News - Apple launches a cheaper entry level iMac

[HEXUS]

It's basically a MacBook Air in an AiO chassis, also the 8GB RAM chip is soldered in.

Read more.

[crossy]

£899 would get you a pretty decent Windows8 AIO with change to spare. Don't like this new "entry level" machine at all - thinking that spending that extra £150 (bearing in mind you've already spent nearly £900!) would be a wise move for the extra capability.

Just did a very quick search and £999 would get you a "HP ENVY Recline 23-m120ea TouchSmart Beats All-in-One Desktop PC". Only half the RAM, but it's easily upgradable, and it's got a dedicated graphics card (NVidia 730), faster processor and larger drive than this base iMac. Oh and it's a 23" touchscreen, rather than the 21" of the iMac.

[lumireleon]

sorry Apple with that cash I can get a descent self built rig with i5 + gtx 760 + 2133mhz DDR3

[Sy7ygy]

This isnt meant to be a powerhouse. Having said that, I do not agree on the price.

[Scryder]

I think if you want an entry level Mac, it's probably best to get a PC. I don't think the best mac is good value for money, so a lower spec system won't be all that appealing. Guess for people who like mac's and don't know tech-specs might buy one, because of the brand.

[Defiant]

ROFL at Apple's 'entry' option, just lol.

[peterb]

The Mac mini is a better entry level OSX based PC (IMHO) although you then need to add a monitor, keyboard etc. but you can add any old HDMI capable monitor.

[crossy]

The Mac mini is a better entry level OSX based PC (IMHO) although you then need to add a monitor, keyboard etc. but you can add any old HDMI capable monitor.

That thought just occurred to me too. Quick look at PC World and £589 for the MM + mouse and keyboard, then another £100 for a (Phillips) 21" monitor. So £689 in total.

Only downside is that the Mac Mini is only 4GB, so add £60 for an 8GB kit. By my reckoning that still leaves me £150 up on this new iMac. EDIT:£65.76 inc VAT and delivery for that 8GB kit.

[LSG501]

Yeah the new 'cheaper' imac or should I say macbook air in the imac shell is a bit on the high side... the relative performance versus price is well out of place compared with the others in the range. Many people are saying you could buy a macbook air and then grab a monitor for the same or close to the same price as well.

In my opinion the cheaper mac should have been what was the cheapest option before with a price cut....

[crossy]

Many people are saying you could buy a macbook air and then grab a monitor for the same or close to the same price as well.

They're right. 11" Macbook Air with 8GB RAM = £829 from the Apple Store (delivery in 1-3 days). That's only a 128GB SSD, so add another £55 for a 1TB USB crate. So for a basic 21" and cables you're still only looking at less than £100 more.

It's a cliché, but I really wish Apple had come up with some way to license OS X for other systems - even with a big "use at your own risk" sticker plastered on it.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

It uses a ULV dual core with HT CPU BTW. It seems they have taken the bits of an entry level MacBook and plonked them in the iMac.

Plus they still use 5400RPM drives!!

[Biscuit]

IMO, you don't even need 8GB for an "entry level" machine. If you are doing tasks that require more than 4GB then you probably need to be looking at a different solution entirely.

[davidcrofter]

Apple Macs have always been expensive and largely used in the reprographics/designer trade but with virtually all of those specialised programmes crossing over to Windows OS they really have just become designer gear for smart offices ... this would look great in one of those sort of places.

[Mighty God]

He he he, you do make me chuckle Apple!! :-P

[kajjot]

I don't get why is everyone complaining and comparing to what they can build for that money.
Some people just prefer Mac's and if you need a PC for home use then this is your cheapest option.
Intel HD5000 is fast enough for most tasks, even light gaming.
So £900 for aesthetically pleasing piece of kit in your lounge that has a good quality IPS screen is not a bad deal.
I have a custom built PC and always wish i could afford an iMac just because it looks so pretty.
Same goes to would you rather drive a Ferrari or a BMW M6. Both good cars but one is luxury and could have same top speed and 0-60.
Mac's are not priced against PC's and all price/performance comparisons are waste of time.

[babylon100]

An extra 130 quid, And you can have the i7 equipped,8GB,1TB 27" Touch screen Lenovo ideacentre from Amazon, And it's a gorgeous looking thing as well.