We spend a lot of time here focusing on PC Desktops, and with good reason. Overall, they are far more popular and more people use them than they do Macs or Linux machines. They are great for gaming and for people who enjoy customizing their experience. But what about those of you that prefer a machine that just works? You don’t want to spend hours tweaking every little setting you just want a computer that does exactly what you need it do and one that you don’t have to spend hours supporting and protecting from all the threats out there.
Enter the iMac. Apple’s iMac is a truly impressive machine that accomplishes one thing – it just works. They look great and provide an amazing user experience at the same time. Today, I thought we should look at 10 benefits of using an iMac so you can begin to understand the strengths of the Apple platform. That way when you are a ready to buy a new machine, you can make the best decision that is right for you, be it PC or Mac.
So what are these benefits I’m speaking of? Let’s take a look at each one below.
1. Large Screen
While there are smaller iMacs with only 21.5-inch screens, even these are larger than your average computer monitor you find in the office. Where iMacs truly shine are in their larger 27-inch versions. Of course, that isn’t the only great thing about them. Apple only includes the very best in Retina displays on their iMacs so you will get amazingly bright and brilliant colors along with incredible resolutions so all your graphics and even text look truly spectacular, no matter what you may be doing. While some wish that these screens were touchscreens, you will find that they are easy to navigate even with a mouse. If you truly want a great display, it just makes sense to pick up an iMac.
2. Powerful Hardware
While I won’t say that every iMac is the most powerful machine you have ever used, they are definitely no slouches when it comes to raw processing power. Most iMacs today contain the latest processors and chipsets from Intel and all the other specs back it up. If you are looking for a machine that can provide you with enough power for even the most intense computing tasks, then an iMac is the way to go.
3. Amazing Design
If there is one thing that Apple does right every single time, it is design. Ever since the return of Steve Jobs, Apple has worked hard at creating new and interesting products that are powerful and useful while also looking damn good. The same can be said for the iMac of today. With just one look at the iMac, you will see Apple’s design flare. The design is sleek using on the best materials, and the curves and slim design make an iMac a great addition to any home or office. If you want your computer to look good, while also being powerful, the iMac is really the only choice out there. Other PC manufactures can’t ever seem to catch up to their design prowess, so you will never have anything like it until you own an iMac.
4. Mac OS X
Perhaps the biggest benefit you will find when you buy an iMac is one that you get when you by any type of Mac at all. That is Mac OS X. Mac OS X is the operating system that powers all computers made by Apple. It is based on FreeBSD, a UNIX-like operating system that originated from Berkely many years ago. It is safe and secure and with the tweaks and changes Apple has made to it, it is very easy to use and just looks great. Everyone I have ever known that used a Mac loved using Mac OS X, and its power is truly staggering. If you want the most advanced and safest operating system out there, then you have no other choice than to head to the store and pick up an iMac.
5. iCloud
There are many cloud options out there, and most of them work fairly well. However, if you prefer to use the Apple ecosystem, your best bet is iCloud. Using iCloud, you can easily sync all of our contacts, files and even applications across multiple Macs and even your iPad and iPhone. It is easy to use and once you set it, it all just works. For anyone looking for a machine that will take care of all the syncing and backing up for them, then picking up an iMac and signing up for iCloud is truly the only way to go.
6. Software Extras
While Mac OS X is great, Apple includes a few extras on all their new computers. Every Apple made computer comes with iLife, which includes applications such as iPhoto and iMovie. If you want to be able to take care of your photos and even create your own movies right out of the box, your best options is to buy a Mac. From day one you will be able to do just that. You also get your very own mail program and even a new browser that is fast, safe and secure. Of course, you aren’t limited to these applications, there are tons of apps available for the Mac as well.
7. The App Store
Speaking of apps, you will find there are literally thousands of apps that can be found on the App Store. The store was originally founded to sell music, but today you can get so much more. Today you will find all types of apps for your iPhone and iPad as well as apps for your Mac. All you have to do is open the store and enter your Apple ID and you can start purchasing and installing apps right away. There are a ton of free apps as well, so you may even be able to save a little money when you pick up that next app.
8. Fewer Viruses
Apple’s Mac OS X is based on FreeBSD, a UNIX-like operating system. Because of this, it is much more secure compared to Windows. On top of that, virus creators often seem to ignore the platform altogether and Apple is very quick to patch any security holes that do pop up in their operating system. While I can’t say there are no viruses out there for Mac, there are far fewer than on Windows. If you want to make sure your system stays safe, you should try picking up an iMac instead of a new Windows desktop. Of course, you should always run virus software, but I guarantee that there will be far fewer attacks on your system if you decide to buy an iMac.
9. Integration with iOS
Apple is an industry leader in the mobile markets, and there is no denying that the iPhone and iPad are some of the best smartphones and tablets ever to appear on the market. While these devices will connect to a PC, there are many more features that you can access if you connect these to your iMac. You can easily use your iMac to send and receive text messages and you can even share documents and apps using iCloud. On top of that, you can even sync your contacts and even your maps so you can easily access them on both your iPhone and your iMac. If you want a seamless user experience and you prefer to use an iPhone or iPad, then picking up an iMac for home just makes sense.
10. Higher Price
You might think, at first glance, that the higher price you pay for an iMac is actually not a benefit at all. It’s understandable. In the world we live in today everyone is looking for a bargain. I know I am. However, for generations now the more expensive something is the better the product. At least that is what we have been told. Ever heard the saying you get what you pay for? This applies to your computer as well. When you buy an iMac, you know you are getting a machine that is built well and made with some of the best components available. You also know that Apple will stand behind its product, and that is something that is very valuable in the end.
Bonus – Apple Accessories
I couldn’t finish this article without mentioning some of Apple’s accessories. Whether it is their ultra thin keyboards or their magic mice and trackpads, Apple offers many different accessories that are unique in what they offer while also sporting the amazing design found on the iMac itself. Picking up an iMac will open a whole new world for you, one in which many of these accessories become great additions to your next desktop.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many great reasons to switch to an iMac. They look great and provide one of the most advanced and secure operating systems ever built. While they aren’t always good for gaming, they make the perfect companion desktop for just about everything else.
If you are looking for a machine that just works, then I urge you to take a second look at what Apple has to offer before you make your final decision. While you will pay a little more, you get the strength of the Apple brand behind your product while at the same time getting a machine with more than enough power and features to handle almost anything you throw at it.
