Apple iMac 27-inch (Core i5)

If you like the minimal lines of an all-in-one desktop, but need true quad-core power for multimedia and 3D tasks, then the Apple iMac 27-inch (Core i5) ($1,999 list) should be at the top of your list. It gives you speedy performance scores, better 3D graphics, and the same large screen as the previous 27-inch (Core i7)—all for a couple hundred bucks less. All this earns it our Editors' Choice for high-end multimedia-oriented all-in-one desktops.

Design
Like its most recent predecessors, the Apple iMac 27-inch (Core i7) ($2,199 list, ) and iMac 27-inch (Core 2 Duo) ($1,699 list, ), the new iMac 27-inch (Core i5) looks like a metal and glass monitor suspended above your desk surface by a graceful arm. The screen pivots on a hinge, so you can find a comfortable viewing position whether you are seated or standing. This feature makes the iMac 27-inch (Core i5) a great PC for high visibility work areas, like reception or inside a design studio. There is also a spot for you to slip the wireless keyboard and mouse under the iMac when not in use, making for a clutter-free work surface. A similarly slim-wired keyboard and mouse are no-cost options, but you'll have to shell out extra cash for Apple's Magic Trackpad ($69 list, ).
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Apple iMac 27-inch (Core i5) : Full Set
Apple iMac 27-inch (Core i5) : Back
Apple iMac 27-inch (Core i5) : Ports
Apple iMac 27-inch (Core i5) : Left

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The system has 4 USB 2.0 ports and a FireWire 800 port on the back, along with audio jacks and a Mini DisplayPort. The Mini DisplayPort has input/output, which is very convenient for connecting the iMac to an external monitor. The input can be used to hook up a laptop or Apple Mac mini ($699 list, ), extending your investment by letting you use the iMac 27-inch (Core i5) as a monitor long after the CPU and graphics become too slow. You could also connect an external device, like a cable box or Blu-ray player via HDMI with a third party adapter. I just wish Apple had included these adapters for free like they do with the Mac mini's HDMI-to-DVI adapter. As with the Mac mini, the iMac 27-inch (Core i5) includes an improved SD card slot, which now supports larger capacity SDHC and SDXC cards. Unfortunately, you'll still need an adapter for less popular formats like Compact Flash, xD, and Memory Stick.

Features
The iMac 27-inch (Core i5) comes fitted with a quad-core Intel Core i5-760 processor, 4GB of DDR3 memory (expandable up to 16GB), 1TB hard drive, ATI Radeon HD 5750 graphics, 802.11a/b/g/n (2.4GHz/5GHz) Wi-Fi, and DVD burning SuperDrive. You still can't get a Blu-ray drive in the iMac 27-inch (Core i5), but you can hook up an external USB drive for data or a regular Blu-ray player for movies, using HDMI. It seems that Apple really wants you to buy HD content from iTunes or watch it via streaming over the Internet (like You Tube or Hulu). The Core i5-760 processor is a true quad-core processor, since it has four individual processor cores in the CPU. The less expensive and less capable Core i3 and Core i5 processors use two physical cores and Hyper Threading to act like four cores. The Core i7 found in the top-of-the-line iMac (Core i7) adds Hyper Threading to four physical cores to get eight processing thread capabilities.

Like all Macs, the iMac 27-inch (Core i5) comes with Mac OS X 10.6 and iLife (iTunes, iMovie, iDVD, GarageBand, and iWeb). The iLife suite lets users to view and share photos, music, and home videos the instant you turn the system on. Together with Front Row, they make the iMac 27-inch (Core i5) into a highly sophisticated, yet simple to use media PC. There isn't any bloatware (ads, trialware, etc.) aside from a quick offer during initial setup to sign up for mobileme, Apple's online service. The iMac 27-inch (Core i5) features EPEAT Gold certification, Energy Star 5.0 certification, green manufacturing, and recyclability.

The iMac 27-inch (Core i5) can be equipped with a 256GB solid state drive (SSD) and a 1TB or 2TB spinning hard drive simultaneously, but you have to configure it that way from the factory. Though theoretically possible, the iMac 27-inch (Core i5) is too complex for the average user to upgrade on their own, and the parts needed to mount the SSD aren't included and can't be bought from Apple. The SSD is a pricey option, at a $750 upgrade price for the 256GB SSD plus 1TB data drive.

