Overview of the Apple iMac Retina 5K: characteristics, description and reviews

Just a couple of years ago, the "apple" company surprised the computer market by presenting its first device with a Retina screen to the public. To date, several generations of MacBookPro have managed to change, which were equipped with the highest-resolution displays, well, until the monoblock the company got only last year.

The iMac series has always attracted users with its appearance and filling: a wide screen, stylish and attractive design, excellent performance - all this makes the device a great tool for working in any field. Practically all decisions of the company are universal products, therefore the assortment of equipment will allow to realize its potential to any specialist and lover.

It's not for nothing that the idea that the best video is mounted on Mac, smart photographers use Mas, designers and other people with rich and unconventional imagination use exactly gadgets from Apple. Whatever you say, but it's fashionable, expensive and beautiful, and at the same time there is an opportunity to rank yourself in a narrow circle of admirers of exclusive technology. Although, judging by independent statistics, it is not so narrow: even despite the decrease in the total volume of sales of personal computers, it is the "apple" company that demonstrates, if not sure, then clearly positive sales growth.

Model positioning

In the course of Apple iMac 27 "Retina 5K presentations, the company paid special attention to those whom it considers to be a priority representative of its audience. The processing of photos and complex video editing will be much more enjoyable, and at the same time productive when using a new device from Apple.

Monoblock Apple iMac 27 "Retina 5K quickly got to the Russian markets. Now you do not have to wait for weeks or even months to try out an interesting novelty in the case. Let's try to figure out what exactly the company offers in the face of such a high-tech device, because a screen with such a high resolution is very difficult to meet. We will evaluate the advantages of the new model over its predecessors and analyze the technical characteristics of the iMac 27 "Retina 5K. Feedback about the device is very positive, so you can evaluate the performance of the device in general terms, and the specific merits or shortcomings will be indicated below.

So, the hero of today's review - a new candy bar iMac from Apple. Let's try to identify all the strengths and weaknesses of the model, taking into account the opinions of experts and reviews of ordinary users.

Specifications

For performance in the monoblock is responsible for 4-core processor from Intel Intel Core i5 3.5 GHz with the ability to accelerate to 3.9 GHz. Onboard there is an operative memory in quantity of 8 GB of type DDR3, with frequency in 1600 MHz (the basic complete set is equipped with two slats on 4 GB). Winchester - 1 TB of type Fusion Drive (the main volume under the HDD, the rest is the accelerated space of SSD). Graphic video accelerator from AMD "Radeon" R9 M290X with 2 GB of fast memory type GDDR5.

The screen is 27 ", with a resolution of 5120x2880 pixels, an IPS matrix with a glossy finish. Communication is provided by wireless protocols "Wi-Fi" 802.11ac and Bluetooth of the fourth version. Connectivity interfaces are 4 x USB 3.0, RJ-45 Internet port, two Thunderbolt 2 connectors, a 3.5 mm microphone, a SD slot and a mini-port. Dimensions are 516 by 650 mm with a weight of 10 kg.

Design

The overall appearance of the monoblock itself remained unchanged from 2012. Someone can also condemn such an approach of the company, but, on the other hand, why change what pleases the eye to this day: well-adjusted lines, beautiful shapes and elegant outlines create the image if not the most attractive monoblock, then one of the most stylish Exactly.

IMac 27 with a Retina 5K display will surely appeal to aesthetes who are not used to clogging up their desktop with a bunch of wires, connectors and just love high-quality equipment. The company notes that the new candy bar is the thinnest to date, and the thickness of the device is only 5 mm (sidewall).

Assembly

Keeps on the surface of the candy bar due to a strong aluminum leg, which is easily adjusted on the viewing angle, but to change the height, alas, will not work. The display is framed by a glossy frame in a black version of quite impressive size, under which you can see the company logo.

The case itself is made entirely of aluminum, and the appearance of the Apple iMac Retina 5K inspires confidence, it is simply pleasant to look at, it does not matter which side. Weight monoblock remained the same and if you want it can be taken in close travels around the house or office - it's not at all heavy.

