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I couldn't be happier with my 5K iMac. Just a joy to use. This place is a breeding ground for unhappy people but in reality, most 5K iMac users are satisfied. Heck, who wouldn't with a screen that requires a magnifying glass to see pixels. LOL

I have to agree 100% with you.
 
Thanks to all for your input, experiences and some witty and very true comments.

"Always skip the 1st gen" and "wait, there's a fix and upgrade in, what looks like, 2032 !" are of course the expected comments. I for one have the 1st gen MacBook Pro Retina, and could not be more happy with it. Don't expect a product to be 100% perfect - there is no such thing. Lot's of "issues" addressed are often related to software bugs, be it Yosemite or let alone third party software still not adopted to the massive 5K screen and it's resolution(s). For me it's a flash-back to when I bought my riMBP 1st gen. No regrets whatsoever.

Yes, it's a massive investment for most people, pulling the tricker on a base or fully loaded iMac 5K, and people expect absolute flawless and instant miracles. It's a brand-new technology having a 5K screen, and if you want it today, buy it today but dont moan about what it would be like in 5 years from now. Wait 5 years. That's the dilemma or fact with being an "early adaptor" with any new technology.

If you want to play games, buy/build a PC or get a console. The iMac is not built for gamers for but a general purpose as an "all-in-one", as someone rightfully said here. It's a 2K worth screen where you happen to get a slick and fast computer for an extra 400 USD for the base model. Add what you want and can afford and don't complain about it.

I personally can't relate to people unboxing their brand new 5K and the first some apparently do, is immediately start to benchmark everything possible, throw every third-party software on it to measure temps of CPU and GPU and push their new machine to the absolute limits and beyond. Why can't people just don't enjoy it..? Yes, there is always a faulty product here and there with anything, but especially Apple is more than well known for how they handle those things.

Why is it so hard to actually share good experiences with a product? People want to get excited about their new-born iMac, and if some have made a wrong choice, don't yell it from the rooftop but swallow your pride.

Again, thanks to all of you for your input. I'm pushing that "BUY NOW" button for sure, adding a few things, wait.. don't sleep for the time the delivery takes.. laugh hysterically for no apparent reason other than the expectations for when the UPS guy is at my door and I unbox - and enjoy. It's actually a lot more fun to.. enjoy.

Agreed with everything you said in this post.

I had a 1st-gen rMBP as well, it was a plenty reliable machine. One of the reasons I decided it would be fine to buy a retina iMac on launch day is because of my success with that machine. Also because of that machine it had to be retina, a late 2013 would not do, and I actually decided to wait five months for a retina rather than just getting a late 2013. Worth it.

Don't forget to configure yours with a 256 GB SSD instead of Fusion drive.

I couldn't be happier with my 5K iMac. Just a joy to use. This place is a breeding ground for unhappy people but in reality, most 5K iMac users are satisfied. Heck, who wouldn't with a screen that requires a magnifying glass to see pixels. LOL

I've posted both positive and negative comments but I always try to be as positive as possible because I do really like this machine. The display isn't perfect but it's still the best one I've ever used or seen, and it's also the fastest computer I've ever used.
 
Agreed with everything you said in this post.

I had a 1st-gen rMBP as well, it was a plenty reliable machine. One of the reasons I decided it would be fine to buy a retina iMac on launch day is because of my success with that machine. Also because of that machine it had to be retina, a late 2013 would not do, and I actually decided to wait five months for a retina rather than just getting a late 2013. Worth it.

Don't forget to configure yours with a 256 GB SSD instead of Fusion drive.



I've posted both positive and negative comments but I always try to be as positive as possible because I do really like this machine. The display isn't perfect but it's still the best one I've ever used or seen, and it's also the fastest computer I've ever used.

Thank you for your comments and post. As said, I too am a very satisfied user of the 1st gen rMBP fitted with a 512GB SSD and I'm going absolutely opting for SSD on the iMac 5K as well (you get spoiled and can't go back).

