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Apple iMac 21.5 inch has been discontinued and replaced by Apple iMac Retina 4K 21.5".
5Apple iMac 21.5 inch

Apple iMac 21.5 inch

5Apple iMac 21.5 inch
3.8

37 reviews

Positive vs Negative
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Very unhappy customer
Very unhappy customerVIC
  iMac 21.5 inch

It’s a lemon – Much slower to open up and use than my 10 year old computer. Lost some of my photos after editing. Has the round ball going round and round, sometimes frezzes . Have been on the phone to Apple Support numerous times for countless hours. Still not working properly .it is a lemonm

Ted
Ted31 posts
  2011 Mid

Got 2 of them – Great products. We’ve had a few iMacs now, we got our first one in 2011 and it’s still going strong today. Got a 2020 one as well which is great and incredibly fast. Highly recommend

Amanda Resch
Amanda ReschNSW3 posts
  iMac 21.5 inch

Sorry I bothered – My old iMac was giving up the ghost after more than a decade of use, so I thought it was time for a new one. Frankly it isn't worth the hefty price tag. It's no faster than my old one, & riddled with glitches. I'm forever restarting it to get it to reset! It also won't allow me to download a couple of apps that I want, for example my recipe… Read more

book, so that I can have a back up in the event of my iPads untimely death. It also is not compatible with some of my games (this is because of the Catalina OS). Honestly, I think a lot of the problems I'm experiencing are due to apples policy of ageing things off, forcing you to upgrade (i.e. spend more money). I am now working with 2 machines - my old one, which still works but won't access most websites due to its old software, & the new garbage one. Most displeased!!!!

In-depth reviews

vivpat
vivpatNSW39 posts
  2010 Mid

Five year blues – I have a iMac that's five and a half years old and now has a white screen with nothing else happening , rang apple support tried different methods to get it going but with no results so off to apple shop I trot.. After testing it they said it's a vintage model , any mac thats 5 years or older is vintage as far as apple are concerned and said… Read more

can't fix it even if we wanted to as we don't stock parts for anything over five years old , Great so I just throw it in the bin and buy a new one , no said the nice lady you can get a pc repairer to fix it not apple ??..It's been a great computer for the time I have had it but call me old fashioned I still think apple should be able to repair it ... Certainly has turned me off apple when you pay 1500 dollars and in 5 years they don't stock parts for your computer...May as well buy a cheapie and throw it away when trouble strikes....hoo hum...Update 8/5/17 Got onto a chap that use to work for apple and he fixed it in five minutes the hard drive had gone in it ,said luckey it wasn't motherboard as would have been to expensive to fix and better to spend money on new one so happy for that, 500 dollars to fix....

David Katalinic
David KatalinicACT6 posts
  iMac 21.5 inch

Really good piece of kit!... For a price – Normally I'm not the one to sing Apple's praises unless they really deserve it and this time around I'd have to say they have. I bought one of these computers because I needed to have a mac to do video work on for school and my parents needed a computer they could use that didn't have much of an impact on the room and this computer has done a… Read more

pretty splendid job.

The computer is really simple and easy to use. With only one cable and a wireless keyboard and mouse it's really easy to set up. It's also really light too. If I need to pack it up all I have to do is unplug it and carry it away. Takes about 30 seconds. Also the computer is really quiet too. The only time I ever hear it is when I put my ear right next to it.

The computer isn't a power house but it is powerful enough to perform the tasks we need from it. The Core i5 in the computer may not be incredibly fast but I found I never had an issue with it. Also the fact that the speakers, monitor and computer are all in one package is really nice too.

Surprisingly enough I found it really easy to dual boot on this thing with Windows. However if you wanna try putting Linux on it I have one word for you "Don't". Not to say that Linux is bad but the mac seems to have a lot of quabbles with Linux. Linux and Mac OS X would keep fighting over the mouse and keyboard. Thankfully you can plug in third party keyboards so I remedied that quickly. However it still was a pain.

The computers mouse and keyboard are really nice and work really great but even without using Linux I occasionally had issues with connecting them to the computer. Although when they do work correctly they're a dream to use.

However there are some downsides to this computer as well. For one there is no optical drive. Which nowadays isn't such a big deal but sometimes you just wanna watch a DVD or install and old game or something on it. Also there is no option to upgrade the RAM or the HDD and there isn't an option to get a SSD put in the computer instead of the HDD. So the computer does take it's time to start. Another thing is the computer is WAY too expensive. 1400 bucks for a Core i5?! That's ludicrous! and with it being Apple the price is non negotiable. Everywhere sells this thing for the same price.

