Manage updates with the Download AppApple iMac 27-inch (3.1GHz, spring 2011)
Manufacturer: Apple Part number: imacspring2011
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- We recommend Apple's new 27-inch iMac to digital media editors and others with serious performance needs on the strength of its impressive speed, its connected device potential, and its market-leading 27-inch display.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memory4Less.com | Not yet rated | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/24/2013 Refurbished |
CNET editors' review
Apple iMac 27-inch (3.1GHz, spring 2011) price range: $4,209.14
- Reviewed by: Rich Brown
- Reviewed on: 05/03/2011
- Released on: 05/03/2011
The good: The new 27-inch iMac offers the best performance among current all-in-ones, along with the largest display, the best design, and exciting potential from its Thunderbolt ports.
The bad: We still miss built-in HDMI inputs for easy media component integration, and, as usual, custom hardware options for the iMac remain more expensive than those for its Windows-based competition.
The bottom line: We recommend Apple's new 27-inch iMac to digital media editors and others with serious performance needs on the strength of its impressive speed, its connected device potential, and its market-leading 27-inch display.
User reviews
-
-
Awesome machine
by shady28 on May 3, 2011
Pros: New Sandy Bridge Architecture; New GPUs are able to keep up with all the current games; 2 Thunderbolt ports make it possible to drive 2 additional monitors, plus 10Gbit/s for external storage and other devices; You can run windows or OS X on it
Cons: Pricey, but still a better deal than comparable Windows based all in ones.
Summary: Simply an incredible machine. I picked mine up this afternoon - way faster than the previous generation.
The chart in the article is incorrect though, the i5-760 is not what ...Summary: Simply an incredible machine. I picked mine up this afternoon - way faster than the previous generation.
The chart in the article is incorrect though, the i5-760 is not what is in the new iMac 27 (and is not Sandy Bridge). The 760 was used in the previous generation top line iMac 27" and is the older core i5 architecture.
The new top line iMac 27" uses the i5 2400, while the other models use the 2400s and 2500s. These are the Sandy Bridge CPUs. The 's' versions are lower power processors, with a heat design of 35 Watts vs 65 or 95 watts for normal variants. This means the new iMacs will run cooler than the last generation iMacs.16 out of 19 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
The Benchmark for All-in-Ones
by pjs_boston on May 4, 2011
Pros: Fast, sleek, and well packaged
Flawless integration of sound system, microphone, and HD camera
Includes best-in-class keyboard and mouse options
Stunningly beautiful LED backlit IPS display. The machine price is comparable to competing monitors. It's liCons: None, considering that this is an all-in-one design - not meant for user upgrades...
Summary: A very good value. A luxury product at a mainstream price
A very good value. A luxury product at a mainstream price
Updated on May 5, 2011Summary: A very good value. A luxury product at a mainstream price
A very good value. A luxury product at a mainstream price
Updated on May 5, 20116 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Cost effective with a decent OS
by inodes on May 3, 2011
Pros: Disagree with notalilo completely. There is a premium to be paid on the products, but it is money well spent. Purchased an iMac for a family member and continued 20 years tradition of building my own non Apple systems. But being a Unix Admin with a strong
Cons: Thunderbolt devices aren't available easily yet.
Summary: First to market with Sandy Bridge and Thunderbolt couple with the efficiencies and security of a Unix based system. It's a win-win.
Summary: First to market with Sandy Bridge and Thunderbolt couple with the efficiencies and security of a Unix based system. It's a win-win.
4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Powerful Computer
by chirumbolo15 on May 11, 2011
Pros: Easy set-up; ease with overall use; no noise; superior speed to anything PC based i have used
Cons: pricey but worth it
Summary: Bought this to replace a PC and this computer blew away my expectations. My family owns Apple products and I am now converted for life.
Summary: Bought this to replace a PC and this computer blew away my expectations. My family owns Apple products and I am now converted for life.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Apple nailed it again!
by cgarcia1354 on May 5, 2011
Pros: Superb Display quality,
ultra fast operation combined with a powerful and user friendly OS
Thunderbolt devices coming out will maximize this computers potential
LION coming this summer
Hello!! Its an Apple ProductCons: No hdmi ( fixable with an adapter)
No blur ray (not a big deal)
Price is high( but worth it)Summary:
Ok so I have had the New Imac for about a week now and here is how its going so far.
