There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
TOP 50 REVIEWERon December 9, 2012
This is my first iMac so I can't compare it to the previous versions except the ones I saw at the Apple store when comparing the overall dimensions and thickness of this latest 2012 iMac.
PACKAGING - Includes 21.5" iMac, Charging cable, Wireless keyboard, and Magic Mouse. Like most Apple's products, the packaging is thoughtfully done. All tape pieces are easily removed with the individual tabs attached to them. After set up it has a clean look on my desk, there is no clutter due to the fact that the keyboard and mouse connect wirelessly. Opening the box to setting it up took maybe 5 minutes tops.
FORM FACTOR - This iMac is super thin from the sides and light enough for one-handed portability if required. Looking at it from the front, it seemed only marginally different from its predecessor but the difference was very noticeable from the side. The back is slightly curved at the center and I am guessing all the components are packed in this bulge at the center back. The front glass seems to sit more flush with the body compared to the earlier version which had a tiny little gap. Has a super sleek look to it overall.
SCREEN - Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of this iMac is its screen. Given the amount of real estate you get combined with the stunning LED-backlit display, it's a pleasure using the screen with its vibrant colors and low glare. Apple claims this model has 75 percent less glare than previous versions - there's no way for me to measure this but suffice it to say that even with the screen turned off, the screen is not really reflective. Once it's turned on, the reflections die down even further. Images are crisp and pictures we have taken with our DSLR camera seem further enhanced given the resolution of the screen.
PORTS and CONNECTIONS - Apple did away with the optical drive in this version, which means that to read/burn CDs or DVDs, we can either connect an external drive like Apple's Superdrive to the USB port, or feed off another PC/Mac (this has to be on the same network) that has a built-in optical drive. If you are considering getting an external drive, I personally would recommend the Samsung SE-208AB/TSBS External DVD-Writer - Black which performs the same function and is $40 cheaper than Apple's super drive. For the initial set up, I was able to wirelessly transfer all files from my old PC to the iMac using the "Migration Assistant" utility on the iMac - it took a minute to start the process and all files transferred themselves in about 6 hours over the Wi-Fi network. Didn't have the need for an external drive, though that would have been a faster process.
On the back, there is a SDXC memory card slot, couple of Thunderbolt ports, headphone jack, USB ports, and an ethernet port. It's good they are at the back since they avoid cable clutter from the desk, but connecting wires into them takes that small effort of getting up and plugging in the cable at the back. Not a major issue for me, the only port I will need to use is the USB port for my printer which doesn't support wireless connection.
HARDWARE - Tech specs are all specified above in the product details of the listing. That said, with a 1TB hard drive, 2.7Hz quad-core i5 processor, 8GB of DDR3 memory (split into two 4GB slots), this Mac basically has more than enough in terms of processing and storage capacity for my needs. Graphic designers and users that require super memory or processing prowess, they can perhaps judge for themselves if this will suffice.
ACCESSORIES - The iMac comes with a wireless keyboard and a magic mouse. The keyboard is a standard Apple keyboard, but I have found it to be slightly small for me personally. Takes some getting used to. Instead of using the Magic Mouse, I had considered getting Apple's Magic Trackpad because that is very similar to the MBPro trackpad that I have used extensively. However, having used the mouse for a few days now, I am sticking with it - just a personal preference. The Magic Mouse also lets you scroll down lengthy web pages without having to move to the side to grab the scroll bar. Just a swipe of the finger on the mouse moves the page down or up. It can also be configured to register right clicks. Somewhat similar in terms of functionality to the magic trackpad.
BOTTOMLINE - There are two versions of the 21.5" iMac, one with a 2.7Hz i5 processor and the other with a 2.9Hz i5 at an additional $200. I went with the 2.7Hz which is good enough for me personally. Given the sleek form factor, absolutely gorgeous display, pretty good quality built-in speakers, front facing camera, and more than sufficient technical specs for the ordinary user like me, this is a great buy. If portability is not an issue, this in my opinion is definitely the device of choice over the MB Pro.
PACKAGING - Includes 21.5" iMac, Charging cable, Wireless keyboard, and Magic Mouse. Like most Apple's products, the packaging is thoughtfully done. All tape pieces are easily removed with the individual tabs attached to them. After set up it has a clean look on my desk, there is no clutter due to the fact that the keyboard and mouse connect wirelessly. Opening the box to setting it up took maybe 5 minutes tops.