That being said this is a really solid computer. But I can only recommend it if you've got the money to spare... And you don't like Linux... Nice and quiet, Really light and slim, Nice keyboard and mouse, Minimal cable management, Real easy to install Windows, All in one design is very well executed. EXPENSIVE!, Linux does not agree with Mac OS X, The computer is a bit under powered, No Optical drive.

stuff
stuffACT50 posts
  Selected Review iMac 21.5 inch

Microsoft to Apple - converted but not an evangelist – Been a PC user and technician since before MS-DOS V1.1 (came on 1 x 5 1/4 floppy disk - when floppy disks were actually floppy). My wife could never get the hang so thought I'd try the Apple products. What can you say about a product that comes out the box, has one cable going to power, is turned on, finds the network/mouse/keyboard and starts… Read more ·  1

working in less then 5 minutes!

Still learning the APPLE way and sometimes it is very frustrating but on the whole it is fantastically simple and efficient. My wife can even use it and will now try and solve her own problems and not just give up on the spot.

I would say that if you are a PC person that still wants to "play" with the hardware this is not for you. If you want a computer that is nice to look at, works, is very fast, starts up instantly, perhaps you should have a look.

The backup facility (Time Machine)is incredible and PC users would be wild if they knew about it. I just plugged a USB HDD into the USB port, the machine advised me it had found it and asked if I wanted Time Machine to run. A 'yes' click and that was it - it does the rest on its own. Getting backed up stuff back is about as simple.

Love the machine and am now considering buying an Apple Laptop. Looks good, works great, easy to set up and use. Starts fast, Backup with Time Machine. Clear crisp screen. Expensive. Apple Store a waste of time - go to a mainline retailer, the staff are interested in you and not just their computer. The only thing that has proved difficult is getting my iPod to sync with it. It appears apple don't think anyone ever switches from one computer to another and the process is less than automatic and I have still not achieved lift off.

Positive reviews

MIA
MIA5 posts
  2014 Mid

I Hope It Can Use Microsoft – I bought my imac two years ago and I use it to watch youtube and other video. The screen image is very high definition. But hard for my to do my work at home using this device.

Kanye
KanyeACT81 posts
  2013 Late

Awesome computer still running like new – its a bit pricy but a great investment guys having my iMac over 3 years now looks like new running like new. great speed, multiple programs open up fast. I have used Windows computers over the years they are getting bad and bad every day. I could never go back to Windows. The ease of use is amazing. A+++ for APPLE!!!

k2surf
k2surfNSW33 posts
  2011 Mid

Excellent computer that lasts!! – I am a big fan on Mac computers, they just seem to last longer, are safer against virus' and easier to use once you get the hang of them. The downside would be repair costs and finding a really good technician. I know the parts are expensive and sometime hard to find. This iMac has lasted me 5 years to date without a problem. The only thing needed… Read more

after all these years would be a new hard drive (SSD) to boost this unit from 500Gb to 1TB. Wireless keyboard and mouse are fantastic and reliable. The back up system is called Time Machine and works a treat and is easy to use and retrieve. I would highly recommend this iMac over any PC anyway.

Negative reviews

PamM
PamMVIC14 posts
  2014 Mid

Stay away from any iMac – I bought the 21.5" LED backlit iMac 2 years ago & ever since I had this piece of junk is given me nothing but trouble. It's slow & you need to update every freaking part that Apple sends. If u don't, then it slows down even more! It comes with a blue tooth mouse & keyboard which u have to feed AA batteries every fortnight if you are using the damn… Read more

thing everyday. So my advise is, please stay away from any Apple products. BTW it's not virus tolerant anymore. I know someone who worked in Apple Care & their systems down at least once a week which implies that hackers & viruses DO get into their systems & servers. Be careful all u Apple lovers out there.

Disappointed
Disappointed
  2011 Mid

Leaking lines through screen – I also have had a problem with my screen. I have not had it for very long and it has developed some leaking lines through the screen. Also something else is happening on the screen and I can't view pictures or video, not sure if it has something to do with a failing graphics card. Very disappointing!

donny70
donny70NSW18 posts
  2013 Late

The stand has failed - needs a recall – The stand failed. There was a big cracking sound and now the monitor won't stay up. This seemingly has happened to heaps and heaps of t his model but it will take 3 weeks to get fixed. I told the repair guys I needed it back but they said they are waiting for parts from Apple - there is a shortage because there have been so many failures. … Read more

There should be a recall on these machines Because nobody can wait 3 weeks for repair. We have work to do!!!

