Apple iMac MC814LL/A 27-Inch Desktop PC (3.1GHz Intel Core i5 Processor, 4GB RAM, 1TB HDD) (OLD VERSION)

by Apple

• Intel Core i5 Processor 3.1GHz
• 4GB SDRAM RAM
• 1TB Hard Drive
• 27-Inch Screen, AMD Radeon HD 6970M
• Mac OS X 10.7 Lion

Product Description

Amazon.com

The Ultimate All-in-One Goes All Out.

The 27-inch iMac features a brilliant LED-backlit, edge-to-edge glass display (see larger image).

The new iMac features next-generation Intel Core i5 quad-core processors and the fastest graphics ever in an all-in-one computer. It also brings Thunderbolt I/O technology to the desktop for lightning-fast data transfer. And a new FaceTime HD camera lets you make full-screen HD video calls. All from a beautiful, widescreen 27-inch LED-backlit display that takes up just a sliver of your desk. It's everything you want in a desktop. Now more powerful, more advanced, and even more incredible than before.

The iMac's display offers a 2560 x 1440-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 27-inch model (MC814LL/A) offers improved graphics with AMD Radeon HD 6970M discrete graphics featuring 1 GB of GDDR5 memory, a 1 TB hard drive, and 4 GB of installed RAM. Other features include integrated Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking, Bluetooth connectivity, an SD card slot (compatible with SDHC and SDXC cards), two Thunderbolt port for even greater expansion options, a FireWire 800 port, and a total of four USB 2.0 ports (see full specifications below).

Free Upgrade to OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion

If this iMac comes pre-installed with OS X 10.7 Lion, it is eligible to a free upgrade to OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion. When Mountain Lion becomes available in July, Apple's Up-To-Date program page for details on how to request your copy of Mountain Lion.

Apple's OS X Mountain Lion Up-to-Date upgrade is available to all customers who purchase a qualifying new Mac system from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller on or after June 11, 2012. Customers who purchase a qualifying Mac between June 11, 2012 and the date when Mountain Lion is available in the Mac App Store will have 30 days from the OS X Mountain Lion release date to make a request.

Mountain Lion introduces innovative features including the all new Messages app, Notification Center, system-wide Sharing, AirPlay Mirroring, Game Center, and the enhanced security of Gatekeeper. With iCloud built into the foundation of OS X, Mountain Lion makes it easier than ever to keep your content up to date across all your devices.

Key Features

Next-Generation Dual-Core Intel Processor

This iMac is powered by a second-generation Intel Core i5 quad-core processor (dubbed "Sandy Bridge"), which provides breakthrough digital media management, content creation, and 3D gaming capabilities. With updated Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, the latest Core i5 increases speed automatically for whatever you're doing, dynamically accelerating performance to match your workload.

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. And you'll enjoy a rich set of new features for a stunning and seamless visual experience with no additional hardware. The "Sandy Bridge" Core i5 processor also provides faster access to the installed RAM, with an integrated memory controller to connect fast 1333 MHz memory directly to the processor.

The iMac's seamless aluminum enclosure and full range of ports, including two Thunderbolt ports (see larger image).

Revolutionary Thunderbolt Technology

Developed by Intel with collaboration from Apple, high-speed Thunderbolt I/O (input/output) technology delivers an amazing 10 gigabits per second of transfer speeds in both directions. Built into the iMac, the Thunderbolt port allows you to connect to new Thunderbolt-compatible peripherals as well as existing USB and FireWire peripherals using simple adapters. You'll be able to move data up to 20 times faster than with USB 2.0 and more than 12 times faster than with FireWire 800, and you can daisy-chain multiple high-speed devices without using a hub. Thunderbolt also supports DisplayPort for high resolution displays and works with existing adapters for HDMI, DVI and VGA displays.

Bright, Colorful Display

This 27-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.

See larger image.

And with the FaceTime HD camera placed above the display in the iMac's thin aluminum and glass design, you'll be able to make video calls in HD 720p resolution to friends and family on another iMac or MacBook. Additionally, you'll be able to connect to those using an iPad 2, iPhone 4, or iPod touch.

