Apple iMac 21.5-inch (2.5GHz, spring 2011)
Apple
MSRP: $1,199.00
Typical Price: $2,370.21
Overview
CNET Editors' Rating: 3.5 / 5
The good: As the most-affordable iMac, the Apple iMac 21.5-inch offers competitive speed, the unique potential of its Thunderbolt port, and Apple's trademark design leadership.
The bad: The 21.5-inch iMac isn't the best all-in-one for home entertainment, and its performance competitiveness suffers without an option for more video memory.
The bottom line: Apple's $1,199 iMac doesn't offer the same home entertainment features as Windows-based all-in-ones, but its speed, looks, and the future utility of its Thunderbolt port make it a strong choice for performance-sensitive professionals.
Design, Features & Performance (out of 10)
Design: 10.0
Features: 7.0
Performance: 7.0
Review
Editors' note (October 23, 2012): The 2011 iMac reviewed here has been replaced by an updated 2012 model that offers an all-new superthin design and improved hardware specs (Ivy Bridge CPU, Thunderbolt port, USB 3.0).
Apple's 27-inch iMacs stand out largely because they offer bigger displays than any other all-in-one. The newly updated 21.5-inch iMac has always had a harder time persuading buyers thanks to the glut of 23-inch Windows-based all-in-ones in the same price range. A fast new Core i5 processor helps the most affordable new iMac make a strong case for its performance, and we expect OS X-loyal professionals will appreciate the iMac's added speed and, eventually, its new Thunderbolt data port. Consumers will be less convinced, especially given the iMac's lack of home entertainment conveniences.
As we said in our review of the new 27-inch model, the design of Apple's iMacs remains the most aesthetically pleasing in the industry. The 21.5-inch model has a smaller footprint than the larger one, coming in at 17.75 inches high and 20.75 inches (compared with 20.25-inches high and 25.5-inches wide on the 27-inch iMac), which could make the smaller-screen version one better suited to tight spaces.
Along with featuring the smaller screen among the two iMac varieties, the 21.5-inch model also has a smaller screen than price-comparable Windows all-in-ones. Dell's Inspiron One, HP's TouchSmart 610-series, the Gateway One ZX6000-series, and others all boast 23-inch displays, and some, like Dell's all-in-one, can be had for under $700.
Admittedly, the iMac's display gives up only a diagonal inch-and-a-half in its physical measurements, which is hardly enough to cause a dramatic degradation in its user experience. You could argue that the more compressed pixels will make for crisper image quality, at least when you're sitting up close. The Windows side of the debate might similarly point out that larger screens lend themselves to better viewing from a distance, which you might want from an all-in-one designed, as many Windows all-in-ones are, for home entertainment. Both sides have a point, and the arguments of the screen-size debate extend through to the 21.5-inch iMac's features comparison as well.
| Apple iMac 21-inch | Dell Inspiron One 2305 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199 | $1,149 |
| Display size/resolution | 21.5-inc, 1,920x1,080 | 23-inch, 1,920x1,080 |
| CPU | 2.5GHz Intel Core i5 2400 | 2.4GHz AMD Phenom II X4 610e |
| Memory | 4GB 1,333MHZ DDR3 SDRAM | 8GB 1,33MHz DDR3 SDRAM |
| Graphics | 512MB AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics card | 1GB AMD Radeon HD 5470 |
| Hard drives | 500GB, 7,200rpm | 1TB, 7,200 rpm |
| Optical drive | dual-layer DVD burner | Blu-ray/DVD burner combo drive |
| Networking | Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n wireless | Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n wireless |
| Operating system | Apple OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.7 | Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) |
The Dell Inspiron One 2305 we reviewed in November is now six months old, but it remains Dell's highest-end all-in-one offering, with the same specs as when we first wrote about it. Aside from its all-in-one form factor, the Dell and the iMac couldn't be more different.
The Dell's large touch screen, its Blu-ray drive, and its HDMI input make it well-suited to serving as a digital entertainment kiosk. You could set it up in a den, a bedroom, or on a kitchen counter and use it to consume almost any kind of digital media. The HDMI input in particular lends the Inspiron One great versatility, letting you use it as a standalone display for a game console or a cable box. With the help of an extra, expensive adapter you can use the new Thunderbolt port on the iMac the same way, but you still don't have a touch screen to simplify media controls, and the lack of a Blu-ray drive in the iMac potentially gives you another device you must connect to replicate the same streamlined digital media hub.
On the other hand, the iMac makes a far superior computer for producing digital media or tackling any other performance-dependent task. The iMac's new Intel Core i5 2400 processor is a generation ahead of the AMD Phenom II X4 chip in the Dell. The iMac also has a faster, more recent AMD graphics chip. The Thunderbolt port, which replaces the old iMac's MiniDisplay Port, will be important also, when compatible storage arrays, video hubs, and other devices debut this summer that take advantage of its fast, bi-directional data transfer capabilities.