----------

When you go to the hospital don't be surprised to see sick people :)

Luckily there are a lot of healthy visitors hanging around ;)
 
Just got my 5K iMac, with i7, 512SSD, M290X, 24GB Ram and I'm really happy. The build quality is second to none. It's fast, silent and very sleek. I'm loving it ! :D
 
I purchased the 5k within minutes of the Apple event where it was announced back in October. I had been wanting to purchase a new 27" iMac and the rumor was that they were going to release a retina screen so I had been waiting for a few months. The presentation about the device looked so amazing and I was so excited that the rumors were true. I went with the upgraded 4.0 GHz i7 CPU, 4 GB graphics card, 3 TB Fusion Drive and 16 GB RAM. I don't use it for any professional work at all, but since I usually keep my computers for 5 years or so I always try to get more then what I need. It cost a LOT of money, so I was nervous.

It finally arrived after about a week. I have been using it for 3 solid months now and I am absolutely blown away with it. It is so amazing and completely silent except when I am doing video conversions or playing high end games I definitely hear the fan kick in, but even then it isn't loud, just noticeable.

I play extremely resource intense games and the 5k handles them flawlessly. I can't speak for an i5 CPU or one with the 2GB graphics card, but the i7 with 4GB graphics card is a gaming machine believe me. I even play a couple of PC games I own in Boot Camp and I get the same results. It handles them like a boss! (It seems there have been at least 2 graphics driver updates on the PC side for my graphics card already by the way)

I have had maybe 2 issues since I've had it. One was due to Safari not finding web pages when clicking on links and the other was the Mail application not synching with the gmail server. Both of these issues were due to Yosemite, not the 5k iMac.

I've read many of these post and I believe most of these complaints are due to user caused issues (lack of understanding, incorrect judgments, etc.), Yosemite or even flat out fabrications in some cases.

I like Yosemite, but it has not been a smooth transition for many no matter what computer they own. There has been issues. You can always trust that the Apple OS engineers will resolve most of the bugginess over time and Apple Care will resolve any hardware issues you have. There is absolutely no need to wait for a second generation 5k. IMHO Anybody that tells you that doesn't have the money to buy one for themselves and is just trying to justify why they don't have one.
 
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Rocking a 5k iMac, i7, 1 TB SSD, 295, 32 GB Ram. It is a fantastic machine. It is a wonderful tool.

FYI - I do think that there are a bunch a whiners and folks who find fault with EVERY new Apple on this site. Reading their posts I suspect that many, if not most, do not own the machines that they are dissing. Once the new release has become accepted by the majority then the dissers slink away.

- David
 
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I purchased the 5k within minutes of the Apple event where it was announced back in October. I had been wanting to purchase a new 27" iMac and the rumor was that they were going to release a retina screen so I had been waiting for a few months. The presentation about the device looked so amazing and I was so excited that the rumors were true. I went with the upgraded 4.0 GHz i7 CPU, 4 GB graphics card, 3 TB Fusion Drive and 16 GB RAM. I don't use it for any professional work at all, but since I usually keep my computers for 5 years or so I always try to get more then what I need. It cost a LOT of money, so I was nervous.

It finally arrived after about a week. I have been using it for 3 solid months now and I am absolutely blown away with it. It is so amazing and completely silent except when I am doing video conversions or playing high end games I definitely hear the fan kick in, but even then it isn't loud, just noticeable.

I play extremely resource intense games and the 5k handles them flawlessly. I can't speak for an i5 CPU or one with the 2GB graphics card, but the i7 with 4GB graphics card is a gaming machine believe me. I even play a couple of PC games I own in Boot Camp and I get the same results. It handles them like a boss! (It seems there have been at least 2 graphics driver updates on the PC side for my graphics card already by the way)

I have had maybe 2 issues since I've had it. One was due to Safari not finding web pages when clicking on links and the other was the Mail application not synching with the gmail server. Both of these issues were due to Yosemite, not the 5k iMac.

I've read many of these post and I believe most of these complaints are due to user caused issues (lack of understanding, incorrect judgments, etc.), Yosemite or even flat out fabrications in some cases.

I like Yosemite, but it has not been a smooth transition for many no matter what computer they own. There has been issues. You can always trust that the Apple OS engineers will resolve most of the bugginess over time and Apple Care will resolve any hardware issues you have. There is absolutely no need to wait for a second generation 5k. IMHO Anybody that tells you that doesn't have the money to buy one for themselves and is just trying to justify why they don't have one.

ZERO argument from me that Yosemite has been the biggest issue by far with the 5K iMac, and despite some disappointment in the GPU "upgrade" from my 2012 iMac, I've been very happy with the 5K. Rock solid since day one many months back now.
 
