Summary

Apple's 2021 lineup of 24" iMacs features a complete redesign, updated specifications including the M1 processor, vibrant color options, and a range of models with varying features and price points.

Abstract

On April 20th, 2021, Apple introduced the new 24" iMac, marking the first major redesign of the iMac line in years. The updated iMacs include the M1 processor, a larger 4.5K display with reduced bezels, and a range of vibrant colors. The new models come with improved peripherals, such as a magic keyboard and mouse, a 1080p webcam, and a 6-speaker sound system. However, the pricing reflects Apple's premium positioning, with the entry-level model starting at £1249.00 and lacking certain features like Ethernet connectivity. The mid-range and top-end models offer additional ports, better GPUs, and more storage, with the highest-end option reaching £1649.00. For those considering a more cost-effective entry into the Apple ecosystem, the Mac mini offers the same M1 processor and can be paired with existing peripherals.

Opinions

The author appreciates the bold color choices, comparing them favorably to the original iMac range, but acknowledges the premium price tag associated with the new models.
They express concern about the value proposition of the entry-level iMac due to missing features like additional USB ports and Ethernet connectivity.
The mid-range iMac is recommended as offering the best balance between specification and cost, although upgrading storage and memory can significantly increase the price.
The Mac mini is highlighted as a budget-friendly alternative to the iMac, providing the same processing power but without the high-end display and included peripherals.
Despite the high cost, the author is personally drawn to the new iMac's design and performance enhancements and is considering ways to purchase one.

New 24" iMacs For 2021

Redesigned. Updated Specs. Beautiful Colours.

On Tuesday 20th April Apple announced the newest product to include their much-lauded M1 processor, the 24” iMac. The computer has been completely redesigned much to the acclaim of the dedicated Apple community and critics alike.

This new iMac sees a bump in screen size from the previous entry-level models 21.5” to 24”. The screen is reportedly a pin-sharp 4.5K and has a sheer glass front. The Bezels have been reduced to such a degree that Apple says the 24” model will only be slightly larger than the 21.5” model it replaces. Impressive indeed.

Vibrant Colours

After years of plain silver offerings, the new model will come in a variety of beautiful vibrant shades to suit your predilections. Blue, Green, Pink, Yellow, Orange and Purple, will be available in addition to the traditional silver. I have to say I like the new range of colours which are reminiscent of the original iMac range and which help the computer to stand out from the crowd.

All of the new iMacs come specified with a magic keyboard and mouse, a much improved 1080p webcam and a 3-mic array microphone setup, in addition to a newly designed 6 speaker system which Apple says is the most powerful in any iMac to date. The screen has also been slimmed down to a positively svelte 11.5mm thick.

Costs & Models

Now, this is where things get interesting and as with all Apple products, it’s the main fly in the ointment. All of their products are premium offerings and thus command a premium price. Their quality is undoubtedly impressive, but so too are the prices.

Entry-Level Model

The entry-level model contains just two thunderbolt ports, 256GB storage and 8GB unified memory. Crucially for those who don’t get great WIFI reception where they place their computer and thus prefer to connect via Ethernet cable, this model doesn’t even have an Ethernet port! This costs £1249.00.

Mid-Point Model

The mid-point model in the range costs £1449.00 and adds two USB 3.0 ports plus an 8-core GPU for better graphics, rather than the entry-level offerings 7-core GPU. An Ethernet port is also included here along with Touch ID built into the keyboard.

Top-End Model

The top-end machine is the one you would have to go for if you want 512GB storage which I think is a must today. If like me, you intend to use this as your main computer for several years then the extra storage space will come in handy. This brings the price up to a true wallet-emptying £1649.00.

So, the 2021 machines look beautiful, appear to be of impressive quality (We’ll know more when they ship in mid-May), and are undoubtedly powerful but they are not cheap.

In addition to which the entry-level model, in my opinion, misses out on too many key features to come recommended. If you can afford it I would recommend going for the middle product in the range. This offers the best specification vs cost balance of the three.

You can configure any of the models with more memory and storage but again this quickly ramps up the costs. With the current MacBook range, based on the same architecture, doubling the RAM from 8GB to 16GB will set you back £200. Double the storage from 256GB to 512GB, and it will cost you £200. So unless you have money to burn I would recommend going for one of the best, preconfigured options you can afford.

Mac Mini

Now, there is another option open to you. If you are a PC owner thinking of a first time move into the Apple ecosystem you can buy the Mac mini for just £699.00. This is a mini-computer with the same processor, RAM and hard drive as the base iMac and has more ports than it too.

It doesn’t however come with a monitor keyboard or mouse. If you already have these peripherals then this is an ideal option. If you don’t, any standard PC monitor and most keyboards and mice will work with it.

Sure it may not have the 4.5k screen that the new 24” iMac has, but it won’t cost as much either. Mac minis come highly regarded and use the same MacOS as their bigger siblings at a fraction of the cost, so definitely worth a look.

Final Thoughts

I am intrigued by the new iMacs. I love that Apple is returning to the brightly coloured variants that I remember from my youth and which made the original iMac stand out from the humdrum PC fare of the time. Over the years the iMac had lost its fun factor and with many PC manufacturers now also building all-in-one computers, the design of the iMac was in danger of being lost in the crowd.

The new machines have impressively powerful processors and judging by the information provided at the Apple announcement of 20th April, beautiful screens and chassis. As always with Apple the cost is eye-watering, but if you can get around that, they look to be cracking machines.

If you want most of the advantages of the Mac ecosystem without the high price tag, the Mac mini could just be the computer for you. I must admit that I was leaning towards purchasing a Mac mini for those same reasons before the 20th April iMac reveal. What will I do now? I intend to scrimp and save as much as possible to fit a new 2021 iMac into my life.