New iMacs go upgradeable and ramp up the power
For the first time in a good few years, IT buyers can consider the new Apple iMac systems, with a view to upgrading the processor if they feel the need for a power boost. The new range of iMacs start at £1,049 for an Intel Core i5 with a 21-inch screen, and top out at £2,249 for an Intel Core i7 model with a 27-inch screen, with various RAM and storage upgrade options.
However, unlike earlier generations where users were stuck with the components that came with the machine, the new models are slightly more accessible, with casing that can be removed to upgrade the processor and RAM, with a little screwdriver work. In general though, if you are upgrading your office systems and the new iMac range appeals, it will be simpler to buy them with the best processor and largest amount of RAM and storage you can afford to save tinkering later.
For most office tasks the iMacs are perfectly good in their base configurations, but anyone wanting to do 3D work, video editing, or play with Apple’s new-found support for virtual reality, it would be advised to aim for the higher configurations. If money is no object and you want the best of the best, then there will be a bit of a wait for the iMac Pro, an all-new machine that has a US price of $5,000 and will be the highest specification of any Mac ever.
Packed into a bulkier almost-10kg housing, with a 27-inch 5K screen, there is a choice of 8-core, 10-core or 18-core processor for blistering performance, up to 4TB of storage and 128GB of RAM, partnered by a Radeon Pro Vega 64 GPU with 16GB to give true graphical grunt. These machines will be for leading design and creative or intense AI work.
All the machines support the new macOS High Sierra, which comes with a faster file system, the much-awaited VR support, and many new features. That makes it a great time to upgrade any ageing Apple-based office.