FORM FACTOR - This iMac is super thin from the sides and light enough for one-handed portability if required. Looking at it from the front, it seemed only marginally different from its predecessor but the difference was very noticeable from the side. The back is slightly curved at the center and I am guessing all the components are packed in this bulge at the center back. The front glass seems to sit more flush with the body compared to the earlier version which had a tiny little gap. Has a super sleek look to it overall.
SCREEN - Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of this iMac is its screen. Given the amount of real estate you get combined with the stunning LED-backlit display, it's a pleasure using the screen with its vibrant colors and low glare. Apple claims this model has 75 percent less glare than previous versions - there's no way for me to measure this but suffice it to say that even with the screen turned off, the screen is not really reflective. Once it's turned on, the reflections die down even further. Images are crisp and pictures we have taken with our DSLR camera seem further enhanced given the resolution of the screen.
PORTS and CONNECTIONS - Apple did away with the optical drive in this version, which means that to read/burn CDs or DVDs, we can either connect an external drive like Apple's Superdrive to the USB port, or feed off another PC/Mac (this has to be on the same network) that has a built-in optical drive. If you are considering getting an external drive, I personally would recommend the Samsung SE-208AB/TSBS External DVD-Writer - Black which performs the same function and is $40 cheaper than Apple's super drive. For the initial set up, I was able to wirelessly transfer all files from my old PC to the iMac using the "Migration Assistant" utility on the iMac - it took a minute to start the process and all files transferred themselves in about 6 hours over the Wi-Fi network. Didn't have the need for an external drive, though that would have been a faster process.
On the back, there is a SDXC memory card slot, couple of Thunderbolt ports, headphone jack, USB ports, and an ethernet port. It's good they are at the back since they avoid cable clutter from the desk, but connecting wires into them takes that small effort of getting up and plugging in the cable at the back. Not a major issue for me, the only port I will need to use is the USB port for my printer which doesn't support wireless connection.
HARDWARE - Tech specs are all specified above in the product details of the listing. That said, with a 1TB hard drive, 2.7Hz quad-core i5 processor, 8GB of DDR3 memory (split into two 4GB slots), this Mac basically has more than enough in terms of processing and storage capacity for my needs. Graphic designers and users that require super memory or processing prowess, they can perhaps judge for themselves if this will suffice.
ACCESSORIES - The iMac comes with a wireless keyboard and a magic mouse. The keyboard is a standard Apple keyboard, but I have found it to be slightly small for me personally. Takes some getting used to. Instead of using the Magic Mouse, I had considered getting Apple's Magic Trackpad because that is very similar to the MBPro trackpad that I have used extensively. However, having used the mouse for a few days now, I am sticking with it - just a personal preference. The Magic Mouse also lets you scroll down lengthy web pages without having to move to the side to grab the scroll bar. Just a swipe of the finger on the mouse moves the page down or up. It can also be configured to register right clicks. Somewhat similar in terms of functionality to the magic trackpad.
BOTTOMLINE - There are two versions of the 21.5" iMac, one with a 2.7Hz i5 processor and the other with a 2.9Hz i5 at an additional $200. I went with the 2.7Hz which is good enough for me personally. Given the sleek form factor, absolutely gorgeous display, pretty good quality built-in speakers, front facing camera, and more than sufficient technical specs for the ordinary user like me, this is a great buy. If portability is not an issue, this in my opinion is definitely the device of choice over the MB Pro.
on December 13, 2012
I am ecstatic about my new purchase of the iMac. What a fabulous computer. For the first time in 20 years I have walked away from Microsoft windows and it's continual crashing.
So here's what I think about this wonderful machine:
Pros:
Unbelievably clear high definition screen, which is super thin. Clarity is awesome!
Fast processer 2.9 Ghz and 8 gig Ram
Takes up very little room on the desk.
Looks very sleek and modern (as my husband stated "The future is here")
Sound is really wonderful. Who knew that built in speakers could sound that good?
Magic Mouse is superb. You slide your fingers in any direction and it slides your screens across. Think Ipad
Keyboard is nice, but it could be better.
