All-in-one PCs have become this season’s go to gadget for PC purveyors. But while Windows 7′s release has heralded a frenzy of deft desktops, Apple has returned with new take on the iMac. The new top end model, clicking in at 27-inches, is a monster and packs in more fruity goodness than ever. The question is, can it justify that massive price tag? Read our full Apple iMac 27-inch review now and we’ll tell all.
The Apple iMac we tested was the 27-inch model, rocking a 3.06 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor. With 4GB of a RAM, a huge 1TB HDD and ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics, it’s certainly not lacking in grunt and that’s backed up by a killer £1.349 asking price.
There’s no escaping that the new Apple iMac is a beast. The new edge-to-edge screen is quite simply jaw dropping. At 27-inches though, you’ll need to make sure you have enough room to stash it and space to sit well back. We stuck it on our tiny desk and it dominated the room. Sit too close and you’re guaranteed one hell of a headache.
Read our Apple MacBook review now
Sit back though, and you’ll be stunned. The HD-and-some 2560×1440 resolution renders video brilliantly. We downloaded Life from BBC iPlayer HD and the results were fantastic. However, we did notice some pixellation during playback. Plus, using a HD display this good with compressed HD footage is never going to be as fun as watching on Blu-ray. It’s a real miss and one which would have made the new Apple iMac even better than it already is.
The all aluminium frame is ace and really sets it apart from the previous version’s black back. But it’s another piece of hardware which has really grabbed the headlines since the new Apple iMac’s release: the Magic Mouse. Bundled here, it uses multitouch tech for scrolling and flicking through web pages and documents. While scrolling is easy, it does take some getting used to. It’s certainly better than using the scroll wheel on the older Mighty Mouse, but perhaps not the life-changing peripheral Apple would like to think it is.
Connectivity on the new Apple iMac is fairly standard, with four USB ports, an SD card reader, super drive and Firewire all here. HDMI would have been a welcome addition, but seeing as the screen is a real TV alternative, it’s no crying shame. In fact, add the Elgato EyeTV DTT Deluxe and you’re looking at a bona fide reason to use your Mac as your main boobtube.
Niggles? Well, the price is high, but then being Apple that is to be expected. However, the easy set up, rock solid build quality and amazing looks mean that the new Apple iMac is still the best all-in-one out there.
