All in One Apple iMac 24" 4K Ultra HD 8 GB RAM 512 GB SSD Blue

My late 2012 iMac 27" computer died so I needed a replacement ASAP. I could not find an all in one direct replacement for the 27" screen so I worried about the 23.5" screen of the iMac 24. With double the res of the old iMac it's crisp and clear and does the same job no worries.My old iMac had 16G of DRAM so I worried the 8G of the iMac 24 wouldn't cut it. No worries, it's fine. The new iMac main memory is solid state and with the M1 silicon it's fast enough. I had substituted an external SSD for the original internal HDD and that make a huge difference to the speed of the old machine. The new iMac is roughly 50 to 100% faster still.There are three versions of the iMac with differences in the amount of main memory and external ports. The cheapest has only 256G ... MoreMy late 2012 iMac 27" computer died so I needed a replacement ASAP. I could not find an all in one direct replacement for the 27" screen so I worried about the 23.5" screen of the iMac 24. With double the res of the old iMac it's crisp and clear and does the same job no worries.My old iMac had 16G of DRAM so I worried the 8G of the iMac 24 wouldn't cut it. No worries, it's fine. The new iMac main memory is solid state and with the M1 silicon it's fast enough. I had substituted an external SSD for the original internal HDD and that make a huge difference to the speed of the old machine. The new iMac is roughly 50 to 100% faster still.There are three versions of the iMac with differences in the amount of main memory and external ports. The cheapest has only 256G of main memory. I reckoned that would not be enough so I bought the top iMac 24 with 512G memory and four external ports. After software installation (Mac OS plus apps) I had about 45% of main memory available. The new iMac has the usual Apple minimal approach to external sockets (USB A/3 x 2 & USB 4 x2). If you have much legacy stuff this can be a problem but with AirDrop this isn't a biggy.I love the skinny case. Mine is stylish blue - green (not lime green like the salesman said it would be). The power supply is a compact external adaptor that sits on the floor out sight.The keyboard that came with the iMac is a*se, not magic. No delete key - what? Silly little up and down arrow keys - what? Fortunately I could retain my old full key board with numeric keypad and delete key and run it through a USB A to USB C adapter. No magic, just good design. The new keyboards sole function is the fingerprint detector that saves typing my high strength (too long) password. The new mouse is just like the old one except for the built-in rechargeable battery instead of replaceable batteries. To recharge it you must charge like an iPhone but on its back so you can't use it when it's being recharged - brilliant. I suspect it was designed by the same designers who designed the keyboard.Anyway after running my purchase for a few weeks and allowing for a few quirks I'm very happy with it. It's the best available all-in-one computer. It's almost thoroughly well engineered. Hopefully it'll still be running in ten years.

Fake Keyboard %26 Awful Packaging

When purchasing a refurbished item, I don't expect the item to come in original packaging, with plastic over everything still.. But I do expect the company to protect the contents, as best they can... especially when it's an expensive electronic like this..The box had SOME styrofoam in it to protect the desktop, but the screen was completely breakable. If this box had fallen on it's side in the truck, it would have shattered. The computer was just placed into a box, with 4 corners of styrofoam to protect it. No screen protection whatsoever.The keyboard is fake. It's a cheap, easily breakable, not fully functional, keyboard. It is so ridiculously cheap, it squeaks when you touch it. The mouse is awful as well. If I order something refurbished, I personally expect ... MoreWhen purchasing a refurbished item, I don't expect the item to come in original packaging, with plastic over everything still.. But I do expect the company to protect the contents, as best they can... especially when it's an expensive electronic like this..The box had SOME styrofoam in it to protect the desktop, but the screen was completely breakable. If this box had fallen on it's side in the truck, it would have shattered. The computer was just placed into a box, with 4 corners of styrofoam to protect it. No screen protection whatsoever.The keyboard is fake. It's a cheap, easily breakable, not fully functional, keyboard. It is so ridiculously cheap, it squeaks when you touch it. The mouse is awful as well. If I order something refurbished, I personally expect all original items to be in the package, used or not. When I order a refurbished phone, I get the original charger, so why wouldn't I get the original keyboard?The unfortunate part, is that iMacs pretty much require an Apple Keyboard. There are specific buttons that Apple iMacs use, that a normal keyboard does not have. So the fake knockoff keyboard, did not have the necessary buttons to use my desktop.