Recent reviews

Tomato
Tomato57 posts
  2011 Mid

Perfect! – Love our IMacs! Being a Windows only girl forever, I wasn't sure I'd warm to the iMac. I knew the kids would adapt, but at 40 I'm a creature of habit (plus all of my programs like MYOB and Embrilliance run perfectly in Windows)

do not buy hp
do not buy hpQLD17 posts
  2012 Late

very good – This iMac is great absolutely no complaints at all - stills looks good after years of use flawless & can handle even the power hungry professional graphic software with ease. Get one if you are looking .. seriously.

Coffee addict
Coffee addictWA17 posts
  2013 Late

Fast, Reliable and User Friendly Desktop Computer – Never had any problems with this computer. This is my first Mac and I must say I will not go back to a Windows operating system, Ever! Everything flows smoothly, works properly and has not slowed after 2 years of daily usage of 6+ hours. Love Love Love it! If I had have known it was going to be as user friendly and reliable when I first… Read more

purchased this desktop, I wouldn't have bothered with the Apple Care Plan, as I have never used it. There is no going back once you own a Mac!! Also owning a iPhone and an iPad means that all your files are accessible from any device. Perfect.

iMac Chick.
iMac Chick.
  2013 Late

iMacs Forever – I have used Windows computers for over thirty years. I hesitantly purchased a Mac not really knowing what to expect except the comments like 'They are user friendly'. I could not be happier! Yes, it took a few weeks to navigate the differences between Mac and Windows but it was all worthwhile. I could never go back to Windows. The ease of use… Read more

is amazing, and there is never a problem with bugs or glitches. There are so many good things to say about Macs that I could fill a pages.

Joanne V
Joanne V
  2014 Mid

CONVERTED won't go back to Microsoft – If l knew years ago how much better Apple is compared to Microsoft l would have switched years ago. After years of a slow computer, Antivirus problems and problems getting on the net, l click on my new Mac and get on the net straight away, didn't think it was possible. I can get on the net easy now and it does not take all day to do a small task.… Read more

Have converted and won't go back to microsoft only ever had problems with their product. It was easy to learn Apple and l don't get stressed out when l get on my computer now. Thanks APPLE

Holly
HollyVIC73 posts
  iMac 21.5 inch

Best computer I've ever owned, hands down – I am in love with my iMac! It hasn't failed me yet - no viruses (not one), always fast, and Apple's service is superb. I used to use Windows computers, but now I will never own anything other than a Mac. The operating system is so much easier to use than windows, not to mention faster. I plan on keeping my iMac for a LONG time.

SirRootes
SirRootesNSW10 posts
  2011 Mid

Just AWESOME! – I have an iMac 21.5" 2.7GHz i5, 4GB RAM, 1TB HDD. This is the first ever Apple computer I have ever owned and to say the least I will never be buying a Windows PC ever again! I bought this machine back in the middle of 2011 and it has never missed a beat. I also own a Windows laptop (daughter needs it for school) and every time I use it I feel… Read more

like chucking it in the river! The iOS on the iMac is SO simple to use, compared to Windows. The simplicity and the allround look and feel of this machine is just awesome! And the multi-touch mouse is also a great feature.

If you are looking into buying a new computer, do yourself a favor and get an iMac.

I'm a big Apple fan now! :o)

Mark
Mark
  iMac 21.5 inch

Great but screen failed on every model purchased – Be wary of buying an IMAC as the screen develops lines through it. In fact have never owned one where this hasn't happened, its an issue that MAC denies there is a problem. If you go on line and look up MAC forums there is plenty of bad press bout this proving what I am saying. Everything except for the failed screen Screen claps out after about 12-15months

Caveat emptor.
Caveat emptor.   

You are correct.

