A few weeks ago I wrote about the all new iMacs Apple released just some time ago including a model with a all new Retina 5k Display.
In this article I thought I’d go through the different iMac models available, highlighting their differences in the hope to help you make the right decision in which iMac is best suited for you.
What is an iMac?
I’ll keep this brief as there is a lot of information on the Apple Online Store on what a iMac actually is. To keep it simple it’s Apple’s all-in-one desktop Mac, meaning the computer is actually behind the screen.
In the words of Apple: “The all-new iMac packs high-performance processors into an aluminum and glass enclosure with up to 40 percent less volume than its predecessor and an edge that measures just 5 mm thin.”
iMac Models
This year Apple has six different iMac models to choose from, mainly varying in storage, display, performance and graphics.
Before I start keep in mind all models include the same pre-installed OS X Yosemite, Apps, Wireless Keyboard, Mouse, power lead and warranty.
So here are the current iMac line-up:
Display Sizes
One obvious and important difference between the models is the screen size.
- 21.5-inch (three models to choose from)
- 27-inch (two models to choose from)
- 27-inch 5k Retina (one model to choose from)
It’s important to remember the screen sizes are measured diagonally.
Size & Weight
With these different screen sizes there are big differences in the size of the iMac between the 21.5-inch and 27-inch sizes:
Which model to buy
As a guide below i’ve listed in a table the available iMac models, along with what their differences are and why the particular model is suitable for you.
| Model | Difference | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|
| 21.5-inch: 1.4GHz 1.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 Turbo Boost up to 2.7GHz 8GB memory 500GB hard drive Intel HD Graphics 5000 | N/A (Entry level) | - Internet, email etc - Document creation - Photo/Video editing |
| 21.5-inch: 2.7GHz 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz 8GB (two 4GB) memory 1TB hard drive Intel Iris Pro Graphics | - Faster - Double storage - Faster graphics | - Internet, email etc - Document creation - Advanced photo/video editing - Gaming |
| 21.5-inch: 2.9GHz 2.9GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz 8GB (two 4GB) memory 1TB hard drive NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M with 1GB video memory | - Faster - Faster graphics | - Internet, email etc - Document creation - Professional photo/video editing - High-end gaming |
| 27-inch: 3.2GHz 3.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz 8GB (two 4GB) memory 1TB hard drive NVIDIA GeForce GT 755M with 1GB video memory | - Bigger display - Faster - Better graphics | - Larger display - Internet, email etc - Document creation - Professional photo/video editing - High-end gaming |
| 27-inch: 3.4GHz 3.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz 8GB (two 4GB) memory 1TB hard drive NVIDIA GeForce GTX 775M with 2GB video memory | - Faster - Faster Graphics | - Larger display - Internet, email etc - Document creation - Extreme photo/video editing - Extreme gaming - CAD |
| 27-inch: 3.5GHz with Retina 5K display 3.5GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 Turbo Boost up to 3.9GHz 8GB (two 4GB) memory 1TB Fusion Drive AMD Radeon R9 M290X with 2GB video memory | - Retina 5k Display - Faster - Faster Graphics | - Want the best display - Internet, email etc - Document creation - Extreme photo/video editing - Extreme gaming - CAD |
iMac is available from the Apple Online Store with free delivery to your door.
If you’re after a discount be sure to look at the Educational Pricing from Apple.
