What are the differences between the displays used in the iMac "Core Duo/Core 2 Duo" models? What is the viewable angle and the brightness of each?

When Apple introduced the original "Aluminum" iMac Core 2 Duo line on August 7, 2007, there was immediate outcry from some readers disappointed that the iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 20-Inch (Al) and "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 20-Inch (Al) models had a lower-quality "glossy" display with a reduced viewing angle compared to the models that these systems replaced. Some disappointed customers went as far as filing suit against Apple over the issue.

Display size, brightness, contrast ratio, and viewable angle is provided on each individual iMac specs page but to make comparison easier, this information also is provided below in a handy chart:

* Horizontal viewable angle/vertical viewable angle.

† These models use "glossy" displays.

‡ Please note that on August 7, 2007, Apple reported the brightness of the display in these systems in "nits" but quitely changed it a few days later to "cd/m2".

§ Apple originally reported the brightness of the display in these systems as "380 nits" but changed it a few days later to "385 cd/m2."

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What does "nits" mean as a unit of brightness? How does "nits" compare to "cd/m"?

"Nits" and "cd/m2" candela per square meter, but often reported as just "cd/m" -- are both effectively identical measures of luminance. On August 7, 2007, Apple published the brightness of the displays used by the "Aluminum" iMac Core 2 Duo models in "nits" but quitely changed this a few days later to the previously used "cd/m2" standard. For more information, please refer to the Lighting Design Glossary.