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Apple’s iMacs are finally launching at the end of November. The company confirmed that the 21.5-inch model will be available at the end of the month, and those who want the 27-inch version will be able to preorder the all-in-one PC Nov. 30. However, the 27-inch model will not hit store shelves until December. So there will be a wait of a few additional weeks for that option.
Apple’s iMac line has been popular since it was introduced in 1998. In fact, it was the computer that helped put the Macintosh back on the map. On the inside, Apple’s new iMac line is a nice upgrade over the previous model. On the outside, however, it’s a major update that shouldn’t be overlooked by anyone looking to get their hands on a new computer. There are several all-in-one PCs on the market, but Apple’s new iMacs might just be tops.
From the iMac’s new design to its outstanding internal components, Apple’s latest computer launch is one any computer shopper will want to check out.
Read on to find out why the new iMacs are the very best all-in-one PCs available now.
1. Thinness matters
According to Apple, the new iMac is only 5mm thick at its edges. Granted, that’s only around the display, and it’s slightly thicker where the actual computer components sit, but it’s extremely thin compared with all other all-in-one PCs. When sitting on a desk, the iMac will be a conversation piece, and it’s not the first time that the iMac’s design has had that distinction.
2. Nice, big screen sizes
The essential feature for all-in-one PCs is screen size. That’s why the iMac is a winner. The 21.5-inch model just about matches many of the competitors on the market, including those from HP and Dell. The 27-inch model is massive for an all-in-one PC. Screen size matters greatly to today’s consumers and Apple knows it.
3. Don’t discount Mountain Lion
Apple’s latest iMacs run Mountain Lion, the new version of the company’s desktop operating system. With Mountain Lion, buyers will find an operating system that’s more secure than Windows and has more digital apps than Microsoft’s latest operating system edition, Windows 8. Is Mountain Lion perfect? Not a chance. But it’s easier to use than Windows 8. And that matters to today’s customers.
4. Apple’s track record is top-notch
When considering a computer purchase, customers must always think about the company that’s actually building it. Sometimes, companies have a poor or checkered track record for quality or innovative design; this makes buying one of their computers a dicey proposition. Other times, a company’s strong record makes their computers a must-have. Apple falls into the latter category, and it’s another reason the new iMacs will be successful.
Apple’s New iMacs Are the Best All-in-One PCs: 10 Reasons Why
5. Vastly reduced reflection
One of the biggest issues with past iMacs is that they had significant problems with screen glare when placed in rooms exposed to the sun or bright artificial lights. With its new display, Apple has reduced screen glare by 75 percent, putting it back on par with the majority of computer makers in the Windows ecosystem.
6. The IPS-LED connection is important
Apple has decided to deliver both LED and In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology in the iMac’s screen. That’s extremely important. With LED backlighting, the screen will deliver accurate colors and handle motion without much trouble. The addition of IPS ensures a bright picture that reduces viewing-angle issues. Plus, it should deliver high-definition quality resolution regardless of users’ viewing angle. The result will be a high-quality visual experience.
7. Power through processors
Apple has decided to bundle the latest Intel Core i5 and i7 processors into its iMacs. The 21.5-inch model comes with a 3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, while the 27-inch version boosts that to 3.4GHz. Granted, the Intel Core i5 comes standard, but even that processor shouldn’t be overlooked. Intel’s Core i5 and i7 processors are powerful and can handle most tasks, making the iMac a computer that should give users years of highly responsive computing.
8. Nvidia graphics support is nice
It’s clear that Apple wants to make the iMac a bit more gaming-focused. The 21.5-inch version comes with the customer’s choice of the Nvidia GeForce GT640M or 650M graphics processors. The 27-inch model has a GTX 660M, 675MX or 680MX. The processors aren’t top-of-the-line, but they’re powerful enough to deliver a pretty solid video and gaming experience. It’s nice to see Apple deliver that in the iMac–in light of the fact that few competitors actually see value in having high-quality graphics cards in all-in-one PCs.
9. Flash storage is available
Although much of the discussion surrounding the iMac has centered on its Fusion Drive, which combines the storage of a hard-disk drive with the speed of flash storage, the big story is that the 27-inch model can support up to 768GB of flash storage. With flash, users won’t need to worry about moving parts that could break down. Plus, flash responds faster than a hard-disk drive, ensuring better performance. Don’t overlook the value of flash in the iMac. It’s a feature seen far too sparingly in the all-in-one space.
10. USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt
You don’t think USB 3.0 is important? By adding that technology to the iMac, Apple’s USB ports can deliver transfer speeds of up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0. Even better, it comes with two Thunderbolt ports that allow users to connect a host of peripherals, including external drives, cameras, printers and other accessories. Plus, it supports daisy-chaining to deliver even more connectivity.