Updated on May 9, 2011
I have now compelted ...Summary:
Ok so I have had the New Imac for about a week now and here is how its going so far.
Updated on May 9, 2011
I have now compelted using Boot Camp to install windows 7. It runs flawlessly and I can use all my Mac peripherals with no problems. Track pad and Magic mouse both work like a charm allthough I have to get used to using the trackpad in windows.
There is a noticable difference in performance from the old Imac and I love it. Its nothing that completely wows you as far as the speed difference it simply makes an allready fluid experience even better,
I ordered a Maxtor Firewiree 800 external hard drive to use with Time Machine and for overall data storage. Even when thunderbolt dvices do hit the market I have afeeling the price will not be very appealing. However I have seen the data speed transfer results and WOW. Thunderbolt is FAST!!
Overall I am super happy that I got this Imac. If they price had gone up i might have complained, but for the same money its a much more powerful machine!3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Just amazing
by sylouellette on September 3, 2011
Pros: Lightning fast, even more with the SSD for the OS and apps. Screen quality is just awesome.
Cons: Pricey, but still worth it.
Summary: I just moved from a IMac 24 (from 2008) to this new iMac 27 and with the addition of the SSD. The applications startup are just blasting fast.
And with ...Summary: I just moved from a IMac 24 (from 2008) to this new iMac 27 and with the addition of the SSD. The applications startup are just blasting fast.
And with Lion on top, it makes going from apps to apps even faster and easier.
The migration of the data though was not as simple as the store mentioned. Thank god I had the two Macs side by side because of some subtle changes which required attention. Also, the time machine data transfer wanted to load all on my previous Mac data into the SSD and it could not fit obviously. So, I had to move the core of the data manually.
I'm 24 hours into the experience and I'm so glad I invested into this. Can't wait to try Final Cut when I have a minute.3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Apple iMac wins hands down!!
by lovinmalemutes on September 27, 2011
Pros: Does everything without freezing up, or any other quirks we've had from other PC's
Cons: The price was a bit high (we spent well over $2200.00) but not compared to what we've spent for all of the PC's that came before!
Summary: Through the years we have had IBM, Compaq, Dell, and HP PC's, and all have had their quirks, problems, and issues. We decided to go with the Apple 27 ...
Summary: Through the years we have had IBM, Compaq, Dell, and HP PC's, and all have had their quirks, problems, and issues. We decided to go with the Apple 27 inch iMac this time, and we are thrilled with it so far. It is what we call a "Screamer" as it is 3.4ghz. i7 quad core with 1 terabyte, and 16 GB. We think this computer will outlast all the others that came before, and should be powerful enough to keep all the simulator players happy! Should have gone Apple long ago!!! My HP Notebook is the next to be replaced. Apple will be my choice for that replacement ! We have become a family of Apple lovers!
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
By far the best all in one unit on the market.
by Dr_Mario_PharmD on May 4, 2011
Pros: 1. Incredible 27" display only matched by other high end monitors like the Dell Ultrasharp series
2. Powerful i7 2600 processor
3. Reliable operating system
4. Quality built construction that should last at lest 5 years and most likely longerCons: 1. No Blu-Ray.
2. Ram is extremely overpriced. Starts at 4 GB at $1,999 and $600 for 16 GB upgrade.Summary: I am currently in the market for a new computer to replace my laptop I purchased for pharmacy school. I really hate laptops and am excited to get back to ...
Summary: I am currently in the market for a new computer to replace my laptop I purchased for pharmacy school. I really hate laptops and am excited to get back to the world of desktops. I always wanted to buy an Apple PC because I have experience with both Linux and Windows, but little experience with Mac OS.
Apple usually does a great job with build construction to ensure their products are physically durable which frequently adds to the cost. However, quality construction usually ensures longer life and faster performance during that life. I am happy to see the processor received a nice upgrade, but I expected more ram. Many computers in this price range are starting to have 12 GB and quickly upgrade to 16 GB. If I buy this product, I will only get 4 GB of ram and spend only $200 upgrade to 16 GB myself. The other big disappointment is the lack of Blu-Ray. Blu-Ray is no longer new technology and is a cheap add on to any other comparable computer. While I am glad to see the upgrade in video card, I am slightly disappointed it was only to the 6970M instead of the full 6970. This was likely do to space and the ability to cool the video card.
