-24125.png){kind=logo}
The Apple iMac currently is the only machine featuring a built-in display. Apple produces other desktop options but they are much more expensive and mostly aimed at the full-time professional market, the Mac Pro M2 Ultra which requires a separate monitor.
Apple last updated the iMac in October 2021. A newer version isn't expected until late 2024. Previous models feature the Intel chips which have a different architecture to the later M series CPU's with integrated GPU units and lower energy consumption.
Previous models to 2021 have various screen sizes varying from 21.5”/ 27” the hope of larger-screened versions in later models doesn’t seem to be happening with a standard 24” model expected across the board in 2024. If you are looking for a real high-powered all-in-one workhorse then there are still iMac Pros in the refurbished market that feature high-powered Xeon processors or iMac 5k screen i7/i9 10th generation chips.
Apple's current model is the M3 chip which is 2x faster than the M1, both chips have been used in MacBook Pro so if mobility is helpful then you won’t get any benefit from the iMac.
So should you buy an iMac, well the question is do you need a larger screen?
Since the move away from the Intel chipset a larger case was an advantage for more processing power, heat dispersion, and 5K screen resolution, so having a larger desktop had advantages offering resolutions up to 5120x2880. The current iMac M series CPU resolution goes up to 4480x2520 not as high a resolution as the previous Intel models.
The best MacBook resolution currently runs to 3456x2234 so not as high as the iMac but with the same chip spec.
So we can sum up that if you are looking for an extremely high-resolution screen for professional use then your best option if budget is of no consequence would be the Mac Pro M2 Ultra with an external monitor that would offer very high power processing in the form of the 24-Core M2 Ultra with a 5K 5120x2880 monitor or the older version Xeon.
Ultimately if you need a larger screen then the iMac has to be the choice. At Tech.Trade we have offers on all of the models mentioned in this article. Please feel free to browse here for the best UK offers
