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We have collected 7 reviews of the Apple iMac 21.5 Inches. Experts rate Apple iMac 21.5 Inches 8/10. Reviewsor.com helps you find reviews, best prices, user reviews of the Apple iMac 21.5 Inches and Apple Desktop computers.
Whether you like it or not, Apple is never short of emotive adjectives to describe its products, including this new iMac. So it's with great pleasure that we're reviewing the 'ultimate all-in-one', otherwise known as the 2011 21.5" iMac, in its most basic configuration (i.e. with none of Apple's optional extras). There's been no change in the iMac's overall design—even as time goes by this design just doesn't seem to age. However, we still don't like the super-shiny screen and the glossy bezel that picks up the slightest finger and palm print. The keyboard hasn't changed a bit. It's the same size as the keyboard on a MacBook Pro, and it's fairly pleasant to type with—even if we think it would be a little more comfortable if it was slightly bigger. As it is though, gamers (oh yes, you can play games on a Mac) will no doubt prefer to invest in a different model, particularly because the Fn key is to the left of the Control key, so you may end up pressing the wrong one by accident. Note that when ordering your iMac, you can instead choose a keyboard with a numeric keypad, for an extra charge, although this is wired rather than wireless.
Apple's new 2011 iMac range retains the form factor of the 2010 models, but enjoys a very significant component upgrade. Second-generation quad core Intel Core i5 processors are used throughout the 2011 iMac lineup - which includes two 21.5-inch models and two 27-inch models - where previously all but the most expensive model had dual Core i3s. New graphics give up to three times the power of the mid-2010 iMacs, and the Thunderbolt port could revolutionise I/O technology.The 2011 21.5-inch iMac reviewed here is the new range's entry-level model, costing £999. It offers a quad core Intel 2.5GHz Core i5 processor, a great leap forward from the dual core 3.06GHz Core i3 used in the cheapest 2010 release. Its discrete graphics chip is a powerful AMD Radeon HD 6750M, with 512MB of GDDR5 memory, up from an ATI Radeon HD 4670 with 256MB of GDDR3 RAM. The Mini DisplayPort has been replaced by a Thunderbolt port, Intel's exciting new I/O technology that can support up to six daisy-chained peripherals and data transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps in both directions.
Performance, as a rule, jumps up every generation or so, and the Apple iMac 21.5-inch (Thunderbolt) ($1,199 list) is no exception. With a second-generation Intel Core i5 processor and DX11-compatible AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics, the newest iMac adds class-leading performance to the already iconic iMac chassis. The newest, hottest Thunderbolt interface is the gravy. If you're a Mac user upgrading a 2005 Mac, or if you're new to the Mac fold, the entry-level iMac is a compelling choice that will keep you happy for the next 5 to 7 years. On the outside, the new iMac 21.5-inch (Thunderbolt) is identical to the previous Apple iMac 21.5-inch (Core i3) ($1,199 list, 4 stars), including the same glass-covered 21.5-inch 1080p panel, wireless keyboard and mouse, and even the same row of I/O ports in the back. The one notable exception is that the older deesktop's mini DisplayPort has been replaced with a Thunderbolt port. Even though they look physically identical, the Thunderbolt port is capable of dual-channel 10Gbps communication, much faster than USB 2.0, USB 3.0, FireWire, or eSATA.
Out with the 24-inch and in with the iMac-21.5 inch! A decision with important consequences as you must jump straight to the iMac 27-inch if you want a bigger screen. The good news is that the lowest priced iMac is now more affordable, with Apple also taking the opportunity to improve the performance levels of the range at the same time. Apple are unequivocal, the iMac is "the ultimate all-in-one, Turbo version"! The allure of this new iMac 21.5-inch 2010 hasn't changed. This all-in-one still looks good on a desk thanks to a studied aesthetic and irreprochable aluminium finish. The minimalist style so dear to Apple is once again in evidence here: you just need one power cable for your iMac and it is well hidden behind the base. It's clean and clear with nothing making the desk look untidy. The choice of a glossy coating for the screen is however debatable. Best not to touch the black zone that picks up fingerprints all too easily. With the iMac, Apple still supplies the tiny laptop type (or should we say MacBook) . Very light and nice to use in spite of the narrow buttons. When ordering, you can go for a corded model and/or a keyboard with a number pad. The keyboard is accompanied by the Apple Magic with its debatable design.
