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Description

Transform your music production experience with the Apple 21.5" Retina 4K iMac. Designed for both aspiring and seasoned musicians, this all-in-one powerhouse effortlessly blends cutting-edge performance with sleek aesthetics. The iMac's Retina 4K display will make your compositions and video edits shine, providing vibrant colors and stunning clarity that bring every project to life.

Under the hood, a 3.6GHz quad-core 8th-generation Intel Core i3 processor drives performance, ensuring you have the speed needed for multitasking and running demanding applications like Logic Pro X or Ableton Live. Coupled with 8GB of 2666MHz DDR4 memory, this machine delivers smooth, efficient workflows for any recording session.

Graphics are handled by the Radeon Pro 555X with 2GB of video memory, providing robust support for visual effects and 3D graphics. Whether you're editing a music video or designing album art, this iMac ensures every detail is rendered with precision.

Need more speed and storage for your extensive music libraries? The iMac offers a spacious 1TB hard drive, giving you ample room to store tracks, samples, and projects. Connectivity is a breeze with two Thunderbolt 3 ports, allowing rapid data transfer and the option to connect multiple peripherals, from audio interfaces to external displays.

With its seamless integration with macOS, the iMac also offers a suite of native apps that work in harmony with your iPhone, ensuring your creative ecosystem is always in sync. This makes it a versatile choice for musicians who want a reliable and efficient workstation that can handle whatever their creativity demands.

Key Features:

  • 21.5-inch LED-backlit Retina 4K display
  • 3.6GHz quad-core 8th-generation Intel Core i3 processor
  • 8GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory
  • 1TB hard drive (5,400RPM)
  • Radeon Pro 555X with 2GB video memory
  • Two Thunderbolt 3 ports
  • Retina 4K 4096-by-2304 P3 display
TheJuan&Only

TheJuan&Only

2019 Apple 4K 21.5-Inch iMac Desktop Review // Is This the Best Value Mac Available?

Video thumbnail for 2019 Apple 4K 21.5-Inch iMac Desktop Review // Is This the Best Value Mac Available? by TheJuan&Only

2019 Apple 4K 21.5-Inch iMac Desktop Review // Is This the Best Value Mac Available?

TheJuan&Only

TheJuan&Only

Video thumbnail for 2019 iMac 4K Review - Base Model by AppleInsider

2019 iMac 4K Review - Base Model

AppleInsider

AppleInsider

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Apple 21.5" Retina 4K iMac.

Value and pricing

  • An open box 2019 iMac 21.5" 4K with 256GB SSD was found for $440, significantly lower than typical refurbished models.

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  • Purchase from a reputable retailer like Best Buy alleviates concerns about potential issues or the product being stolen.

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Features and functionality

  • The iMac includes a Radeon Pro 560X, potentially contributing to the lower price compared to higher storage models.

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  • The 2019 Retina 4K iMac cannot be used as an external monitor without complex modification, as it lacks inherent support for this function.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owner primarily uses the iMac for light gaming, specifically mentioning Civilization V as a compatible game.

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  • Standard Screen Sharing is suggested as an alternative for creating a virtual display when direct external monitor functionality is not possible.

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User experience

  • Owners find the included Apple mouse uncomfortable, opting to use personal peripherals instead.

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Software and compatibility

  • Users report difficulties using AirPlay to display from a MacBook to the iMac, with Universal Control interfering with AirPlay functionality.

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Critic Reviews

Apple iMac 21.5-inch (2019) review | TechRadar

techradar.com

The Apple 21.5" Retina 4K iMac is a mixed bag. Its standout feature is the stunning 4K display with a wide color gamut, perfect for vibrant visuals. However, the drawbacks are significant: non-upgradeable RAM, limited storage options, and a weak graphics processor that struggles with 3D tasks. While it handles general tasks well, the entry-level model is underwhelming with dated components. To truly benefit from this iMac, be prepared to invest more to overcome its compromises. It's a decent choice for basic use but falls short as a powerhouse for demanding creative work.

Apple iMac 21.5-Inch (2019) Review | PCMag

pcmag.com

The 2019 Apple 21.5" Retina 4K iMac offers a beautiful display and timeless design, but falls short with its outdated components and limited performance compared to its 27-inch sibling. While it serves as a compact all-in-one choice, the relatively slow Fusion Drive and thick bezels detract from its appeal. If budget and space allow, the larger model provides better value and versatility.

2019 iMac review: The best of a bygone era – Six Colors

sixcolors.com

The Apple 21.5" Retina 4K iMac is a blend of past and present, offering impressive performance with its 8th- and 9th-gen Intel processors, yet encased in an outdated shell. It's a solid choice for niche uses, like photo storage and as a dedicated homework station, thanks to its high-resolution display. However, it's stuck with slow hard drives unless you upgrade, and lacks modern features like the T2 chip, making it feel antiquated in a mobile-first world. While it provides good value with its display, the design and technology feel like relics in need of reinvention.

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

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goldskies

perfect for production

after my old imac crashed i was desperate for a new one. this seemed like the obvious choice considering the impressive specs (that really weren't needed for music production haha)

Artist usage

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See how DutcheyYBoYzZ uses Apple 21.5" Retina 4K iMac

DutcheyYBoYzZ

...
Verified via Instagram

On Instagram 'DutcheyYBoYzZ' shows you his studio setup. Also the newest iMac 21.5 inch with 4K Retina display is on the picture!

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Apple 21.5" Retina 4K iMac, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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eiae

eiae

Gear IQ 68

suxen

suxen

Gear IQ 102

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