Awesome, and I mean awesome customer service! I spent an hour on the phone with an apple rep and he very patiently showed me the differences and similarities to windows. So very helpful. It's so worth buying the $169 apple care with is a warrantee for three years with unlimited tech support. I never usually go for warrantees but this time, it's totally worth it. He even saved me over $100 by showing me I did not need Adobe Acrobat Pro, as their Adobe Apple Product does exactly what I needed the Pro for. This guy really deserves flowers and chocolates.
Lessons at the apple store several times a week. I have not attended one, but intend to.
There are 4 USB ports and 2 other ports for firewire, I believe.
Well priced portable CD/DVD drive under $80 with a USB connector. Also sleek and high tech. It's all you need for loading the occasional software, although apple makes it easy to download everything you need from online.
I was worried about transferring all my precious folders within folders from windows, but once I knew how (thank you customer support guy) it was easy and quick to get my files across.
ICloud syncs all your contacts across from your iphone and ipad.
Cons:
Keyboard is a bit small and different, so I still have to look down to find things like '?' and '@'. It's just a little different and takes getting used to. For instance, I haven't found a backspace button, but the Delete button seems to have the same functionality used in combination with the arrow left and right button.
Getting used to the Mac OS as it is different, and in all fairness, for long time apple users, this would not be a con.
All in all, I now understand what Windows 8 was all about, and it's a far cry from the Mac OS. If this is your first Mac, then they do have some great beginner videos in the online help as well as the wonderful customer service rep. Would I recommend this? Yes! Yes! Yes! I'm trying to find the $$$ to replace my home PC now.
So here's what I think about this wonderful machine:
Pros:
Unbelievably clear high definition screen, which is super thin. Clarity is awesome!
Fast processer 2.9 Ghz and 8 gig Ram
Takes up very little room on the desk.
Looks very sleek and modern (as my husband stated "The future is here")
Sound is really wonderful. Who knew that built in speakers could sound that good?
Magic Mouse is superb. You slide your fingers in any direction and it slides your screens across. Think Ipad
Keyboard is nice, but it could be better.
Awesome, and I mean awesome customer service! I spent an hour on the phone with an apple rep and he very patiently showed me the differences and similarities to windows. So very helpful. It's so worth buying the $169 apple care with is a warrantee for three years with unlimited tech support. I never usually go for warrantees but this time, it's totally worth it. He even saved me over $100 by showing me I did not need Adobe Acrobat Pro, as their Adobe Apple Product does exactly what I needed the Pro for. This guy really deserves flowers and chocolates.
Lessons at the apple store several times a week. I have not attended one, but intend to.
There are 4 USB ports and 2 other ports for firewire, I believe.
Well priced portable CD/DVD drive under $80 with a USB connector. Also sleek and high tech. It's all you need for loading the occasional software, although apple makes it easy to download everything you need from online.
I was worried about transferring all my precious folders within folders from windows, but once I knew how (thank you customer support guy) it was easy and quick to get my files across.
ICloud syncs all your contacts across from your iphone and ipad.
Cons:
Keyboard is a bit small and different, so I still have to look down to find things like '?' and '@'. It's just a little different and takes getting used to. For instance, I haven't found a backspace button, but the Delete button seems to have the same functionality used in combination with the arrow left and right button.
Getting used to the Mac OS as it is different, and in all fairness, for long time apple users, this would not be a con.
All in all, I now understand what Windows 8 was all about, and it's a far cry from the Mac OS. If this is your first Mac, then they do have some great beginner videos in the online help as well as the wonderful customer service rep. Would I recommend this? Yes! Yes! Yes! I'm trying to find the $$$ to replace my home PC now.
on December 28, 2012
I had a Macbook from 2007, the Black one, and loved it, no problems at all with it. Then I decided I wanted to get a new one, since I couldn't play some games on it anymore, such as World of Warcraft and CounterStrike.
I got the Macbook Pro 2011 earlier this year. I had it for only a week, and made trips in and out of the Apple store four times because it kept freezing, specifically after playing games. It was weird and an ongoing issues with their i5 quad-core processors in the '11 models. Something with the unit overheating so easily. So I returned it and got an iPad 3rd Gen (which is obsolete 15 days after I got it... anyways) I decided I would wait for the next models. When I heard about the new iMac with the thin outer edge and improved speakers and improved everything. I decided I'd wait for it. After painfully waiting for a whole month after Apple released the "coming soon in November" webpage, on November 30th I actually purchased the base model ($1299) directly from the Apple Retail Store on the day of the launch.