Key Specifications

• 27-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen display with IPS technology, a 2560 x 1440-pixel resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, and 178-degree viewing angle (horizontal and vertical). Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to a 30-inch display (2560 by 1600 pixels) on an external display.
• 3.1 GHz Intel Core i5 quad-core processor ("Sandy Bridge") with 6 MB shared L3 cache for excellent multitasking.
• 1 TB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 RPM)
• 4 GB installed RAM (1333 MHz DDR3; supports up to 16 GB)
• AMD Radeon HD 6970M graphics processor (with 1 GB of DDR5 SDRAM discrete video memory) for high performance when playing 3D games, editing HD video, or running design software.
• 8x slot-loading SuperDrive with double-layer DVD support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/
• Built-in FaceTime camera for video chatting (up to HD 720p resolution when connecting to other Macs)
• Wireless-N 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
• Two Thunderbolt ports
• Mini DisplayPort video output with support for DVI, VGA, and dual-link DVI (adapters sold separately).
• 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
• Wall-mountable with optional VESA Mount Adapter Kit.
• Dimensions: 25.6 x 8.15 x 20.4 inches (WxDxH)
• Weight: 30.5 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 Lion 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 v10.7 Lion (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

Introducing the new iMac. The ultimate all-in-one goes all out. The new iMac features next-generation quad-core processors and the fastest graphics ever in an all-in-one computer. It also brings Thunderbolt I/O technology to the desktop for lightning-fast data transfer. And a new FaceTime HD camera lets you make full-screen HD video calls.* All from a beautiful widescreen LED-backlit display that takes up just a sliver of your desk. It’s everything you want in a desktop. Now more powerful, more advanced, and even more incredible than before. *FaceTime requires a FaceTime-enabled iOS device with a Wi-Fi connection or a FaceTime-enabled Mac with an Internet connection and FaceTime for Mac software (may require separate purchase). Not available in all areas.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

180 of 187 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly fast, beautiful screen, great design May 13, 2011

By Samer A

Amazon Verified Purchase

A disclaimer of sorts: I write iOS and Mac apps for a living. I have written a few apps that I sell in the store, so I work full time with a Mac. I tend to buy a new computer every year, because that spinning rainbow wheel begins to eat away at my productivity as my projects grow in size, so I like to have the latest and greatest as it becomes available. I previously owned a Macbook Pro 17" (actually reviewed previously on Amazon by me) but decided to switch to a desktop for the added power and screen real estate. I used "Migration Assistant" to bring over my entire user account to the new iMac so that I was up and running in a few hours.

THE SHORT VERSION
Without going into too much back history, I can say the "short version" of this review is that it is a fantastic, speedy and powerful computer. I loaded it up with an extra 8GB of memory (Apple offers you an 8gb upgrade for a lot of money...you can buy an additional 8 to bring this machine up to 12 for half of what they charge you) and it just flies. I notice that apps that used to bounce for several seconds (sometimes 10+ bounces) now just bounce once before being fully open and operational. The screen is gorgeous, the all-in-one design is great and and the 1TB drive is spacious for all kinds of media.

THE LONGER VERSION
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SPEED/MEMORY
As mentioned, I have upgraded the machine to 12GB of memory. (Corsair 8 GB DDR3 Laptop Memory Kit CMSO8GX3M2A1333C9) I highly recommend to buy at least an additional 4 to put into your computer. It has 4 slots, which is great, because that's a lot of room for memory expansion. I'm letting you know all this because I haven't actually booted the computer up with only 4GB. I imagine it's still pretty speedy (thanks largely in part to the new Intel CPU) but it won't be able to load up as many apps at once with ease. Installing memory is really very simple (took about 60 seconds start to finish) so I can't recommend it enough.

The new processor is unbelievable. It tears through tasks. My app projects that would literally sometimes take 1 to 2 minutes to build on my Macbook Pro take a fraction of the time on here (as fast as 10-15 seconds)--and these are projects that are really very large in size. I also noticed that ripping DVDs to mp4s was a lot smoother and faster on the new iMac. It could go through about 2 hours of video in ~20-30 minutes (at a very high quality). There are tons of benchmarks floating around on the internet, so I recommend searching around for the speed of this particular iMac. It's impressively fast.

SCREEN
One of the major reasons I went for an iMac over a new Macbook Pro this year was to gain access to the super high res 27" screen. Whenever I see these in the Apple store, I am always in awe at just how much you can fit, and with so much clarity. Its native resolution is 2560x1440 which is much higher than the usual "1080p" (1920x1080 or the MBP's 1920x1200). This means you can fit many windows side by side, or blow up your Safari window to full size and experience the web in a whole new way. I manage multiple windows of Xcode side by side now with ease and still have room to space for chat programs and Twitter.

The size really is enormous. You have to stand in front of one and use it to really appreciate just how much screen real estate you get when you go to this size--especially at this resolution.

