The 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer from Apple is a sleek all-in-one computer with a stunning 16:9 HD display. Capable of displaying 1080p HD video at full resolution, the display features a LED backlight and IPS panel technology for superior image quality. The iMac sports a sleek aluminum and glass industrial design, with a matching wireless slimline aluminum keyboard. Apple's innovative wireless Magic Mouse is included for cursor control, giving desktop users the powerful Multi-Touch input capabilities that have, up to this point, only been available in Mac laptops.
The built-in iSight camera hides discreetly above the LCD screen, giving you ready access to a webcam for Internet chat and conferencing. The included iChat and Photo Booth applications allow you to chat online and take fun self-portraits with the camera. You'll be able to download pictures from your digital camera directly into iPhone thanks to the built-in SD card slot, and you can connect peripherals to the system via USB 2.0 and FireWire-800.
iLife '11, a complete suite of digital creativity applications, is installed on the system. Easy enough for anyone to use, iLife will help you edit your home movies, organize digital photos, and compose original music. The system is also powerful enough to run Apple's professional-level applications, perfect for those who are ready to move up to the next level of creative software.
The computer is powered by a dual-core 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor for superior performance. It boasts 4GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, dual-band 802.11n Airport Extreme Wi-Fi, integrated speakers, and the SuperDrive DVD burner. The glossy 21.5" widescreen display is powered by nVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics with 256MB of GDDR3 memory.
All this hardware runs on Apple's Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard operating system. The 64-bit OS features Time Machine backup, which automatically backs up system data to an external hard drive. It also features intuitive Cover Flow navigation, the powerful Spotlight search tool, and Quick Look document preview. You'll be able to use Boot Camp to run Windows on your Mac, or Front Row to turn your Mac into an impressive media player.
The iMac is a strikingly elegant computer that will feel at home on virtually any desk.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Processor | 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo |
| Cache | L2: L2: 3MB |
| Bus Speed | 1066MHz |
| Hardware Platforms |
Slots: 4x SO-DIMM Type: PC3-8500 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM SO-DIMM Installed: 4GB (2x2GB) Capacity: 16GB |
| Display |
Type: LED-Backlit Glossy Widescreen TFT Active-Matrix LCD with IPS Technology Size: 21.5" Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Colors: Millions of colors at all resolutions Viewing Angle: 178° horizontal, 178° vertical Brightness: 320cd/m2 |
| Graphics Display Card | nVIDIA GeForce 9400M with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory |
| Storage and Expansion | |
|---|---|
| Hard Drive |
Bays: 1x Installed: 500GB, 7200rpm Type: Serial ATA |
| Optical Drive |
1x Slot-loading 8x SuperDrive Reads CD: 24x DVD: 8x Writes CD-R: 24x CD-RW: 16x DVD-R: 8x DVD-RW: 6x DVD-R DL: 4x DVD+R: 8x DVD+RW: 8x DVD+R DL: 4x |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Ports |
1x 9-Pin FireWire-800 4x USB 2.0 |
| Display Output | 1x Mini DisplayPort output port with support for DVI, VGA, and dual-link DVI (adapters sold separately). |
| Audio |
2x Integrated Stereo Speakers with two internal 17W high-efficiency amplifiers 1x Integrated Microphone 1x Headphone/Optical Digital Audio Output (Minijack) 1x Audio Line-In/Optical Digital Audio Input (Minijack) |
| Video | None |
| Communications | |
|---|---|
| Wired |
Network: 10/100/1000 Gigabit BASE-T Ethernet connector (RJ-45) Modem: None |
| Wireless |
Wi-Fi: AirPort Extreme 802.11a/b/g/n Bluetooth: Bluetooth 2.1+EDR |
| Webcam | 1x Integrated iSight Camera |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard |
| Security | None |
| Power Requirements |
Meets ENERGY STAR 5.0 requirements AC: 100-240VAC, 50-60Hz Maximum Continuous Power: 241W |
| Environmental Requirements |
Operating Temperature: 50-95°F (10-35°C) Storage Temperature: -40-116°F (-40-47°C) Relative Humidity: 5-95%, noncondensing Maximum Altitude: 10,000' (3048 m) Typical Acoustical Performance: 18dBa sound pressure level at idle |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 20.8 x 17.75 x 7.4" (52.8 x 45.1 x 18.9cm) |
| Weight | 20.5 lb (9.3kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
The New iMac is Pure High-Quality!
