The M1 iMac, a highly thin design by Apple, has sparked polarizing opinions among consumers. In this article, Marques Brownlee provides a detailed review of the M1 iMac, highlighting its impressive performance powered by the M1 chip. Brownlee notes that the transition from Intel chips to Apple silicon has been happening across Apple’s product lineup, and the new iMac is no exception. The design of the M1 iMac draws inspiration from the original colorful iMacs from the 90s and features a larger screen with minimized bezels, although the glossy and reflective nature of the screen may not suit everyone’s preferences. Additionally, the M1 iMac boasts impressive speakers, an improved webcam and mic, and color-matching accessories offered by Apple. However, it’s important to consider the port situation before making a purchase, as the baseline model has limited ports compared to higher-spec models. Overall, the M1 iMac is hailed as a great computer, with its sleek design and enhanced performance making it a notable addition to Apple’s lineup.
Design of the M1 iMac
Thin and polarizing design
The design of the M1 iMac is one of its most prominent features. Apple has chosen to make this computer incredibly thin, measuring just 11.5 millimeters in thickness. This makes it thinner than a MacBook Pro and even thinner than an Apple Watch. The sleek, slim design gives the iMac a modern and minimalist look that many find appealing.
However, the design of the M1 iMac is also polarizing. Some people appreciate the thinness and sleekness of the computer, while others find it to be too fragile and delicate. The thin design may also lead to concerns about overheating and potential durability issues.
Throwback to colorful iMacs from the 90s
The design of the M1 iMac pays homage to the original colorful iMacs from the 90s. These iconic computers were known for their bright and vibrant colors, which added a playful and youthful element to the design. Apple has brought back that nostalgia with the M1 iMac by offering it in a range of vibrant colors, including blue, green, pink, silver, yellow, orange, and purple.
The throwback to the colorful iMacs of the past has been well-received by many consumers who appreciate the aesthetic appeal and uniqueness of the design. It adds a sense of personality and style to the computer, making it stand out in a sea of more generic and monochromatic devices.
Larger screen with thinner bezels
One of the key design changes in the M1 iMac is the larger screen with thinner bezels. The 23.5-inch 4.5K display offers a more immersive viewing experience, allowing users to enjoy their content with greater clarity and detail. The thin bezels help enhance the visual appeal of the computer, giving it a more modern and futuristic look.
The larger screen and thinner bezels also contribute to the overall slimness of the iMac, making it feel even more compact and space-saving. This is particularly appealing for those who want a powerful desktop computer without taking up too much physical space on their desk or in their home.
Glossy and reflective screen
While the M1 iMac’s display offers impressive image quality and vibrant colors, it is worth noting that the screen is glossy and highly reflective. This can be a double-edged sword, as the glossy finish enhances color saturation and contrast, but it can also result in distracting reflections and glare, especially in brightly lit environments.
Some users may find the glossy and reflective screen to be a drawback, particularly if they primarily use their computer for tasks that require extended periods of reading or writing. However, others may appreciate the enhanced vibrancy and visual impact that the glossy finish provides, especially for multimedia and entertainment purposes.
Performance of the M1 iMac
Improved performance in every metric
The M1 iMac offers improved performance in every metric compared to its predecessor. Apple’s transition from Intel chips to its own Apple silicon, specifically the M1 chip, has resulted in significant advancements in speed, efficiency, and overall computing power.
The M1 chip is a game-changer for the iMac, providing faster processing speeds, improved graphics performance, and better energy efficiency. Users can expect seamless multitasking, smoother graphics rendering, and faster app launches. The M1 iMac is a highly capable machine that can handle demanding tasks with ease, whether it be video editing, gaming, or data-intensive applications.
Powered by the M1 chip
At the heart of the M1 iMac is Apple’s M1 chip. This custom-designed system-on-a-chip combines the processor, graphics, memory, and storage into a single, unified architecture. The M1 chip is based on ARM technology, which offers exceptional performance and power efficiency.
The integration of the M1 chip into the iMac results in faster and more efficient computing. The chip’s powerful CPU and GPU capabilities ensure smooth and lag-free performance, while its energy efficiency extends battery life and reduces power consumption.
Transition from Intel chips to Apple silicon
The transition from Intel chips to Apple silicon has been a significant shift for Apple’s lineup of devices, including the iMac. The move away from Intel allows Apple to have more control over the design and performance of its products, resulting in improved performance, power efficiency, and integration within the Apple ecosystem.
The transition to Apple silicon has also brought about a new era of compatibility, with the ability to run both iOS and macOS apps seamlessly on the M1 iMac. This opens up a world of possibilities for users, who can now access a wide range of apps and games previously exclusive to iPhones and iPads.
