Apple iMac (20-inch, Early 2009) vs Apple iMac (20-inch, Mid 2009)

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

iMac (20-inch, Early 2009) compared with iMac (20-inch, Mid 2009)
AppleiMac (20-inch, Early 2009)AppleiMac (20-inch, Mid 2009)
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2009April 2009
Performance
ProcessorIntel Core 2 Duo E8135Intel Core 2 Duo 2 GHz (iMac Mid 2009) or Intel Core 2 Duo 2.26 GHz (iMac Mid 2009)
CPU cores22
GraphicsNVIDIA GeForce 9400M (256 MB shared DDR3)NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (256 MB shared DDR3)
Memory2 GB, 4 GB or 8 GB (better)1 GB, 2 GB or 4 GB
Storage320 GB to 1 TB (better)160 GB to 320 GB
CPU2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E8135 with 6 MB shared L2 cache and 1066 MHz frontside bus; exact chip identity cross-checked with EveryMac2.0 or 2.26 GHz Core 2 Duo with 3 MB shared L2 cache and 1066 MHz frontside bus. The retained configuration table says 2.6 GHz, but its processor description and Apple's July 2011 education price list confirm 2.26 GHz; exact Intel SKU not established.
GPUNVIDIA GeForce 9400M with at least 256 MB DDR3 shared with system memory; available system memory varies with graphics requirementsNVIDIA GeForce 9400M with 256 MB shared DDR3 according to the retained maker specification; contemporary EveryMac coverage describes 128 MB at launch, so the retained maker value is used.
Memory typeTwo user-accessible SO-DIMM slots for 1066 MHz DDR3; 2 GB standard, factory upgrades to 4 or 8 GBTwo SO-DIMM slots for 1066 MHz DDR3; configurations A/B have 1 GB standard and C has 2 GB. Factory options are 2 or 4 GB; the retained specification supports up to 8 GB, which is not listed as a factory configuration.
Storage type320 GB 7200 rpm Serial ATA hard drive, configurable to 640 GB or 1 TB; slot-loading 8x SuperDrive with 4x double-layer DVD burning160 or 320 GB 7200 rpm Serial ATA hard drive; slot-loading 8x SuperDrive with 4x double-layer DVD burning.
Display
Screen size20″20″
Resolution1680 × 10501680 × 1050
Brightness290 nits290 nits
Display typeGlossy widescreen TFT active-matrix LCD, millions of colours; maker typical brightness 290 cd/m², contrast 800:1 and 160° horizontal/vertical viewing angle. Panel technology and refresh rate unpublished and omitted.Glossy TFT active-matrix LCD with millions of colours; typical contrast 800:1 and 160-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angles. Panel technology and refresh rate unpublished.
Connections
PortsDisplayPort, 4 × USB-A, Ethernet, headphone jack4 × USB-A, Ethernet, headphone jack
Ethernet1 Gb/s1 Gb/s
External displaysUp to 1Up to 1
Wi-Fi802.11n draft802.11n draft
Bluetooth2.1 + EDR–
CameraiSight cameraiSight camera
Back portsFour USB 2.0 ports on the computer, plus two on the supplied wired keyboard; one FireWire 800 port at 7 W, Mini DisplayPort output, Gigabit Ethernet, headphone/optical digital output and line-in/optical digital input. FireWire and audio input described here; no SD slot.Four USB 2.0 ports on the computer, plus two on the keyboard; FireWire 800 at 7 W, Mini DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, headphone/optical digital output and line-in/optical digital input. Bluetooth is not published in this exact model specification.
External displaysFull built-in resolution and one external display up to 2560 × 1600 simultaneously; extended desktop and mirroring, optional DVI/VGA/dual-link DVI adaptersBuilt-in display and one external display up to 2560 × 1600 simultaneously; extended desktop or mirroring, with optional DVI, VGA or dual-link DVI adapters.
SpeakersBuilt-in stereo speakers with internal 24 W digital amplifier, microphone and support for Apple Stereo Headset microphonesBuilt-in stereo speakers and microphone; internal 24 W digital amplifier and support for Apple Stereo Headset microphones.
Keyboard and mouseApple Keyboard and Mighty Mouse; numeric-keypad keyboard, wireless keyboard or wireless Mighty Mouse available as optionsApple Keyboard and Mighty Mouse.
Design and power
TypeAll-in-oneAll-in-one
Weight9.1 kg9.1 kg
Width × depth × height485 × 189 × 469 mm485 × 189 × 469 mm
Operating systemmacOSmacOS
Size and weight detail–Maker reference weight; actual weight varies with configuration and manufacturing process.
Power supplyMaximum continuous power 200 W; 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz single phaseMaximum continuous power 200 W; 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz.
MaterialsAluminium and glass enclosure with arsenic-free display glass, BFR-free components and PVC-free internal cables–
In the boxiMac, Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse, cleaning cloth, power cord, install/restore DVDs and documentation; Mac OS X Leopard and iLife '09Education institution model. Contemporary EveryMac coverage records April 2009 release; a maker-confirmed first delivery day is unavailable. Launch configuration A includes Leopard and iLife ’09; later B/C specifications list Snow Leopard and iLife ’11, with their introduction dates unestablished.

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