Our First Impressions of the Apple iMac's Sleek Design and Performance
Using this iMac has been a pleasant experience for everyday tasks. The 21.5-inch screen is crisp and vibrant, making it ideal for browsing, streaming, and basic photo editing. The Core i5 processor handles multitasking smoothly, though I occasionally notice a slight lag when running more intensive apps.With 8GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, it's sufficient for most workloads, but I'd recommend upgrading if you plan to run multiple virtual machines or store large media files.The sleek design and macOS integration offer a polished feel, though the machine feels a bit dated compared to newer models.
The renewed unit is a cost-effective choice to buying new, and it's in excellent condition with no visible wear. It's perfect for users who prioritize Apple's ecosystem and need a reliable desktop for light productivity. Though,the lack of a touchscreen and outdated hardware (like the HDD) might potentially be drawbacks for those seeking cutting-edge performance. The macOS interface is intuitive and efficient, but the older specs can't keep up with modern software demands.
Key Features | Pros | Cons |
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Processor: Intel Core i5-7360U (2.30 GHz) | Efficient for daily tasks. Handles multitasking well. | May struggle with high-end software or heavy workloads. |
RAM: 8GB DDR3 | Quick boot times. Smooth performance for basic apps. | Insufficient for professional workflows with heavy resource use. |
Storage: 1TB HDD | Ample space for files and apps. Affordable storage option. | Slower data access compared to SSD. Limited expandability. |
Operating System: macOS | Seamless integration with Apple devices. User-amiable interface. | Less compatible with non-Apple peripherals.Limited customization. |
Screen: 21.5" Retina 4K | Immersive visuals. Luminous and color-accurate display. | No touch support. older panel technology. |
Exploring the Essential Features That Define the iMac's Experience
The Apple iMac (2017) is a reliable workhorse for everyday tasks. Its intel Core i5-7360U processor handles multitasking smoothly, even when running multiple apps or browsers simultaneously.The 8GB RAM ensures quick response times, while the 1TB HDD provides ample space for files, photos, and documents. Though the hardware feels a bit dated, it's still efficient for basic workflows. The Mac OS X interface integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices, making it a pleasant experience for users in the ecosystem.
The 21.5" display offers vibrant colors and sharp resolution, perfect for casual browsing and media consumption. The sleek, all-in-one design is a visual upgrade, blending well into modern workspaces. However, the HDD lacks the speed of an SSD, which might slow down file access. Upgrading components like RAM or storage isn't straightforward, limiting long-term customization. Despite these quirks, the machine remains surprisingly stable and easy to use, especially for those new to Macs.
Key Features | Pros | Cons |
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Processor: Intel Core i5-7360U 2.30 GHz | Efficient for day-to-day tasks | Outdated hardware compared to newer models |
RAM: 8GB | Smooth multitasking | Limited for heavy software usage |
Storage: 1TB HDD | Ample space for files | Slower than SSD for data retrieval |
Operating System: macOS | Intuitive and secure interface | Not as flexible for non-Apple users |
Condition: Renewed | Functional and cost-effective | May show minor wear from prior use |
The Allure of the 21.5 Inch display and Its Impact on Daily Use
The 2017 iMac offers a balanced performance and power dynamic, thanks to its Core i5-7360U processor running at 2.30 GHz. It handles everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media playback with ease, though more demanding applications may feel slightly sluggish. The 8 GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking,and the 1 TB HDD provides ample storage for files,photos,and projects. As a renewed unit, it's in excellent working condition, with all components functioning as expected.
The sleek Retina 4K display delivers vibrant colors and sharp visuals,making it ideal for creative work. The macOS environment feels intuitive and responsive, even with the older hardware. However, the HDD's slower read/write speeds compared to an SSD might delay file access, and the 8 GB RAM could be a bottleneck for heavy multitasking or photo/video editing. it's a reliable machine for casual use, though not the best choice for power users.