I am currently looking at the Dell 8300, HP HPE580t and Apple iMac 27". The 8300 is my least favorite, but the cheapest cost of the 3. The HPE580t is most expensive, but has the option for the 6 core i7-970 processor which is awesome. The iMac 27" has the more reliable operating system and best monitor which is great for large documents.
Overall the iMac 27" is missing a few minor features, but the powerful processor, great monitor and quality construction justify spending more money for it.2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
LOVE THIS MACHINE!
by KevinSweetman on March 31, 2012
Pros: Screen size, graphics/gaming, sound, speed, and versatility. Two computers in one with Mac OS and Windows 7 (which I think works better on the iMac)
Cons: Simply no HDMI input. You can get a converter from Belkin to plug in any HDMI device such as a DVR box to watch tv or a Blu-ray player, but it cost $150!
Summary: So I waited to write a review on this machine because I hate people writing reviews and they have only had the product for two or three days. I have ...
Summary: So I waited to write a review on this machine because I hate people writing reviews and they have only had the product for two or three days. I have had this computer for 7 months and I can't get enough of it. It is fast, great looking (everyone that sees it goes crazy and want to use it), and overall a great deal. Yes people complain that it is expensive, but if you are looking at getting any type of Mac, this is the best way to go. I was considering a 15 inch Macbook Pro and THAT would have been a waste, this no.
I am in college so this is used as my TV and computer. I actually have a TV in my apartment, but I'm not kidding Netflix, Hulu, and movies simply look better on here than on my flat screen television. So theres one way you are saving money, don't buy a tv unless you like cable or satellite.
I have always been a Windows guy, used Macs in school and hated them! Although now with the Intel Chips I have had zero problems. It is so versatile. I used the restore disks from my Windows 7 laptop and installed it on here and I still think Windows 7 works better on the iMac than on my old computer and my friends newer laptops. But it also simply feels good to have both computers in one. If I have something that needs to be installed on a pc such as a program or video game, I'm not limited, I have two computers in one and no problems. Also you can get files from either operating system, doesn't matter if your in the Windows partition or the Mac OS partition.
I didn't know if I was going to really like it more than my PC and was worried all my horrors of High School would come back. But with the new second gen Intel chips I have no regrets and especially when you can still use Windows! But if you get it, even if you love Windows, you will tend to like Mac OS better. Sad to say I have switched and am using the Mac partition WAY more than the Windows side.
Overall it is worth the money when you break it down for what your getting. Yes you may get a cheaper Windows device, but trust me if you had your windows PC next to this you would be kicking yourself for not getting it. The look, the usage, and having two computers in one, just do it! Also for people that say, oh but your screwed if something goes wrong because you would have to send it to Apple. WRONG! It is SUPER easy to get access to everything and fix anything. Lot's of videos on Youtube, I wanted to investigate, god forbid something goes wrong in the future. But the glass screen is held on by strong magnets and with a suction cup in the top right hand corner, you can remove the glass bezel, unscrew the screen and there you go. Everything is in place at face level. Hard drive, motherboard, etc. Simply look it up online, super easy. (Memory is the easiest, slot is on the bottom of the computer and only has two screws.) So JUST DO IT!1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
EXPENSIVE BUT UNDENIABLY THE BEST FOR FILM EDITORS
by hclnotebook66 on March 9, 2012
Pros: Fast and so beautiful to work in! This is a must try experience thingy for anyone not into apple before!
Cons: Costly? Too large? I don't know really because I have never been able to crash this model doing any work unlike windows based pc with i7 chips!
Summary: This is a beautiful machine to work and a pleasure for those involved in long hours + doing arduous editing tasks over and over!
