Apple’s iMacs are expensive compared to all-in-one Windows PCs, but if I need to buy a computer that’ll serve me and my family, I’d shell out the extra cash it demands. Here are some reasons why I’d buy an iMac over a Windows AIO PC.
1 It’s Easy to Choose the Right iMac
Buying a computer should be straightforward, and if you’re out shopping for an iMac, the experience remains relatively simple, especially on Apple Store Online. There are two processor options, one with eight cores and another with ten, and then some additional customizations.
If you choose the eight-core model, you can customize the total RAM, internal storage, and whether the included power adapter has an Ethernet port. This model only has two USB ports on the back.
If you go the 10-core route, you can choose between a glossy (standard) or matte (nano-texture glass) display and customize the RAM and internal storage. This model has an upgraded power adapter by default and four USB ports on the back.
Both models keep the option to change the included accessories and pre-installed software. However, if you’re in the market for a Windows AIO PC, you have so many options from various manufacturers with multiple CPU and GPU configurations, which can get pretty overwhelming.
2 Great Displays for Most Use Cases
The simplicity of an iMac extends to its display. There’s only one size and one resolution—a 24-inch 4.5K display. It has a typical brightness of 500 nits, which makes it very easy to read and enjoy media; plus, support for the wide color P3 gamut means color-accurate work won’t be tough to nail.
The 2024 iteration introduced a nano-texture coating option for the glass—available on the 10-core model—which you can pick if you want a solution for reflections and glare in your workspace.
On the other hand, you can get a Windows AIO with a 1080p, 1440p, or 4K display, depending on the price point, but even the high-end models may have subpar color accuracy. So, you have to be extra careful before you set your eyes on one of them.
3 Seamless Integration With My Other Apple Devices
I have slowly built a collection of Apple devices, and if I were looking for an all-in-one computer that stays behind at home, the iMac would be a defacto choice. It’s like another cog just fits and seamlessly integrates with my other Apple hardware. Features like Universal Control, Handoff, and iPhone Mirroring—one of the best features of macOS Sequoia—are difficult to leave behind.
Now, I wouldn’t mind getting a Windows AIO PC if I had an Android phone—Windows 11’s Phone Link integration works pretty well with Android devices. But since I use an iPhone as my daily driver, an iMac just makes more sense as my primary desktop computer.
4 High-Quality Accessories in the Box
iMacs demand a premium not just because they come with a great display and boast amazing performance but also because of the high-quality accessories you get in the box. Most mice and keyboards included with Windows AIO PCs are made primarily from plastic, whereas with an iMac, you’ll see accessories that receive just as much attention as the actual computer itself.
The Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse included in the box are mostly made of aluminum and color-matched to the iMac you get. Apple even includes a braided cable to charge them. This addition really ties together the experience and brings value, in my opinion.
Despite the premium Apple charges, iMacs offer great value in almost every aspect. The fact that I don’t have to worry about an iMac’s performance, build quality, software, or accessories makes it my preferred choice over a Windows all-in-one desktop.
