Customer Ratings & Reviews

I have used pc's since the beginning and this is my first mac. I literally just opened the box, plugged it in, and i was up and running. I've had little experience with mac computers. A few clicks here and there with macbooks but no experience with imacs. i am literally writing this review from the imac i set up about 15 minutes ago! After turning it on and doing about 10 mins worth of set up, it was ready to go. It automatically recognized my wireless network. I typed in my password and the imac did the rest. I backed up everything i wanted to transfer to a external hard drive earlier today. After i was set up on the mac, i plugged in the hard drive and transferred everything without a hitch. Itunes, pictures, documents, and all were created on my pc. The mac automatically configured everything and put it in the right place. You can even use pdf, excel, spreadsheet, and word documents with a program called papers from apple for about $80. So no more worrying about compatibility issues between pc and mac. Which was the only reason i waited so long to get one. I am kicking myself now for waiting as long as i did! There is a slight learning curve with switching to mac but as with any new device there will be some adjustment period. In reality, i found learning the mac actually easier than switching to stupid windows 7 from XP (which I returned and went back to XP before dumping PC all together to get a mac). The hints and prompts are very clear, and even if you dont read one word of printed documentation on how to set up a mac, which i didnt, its super easy to set up, personalize and navigate thru the mac. Plus wireless keyboard and magic mouse are really nice. Huge HD screen and just an overall really nice solid computer! I would recommend this anyone in need of a new computer. Especially if your considering the switch from a PC. Do it and you will not be disappointed!

This is the best computer ever, it is very fast, has a beautiful 21.5 inch High Definition screen. The software that comes with it is great and so are the graphics. The Magic Mouse is really cool and so is the keyboard.

I have wanted a MAC for literally over a decade, but I'm cheap by nature so I always talked myself out of buying one. I have built my own PCs and have owned MANY PCs throughout my life. A year before buying this machine I had 5 PCs in the house. 2 were old and ran different linux versions, 1 was an acer laptop that I did Itunes on, 1 was an asus eee netbook that dual booted linux and xp (linux for email/web security and xp to run my apps), and finally my music studio machine which I built that ran windows and never went on the net for fear of viruses in my "studio" machine. Fast-forward to today... Goodwill got some old computers, I sold the laptop, and the music studio computer is collecting dust. The netbook, well, I still love that for portability and linux (like the mac) means rock solid stability. But let me tell you, I LOVE this MAC. It's not just the hardware. I mean I was a PC guy, so I realize that hardware is hardware, BUT the integration of the better than average hardware with amazing software that ALL integrates with one another is an AMAZING computing experience! I plug in my camera and Iphoto makes this aspect of my life easy. I plug in my ipod touch and itunes organizes and updates everything for me. I open Iweb to work on my personal websites and to the right of the screen are ALL of my media (photos, movies, sounds, songs, you name it), I just click and drag! And my baby, my music hobby, 90% of the software had a MAC version. Amplitube 2, ezdrummer, flstudio synths (not flstudio itself but the synths), melodyne, sonik synth 2, etc... And they installed perfectly, and they open and run in garageband perfectly! I was worried about garageband's lack of midi channels when opening a soft synth (from what I can tell you have to open a softsynth for each sound but I could be wrong, still a new MAC user), but after a quick test of 3 sonik synth 2 instances, 1 Poizone instance, 1 morphine instance, 1 ezdrummer instance, the cpu indicator was only at 17%! I'm impressed. I was going to buy Logic studio, but I am honestly so in love with garageband's simple interface that it is actually allowing me to record things (versus years of LEARNING and trial and error in cakewalk, cubase, flstudio, reaper, acid pro, etc. etc. etc.). And I know my stuff after over 2 decades of computer music. It is amazing how creative you can be when everything is easy. I always thought that would be a handicap to my music, but it's not, it's amazing to not have to "figure things out", instead, you go through about a 2 day learning curve and you're off! :) But the coolest part about this for me is that I was prepared to spend another $500 on the software and I may not need it (maybe $199 in the future on logic express, maybe ;) ). I also bought a 1 terabyte western digital usb drive for time machine from best buy (seems to work great, but a little on the noisy side when running, which is only when backing up). Time machine in the MAC is amazing, it just backs everything up for you, no thinking, no annoyances, just plug it into the usb port, tell the time machine app that this is your backup drive and that's it!! My firewire solo audio interface worked perfectly with a 400 to 800 firewire (6 to 9 pin) adapter. The magic mouse on this thing is really cool. The top of it acts like a touchpad on a notebook. It took me about a day or two to get used to it, but now it feels second nature (a bit on the heavy side though). The keyboard is like a work of art and I smile everytime I walk into my office at how small the thing looks, but really cool looking and wireless to boot! I guess the best way to put this to another long-term pc user maybe thinking about this purchase. I can honestly say that I love computing again, it is fun and exciting again. I sit down, hit the space bar, it wakes up and I'm doing creative things within seconds (photos, music, movies, web browsing, email, web design, and yes, music creation). I HIGHLY recommend this product, I'm very happy even though it was a lot of money to me, WELL worth it for a computer geek like me :). And I know that people have differing opinions on extended warranties (I always saw them as a waste) BUT.. LOL I bought the 3 year geek squad and I have to admit, I'm feeling on top of the world regarding my computer, a feeling I haven't had in a long long time. Hope that this review helped somebody (especially other music guys that may be looking for posts like this like I was looking for before I bought mine :) ).

