Why use an Imac?
The new iMac in 2016
Apple has been in the front line for quite some time now, they began with the apple desktops and now they also produce Apple iPhones, tablets, MacBook’s and iMac. Last year Apple brought the Retina display to their desktop product line the iMac. They introduced a jaw dropping 27-inch 5K screen although this version is quite expensive it’s still a great product and if you are lucky enough to afford one, you can be sure to receive an incredible capable machine that is both a consumer PC and professional workstation all in one. If the 27-inch is out of your league you can also opt for the 21.5-inch iMac. This version is cheaper than the 27-inch and features a 4K display. The prices start around 1400 Euro.
Why buy An IMac?
The question most people ask themselves is “Why buy An IMac? The iMac was first introduced in 1998. At first this machine had a very bulky CRT monitor. But nowadays the iMac is much slimmer and actually it’s incredibly thin. The best part is the whole computer is constructed behind the display. This makes the iMac very attractive, because you don’t need a lot of space for the iMac. But if we compare the specifications it’s also very clear that the iMac is a powerful machine in which most Windows PC’s cannot compare. The thunderbolt ports, the great display and retina display are only a few good reasons for you to buy the iMac.
Specifications of the iMac
The new iMac has the same aluminum-and-glass design as the previous versions. The ports are on the back and are mostly the same. The iMac is equipped with four USB3 inputs, two Thunderbolt ports, an SD card slot, gigabit Ethernet port and a headphone jack. According to Apple the new iMac produces more vibrant reds and greens and has a more true to life color scheme.
Display
The new iMac has a27-inch or a 21.5-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology. The 21.5inch has a resolution of 920 x 1080 pixels and supports millions of colors with a 4K Retina Display. The 27 inch contains a Retina display 5K with IPS technology and a resolution of 4096 x 2304 with support for millions of colors.
Processor
The new iMac 21.5-inch comes in a 1.6 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 (Turbo Boost up to 2.7 GHz) processor but you can also purchase the 2.8 GHZ model. This model has a 2.8GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 (Turbo Boost up to 3.3 GHz) processor. The 27-inch is equipped with an 3.1 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 (Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz) processor which is expandable to 3.3-GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 (Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHZ).
Price
The price for the 21.5 –inch with the 1.6Gh HZ processor is around € 1,279 and the 2.8 GHZ processor is around € 1,529. The iMac 27-inch with the 3.1 GHZ processor is around € 1,729. Although the iMac is a bit expensive it is actually worth every single cent.
Memory
Both the 21.5-inch and the 27-inch have an 8 GB 1867 MHz LPDDR3 memory built-in which is expandable up to 16 GB. Depending on the kind of programs you will be running the standard 8GB should actually be enough.
Storage
The 21.5 inch iMac has a storage of 1 TB. This hard drive is a 5400-rpm hard drive with 1 TB storage capacity. It’s expandable to a Fusion Drive of 1TB or 256GB flash storage (SSD) or a Fusion Drive of 2 TB or 256 GB flash storage (SSD). The 27-inch model also comes with a 5400-rpm hard drive with a 1 TB storage capacity. This model is expandable with a Fusion Drive of 2TB and 512GB flash storage (SSD).
Graphics
Video quality and graphical view is very important for Apple, that’s why they have high-end video cards added to their iMac models. The 21.5-inch is equipped with an Intel HD Graphics 6000, this model can also be purchased with an Intel Iris Pro Graphic 62 00 video card. The 27-inch is equipped with the Intel Iris Pro Graphics 6200 video card.
Video support and camera
The 21.5-inch is equipped with FaceTime HD camera which simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 3840 x 2160 pixels on an external display. This model can also be found with a FaceTime HD camera which simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 4096 x 2304 pixels on an external display. The 27-inch model is equipped with a FaceTime HD camera which simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 4096 x 2304 pixels on an external display. Both models support video mirroring.
Audio
Both the 21.5 inch and the 27 inch are equipped with Stereo speakers, two microphone outputs, a 3.5-mm headphone jack, headphone / optical digital audio output (mini jack) and support for Apple iPhone headset with microphone.
Magic Keyboard
The redesigned Magic Keyboard comes standard with the 21.5 inch and 27 inch iMac. This keyboard is wireless and rechargeable (so no need to replace batteries) and an ultra-compact design that makes it really slick and nice looking. The scissor mechanism is improved, the way the keys are pressed is optimized and the keyboard is slightly lower. Thus, you can accurately and comfortably type with this keyboard. Another fun fact is that the Magic Keyboard automatically pairs with your iMac.
Magic Mouse 2
The new and improved design of the Magic Mouse 2 is even smoother than the previous designs. The mouse moves smoothly over your desk. And since it supports multi-touch, you can use simple gestures to the surface. For example to go from one web page to another, just swipe and scroll. But if you prefer a wireless mouse, please rethink the benefits of Multi-Touch, because there is nothing better than the Magic Mouse 2.
Magic Trackpad
If you prefer to work with a trackpad then the iMac 21.5-inch and 27-inch has just the perfect trackpad. The Magic Trackpad 2 supports all Multi-Touch gestures and Force Touch. Sensors under the surface recognize how much pressure you apply to the trackpad. So your fingers can still manage better and have more possibilities to edit your content. This new design with its lower profile provides unprecedented ease of use.
Wireless features
Without Wi-Fi your computer is worthless because everybody enjoys the ease of connecting wireless to the internet. That why apple equipped the iMac with 802.11ac wireless Wi-Fi facilities. Both models are equipped with the same Wi-Fi hardware.
Bluetooth
Although Bluetooth is not really used anymore, it can still come in handy when you want to connect a Wireless Bluetooth device. The iMac is equipped with Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 technology. Which makes Bluetooth connection easy and sturdy.
Warranty and service
The IMac comes with a limited one-year Apple warranty and 90 days of free telephone technical support. If you purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan, you have up to three years right to expert telephone technical support and can take advantage of additional opportunities for repair of your hardware by Apple.
Operating system
Both models come pre-installed with the OS X El Capitan. El Capitan OS X leverages the hardware of your Mac, this OS is not only a pleasure to work with, but also pleasant to look at. OS X includes all kinds of apps which ensures that your iMac and your iOS devices work smoothly together. Seamlessly connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod to the iMac.
All these great specs in one device, is all the reason why you should buy an IMac.
