Apple iMac 27" All-in-One Desktop Computer, 2560 x 1440 LED, Intel Core i7 Quad-Core 3.4GHz, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680MX, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD

2013-05-20T21:00:00

The iMac is very easy to set up and is amazingly quiet. I did not get the Fusion Drive. I felt the cost of the Fusion Drive was better put towards a faster processor and/or faster graphics card. I ordered the iMac with only two options; the fastest i7 Intel processor and the top 680MX graphics card. The internal hard drive is a 1TB 7200rpm mechanical drive. As far as RAM is concerned, I got it with the standard 8 Gigs. If I find I need more RAM, I'll buy it from a third party since Apple charges way too much for RAM. On the 27-inch it's very easy to install RAM yourself. So far (I've had the iMac only about a week), I'm not finding any urgent need for more RAM. But, I tend to have only one application open at a time. If you like to open multiple apps and keep them open, you may want to get more RAM. I use the iMac mainly for Photoshop CS6 with very large Photoshop files (up to 2 Gigs in size). It handles those files well. I also use the computer for video editing and multi-track audio. So far I've run into no problems. The audio is good, but not great. If you want the best sound get external speakers or use headphones. I love the wireless mouse and keyboard and all the familiar Apple software that comes with the computer. The only things I wish were better have to do with the monitor. While the monitor looks great, it isn't ideal for critical Photoshop work. Although the screen is less glossy than previous iMacs, it is still too glossy. No matter where it is placed, you'll still get some reflections that show up mostly in dark areas of the image. Also, the glossy screen makes images look more saturated and contrasty. In general, that looks fine for watching movies, surfing the net, and doing most non-critical work. But, for color correction and retouching, the screen is not ideal. It would be nice if there was more control over the monitor settings and if the controls were easily accessible. To be fair, all Macs now have glossy screens. So the same issues are present with the MacBooks and Air laptops. I still prefer matte displays. I've used Macs for over 20 years and this iMac is one of the best I've used. I'd recommend this system as long as you are aware of the monitor issues.

FRED M.