Apple iMac MC508LL/A 21.5-Inch Desktop (OLD VERSION)

by Apple

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 22.2 x 9.3 x 25.5 inches ; 27.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 28.3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B002QQ8IO6
• Item model number: MC508LL/A
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (83 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,282 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 27, 2010

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The new iMac is the ultimate all-in-one computer. Its Intel Core i3 processor features an advanced architecture and set new benchmarks for iMac performance. And fast discrete graphics processors now come standard in every iMac. The 21.5-inch widescreen display is perfect for HD video, and the Apple Wireless Keyboard and Magic Mouse keep your desktop tidy.

The 21.5-inch iMac features a brilliant LED-backlit, edge-to-edge glass display (see larger image).

The iMac's display offers a 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution (for native 1080p high-definition viewing), and it uses IPS technology to deliver consistent color across an ultra wide 178 degree viewing angle. This 21.5-inch model (MC508LL/A) offers improved graphics with ATI Radeon HD 4670 discrete graphics featuring 256 MB of GDDR3 memory, a 500 GB hard drive, and 4 GB of installed RAM. Other features include integrated Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking, Bluetooth connectivity, an SD card slot, and a total of four USB 2.0 ports (see full specifications below).

It also comes with the Mac OS X Snow Leopard operating system as well as the iLife software suite, which includes the latest versions of iPhoto, iMovie, and GarageBand.

Key Features

Bright, Colorful Display

This 21.5-inch, all-in-one Apple iMac features an edge-to-edge glass display that utilizes LED backlighting for improved brightness and energy efficiency as well as In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology, which delivers consistent color across a wide 178-degree viewing angle.

Clutter-Free Desktop

You'll be able to cut the cord with the included Wireless Keyboard and Magic Mouse, both of which connect to the iMac using Bluetooth wireless technology. Additionally, the Magic Mouse features a seamless Multi-Touch surface that enables you to use the same intuitive gestures used on the MacBook trackpad to easily scroll through long documents or swipe to move forward or backward through a collection of web pages or photos. And it can be configured as either a single- or two-button mouse.

The iMac's seamless aluminum enclosure (see larger image).

And with the iSight camera placed above the display in the iMac's thin aluminum and glass design, you'll be able to video chat with up to three of your friends simultaneously as well as use the included Photo Booth software to create photos with fun effects for your favorite social networking sites.

Intel Core i3 Processing Power

The first level in Intel's latest processor family, the dual-core Core i3 provides a fast, responsive computing experience for your everyday tasks as well as image management in iPhoto, video editing in iMovie, and enjoying your entire music and HD video collection in iTunes. Intel's Hyper-Threading Technology enables each core of your processor to work on two tasks at the same time, delivering the performance you need for smart multitasking.

Key Specifications

• 21.5-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen display with IPS technology, a 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, 330 cd/m2 brightness rating, and 178-degree viewing angle (horizontal and vertical)
• 3.06 GHz Intel Core i3 dual-core processor (4 MB shared L3 cache)
• 500 GB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 RPM)
• 4 GB installed RAM (1066 MHz DDR3; supports up to 16 GB)
• ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics processor (with 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory) for an outstanding everyday graphics experience
• 8x slot-loading SuperDrive with double-layer DVD support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/
• Built-in iSight camera for video chatting
• Wi-Fi wireless networking (based on 802.11n specification; 802.11a/b/g compatible)
• Gigabit Ethernet wired networking (10/100/1000BASE-T)
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) for connecting with peripherals such as keyboards, mice and cell phones
• Side-loading SDXC card slot
• Four USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port
• Mini DisplayPort video output with optional adapters for DVI and VGA output
• Built-in stereo speakers with two internal 17-watt high-efficiency amplifiers along with built-in microphone, optical digital audio output/headphone out, optical digital audio input/audio line in
• Dimensions: 20.8 x 7.42 x 17.75 inches (WxDxH)
• Weight: 20.5 pounds

What's in the Box

iMac, Apple Wireless Keyboard, Magic Mouse, cleaning cloth, power cord, install/restore DVDs, printed and electronic documentation

	Apple Magic Mouse Magic Mouse is unlike any other mouse you've ever used. The Multi-Touch surface lets you use gestures to swipe through photos and scroll down web pages. And the entire mouse is the button, so you can click anywhere.
	Apple Wireless Keyboard The sleek aluminum Apple Wireless Keyboard lets you type in front of your computer, on your lap, or anywhere within range. It's also incredibly thin and streamlined, so it sits on your desk surrounded by nothing but glorious space.

