The latest Apple’s official website has updated the iMac, which is likely to be the last version of the intel iMac we know of, with its iconic all-in-one design and Intel processor.
Introduction to Configuration
The 27-inch iMac in 2020 has become a leader with its CPU enhancement, SSD storage and updated graphics performance. There are other updates—the new nano-textured glass panels, but the focus is on speed. The new iMac will meet your need for speed.
The core of the 27-inch iMac is the new 10th generation Intel Core processor, which replaces the 9th generation CPU introduced in 2019. The current processor is a 3.6GHz 10-core Core i9, with Turbo Boost up to 5.0GHz.
Now, this generation of 27-inch iMac has hyper-threading standards in all models of CPU. Hyper-threading allows each processing core to run two threads at the same time, and helps improve CPU performance.
In the standard configuration, Apple still only provides 8GB RAM, but the maximum amount of memory supported has been increased from 64GB to 128GB. What you cannot upgrade yourself is the storage space that comes with the 27-inch iMac, because the SSD is already soldered to the iMac motherboard.
At the same time, Apple now uses Radeon Pro 5000 XT series graphics cards, which is an upgraded version of Radeon Pro 500X series.
There are other updates that can speed up the iMac. Now, the SDXC card slot on the back uses the UHS-II bus interface, which reads and writes faster than the previous UHS-I implementation.
In addition, the new 27-inch iMac is equipped with Apple’s T2 security chip, which is Apple’s second-generation customized chip. The storage controller in the T2 security chip will provide instant data encryption for everything stored in the solid state drive to ensure file and data security.
Unpacking Inspection Machine
To be honest, this size is really big, much larger than expected. And this is really heavy, if you buy it in a physical store and then move it back, I can’t imagine it. The original kraft carton is very good, with a buffer layer in the middle. I have to say that the internal buffer layer is also very good.
There are three things in the entire chassis, a host, a keyboard box, and the power cord.
Looking at the texture of this mouse is very good, but unfortunately, it is not easy to use. Unfortunately, I can’t use it anymore. There is also a film inside. It’s really heavy to move.
The first time it is turned on, there should be a large capacity of 226 remaining, a total of 251g solid state. The boot speed is very fast, and the program can be said to be opened in seconds (except after the app store is opened, the content loading is relatively slow).
Microphone and Speaker
The microphone of this device has also been improved. Apple has added a studio-quality microphone array to match the higher-end cameras, while the speakers benefit from the T2 chip, which implements variable equalization functions, so that sound balance is better and fidelity Higher, and the bass is deeper.
TechCrunch thinks this microphone is “clear and perfectly suitable for conference calls”, and has the same evaluation of the speakers.
Speakers can also meet roughly the same needs. They can be used to hold conference calls, play audio, or even casually watch movies and listen to music. However, if you are an enthusiast, it is better to have an external speaker, and computer audio is still more suitable for office use.
After 90 minutes of continuous video calls, CNBC’s editors have a high evaluation of the iMac microphone. CNBC stated that recordings recorded with a microphone sounded like they came from a recording studio.
The previous iMac had two front microphones, but the new 27-inch iMac adds a third rear microphone, which can greatly reduce background noise. The editors of CNBC even used iMac to record their own singing and playing guitar sounds, and the result is just like recording in a studio.
The Exterior
First look at the appearance, simple and elegant, and it is so harmonious everywhere. But this face has been used since the facelift at the end of 2009, and there is no change.
Another highlight is the side of the fuselage. The thinnest part is 5mm. This design is still in use since the replacement at the end of 2012, but in today’s all-in-one machines, the visual effect is still outstanding.
Here can be compared with the side of the 2010 model. From the thinnest 5mm to the sleek backward transition, to the middle bulge, the thickest part of the body is only about 7mm thinner than my old iMac. But it is visually lighter. Moreover, don’t forget that this is an all-in-one machine, not a screen. Every time you make it thinner, all the hardware is synchronized.
The all-aluminum alloy body with a rounded back is not so conspicuous. Except for the black LOGO inlaid in the middle, the various ports lined up and the power button at the bottom right of the same color as the body. The bracket obscures the air outlet, memory expansion cover, and power interface. These details create a seamless back design.
The back interfaces are headphone jack, SD card slot, 4 USB 3.1 interfaces, two newly added Thunderbolt 3 interfaces and Gigabit Ethernet interface. It is worth mentioning that the new Thunderbolt 3 interface is changed to an integrated USB-C format, which is easier to use and has twice the bandwidth and speed of Thunderbolt 2 on the 2015 iMac.
If this is not intuitive enough, you can understand it as eight times the speed of USB 3.0. The Thunderbolt 3 interface supports an external 5K display or two 4K displays, and a transmission speed of up to 40Gb/s at the same time is a boon for film and television creators.
