Apple is at it again with the announcement of a new iMac that is 24 inches in size. The latest announcement is a huge step forward for iMacs and is a state-of-the-art version of the product line.
This latest iMac is finally going to be in the hands of customers on May 21st after the initial announcement and pre-order went live on April 30th.
Overall Upgrades
The iMac sports a brand new look that is quite modern and is a much-needed update. The previous iMac models were only 21.5 inches with a 27-inch version also available.
The new size isn’t completely obvious but it is a good default screen size for the new model. It is also significantly more thin than the previous version and also lighter. This means the setup and portability are better overall.
The new iMac has a better Magic Keyboard than previous models along with an upgraded Magic Mouse, which can also be switched for a Magic Trackpad for an additional $50. Getting both will cost an additional $129.
The new iMac also will be released in seven colors, which gives literally something for everyone in that area. The aforementioned Mouse, Magic Keyboard and Trackpad will also be shipped in the same color to match the computer. In addition, the macOS Big Sur system will match that color too.
Perhaps the biggest new addition to the new line of iMacs is that they come equipped with the Apple M1 chip. In the past, the iMacs used Intel hardware.
The M1 chip has been one of the brightest points in recent Apple releases and this is no exception. The OS is very quick and apps and programs work quite well. Users can still use old programs with Apple’s Rosetta 2 app, which makes the upgrade a no-brainer.
The new iMac also has an excellent 4.5K Retina screen and an excellent camera of the highest quality. In addition, the iMac comes equipped with a decent sound and speaker system that should make it fairly easy for anyone to watch videos and join video conferences.
Drawbacks
There are a few small drawbacks to consider. There are more powerful computers on the market, and there is no dedicated graphics card.
In addition, buyers are unable to use an external GPU with the memory capped at 16 GB. These issues might not make this the best option for those looking for something a bit more powerful.
Costs and further upgrades
Those are just a few of the drawbacks though for a select group. Overall, the new iMacs are definitely something to consider. They will be available at the same price as the previous version at approximately $1,299. This model has a 7 core M1 chip along with 8GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD.
The $1,499 version has a few more options as far as color along with USB-C ports. It also has an 8 core M1 chip with the same other specifications as the $1,299 model.
Of course, those who would like to can upgrade further by adding more storage or RAM. The best model costs $2,499 and has 16GB of RAM along with 2TB of SSD.
Who should buy it
This new iMac is best for those looking for a computer that can do it all with great design. It is also a good buy for those who want a top-notch screen or do a fair amount of content creation.
On the other hand, it isn’t necessarily the best option for those on a budget or are hardcore gamers looking for the best option when it comes to graphics. It is also not the top option when it comes to being able to implement too many upgrades.
