M4 iMac Buyer's Guide - DON'T BE FOOLED!

Summary

Apple's announcement of the new M4 iMac introduces a refreshed design with new colors, enhanced camera features, and significant performance upgrades. The M4 chip boasts improved CPU and GPU capabilities, with the base model now offering 16 GB of memory. Notably, the iMac can support 8K 120Hz external displays, indicating potential future product releases. The higher-end models include four Thunderbolt ports, while the Magic accessories transition to USB-C, phasing out Lightning. With the base model starting at $1,300, the M4 iMac is positioned as a powerful option for most users, setting a strong precedent for Apple's future Mac lineup.

Takeaways

• 😀 The new M4 iMac features a refreshed design with updated color options, including shades like blue, purple, pink, orange, yellow, and green.
• 😀 The iMac introduces a Center Stage camera, which follows users but may sacrifice some image quality compared to the previous 1080p webcam.
• 😀 Higher-end M4 iMac models come with four Thunderbolt ports, enhancing connectivity and bandwidth for accessories.
• 😀 The M4 chip is 1.7 times faster than the M1 chip, offering significant CPU and GPU performance improvements.
• 😀 For the first time, the iMac supports 8K displays at 120Hz, suggesting potential future Apple display products.
• 😀 Every M4 iMac now comes with a standard of 16GB memory, doubling the previous base configuration.
• 😀 The base storage remains at 256GB, which may be considered low for some users, prompting recommendations to upgrade to 512GB.
• 😀 Magic accessories now feature USB-C ports, marking the end of the Lightning port for Apple's peripherals.
• 😀 The base model of the M4 iMac starts at $1,300, but users are encouraged to consider the $1,500 mid-tier model for better accessories.
• 😀 Upgrading to 24GB or 32GB of RAM is possible for users needing more performance, making the M4 iMac suitable as a powerful workstation.

Q & A

What are the new color options available for the M4 iMac?

The M4 iMac features new shades of blue, purple, pink, orange, yellow, and green, while the classic silver option remains available.

What is the major enhancement regarding the webcam on the new M4 iMac?

The M4 iMac includes a Center Stage camera that can follow users around and capture wider angles, but it may offer lower quality than the previous 1080p webcam due to its ultra-wide field of view.

How many Thunderbolt ports does the higher-end M4 iMac model have?

The higher-end M4 iMac models come with four Thunderbolt ports, significantly increasing connectivity options.

What unique display capability does the M4 chip support?

The M4 chip supports an 8K 120Hz display, which is a first for any iMac and suggests potential future product announcements from Apple.

What significant change has been made to the memory configurations of the M4 iMac?

Every M4 iMac now comes with a standard base memory of 16GB, doubling the previous base configuration of 8GB.

What are the starting prices for the new M4 iMac models?

The base model starts at $1,300, while the mid-tier model is priced at $1,500.

What storage option is still considered limited on the base model of the M4 iMac?

The base storage configuration is still at 256GB, which some users might find insufficient for their needs.

What improvements are included in the mid-tier model of the M4 iMac compared to the base model?

The mid-tier model includes a full M4 chip with a 10-core GPU, four Thunderbolt ports, and better accessories like a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.

What is the new charging port for Apple’s Magic accessories?

The Magic Keyboard, Trackpad, and Mouse now feature USB-C ports, marking the end of the lightning port on these accessories.

Is there an option for nanotextured glass on the M4 iMac, and what is its benefit?

Yes, there is an optional nanotextured glass available for an additional cost, which significantly reduces glare, making it beneficial for users in bright environments.