I can tell you, this is the best Mac I've ever had. It runs even smoother than my old macbook, which worked great for me as it was, and the newer software works excellent with my iPad and iPhone. Transferring Mac to Mac was pretty direct in how to do it.
It runs WoW excellently, before custom configuring, ran at 99 FPS on the recommended graphic settings. But I put a max FPS setting to not overuse the CPU. It runs so smoothly, and the huge HD screen looks better with the higher color saturation. And going from my 13.3" to the 21.5", there so much room!!! The speakers have great Bass, and are very clear, and LOUD. The bluetooth keyboard and magic mouse worried me, specifically on having to possibly replace the batteries frequently. But I could not have been more wrong, It's been almost a month and my mouse is at 96% and keyboard is still at 100% percent. And I've used this computer everyday since purchase, and I type a lot. Like emails and papers.
Let's be clear about one thing, despite me saving money for this a month and a half ahead of time, it still hurt my wallet. But you know what, Apple makes quality products, they last a long time! No viruses! Rarely any issues! Easy to use and user intuitive. I learned how to use computers starting with Macintosh. My Old Macbook from 2007, is still running, and has Mountain Lion, and now my sister is using it.
Pros:
Lovely Big Screen
Auto-Adjust Brightness Sensor
LOUD Excellent Speakers
12lbs!!!
Built in HD Facetime Camera
Energy Efficient
Cons:
Magic Mouse and Keyboard sometimes take a long time to connect, like almost a minute. (That's long to me)
Bit of a dust collector
Occasional graphical tearing when loading an app such as a game or movie. Only for a few seconds, but it's not pleasing to look at.
All in all..
Still happy! almost a month from getting it! :)
Thanks for reading this, and I hope my review helped!
I got the Macbook Pro 2011 earlier this year. I had it for only a week, and made trips in and out of the Apple store four times because it kept freezing, specifically after playing games. It was weird and an ongoing issues with their i5 quad-core processors in the '11 models. Something with the unit overheating so easily. So I returned it and got an iPad 3rd Gen (which is obsolete 15 days after I got it... anyways) I decided I would wait for the next models. When I heard about the new iMac with the thin outer edge and improved speakers and improved everything. I decided I'd wait for it. After painfully waiting for a whole month after Apple released the "coming soon in November" webpage, on November 30th I actually purchased the base model ($1299) directly from the Apple Retail Store on the day of the launch.
I can tell you, this is the best Mac I've ever had. It runs even smoother than my old macbook, which worked great for me as it was, and the newer software works excellent with my iPad and iPhone. Transferring Mac to Mac was pretty direct in how to do it.
It runs WoW excellently, before custom configuring, ran at 99 FPS on the recommended graphic settings. But I put a max FPS setting to not overuse the CPU. It runs so smoothly, and the huge HD screen looks better with the higher color saturation. And going from my 13.3" to the 21.5", there so much room!!! The speakers have great Bass, and are very clear, and LOUD. The bluetooth keyboard and magic mouse worried me, specifically on having to possibly replace the batteries frequently. But I could not have been more wrong, It's been almost a month and my mouse is at 96% and keyboard is still at 100% percent. And I've used this computer everyday since purchase, and I type a lot. Like emails and papers.
Let's be clear about one thing, despite me saving money for this a month and a half ahead of time, it still hurt my wallet. But you know what, Apple makes quality products, they last a long time! No viruses! Rarely any issues! Easy to use and user intuitive. I learned how to use computers starting with Macintosh. My Old Macbook from 2007, is still running, and has Mountain Lion, and now my sister is using it.
Pros:
Lovely Big Screen
Auto-Adjust Brightness Sensor
LOUD Excellent Speakers
12lbs!!!
Built in HD Facetime Camera
Energy Efficient
Cons:
Magic Mouse and Keyboard sometimes take a long time to connect, like almost a minute. (That's long to me)
Bit of a dust collector
Occasional graphical tearing when loading an app such as a game or movie. Only for a few seconds, but it's not pleasing to look at.
All in all..
Still happy! almost a month from getting it! :)
Thanks for reading this, and I hope my review helped!
on April 1, 2013
I am an avid Mac user, having used Apple computers back to my childhood with the Apple IIe, Macintosh SE, Macintosh Performa, iMac, Macbook, iPad, iPhone, you name it.
