You know that feeling when you're looking for a new computer and everything just feels... clunky? Like you’re choosing between a giant black box under your desk or a laptop that makes your neck ache after twenty minutes. Enter the Apple 24 inch iMac. It’s basically a giant iPad on a stick, but way more powerful.
Honestly, the 2024 refresh with the M4 chip is the first time in years I’ve told people to stop looking at the refurbished M1 models. For a long time, the upgrades were sorta "meh." Not anymore. Apple finally fixed the biggest gripe everyone had: the base RAM.
The Big M4 Upgrade: No More "Base Model" Regret
For years, Apple pulled this move where the entry-level Apple 24 inch iMac came with 8GB of memory. In 2024, that’s just not enough. It's like trying to run a marathon while breathing through a straw.
But with the M4 version, they finally bumped the starting spec to 16GB. You’ve no idea how much of a difference this makes for actual, real-world use. Opening forty Chrome tabs used to make the older models sweat. Now? It doesn't even blink.
The M4 chip itself is a beast. We’re talking about a 10-core CPU in the higher-end versions that makes video editing feel like cutting butter. Even if you’re just a "normal" user—someone who does emails, pays bills, and maybe edits a few family photos—you'll notice the snappiness. It’s about 30% faster than the M3, which was already plenty fast.
Why the Colors Actually Matter
People joke about the colors, but they’re the soul of this machine. You’ve got seven options: blue, green, pink, silver, yellow, orange, and purple. They aren't just subtle tints either; the back of these things is vibrant.
The front, though? It’s a softer, pastel version. This is intentional. Apple doesn't want the color distracting you while you're staring at the screen for eight hours. It’s clever design, honestly. Plus, the Magic Keyboard and Mouse are color-matched. If you're the type of person who wants a "vibe" for your home office, nothing else even comes close.
That 4.5K Retina Display Is Still the King
Let’s talk about the screen. It is 23.5 inches of actual viewable space, marketed as 24. It’s got 11.3 million pixels. Most people don't know what that means, so here is the simple version: you cannot see the pixels.
Everything is just sharp. Text looks like it’s printed on glass. If you’re coming from a standard 1080p monitor, it’s like putting on glasses for the first time.
The Nano-Texture Glass Gamble
New for the M4 Apple 24 inch iMac is the option for nano-texture glass. It’s a $200 upgrade. Basically, they etch the glass at a nanometer scale to scatter light and stop glare.
Is it worth it?
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- Yes: If your desk is right next to a giant window and you’re tired of seeing your own reflection.
- No: If you’re in a controlled lighting environment. The nano-texture can slightly (and I mean slightly) dull the contrast compared to the standard glossy finish.
The Ports and The "Two-Tier" Trap
This is where you have to be careful. Apple sells two main "versions" of the iMac, and the differences are more than just storage.
- The Base Version: Usually has two ports (Thunderbolt 4) and a 10-core GPU (binned down to 8 cores sometimes).
- The Upgrade Version: Has four ports. All of them are Thunderbolt 4 now.
You’ve gotta check the back. If you only get two ports, you’re going to be living that "dongle life" pretty quickly. Also, the four-port model usually includes the Ethernet port built into the power brick. It keeps the desk clean. If you buy the cheapest one, you might find yourself paying extra just to get a wired internet connection.
The Camera Upgrade Nobody Talked About
The new 12MP Center Stage camera is a massive leap. It’s not just for looking better on Zoom calls. It supports "Desk View," which uses the wide-angle lens to show your face and a top-down view of your desk at the same time. It’s sort of magical and perfect if you’re showing someone a physical sketch or a craft project.
What Most People Get Wrong About the iMac
The biggest misconception is that the Apple 24 inch iMac is a "pro" machine. It’s not. It’s a "prosumer" machine.
If you are a high-end 3D animator or you’re rendering 8K feature films, you want a Mac Studio and a Pro Display XDR. The iMac is for the rest of us. It’s for the freelance writer, the student, the boutique shop owner, or the family that needs a central hub.
Another thing: you can't upgrade it. Once you buy it, that’s it. You can't add more RAM later. You can't swap the SSD. This makes your initial choice critical.
Real-World Limitations to Keep in Mind
I’m not going to sit here and tell you it’s perfect. It isn't.
- Height Adjustment: There is none. The stand tilts, but it doesn't go up or down. If you’re tall, you’re going to be putting this thing on a stack of books or buying a specialized riser.
- The Chin: That big colored bar at the bottom of the screen? Some people hate it. I personally stop noticing it after five minutes, but if you want an edge-to-edge screen, this isn't it.
- The Mouse Charging: Yes, the Magic Mouse still charges from the bottom. It’s still silly. You can't use it while it's charging. Luckily, a two-minute charge gives you enough juice for a full workday, so it's a minor annoyance at best.
Actionable Tips for Buying
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on an Apple 24 inch iMac, don't just click the first one you see on Amazon. Follow these steps:
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1. Check Your Current RAM Usage
If you’re on an old Mac, open "Activity Monitor" and click the "Memory" tab. If that pressure graph is yellow or red while you're doing your normal work, you absolutely need the 16GB or even the 24GB upgrade.
2. Don't Pay Apple for Storage
Apple charges a fortune to go from 256GB to 1TB of internal storage. Instead, buy the base storage and get a tiny external SSD. You can Velcro it to the back of the iMac stand, and you’ll save $200.
3. Education Pricing
If you have a kid in school or you’re a teacher, use the Apple Education Store. You can usually shave $100 off the price and sometimes get a gift card during "Back to School" season.
4. The Ethernet Port Check
If you need a stable, wired connection for gaming or huge file uploads, make sure the model you’re buying includes the "Gigabit Ethernet" in the power brick. Not all of them do.
The Apple 24 inch iMac remains the best all-in-one computer on the market because it doesn't try to be a Swiss Army knife. It’s a specialized tool for a beautiful, efficient workspace. It’s simple, it’s fast, and with the M4 chip, it’s finally got the "brains" to match its looks.