iMac performance is at an alltime high with faster Intel Core processors, powerful Radeon Pro 500-series graphics, Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) connectivity, and stunning Retina 4K displays that shine 43 percent brighter and support one billion colors.
Q: I am buying 21.5" iMac Intel Core i5 (3.0GHz). Is this imac also the latest model in 2017?
A: The model I bought last week at Best Buy has the 4K Retina display, so the 3.0 processor is definitely the latest.
A: It uses both SSD and traditional HDD components, in a very clever way. The SSD and HHD components appear as a single large hard drive. Apple's website says it uses the Fusion hard drive. Fusion drives keeps track of which files you use the most, including operating system files, your favorite apps, even documents and songs. The frequently-used files are moved to SSD, but you won't be aware of it. They'll just run faster. If you stop using a file, or use others more often, the old file will be moved back to the HDD, and the newer/more used files placed on SSD. It's nice because you get SSD speed for the things you do the most, but a full terabyte of storage for pictures, movies and all your other stuff that is accessed less frequently.
A: Tom, this is what I use mine for. You might be paying a bit more for a Mac then some stand alone PC but I learned years ago that the Mac seems to last longer and more easily integrates with everything else in life that I do.
A: I have a new iMac with the 3.0 GHz processor that I use primarily for internet surfing and Word documents. For the most part, it is acceptably fast for these tasks but no speed demon in my opinion; however, there are times when it does seem to be lacking in power. Based on that assessment, I would not recommend the 2.3 GHz processor unless budget constraints demand it. If you want the latest in technology, you might consider custom ordering an iMac with the 3.0 GHz processor and upgrading it to the fusion hard drive (one that combines a traditional, spinning hard drive with a solid state drive). The upgrade costs $100 and should provide a performance improvement. Alternatively, the fusion hard drive does come standard on the model with the 3.4 GHz processor.
Q: Does it have a battery power or should it be connected to the electric power all the time?
A: This will need to be plugged into an outlet.
Q: Do the dimensions shown include the stand or is it just the screen itself?
A: Here are the actual dimensions of my computer: WIDTH: 20 7/8 inches; HEIGHT: 17 7/8 inches (from desktop to top of computer); DEPTH: 5 1/4 inches (from front of screen to back of stand).
A: KK, you are all set. It comes with mouse and keyboard so you need nothing else. Perhaps an external CD/DVD drive if you need one. It does not need to be Apple branded. Pease see my review for other details. Yes- this is cheaper than a Pro and has the screen built in so it is an all-in-one unit, with great resale value so many of these have ended up on eBay and helped finance the next Mr. Rheydt.
Q: Is the the one with the graphics card separated for better graphics?
A: Yes, this has a discrete graphics card (a Radeon Pro 555 graphics processor with up to 4GB video memory). With a Retina screen, a discrete graphics card is a necessity.