At the bottom is a row of air intake holes, very hidden. This power cord is also the only cable for iMac.
The Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse 2 are equipped with Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
This time there is no change in appearance, and the biggest change is this Retina 5K screen. The maximum brightness is increased by 43% compared with the previous generation 2015 model to 500 nits. It supports 1 billion colors, and the display effect is more delicate and beautiful. It can be completely felt by the naked eye.
Voice Assistant Siri
Then, let’s talk about Siri, which is more fun than games. She has now run to the Mac series of computers. In the actual experience, Siri’s intonation has been greatly improved, and the pronunciation is more natural, but the level of intelligence still needs to be improved.
For example, I tentatively gave her a command that I thought was the simplest—”Empty the recycle bin for me”. She actually said that this might be beyond her ability. It can be seen from the mobile platform to the computer platform, the most basic operation of this new platform is not optimized. (I also tried emptying the wastebasket, but it was still unrecognizable)
After all, Siri is only a voice assistant and has not risen to the level of artificial intelligence. So, I followed the system’s suggestion and said “increase the brightness”. Siri successfully helped me to brighten the screen a bit, and called up the brightness control bar to adjust by myself.
After that, it also recognized my request for darkening. Then, I had to say “automatically adjust brightness”, and Siri was confused by me again. This is a veritable feature in the system settings.
Siri can still complete the functions that are very useful on the iPhone, such as querying weather, maps, stocks, and schedules. It now appears that Siri is basically moved directly from the phone. I really hope that Siri will be able to make greater improvements in the future with the help of more powerful hardware and system platforms, and truly become a cool intelligent assistant.
Say Goodbye to The Glare
The iMac comes with a glossy glass panel by default, which Apple calls “standard glass.” The main reason Apple uses glossy glass is that the contrast ratio is better than a typical matte display. The truth is that I have always hated shiny displays because of glare.
On the new 27-inch iMac, Apple now offers a nano-textured glass option, the same as the one introduced by the Apple Pro display XDR. This is a matte finish. According to Apple, this helps maintain image quality and contrast compared to a matte coating.
Apple is equipped with nano-textured glass. I have seen so many iMacs over the years, and it is strange to see the non-slick iMac produced by Apple. After turning off the iMac, the screen looks like matte, with almost no mirror effect.
When I turned on the iMac and used it for several hours, I did not find any reflections. Although the glare did not completely disappear, it was weaker. Overall, the nano glass display is very satisfactory. Nano-textured glass is the winner.
The screen of this computer is a Retina 5K display with a resolution of 5120×2880. It supports P3 color gamut and 500 nits of brightness. It’s a top-notch display, and it’s still the case, but what makes it better now is the new support for True Tone, where the iMac uses a sensor to automatically adjust the white balance of the display based on the light in the work environment.
Front Camera
After having a 720p FaceTime camera to achieve long-term development, Apple has upgraded it to a 1080p FaceTime camera on a 27-inch iMac.
The new FaceTime camera works with the iMac’s built-in T2 chip to handle the camera’s image processing.
Apple Computer Chips are About to Appear
As I said at the beginning of this review, this is probably the last generation of iMac computers from Intel. This is because Apple announced that it will produce its own Mac processors, and it is expected that you can see the first processors of Apple computers before the end of this year. With this in mind, you might hesitate to buy an Intel-based Mac.
Apple has stated that even if Apple’s chip transition is in full swing, it will continue to support its Intel Mac. If history can serve as a guide, expect the company to stay true to its promise.
Another thing to consider is how Apple will launch its new Mac. Apple has not officially announced the release time. There are speculations that Apple chips will debut in machines for ordinary consumers, and high-performance computers will be the last updated computers.
Therefore, this may mean that MacBook Air and Mac mini may be the first computers to use Apple processors. Since the 27-inch iMac has just been released, it will take at least a year to release the Apple chip version.
Experience
1. The typing feel of this keyboard is not very good. If you want to start with this iMac, I suggest you repurchase a useful mechanical keyboard.
2. Compared with the windows system, the Mac system feels fundamentally different from win, but in general it is still similar. The desktop is very clean, and I can’t bear to put folders on it.
3. At present, this fever is not bad. Although it was a big summer, I didn’t feel very hot in the back. If you are still hesitating whether this low configuration is enough, whether it will be stuck or the like, here can clearly tell you that this CPU can cope with daily web browsing, watching videos and the like is absolutely no problem.
But If you are professionals that often do editing, the 7700k is more suitable for you, or you can wait for iMac Pro.
To Sum Up
The 27-inch iMac in 2020 is the last iteration of an unforgettable design. The new 27-inch iMac has left a deep impression. It has new features that users have been waiting for, and it’s great to see this iMac as a winner.