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
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(Longer bars indicate better performance)
 | Rendering Multiple CPUs | | Rendering Single CPU |
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
| 1,920x1,080 |
You get a clear picture of the 21.5-inch iMac's performance superiority from our benchmarks tests. The iMac is faster than Dell's $1,149 Inspiron One 2035 on all of our benchmarks. It's also faster than last year's $1,149 iMac. The $949 HP Omni 200 gives the iMac some difficulty on our Photoshop CS 5 test, which we suspect is due to the fact that the HP has twice the graphics memory of the iMac. The two are also close on the multithreaded CineBench test, likely due to the HP's higher CPU clock speed, despite being a Core i5 CPU from Intel's previous chip generation.
Two other performance notes we should point out: First, as evidenced by its Call of Duty 4 performance, the new iMac is a far more capable gaming system than the previous entry-level iMac. Second, the Gateway FX6850-51u, a traditional desktop available for $999, illustrates that if you don't care about looks, you can still generally get better performance for your dollar from a standard midtower computer.
If the HP is competitive in performance with the iMac on certain tests, it does not offer the same design as the iMac, nor does it have an input comparable with the iMac's Thunderbolt port. Those may be small considerations for some, and in keeping with the HP's $250 cost savings. They may also argue for an apparent performance boost if Apple were to add a graphics chip option to the iMac that allowed for 1GB of video RAM. Overall, and particularly for the performance-inclined who will take advantage of the iMac's Thunderbolt port, Apple's most affordable all-in-one provides strong performance for its price category.
The iMac's other new features are relatively straightforward. The built-in Web cam now supports Apple's FaceTime video chat software, and will let iMac users chat with iOS-device owning friends. Its other ports remain the same as on previous models. You get four USB 2.0 inputs, a FireWire 800 port, two audio ports, and an Ethernet input. The Thunderbolt port can act as a Mini DisplayPort input and output, although you can't currently use the new iMac as a second monitor, at least not with a Mini DisplayPort cable. Whether you can use it as such with a Thunderbolt cable when they become available remains to be seen.
| Juice box | |
| Apple iMac 21.5-inch (2.5GHz Intel Core i5 2400, Spring 2011) | |
| Off (watts) | 0.36 |
| Sleep (watts) | 1.19 |
| Idle (watts) | 33.85 |
| Load (watts) | 95.89 |
| Raw (annual kWh) | 148.03962 |
| EnergyStar compliant | Yes |
| Annual operating cost (@$0.1135/kWh) | $16.80 |
Apple used to dominate our power efficiency charts, but Intel's own efforts to reduce its CPU's energy consumption have enabled others to stand out on our power draw tests. The AMD-powered Dell is the only outlier, and the difference is remarkable, and a little depressing for AMD considering the Dell's similarly poor performance on our benchmark tests.
Apple's phone support receives high customer satisfaction ratings, but, as always, we wish it were available to customers beyond the first 90 days of purchase without having to pay $169 for an AppleCare coverage plan. Apple's network of in-person help via its Genius Bar and its authorized service providers remains unique as well, but for desktop customers in particular, extended phone-based help would be far more convenient.
Conclusion
The 21.5-inch, $1,199 iMac does not offer the same clear advantage over its Windows-based competition as Apple's 27-inch model. Still, the entry-level iMac offers enough speed, and the unique potential of its Thunderbolt port, to warrant anyone in need of a relatively affordable all-in-one for digital media creation or performance-sensitivity giving it serious consideration.
Find out more about how we test desktop systems.
