The 27" 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 '09, 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 quad-core 2.8GHz Intel Core i7 processor for superior performance. It boasts 4GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, dual-band 802.11n Airport Extreme Wi-Fi, integrated speakers, and the SuperDrive DVD burner. The glossy 27" widescreen display is powered by ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics with 512MB 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 | 2.8GHz Intel Core i7 |
| Cache | L2: L3: 8MB |
| Bus Speed | None |
| 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: 27" Native Resolution: 2560 x 1440 Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Colors: Millions of colors at all resolutions Viewing Angle: 178° horizontal, 178° vertical Brightness: 375cd/m2 |
| Graphics Display Card | ATI Radeon HD 4850 with 512MB of GDDR3 memory |
| Storage and Expansion | |
|---|---|
| Hard Drive |
Bays: 1x Installed: 1TB, 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). Supports input from external DisplayPort sources (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: 365W |
| 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) | 25.6 x 20.4 x 8.2" (65 x 51.7 x 20.7cm) |
| Weight | 30.5 lb (13.8kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Best Computer Purchase in Years
I use the iMac for both work and home (I'm a contractor working from home). It's an amazing machine. The screen is very bright, and even though it's glossy, reflections don't really ...Read complete review
I use the iMac for both work and home (I'm a contractor working from home). It's an amazing machine. The screen is very bright, and even though it's glossy, reflections don't really bother me. Color is really, really accurate. Apple did the right thing by going with the IPS technology. The resolution is also very high, and coming from a 17" monitor it seems like all the space in the world. But, and this will really depend on how you work, I have quickly adapted and found myself using every available pixel.What's great about the Core i7 is that it's super fast, and with 4 cores I can run Windows 7 (or any other OS, like WinXP) under Parallels and give it 2 cores so that both OSes run speedily. And, while 4 GB RAM is good, if you're going to be running Windows alongside Mac OS X regularly you should consider adding another 4 GB. All modern OSes seem to be RAM hungry. Even when running Ubuntu under Parallels it seems like it wants at least 1 GB RAM. Otherwise, if you're going to using Mac OS X primarily then 4 GB RAM should hold you.The bundle I bought from B&H included Parallels 5 for free and Bento. I haven't really used Bento, but it's nice to know I have it. As for gaming, I have some older games for Windows that run just fine in Parallels. Newer games (from the last couple of years) seem to run fine under Mac OS X, as well. And, while I like FPS, I'm really more a casual gamer, so I'm don't have the latest and greatest titles to play. Still, the video card is very capable, and with the Core i7 I'm pretty certain modern games will run just fine.The only downside to this machine, whether you're a longtime Mac user or new to the platform, is that the Magic Mouse likes to eat batteries. The included batteries lasted maybe 3 weeks. Since changing the batteries I try to turn the mouse off whenever it's not in use. That seems to help. Oh, also, consider the size of the 27" iMac, it is big. Big enough to use as a TV. The 21.5" iMac uses the same screen tech and might be a better fit for smaller spaces, though those models only have the Core 2 Duo.Pretty much, I'm extremely happy with my purchase. Any downsides are really small detail things, and things you'll run into from other brands (especially the mouse battery life issue). Otherwise, build quality is the usually high Apple standard, B&H was wonderful in helping me order,[...]
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Most Liked Negative Review
My first Apple Computer
I am a semi pro photographer and a retired computer eng. I have never owned a mac computer so I thought it was time to buy one. I have always built my PCs so ...Read complete review
I am a semi pro photographer and a retired computer eng. I have never owned a mac computer so I thought it was time to buy one. I have always built my PCs so I will comment further after I have had a chance to setup my apple and use it.
Reviewed by 17 customers
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Comments about Apple 27" iMac Desktop Computer:
I use CS5, safari, and Lightroom both open on 27" screen, wonderful for seeking tutorials and applying information learned at once.
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Comments about Apple 27" iMac Desktop Computer:
If I could give it 4.5/5 I would, only because of a few minor problems. The top gets REALLY HOT when it has been on for aonly a few hours, running Final Cut, but according to Apple that is to be expected. The other thing is that if the computer is off and I turn it on, it does not work the first time. I have to unplug the actual power chord and then turn it back on, but it always works the second time. I exchanged the computer because of that and my replacement still has it, so I gave up... Other than that, the computer is absolutely amazing! When I was upgrading from my 20" (2006) iMac, I was pretty sure the people at [...] would persuade me to go with a Mac Pro, but mainly due to the new i7 processor and the screen, I went with this one! It can even handle 4k video from a RED camera. It rendered out a color correction in color at 4k no problem... And when I edit HD footage from my Canon 7D, it performs so so so well!
