Recently I updated my home machine from an older pre-Intel 20″ iMac to a nice new smoking fast 24″, 2.8 GHz Core 2 Duo version of the same machine. Both computers are still sitting side by side on my desk since I continue to make transfers between them. For use in my home office, I have long been a fan of the iMac’s as they are less expensive but capable tools, and take up very little room while providing a great large workspace.
I loved my old iMac, and thought that it was quite versatile for many years. It is loaded with ram and the 20″ screen seemed quite spacious since I had originally purchased it in transition from a PowerBook. However, being a pre Intel chip, I never updated my Adobe CS suite from 2 to 3 since the main element of this upgrade is that it performs better on an Intel chip. (It sucks to use different versions of software between work and home office)
Updating from one machine to another is always a treat – I chose the 24″ version because sitting in front of it is simply impressive. Additionally, the new machine can support dual monitors – so eventually, I will get another 20″ secondary monitor for my application pallets. While many folks utilize the various ergo workspace possibilities of CS3 – I come from the old school and like to have all my various tools open and readily available on a larger desktop for when I want to use them.
So Far I have really noticed vast performance gains. I do like the new OS… as well as the updated versions of the iLife suite of programs. (With a kid, iMovie cant be beat) However, the main benchmark, is in how much speedier it handles all my tasks using Adobe CS3. At work, I use a Quad Core Mac Pro – which is still much faster – but the new machine makes it MUUUUCH easier to work from home since the difference on web based image files is still comparable on both. (Not the case with the older computer)
Years ago, i created an icon of my machine which had been a staple that I have used on my personal sites for years – thus it seemed appropriate to create an updated verion in honor of the new tool in the toolbox. The new version is near identical, though thinner, more metallic, with a black apple logo, and black border around the screen – so while a bit pointless, this was a fun and quick update to make.
I am an avid student and evangelist of user-centered design principles - I have created or overhauled some of the world's largest online Business & Technology properties. My focus has always been on building functional design systems that creatively solve business problems. Solutions that convey brand & messaging, but more importantly, are intuitive to maximize the possibilities of an interactive medium. 