Key Features | Pros | Cons |
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Processor Intel Core i5-7360U (2.30 GHz) |
Efficient for basic tasks. Good value for its age. |
Less powerful for heavy workloads. Outdated compared to newer models. |
RAM 8 GB |
Smooth multitasking. Responsive macOS interface. |
May struggle with memory-intensive apps. Not expandable. |
Storage 1 TB HDD |
Ample space for files and media. Reliable long-term storage. |
Slower file access than SSD. Not ideal for large datasets. |
Operating System macOS |
Intuitive design. Seamless integration with other Apple devices. |
System updates may require more resources. Less customizable than Windows. |
Unveiling the Hidden strengths and limitations of the iMac's Hardware
I've found the Apple iMac (2017) to be a reliable workhorse for everyday tasks. The Core i5-7360U processor, running at 2.30 GHz, handled multitasking smoothly without lag, and the 8GB RAM made switching between apps a breeze. The 1TB HDD provided ample space for files and projects, though I noticed it wasn't as snappy as an SSD. Mac OS X's intuitive interface and seamless integration with other Apple devices were a big plus, especially for creative workflows like photo editing and video playback. The 21.5-inch Retina display was crisp and vibrant, though it's no longer the latest technology.
The renewed version feels like a great deal compared to buying new. It's stable,with minimal crashes,and the build quality remains solid. I appreciated the sleek design and quiet operation, making it ideal for a home office. However, the lack of modern ports (like USB-C) and the older processor were minor drawbacks for power users. it's a dependable machine for basic to intermediate tasks, offering good value for its age.
Feature | Spec | Pros | Cons |
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Processor | Intel core i5-7360U (2.30 GHz) | Balances performance and efficiency for daily use | Not as powerful as newer CPUs |
Memory | 8GB RAM | Smooth multitasking and quick app launches | Limited for heavy workloads or modern software |
Storage | 1TB HDD | Generous space for files and media | Slower access times than SSD |
Operating System | macOS | Intuitive interface, seamless Apple ecosystem | Less optimized for non-Apple hardware |
Display | 21.5" Retina | Sharp visuals, excellent color accuracy | Not the latest display tech |
Our Verdict on Whether the iMac Fits Your Needs and Budget
The Apple iMac (2017) is a sleek, compact all-in-one desktop that blends design and performance seamlessly. Its 21.5-inch Retina display is vibrant and responsive, making it ideal for creative work or streaming. The Core i5-7360U processor handles everyday tasks with ease, though it may feel a bit taxed during intensive multitasking. The 8GB RAM allows smooth switching between applications, and the 1TB HDD offers ample storage for files, photos, and media. As a renewed model, it's a budget-friendly option that retains most of the original build quality and reliability.
The iMac's compact form factor is a standout, saving space without compromising on a full desktop experience. The macOS environment is intuitive and optimized for Apple hardware, with a sense of polish and efficiency that's hard to match. However, the aging specs-like the HDD and modest processor-can feel dated compared to newer models. The 8GB RAM is sufficient for basic use but might struggle with heavier workflows like video editing or running multiple apps simultaneously. The 1TB drive is reliable for storage, though it lacks the speed of an SSD.
Key Features | Pros | Cons |
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21.5" Retina Display |
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Intel Core i5-7360U |
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8GB RAM / 1TB HDD |
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MacOS X |
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MMQA2LL/A (Renewed) |
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Unleash Your True Potential

apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer, Intel Core i5-7360U, 8GB RAM Memory, 1TB HDD Hard-Drive, Mac OSX Operating System, MMQA2LL/A (Renewed)
Remarkable combination of performance and power with the Core i5 2.30 GHz processor, 8GB RAM for seamless multitasking, and 1TB HDD storage for reliable data management.
Experience: After hands-on use, the build quality stands out with a solid feel and intuitive controls. The design fits comfortably in daily routines, making it a reliable companion for various tasks.
Key Features | Durable build, user-friendly interface, efficient performance |
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Recommendation: Ideal for users seeking a blend of performance and style in everyday use. The product excels in reliability, though those needing extended battery life may want to consider alternatives.