The mid-2010 refresh of Apple's iMac range is more radical than it looks. Although they have the same form factor as their immediate predecessors, under-the-hood component upgrades take the respected all-in-one desktop range to a new level. As before, there are four off-the-shelf models on offer, with substantial opportunities to customise your machine of choice by ordering through the Apple online store. Two of the new iMacs (including this one) have 21.5-inch screens, with the other two offering massive 27-inch displays. All iMacs now use Intel's new Core i-series processors, with the mid-2010 upgrades retiring the ageing Core 2 Duos. Three of the four new iMacs use entry-level Core i3 CPUs, with the most expensive in the line giving you a quad-core Core i5. If you're not satisfied with Core i3s, all but the cheapest Core i3 iMacs can be upgraded to dual-core Core i5s, and the top-of-the-range model can be boosted to a Core i7. Graphics processors have also had a boost, giving up to three times the graphical power of the previous range.
The Apple iMac 21.5-inch (Core i3) ($1,199 list) is the latest version of the entry-level iMac all-in-one desktop. It swaps out its previous iteration's Intel Core 2 Duo CPU and Nvidia integrated graphics for a newer dual-core Intel Core i3 processor and ATI discrete graphics. Apple upgraded the iMac's internal components, but left the exterior untouched - going with the philosophy "don't try to fix what ain't broken." The $1,199 iMac is the system that can convert your friend/relative/significant other into one of the Mac faithful, and it (still) makes a great base station for an iPod, iPhone, or iPad. It has a great design, stellar performance, and a reasonable price. For all these reasons and more, the Apple iMac 21.5-inch regains the Editors' Choice for mid-priced all-in-one desktops. The chassis of the new iMac 21.5-inch (Core i3) is identical to that of the previous iMac 21.5-inch (Core 2 Duo) ($1,199 direct, ) and a smaller version of the 27-inch Apple iMac - made of aluminum with black-bordered glass. For connectivity, the iMac 21.5-inch (Core i3) is fitted at the back with 4 USB ports, one FireWire 800, and a Mini DisplayPort output port. This means you can hook the iMac up to external monitors like the new 27-inch LED Apple Cinema Display.
Though Apple's high-end ($2000+) iMacs are the first all-in-one PCs with Core i5 and Core i7 processor options--not to mention big and beautiful 27-inch displays--the cheapest iMacs now all come with 3.06GHz Core 2 Duo processors. These entry-level $1200 and $1500 iMacs both feature 21.5-inch displays (and replace the 20-inch iMac from early 2009), while the 27-inch 3.06GHz iMac is now the middle ground in price at $1700. Here we look at the $1200 iMac, tested using Boot Camp and 64-bit Windows 7. This budget iMac has a 21.5-inch LED-backlit screen, a 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 duo processor, 4GB of 1066 DDR3 SDRAM, a 500GB hard drive, a DVD writer, and nVidia GeForce 9400M graphics that shares up to 256MB of main memory. As mentioned, it's a $1200 system that replaces an early 2009 model with a 20-inch display, a 2.66GHz Core 2 Duo processor, and 2GB of memory. That older model featured the same nVidia graphics as well as the same price. (The next step up in the iMac line costs $1500, and has largely the same specs save for a 1TB hard drive and ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics with 256MB of dedicated GDDR3 graphics memory.
| Retailer | Information | Prices | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Apple 21.5" Imac A1311 Lga775 Logic Board 661-5305 661-5307 820-2494-a Mb950ll/a | $349.99 | See it |
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Apple iMac MC309LL/A 21.5-Inch Desktop (NEWEST VERSION) | $1120.43 | See it |
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Apple iMac MC309LL/A 21.5-Inch Desktop (NEWEST VERSION) | $1139.99 | See it |
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Apple MC309LL/A iMac with 21.5" LED-Backlit LCD Display Desktop Computer | $1159.88 | See it |
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Apple iMac 21.5" 2.5GHz Intel Core i5, 4GB memory, 500GB hard drive | $1199 | See it |
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Apple iMac MC812LL/A 21.5-Inch Desktop (NEWEST VERSION) | $1409.99 | See it |
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Apple MC812LL/A iMac with 21.5" LED-Backlit LCD Display Desktop Computer | $1412.88 | See it |
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Apple iMac MC812LL/A 21.5-Inch Desktop (NEWEST VERSION) | $1419.99 | See it |
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Apple iMac 21.5" 2.7GHz Intel Core i5, 4GB memory, 1TB hard drive | $1499 | See it |
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Apple iMac 21.5" MC812LLA 2.7GHz i5 4GB RAM 1TB7k HDD | $1499 | See it |