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Apple iMac 27-inch gets better on the inside for 2017

In addition to the latest-generation Intel and AMD processors, it also has a refreshed 5K display and two USB-C/Thunderbolt ports.

Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
James Martin Managing Editor, Photography
James Martin is the Managing Editor of Photography at CNET. His photos capture technology's impact on society - from the widening wealth gap in San Francisco, to the European refugee crisis and Rwanda's efforts to improve health care. From the technology pioneers of Google and Facebook, photographing Apple's Steve Jobs and Tim Cook, Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Google's Sundar Pichai, to the most groundbreaking launches at Apple and NASA, his is a dream job for any documentary photography and journalist with a love for technology. Exhibited widely, syndicated and reprinted thousands of times over the years, James follows the people and places behind the technology changing our world, bringing their stories and ideas to life.
Expertise photojournalism, portrait photography, behind-the-scenes Credentials
  • 2021 Graphis Photography Awards, Gold Award, Journalism, 'The Doorway' Graphis Photography Awards, Silver Award, Portrait, 'Cast of film '1917'' Graphis Photography Awards, Silver Award, Environmental, 'Upper Lola Montez' ND Awards, Architecture, 'Taj Mah
Lori Grunin
James Martin
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The price remains the same

It starts at $1,800, £1,749 or AU$2,699. 

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New Intel (and AMD) inside

The new upgrades include new Intel CPUs, faster graphics, better storage and new ports.

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Faster

The 2017 27-inch iMac is equipped with a seventh-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor. 

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Ports

In addition to four older Type-A USB 3.0 connectors (up from three), two new Thunderbolt 3-enabled USB-C connectors replace the two previous Mini Display Port connectors. It keeps the Ethernet RJ-45 jack, SD card slot and headphone jack as well.

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Big bezels

The design retains the now-unfashionable fat bezels around the display.

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Memory hatch

You can still upgrade the memory, but that's about all that's easy to get to.

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For connectivity, the updated iMac incorporates Bluetooth 4.2 as well as the previous options.

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Refreshed display

The display measures brighter than the earlier model, and now covers the P3 color gamut for consistency across Apple's most recent screens.

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More external monitors

Now that it incorporates the latest Radeon 500 series graphics processors, it can drive more than a single external display in addition to the built-in one.

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Still thin at the edge

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You can tilt it slightly forward

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A slight tilt backward

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