Screen

Monoblock, as in the case with previous generations, can be variably executed with diagonals of 21 and 27 ", but in order to feel the fullness and depth of the new model, it is better to use the flagship version in the face of iMac 27" Retina 5K. This screen is entirely of a positive nature, so we will consider it.

"Retina" is a rare representative of devices of this class, and if before a good resolution was considered to be 2560 by 1440 pixels, then with a new screen it grew four times and is 5120 by 2880 pixels. Accordingly, the density of pixels also increased and now, instead of 106 ppi, it became 218 ppi.

Watch the new iMac with a Retina 5K display for an infinitely long time, just admiring the rich colors and the image being fed. The icons remained the same, without diminishing in size, just the picture became more precise due to the very high display resolution.

By the way, it is worth noting that the company conducted independent research and proved that the new screen consumes 30% less energy than the previous generation devices. To cool the particles of any complaints from users was not, so this pleasant fact of reducing power consumption can be attributed to the value of the iMac Retina 5K.

Overview monoblock showed that the company once again proves a very scrupulous attitude to the quality of the image of their monitors. Since the IPS matrix in liquid crystal technology is no longer overclocked, and the factory settings are considered to be the quality standard, the company decided to improve on a single parameter that can be extended - resolution. Instead of the usual Quad HD-scan, the monoblock received an ultra-precise 5K resolution at 5120x2880 pixels with a corresponding increase in the pixel density. Such parameters are comparable with the screens of smartphones, while in front of us is a small 27-inch device.

The innovation for the Apple iMac 27 "Retina 5K is especially noticeable when working with the main table, as its capacity has greatly increased, which immediately affected the performance of such graphics and video applications as Final Cut. Processing files with ultra-HD at 2160p has become much more convenient, since all 100% of the frame is displayed, plus enough space for the location of tools and other useful applications.

Screen iMac 27 "Retina 5K has a very enviable stock of brightness - about 450 cd / m ² , which is enough to work on the brightest and sunny day. In a typical room, the brightness of the screen can be safely set at a rate of 50% (if not lower), and the contrast, even with such settings, does not fall to the minimum level - about 1200 to 1 (a certain ceiling for the IPS matrix).

Due to the perfectly balanced anti-reflective coating, the image is delivered in all depth and has a very convincing appearance. The viewing angles of the iMac Retina 5K deserve all sorts of praise, they are as wide as possible and viewing images or video together with friends will be just a joy.

Applications

Factory settings can offer the owner an impeccable color balance and calibration with excellent accuracy, so there is simply no need to adjust or correct anything - sit down and work. Color coverage has come close to the standard sRGB, which is a very big plus for a simple consumer, but some professionals in their reviews sometimes complain that the display can not cover Adobe RGB and DCI P3, and together with them the standard Rec, but This is already so specific requests that it is difficult to write down them into the common copying of minuses.

The general brightness characteristics of the iMac 27 "Retina 5K can be considered a standard for the IPS-matrix, and the color rendition is completely at the peak of the monitor's capabilities. So we can say with absolute certainty that the screen of the new monoblock is an excellent starting point for working with video and photographic materials. And if the professional figures can still doubt the work with Ultra HD, then the simple owners of the device should be completely ecstatic about the natural and really beautiful image on the 27-inch monoblock with double clarity.

Performance

Monoblock Apple iMac 27 "Retina 5K in the basic version is equipped with a quad-core processor from the Intel" Core i5 series with a clock speed of 3.5 GHz and the ability to overclock in the mode of "Turbo Booth" to 3.9 GHz. There is 8 GB of RAM on board a variety of DDR3 with a frequency of 1600 MHz, and if there is a need or just a desire, you can increase it to 32 GB.

To store and work with data in a monoblock, the Fusion Drive hard drive is provided. The hard disk has two partitions - one ordinary HDD, and the other - a high-speed SSD. The basic package includes a 1 TB hard drive, but you can choose a more expensive option, with 3 TB of memory (0.512 / 1 TB for SSD).