I use this computer for organizing all my files and enjoying pure entertainment (from Facebook to Youtube to Hulu). It has been a easy-to-use tool as well as very convenient, which makes my ...Read complete review
I use this computer for organizing all my files and enjoying pure entertainment (from Facebook to Youtube to Hulu). It has been a easy-to-use tool as well as very convenient, which makes my daily web surfing and file digging simple and effortless. Although at first (being a Windows user), it was strange learning the new protocol of the Mac's operating system, but soon after, I found it to be quite simple and somewhat familiar to Windows. One of my favorite qualities about the new iMac is the visual aesthetics - the brightness and clarity of the screen is attractive and gives a happy ambiance in the room its in, helping me get all my work done more productively. Also, the wireless keyboard and mouse makes watching movies or surfing the web so comforting knowing you're in your bed all nice and cozy in the morning or before you go to bed!
Their were two things I didn't like. One, the Magic Mouse is sensitive and I keep making the mistake of scrolling when I'm just trying to move my mouse up the screen. Also, I could not figure out how to double click, so every time I want to double-click I have to use the keyboard control and click with my mouse (it doesn't do it on its own). So the Magic mouse will need some work because it just becomes a struggle sometimes. Two, it's kinda complicated to personalize and customize as well as delete old hardware or software (which Windows had down easy). But despite its difficulty, it doesn't mean it isn't doable. After getting some help, customizing it made my iMac literally work around me.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Applications Conflict
The computer is great for operation of basic graphic design software, however I found that Adobe Suite cannot run on this computer with your video editing Apple Final Cut Pro software. Adobe software script ...Read complete review
The computer is great for operation of basic graphic design software, however I found that Adobe Suite cannot run on this computer with your video editing Apple Final Cut Pro software. Adobe software script seems to interfere with proper disc building and formating.
Reviewed by 84 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer:
Very easy to set up and use.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer:
This computer does it all! My experience with Apple computers has been great, never had any issues with them. I really enjoy the size of the screen, it makes multi-tasking very convenient. This computer is very fast even when opening up multiple programs. I am very pleased with this purchase and would recommend it to anyone.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer:
good,good,good
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer:
wonderful business transaction!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer:
Things htat aren't so great about it
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer:
The Load Transfer Time Are Awesome I Really Enjoy My New Mac
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer:
Great machine with good computing power and large display for viewing multiple documents at the same time.
The product is used for office, artistic and educational applications.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer:
So easy to set up. Internet is quicker than ever. The design is sleek and the wide screen makes it so easy to read.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer:
I love my new iMac desktop. I was a disappointed that most of my pc programs, docs, etc. didn't work on the Mac but I'm slowly taking care of the problem.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer:
I use this machine for video editing. I use Avid Media Composer on it . I selected this model because it was the only offering a nvidea graphic card. The others are using ATI not a standard avid graphic card.
The processor power is enough and I updated the memory to 12gb.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer:
In use for about one week, I will use it for record keeping, photo editing and storing, most of all just for entertainment, education (never to late to learn something new) and fun. This computer was perfect out of the box.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer:
Great for editing pics and video.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer:
I've been using a PC for 30 years and finally bought an IMac. Simply put, the frustrations are all gone. I use it primarily for photography post production. It's simple, fast, has a beautiful screen, and works flawlessly. I am very happy with my purchase.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer:
It has been a wonderful experience working with the imac so far. It is fast and easy to use. The modern look is also a plus. I have absolutely no complaints on the imac. Five Stars.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer:
i knew it was going to be good. but its even better than i thaught
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer:
Fast and easy to use. Way better than the sucky PC products my dad uses.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer:
Can't say enough good things about this computer.