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Comments about Apple 27" iMac Desktop Computer:
Hey everyone, the imac (27" i7) that I bought from b&h is flawless. Does not have the yellow screen. Does not have the high-pitch whine due to the brightness of the panel. Customer Reps over the phone were very chill and friendly with all my questions regarding returns and such. The computer itself is blazing. I came from a mac pro xeon (first gen), the imac is much more snappier. Everything is great about this computer. Best part is that its SILENT!!! The fans will rev up when doing intensive work, but for the day to day, its like working on a laptop! [...]All in all, B&H is a winner.
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Comments about Apple 27" iMac Desktop Computer:
I've only had my new iMac for a couple weeks, and have not really put it through its paces yet, but so far so good! [...]very easy to set up (take out of box, plug in, turn on mouse, ta-da done; a few update downloads and re-starts and even more done!). Beautiful picture. SILENT running. I leave it on all the time, just put the screen to sleep when I'm not using it. It's in my bedroom and makes NO noise. I've used it primarily as my TV so far; I need to move it to the living room (don't have the desk yet) and then I'll really try some things out - video editing, etc - but it looks like it'll be fun and FAST!
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Comments about Apple 27" iMac Desktop Computer:
I am a semi pro photographer and a retired computer eng. I have never owned a mac computer so I thought it was time to buy one. I have always built my PCs so I will comment further after I have had a chance to setup my apple and use it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple 27" iMac Desktop Computer:
I use the iMac for both work and home (I'm a contractor working from home). It's an amazing machine. The screen is very bright, and even though it's glossy, reflections don't really bother me. Color is really, really accurate. Apple did the right thing by going with the IPS technology. The resolution is also very high, and coming from a 17" monitor it seems like all the space in the world. But, and this will really depend on how you work, I have quickly adapted and found myself using every available pixel.What's great about the Core i7 is that it's super fast, and with 4 cores I can run Windows 7 (or any other OS, like WinXP) under Parallels and give it 2 cores so that both OSes run speedily. And, while 4 GB RAM is good, if you're going to be running Windows alongside Mac OS X regularly you should consider adding another 4 GB. All modern OSes seem to be RAM hungry. Even when running Ubuntu under Parallels it seems like it wants at least 1 GB RAM. Otherwise, if you're going to using Mac OS X primarily then 4 GB RAM should hold you.The bundle I bought from B&H included Parallels 5 for free and Bento. I haven't really used Bento, but it's nice to know I have it. As for gaming, I have some older games for Windows that run just fine in Parallels. Newer games (from the last couple of years) seem to run fine under Mac OS X, as well. And, while I like FPS, I'm really more a casual gamer, so I'm don't have the latest and greatest titles to play. Still, the video card is very capable, and with the Core i7 I'm pretty certain modern games will run just fine.The only downside to this machine, whether you're a longtime Mac user or new to the platform, is that the Magic Mouse likes to eat batteries. The included batteries lasted maybe 3 weeks. Since changing the batteries I try to turn the mouse off whenever it's not in use. That seems to help. Oh, also, consider the size of the 27" iMac, it is big. Big enough to use as a TV. The 21.5" iMac uses the same screen tech and might be a better fit for smaller spaces, though those models only have the Core 2 Duo.Pretty much, I'm extremely happy with my purchase. Any downsides are really small detail things, and things you'll run into from other brands (especially the mouse battery life issue). Otherwise, build quality is the usually high Apple standard, B&H was wonderful in helping me order,[...]
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Comments about Apple 27" iMac Desktop Computer:
This computer is incredibly fast and able to handle anything I throw at it. The screen is huge and crystal clear. I run some pretty heavy duty software and the computer still doesn't strain to perform.
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Comments about Apple 27" iMac Desktop Computer:
This is a very fast mac, the reason I gave it 4/5 stars is due to its hefty price tag and that sorry excuse for a keyboard. I do like their new magic mouse, but that keyboard is missing the numeric keyboard and it just feels too small. The Intel i7 2.8ghz is definitely a worthy processor. This is my first mac as I am moving to Final Cut Pro as my main editing machine and it handles High Definition quite well. I purchased an additional 4GB of ram and installed it myself and the machine is just very responsive with HD footage.
