IMac 21.5 ", iMac 27.5" or iMac Retina 5K: what to choose?

Now on the market of the monoblock Apple has 3 basic models. The cheapest 21.5-inch iMac, the average 27-inch and the recently released iMac Retina 5K, which overshadowed all the computers your mind bending resolution.

Associates iMore resource compared their characteristics, and we share with you their opinion about who and what iMac to choose.

At the moment, on the Apple site, you can buy 6 models of iMac:

»

So they all have:

• combined headphone jack and microphone
• SDXC card slot for camera memory
• 4 USB 3.0
• 2 Thunderbolt
• Ethernet Port

This is a basic set of connectors that have all the iMac, starting with the cheapest model and ending with Retina 5K. Also, they all have WiFi 802.11 AC - the fastest standard for WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0 and a FaceTime HD camera.

21.5-inch iMac has a resolution of Full HD - 1920x1080. 27 inch - 2560h1440. Finally, the updated iMac Retina 5K has a resolution that is pixel 5120h2880. In numbers, it does not sound so cool, so take a look at the picture below.

It compares the resolution of 3 iMac.

If you do not pay attention to the screen (although this is difficult to do), the updated iMac - it's the same 27-inch iMac. He has 2 Thunderbolt ports with increased bandwidth and the same set of connectors. All eplovskie candy bars can be hung on the wall with a special mounting VESA, but it is necessary to specify when buying at the bottom of the site.

All iMac comes with a wireless keyboard and mouse from Apple and have a standard set of preinstalled software: iLife - iMovie, iPhoto and Garage Band, and iWork - Pages, Numbers and Keynote.

iMac come with a HDD, except iMac 5K Retina, the latter has a Fusion Drive. The minimum version - is the drive 1 TB with 128 GB SSD. However, the size of hard disk can be specified at purchase. Keep in mind that for every additional 256 GB SSD will have to pay 8000 rubles.

On the size of the hard disk you should pay special attention. If the processor is weak will not affect the performance of your computer, the insufficient number of places will give you a lot of trouble. You know better than anyone how much space you need, so you should start from their needs.

As for the type of disc, the best choice would be a SSD, but the SSD with a large amount of costs a lot of money, so take a look at the options with Fusion Drive. Or the HDD, if the performance is not the game for you a big role.

Possibility to upgrade your own iMac

Yes, but unfortunately not on all versions of the computer. Having bought the iMac 21.5 inch, you can not insert the RAM yourself, a 27-inch version is no such problem in it. Therefore, if you decide to take a 21.5 inch model, take it with so much RAM, which will be enough for comfortable work. If you chose the 27-inch model, it is necessary to take the iMac with a minimum amount of RAM and add it later on their own. This is done very simply and on the Apple site has formal instruction.

Who should buy the 21.5-inch iMac?

This is the cheapest the iMac, but it does not mean that it is not powerful enough. This computer is perfect for everyday tasks. The main thing is to pay attention to the amount of RAM - add it to your own will not work.

The model is much more compact and will take up less space. Unfortunately, this is accompanied by a slow hard drive, a weak processor and graphics. Therefore, if you need a computer for heavy and complex tasks, the iMac 21.5 will not work.

Who should buy the 27-inch iMac?

Without taking into account the Mac Pro, 27-inch iMac - it is the fastest computer from Apple. It is equipped with a very fast processor, it has an excellent screen with higher resolution and gives you the ability to upgrade your computer in the future on their own.

If the previous model is suitable for most daily tasks, the 27-inch iMac - it's very powerful work machine, which will cope with all the tasks entrusted to it.

Who should buy the iMac 5K Retina?

Not everyone needs a display with 15 million pixels, but there is a niche for him. For the most part - it is the people who create graphic content: photographers, designers. By the way, if you love Apple and have an unlimited supply of money, you can also buy the iMac 5K, because at the moment - is the most modern and one of the company's most powerful computers.

I hope we can help you make the right choice!

(via)