System configurations:
Apple iMac 21.5-inch (2.5GHz, Summer 2011)
Apple OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.7; 2.5GHz Intel Core i5 2400; 4GB 1,333MHz DDR3 SDRAM; 512MB AMD Radeon HD 6750 graphics card; 500GB 7,200rpm hard drive
Apple iMac 27-inch (3.1GHz, Summer 2011)
Apple OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.7; 3.1GHz Intel Core i5 2500; 4GB 1,333MHz DDR3 SDRAM; 1GB ATI Radeon HD 6970M graphics card; 1TB 7,200rpm hard drive
Apple iMac 21.5-inch (3.1GHz, Spring 2010)
Apple OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.7; 3.0GHz Intel Core i5 540; 4GB 1,333MHz DDR3 SDRAM; 256MB AMD Radeon HD 4670M graphics card; 500GB 7,200rpm hard drive
Dell Inspiron One 2305
Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit); 2.4GHz AMD Phenom II X4 610e; 8GB 1,333MHz DDR3 SDRAM; 1GB ATI Radeon HD 5470 graphics card; 1TB 7,200rpm Western Digital hard drive
HP Omni 200 5380qd
Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit); 2.8GHz Intel Core i5 760; 6GB 1,333MHz DDR3 SDRAM; 1GB AMD Radeon HD 5570; 1TB 7,200rpm Western Digital hard drive
Gateway FX6850-51u
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit; 3.4GHz Intel Core i7 2600; 8GB 1,333MHz DDR3 SDRAM; 1.5GB Nvidia GeForce GT440 graphics card; 1TB 7,200rpm Hitachi hard drive
Basic Specs
| Product Description | Apple iMac iMac (spring 2011) TFT active matrix, Core i5 2.5 GHz - 21.5 in |
| Type | Personal computer |
| Product Form Factor | All-in-one |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 20.8 in x 7.4 in x 17.8 in |
| Localization | English |
| Processor | 1 x Intel Core i5 2.5 GHz ( Quad-Core ) |
| Processor Main Features | Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2 |
| Cache Memory | 6 MB L3 cache |
| Cache Per Processor | 6 MB |
| RAM | 4 GB (installed) / 8 GB (max) - DDR3 SDRAM - 1333 MHz - PC3-10600 |
| Storage Controller | Serial ATA ( Serial ATA-300 ) |
| Floppy Drive | None |
| Hard Drive | Standard, 1 x 500 GB - Serial ATA-300 |
| Hard Drive (2nd) | - None |
| Hard Drive (3rd) | None |
| Optical Storage | DVD±RW (±R DL) |
| Optical Storage (2nd) | None |
| Card Reader | Card reader |
| Storage Removable | None |
| Monitor | - TFT active matrix, LCD display - 21.5 in |
| Printer | None |
| Graphics Controller | AMD Radeon HD 6750M - 512 MB |
| Audio Output | Sound card - Stereo |
| Communications | None |
| Voltage Required | AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz ) |
| OS Provided | Apple OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 1 year warranty |
User Reviews
Average User Rating: 3.5 / 5
User Rating Breakdown
5 Star: 19
4 Star: 5
3 Star: 0
2 Star: 1
1 Star: 1
Outstanding all-in-one, quad-core power.
Rating: 4 / 5
on May 18, 2011
4 out of 4 users found this review helpful
Pros: Setup is a breeze. Elegant all in one design makes this desktop easily transportable. Superb display.
Cons: No Thunderbolt support or peripherals. At this time, Thunderbolt is about as useful as mammary glands on nun.
Summary: I have to 100% disagree with the main reviewers assessment of this machine. The gorgeous 21.5 glass-paneled backlit LCD display and OS/X's Front Row makes this an excellent media center computer. Not to mention AirPlay (wireless streaming of media content to your AppleTV or iOS device). The 512mb video adapter is plenty of juice to run DVD's and most gaming. I'm playing Bioshock on this bad boy and it's as smooth as glass. Far superior to any Windows based all in one for most applications - media center included as the Mac will play DVD's and media without the typical frame freeze and hiccups inherent to Windows. Get an Apple Bluetooth remote and enjoy a trouble free media center computer. Biggest complaint? Absolutely NO support for the new Thunderbolt port. You would think that there would be at least 2 or 3 available accessories before they release a machine that supports Thunderbolt. I have a suspicion that when say an external HDD DOES become available, it will be cost prohibitive. That can only change if the industry adapts Thunderbolt over say USB 3.0. Otherwise, this is another Firewire type of interface. Superior but mostly proprietary and expensive to utilize. Overall vastly superior machine to any Windows all-in-one due to some great hardware and Mac OS/X. Those looking for a new machine should definitely take a long, hard look at the new iMacs. Spend maybe the additional $150-$200 for a Mac over a Windows PC and enjoy a long-lived, very trouble free machine.
My Editors Choice
Rating: 4 / 5
on May 25, 2011
3 out of 3 users found this review helpful
Pros: Best value out of the iMac Family
Speedy performance
Thunderbolt port
Best all in one design
Wireless keyboard and mouse are awesome
Good speakers
Clear display
Cons: Graphics should be better for the money
Only 500GB HD
4 gigs of Ram seems a bit small now a days
Summary: So if you can look past the okay but not stellar graphics card and the small hard drive you have one of the best Apple values and defiantly one of the best all in ones in the industry. I can see how CNET gave the 27" a Editors Choice since it has an option for an amazing i7 and good graphics, but consumers should remind themselves, dollar for dollar the i5 2.5 21.5" is the best value. Macworld has stated, "The $1199 entry-level 21.5-inch 2.5GHz Core i5 iMac offers the most bang for the buck, keeping up with its more expensive siblings in most tasks." Just Because the entry level iMac doesn't have an i7 don't think it's not fast. Macworld found it was nearly 24 percent faster
overall than last year's entry-level 21.5-inch iMac, which had a 3.06GHz Core i3 dual core processor. Furthermore, this years entry level beat out t last year's high end configuration, a 27-inch 2.8GHz Core i5 quad core iMac by nearly 10 percent. In this case. Additionally Macworld noted that performance wise the entry level performs fairly well compared to the higher end iMacs by stating: "Surprisingly, when compared to each other, the new iMacs logged similar performance numbers. In fact, only 12 Speedmark points separate the entry-level $1199 21.5-inch 2.5GHz Core i5 iMac and the top-of-the-line $1999 27-inch 3.1GHz Core i5 iMac."
