The iMac M4 is a beautiful computer, but it feels increasingly out of place in today's tech landscape. As a senior reviews editor who has been testing tech since 2007, I've had the chance to use the latest iMac model and assess how it stacks up.
On the surface, the iMac M4 is an elegant all-in-one design that packs everything you need into a sleek aluminum chassis. The vibrant colors, stunning display, and impressive webcam and audio make it a pleasure to look at and use. And with Apple's powerful M4 chip under the hood, it provides more than enough power for most everyday tasks.
However, the more I used the iMac M4, the more I realized it's a computer that's not well-suited for the modern world. In an era of versatile laptops, compact Mac Minis, and a wide array of external monitors, the iMac's all-in-one design feels increasingly archaic and niche.
The main issue is the display - while it's beautiful, it's also somewhat cramped at 23.5 inches, and it's locked to this specific computer. Contrast that with the flexibility of pairing a Mac Mini or MacBook Pro with a larger, higher-quality external monitor of your choice. You get a better viewing experience and the ability to use that display with multiple devices.
Additionally, the iMac's limited port selection and lack of height adjustability on the stand are frustrations that laptop and modular desktop users don't have to deal with. It's clear Apple designed the iMac with a specific aesthetic in mind, but in doing so, they've sacrificed too much practical functionality.
The only real reason to get an iMac these days is if you value the elegant, all-in-one design above all else. For most people, it makes much more sense to get a Mac Mini or laptop and pair it with a separate monitor that better suits their needs. The iMac M4 is a beautiful relic, but it's not the right computer for the modern world.
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