Just wondering if my imac intel core 2 duo is x64 or x32 bit?...

Thank you

All C2D's have the 64bit extensions.

And since you have an iMac, then yes, it's fully capable of running a 64bit OS (and if you're on Snow Leopard, you already are)

Dammit, beat me to it .

But the kernel used is the 32bit by default (but you still run 64 bit apps in 64 bit mode by default)

Yeah that particular tidbit screws with the minds of my Windows friends. They go "so you can run 64bit applications on the 32bit kernel? *head explodes*".

It's quite mind blowing, but I don't blame them since they are so accustomed to having two different installation images depending on their CPU type.

Thats why I love Universal Binaries

Core2duo is 16bit.

at least they have a choice

when you buy a new Mac, you are stuck with whatever Apple is shipping. if it turns out to be garbage compared to the previous release, tough luck

I don't really think that's ever a problem. I've never heard of anyone saying "I really hate that new feature they added to Snow Leopard, god I wish I didn't upgrade".

Sure, some technical problems might arise after an upgrade, but that's usually solvable with troubleshooting or a format / apple store visit. But in terms of functionality of the OS? It's always simply improving, at least in my opinion.

And if you have an OS that runs both 32bit and 64bit, that's eliminating an unnecessary choice, isn't it? Instead of thinking about if I should install one version over another, I get both in one go! Fine by me.