Summary: This is a beautiful machine to work and a pleasure for those involved in long hours + doing arduous editing tasks over and over!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Apple
- Part number: imacspring2011
- Description: Today's iMac has come a long way from the first 15-inch iMac. Take one look and you'll see just how far. A display with edge-to-edge glass covers nearly the entire front of the enclosure. When all you see is the display, nothing gets between you and what's onscreen. Movies, TV shows, FaceTime HD video calls, websites, photos - everything looks stunning on the widescreen 16:9 iMac display. The more pixels a display has, the more light those pixels need to achieve the best picture possible. And that's exactly what the LED backlighting in iMac does: it pushes light through each pixel with remarkable brightness and efficiency. Because the LED backlight doesn't take up much space, the iMac enclosure stays thin - even with all the high-performance components inside. The widescreen iMac display allows more room to separate the two hottest components, the CPU and the GPU. This keeps things cool inside the iMac enclosure. Apple engineers also implemented an intelligent control system that monitors temperatures and delivers just the right amount of airflow to critical components. And the three fans inside iMac have been tuned to be ultra quiet, so you hardly know it's on. Watching a movie, updating your blog, editing photos. Tasks like these require data to travel from place to place. The Intel Core architecture puts the processor, cache, memory controller, and graphics engine on a single chip. Since data doesn't have as far to travel, you get faster performance and greater efficiency. Thunderbolt technology has arrived - and Apple computers are the first to have it. With one tiny port, you get lightning-fast transfer speeds and huge expansion capabilities. Two 10-Gbps data channels per port mean you can transfer data up to 12 times faster than with FireWire 800. And don't worry about a single drive or peripheral tying up the Thunderbolt port: you can daisy-chain as many as six devices plus a display.
General
- Desktop type Monitor included,
All-in-one desktop system - Packaged Quantity 1
- Type Personal computer
- Product Form Factor All-in-one
- Built-in Devices Antenna,
Stereo speakers,
Infrared receiver - Localization English
Processor / Chipset
- Type Intel Core i5 3.1 GHz
- Number of Cores Quad-Core
- 64-bit Computing Yes
- CPU Qty 1
- Max CPU Qty 1
- Processor Main Features Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2
Cache Memory
- Installed Size L3 cache - 6 MB
- Cache Per Processor 6 MB
RAM
- Installed Size 4 GB / 16 GB (max)
- Technology DDR3 SDRAM
- Memory Speed 1333 MHz
- Memory Specification Compliance PC3-10600
- Form Factor SO DIMM 204-pin
- Configuration Features 2 x 2 GB
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 50 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 95 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 5 - 95% (non-condensing)
- Sound Emission 18 dBA
Hard Drive
- Type HDD
- Capacity 1 x 1 TB
- Interface Type Serial ATA-300 Serial ATA
- Spindle Speed 7200 rpm
Storage Controller
- Type 1 x Serial ATA - Integrated
- Controller Interface Type Serial ATA-300
Hard Drive (3rd)
- Type None
Optical Storage
- Type DVD±RW (±R DL)
- Read Speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD)
- Write Speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD±R) / 4x (DVD±R DL)
- Rewrite Speed 16x (CD) / 6x (DVD-RW) / 8x (DVD+RW)
Floppy Drive
- Type None
Optical Storage (2nd)
- Type None
Card Reader
- Type Card reader
- Supported Flash Memory Cards SD Memory Card,
SDXC Memory Card,
SDHC Memory Card Storage Removable
- Type None
Monitor
- Monitor Type LED
- Diagonal Size 27 in
- Max Resolution 2560 x 1440
- Widescreen Display Yes
- Image Aspect Ratio 16:9
- Horizontal Viewing Angle 178
- Image Contrast Ratio 1000:1
Graphics Controller
- Graphics Processor / Vendor AMD Radeon HD 6970M
- Video Memory 1 GB GDDR5 SDRAM
Camera
- Form Factor Integrated
Input Device
- Type Mouse,
Keyboard Audio Output
- Type Integrated
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Speaker(s) 2 x Right / left channel
Keyboard
- Keyboard Name Apple Wireless Keyboard
- Connectivity Wireless
- Interface Bluetooth
- Localization & Layout English - North America
Audio Input
- Type Microphone
Telecom
- Modem None
Mouse
- Connectivity Wireless
- Technology Laser
- Interface Bluetooth
- Features Multi-Touch
Networking
- Type Integrated
- Wireless LAN Supported Yes
- Data Link Protocol Bluetooth 2.1 EDR,
IEEE 802.11a,
Fast Ethernet,
Ethernet,
Gigabit Ethernet,
IEEE 802.11b,
IEEE 802.11n,
IEEE 802.11g - Compliant Standards IEEE 802.11g,
Bluetooth 2.1,
IEEE 802.11n,
IEEE 802.11a,
IEEE 802.11b Printer
- Type None
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included Power cable ( 1 pcs.)