We recently upgraded our 2006 white 20 inch iMac to this latest iMac. I was on the fence for awhile because the old iMac still worked just fine with upgraded RAM and an external hard drive to hold photos and music. However, once I got this and have now been using it for a couple of weeks, I have NO REGRETS. Now is the time to upgrade. This is a major model improvement, with the new screen that is MUCH brighter and anti-glare. It really does seem a hundred times clearer, sharper, and closer to you.
The new iMac actually doesn't weigh that much less than the old one, but the profile is slimmer because of the design. It's VERY quiet, I can hardly hear it whirring. And it's SOOO much faster, truly I thought the other one was still pulling its weight, but when websites load in 2-3 seconds vs 5-10 seconds you notice it. Same thing in opening files, Excel files now open in 2 seconds instead of 8-15. And really notice the difference in iTunes and iPhoto with how quickly my photos appear, import, can be edited and moved around, etc. And being able to do all of this at once without really any delay is just fantastic. With the 1 TB hard drive, everything fits on my hard drive now and I can use my 1 TB external drive for what it was meant for - a backup.
The only drawback to this new iMac is having to buy an external DVD drive. I realize Apple thinks DVDs are dead but some of us still like to burn home movies all together on DVDs so our families can watch them. I am in the process of converting old VHS home movies from my childhood and burning DVD copies for my parents and my 2 siblings, as well as myself. I did several on the old iMac and will continue on this one. I was going to buy the Apple Superdrive but found that Amazon Basics has a basic black external DVD+/-R writer for less than half the price. No issues, plug and play. I'm sure eventually I'll just stream from my iMac to my Apple TV, but I don't think my parents (in their 60s) will make the leap.
In the end, I say if you are seriously considering this iMac, don't think twice - buy it. My last iMac lasted me nearly 7 years, with only having to upgrade the memory once about 4 years into it. And after 7 years, I was still able to sell it for a third of the price. Try doing that with a Windows machine. I have a feeling this one will last me just as long, if not longer.
We recently upgraded our 2006 white 20 inch iMac to this latest iMac. I was on the fence for awhile because the old iMac still worked just fine with upgraded RAM and an external hard drive to hold photos and music. However, once I got this and have now been using it for a couple of weeks, I have NO REGRETS. Now is the time to upgrade. This is a major model improvement, with the new screen that is MUCH brighter and anti-glare. It really does seem a hundred times clearer, sharper, and closer to you.
The new iMac actually doesn't weigh that much less than the old one, but the profile is slimmer because of the design. It's VERY quiet, I can hardly hear it whirring. And it's SOOO much faster, truly I thought the other one was still pulling its weight, but when websites load in 2-3 seconds vs 5-10 seconds you notice it. Same thing in opening files, Excel files now open in 2 seconds instead of 8-15. And really notice the difference in iTunes and iPhoto with how quickly my photos appear, import, can be edited and moved around, etc. And being able to do all of this at once without really any delay is just fantastic. With the 1 TB hard drive, everything fits on my hard drive now and I can use my 1 TB external drive for what it was meant for - a backup.
The only drawback to this new iMac is having to buy an external DVD drive. I realize Apple thinks DVDs are dead but some of us still like to burn home movies all together on DVDs so our families can watch them. I am in the process of converting old VHS home movies from my childhood and burning DVD copies for my parents and my 2 siblings, as well as myself. I did several on the old iMac and will continue on this one. I was going to buy the Apple Superdrive but found that Amazon Basics has a basic black external DVD+/-R writer for less than half the price. No issues, plug and play. I'm sure eventually I'll just stream from my iMac to my Apple TV, but I don't think my parents (in their 60s) will make the leap.
In the end, I say if you are seriously considering this iMac, don't think twice - buy it. My last iMac lasted me nearly 7 years, with only having to upgrade the memory once about 4 years into it. And after 7 years, I was still able to sell it for a third of the price. Try doing that with a Windows machine. I have a feeling this one will last me just as long, if not longer.
on March 4, 2013
I'm a loyal Appler, but Apple did some things on this computer that really irked me. The keyboard didn't have the side panel of numbers on it; so had to go back around and buy a different keyboard. Then there was no CDrom slot, so had to buy an external CDRom. Used to be, your iMac came with basic word processing software & Quicken, but no more. Have to buy that aftermarket. Really felt like for the price you pay Apple has gotten a bit greedy.
