Apple iMac (21.5-inch, 2.3GHz i5) model: MMQA2LL

Ranked #11 among Stationary Computers priced $1200 - $1600.

Apple iMac (21.5-inch, 2.3GHz i5)

Quick Description

This iMac is a compelling way to fit a capable computer in a small space while keeping the tangled wires to a minimum.

Guillaume's pick!

This stationary computer stood out to me on 3 occasions while compiling the weekly Tech Worth Buying Newsletter. It was most recently selected on 2020-02-28, selling for $1350.

Other Considerations

Here are a few things about this stationary computer which could come as a surprise. For each point, you will find how to fix it (if it's an issue) and how much to budget for it. Not every point below will be a concern, but hopefully, we can keep your surprises to a minimum.

Slow storage. Once started, this stationary computer should perform ok, however, expect it to take some time to start up, launch programs and open large documents. Sadly, the hard drive in this model cannot be replaced.

No Optical Drive. If you still use CDs, DVDs, or Blu-Ray disks on a regular basis, you will need an external drive to read them with this stationary computer.$30+

Currently Exclusive to Apple for $1399

Based on 404 days of observation, the Apple iMac (21.5-inch, 2.3GHz i5) usually costs ~$1400 in Canada. If you were waiting for this stationary computer to drop in price, this could be the day you were waiting for.

Scroll down to find charts comparing the Apple iMac (21.5-inch, 2.3GHz i5) to similar devices, to see how well it runs your favorite apps and to find where it can be bought from.

Pricing

History

Here's how this device has been priced up to now:

Here are a few Canadian retailers who currently sell this product:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Apple at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Specs

Here's how the Apple iMac (21.5-inch, 2.3GHz i5) ranks compared to similar devices. The more stars there are, the better (except for the price row).

Stationary Computers

Bang for the Buck0/5
Versatility for the Price0.5/5
Price2.5/5
Durability0/5
Power0.5/5
General-purpose power0/5
Graphical power2/5
Memory2/5
Storage2/5
Portability0/5
AutonomyN/A
Ease of Maintenance0/5

All-in-Ones

Bang for the Buck2.5/5
Versatility for the Price2.5/5
Price5/5
Durability2.5/5
Power2.5/5
General-purpose power2.5/5
Graphical power5/5
Memory2.5/5
Storage5/5
Portability2.5/5
AutonomyN/A
Ease of Maintenance2.5/5

All Smart Devices

Bang for the Buck1/5
Versatility for the Price0.5/5
Price3.5/5
Durability1/5
Power1.5/5
General-purpose power1.5/5
Graphical power2.5/5
Memory3/5
Storage4/5
Portability0/5
AutonomyN/A
Ease of Maintenance0.5/5

The Meaty details

The Specs

Operating System: Mac OS X
Processor: Intel Core i5-7360U
Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640
Memory: 8.00 GB
Storage: 1 TB
Screen Size: 21.5"
Screen Resolution: 4096×2304(218.58ppi)
Dimensions: 52.80 × 17.50 × 45.00 cm
Weight: 5.660 kg

The features

  • Built-in Media Card Reader
  • Fixed storage: 54000 RPM hard drive (slow)
  • Webcam / Front-Facing Camera / Selfie Cam
  • Multiple Monitor Support
  • Thunderbolt
  • USB 3.1
  • USB Type-A
  • USB Type-C
  • Ethernet 10
  • Ethernet 100
  • Ethernet 1000 (Gigabit)
  • 3.5mm Headphone+Microphone combo jack
  • Built-in Microphone
  • Built-in Speakers
  • Bluetooth 4
  • Wi-Fi a
  • Wi-Fi ac
  • Wi-Fi b
  • Wi-Fi g
  • Wi-Fi n
  • Paired Memory

Repair / Upgrade Options

Score Ease of Maintenance
Memory Upgrade2/10A specialist might be able to help you
Data Storage2/10A specialist might be able to help you
Graphics Upgrade0/10Can't be repaired or updated

What it's capable of

Here are the tasks this computer can handle and how easily it'll breeze through it. A 5-star rating means it should handle the task at a professional level, a 1-star rating means it can do it, but it likely won't be a pleasant experience.

Activities it will handle

  • Web & Communication

    The basics 5/5
    Design Websites 4/5

  • Audio & Visual medias

    The basics 4/5
    Music Production 3/5
    Drawing and Illustrations 5/5
    Photo Editing 3/5
    Video Editing 3/5

  • Texts & Numbers

    The basics 5/5

  • Video Games

    Casual and Mobile Games 1/5
    Enthusiast Games 1/5
    Triple-A Video Games 0/5

  • 3D and CAD

    The basics 1/5

Programs, Apps and Games it will handle

Activity ratings are good but sometimes, you want to be absolutely sure your next purchase will be able to run a specific piece of software.

A 1 star rating means the program'll be usable (according to the developer's own definition; some are more demanding than others); 3 stars mean recommended specs are met with this device; 5 stars will means you will have plenty of overhead to handle uncommon uses of that program like mods, plug-ins and more.

Web & Communication (3 / 3)

More Web & Communication Software

Texts & Numbers (5 / 9)

More Texts & Numbers Software

Drawing and Illustrations (9 / 12)

More Drawing and Illustrations Software

Audio & Visual medias (2 / 3)

More Audio & Visual medias Software

3D and CAD (5 / 9)

More 3D and CAD Software

Music Production (10 / 11)

More Music Production Software

Photo Editing (5 / 7)

More Photo Editing Software

Video Editing (7 / 12)

More Video Editing Software

Enthusiast Games (23 / 67)

More Enthusiast Games Software

Video Games (11 / 15)

More Video Games Software

Triple-A Video Games (6 / 69)

More Triple-A Video Games Software

In the same price range

For roughly the same price, you could get one of these. Anything in there sounds like a better deal?

Know someone who's looking for a stationary computer like this one?

  • Pinterest