- Features 802.11n Wireless LAN,
Bluetooth 2.1,
Camera Expansion / Connectivity
- Slots Memory,
4 (total) / 2 (free) x SDXC memory card SO DIMM 204-pin - Interfaces 2 x Thunderbolt,
1 x FireWire 800,
4 x USB 2.0,
1 x Audio - SPDIF output/headphones,
1 x Audio - SPDIF input/line-in,
1 x LAN (Gigabit Ethernet),
1 x IrDA Power
- Device Type Power supply
- Power AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
Operating System / Software
- OS Provided Apple OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion
- Software Apple iCal,
Apple QuickTime,
Apple iTunes,
Apple Dashboard,
Apple Spotlight,
Apple XCode Developer Tools,
Apple Address Book,
Apple Safari,
Apple DVD Player,
Apple iLife,
Apple Time Machine,
Apple Quick Look,
Apple Spaces,
Photo Booth,
Front Row,
Apple Mac OS X Mail,
Apple iChat Dimensions & Weight
- Width 25.6 in
- Depth 8.1 in
- Height 20.4 in
- Weight 30.4 lbs
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year,
Technical support - Phone consulting - 90 days Sustainability
- ENERGY STAR Qualified Yes
- EPEAT Compliant EPEAT Gold
- Greenpeace policy rating (Nov 2011) 4.6
- Greenpeace policy rating (Nov 2012) 4.5
Product series
-
Apple iMac 27-inch (3.1GHz, spring 2011)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Intel Core i5 3.1 GHz,
4 GB / 16 GB (max),
Apple OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion,
DVD±RW (±R DL),
AMD Radeon HD 6970M,
TFT active matrix,
LCD display,
L3 cache,
6 MB -
Apple iMac 27-inch (2.7GHz, spring 2011)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Intel Core i5 2.7 GHz,
4 GB / 16 GB (max),
Apple OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion,
DVD±RW (±R DL),
AMD Radeon HD 6770M,
TFT active matrix,
LCD display,
L3 cache,
6 MB -
Apple iMac 21.5-inch (2.7GHz, spring 2011)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Intel Core i5 2.7 GHz,
4 GB / 16 GB (max),
Apple OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion,
DVD±RW (±R DL),
AMD Radeon HD 6770M,
TFT active matrix,
LCD display,
L3 cache,
6 MB -
Apple iMac 21.5-inch (2.5GHz, spring 2011)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Intel Core i5 2.5 GHz,
4 GB / 8 GB (max),
Apple OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion,
DVD±RW (±R DL),
AMD Radeon HD 6750M,
TFT active matrix,
LCD display,
L3 cache,
6 MB
Accessories
- Klear Screen iKlear Apple Polish Kit - cleaning kit (34705268)17.29 - 20.85
- Corsair Mac Memory memory - 4 GB - SO DIMM 204-pin - DDR3 (34740973)24.99 - 37.99
- Kingston memory - 2 GB - SO DIMM 204-pin - DDR3 (34741119)15.63 - 18.99
- Corsair Mac Memory memory - 8 GB : 2 x 4 GB - SO DIMM 204-pin - DDR3 (34741108)44.99 - 62.37
- Kanex iAdapt V2 - video / audio adapter - DisplayPort / HDMI (34941909)19.99
- Logitech diNovo Mini Keyboard (32784878)115.68 - 168.67
- Intermec keyboard (35058896)478.19 - 517.50
- Kensington Notebook Keypad/Calculator with USB Hub - keypad (34991754)24.00
- Manhattan Numeric - keypad (34564735)10.32
- Unotron SpillSeal Meditech Magic Washable Antimicrobial Keyboard S6000KMT - keyboard (34666150)45.99
- Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 (31485240)33.99 - 63.32
- Logitech Illuminated Keyboard (33264750)60.89 - 117.89
- Razer Lycosa (32640959)69.99 - 94.66
- Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution - keyboard and mouse set (32822577)124.99 - 224.79
- Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro (33300017)229.99
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Apple products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Apple
- Address:
One Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014 - Phone: 1-408-996-1010
%20-%20Compare%20prices,%20reviews,%20user%20opinions%20-%20Shopper.com&srcUrl=http://shopper.cnet.com/desktops/apple-imac-27-inch/4014-3118_9-34662591-1.html?orderBy%3Davailability%26sortDesc%3Dtrue%26info%3Dreview&x_breadcrumb=3000:3118&x_arw_bkts=MAD:first_impression){kind=small}