As for the computer and how it works, it is splendid.
As for the computer and how it works, it is splendid.
on January 25, 2013
Am I the only Apple customer annoyed and insulted by Apple's decision (amongst other things) not to include a CD / DVD drive on the new iMac?
It is a desktop computer. What does it matter if it is thinner than the previous iMac? Who cares if it's "5mm thin"?
It is a classic example of form over function. So long as it is thinner than the stand it sits on it makes no practical difference if it is thinner than before.
What does make a differrence however is how it works, what jobs it is capable of doing and how easy it is for those jobs to be done.
Without a CD / DVD drive a number of jobs / tasks are no longer possible on this machine.
It's obvious but...
You can no longer import your CDs into itunes.
You can't install your software CDs or DVDs onto the computer.
You can't watch DVDs on it.
You can't burn CDs or DVDs for playlists, back ups of data / photos / home movies etc
What I find insulting is that Apple use the excuse of disregarding the DVD/CD drive in an attempt to make the iMac (pointlessly) thin.
This isn't the real reason. Surely the real reason is so that you can no longer import CDs and DVDs, so as a result people will be forced to buy all their music and movies etc through iTunes, and software through the app store.
It is simply a money making exercise. Apple are deliberatley inconveniencing their customers in an attempt to force them to spend more of their money through iTunes rather than buy the cheaper, better quality and often preferable CDs and DVDs.
What is more insulting (and deliberately rude) is Phil Shiller's remark that people wanting the option to have a CD / DVD drive on their iMac are "stuck in the past".
I'm not stuck in the past. I'm a professional photographer whose clients often require images on DVDs. The clients are not stuck in the past either. They are at the cutting edge of fashion, design and advertising.
To say DVDs and CDs are out of date technology is simply untrue. Whilst it may be the case for some, for the vast majority of the Earth's population they are very current technology.
75% of all music and movies are still bought on CD and DVD. Apple might not like that, but it's true.
Most people also have collections of music and movies that they would like to be able to import onto their new iMac.
Apple used to be about building machines that suited the needs of creative professionals. It seems these days are over.
Apple now thinks it is acceptable to insult these customers by pretending that it is more important to have a "5mm thin" computer (at the edges only) than have a CD/ DVD reader / writer.
But this is far from the only appalling design decision Apple made regarding this iMac.
They also chose to have all the USB and Thunderbolt ports out of reach on the back of the machine.
They have abandoned their firewire support completely, leaving everyone with firewire connected external hard drives etc in a situation where they have to buy ridiculously overpriced adaptors in order to use them on these machines.
They also located the DS card slot along side the USB ports on the back of the iMac (the most inconvenient and annoying place possible on the iMac).
Along with the speaker, now facing backwards and away from the computer's user making the sound terrible. How can that possibly be a good idea?
My gripe isn't about money or the cost of an external drive.
I know I can buy an external DVD drive, and I have, but not an Apple one, a Samsung blu-ray writer. But what is the point of having a thin computer when you then have to have a drive sitting next to it using up a USB port?
Apple should not be allowed to get away with these underhand and insulting tactics and remarks.
I've been a loyal Apple customer for twenty years and have a huge amount of Apple computers, ipads, iphones etc. But I'm unhappy with their new direction.
Apple succeeded in becoming as big as they are today because customers like me bought their machines because we wanted something better to use for our work than the technology provided by the PC market.
A good looking machine is fine, but not when it comes at the price of practicality and functionality.
It's time they stop treating their customers this way and give us what we want and need, and not just what they want us to have.
This isn't the Apple that Steve Jobs created, and some people need to realise that this company isn't infallible, and is losing it's direction and it's integrity.
If they don't want to continue to lose the support of a growing number of disgruntled customers Apple need to have a word with themselves.
It is a desktop computer. What does it matter if it is thinner than the previous iMac? Who cares if it's "5mm thin"?
It is a classic example of form over function. So long as it is thinner than the stand it sits on it makes no practical difference if it is thinner than before.
What does make a differrence however is how it works, what jobs it is capable of doing and how easy it is for those jobs to be done.
Without a CD / DVD drive a number of jobs / tasks are no longer possible on this machine.
It's obvious but...
You can no longer import your CDs into itunes.