Limited Warranty And Service

The iMac comes with 90 days of free telephone support and a 1-year limited warranty, which can be extended to 3 years with the AppleCare Protection Plan.

Installed software

Mac OS X Snow Leopard is an even more powerful and refined version of the world's most advanced operating system. In ways big and small, it gets faster, more reliable, and easier to use. New core technologies unleash the power of today's advanced hardware technology and prepare Mac OS X for future innovation.

• Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard (includes iTunes, Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools, and more)

iLife helps you do more with photos, movies, and music than you ever thought possible. In iPhoto, you can browse, edit, and share your photos in stunning new full-screen views. Create epic Hollywood-style movie trailers from your home video in iMovie. And GarageBand gives you everything you need to make a great-sounding song--including tools for keeping your song in perfect rhythm and guitar and piano lessons.

• iLife (includes iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, iWeb, and iDVD)

AppleCare Protection Plan

Because Apple makes the hardware, the operating system, and many applications, the Mac is a truly integrated system. And only the AppleCare Protection Plan gives you one-stop service and support from Apple experts, so most issues can be resolved in a single call. Extend the complimentary service and support on your Mac to 3 years from the original Mac purchase date with the AppleCare Protection Plan. You get direct telephone access to Apple experts for technical questions, and you get global repair coverage--including both parts and labor--for your Mac and select Apple peripherals.

Optional Accessories and Related Products

	Time Capsule Back up a lifetime's worth of memories with Time Capsule, a wireless hard drive that works seamlessly with Time Machine in Mac OS X. It's also a full-featured 802.11n Wi-Fi base station with simultaneous dual-band support. Choose from 1 TB and 2 TB models.
	AirPort Extreme Base Station Speed, range, and easy setup make AirPort Extreme the perfect wireless solution for home, school, and small business. It offers simultaneous dual-band support and lets up to 50 people share Internet access, a wireless network, a hard drive, and a printer.
	Apple Magic Trackpad Magic Trackpad is the first Multi-Touch trackpad designed to work with your Mac desktop computer, and it supports a full set of gestures. Click, scroll, swipe, and rotate to control what's onscreen. Use it along with your mouse or as an alternative to one.
	Apple Battery Charger The Apple Battery Charger comes with a high-performance, power-efficient charger and six ready-to-use AA NiMH batteries that are exceptional at holding a charge and can last for up to 10 years.

Product Description

The ultimate all-in-one. Turbocharged. The new iMac is the ultimate all-in-one computer. Its Intel Core i3 processor feature an advanced architecture and set new benchmarks for iMac performance. And fast discrete graphics processors now come standard in every iMac. The 21.5-inch widescreen displays is perfect for HD video, and the Apple Wireless Keyboard and Magic Mouse keep your desktop tidy.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

191 of 196 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fast, Loaded, but Check Your Display for Yellow, September 10, 2010

By 

Steve H "books911" (U.S.) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Apple iMac MC508LL/A 21.5-Inch Desktop (OLD VERSION) (Personal Computers)

I anxiously awaited this summer 2010 update to the iMac line.

iMacs offer a better value than one might think, and the space saving they offer compared to having many components spread out on a desk, make them an attractive offering from Apple.

My current iMac was an aging model, summer 2007. The first iMac with aluminum enclosure. Honestly, however, it is not far off the machines of today particularly notebook models. The iMacs are aging nicely, and I'm sure this new model will too. iMacs tend to offer a better value than notebooks and because they aren't carried around, can have better reliability / longevity too.

When I opened this new computer, I loved the widescreen display. This display is 16x9 similar to a television, whereas conventional widescreen computer monitors were 16x10 (including my old iMac). The extra width gives you more room to fit documents across your desktop (screen) while working. I like that.

Furthermore, don't let anyone suggest that this is not a fast computer. Its 3.06 GHZ i3 processor includes hyper threading to give you up to four "virtual," cores. Some argue that this feature isn't useful, or that not enough applications utilize hyper threading. However, I was able to look at CPU usage and see video encoding software on my computer using the multiple threads. It was fast.

I chose the 21.5 inch model because my desk is simply too small to house the 27-inch model. The 27 is absolutely staggering in size. I would choose it, if I had the room, but the 21.5 is far from being a slouch and is somewhat more sensible looking.

It features standard 4GB of memory, which can be easily upgraded to 8GB by buying two additional 2GB sticks. A 500 GB hard drive being standard on this model will be plenty for all but the hard drive pack rats out there. While optical media is less popular today, do not forget this iMac can play DVDs and burn DVDs. Burning DVDs can also be useful to backup important data such as your family photographs. The speed of the drive is satisfactory, and it is the cool slot loading variety.

