Although the form factor is unchanged, the 2011 Apple iMac refresh represents a significant step forwards for the popular all-in-one computer. Again consisting of two 21.5-inch models and two with 27-inch screens, the entire lineup has switched to Intel's Sandy Bridge processors, the second generation of the respected Core-i CPU series.
Quad core Intel Core i5s are used throughout, whereas the 2010 iMacs they replace used dual core Intel Core i3s in all but the most expensive model.
Our colleagues at T3.com grabbed some Apple iMac 27-inch footage which you can watch below.
The 27-inch iMac under review here is the priciest in the 2011 range, but instead of the quad-core 3.1GHz Intel Core i5 processor offered in the standard configuration, ours was fitted with a quad core 3.4GHz Core i7 CPU. This is available as a configure-to-order option on the online Apple store, costing £1,809 rather than the £1,649 quoted for the top-end off the shelf offering.
It's otherwise identical to the top-of-the-range 27-inch 3.1GHz iMac in the 2011 range. Its graphics processor is an AMD Radeon HD 6970M with 1GB of GDDR5 memory, up from an ATI Radeon HD 5750 in the top 2010 version, the 27-inch SSD.
Storage remains unchanged – a 1TB 7200rpm hard drive is installed as standard, with configuration options offering a 2TB drive, a 256GB solid-state drive or a combination of SSD and HDD.
Once again, it has 4GB of 1333MHz DDR3 memory out of the box, which can be expanded to 16GB either as an online configuration option or a post-market modification by the end user.
The 27-inch 2011 iMac's Mini DisplayPort has been dropped in favour of two Thunderbolt ports, an exciting new I/O technology that can support video as well as data.
You can plug a Mini DisplayPort monitor directly into a Thunderbolt port for use as a second screen, and it also acts as a video-in port, allowing you to use the iMac's huge 2560x1440 pixel 27-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen display as a screen for another device.
The FaceTime camera has been upgraded to HD, and the SD card reader now supports the SDXC format.
Your comments (6) Click to add a new comment
loftie
May 26th 2011
6. As much as I think iMacs look nice, I do still hold to the fact that that is all they are good for. Unless there is some specific piece of software only available on mac with no equivalent on Windows.
I'd still feel bad for buying one though, unless I'd won the lottery. There is just no way I could justify the price - and have they finally fixed the thermal issues on the iMacs? I remember the last lot getting worryingly hot to touch.
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doctortoolittle
May 21st 2011
5. Well, I've just bought one. My i7 has replaced an iMac G5 I got in 2006. It's a 27-inch i7 3.4Ghz with 8GB, 1TB HD and 2GB Radeon 6970M. As the review suggests, I got the extra memory fitted by the third party that sold me the Mac (Jigsaw) - the extra 4GB cost me only £38 ex VAT.
So why did I go for a top of the line iMac? Two reasons. First, I work for clients in the magazine industry. That means intensive use of Indesign and Photoshop. But even then the i7 is probably ticking along nicely. The second reason is longevity. I don't want to have to go out in another couple of years and buy another Mac. With any luck this one will last me five, six, seven, maybe even eight years.
One thing does worry me, though. I had to get the HD on my G5 replaced a couple of years ago, and that was a relatively simple fix by a third-party supplier. Recent reports suggest that if the HD goes on the new iMacs it can be replaced only by Apple. Fingers crossed it doesn't go bang!
Oh, and the reason I didn't wait for Lion to come out before buying is simply because I don't know if Indesign and other work-related software I run will function on it. Simple as that. If it turns out that it will, I'll upgrade later in the year.
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ripsnorter
May 20th 2011
4. Where the iMac 27-inch would excel is video editing, especially with a new version of Final Cut Pro coming along shortly. But the lack of an antiglare screen option puts paid to that.
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bradavon
May 20th 2011
3. Lion is out this year. Surely it would be better to wait now?
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muntyhoven
May 20th 2011
2. 6.5" desktop space=6.5 increase in desktop space, I me wrong=I may be wrong. Other rubbish English, sorry!
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muntyhoven
May 20th 2011
1. I'm confused at your verdict, are you saying that the 27"s problems is that it's too powerful? (PC users with non-notebook graphics will disagree but that's another point)
Surely customers who are going to spend this amount of money on a computer, as opposed to a cheaper laptop or standard desktop machine will have some idea of what they need such a machine for. Also they'll prob. know benefits of a bigger screen size (are creative professionals the only people who can appreciate the huge 6.5" desktop space - games, videos, everything benefits)
Some people may spend this amount of money on a machine to mainly use the http version of Facebook but they prob. have money to burn and/or love Apple to bits.
I'm trying not to pick and I me wrong but the review seems rather myopic.
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