You can't install your software CDs or DVDs onto the computer.
You can't watch DVDs on it.
You can't burn CDs or DVDs for playlists, back ups of data / photos / home movies etc
What I find insulting is that Apple use the excuse of disregarding the DVD/CD drive in an attempt to make the iMac (pointlessly) thin.
This isn't the real reason. Surely the real reason is so that you can no longer import CDs and DVDs, so as a result people will be forced to buy all their music and movies etc through iTunes, and software through the app store.
It is simply a money making exercise. Apple are deliberatley inconveniencing their customers in an attempt to force them to spend more of their money through iTunes rather than buy the cheaper, better quality and often preferable CDs and DVDs.
What is more insulting (and deliberately rude) is Phil Shiller's remark that people wanting the option to have a CD / DVD drive on their iMac are "stuck in the past".
I'm not stuck in the past. I'm a professional photographer whose clients often require images on DVDs. The clients are not stuck in the past either. They are at the cutting edge of fashion, design and advertising.
To say DVDs and CDs are out of date technology is simply untrue. Whilst it may be the case for some, for the vast majority of the Earth's population they are very current technology.
75% of all music and movies are still bought on CD and DVD. Apple might not like that, but it's true.
Most people also have collections of music and movies that they would like to be able to import onto their new iMac.
Apple used to be about building machines that suited the needs of creative professionals. It seems these days are over.
Apple now thinks it is acceptable to insult these customers by pretending that it is more important to have a "5mm thin" computer (at the edges only) than have a CD/ DVD reader / writer.
But this is far from the only appalling design decision Apple made regarding this iMac.
They also chose to have all the USB and Thunderbolt ports out of reach on the back of the machine.
They have abandoned their firewire support completely, leaving everyone with firewire connected external hard drives etc in a situation where they have to buy ridiculously overpriced adaptors in order to use them on these machines.
They also located the DS card slot along side the USB ports on the back of the iMac (the most inconvenient and annoying place possible on the iMac).
Along with the speaker, now facing backwards and away from the computer's user making the sound terrible. How can that possibly be a good idea?
My gripe isn't about money or the cost of an external drive.
I know I can buy an external DVD drive, and I have, but not an Apple one, a Samsung blu-ray writer. But what is the point of having a thin computer when you then have to have a drive sitting next to it using up a USB port?
Apple should not be allowed to get away with these underhand and insulting tactics and remarks.
I've been a loyal Apple customer for twenty years and have a huge amount of Apple computers, ipads, iphones etc. But I'm unhappy with their new direction.
Apple succeeded in becoming as big as they are today because customers like me bought their machines because we wanted something better to use for our work than the technology provided by the PC market.
A good looking machine is fine, but not when it comes at the price of practicality and functionality.
It's time they stop treating their customers this way and give us what we want and need, and not just what they want us to have.
This isn't the Apple that Steve Jobs created, and some people need to realise that this company isn't infallible, and is losing it's direction and it's integrity.
If they don't want to continue to lose the support of a growing number of disgruntled customers Apple need to have a word with themselves.
on August 12, 2013
Normally I would not have purchased a baseline computer, but my computer died unexpectedly and needed to get next-day delivery from Amazon. This computer is fine for most users out there, but if I had to do my purchase over again, I definitely would've upgraded the RAM and storage.
8GB is barely enough run some of my applications simultaneously. Unfortunately, the RAM on the 21" model is soldered to the logic board and cannot be upgraded.
The stock 5400rpm hard disk drive is also PAINFULLY slow - I can't believe computer manufacturers are using such outdated technology. I would definitely upgrade to an SSD, or at the very least, a 7200rpm hard disk.
If you are doing things like web browsing, email, watching videos, working with documents (i.e. MS Office), iTunes, etc....this computer will probably suit your needs. For more advanced users, you'll want to upgrade some of the options.
8GB is barely enough run some of my applications simultaneously. Unfortunately, the RAM on the 21" model is soldered to the logic board and cannot be upgraded.
The stock 5400rpm hard disk drive is also PAINFULLY slow - I can't believe computer manufacturers are using such outdated technology. I would definitely upgrade to an SSD, or at the very least, a 7200rpm hard disk.
If you are doing things like web browsing, email, watching videos, working with documents (i.e. MS Office), iTunes, etc....this computer will probably suit your needs. For more advanced users, you'll want to upgrade some of the options.
