the machine? it's ok. It was pipe hittin' 7 years ago... and still no slouch by today's standards - I mean it's got a quad core i7, and a decent 4GB graphics card. The new SSDs gave it a rebirth (even if it was forced). It's no gaming rig - but it runs final cut for me, logic for the kid, and.... basic computing stuff for the other 97 people in the house.
it's the third iMac I've opened... but definitely the most invasive of repairs. they REALLY don't want the lay people inside of this thing. I mean... the screen is GLUED ON. at least the previous versions used magnets and/or screws. This thing is just weird. But once I got my mind wrapped around the adhesives, the rest is all just screws and ribbon cables (about a billion each) edit: if any of your repair averse apple friends want to send me their gear instead of trashing it... I'm always open for donations