I have had zero problems with my mac. I forgot my password to log into the system once and could not save anything or load apps. But after reinstalling the operating system andd i set a new password it was all gravy baby. It is so Easy to set up. Literally plug in and go!!! The great thing about it, is the speed. I would have to wait for my pc to load a page for about 10 to 15 seconds. With my mac, no waiting it is almost instant. If you are trying to decide 21.5 incher or 27 incher. the 21.5 incher is already big enough. This is a great computer overall. Although the price is kinda high its past worth it. You would be getting a real deal with this computer.

I bought an iPhone about 2 years ago. I immediately discovered what all the hype about Apple is. So about 2 months ago I finally decided after my pc with vista crashed to buy an iMac. I do not regret anything. It is a little pricey but you do get a lot with that price. It is very easy to navigate through, it performs unbelievably fast compared to anything that I have ever been on, and I love the design of the screen and the keyboard. The mouse looks cool but can be a little difficult to get use to. I will not purchase another pc. I helped talk some family members into making the switch also and they feel the same way. Most definitely would recommend this or any Apple product...

Fast: Yes Bright Screen: Yes Plenty of room: Yes Worth the cost: Yes Pretty: Yes I have 22 years experience with PC, so needless to say I was not sure what to expect. I always have been a quick learner, so I jumped in full speed ahead. Got a second monitor for it, had it set up and running within a couple of minutes pulling it out of the box. Dual monitors are great. I have not had the slightest bit of trouble adjusting.. Fast and reliable, i cant say enough how glad I am to have made this purchase. I had went there to buy a PC, latest this and best that, but I stopped and look at the mac on my way in. Clicked around in it, then went on back to the PC.. OMG.. the PC was slow, this top of the line PC took 8 seconds to open a window, the MAC only takes 1 or 2 seconds at most. Installing applications.. ever hear of drag and drop? That's it.. a few programs are double click installers, but for the most part, drag an app to the apps folder, and your good to go. It resumes from sleep every time in 2 to 3 seconds, turns off about as quickly too. Very very quiet, if you like them quiet, this is the one you want. Only thing i don't like is it can scratch a disk.. but that can be avoided by being careful. The super duper thin keyboard takes a bit of getting used to, the magic mouse I dont use much because I have a wacom tablet. Right button on the wacom works great for all you windows convertes.. I cant say anything really bad about this machine.. It is the best computer I have ever had..