Rocking a 5k iMac, i7, 1 TB SSD, 295, 33 GB Ram. It is a fantastic machine. It is a wonderful tool.

FYI - I do think that there are a bunch a whiners and folks who find fault with EVERY new Apple on this site. Reading their posts I suspect that many, if not most, do not own the machines that they are dissing. Once the new release has become accepted by the majority then the dissers slink away.

- David

Good to hear. That's the configuration I have in mind, David. 1 Gb less of RAM though ;)
 
Thank you for your comments and post. As said, I too am a very satisfied user of the 1st gen rMBP fitted with a 512GB SSD and I'm going absolutely opting for SSD on the iMac 5K as well (you get spoiled and can't go back).

Yes, my rMBP did have a 512 SSD as well. Going pure SSD for the first time does kind of spoil you :)

Yep, that's the config I have, too, though my SSD is a 1TB external Thunderbolt, not internal. :D

The same configuration I have but with a 512 GB internal PCIe SSD and 3 TB external HDD storage. You sacrificed some speed with that 1 TB external SSD, no?
 
Thanks to all for your input, experiences and some witty and very true comments.

"Always skip the 1st gen" and "wait, there's a fix and upgrade in, what looks like, 2032 !" are of course the expected comments. I for one have the 1st gen MacBook Pro Retina, and could not be more happy with it. Don't expect a product to be 100% perfect - there is no such thing. Lot's of "issues" addressed are often related to software bugs, be it Yosemite or let alone third party software still not adopted to the massive 5K screen and it's resolution(s). For me it's a flash-back to when I bought my riMBP 1st gen. No regrets whatsoever.

Yes, it's a massive investment for most people, pulling the tricker on a base or fully loaded iMac 5K, and people expect absolute flawless and instant miracles. It's a brand-new technology having a 5K screen, and if you want it today, buy it today but dont moan about what it would be like in 5 years from now. Wait 5 years. That's the dilemma or fact with being an "early adaptor" with any new technology.

If you want to play games, buy/build a PC or get a console. The iMac is not built for gamers for but a general purpose as an "all-in-one", as someone rightfully said here. It's a 2K worth screen where you happen to get a slick and fast computer for an extra 400 USD for the base model. Add what you want and can afford and don't complain about it.

I personally can't relate to people unboxing their brand new 5K and the first some apparently do, is immediately start to benchmark everything possible, throw every third-party software on it to measure temps of CPU and GPU and push their new machine to the absolute limits and beyond. Why can't people just don't enjoy it..? Yes, there is always a faulty product here and there with anything, but especially Apple is more than well known for how they handle those things.

Why is it so hard to actually share good experiences with a product? People want to get excited about their new-born iMac, and if some have made a wrong choice, don't yell it from the rooftop but swallow your pride.

Again, thanks to all of you for your input. I'm pushing that "BUY NOW" button for sure, adding a few things, wait.. don't sleep for the time the delivery takes.. laugh hysterically for no apparent reason other than the expectations for when the UPS guy is at my door and I unbox - and enjoy. It's actually a lot more fun to.. enjoy.

Did you read your own thread? People are sharing good experiences. Not exactly sure why you keep complaining otherwise. You seem easy to please and already have excuses for any problems you may run into. Buy the thing already! :D
 
Very impressive, although I doubt WilliamG spent that much on an SSD. Of course I don't know for sure.

It is very expensive. If you read the reviews the folks that are purchasing it love because it makes their professional workflow faster. It is the future.
 
Obviously the OP has been to other threads on this forum. Five on backlight bleed alone.

Yes that is obvious. Even more obvious that you'll find people complaining in a thread based on a complaint. My point was that there are plenty of people perfectly happy with the RiMac and this thread illustrates that. Just seems odd to ridicule people with complaints and come armed with excuses.
 
FYI - I do think that there are a bunch a whiners and folks who find fault with EVERY new Apple on this site. Reading their posts I suspect that many, if not most, do not own the machines that they are dissing. Once the new release has become accepted by the majority then the dissers slink away.

Here is another thread: in it, the OP, complains about his 5K iMac and returns it immediately. One of his complaints is that it is too loud. All of the credible posters, who actually own the 5K iMac, say it is incredibly quiet. (I am wondering if most of them have SSD?). One rant by someone with clear buyers remorse yields several pages of comments. If you are just skimming the forums it looks like the 5K iMac is loud and obnoxious. Sadly, it is just the OPs in these threads looking for justification for their decisions or to brag on the long threads that they started. When the rMBA's and nMacPro's came out the bashing was worse. Exactly.
 
