I can not get over how easy this wonderful machine is to use. I have to say kudos to the guys over at Apple for a very well put-together device and experience.

OK, so lugging the box home was not easy, but the unboxing was a pleasure and it took mere minutes after switch-on before I was sitting in front of the amazing 27 inch screen actually using the computer, surfing my favourite sites and installing those must-have apps. Since then, I've gotten over the initial awe and now I'm learning that this machine really is a pleasure to use.

I've worked with computers since 1992 when I started Uni but it's fair to say that means IBM PCs in the main. Admittedly, I'm a bit of a fan of technology - but I'm not a techie. I'm also not the earliest 'early adopter'. A year or so ago I rebuilt my Vaio laptop with Linux Ubuntu and Windows 7 so I could compare and contrast the two operating systems. I'm pleased I did that, as I've learned a lot about what's 'under the hood' and I can now 'recognize' some of the features I find in OS X, Snow Leopard, as they're consistent across Unix core platforms.

Regarding Apple. It took me almost 2 years to finally go and get an iPhone and although I saw more and more people going out and buying Apple computers I avoided the temptation. I was influenced by some voices suggesting the company was taking its eye off the design ball and I was worried about the nightmare stories I was reading on t'Internet of people trying to put iOS4 on their 3G and 3GS phones. Funny thing is, I followed the guidelines to the letter provided on those forums about backing up my phone and my own migration to iOS4 was painless.

Until I played with an iPad I wasn't convinced I needed one, now I'm sure I'd find a home for one quite readily. At this juncture, I'd like to predict slate computers such as the iPad will revolutionise education.

My hobby is photography. The 3 year old Vaio doesn't have enough RAM and gets rather hot when you drive it hard with tasks such as HDR image compilation, which is becoming more popular. I found myself debating whether to buy (another) desktop replacement PC or shoot for a higher-spec desktop machine. On balance I was swayed by the screen on the iMac, which I'm going to spend a lot of time looking at and I am convinced I made the right decision.

Do you have an iMac too? What are your thoughts, experiences etc?