iMac family
Discover what key elements to look for when choosing your new desktop
The iMac sits in the middle of Apple’s desktop offerings, above the Mac mini and below the Mac Pro, making it the perfect choice for most users. The current 2015 range is available in a staggeringly wide array of configurations to suit all budgets and demands. Its latest updates introduced the first Retina 4K display to the 21.5-inch range, while also upgrading the 27-inch models to a Retina 5K display. Processor refreshes and the introduction of Thunderbolt 2 are other highlights.
The iMac is an all-in-one computer, which means it’s built into the display, and comes with wireless Apple Magic keyboard and Magic Mouse 2, so no cables to clutter up your desk. That said, there are plenty of ports around the back for hooking up your peripherals, including four USB 3.0 and two Thunderbolt 2 ports, as well as an SDXC slot for memory cards and a Gigabit Ethernet port.
When it comes to choosing your model, pay particular attention to the configurable options, specifically memory, storage and – to a lesser degree – processor. While 27-inch models allow you to upgrade the RAM yourself, if you’re choosing a 21.5-inch model you’ll need to pay up front for your upgrade to 16GB RAM (an eye watering £160) or get it fitted at a later date through your local Apple Retail Store or Authorised Service Provider.
Another consideration: if your chosen iMac comes with a regular hard drive, pay the £80 premium for an upgrade to a 1TB Fusion drive. It’ll add noticeable zip to system performance, especially in the entry level model.