WilliamG,

Which SSD did you pick up?

Samsung 850 EVO 1TB

Yes, my rMBP did have a 512 SSD as well. Going pure SSD for the first time does kind of spoil you :)



The same configuration I have but with a 512 GB internal PCIe SSD and 3 TB external HDD storage. You sacrificed some speed with that 1 TB external SSD, no?


Nope. I know the sequential read speeds on the internal PCIe SSD are much faster, but quite frankly I never, ever, ever do sequential reads like that. Comparing the internal 128GB SSD (I split the Fusion temporarily) and my 1TB Thunderbolt SSD, the difference in loading OS X and apps is zero. Blackmagic benches the 1TB Evo at ~380MB/s read and ~340MB/s write. I realize that's about half of the 512MB internal SSD, but again - I'm not sure anyone will take advantage of those blistering sequential reads/writes at any point unless they're copying data to/from external Thunderbolt RAID0 arrays all day!

I've also split my 1TB for Boot Camp, so Windows 8.1 boots in seconds, too, both in VM (Parallels 10) or Boot Camp. :)

As an aside, I really like the flexibility of a simple Thunderbolt-based OS install, since it means I can boot my system off any other Mac in my household if I need to (or my 5K iMac explodes etc).


Very impressive, although I doubt WilliamG spent that much on an SSD. Of course I don't know for sure.

Now you know for sure. :D

Here is another thread: in it, the OP, complains about his 5K iMac and returns it immediately. One of his complaints is that it is too loud. All of the credible posters, who actually own the 5K iMac, say it is incredibly quiet. (I am wondering if most of them have SSD?). One rant by someone with clear buyers remorse yields several pages of comments. If you are just skimming the forums it looks like the 5K iMac is loud and obnoxious. Sadly, it is just the OPs in these threads looking for justification for their decisions or to brag on the long threads that they started. When the rMBA's and nMacPro's came out the bashing was worse. Exactly.

I can ABSOLUTELY understand someone would find the 5K iMac too loud. Even for me, who owned a high-end 2012 27" iMac, the 5K is noticeably louder. Why? Because it has to ramp its fan up much, much sooner, and much higher - than previous-generation iMacs. The actual fan itself sounds EXACTLY the same (I had both my 2012 and my 2014 5K side by side), but the 2012 didn't need to ramp as loud under load (gaming etc).

Personally, I find the fan sound of the 27" iMacs 2012-2014 to be quite pleasant sounding, not whiny or grating. But, it's still an unfortunate truth that the high-end 5K does have to ramp its fan up more often than yesteryear iMacs. Loud... of course, is subjective. I don't think it's "loud," but it's certainly "present" when maxed out at 2300rpm.
 
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iMac 5k Video Editing problems - jumpy, sluggish & more

I am surprised that my iMac5k is performing so poorly as a dedicated video editing work station. I'm even more surprised that I have not seen any other complaints. Apple has sent me a replacement iMac and it is exactly the same - lame, with the corrupted fonts and all. I've posted a video to illustrate one of the issues:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=205P68V9M5g&spfreload=10

Corrupted fonts in FCPX.
Performance is choppy, sluggish and unimpressive for top of the line, custom configured iMac - iMac:
Retina 5K, 27 inch Late 2014
PROCESSOR: 4GHz Intel Core i7
MEMORY: 16GB 1600 MHz DDR3
GRAPHICS: AMD Radeon R9 M295X 4096MB

Perhaps, the 5k iMac may be great for photo editing but it is extremely deficient for video editing. Basically, it doesn't perform...maybe the video card cannot handle the 5K, or perhaps the CON-FUSION drive is bewildered, maybe a ton more RAM is needed...but my 2010 iMac i7 with 16g of RAM is as good or better for the job than this 2015 iMac 5k Retina - Very strange.

I've been on Apple's case about this, and as much as they are sympathetic, professional and courteous, I feel they are playing around with the issue and know full well this first-gen retina is not ready for prime time.

On a positive note, the actual 5K screen is quite nice, clear, crisp and impressive and the corrupted font issue seems to have since been resolved with an full erase and re-install, but the sluggish performance is not getting addressed.

I welcome any feedback and experiences anyone else has with the new Retina Thanks :(
 
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