TOP 500 REVIEWERon December 14, 2012
I've been an Apple fan for years, with this being the latest product that I've purchased from them. They simply don't make anything that isn't far and away above the rest of the pack. My previous 24" iMac, which is no longer made, was used 12+ hours a day for over 4 years. The only problem that I encountered with it was a premature burn in which caused dark lines along the top edge of the screen. Since I had purchased the AppleCare plan, they replaced the entire screen at no charge. What other company would do that? At any rate, this latest version, while very similar to my previous one, has a significantly nicer screen. It appears to be less reflective than on my old one and is also much thinner. I'm still using the Logitech wireless mouse I used with my old computer, but will probably give the Apple Magic Mouse a try very soon. I also have the latest version of the iPad and iPod Touch and find that the integration of the two with the iMac is fantastic. The iMac comes with 4 USB ports, which is one area in which I would like to see improved. I have 6 USB devices, so it was necessary for me to purchase an external USB adapter. With that said, there are really no negatives to add about this latest edition. The latest iMac is super sleek and highly functional. As with all Apple products, once you start using them, you'll never look back. One added note, my advice to Apple newcomers is to purchase the AppleCare extended service plan. You'll find it to be invaluable whenever you have a question or an issue of any kind. It is well worth the money spent.
on December 8, 2012
This is my first iMac and it is amazing. After 20 years of using a PC, our family has converted to Apple products over the past couple of years. The integration with iPhones, iPads, and our Mac Air is great. Apple really knows how to get it right where Windows only tries.
I have used other older iMacs at work. This one functions very similar, but the improvements over the last one are critical. First, the monitor is not nearly as reflective as the pst. In addition, the image is right at the front of the screen (similar to what you find with a laptop, as opposed to sunken back a quarter inch like in the past.
Second, the system is just a little more robust than the older base models. In addition to the higher ram, you now get the USB 3 technology which helps for connecting things like external drives.
I was a little skeptical about not having an optical drive, but I can't remember the last time I actually used an optical drive. If I ever need one, they are easy to find cheap.
If you use other Apple products (such as an iPhone or iPad), I would suggest this over a Windows PC.
I have used other older iMacs at work. This one functions very similar, but the improvements over the last one are critical. First, the monitor is not nearly as reflective as the pst. In addition, the image is right at the front of the screen (similar to what you find with a laptop, as opposed to sunken back a quarter inch like in the past.
Second, the system is just a little more robust than the older base models. In addition to the higher ram, you now get the USB 3 technology which helps for connecting things like external drives.
I was a little skeptical about not having an optical drive, but I can't remember the last time I actually used an optical drive. If I ever need one, they are easy to find cheap.
If you use other Apple products (such as an iPhone or iPad), I would suggest this over a Windows PC.
on January 1, 2013
I've been an Apple fanboy since the Apple IIe. I've probably owned a dozen over the years -- including a cube. Macs just never disappoint.
This 21.5 inch iMac has a fantastic screen, it's quick and silent. The computer, as they say, just works.
After using a Logitech wireless scrolling mouse for a half dozen years, along with an Apple extended keyboard, I was worried that I'd be dissatisfied with the new Apple bluetooth cordless mouse and keyboard. Not to worry. They're very usable and fast. I kind of wish Apple would offer a bluetooth extended keyboard, just because the extended board is much handier for number entry.
I'm a bit uncomfortable with the absence of a DVD drive, but I suspect I'll get over it. After all, I got over not having floppy drives and super discs.
I know I'm a troglodyte because I'd rather use a desktop machine than an iPhone or iPad. But, for me, it works.
This 21.5 inch iMac has a fantastic screen, it's quick and silent. The computer, as they say, just works.
After using a Logitech wireless scrolling mouse for a half dozen years, along with an Apple extended keyboard, I was worried that I'd be dissatisfied with the new Apple bluetooth cordless mouse and keyboard. Not to worry. They're very usable and fast. I kind of wish Apple would offer a bluetooth extended keyboard, just because the extended board is much handier for number entry.
I'm a bit uncomfortable with the absence of a DVD drive, but I suspect I'll get over it. After all, I got over not having floppy drives and super discs.
I know I'm a troglodyte because I'd rather use a desktop machine than an iPhone or iPad. But, for me, it works.
