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Since the launch of the ridiculously elegant aluminium iMac two years ago, many have tried to replicate its covetable looks, great performance and value for money. The Sony VAIO LV comes close, the Lenovo IdeaCenter A600 a little bit nearer still. But none have surpassed it.
To beat it, we've had to wait for this – the new 27in iMac. Essentially, it's the same design as the 24in model, just stretched out to accommodate a wider 16:9 screen. It may not be groundbreakingly new, but it cements the iMac's position as the all-in-one to own.
Screen success
The new screen is a gorgeous 2560x1440 resolution affair. It has almost as many pixels as a standard 30in display, so is razor sharp down to the finest detail.
It's driven by IPS technology, so colours are bright and bubbly enough to front their own CBeebies show, and viewing angles are so good you can stand side-on and still read copy on the far side of the picture.
The 27in iMac’s sheer size – a 21.5in version is also available – does mean it would be slightly more comfortable to use if it were height adjustable, but the weight of all-in-ones means they never are.
Gaming issues
Behind the screen, you can choose between a dual- or quad-core CPU depending on your budget, but either coupled with the new AMD graphics processor will deliver enough power for HD movies or demanding desktop work.
No such thing as Magic
The slimline Bluetooth keyboard is the same elegant model from before, but it's the new multitouch Magic Mouse that's been attracting attention.
It's not quite as exciting as machines like the HP TouchSmarts which come with multitouch screens, but it's potentially more practical since it puts gestures where they should be - at your fingertips.
Review continues after the break...
Unfortunately, the Magic Mouse is a disappointment. The gestures are limited to scrolling and two finger taps, and pinch-to-zoom is noticeable by its absence. Worse, the flat profile is only comfortable if you guide your mouse delicately with your digits – if you prefer a full grip, you’ll find it ungainly and slow.
It's only a mouse, though, and doesn't detract from the fact that in every other respect, the iMac is damn near perfect.
Tech Specs
- Digital TV card
- No
- Dimensions
- 528x451x188mm
- DVI
- Yes
- Graphics card
- AMD HD4670
- HDMI
- No
- Operating system
- Mac OS X Leopard
- Optical drive
- DVD-RW
- Processor
- Intel Core 2 3.06Ghz
- RAM
- 4GB DDR3
- Screen resolution
- 2560x1440
- Screen size
- 27in
- Storage
- 1TB
- Weight
- 9.3kg
- Wi-Fi
- Yes
Comments
doibi
1 year ago
wow.. this is an awesome review and thanks for that at least I know now. video to Flash converter / hulu to ipad / ipad 3 converter
agillespie
2 years ago
very good
garryd
3 years ago
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RandomJunk
3 years ago
@appleone - is that you Steve?
appleone
3 years ago
All these anti comments are complete garbage. This Mac is more than a refinement. I get very hacked off with all you microsoft anoraks (including the reviewer of this article) who seem to forget you would not be here today if it was not for your saviour plus Steve Jobs et all. The system alone leaves you all standing. Asus, Samsung etc … And has done for a considerable period of time on both specification, oprerative memory and access management let alone value for money. You all jumped at the ipod etc., you ain't seen nothing yet. Still the most powerful combination in the world! Find me anything that comes close for the money!
Robert Nolan
3 years ago
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RandomJunk
3 years ago
Oh dear, oh dear. MrMason, you're obviously a Mac fan boy, but I think you should check your facts before spouting rubbish. The iMac has a mini DisplayPort connector that you can OUTPUT (via the adapters) to VGA, DVI etc. You can only INPUT from DisplyPort connectors. So - no Xbox, or PS anything.... I'm not sure why I wouldn't want a Blu-ray player if I had a 'Fibor Optic cable' so I'll ignore that one. The Macs 'Touch Board' (do you mean the one on the mouse??) is just like a touch screen??? Really???
cbruiners
3 years ago
I'm soooo fedup with Mac lovers. Apple is now on par with Dell, HP, etc... they are box shifters using PC technology. Yes the iMac is a very nice looking device, but whats the point in having a great screen without a Blu-ray drive? The chap who mentioned the performing arts bit, hmmmm... Adobe stuff now comes out on PC first, 3D software (3D Studio Max, Lightwave, Maya, Houdini, etc...) is released first on PC's and perpherials are better on the PC. The only thing that Mac's have is Final Cut Pro, its a good tool but isn't in the league of software offered by discreet / avid. My core i7, 12GB, solid state drives and two 24in monitors cost less and sure as hell out power this. I'm seriously considering buying one for my 6yr son, as it would look nice in his room.
MrMason
3 years ago
Come on the iMac has a touch board which is basicaly like a touch screen just on a board so you dont damage the screen, if they went to toach screen then you would lose alot of the quailty, which is the whole point of the iMac, isn't it?? now "RandomJunk" your ovi a twat, the iMac has an adaptor for every monitor so it can play xbox's PS1,2,3 and why do you need a blue ray player, why not just get the Fibor Optics cables for the connections and you have near the same quality, i'm into editing and have a iMac pro, with the duo screens, i have the same in my iMac and it is the same quailty. I must say the iMac's are not great for work uses like servers, however the iMac is all about the performing arts and it is by far the best for this.
RandomJunk
3 years ago
In true Apple style, they've produced an iMac with a beautiful display that puts most stand alone monitors to shame. Joy of joys, it's even got an input connector so you can also use it as a monitor. But what Steve Jobs gives with one hand, he takes away with the other. You can use it as a monitor, but only if you don't want to use it with anything as mundane as a PS3, 360, BluRay player or anything else that doesn't have a DisplayPort connector. (ie just about everything.) Oh, and the iMac needs to be running even if you only want to use it as a monitor. (What's a Carbon Footprint?) So close.....
garethclem
3 years ago
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wackyjk
3 years ago
I cannot believe you gave up on the magic mouse soo early. If you download the better touch tool, this will allow u to create your own gestures with the magic mouse. I now have an expose all windows gesture and I'm pretty sure I can create a zoom gesture too. The sensitivety can also be changed my magis mouse tracks faster, scrolls faster, double clicks faster. I have the 24" iMac and I plan to get the 27" with quad core as it's needed for running multiple apps at the same time with ease. I give the magic mouse 10 /10 for looks and performance. Try the mouse again and see what u think once you have installed the bettertouchtool app. Thanks wackyjk
t22
3 years ago
If you want to touch a display this gorgeous, you have a serious problem. If people come within 10 cm of my monitor, they get a ruler to the back of the hand (and my monitor is a useless piece of Samsung detritus, not a beauty like this). DO NOT TOUCH THE MONITOR.
Drunken Max
3 years ago
When they introduce touchscreen then it won't be the same argument about it not having it now will it?