Performance
The iMac 27-inch (Core i5)'s processor, speedy DDR3 memory, and ATI Radeon HD 5750 graphics let it score higher almost across the board when put up against the previous top-of-the line iMac (Core i7). The iMac 27-inch (Core i5) has the same screen and chassis, but is measurably faster on multimedia, day-to-day, and 3D gaming tasks. It took 1 minute 47 seconds to complete the PhotoShop CS4 test in Mac OS X, while the iMac (Core i7) was a smidge faster at 1:40. On all the other tests in Windows 7 Boot Camp, however, the iMac 27-inch (Core i5) was faster. This can be chalked up to the faster DDR3-1333 memory and much more powerful ATI Radeon HD 5750 graphics.

In fact, the iMac 27-inch (Core i5) was faster than all the all-in-ones we've recently tested, and actually did just as good, or even better than the traditional tower PC Dell Studio XPS 7100 ($1,149 direct, ) in some test. In the past, traditional towers used to beat all-in-ones regularly. This time the iMac 27-inch (Core i5) is more than competitive. Bottom line is that the iMac with quad-core Intel Core i5 is a power users' system that's ready for just about any task you throw at it.

So how does it do against the previous Editors' Choice, the iMac (Core i7)? The iMac 27-inch (Core i5) is faster, better at 3D games and tasks, can be equipped with more options like an SSD, and has a cheaper base price. As such, the iMac 27-inch (Core i5) succeeds the iMac (Core i7) as our high-end all-in-one desktop Editors' Choice and cements the Apple iMac as the all-in-one desktop to have and to beat.

liquid crystal display

Short for liquid crystal display, a type of display used in digital watches and many portable computers. LCD displays utilize two sheets of polarizing material with a liquid crystal solution between them. An electric current passed through the liquid causes the crystals to align so that light cannot pass through them. Each crystal, therefore, is like a shutter, either allowing light to pass through or blocking the light.

Monochrome LCD images usually appear as blue or dark gray images on top of a grayish-white background. Color LCD displays use two basic techniques for producing color: Passive matrix is the less expensive of the two technologies. The other technology, called thin film transistor (TFT) or active-matrix, produces color images that are as sharp as traditional CRT displays, but the technology is expensive. Recent passive-matrix displays using new CSTN and DSTN technologies produce sharp colors rivaling active-matrix displays.

Most LCD screens used in notebook computers are backlit, or transmissive, to make them easier to read.

•E-mail this definition to a colleague•

Sponsored listings

GlobalSpec.com: Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) - Database of suppliers for liquid crystal displays, X-Ray diffraction instruments and more. Provides catalogs and supplier contact information.


For internet.com pages about LCD . Also check out the following links!

Related Links

Report on Japanese display technology R&D
This June 92 report is one in a series of reports prepared through the Japanese Technology Evaluation Center (JTEC), sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) . The report describes research and development efforts in Japan in the area of display technologies. Includes information on electroluminescent, plasma, and liquid crystal displays.

Active Matrix LCD Technology Paper
Describes the manufacturing and infrastructure of active matrix and liquid crystal displays.

Comparison of LCD to typical CRT monitors
A comparison between flat LCD and traditional CRT monitors, including display sizes, physical size, display charactersitics, and energy features.

Flat Panel Display Technology Overview
Outlines the various flat panel display technologies, including DSTN, TFT, Plasma, FEDs, etc. Includes graphics, diagrams and an integrated glossary. This page is from "The PC Technology Guide."

LCD Information and Technical Forum
Contains links to LCD information sources, FAQs, projects, applications, data sheets, products, tradeshows, publications, manufacturers, and related Web sites.

Polymer and Liquid Crystals project
Contains a virtual library and lab that provides introductory information about polymers, liquid crystals, and polymer liquid crystals.

Trends in AM LCD Technology
Describes LCD versus CRT and other aspects of AM LCD displays.

Ideal for monitor/laptop screens

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Allsop® Clear View Gel

Stop worrying about damaging sensitive electronics when cleaning around the equipment with this liquid gel formula. It's also anti-static and ozone friendly. Compact snap-in spray bottle attaches to large refill bottle for easy accessibility.

