Two-Minute Review: Apple iMac 24-inch (M3)
In the world of all-in-one computers, the Apple iMac (M3) reigns supreme. No Windows-based alternative even comes close to Apple’s iconic product. However, this level of dominance has sometimes resulted in a sense of complacency from Apple, with previous iterations of the iMac feeling like minor upgrades to outdated designs.
That all changed with the release of the iMac 24-inch (M1, 2021). Not only did it introduce Apple’s new M1 chip, but it also featured a sleeker design with slimmer bezels and vibrant color options. It was a much-needed refresh and solidified the iMac as the leading all-in-one computer.
However, Apple seemed to lose interest in the iMac following the launch of the M2 chip. Other products got the upgrade, but there was no sign of a refreshed iMac. That changed with the “Scary Fast” event on October 30, 2023, when Apple finally unveiled the new iMac 24-inch (M3) with the cutting-edge M3 chip.
Design-wise, the iMac 24-inch (M3) is identical to its predecessor. It maintains a visually appealing aesthetic with bright color options that add a touch of individuality. The display is also unchanged, offering vibrant colors and sharp visuals. However, some frustrations from the previous model remain, such as the inconvenient charging port on the Magic Mouse and the use of the outdated Lightning connection for peripherals.
Internally, the iMac 24-inch (M3) shines with the M3 chip, delivering impressive performance improvements over the M1-powered iMac. It excels in demanding tasks like coding and video rendering, and even shows promise for gaming, albeit not at the level of dedicated gaming PCs.
Price-wise, the new iMac starts at $1,399 / £1,399 / AU$2,199, a slight increase from its predecessor. This is understandable given the significant performance boost, but it deviates from Apple’s habit of maintaining the same price for new models. The base model’s 8GB of memory and 256GB SSD may feel inadequate for some users, and unfortunately, the iMac is not upgradable. Therefore, upgrading the memory and storage at the time of purchase is recommended, albeit at an additional cost.
Despite these drawbacks, the iMac 24-inch (M3) remains the best all-in-one computer available. It may not offer the same value as its predecessor, but its powerful performance and sleek design make it a worthwhile investment. For a comprehensive look at Apple’s other new Macs, be sure to check out our reviews of the MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3 Max) and MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max).
Apple iMac 24-inch (M3): Pricing and Availability
– Starting price: $1,399 / £1,399 / AU$2,199
– Availability: Now available
– Where to buy: Available in the US, UK, and Australia
The Apple iMac (M3) comes in one size, 24 inches, and features the M3 chip. The base model starts at $1,399 / £1,399 / AU$2,199 and includes an 8-core GPU, 8-core CPU, 8GB of memory, 256GB SSD, and Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse. This is a price increase compared to the previous M1 model but is justified by the performance improvements of the M3 chip.
For slightly more power, the iMac 24-inch (M3) can be configured with a 10-core GPU, two additional USB 3 ports, support for Gigabit Ethernet, and Touch ID on the Magic Keyboard for $1,499 / £1,599 / $2,499.
The base models can also be configured with 16GB or 24GB of unified memory for more intensive tasks. Additionally, users can opt for up to 2TB of SSD storage. Keep in mind that the iMac is not upgradable, so it’s advisable to choose higher memory and storage options at the time of purchase.
Apple iMac 24-inch (M3): Specifications
Our review unit specifications for the iMac 24-inch (M3) include:
– CPU: Apple M3 (8-core)
– Graphics: Integrated 8-core GPU
– RAM: 8GB unified memory
– Screen: 24-inch, 4.5K Retina display (IPS, 500 nits brightness, wide color P3 gamut)
– Storage: 256GB SSD
– Ports: 2x Thunderbolt USB 4 (USB-C), 3.5mm headphone jack
– Wireless: Wi-Fi 6e (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3
– Camera: 1080p FaceTime HD webcam
– Weight: 9.88 lbs (4.48kg)
– Dimensions: 18.1 x 21.5 x 5.8 inches (46.1 x 54.7 x 14.7cm; W x D x H)
Apple iMac 24-inch (M3): Design
The iMac 24-inch (M3) retains the same design as its predecessor, featuring a sleek aesthetic. It is available in seven vibrant color options, adding a splash of personality to the all-in-one. However, some frustrations from the previous model persist, such as the placement of the charging port on the Magic Mouse and the reliance on Lightning cables for peripherals.
Overall, the Apple iMac 24-inch (M3) offers impressive performance and an attractive design. Although it may not provide the same value as its predecessor, it maintains its position as the best all-in-one computer on the market.
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