I had an original IMAC that I did not want to give up until I saw this.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer:
At only few hundred dollars more than a used Apple, the 21.5" iMac works beyond belief. It's about 10 - 12 times faster than my iBook G4. Whatever you do with your Mac will be done faster and easier on the new one.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer:
Confession: I have been a Mac user since '91 when I purchased the Quadra 605. Having several incarnations of both desktops and laptops from the Apple family (and an iTouch portable as a frivolous convenience) it comes as no surprise that when it came time to upgrade from my tired PowerBook g4, I looked at the new Macs. My use: I spend 8-9 hours a day on my computer as a copy editor and writer, not including the net surfing, movies, etc. I enjoy in my off-hours as well.Great Features: The 21.5" iMac with 10.6.4 and Intel Core duo processor definitely exceeds my expectations. I was up and running literally five minutes out of the box.It has more than sufficient speed, multi-tasking with several open applications is a breeze, the display's clarity and size are impressive and easy on my eyes even after a long day, and I'm an absolute fan of the smaller sized wireless keyboard and magic mouse.As a longtime laptop user, I find the touch pad feature of the magic mouse completely familiar, extremely comfortable, and incredibly intuitive to use. This is why I remain devoted to Mac computers. Their innovations, although wonderfully stylish, are equally utilitarian.I shopped around for the iMac 21.5" with OS 10.6, and found no one who could beat B&H's price. [...] I purchased a iOmega eGo firewire external drive at a great price the following week from them (which, by the way, works like a dream with iMac's Time Machine).My only complaint: I was having trouble waking up the iMac after it went to sleep. The problem was easily solved when I configured the energy saver for 3hrs. and the screen saver for 2hrs. From what I'm reading on MacHead sites, this is a problem Apple is aware of and is working on. I'm willing to let it be a minor inconvenience for now- but am glad I have AppleCare just in case.Bottom line: I couldn't be happier with my purchase.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer:
I am an academic. I have been a PC user for over twenty years, but never used a Mac. I bought the bottom-end iMac because, one, my current laptop is six years old, two, all my faculty colleagues who use Macs love them, three, as I've gotten more and more into photography, I have become less and less satisfied with the image quality of PC monitors, and, four, I'm cheap. Oh, and I really am tired of all the hacking problems associated with PC's. At first I was going to buy just the monitor, but the whole computer was not much more, so I decided to take the plunge. I bought the iMac primarly to process images. I have only had the iMac for a couple weeks and have used it less that ten hours. I am using it in my office (I don't have internet access at home - too cheap). That said - The image quality is awesome; I have never seen a PC that's even close. Pictures have details I just don't see on the PC. Flaws really stand out, too (unfortunately). There is no set up; just plug it in and turn it on. As a long-time PC user I am finding that there is a learning curve getting used to doing things the Mac way. Taking me a while, for instance, to get used to the fact that the menu bar is THE MENU BAR. There is, though, a certain elegance to the way the Mac does things that's not there on the PC. Apple does have a very extensive suite of tutorials, but I still bought myself a book, being the dummy that I am. My only concern so far is this: I use Canon's EOS software, ZoomBrowser for the PC and ImageBrowser for the Mac. I have been using ZoomBrowser now for well over a year, and since I don't do much editing, it has done what I need to do. Plus, I figured I would be able to go back and forth between the Mac and the PC. But - I'm finding some issues with ImageBrowser - images are locked for some reason, for instance - which I'm going to have to work through. I do intend to buy Lightroom. I could buy the Windows version and get the iMac set up to run Windows (I'm told there's a lot to it, but the university has techs who've done it many times). That way I could run in both environments. But then it really wouldn't be a Mac.
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »