This ZDNet article discusses the design aspect of the new iMac and touches on some details as well as some quotes from Ive's.
As is often the case with Apple's computers, the design team spent tremendous energy on some of the little details, such as how to access the dome case to add memory. At first the engineers considered a pop-open hatch. However, Rubinstein was worried such a door might be tricky to open, depending on which way the iMac was picked up.
Instead, the entire bottom of the base comes off with four small screws. The spring-loaded screws are easily loosened but remain attached to the part of the iMac that pops off, lest the screws fall to the floor.
In addition, the main circuit board is round to accommodate the machine's shape and is blue rather than the traditional green.