Great Machine!

I wanted to love it, but because of my particular demands on the computer, I decided to return it. BUT...I am professional photographer who decided to take the leap into the Apple world. I have only heard good things about their products from people I believe know what they are talking about. Had I asked more questions up front, I would have made other choices sooner. The shortfall for me specifically is RAM (for my needs).My experience with the iMac 24 was awesome! I absolutely love how I can seamlessly move a call from my iPhone to the computer that I'm looking at anyway. I love that you can do a FaceTime call like Zoom in that you can show your desktop to the person/persons on the other end. This means I don't have to send a photo when I am working with a ... MoreI wanted to love it, but because of my particular demands on the computer, I decided to return it. BUT...I am professional photographer who decided to take the leap into the Apple world. I have only heard good things about their products from people I believe know what they are talking about. Had I asked more questions up front, I would have made other choices sooner. The shortfall for me specifically is RAM (for my needs).My experience with the iMac 24 was awesome! I absolutely love how I can seamlessly move a call from my iPhone to the computer that I'm looking at anyway. I love that you can do a FaceTime call like Zoom in that you can show your desktop to the person/persons on the other end. This means I don't have to send a photo when I am working with a colleague or friend and we can do settings changes right then.My FAVORITE thing about this computer though, is the 4.5K Retina display. Insanely great! It left me wondering if my previous work could have been better by using Apple to begin with. Probably not, but I was like WOW! "There's clear, then there's CLARATIN clear!" That alone made me a fan.This (M1, 256GB SSD, 8GB RAM) machine, I have found, is a little on the entry level side of the house. It would be perfect for a family or people who need to do almost anything that is not heavy duty (processor or RAM intensive) such as serious photo and video editing, though it can be done for certain. If you're making a living at those things, then you will likely need a more robust machine like the Mac mini or studio for example. If you are editing photos or videos, then it would be a much better choice to get the 16GB RAM version, but you cannot purchase one at Best Buy. You'd have to go directly to Apple.If you are new to the Mac world like me, then there's a learning curve, but it's not bad. You may want to get a keyboard cover that shows shortcuts on it. VERY useful.In summary, this a terrific machine and can handle plenty. It is not for a serious photographer or videographer, but Apple has plenty of choices for those people. I'm sure it will do fine for pretty much anything else.

Loving it

Throughout the past 15 years, my experience with Apple products has been nothing short of remarkable. From iPhones to iPads, the iMac has undoubtedly stood out as the best product I have ever had the pleasure of using. Its remarkable features and exceptional performance have consistently exceeded my expectations, making it an indispensable tool in both my personal and professional life.One of the most striking aspects of the iMac is its sleek and elegant design. Apple's commitment to aesthetics is evident in the iMac's slim profile, clean lines, and minimalistic approach. It seamlessly blends into any environment, whether it's a home office or a studio space, enhancing the overall ambiance of the room.Furthermore, the iMac's performance is unparalleled. Its ... MoreThroughout the past 15 years, my experience with Apple products has been nothing short of remarkable. From iPhones to iPads, the iMac has undoubtedly stood out as the best product I have ever had the pleasure of using. Its remarkable features and exceptional performance have consistently exceeded my expectations, making it an indispensable tool in both my personal and professional life.One of the most striking aspects of the iMac is its sleek and elegant design. Apple's commitment to aesthetics is evident in the iMac's slim profile, clean lines, and minimalistic approach. It seamlessly blends into any environment, whether it's a home office or a studio space, enhancing the overall ambiance of the room.Furthermore, the iMac's performance is unparalleled. Its powerful processors and ample storage capacity have enabled me to effortlessly multitask and handle resource-intensive tasks. Whether I'm editing videos, running virtual machines, or working on graphic-intensive projects, the iMac consistently delivers an unwavering level of speed and efficiency, ultimately enhancing my productivity and workflow.One of the standout features of the iMac is its stunning Retina display. The crystal-clear resolution, wide color gamut, and exceptional brightness make for an immersive visual experience. Whether I'm editing photos or watching movies, the vibrant colors and sharp details bring everything to life, making each task a delight.Moreover, the iMac's seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem has been instrumental in streamlining my workflow. The ability to seamlessly switch between devices, access files across different platforms, and utilize continuity features has made my life much more convenient and efficient. Whether it's Handoff, AirDrop, or iCloud, the iMac seamlessly connects all my Apple devices, creating a cohesive and integrated digital experience.Above all, Apple's commitment to customer satisfaction shines through in the iMac's exceptional build quality and reliable performance. The iMac has proved to be a reliable companion, consistently delivering the performance I need without any compromises. Its longevity is a testament to Apple's unwavering dedication to creating products that stand the test of time, ensuring a worthwhile investment.In conclusion, my 15-year journey with Apple products has been enriched by the extraordinary iMac. Its sleek design, remarkable performance, stunning display, seamless integration, and exceptional reliability have firmly established it as the best product I have ever had the pleasure of using. As an avid user, I eagerly anticipate the continued innovations and advancements that Apple will bring to the table, always eager to experience the next level of excellence.