I am a first time owner of the Apple. I have little to no experience with Apple's; Only have used them in my middle and high school days since that is what the school used. I didn't know the difference between Windows and Mac then, And still am in the dark about them, To be honest. All I know, Is that they are two different operating systems. I did extensive research before buying a new computer over the past week. I know that I had wanted an Apple for quite some time now based on their lovely design and word around the bend, Of them being great computers. I initially was looking into a MacBook Pro. I went in-store, Seen the Mac area and was looking at their laptops. It was then, On the other side of the table, Did I see the gates of heaven of computers. There were two displays of the iMac. One with the 27 inch screen, And the 21 inch. I thought, Wow, I want this one(27 inch)! I then had an associate inform me what was better, The Macbook or iMac. He then showed me that the desktop had more space on the drive. The iMac has everything that the MacBook had, But was better in design and overall feel for me. I already have a laptop, Which is Windows, But now I am glad to have an Apple computer for my home desktop. I will continue to use my Gateway lappy, But only for travel and convenience. I didn't have a desktop before the iMac, So I figured I would buy another desktop. I walked into Best Buy, Thinking that I was just going to buy another laptop to replace my Gateway, But was won over with the lovely iMac! I hope that Apple lives up to its standard and what is said about their computers. For the price, They better! I love that the desktop doesn't clutter much space. It is so awesome! I was shocked to hear that you don't need anti-virus. That is a plus! iLife has great programs. Garage Band is amazing. I know that this will come in handy! If you have the money to spend of $1300.00, Do it. From what I think, As I don't know, You won't be disappointed. I would suggest researching others' reviews and then make up your mind if you'd like to buy one or not.

Of you are looking for a machine to serve you and not the other way around than the iMac is for you. The days of babysitting your computer are over. Do what you need to do without worrying about the machine itself - the same company that designs the OS is also responsible for engineering the hardware - this is something the competition always fails to mention - a 100% integrated platform, something you can not get with any other system. If your computer purchasing objective includes terms like: color accuracy, quality hardware, outstanding software, expandability (system maxes out with 16GB DDR3 RAM!) and the simplicity to just work on your projects and overall needs, than the iMac is the answer. The iMac is nearly silent when on, if your not a fan of fan noise look not further. The performance is outstanding - extremely fast in heavy footed applications such as Adobe CS4 Suite and Logic Studio, yet simple computing remans a pleasure. The system comes with 4GB of DDR RAM and upgrading beyond is as simple as removing 1 philips head screw from the bottom of the monitor - literally takes less than 1 minute to add more RAM modules (this model has a total of 4 compartments with a maximum capacity of 4GB per compartment (4 (4GB)modules x 4 compartments = 16GB) Simplistically beautiful, operationally impressive.

Yup, you guessed it.... long time pc user. Not anymore. Mac's are the way to go. this thing is just plain fast. I've tried to bog it down by opening up every progam on it, but every program keeps loading is seconds with all the other programs still in memory. Loading webpages are lightning fast, even graphic heavy sites. I'm still looking for ways to slow it down, but it won't. I'm going to give up. Very simple to figure out and customize too. My kids, 11, 9, and 8 year old, they already are playing on it and going to they're favorite sites within minutes. No wire clutter, no virus scans, scrubs, updating, or downloading, windows constant downloading updates in the background, or crashing. I'm sick of restarting windows!! Never again! What a display, just plain wow! the screen is big enough no matter what people say. That 27 inch is just way overboard. didn't your mom ever tell you not to sit so close to the tv? Well, a 27 inch Brilliant display that you can see from across the street, and your going to sit with your face 2 feet from!? c'mon, really? The 21.5 is really nice no kidding, but it's up to you. Tell ya what, I will never go back to a pc again. thanks apple, you made my life so much simpler..... and faster! :)