Anton Perry
Anton Perry
  iMac 21.5 inch

Nothing works – 1. Speakers turn off when they feel like it. For days on end. 2. It claims the password or username is incorrect yet I can log in from start up but won't let me log in to buy app's, games or basically use the Imac for downloading. 3. The Mouse disconnects regularly. 4. The Keyboard disconnects frequently. Good screen, good layput. It looks good. The fact that it looks good is a practical lie.

bigbozo
bigbozoNSW6 posts
  2013 Late

Imac 21inch 2.9 late 2013 – The best computer i have purchased, Well another convert here from PCs, having owned many different PC's over the years (at least 10), I purchased my 21inch iMac, the reason being I already own a iPad and love it, the wife has a mac book pro and has never had and problems. I have found the iMac to be so quick, and smooth there are lots of Apps you… Read more ·  1

can purchase to suit your style, I went for the 2.9g as it was slightly more powerful then the base model 2.7 and comes with its own dedicated graphics card. It doesn't take that long to get use too it from a PC. Its is way better then any Pc i have owned. I guess time will tell. The apple store were great and i ended up and purchased this online and received it in 2 days. The speed and reliability, crisp clear picture, no noises like the pc The price, and the cost of all the upgrades just like a PC.

JP22
JP22
  iMac 21.5 inch

Sleek, fun to use. Disappointing quality – After years of listening to friends talk about the invincibility and user-friendliness of their Macs, we splurged. We love the big flat screen, audio/video quality, speeds, sleek design, etc. But after only a year and a half of watching movies, occasional web browsing, and writing a few papers, the hard drive crashed. Warranty has expired, of… Read more

course. Repair has been expensive and thus far ineffective. Want a sweet-looking, super-user friendly computer that is not as prone to viruses as your pc? Buy a Mac! But if you think that you are spending the extra money on a product that is truly and absolutely worth it, think again. And absolutely pay for the extended warranty coverage. I am very disappointed with my Mac experience and will not spend the extra money on hype when i need to buy another computer - which might be way too soon! Stylish, fast & powerful, versatile. Overpriced. Quality does not match reputation.

Michelle Renea
Michelle Renea4 posts
  2012 Late

Power Supply Died!! – Initially I loved this computer it was the first Apple product I purchased and since then I have purchased Mac Air laptop, IPad, 2 iPods, 2 iPhones! The last 6 months it has been not functioning it had been slow and now it will not turn on at all!! I looked up this on the Internet and it was a common problem in the model I have!! I haven't used… Read more

this computer much over the last 2 years because I use my laptop and IPad but now I'm going to have to spend to repair it as it has all my photos etc on it!! I think the power supply unit should last more than 4 years!

Daniella Wrigley
Daniella Wrigley4 posts
  iMac 21.5 inch

Love it...converted from Windows – Been using windows all my life, and not a big fan of change... always thought Apple was just a fab... and how wrong I was (at least in my opinion). Since I was introduced to Apple...it is a completely new world, simplicity, uniqueness, style... I love it! I hate iPhones, but I now I love Macs! And yes, I have an iPad! Style, simplicity, and you can also run windows which is great

Callum31
Callum3164 posts
  iMac 21.5 inch

Waste of money – I use these all the time and they are slow, noisy, get very hot, keeps freezing, very expensive considering the specs you get, I would prefer my Dell Vostro 260 than the imac even though the imac is a all in one and my dell vostro is a tower my Dell is half the price and twice as faster and reliable. You can video edit when it works Everything

Alex Bailey
Alex Bailey4 posts
  iMac 21.5 inch

Converted – I never expected myself to be preaching about the iMac, let along owning one. The computer is ridiculously versatile and offers a much more enjoyable user experience. Surprisingly, I cannot picture myself going back to a Windows PC. Apple computers offer a significantly greater experience for iOS App Development and a number of other programming… Read more

practices. Definitely recommend this computer, regardless of your lifestyle of usage habits. Simple and easy

LovemyVZ
LovemyVZ6 posts
  2010 Mid

Brilliant – Best Computer I've ever owned well worth the money. I've owned my iMac for 2 years now and not a single issue. Never going back to a PC!! Originally being a PC user I was skeptical of the Mac but once I bought one I was annoyed that I waited so long to purchase one. They are truly revolutionary and live up to the highest of expectations. With 2… Read more

Years worth of Movies, Documents and Photos my iMac hasn't slowed down or become unresponsive and it's never frozen or lost important work like my old PC. I would recommend it to anyone and will defiantly purchase another. Well worth the money Very Expensive, Apple regularly coming out with new firmware and you have to purchase the updates