Only two USB ports, no audio jack, tiny 240 gb SSD

A tiny 240 gb of storage, and two, yes, only two USB-C ports. They forgot to add an audio jack, they refused to add another USB type A port. This is a joke. This is an over priced fischer price toy for little kids. There is no way any adult can get any real work done on this. You have to get an external to actually have enough storage, and that will use up all of your available ports, so then you need a dock to expand your ports and have an audio jack, and let me guess, Apple will refuse to allow a non-Apple dock to work. All this will drastically reduce the minimalist look and defeats the purpose of their entire design philosophy. Apple is scamming people, again. There is no reason for this to cost even close to $1000. Beyond that setup was broken, because nothing ... MoreA tiny 240 gb of storage, and two, yes, only two USB-C ports. They forgot to add an audio jack, they refused to add another USB type A port. This is a joke. This is an over priced fischer price toy for little kids. There is no way any adult can get any real work done on this. You have to get an external to actually have enough storage, and that will use up all of your available ports, so then you need a dock to expand your ports and have an audio jack, and let me guess, Apple will refuse to allow a non-Apple dock to work. All this will drastically reduce the minimalist look and defeats the purpose of their entire design philosophy. Apple is scamming people, again. There is no reason for this to cost even close to $1000. Beyond that setup was broken, because nothing can work smoothly with an Apple product, you always have to trick these into working as they were designed to. We had to create a temporary offline account, just so we can update, all so we can actually sign in with an Apple ID. It's also slow. It launches programs slowly, it updates slowly, it hangs in the middle of animations. 8 gb of RAM probably isn't enough to run their bloated operating system, like older Apple products, Windows probably benchmarks higher on these than macOS does. The upsides are solid audio from those speakers, very rich bass. The screen looks nice, vibrant colors and bright. It looks nice on the desk, I like the way they skipped the big logo on the front. The included power cable is nice, and has a fabric around it. The power port itself is a nice small round design that reminds me of old PS/2 ports in the 90s, although this can insert at any rotation. Shame they glued this together instead of using screws or magnets, these are essentially designed to be thrown away as soon as they have a hardware problem. Don't want to be so negative but, this is kind of a joke in my opinion. My customer was scammed into buying this and now has to spend extra getting it to be what it was suppose to be in the first place.