I was a staunch Windows user before I bought this computer. Apple lost me with its first iMac in 2003 when it ate my linguistics project. Poof! Just disappeared right off the screen. I swore I'd never use another God forsaken Apple product again. Until I bought an iPod nano in 06. And really, really liked it. And then an iPod Touch in 08. And then an iPhone in 09. I can't put my stupid iPhone down either. I find myself telling everyone else around me to buy one. Truly, it's made my life so much better! I never get lost, I never get bored, and I never go without Starbucks if I don't want to. Now the iMac. It's super-fast, super-pretty, and super-fun. It makes any Windows machine look archaic and clunky in comparison. I get frustrated on Windows computers now, because they aren't as easy to use. If you're a computer geek you might not like it because it's not as versatile and there aren't as many features. But for lovers of simplicity such as myself, it is a dream come true. No mess, no searching, no waiting. It's all right there and it's always one step ahead of you. This is coming from a former hard-core Apple hater. I used to hear people say things like "intuitive, simple, fun, easy" and scoff, because it seemed like such a pain to learn. But for the computer-literate, it takes a few hours to get over the learning curve once you watch the videos. After that, it's smooth sailing. I don't regret the purchase at all, and would encourage any other Windows users to make the switch. Life is better on the Apple side!

First, let me just take a second to convey the "Wow" factor...WOOOOW! This is such a beautiful piece of equipment. Compared to my PC notebook, the imac is blazing fast. I can run multiple apps, multiple safari windows with absolutely no lag whatsoever, and none of that "Internet Explorer has stopped working" business! Waiting for my programs to respond is a thing of the past. I took about a month to decide to take the plunge, I was worried about compatibility...ease of use. Regret...nope, I love this computer. The programs I use are 100% compatible. Ease of use? I think my iMac is psychic! Its very intuitive and very easy to navigate. Never used a Mac before and I'm already surfing through the interface using keyboard shortcuts within 2 days. My pictures look darn good on this computer! iPhoto is awesome. I recommend going to Best Buy and experimenting. I did that about 3 times before purchasing. Best thing? NO ACCOUNT CONTROL, I do not have to click three different windows to tell the computer what I want to do. I open my preferences, make my change, and close the window...so simple! After Vista, I don't think I can go back to another Microsoft OS.

This computer has ruined me on PC's, perminantly. I operate a recording studio out of my home and I am no longer pulling my hair out when working with this computer. No more compatability issues, latency, constant crashing, etc. I have thrown just about everything I can at this thing. I tried to make it crash and it keeps on kickin like a champ. My father just purchased a $3000 PC for his studio and this IMac outperforms his by a long shot. Snow Leopard takes full advantage of this processor, and upgrading RAM only took about 2 minutes. Yes you have to buy accessories from Apple, however because they manufacture all their own accessories and most software you don't have to worry about compatability issues. No more downtime due to defragmenting your hard drive either! I used to have to defrag daily, sometimes multiple times a day to keep performance up. The Mac tends to defrag itself which saves tons of downtime. This computer runs extremely quiet and does not get very hot. All in all I would recommend this product to anyone who wants a quality computer for a good price. I will never go back.

I now understand why people are so in love with Macs. From the almost perfect design and build quality to the ease of use of this machine, it never stops delivering a simple, yet sophisticated experience. No complaints about the glossy screen. It is necessarily this way to deliver maximum clarity. The keyboard and mouse are amazing. The PC people are in a frenzy about Apple's reemergence in the marketplace. An entire cottage industry has been built up around Windows to fix its many ills, etc. More money and well worth it. You get more than what you've paid for.

I have been thinking about switching to a Mac for quite a while now. A friend purchased the new iMac and I went over to his office to see it. After seeing the capabilities, the graphics, the speed, the lower threat from viruses, malware and spyware and the ability to use several windows at once with the touch of a button, convinced me that it was time to make the change. I admit that learning the operating system is a challenge but I have managed, so far, to figure things out on my own. I am very happy with my decision. And having the wireless keyboard and all-in-one monitor is great. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the wireless mouse. I use it occasionally but I have kept my infrared mouse and use it most often. If the magic mouse were a little bit lighter it would be much easier to use. But, that is a small complaint compared to all the great features. I love it and if you are on the fence my recommendation is that you take the plunge. I don't believe you'll regret it.

