The M1 iMac: When disappearing is more important than adding
The latest iMac. M1 chip. Revolutionary, they say. You wonder if Apple is exaggerating again. If it really makes that much of a difference. And if that price is even justifiable for what is essentially just a computer.
But here's what no one tells you: the real change isn't in the chip itself. It's in what disappears . No more fan kicking in during Teams meetings. No more waiting for Photoshop to finally launch. No more buying a separate screen because the built-in one is too mediocre.
The latest iMac solves problems you didn't even know you had. Until they're gone. Only then will you realize how much time and frustration you used to waste daily on booting and installing . That's the real revolution: not what's added, but what you no longer have to tolerate .
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The M1 chip: what does this mean in concrete terms?
The transition to the M1 chip is more than a technical upgrade. It's a fundamental change in how your computer functions. While Intel processors were the standard for years, Apple opted for its own silicon. This means that hardware and software are perfectly aligned.
You'll notice the practical benefits immediately. Programs open in seconds. You can keep dozens of tabs open without lag. Exporting videos is up to three times faster. And all this while the device barely heats up.
The chip combines the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine on a single processor. This allows for more efficient communication between components. The result: tasks that used to take minutes can now be completed in seconds.
Energy consumption and heat generation
One of the most noticeable improvements is energy consumption. The 24-inch iMac with M1 consumes about 50 watts during normal use. By comparison, the previous 27-inch Intel version often used double that amount.
This lower power consumption also means less heat generation. You rarely hear the fan running. Even during intensive tasks like video editing, the system remains silent. This is a relief for home workers during video calls.
Display: More than just pixels
The 4.5K Retina display offers 4480 x 2520 pixels on a 24-inch screen. That's a pixel density of 218 pixels per inch. Text looks sharp, photos come alive, and colors are true to life.
The 500-nit brightness lets you work comfortably even in bright daylight. True Tone technology automatically adjusts the color temperature based on ambient light, reducing eye strain during long workdays.
The wide color gamut (P3) is especially valuable for creative professionals. Colors you see on screen match what you later print or publish.
Comparison with external monitors
An external 4K monitor of comparable quality can easily cost between €600 and €800. And that's without even a computer. The iMac's integrated solution not only saves desk space but also cables and adapters.
Memory and storage: what do you need?
The base configuration comes with 8GB of unified memory. This works differently than traditional RAM. Because the memory is located directly on the M1 chip, transfer speeds are much higher. For most users, 8GB is sufficient for:
- Internet use and e-mail
- Office applications
- Light photo editing
- Streaming and media usage
If you choose 16GB, you can easily:
- Running multiple heavy programs simultaneously
- Editing large RAW photo files
- Editing 4K videos
- Using virtual machines
For storage, start with a 256GB SSD. These drives are blazing fast, with read speeds of up to 3.4GB per second. Keep in mind: expansion isn't possible. Do you work with large media files? Consider at least 512GB or use external storage.
Practical use cases
For home workers
The built-in 1080p FaceTime camera delivers sharper images than many external webcams. The three-microphone array delivers clear audio without a headset. The six-speaker sound system eliminates the need for external speakers for most users.
Teams, Zoom, and other video calling apps run smoothly, even with virtual backgrounds. Screen sharing is seamless. And thanks to the silent operation, you won't disturb your housemates.
For students
Its compact size fits on small desks in student rooms. The all-in-one solution means fewer cables and adapters to lose. Weighing in at 4.46 kg, the device is portable when needed.
The long lifespan makes it a worthwhile investment for a comprehensive study. macOS receives updates for years to come, and the hardware remains relevant thanks to the powerful M1 chip.
For creative professionals
Final Cut Pro runs natively on the M1. Renders that used to take hours are now done in minutes. Adobe Creative Cloud apps are optimized for Apple Silicon. Photoshop opens large files without lag.
The Neural Engine accelerates machine learning tasks, such as automatically selecting subjects in photos or improving audio quality.
Connectivity and expansion options
The new iMac has two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports. These support:
- Transfer speeds up to 40Gb/s
- External displays up to 6K resolution
- Fast charging of devices
The higher configurations have two additional USB 3 ports. Handy for external drives, printers, or other peripherals. Ethernet is integrated into the power adapter, which keeps your desk clutter-free.
Wi-Fi 6 ensures fast wireless connections. Bluetooth 5.0 supports modern accessories like AirPods or Magic Keyboard.
Sustainability and environmental impact
The aluminum chassis is made from 100% recycled materials. The magnets in the speakers use recycled rare earth metals. The packaging is largely made of fiber materials.
Lower energy consumption not only means lower electricity costs but also reduced CO2 emissions. This makes a significant difference over the appliance's lifespan.
Refurbished models offer additional sustainability benefits. You're giving an existing appliance a second life. This saves raw materials and production energy.
Comparison with alternatives
Compared to Windows all-in-ones, the iMac has several advantages:
- Better integration between hardware and software
- Longer software support
- Higher resale value
- Seamless collaboration with other Apple devices
The Dell Inspiron 24 or HP Pavilion All-in-One are cheaper, but lack Apple's build quality and ecosystem. The Surface Studio offers comparable quality but is considerably more expensive.
Tips for purchasing
Consider a refurbished model for a better price-performance ratio. These devices have been thoroughly tested and come with a warranty. The difference from new is often minimal.
Consider your actual needs. The basic configuration is sufficient for many users. If you're unsure, invest in more storage rather than additional memory.
Take advantage of educational discounts if you're a student or teacher. This can save you hundreds of euros on the purchase price.
If possible, wait for Back to School promotions in the summer or Black Friday deals in November for the best prices.
Why the M1 iMac is more than just marketing talk
The latest iMac with the M1 chip isn't a revolution because of what it adds, but because of what it eliminates : the noise, the delays, the frustrations. For home workers, students, and creatives, it offers a complete workspace without compromise.
Energy consumption is halved, performance is doubled, and the display outperforms external monitors that already cost more. A refurbished model makes this investment even more worthwhile.
Not because Apple says so, but because your daily work simply runs more smoothly .