ALL-IN-ONE DESIGN / PORTS
So one of the other benefits to the iMac of course is its "all in one" design. The box it comes in has styrofoam (which is unfortunate, given Apple's commitment to being green) but you just pop those out, and then slide out your computer, unravel your power cord, plug in, and you're good to go. With this particular model, you get the wireless keyboard and the "magic mouse." If you can afford the extra seventy dollars, I'd pick up the trackpad. It's so much better than the mouse, and really easy to use. It also has a huge tracking surface letting you manipulate your apps in interesting ways.

There are four USB ports and two thunderbolt ports. Thunderbolt is great, but it's so new that I haven't found anything to really test it. You're supposed to be able power up to two other full size screens which is awesome, but I haven't tested it personally and I also don't own any native thunderbolt devices. I'm waiting for external hard drive makers to come out with Thunderbolt enabled drives too, because it will be way faster than USB.

Speaking of USB, the four are all lined up right next to each other but what's nice is that they are lined up vertically--so it's a little bit harder for a fat device to get in the way of two ports, so that's great. You'd have to have something that is very wide (which I'm sure is possible) but for the most part, the ports seem distanced enough to be able to plug in whatever you want.

Oh, and finally, you get a built in SD card reader which is nice. It's below the DVD drive on the side.

GRAPHICS
I tested out some games running in the native resolution and they play without a hiccup of any kind. Games at 2560x1440 are incredible--it's a whole new experience, honestly. You can also search around online for benchmarks for this particular graphics card (the 6970M). It's a very capable card. (Note: The M means it's actually the mobile version of the desktop 6970, but it's still powerful and will meet most/all of your gaming needs.)

MAC OS X
I won't really mention too much here. Mac OS X has been around for ages, and 10.7 is right around the corner (due this summer.) I used to be a Windows guy but after using Macs for several years now, I don't see myself ever "going back." I even have converted a lot of my friends and family to the Apple world and they all love it. I especially love that all new Macs come with the latest iLife (For photos, videos, etc) and the recently introduced Mac App Store. I've loaded up my computer with tons of apps that I would have never known existed without the app store. I know Apple didn't invent software, but packaging it all in an organized store right there on your desktop is great.

OTHER THOUGHTS
The first major downside to this computer is the sheer amount of heat it produces. If you touch the iMac after it's been on for a while (and actively working on it), you feel like you could cook something on it. It can get very hot.

The only positive thing regarding the heat is that the computer remains whisper quiet, even while running a full Flash video in HD. (Flash is notorious for spinning up your computer's fans. The latest version is a lot nicer though, especially if the website has updated their own Flash video, because its graphics accelerated, so your CPU won't die trying to render).

Another negative I read about this computer all the time is that it has no blu-ray drive. I personally don't care that it doesn't have a blu-ray drive because I prefer streaming media anyway, but I can understand why it's viewed as an important missing feature. The screen size and high resolution really would be nice to see a full 1080p video on, but I really don't think we'll ever see Apple provide a blu-ray drive, especially when they are in the game of selling movies via their iTunes store.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, I think if you're in the market for a computer that will last you a while (or you're like me and always have to have the latest and greatest) then this is a fantastic contender. For me, I was basically instantly sold on it when I saw it uses the new "sandy bridge" Intel chips, and its high res screen. If you shop around, a 27" screen at 2560x1440 can cost upwards of one thousand dollars, so getting one built into a very powerful, capable computer seems like a steal.

If you have any questions or requests for info, please let me know in the comments and I'll respond/update!

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing machine what else can be said? June 4, 2011

By Customer Vote Addict

Amazon Verified Purchase

The other reviews have hit it right on and I'm not sure I can add anything more, but I'll give it a shot.

This computer is amazing. Not only is it a sleek and sexy machine, but wow is it powerful! I upgraded from an older Macbook mainly because I wanted a Mac with a powerful video card for video editing, photo editing and even some gaming. So far this computer has handled everything I've thrown at it. It's fast, quiet and takes the imac to the next level. I was going back and forth between this and the cheaper versions and even the smaller screen. I'm glad I made the choice I did and got the 27". After spending a few hours on the computer, looking at my Samsung 1080p looks the way standard definition did after you first saw HD! The clarity of the ultra high resolution monitor is by far the best looking screen on the market. I finally decided if you are going to spend the money, go for the best. Sure there is one model higher that can be purchased directly from Apple, but as usual Amazon delivered on the best price out there! For all the Mac haters out there that question the premium price Apple charges, there is a reason they can command the $$$ they do. They are powerful machines and works of art. No Windows based machine has the same lines as these beautiful machines. Apple has by far the best designers and engineers in the world.

