APPLE IMAC 21.5-INCH (2014) REVIEW

Back in June, Cupertino lowered the price on its iMac desktops from $1,299 to $1,099. Though still spendier than many PC competitors, getting an iMac suddenly got significantly more affordable.

Our review iMac had the stock 500GB mechanical drive upgraded to a 1TB Fusion Drive, adding $250 to the price for a total of $1,349. Other specs match the base model, including a 1.4GHz Intel Core i5 dual-core processor, 8GB of RAM, and Intel HD Graphics 5000.

Apple envisions its newest iMac as the perfect computer for basic day-to-day use – tasks like Web browsing, email, and light gaming. While it may fit that description, $1,349 – or even $1,099 – is a lot to pay. So, does the iMac’s performance justify the new, lower price?

Nothing new here

Aside from a change in specs and price, this 21.5-inch iMac doesn’t sport any radical changes on the design front.

The iMac’s chassis is made of aluminum, and feels as premium as any computer we’ve ever laid our hands on. The system is thin, measuring 5mm at its edge, and rests on a solid L-shaped pedestal. Tilting the display up and down is so effortless you can do it with one hand – no need to grab the base to steady it.

The iMac feels as premium as any computer we’ve ever laid our hands on.

If there’s one word that comes to mind when we look at the iMac, it’s “neat.” The computer looks slick and will get a double take from anyone who passes by your desk. Power for the entire machine comes from a single cable, which minimizes clutter on and around your desk. We like that.

Apple’s dislike for cables extends over to the bundled peripherals, a standard keyboard and Magic Mouse, both of which are wireless. While they’re pretty, they are both small. If you’re used to a full-size PC keyboard, Apple’s flat wireless QWERTY will seem especially tiny.

Our other design complaint is that the power button is mysteriously located around the back left, where it’s difficult to find. Eventually, you’ll develop the muscle memory that ends the “find the power button” hunt, but we wish it was placed in the front. In fact, we think the Apple logo under the display would make a great power button.

The iMac’s 21.5-inch 1080p display produces crisp, luminous images, even if the gloss can be distracting when viewing at an angle. The built-in speakers will be more than good enough for most people, though audiophiles will probably want to add a nice pair of headphones, or some chic speakers.

Read more: http://www.digitaltrends.com/desktop-computer-reviews/apple-imac-2014-review/#ixzz36Tgrj4iT