The all new 21.5” 4k Retina iMac
Nearly a year ago, we were all biting our nails, anticipating a Retina 4k iMac. Well Apple did us one better and released the 27” Retina 5k iMac. While this was a spectacular update, the 21.5” iMac did not receive any Retina love. Recently, Apple righted this wrong and stealth updated it’s entire iMac lineup to include the Retina option for all. Every 27” screen is now 5k Retina, no choice in the matter, and the 21.5” iMac’s come in either Retina 4k or non-Retina flavors.
These new iMac’s come with upgraded displays (better color) and improved processors. The 5k iMac features Intel’s latest Skylake processor, while the 4k iMac remains on last generation’s chips. While 4k is enticing, the lack of Skylake in the 4k iMac is a pretty big knock against it. Speaking of cons, neither iMac features the latest in Thunderbolt technology, Thunderbolt 3. For the skinny on Intel’s latest I/O tech, click here to read our previous post about it. With the lack of Skylake and Thunderbolt 3, the new 4k iMac leaves a lot to be desired. Unless you need a new Mac IMMEDIATELY, I would definitely wait for the next refresh. These Retina displays are step in the right direction, but overall, the new iMac is definitely lacking and will probably be updated early next year with the tech that it deserves. It’s not all bad though, Apple also rolled out the new Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Trackpad 2 which are all stellar products.
Magic Keyboard/Trackpad/Mouse
The biggest takeaway from the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Trackpad 2 update definitely has to be the built-in rechargeable Li-ion batteries. Gone are the days of changing the double A batteries in your Mac’s input peripherals. Now when your keyboard or mouse needs some juice, simply plug it in with the same Lightning charger you use for your iPhone or iPad. Yup, you can now charge your keyboard and mouse just like an iPhone. Charging conveniences aside, the keyboard and mouse received modest design and hardware updates to provide an overall better user experience. However, the Magic Trackpad 2 really steals the show with added Force Touch technology. Force Touch was first introduced in the Mac lineup with the new MacBook. With the addition of the Force Touch to the iMac, now every Mac model features the press-based input.
Altogether, it was a quiet update with appropriately muted results. The new “Magic” devices are neat, but definitely not necessary and the new iMac’s are a no go. Wait for the next iMac refresh for sure.
-Daniel
-Shatter Buggy, Denver