By Joel Santo Domingo Though it's mainly a speed bump, the inclusion of the latest 4th-generation Intel Core i5 quad-core processor and Nvidia GeForce GTX 775M Kepler graphics made a world of difference for the Apple iMac 27-inch (Intel Core i5-4670) ($2,199 as tested). The newest iteration costs much less than previous iMacs costing significantly more (such as the Apple iMac 27-inch (Nvidia GeForce GTX 675M), which listed for $3,099), but it's just as fast, if not faster. The newest iMac (Intel Core i5-4670) even surpasses the previous all-around EC for high-end all-in-one desktops. Thanks to its improved performance and features, the latest Apple iMac 27-inch is also our latest Editors' Choice for high-end, all-in-one desktops.
Design and Features
The new Apple iMac looks identical to last year's Apple iMac 27-inch (Late 2012) ($2,668), and no wonder. Apple introduced the new iMac chassis last year, which is still all aluminum and glass, and still tapers down to about 5mm on all four edges around the screen. Apple was able to do this by eliminating the built-in DVD SuperDrive, saving quite a bit of heft. Apple likewise moved the SD (SDXC) card reader from the side to the back panel. While not a deal-breaker, moving the SD card slot to the back makes it inconvenient for users who simply want to transfer their pictures to from their camera to their iMac. In contrast, the previous high-end, all-in-one Editors' Choice Dell XPS 27 Touch All-in-One (2720) ($2,099) has a tray-loading DVD burner, the SD card reader, and a selection of ports on the side; hence the Dell is much thicker along the edge.
The base model of 27-inch iMac (Intel Core i5-4670) comes with a 3.4GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of memory, 1TB (non-Fusion hard drive (non-Fusion), 2,560 by 1,440 resolution 27-inch screen, and GeForce GTX 775M, and retails for $1,999. Apple sent us an upgraded model with a 1TB Fusion Drive with a total price of $2,199 (a $200 premium over the base model). The 1TB Fusion Drive is a paired set of a 1TB 7,200rpm SATA hard drive along with a 128GB PCIe Flash Storage unit (similar to a SSD). To get our exact review configuration is to go to Apple's online store, select the 3.4GHz version of the 27-inch iMac ($1,999), then click on the 1TB Fusion Drive button under "Storage." This should add $200 and make the subtotal $2,199. The Flash Storage stores OS X and any other system files all the time, while the OS monitors which apps and documents you use often. The system then shifts these oft-used files automatically to the Flash storage, so they are available without too much waiting time. Less used files and programs are physically stored on the spinning hard drive. In practice, this means that startups and application launches only take seconds, compared with up to a few minutes on older hard-drive-only system. Unlike a HDD+SSD setup on some Windows PCs, users won't have to do any file management themselves; the OS does that for you. The Macintosh HD icon shows all the files on both physical drives, so you don't have to remember if you saved your file to the Flash or to the hard drive. For more on Fusion drive, please read our article, 5 Things to Know About the Apple Fusion Drive. Depending on your budget, you can upgrade to a 3TB Fusion Drive, or even forgo the spinning hard drive and configure an iMac with up to a 1TB flash storage drive. You'll pay $1,000 over the $1,999 base price for the privilege.
As expected, the iMac (Intel Core i5-4670) doesn't have too much internal access for the end user. You can buy tools from sites like ifixit.com to get into the system, but like the original Macintosh of mid-1980s vintage, the end user isn't meant to open the iMac and perform upgrades. The only upgrade available is under a door on the back panel, which exposes a set of four SO-DIMM slots. The system has 8GB installed, with a potential for 32GB total. If you need internal expansion, then systems like the HP Z1 Workstation ($5,673) would be a pricey option. Granted, the Z1 is an ISV-certified professional workstation that has a premium price for premium features like the internal accessibility, Xeon processor, and Quadro graphics. People that want such features like Xeon and Quadro in a Mac would be advised to wait for the upcoming redesigned Mac Pro when that is released, hopefully soon.
Like the previous model, the 27-inch iMac's screen is a bright IPS display with a 2,560-by-1,440 resolution. This matches the XPS 27 Touch's resolution, and both have far more pixels on the screen than any 27-inch system with a 1080p screen, like the Acer Aspire 7600U (A7600U-UR308) ($1,899) or the semi-portable Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon ($1,849.99). The higher resolution screen means that you can show more of a high pixel RAW image or show a full 1080p HD video while still displaying toolbars for editing that video. The iMac's glass is essentially bonded to the IPS panel, so internal reflections are minimized. Though technically the chassis is made of several pieces, the welding technique Apple uses means that the system effectively appears as a single piece. This helps rigidity and contributes to the thinness of the system.
Like other Macs, the iMac comes preloaded with iPhoto, iTunes, Mail, etc. The iMac has a one-year warranty. One future-proofing plus is that the iMac can work as a monitor for a future Thunderbolt-equipped Mac. Using one of the two Thunderbolt ports, the iMac's monitor can display video for a MacBook, Mac mini, or other future Mac. You can of course use the Thunderbolt ports and the four USB 3.0 ports for hard drive and peripheral expansion. This ability to use the iMac as a monitor almost makes up for the fact that you will need adapters for DVI, VGA, and HDMI displays in multi-monitor setups. Mini-DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt monitors will work natively, of course.
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