The computer is much heavier than I expected, mainly because the aluminum case is solid. The great part is even though it is a heavy computer, it tilts with the push of a finger and stays exactly where you moved it. I've read complaints that this computer doesn't come in a matte screen. Sure the glossy screen does cause reflections in bright light, but so far I think the reflections are worth the trade off for the absolute dazzle the glossy screen provides.

Immediately on its arrival I upgraded the RAM to 16 gigs. It's as easy as removing 3 screws, popping out the old memory and filling all 4 slots with 4 gigs of DDR3 1333 mhz RAM.

The only negatives I can even list are that the computer runs hot. I did buy an app to monitor the temps and so far it's in line with my macbook. I think it just seems hotter because the aluminum disperses the heat through the top of the computer. When you touch the top of the computer you are amazed at the heat coming out. I also wish Apple supplied this computer with a wireless keyboard with the number pad. They do sell the corded version with the number pad, but I really wanted to stay wireless. I do miss the number pad, I'm not going to lie. Entering passwords is weird using the numbers on the regular keyboard! At some point I hope they offer a wireless keyboard with the number pad. The sound is also not overly amazing but I always use external speakers anyway so it's not a problem. It's a step up from the sound out of a macbook for sure, but it is aimed downward and not at you. The bass is decent though for built in sound if you don't want to add 2.1 speakers.

I can't end my review on a negative note though. The built in isight camera in HD is an awesome touch. I can't believe the quality of the camera to be honest. I look at myself on the screen and every imperfection of my face is captured. Do I really look that old!

I expect this computer to last me the next 5 years and I'm sure it will have no problem doing just that! I can't wait to see what accessories the Thunderbolt ports wind up supporting. I'd love to run and additional 2 27" screens at the same resolution using the ports eventually. Apple is usually way ahead of the curve so I have no doubt it is a technology that will catch on and will be amazing! There are many manufactures with products in the pipeline that will support Thunderbolt so I hope to see stuff hitting the market in the next few months.

You only live once, and life is short. You deserve the best, and this machine will not disappoint!!

Update: I upgraded to the same memory that JFLY referenced in his post. It was cheap, it is fast, and I have no complaints at all about it! Better than paying Apple $600 for a 16 gig memory upgrade! Also I can't wait to see what this computer will do with the newest version of OS X being released in July! No one really has mentioned that this computer is truly a 64 bit machine. I've installed windows 7 64 bit and I am amazed at how it also runs on this computer. XP on my older macbook was never 100%. It was good, it just never seemed natural. Windows 7 on this machine running in bootcamp is amazing.

47 of 51 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars New Apple User For Life July 3, 2011

By Jared D. Lane

Amazon Verified Purchase

I am a long time PC user. I had my doubts about switching to a Mac but I have had such good luck out of iPhones and iPads it seemed like it was worth the risk, I just wish I had done it sooner. The 27" iMac is a thing of beauty. No cables for keyboard, mouse, and Internet keeps a tidy work/play space. The screen is HUGE and the colors are beautiful. I opted to purchase an additional 8 MB of RAM from cossair and installed it before I even plugged the thing in. Installation took minutes and this thing is very speedy. I do a lot of amateur photography using lightroom 3. My pictures look great on the screen and lightroom responds super fast. Some people have complained about the glossy screen, and I see where they are coming from. But I do all my editing in low light so it just doesn't make any difference to me. The operating system is actually very easy to use and the transition from windows has been painless. It is AWESOME to be able to use my computer without constant popups, antivirus updates, or the plethora of unwanted programs that love to run in the background of a windows system. The best way to describe the experience is clean. If I want it, it is there, if I dont, it stays out of the way. The only issue I have had is some Internet connectivity problems. The iMac connected to my wireless network with no problems but I would sporadically lose connection while browsing the web. A ten minute call to apple support had the problem resolved. I didn't drop any stars because I am actually glad that I got an opportunity to call on apple support. The experience is by far the best I have ever had with ANY technical support. I went to the apple website, used "express lane support". The website asked for the type of equipment I was using, what type of problem I was having, and the serial number of the computer. They then gave an option to have a technician call me (no waiting on hold!). I opted for someone to call me "now". Literally the phone was ringing before I could get up from the computer and find it. The tech was from the US, very knowledgeable, and had the problem fixed in minutes. I was so impressed I signed up for the 3 year warranty over the phone. I have nothing but good things to say about the entire experience. I am now a Mac user for life.