Replacement for 2012 iMac

Finally had to replace my existing Mac after 11 years of service due to software issues (MS Office way out of date and unable to upgrade OS due to it's age). Went into JL (Leeds) and discussed with staff options in respect of software i.e. could I transfer Outlook (e-mail) Folders from existing Mac to new one assuming I purchased the latest version of MS Office (365)? They advised that you could import the Data after you had done the transfer of Data from the existing Mac to the new one (I subsequently found out via Google that you first need to export the Outlook data on your existing Mac to a format that can then be imported to the new one i.e. 'Outlook for Mac Archive OLM'). Bottom line is that I purchased the new iMac together with a copy of Microsoft 365 (which ... MoreFinally had to replace my existing Mac after 11 years of service due to software issues (MS Office way out of date and unable to upgrade OS due to it's age). Went into JL (Leeds) and discussed with staff options in respect of software i.e. could I transfer Outlook (e-mail) Folders from existing Mac to new one assuming I purchased the latest version of MS Office (365)? They advised that you could import the Data after you had done the transfer of Data from the existing Mac to the new one (I subsequently found out via Google that you first need to export the Outlook data on your existing Mac to a format that can then be imported to the new one i.e. 'Outlook for Mac Archive OLM'). Bottom line is that I purchased the new iMac together with a copy of Microsoft 365 (which was on offer for half price for the first year i.e. 40 pounds instead of 80). The iMac had to be ordered as they didn't have the colour I wanted (blue) in stock. It arrived the next day and I then transferred the data over (using a 'time machine' backup) from my old mac to the new one. I then installed the Microsoft 365 software. Following this I 'imported' my Outlook data as described above which worked ok and meant that I was able to keep this historic data going back many years! Have since upgraded to the latest version of the OS (Ventura) which I was unable to do with the old mac.The new mac is a joy to use (obviously it's much quicker than the old one) and the the screen itself is superb. Not sure about disk space (it has 500gb which seems low however with iCloud don't think you need so much 'local' storage?). I would recommend this to anybody in a similar position to me together with the service received from JL which as always is top notch.

Review of APPLE iMac 4.5K 24" (2021) - M1, 512 GB SSD, Green

Good Points: My previous iMac lasted over 12 years before it completely crashed and was deemed obsolete and unrepairable. Thank goodness I had an up to date external hard drive. A major factor of my purchase was based on my experience with my previous iMac which exceeded expectations in every aspect. I did research on other windows operated desk top computers but none came close! I am the first to admit that Apple products are very expensive, but you get what you pay for:Transferring the data from my Ext HD on to my new iMac was very easy and extremely fast (although I had to purchase an adapter). The same can be said for all data transfers.Images are crystal clear and sharp.Love the easy to use software which gives multiple options for numerous tasks.Generally, ... MoreGood Points: My previous iMac lasted over 12 years before it completely crashed and was deemed obsolete and unrepairable. Thank goodness I had an up to date external hard drive. A major factor of my purchase was based on my experience with my previous iMac which exceeded expectations in every aspect. I did research on other windows operated desk top computers but none came close! I am the first to admit that Apple products are very expensive, but you get what you pay for:Transferring the data from my Ext HD on to my new iMac was very easy and extremely fast (although I had to purchase an adapter). The same can be said for all data transfers.Images are crystal clear and sharp.Love the easy to use software which gives multiple options for numerous tasks.Generally, everything performs at lightening speed.One very happy customer!Improvement Points: One annoying point: both the mouse and the keyboard have rechargeable batteries and you cannot recharge either while using the iMac as it effectively locks you out. In addition, the charging port on the mouse is on the underside!

Review of Apple iMac 2021 M1 8 Core CPU 8 Core GPU 8GB 256GB SSD 24 Inch 4.5K All-in-One - Blue

Good Points: As a photographer I find it ideal for working with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom which my Windows based PC couldn't handle without extensive upgrades to the memory and graphics which was cost prohibitive when compared to the overall cost of a new iMac. I have never used Macintosh products before so learning the Mac specific terminology, navigating the interface and the system settings was slightly problematic at the beginning but YouTube videos helped in this regard. I found peripheral device installation far easier than on a Windows based system, particularly where it involved installing third party hardware drivers. I also like the fact that it is completely mobile with a third party carrying case—unlike my tower-based desktop PC which it ... MoreGood Points: As a photographer I find it ideal for working with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom which my Windows based PC couldn't handle without extensive upgrades to the memory and graphics which was cost prohibitive when compared to the overall cost of a new iMac. I have never used Macintosh products before so learning the Mac specific terminology, navigating the interface and the system settings was slightly problematic at the beginning but YouTube videos helped in this regard. I found peripheral device installation far easier than on a Windows based system, particularly where it involved installing third party hardware drivers. I also like the fact that it is completely mobile with a third party carrying case—unlike my tower-based desktop PC which it replaced.Improvement Points: To date there is nothing about this iMac that I find disappointing as it fully serves the purpose for which I purchased it. If anything, I am under utilising its functionality and capabilities. However, that may change as I become more familiar with it and explore in greater depth its apps and functions and how best to utilise them.

