional US$50.

In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iMac models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb iMac models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iMac, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac will buy your older iMac with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used iMac models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.

In Australia, site sponsor Mac City likewise has a variety of used iMac models sold at low prices and available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.

Site sponsor Other World Computing sells iMac memory and hard drive upgrades for less than 50% of Apple's price.

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