The iMac M4 is undeniably beautiful, a sleek masterpiece of design that feels like it belongs in a parallel universe, one where laptops never became dominant. With its all-in-one aluminum chassis housing a monitor, processor, speakers, webcam, and more, it’s an elegant solution that eliminates the clutter of cables and peripherals.
However in today’s world of ultra-portable laptops and modular desktops, the iMac feels increasingly like a computer searching for its purpose in the universe, according to The Verge.
Apple’s M4 iMac retains the iconic aesthetic it introduced years ago. It remains the only Mac to come in vibrant colors, and the new hues are cheerier than ever. The design is still stunning, particularly from the back, where its unbroken expanse of color is a feast for the eyes.
Inside, it’s a good computer, as with Apple’s latest M4 chip delivering performance that’s fast enough for most users. Base models now include 16GB of RAM, ensuring longevity for years of productivity.
Yet for all its strengths, the iMac M4 struggles to justify itself in 2024. The display, while beautiful with its 4480×2520 resolution and anti-glare nano-texture option, remains a 24-inch panel capped at 60Hz. For the same price or less, users can pair a Mac Mini with a larger, faster display or a MacBook Pro for portability and comparable performance.
The iMac’s non-upgradable design means users are locked into its specs, and its lack of height adjustability or port variety adds unnecessary limitations.
The base model, priced at $1,299, feels underwhelming. It lacks TouchID on the Magic Keyboard, only two of its four USB-C ports support Thunderbolt, and adding an Ethernet port incurs extra cost. Upgrading to the $1,499 model addresses some of these shortcomings, but by then, you’re well into the territory of more versatile options like the MacBook Pro.
Despite these limitations, the iMac delivers a premium experience in some areas. Its speakers, mics, and 12MP Center Stage webcam are top-notch, offering a seamless experience for video calls and entertainment. However, as a desktop computer, its inability to serve as an external monitor or adapt to evolving needs limits its appeal.
The iMac M4 shines in settings where aesthetics matter—reception desks, showrooms, or minimalist home offices. But for most users, a more flexible setup with a Mac Mini or MacBook Pro and a monitor offers better value and adaptability. As laptops and modular systems continue to dominate, the iMac’s appeal is increasingly tied to nostalgia and style over practicality.
Photo by Apple
