The other day Apple announced a completely redesigned iMac family. 21-inch model got a gorgeous display with a 4K resolution, 27-inch got the new hardware. Selling candy bars already started, and therefore many potential buyers of new products wondering, which option is better.
Display
21.5-inch iMac, as mentioned above, can now boast of luxury 4K display. A nice feature is the fact that the use permission h pixels, whereas the most common is television Ultra HD 4K (3840 × 2160) . Through this kind of innovation, the density of dots per inch is 219 ppi. This is more than enough not only for everyday use but also for professional photography and video.
27-inch iMac 5K iMac is inferior to 4K. Resolution h pixels gives the total density of 218 ppi. The difference to be almost imperceptible, but the owners of an older model, perhaps it will warm the soul.
Displays both versions of the iMac is made of IPS technology with integrated LED illumination. Updated Retina displays have a wider color gamut, so colors look brighter and more realistic. Standard displays with the color space sRGB displays significantly fewer colors in comparison with reality. The new Retina 5K and 4K provide a wider color gamut P3 color space is 25% wider, and with a large number of colors look brighter, more realistic and allow to examine even more details.
Summing a small result, it should be noted that both screens are equally gorgeous and suitable for working with video, drawing, design, photo processing. If you are still undecided in the choice models assume preferences on the diagonal. For an extra 27 000 rubles you will receive a lovely bar with a large screen.
Processor
In its basic configuration 21-inch Retina iMac comes with a Quad-core i5 Broadwell processor from Intel with a clock frequency of 3.1 GHz. Optionally available is a version with a Core i7 chip and a frequency of 3.3 GHz. 27-inch iMac, in turn, is equipped with last generation processor Intel Core i5 the item has been added, which can accelerate to 4.0 GHz.
If you are planning to buy a computer for home use, a special difference you will not notice. But if the main computer will be connected with rendering the video and using demanding software, the 27-inch model will be preferable because a more productive “stuffing”.
Graphics
As for graphics iMac with 21.5-inch display, that everything is less than rosy. The computer has integrated graphics Iris Pro 6200 Intel. 27-inch 5K monoblock uses the AMD Radeon M300 A9 with 2GB of video memory. Optionally available and M390 M395. In the maximum configuration you can choose M395X with 4 GB of GDDR5 memory. Of course, this not nVidia, but much more interesting than an integrated solution Intel. For graphics work it is better to choose a 27-inch iMac models.
Memory
The amount of RAM in both versions of the standard iMac: 8 GB of DDR3 memory with a frequency of 1867 MHz expandable up to 16 GB in the 21.5-inch solutions and up to 32 GB in 27-inch. Younger iMac, unfortunately, self-upgrade will not work. 27-inch in this respect preferable: means third-party manufacturers can increase the memory up to 64 GB. Another advantage in a moneybox of the iMac 5K.
Drive
With regard to permanent memory, each model is equipped with a Fusion Drive. The technology combines a large hard drive memory and performance of flash storage for quicker loading and faster access to applications and files. Basic solutions contain integrated terabyte hard drive with SSD of 24 GB. True, and then the iMac 27″ is found by the values of speed of disk rotation: 7200 rpm vs 5400 rpm in the iMac 21″.
For the 27-inch iMac is available options Fusion Drive configuration with memory of 2 TB and 3 TB with 128 GB of flash storage devices for more demanding tasks. For optimal performance, you can choose the configuration that includes only the flash drives with capacities up to 1 TB, running 2.5 times faster.
If you have a non-priority to a large built-in storage device and you are ready to rely on the external HDD, it is possible to do 4K iMac. If the budget allows, you should definitely look at the iMac 5K.
Interfaces
As for additional interfaces, here, everything is more than standard. 720p FaceTime HD camera, stereo speakers, dual microphones, 3.5 mm Jack for headphones and external speaker systems. No Thunderbolt or USB 3-C.
There are four USB 3.0 connectors, an SDXC card slot, Gigabit Ethernet and Kensigton lock, designed to provide increased security iMac. In addition, there are HDMI, Dual-Link and VGA VGA. Wireless communications are presented Wi-Fi module 802.11 ac supports speeds up to 1.3 Gbps, as well as Bluetooth 4.0.
Peripherals
New computers – new accessories. Apple tried their best, enhancing and extending the usual Magic-manipulators, which, however, was not devoid of several disadvantages. The main complaint is about the mouse: the device cannot be used while charging. Every iMac comes with Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse 2. Optionally you can order the Magic Trackpad 2.
Pictures
For the American market no unpleasant surprises with the prices there, but for the Russian market – weight. In connection with the increased rate of the dollar prices on iMac’21 4K start from 122 990 rubles. The maximum configuration for the 27-inch model will have to pay 189 990 rubles. the Toy does not come cheap. In the old days for the same money you could buy the most powerful Mac Pro. It is unlikely that the situation with prices will change soon, so content with what they have.
21-inch iMac 4K
Primarily its potential customers are owners of previous versions of the 21.5-inch “Apple” monoblock. Given the multitude of hardware improvements and a great screen, this purchase is very attractive for home use.
27-inch iMac 5K
The older model with a bigger diagonal, perhaps, will satisfy even professionals. A powerful “hardware” and 5K-screen without any hiccups at its best will fulfill all the tasks assigned to him.