Six month ownership, no problems so far.

Review after 6 months ownership. Nothing I can fault at all. Very quick with SSD drive and integrates with the Apple Ipad and Iphone systems with no problem. The whole is well thought through.Comes fully loaded with most software loaded, Other software on the Apple Store where you a reasonably safe that it is usable, virus and malware free. There is much less freebie software to find than Windows and high grade software is expensive (but good).There is quite a steep learning curve on macOS thinking on how to carry out various functions. But nothing insurmountable for a learner. If you are a seasoned Windows user and want / need deeper dealings into how things work, MacOS is well thought through and does a lot more than Win10 does. If you want guidance on how ... MoreReview after 6 months ownership. Nothing I can fault at all. Very quick with SSD drive and integrates with the Apple Ipad and Iphone systems with no problem. The whole is well thought through.Comes fully loaded with most software loaded, Other software on the Apple Store where you a reasonably safe that it is usable, virus and malware free. There is much less freebie software to find than Windows and high grade software is expensive (but good).There is quite a steep learning curve on macOS thinking on how to carry out various functions. But nothing insurmountable for a learner. If you are a seasoned Windows user and want / need deeper dealings into how things work, MacOS is well thought through and does a lot more than Win10 does. If you want guidance on how hints and tips try searching "macmost youtube" where there are short videos on a whole range of Mac information that is surprisingly useful.I do have a couple of criticisms;I found the mouse very difficult to use. Definitely a "Marmite" item!The keyboard is small ok rather than big OK. I replaced both with a wireless Dell full keyboard (Number pad) and traditional button mouse from my Windows system. Apart from difference with command, option buttons using a Win10 keyboard with window and alt buttons, all of which can easily be configured in the Mac System menu. Apple sell their own of course.All in all, a good transition after spending years as a Microsoft man, Starting with Windows 2.0x in 1998 I have travelled a long way !Last whinge ! I purchased my Mac on a six month credit deal, Very easy. I would have been happier to have waited and used the twelve month deal offered a week later. Such is Life.Rgds

The Best All-In-One Desktop Computer

This computer is without a doubt the best desktop and Mac computer one can buy.. only if you need absolutely everything or you have nothing to begin with.This product comes with a monitor that also houses the computer itself, there's nothing else that will take up space on your desk, itself for the obvious keyboard and mouse that also comes included. This also means that you only need to plug in one power socket as well.There are a few drawbacks however but they can be remedied with various items that can also be found here on Best Buy. My main gripe with this computer is the mouse that comes included. It is known throughout the entire tech community to be the worst "high-end" mouse available. It's uncomfortable to use and hold and the built in trackpad at the ... MoreThis computer is without a doubt the best desktop and Mac computer one can buy.. only if you need absolutely everything or you have nothing to begin with.This product comes with a monitor that also houses the computer itself, there's nothing else that will take up space on your desk, itself for the obvious keyboard and mouse that also comes included. This also means that you only need to plug in one power socket as well.There are a few drawbacks however but they can be remedied with various items that can also be found here on Best Buy. My main gripe with this computer is the mouse that comes included. It is known throughout the entire tech community to be the worst "high-end" mouse available. It's uncomfortable to use and hold and the built in trackpad at the top is just not as useful as an actual trackpad or better all together, a bluetooth mouse.The base model only has 256gb of storage, something that as we all know can be filled up easily. Apple offers its own subscription for online storage that can also be shared with other Macs, iPhones and iPads. One should use this cloud storage wisely though, it can easily be eaten up by a massive Photo library. There are of course other services that offer more for less or free.For an enthusiast or professional user, this may not be the option for you. The specs are similar to that of a MacBook Air, the weakest Mac one can buy. It's up to you to ask if you are willing to deal with that. This product as advertised would make for a perfectly family computer or home school computer for a student. If you wanted a portable option, it's between the M1 or M2 Air, M2 13in Pro or possibly an iPad if you wanted to stay within the price range. If you have the necessary peripherals, a Mac mini would actually be the best possible buy, though again you would have to supply your own keyboard, mouse and monitor.All in all, if you don't need a portable Mac and would like a nice baseline computer that was also a Mac, this option would be it, without a single doubt.