A SD card slot is located under the DVD drive, to easily load pictures onto your computer direct from your camera's SD card.

Why choose this 1199 model over the 1499 21.5 inch? Both are actually competent machines. The 1499 model gives you a larger hard drive (1 TB over 500 GB, so twice the size), and it has a faster graphics processor, which is useful when gaming and in other graphic intensive applications. While I chose the 1499 model, the 1199 doesn't lack much, if that final ten tenths of graphic performance and extra hard drive space is not something you believe you will need.

The $1199 model is the RIGHT choice, unless you "know," you need the specific benefits of the 1499 model (larger hard drive and faster graphics processor). Truly, this $1199 model is one of the best values of any Mac right now.

The iMacs are great values over notebooks, if you don't need portability. You get more performance, more storage, and a massive display by comparison of a MacBook Pro. All at an attractive price.

One of my favorite features? iMacs have included for the past year bluetooth keyboards and mice standard! That means when you take the iMac out of the box, if you have wireless internet, you can be up and running by simply plugging in the power cord. The Magic Mouse and keyboard are both wireless and work flawlessly. They are easier on batteries than you might think too, though they take easy to acquire AAs.

Included software? The latest operating system Mac OS X Snow Leopard is included, plus iLife 09. iLife includes great and useful applications such as iPhoto, iMovie, and Garage Band.

Someone new to Mac might consider picking up the Student/Teacher/Home edition of Microsoft Office for Mac. It runs beautifully and has a Mac feel to it, despite being a Microsoft product.

My final verdict? I absolutely adored the machine. It was the fastest Mac I had ever used and a solid upgrade over my previous iMac. However, a week into ownership I discovered that the bottom and right side of my screen had a yellow tinge/appearance to it. A white background window, such as Amazon.com page, looked beautiful and white in the top left, but on the rest of the display, it turned yellowish. I had invested so much time transferring my data from my old iMac to my new one. I had to transfer everything back and securely erase the new one before returning it. I didn't want to go through that entire process again, during my busy time of the year, so I just returned it for a refund. Once I have some spare time to go through all the trouble, I will try again. Just be sure to check your display when it arrives because I have read some others having a similar display issue on the Mac Rumors forums.

Overall, this iMac was an impressive update. It features the latest processors, plenty of storage, and offers one of the best Mac values. The display is a great size and aspect ratio, but be sure to check it for the yellowish color when it arrives.

64 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sick of fighting your Windows PC?, November 14, 2010

By 

B. Rhynes - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Apple iMac MC508LL/A 21.5-Inch Desktop (OLD VERSION) (Personal Computers)

First of all, I'm not a gamer, and this is not a gamers rig. Don't get me wrong, it has very capable graphics, but there aren't many good games available for the Mac OSX.

No biggie for me, I produce music, and Mac is well known for fitting the bill in this area. Paired with Logic, making music couldn't be easier.

Windows was another story.

I don't have a lot of cash to burn, but I hear a lot of criticism from Windows users about how "overpriced" Mac is. Well as somebody who has been through Windows '95,'98, XP and Vista and Windows 7, I have spent SO MUCH freaking time repairing Windows-related issues as opposed to just enjoying Windows applications.

I don't want to spend all day trying to figure one more cryptic, Windows error code.

I bought my Imac almost one year ago, and everything JUST WORKS, the way it is supposed to. No viruses, no BLUE SCREENS, no crashes... I HAVE had a couple of issues that were directly my own fault (screwing with settings and such). When I contacted Macintosh support, they were polite, friendly, knowledgeable and eager to assist me. And they got me up and running in a matter of minutes. Something, sadly, I am NEVER able to find with ANY other product or service I use.

Bottom line, you get what you pay for. If you work in I.T., and you absolutely LOVE diagnosing operating system errors, missing DLL files, registry and security issues while battling trojan after trojan, by all means, stick with your Windows products. I just want a machine that works.

I would rather spend my valuable time using a product, NOT fixing it.

I, for one, will NEVER go back.

64 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best entry level mac EVER!, August 4, 2010

By 

superhans - See all my reviews

This review is from: Apple iMac MC508LL/A 21.5-Inch Desktop (OLD VERSION) (Personal Computers)

*** This model has only been out for TWO weeks so the guy saying he has "owned it for 18 months" has a different model****

The NEW I3 intel processor is ridiculously fast compared to my older dual core imac (2.0ghz 3gb ) The value of the machine really speaks for itself. LED SCREEN!! The ram is upgradeable to 8gig and the new ATI video card is supposed to rock ;although, I have not really tested it out yet. Spend the extra 160$ to get the apple protection plan, especially on this newly updated one.