iMac M3 Guide: Is an All-in-One Mac Right for You?

The 24-inch iMac combines the computer and screen into one slim device. It looks at home in a reception area, home office or creative studio, and removes much of the clutter of a traditional desktop.

What you get

The iMac with M3 chip has a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display that is sharp and colour-accurate, a 1080p camera, and a good set of speakers and microphones built in. The Apple M3 is fast enough for everyday work, photo editing and a good amount of video editing.

Who it suits

• Offices and reception desks: clean, quiet and simple.
• Designers and photographers: the display is excellent for visual work.
• Families: one computer that is easy to use and share.
• Home offices: video calls work well without extra hardware.

What to check before buying

Memory and storage cannot be upgraded later. Choose enough from the start. For multi-tasking and creative apps, 16GB of memory or more is preferable. If you need more storage, plan on an external SSD.

Ports differ by configuration. Some models have two Thunderbolt ports, while others also have extra USB ports and Ethernet in the power brick. Check the listing, and add a USB-C hub if you need more connections.

Accessories can differ. Colour-matched keyboard and mouse sets are usually included with new iMacs. Check the listing for the specific contents. For alternatives, see our guide to keyboards and mice.

Power in Kenya

Because the iMac has no battery, a power cut will shut it down immediately and any unsaved work could be lost. A surge protector is the minimum protection. A UPS or a portable power station can keep it running through brief outages and give you time to save your work.

Also avoid running the iMac in a dusty space or a very hot room without ventilation.

iMac or MacBook?

Choose an iMac if you work mainly at a single desk and want a large, excellent display. Choose a MacBook Air if you need portability, or to work during outages on battery.

Compatibility

Most mainstream applications run on Apple silicon, but check any Windows-only software you rely on. Remote desktop or virtual machines might provide a solution, though these bring their own complications.

Is it good value?

If you would use the display and the simplicity every day, the iMac offers a great all-in-one package. If you need raw power and upgradability, a traditional desktop may fit you better, but you would then also need a monitor, speakers, webcam and space.

We list the M3 model as both a standard and newer listing. Check the current options, chip configuration and included accessories below.