Apple’s lineup
The M1 iMac is part of a broader lineup of Apple devices that have made the transition to Apple silicon. This includes the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and even the iPad. The seamless integration of hardware and software across the entire lineup ensures a consistent and optimized user experience.
Users who already own other Apple devices will appreciate the ability to seamlessly transition between devices, thanks to the shared ecosystem and underlying architecture. The M1 iMac fits seamlessly within this ecosystem, offering users a cohesive and intuitive computing experience.
Review of the M1 iMac
Reviewed by Marques Brownlee
Renowned tech reviewer Marques Brownlee, also known as MKBHD, provided an in-depth review of the M1 iMac. Brownlee is known for his unbiased and comprehensive reviews, making him a trusted voice in the industry.
Apple provided the computer for the review
In this particular review, Apple provided Brownlee with the M1 iMac for testing and evaluation purposes. While it is important to consider the potential bias associated with receiving a product directly from the manufacturer, Brownlee’s reputation as an impartial reviewer lends credibility to his opinions and analysis.
Considered a great computer
According to Brownlee’s review, the M1 iMac is considered a great computer. He praised its impressive performance, sleek design, and vibrant display. Brownlee highlighted the advancements brought about by the M1 chip, noting the significant improvements in speed and efficiency compared to previous models.
While the review acknowledged a few drawbacks, such as the limited port options and the glossy screen, the overall consensus was that the M1 iMac offers a compelling computing experience that delivers on both aesthetics and performance.
Features of the M1 iMac
Impressive speakers
Despite the slim and compact design, the M1 iMac boasts impressive speakers. The downward-firing speakers deliver robust and well-balanced audio, with the ability to fill a room with sound. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos support enhances the listening experience, allowing users to enjoy immersive audio quality.
The audio capabilities of the M1 iMac make it ideal for multimedia consumption, whether it be watching movies, listening to music, or video conferencing.
Better than expected webcam and mic
The M1 iMac surprises users with its upgraded webcam and microphone. The 1080p webcam offers improved image quality and clarity for video calls and online meetings. Colors are vibrant, and the contrast is excellent, making for a more professional and visually appealing appearance.
The built-in microphones also deliver impressive audio quality, effectively capturing clear and crisp sound. They are designed to focus on the user’s voice, ensuring that they are heard clearly, even from a distance.
Limited ports in the baseline model
One aspect to consider when purchasing the M1 iMac is the port situation, particularly in the baseline model. The entry-level iMac offers limited ports, including a headphone jack and two Thunderbolt/USB-C ports. This may be a drawback for users who require a greater variety of ports for connecting peripherals or accessories.
It is essential to assess individual needs and determine if the limited ports of the baseline model will be sufficient. For users who rely heavily on external devices and accessories, such as external hard drives or multiple displays, opting for a higher-spec model may be a more suitable choice.
Higher spec models offer more USB-C ports
While the baseline model may have limited ports, higher-spec models of the M1 iMac offer additional USB-C ports. This provides users with greater flexibility and more options for connecting devices and peripherals. The inclusion of extra USB-C ports allows for increased productivity and convenience, particularly for users who rely on multiple external devices.
It is worth noting that the higher-spec models of the M1 iMac come at a higher price point. Therefore, users should carefully consider their needs and budget when selecting the model that best suits their requirements.
Accessories for the M1 iMac
Color-matching accessories offered by Apple
To complement the vibrant and colorful design of the M1 iMac, Apple offers a range of color-matching accessories. This includes color-matched keyboards, mice, and trackpads, allowing users to create a cohesive and visually appealing setup.
The color-matching accessories add a touch of personalization and style to the iMac, helping it blend seamlessly with any workspace or home environment. Users can choose from a variety of colors to find the combination that best suits their preferences.
New Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
One notable accessory for the M1 iMac is the new Magic Keyboard with Touch ID. This keyboard offers added convenience and security with a built-in fingerprint sensor. Users can authenticate their identity and make secure payments with a simple touch.
The Magic Keyboard with Touch ID integrates seamlessly with the M1 iMac, providing a smooth and efficient typing experience. The addition of Touch ID further enhances the overall functionality and versatility of the iMac.
Conclusion
The M1 iMac is undoubtedly a great computer, delivering impressive performance and a sleek design. However, before making a purchase, it is essential to consider the port situation. The baseline model has limited ports, which may be a drawback for users who require a greater variety of connectivity options.
Despite this potential limitation, the M1 iMac offers a compelling computing experience, with its improved performance, vibrant display, and innovative features. Apple’s attention to detail, including color-matching accessories and the new Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, further enhances the overall user experience.
In summary, the M1 iMac is a highly capable and visually appealing computer that is well-suited for a wide range of tasks and user preferences.