As a graphic video accelerator, the company equipped the iMac Retina 5K with AMD solution in the form of Radeon R9 290MX with one gigabyte of memory. Variational versions can be equipped with a similar series M295X, but already with four GB and high-speed memory such as GDDR5.

It is important to remember the owners and future owners of the iMac Retina 5K, that the upgrade itself is almost impossible. The only thing that "allowed" the company to increase in a monoblock, so it's RAM, everything else remains the same and can not be improved.

The device in practice easily copes with any tasks in such a demanding program as Final Cut Pro, processing a very large amount of data without any brakes and friezes. The same indicators work with the most powerful photo editor Lightroom, where the processing of libraries with the RAW format is impeccable.

The new iMac Retina 5K is a very, very fast candy bar. When comparing with the closest competitors, it turned out that when mounting the same roller in a resolution that supports 4K, the speed of the Apple device is higher than the others - a minute and 14 seconds, against almost 10-minute processing by similar devices.

Those who work with video formats that support 4K resolution will certainly like that the image can be fully displayed on the screen. In principle, the same applies to amateur photographers who can freely and comfortably edit their pictures taken in high resolution. Professionals working with powerful graphics packages usually connect another monitor to open the window to full screen, and in the case of a new monoblock, such actions will be superfluous - everything is perfectly visible on one device.

Interfaces

Behind the monoblock there are four ports like YUSB 3.0, two Thunderbolt 2.0, a RJ-45 type wired internet connector, a slot for a normal SD card, and a connector for external headphones and an additional 3.5mm microphone.

Users in their reviews sometimes complain about the uncomfortable location of the ports, because of this constantly working with the periphery causes a certain discomfort, so for these purposes it is necessary to buy a separate card reader that will always be at hand, and there will be no problems with memory cards or flasks.

For video calls a good HD camera FaceTime, working with sound through two microphones. Access to wireless protocols is provided by the "Wai-Fay" module at the points 802.11ac and Bluetooth of the fourth version.

Summarizing

The new candy bar, as well as its predecessors, is available in several modifications, and the option with the "usual" screen was saved, so if you do not need to purchase a display of this quality, you can get a very decent amount.

The company offers a ready-made and already fully customized solution, so to start working you just need to connect the cable and the system is ready for use. The only fly-fly (and for some, on the contrary, stability and successful consistency), which concerns almost all products of the "apple" company - is the impossibility of an upgrade. All that is available for improvement is RAM, and no more.

The device surprises with its resolution and picture quality, and the density of pixels per inch can compete with any mobile gadgets. Practical benefits from the new screen will surely be experienced by professionals - amateur photographers and video artists, and ordinary users will feel the richness of the picture in any modern games.

As for the surcharge for such a high resolution, it can be called quite reasonable, especially if we compare competing models of eminent brands. Only one monitor will cost the owner about 2 thousand euros, and this without taking into account other components without which it is useless.

The average cost of the iMac Retina 5K (price for February 2016) varies between 100-180 thousand rubles and depends on the modification. An inexpensive model with a 21-inch screen and an average video card (GTX775M) costs about 90,000, and the Pro models with all the "gadgets" reach a mark of 200,000.

To buy or not?

Is it worth paying so much money for a new screen? If you have the money that you can spend to buy, then there are no disadvantages to this solution, and the quality that you will get will please you for a very long time. And although some professionals who handle video or photo, prefer specially tuned options for their needs, a universal solution in the person of a new monoblock will surely be noticed and claimed by specialists. In any case, after the acquisition of iMac you will get an excellent computer with an excellent screen and a powerful stuffing.

Pros of the candy bar:

• Stylish and original design;
• Materials of only high quality from a well-known brand;
• Productivity "with a margin" for several years;
• The highest resolution of the screen to date.

Cons of the device:

• There is no connectivity as a second screen;
• A high price for the average buyer of computer equipment.