This is simple the best Desktop I have had. I am a PC User and have been all of my life. I purchased a MacBook Pro 17" BUT couldn't stomach the price. I got this with a faster processor, giant HD screen and the coolest keyboard and mouse combination I have ever seen. I have Windows 7 on my other laptop and Snow Leopard blows it away. Start up and shut down are lightning fast and having multiple applications open doesn't slow it down a bit. The screen is bright and the colors are crisp and crystal clear. I think it is the best display I have seen...period! When comparing this to a plastic desktop computer, there is no comparison. The aluminum finish and build quality are flawless. Set up for my wireless, printers, etc... literally took me 2 minutes. Buy it!

I am 31 and have always used a PC since I was a kid. My last computer was slow and always had problems (HP). My girlfriend bought a Imac 6 months ago, well loved it so much I bought one myself. Going from NO apple products to having one Imac, airport extreme, Ipod, and now a Ipad. I think apple makes the best products. Getting back to the computer, very fast easy to use, display is clear and sound is good.

I have always had a pc until about a month ago. I bought my wife a MAC laptop Pro and was amazed at the performance she had over my pc. To keep it fair, my pc was old even though I had upgraded everything in the computer, it was a 32 bit version running XP. I decided to buy the 21.5 inch iMac for me for use at home. The software is incredible from the time it takes to boot the computer and be online (30 sec. approx), to the face recognition within iphoto, the file search capability within the whole computer, the ease of handling/sorting files within itunes, the ease of installing my Microsoft Word, Excel, PP, and Entourage which was the optional software that had no compatibility issues since it was made for MAC. i purchased that so I could do my work. I do not play many purchased games on my computers with the exception of a couple online games, so I did not need to keep my pc. It is my understanding that if you play a lot of games, for compatibility reasons, you may want to keep your pc in addition to having the MAC. Not only will you not be disappointed, I really believe you will be amazed as I am with the difference. I have the Snow Leopard software on my iMAC.

No boot-up time. You turn it on and its ready to go. The grapics are great and the processing speed is very fast. I like the way all of the features, dual-layer DVD player/recorder, the usb ports, speakers and amp, etc., are all in the very slim and attractive monitor. So far, I haven't experienced ANY of the problems that I constantly am experiencing with my windows-based laptop. Should have made the switch to Mac long ago - Great product and all my future computer purchases will be from Apple!

I've been an Apple/Mac owner for about 20 years. But I also own a new PC laptop, which I must use for my business. After about 11 years of nearly trouble-free service, My eMac sputtered this week. I took this as a sign that it was time to buy a new one. (It still worked, though!) Before I say another word about the computer, let me give some advice: buy it at Best Buy! I bought mine at the Apple Store, and I was extremely dissatisfied with the tech department and the way I was treated. (The sales dept was fine, but the techs are the ones I'll have to deal with now!) If I had it to do over again, I would have done the research to see that I could have bought the iMac at Best Buy - and would have done so! Back to the computer. It took two days to transfer the data from my old Mac to the new one, and I used the PC for my everyday needs during that time. I was MISERABLE!!! The Mac does everything better! My almost new PC (an expensive SONY laptop model) kept bogging down, and I had to reboot it again and again. It seemed that everything became a major chore, and I couldn't wait to get the iMac. The Imac is smooth as silk. The screen is brilliant and the hi def is awesome. Surfing, email, and ease of use are all fabulous. The energy star is obviously saving money, too. All I can say is, you need to RUN to your nearest Best Buy and give it a try. This new Imac will blow you away like it did me. It's been out for less than a month, so it's VERY new - and worth twice every cent.

After struggling for a couple of years with different pcs, trying to run my recording DAWs (Digital Audio Workstation) I've finally found my Nirvana with this Mac. It has been basically a plug-n-play environment with most audio interfaces that I have. It runs really smoothly and it is very, very quiet. Also, it's processor, memmory and disk get you where you need to be. No more drop-outs! If you are looking for a platform to run audio really well get this Mac. You won't regret it.