* Ideal for monitor/laptop screens, handheld computers and TVs.
* Liquid gel formula won't drip over sensitive electronics.
* Antistatic and ozone-friendly.
* Up to 300 cleanings.


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ASP25048
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Dust-Off® Screen Shammy

Clean computer monitors, plasma televisions and other delicate surfaces with these machine washable, soft shammy dry wipe.

* Suede-like microfiber cleaning cloth safely removes dust, lint and smudges from sensitive laptop and LCD computer screens, and plasma, LCD and flat-screen televisions.
* Machine washable for continued use.


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Fellowes® Alcohol-Free Screen Cleaning Wipes

Special alcohol-free, antistatic formula safely removes dirt, dust and fingerprints from all types of computer screens. Works on all CRT and LCD computer monitors, LCD privacy and anti-glare filters, PDAs, scanners and TV screens.

* Safely removes dust, dirt and fingerprints from all types of computer screens and glass surfaces.
* Works on all LCD and CRT screens, privacy and anti-glare filters, PDAs, scanners and TV screens.
* Not for use on mesh screens.


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3M Screen Cleaning Kit

Making sure your laptop, LCD and CRT screen stays cleans is of the utmost importance. This cleaning gel is a great way to eradicate dust and dirt from your expensive equipment. The cleaner comes with a squeegee applicator and spray bottle for a quick and easy cleaning process.

* Safe for LCD, laptop and CRT screens.
* Cleaning gel will not run; simply spray and wipe using unique squeegee applicator for a dust- and dirt-free monitor.


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3M Notebook Screen Cleaning Wipes

Don't allow your expensive notebook to be sullied by dust and fingerprints. These wipes are designed to remove dust, fingerprints and smudges from notebook computer screens. Non-abrasive, non-streaking and premoistened wipes.

* Premoistened, nonabrasive, nonstreaking wipes remove dust, fingerprints and smudges from notebook computer screens.
* Individually wrapped for convenience.

How to Clean Your LCD Screen

Old CRT-based TVs and computer monitors were tough. For the most part, you could spritz them with Windex and wipe them down when they got dirty. I never had a problem getting a TV clean.

But now the world has moved to LCD, plasma, and other flat-panel technologies. And with laptops especially, screens are very prone to getting filthy because people just can't keep their fingers off of them. But how do you clean an LCD? Here's what I do.

For starters: No Windex. While LCDs have glass inside them, they are coated with an optical film, and the chemicals in glass cleaner (namely ammonia) can damage that film. That film can also be easily scratched, so don't use paper towels or any dry cloth other than microfiber or other lint-free cloth either. Also, as with a TV, be sure to turn the device off before you try to clean it and until it is totally dry, as any liquid can cause a short.

Personally, I now use a commercial LCD screen cleaner (the kind that comes in a spray bottle and includes a special cloth) for all my LCD monitors, LCD TVs, and laptop screens. I've never had a problem (though I've read reports of people who've had discoloration due to these cleaners), and my screen always comes out sparkling. You can usually find them near checkout at any electronics or computer store, or get one online. Check out these examples. That Belkin cleaner looks just perfect. Klear Screen is also commonly recommended, but it's much more expensive.

What I do not recommend are the prepackaged wipes that are moistened with cleaning liquid. (You often get a second wipe for drying.) In my experience, these always leave residue on your display, and I don't trust the dry, paper wipes not to scratch the screen. After using them, I find the screen rarely looks much better than before I cleaned it. Since I switched to the spray-bottle products, I've been much happier with the results.

If you want to save some money, you can try mixing your own ammonia-free LCD cleaner. You could start with plain water, but use distilled water. I've also read that you can add a little white vinegar or vodka to the water to aid the cleaning, but I've never tried that personally.

On a related note, you might also notice that laptops get smudged and dirtied by keyboards, which can happen if the notebook is poorly designed such that the screen actually touches the keys when it is closed. To remedy this, I cut up an old t-shirt and place it over the keyboard when I close it. It also makes for handy dust rag for quick tidying up.

Got special tips for cleaning your LCD or plasma screen? Share them below!