Apple iMac (3.1GHz 27-inch, Spring 2011)
Apple's higher-end iMac still has the largest screen of any all-in-one computer. It's also one of the fastest all-in-ones, as well as the best looking. You don't get the touch software, and it's not as user-friendly for those looking to turn an all-in-one into a media hub, but the iMac remains the elite product in its category overall.
The good: The new 27-inch iMac offers the best performance among current all-in-ones, along with the largest display, the best design, and exciting potential from its Thunderbolt ports.
The bad: We still miss built-in HDMI inputs for easy media component integration, and, as usual, custom hardware options for the iMac remain more expensive than those for its Windows-based competition.
The bottom line: We recommend Apple's new 27-inch iMac to digital media editors and others with serious performance needs on the strength of its impressive speed, its connected device potential, and its market-leading 27-inch display.
November 1, 2011 10:29 PM PDT
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