Macworld shouldn't be the end all way to judge if a computer is good but as you can see from their findings the entry iMac holds it own. The only discouraging parts of the system I can't get past is the small hard drive. 500 GB is small for any desktop especially for a desktop that goes for $1200, yet their are ways around this. You could buy a external hard drive, live in the cloud, or third party hard drive it.
The case the same modern aluminum frame, which has a great screen and good speakers. The back has added a thunderbolt port which promises to be a great leap forward. But why didn't they put two of these like the 27" I could see using one as a dual display port and the other as transfer port. The lack of item supporting thunderbolt doesn't surprise me as much as the choice to put it in the iMac since Apple rarely puts in consumer tested features.
When buying a computer and especially a Mac a consumer really needs to evaluate what they will use their computer for, how log they want to own it, and the cost. Life and buying if about compromises. unless your willing to spend $2K the iMac 27" is not in everyones round house. I buy a new computer every year give or take, so buying a top of the line anything is out of the question. Overall the new processors are that much better compared to previous models that the new quadcore processor iMacs are a must have.
Great all in one computer!
Rating: 5 / 5
on May 14, 2011
3 out of 3 users found this review helpful
Pros: Beautiful screen, silent and fast computer. Did I mention fast?
Cons: None so far. By the way you can order the keyboard with the numeric key pad if you want to.
Summary: I replaced my old 2008 iMac and difference in speed and response is outstanding. The machine is more silent and heat less than the old one. I see the writer of the article complaining about the lack of Blu-ray, and other specifications that makes it less of a media center pc. I don't think Apple designed this iMac to be a media center to begin with. Also who wants to watch a movie in a 22 inch screen? I have a 47 inch LED TV with a 1500 w surround sound system and a Blu-ray DVD for that task. I use the iMac for what computers are best: email, surfing the web, writing documents and playing games (Steam client works wonderfully fast and games like Half-Life2 look gorgeous in this computer). I think the writer of this article has some bias against the iMac or he is missing the point of target user this computer is designed for.
A great intro level desktop for people new to Apple
Rating: 4 / 5
on May 12, 2011
3 out of 3 users found this review helpful
Pros: New Thunderbolt Port allows for great, future peripherals. Display is top-quality. New processor is in line with new MacBook Pros
Cons: Can not upgrade the 512 MB graphics card. Thunderbolt peripherals are not easily available (yet!)
Summary: Simply put, if people are looking for a desktop that will introduce the family to Apple computer, or replace the old iMac around the house, this is the right choice. While the hard drive is not as large, and the RAM is not as fast as it's price-equivalent Windows competitors, it is still worth the switch due to the ease of use and stability/security of Mac OS X. Besides, they can easily be upgrade, either through Apple or a third party, or by yourself, as Apple has instructional guides on their websites that make the process very easy.
If you're looking for a professional-grade machine, you may want to look for the $1,999 iMac, which has far more options when it comes to upgrading, most notably, the graphics card. While the 512 MB card that comes installed on this unit is fine for general use, it may not be enough for any hardcore gamer or video/graphical professional.
Apple has also begun shipping the new iMacs with the option of getting their Magic Mouse (a wireless mouse that has a smooth top that the user can swipe their fingers across to create gestures for shortcuts,) or swapping the mouse out for their Magic Trackpad at no extra cost, which functions a lot like a laptops trackpad, but also allows for the gestures that you would use with the Mac OS X operating system.
With Apple's plans of releasing their new operating system update, Mac OS X Lion (10.7), expect this iMac to be the perfect solution for any family's computing needs. Just don't expect to upgrade many of the internal options without stepping up to the 27" iMac.
Flat out best all in one you can buy!
Rating: 5 / 5
on May 12, 2011
4 out of 7 users found this review helpful
Pros: Amazing LED IPS display, powerful and fast desktop in a really small footprint. Choice of magic mouse or trackpad, wireless keyboard and mouse are standard with this product, no an add-on.
Cons: No numberpad on the wireless keyboard
Summary: If you're looking for an inexpensive all-in-one with super fast sandybridge processor speed, a top-of-the-line display, and next gen connectivity, this is the only product out there!
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