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

Please note that all models mentioned in this Q&A have been discontinued. The "Aluminum" iMac Core 2 Duo systems were replaced by the "Early 2008/Penryn Aluminum" iMac Core 2 Duo line on April 28, 2008.

The original "Aluminum" iMac Core 2 Duo models feature "elegant" aluminum cases and have a glass cover that "joins precisely to the aluminum enclosure creating a virtually seamless front surface" -- compared to white plastic cases used by the models these replaced -- but with a similar overall design aesthetic with the entire computer tucked discreetly behind the flat-panel display.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.

All the original "Aluminum" iMac Core 2 Duo models -- the iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 20-Inch (Al), "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 20-Inch (Al), "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 24-Inch (Al), and "Core 2 Extreme" 2.8 24-Inch (Al) -- have glossy displays, Intel "Core 2 Duo" or "Core 2 Extreme" processors -- with two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip and a 4 MB shared level 2 cache -- an 800 MHz system bus, and support for 4 GB of 667 MHz PC2-5300 DDR SDRAM.

These systems also share vertically mounted slot-loading DVD+R DL "SuperDrives," built-in iSight video cameras, three USB 2.0 ports, a Firewire "400" port, and a Firewire "800" port, built-in AirPort Extreme (802.11n), Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, and Gigabit Ethernet, as well as mini-DVI. Each system has a 7200 RPM hard drive as well.

Additionally, the "Aluminum" systems are paired with a "new ultra-thin aluminum" Apple Keyboard (0.33 inches at the front edge) based on the polarizing keyboard design introduced with the MacBook.

All differences between the standard configurations of the systems are summarized in this handy chart:

† A 2.8 GHz "Core 2 Extreme" processor was also available as a build-to-order option for US$250.

* Installed as a single 1 GB module by default. Maximum capacity of 4 GB.

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