Harpoon
Harpoon3 posts
  iMac 21.5 inch

Just love my iMac – I researched just about every computer on the market before choosing the iMac. I was a PC user forever and was a little hesitant, but the tutorial on the apple website convinced me it would be easy. I bought it online and it was delivered within the week with all the software I'd asked for fully loaded and ready to go. All I had to do was plug… Read more

it in and turn it on. Oh, how easy it was. I've had it now for over a year and have not had one single problem with it. It's super fast, super easy to use, love the big slim screen and whenever I plug something else in the iMac recognises it and sorts out everything without me having to get involved. Couldn't be simpler. I'd recommend it to everyone. Love the way it shuts down really quickly, and loads up quickly. It doesn't clunk like a PC, and doesn't ask stupid questions like the PC. Once you've had a Mac you can never go back.

visitor 3557
visitor 3557TAS2 posts
  iMac 21.5 inch

common screen problem – The computer itself is good as long as it works well.My screen went black in 3 weeks of purchasing and apple customer care wouldnt replace the set but offered to repair it.I discovered doing research that this is a very regular problem with macs.. I did not want the set opened up to be repaired as, i felt I deserved a faultless piece after I have… Read more

spent the same money as anybody else ,but the arrogant customer care guys would not care . I have heard about mac problems before but am facing it now. will never buy a apple product agaim display but alas...not for too long broken display system ..a very common problem with mac (yes imac and macpro) beware

B0bTheBuilder
B0bTheBuilder
  iMac 21.5 inch

Best Desktop Computer Ever, Brilliantly Styled and Functional – From unpacking, through setup to use, is easy and perfectly designed. Fantastic looks, and from a novice to a power user, meets the needs. Coupled with OS X operating system, couldn't be without now.

screwge84
screwge84VIC5 posts
  iMac 21.5 inch

From a Windows and Android user, I must say, this is outstanding – I've been using Windows-based machines for almost 20 years. I've never gotten the iPhone obsession and have always chosen Android over one. I swore I would never own a Mac, but now my household has this beautiful iMac, a Macbook Pro, and an Apple TV 2 (and they all work in sync without a hitch! I can even stream 1080p files wirelessly from the… Read more ·  1

iMac to Apple TV!!!).

The build quality of the iMac is exceptional and so easy to setup and use. I am still blown away! The screen provides clarity that most photographers and graphic artists need.

I am struggling to think of why I would go back to my dearly departed Microsoft based machines. Build quality, screen, ease of use, energy efficient, quiet, good looks, works effortlessly with other Apple products, Mac OSX is pretty and easy to use A little on the expensive side compared to a similar specced PC, but for the usability and design it is absolutely worth it

tah2708
tah270858 posts
  iMac 21.5 inch

Love It! – Purchased our first Apple computer a couple of years ago and will never go back to any other computer. Love the fact that its the big screen and keyboard, no tower to find space for. Anything you plug in is recognised without having to load the software. Viruses don't affect Macs. Love I Photo and have all of our photos and video stored. Yes… Read more

it did take a bit of getting used to at first as I was a microsoft user but am now used to it and will never go back.

We also had great service from Apple in Sydney. Reliable, looks good, extremely functional

amalaw
amalaw7 posts
  iMac 21.5 inch

Excellent – Apple iMac - it's simple, it WORKS! This is an excellent fast, efficient, classy and stylish desktop. You'll wonder why it took you so long to chuck the old MS/Windows out the window! ;) Everything that Windows and Microsoft ISN'T! After 12 years of MS/Windows I was not sure how I'd go adjusting to using the Apple Mac... but I love it!! It is so… Read more

elegant, simple, smart and classy!! Very user-friendly, once you forget your ingrained MS-speak!! Fantastic graphics, power and speed for any task you want to perform. I LOVE the Magic Mouse and cordless keyboard - space-saving and NO power cords! FAST boot/restart and FAST shutdown times. You'll love this fancy desktop which is more like a BIG laptop! The very small font settings (easily made larger by Crtl +) and the restrictions on what software can be used, but you soon get used to that and find you can either do without it or find a replacement program. Can't think of much else that I am not happy with! :)

Azza_1969
Azza_196910 posts
  2010 Mid

Great a lll in one – Apple have been around for years making products that are different from the rest. I bought the iMac 21 inch in 2010 after contemplating for about a year. I am happy two report that it is the best computer i have had since my commodore vic 20 bought by my dad in 1983 !! All in one and just so usable fast stylish . would recommend reliable fast sleek and space saving none none and none

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