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Comments about Apple 27" iMac Desktop Computer:
I use my mac for video and music production. And all I can say "it's a dream". This mac will make me money!!
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Comments about Apple 27" iMac Desktop Computer:
We produce video for corporate clients and upgraded from the 24" imac for editing. The 27" Wide screen is simply stunning and video, especially HD is a big WOW factor on this baby. There was an issue with screen flicker after a day or two which was pretty disturbing for a 2K computer. Apple seems to have fixed this with a software patch. Apple had a three week wait for the i7 option but B&H had one ready to go. Their buying power combined with best-in-the-industry service cannot be beat! B&H is the only serious choice in video production for us.
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Comments about Apple 27" iMac Desktop Computer:
This computer replaced my 17" white iMac with the Core 2 Duo processor. That was actually the last of the white iMacs.
On my old machine it would take almost 2 hours to rip a DVD movie. On this machine it takes 25 to 35 minutes!
I also have Windows 7 Ultimate flawlessly running on it via Bootcamp and Parallels. I even threw Ubuntu on there as well.
I am constantly trying to push it to its limits, and so far I have not succeeded. It just keeps out performing my expectations.
I went with the i7 because I read some benchmark reviews that it would get as much as a 30% increase over the i5 model which does not have hyperthreading. I figured for an extra $200 it was worth it. I didn't want to have the same regret of not getting the better machine like I did when I bought the white iMac over 3 years ago.
If you can afford it, definitely go with the i7 27". However, if price is an issue and all you're going to be doing is basic computing, then either the Core 2 Duo or the 21.5 versions will suffice.
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Comments about Apple 27" iMac Desktop Computer:
This replaced a two-year-old 24" iMac and managed to improve upon it in every way.
Had none of the much-publicized problems affecting many buyers: screen wasn't cracked, didn't flicker, and wasn't yellow. The ATI video card already had the latest firmware and didn't need the update Apple recently released.
The LED-backlit 2560x1440 screen is amazing, especially when it turns on with full brightness immediately. Terabyte hard drive is much more than I need. Quad-core processor with hyperthreading reduces Photoshop tasks from several seconds to almost instant.
Still getting used to the smaller keyboard, but the Magic Mouse is a welcome upgrade over the old Mighty Mouse, whose mechanical scroll wheel was prone to gumming up after several months of use.
My only very minor complaint is that the 27" iMac is a little bit louder (fan noise) than the 24" iMac it replaced, although this is understandable given the 24" had laptop-caliber parts, while the 27" has, for the first time ever in an iMac, a quad-core desktop processor, which certainly generates more heat.
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Comments about Apple 27" iMac Desktop Computer:
I use this mac mainly to edit video and photos. It is fast and the screen makes the colors to jump out. [...] Everything is great about this machine. Excellent
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Comments about Apple 27" iMac Desktop Computer:
average user.music pictures,and video.
the new mac is blazing fast,and simple to use.
there is nothing i dislike about this mac
my pictures on the computer look fantastic.
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Comments about Apple 27" iMac Desktop Computer:
Pros:
- Amazing color depth on the display
- Fast & quiet
- Imported my old Mac mini via a Time Machine backup
- DisplayPort input works with my Windows 7 PC (Radeon 4890)
Cons:
- Case gets hot (about 90 degrees)
- Needs more RAM to use Parallels
- Mac computer part has to be on to use as a monitor for another PC
- Magic mouse is very cool, but tracks way, way, way TOO SLOW
- No MIC input (only line in)
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Comments about Apple 27" iMac Desktop Computer:
Use with 3-D applications. The width is fantastic. The cracked screen - manufacturer defect. Apple Customer Service replaced in 1-Day turn time.
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Comments about Apple 27" iMac Desktop Computer:
The width is beautiful. The speed is amazing. Using it to create 3-D renderings. The only disappointment was the screen was cracked in the bottom left corner upon arrival. A manufacturer defect not shipping. The Apple Store replaced the glass while I waited. Everything was great. You will not regret this iMac - except for the small keyboard. Buy the larger keyboard. The new mouse is different but awesome!
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