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590
4.1 out of 5 stars

Apple iMac 21.5" Intel i5 1TB Desktops

$799.99
Condition: Factory Reconditioned; Open Box
Screen Size: 21.5"
Model: Late 2015
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Top positive review
22 people found this helpful
Good deal, great desktop computer...
By J. Bevan on Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2018
I put this iMac into service February, 2018. Even though it was refurbished, it seemed to be in new condition. Everything works and it is much faster than other Macs I have (due to Quad core). The screen is bright and sharp. The Magic Mouse is great. I wish the keyboard had a ten key number pad. I've been back with Mac since 2004 after living in the PC world for almost 20 years. Neither world is perfect, but I enjoy the integration of the Apple eco-system and use it to the fullest with iPhone, iPads, and AppleTV's. The way that family works together is without parallel in the PC world. ======== Update (2 years later): Ultimately I found the internal 1TB HDD to be too slow...bootup took forever...so I took it to my local Apple certified support store and had them swap that out for a 256Gb SSD. It now boots very quickly and seems to have less problems with the OS clean-installed on that SSD. I keep all data on an external Drobo drive so that all that is on the SSD permanently is the OS...which leaves about 185Gb of temp storage space for working space. It also works well for iCloud documents which disappear from the local drive after a period of inactivity with a given document. ========== Update 2 (after 4 years) I have four Macs in operation ranging in dates from 2010 (running El Capitan) to a new M1 MacMini. I do have Big Sur running on this 2015 iMac without problems or stalling issues. Of the four, I think this iMac may be the most dependable and robust of the lot. It is really a good computer (after the SSD upgrade I mentioned above)....maybe the best Mac I've ever owned (and I'm sure I've had at least 10). This is a heqq of a value.
Top critical review
15 people found this helpful
DO NOT BUY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Alex on Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2019
Says in description that it may not come with original keyboards and mouse, which is fine but I was expecting at least comparable ones. Came with cheap wired keyboard and mouse which is really disappointing. Computer responds slowly to keyboard and mouse that it came with. Until I can dish out more money for a better keyboard and mouse I cant necessarily be sure that it isn't the computer that is overall slow. Will update review when I get a a keyboard and mouse that isn't garbage. UPDATE: don't waste your money. This is absolute garbage. I've gone through 3 different mouse and keyboard combinations and all of them have the same issue: the computer doesn't respond to them properly. It will add extra letters and ignore others randomly. Trying to sign in is a nightmare when your keyboard doesn't work. The computer is slower than molasses in winter. I wish I used it enough during the return period to be able to send it back, but I'm stuck with it. Wasted money, steer clear.

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Good deal, great desktop computer...
By J. Bevan - Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2018
Verified Amazon Purchase
I put this iMac into service February, 2018. Even though it was refurbished, it seemed to be in new condition. Everything works and it is much faster than other Macs I have (due to Quad core). The screen is bright and sharp. The Magic Mouse is great. I wish the keyboard had a ten key number pad. I've been back with Mac since 2004 after living in the PC world for almost 20 years. Neither world is perfect, but I enjoy the integration of the Apple eco-system and use it to the fullest with iPhone, iPads, and AppleTV's. The way that family works together is without parallel in the PC world. ======== Update (2 years later): Ultimately I found the internal 1TB HDD to be too slow...bootup took forever...so I took it to my local Apple certified support store and had them swap that out for a 256Gb SSD. It now boots very quickly and seems to have less problems with the OS clean-installed on that SSD. I keep all data on an external Drobo drive so that all that is on the SSD permanently is the OS...which leaves about 185Gb of temp storage space for working space. It also works well for iCloud documents which disappear from the local drive after a period of inactivity with a given document. ========== Update 2 (after 4 years) I have four Macs in operation ranging in dates from 2010 (running El Capitan) to a new M1 MacMini. I do have Big Sur running on this 2015 iMac without problems or stalling issues. Of the four, I think this iMac may be the most dependable and robust of the lot. It is really a good computer (after the SSD upgrade I mentioned above)....maybe the best Mac I've ever owned (and I'm sure I've had at least 10). This is a heqq of a value.
Great machine for those looking to get into Apple
By Jon - Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2020
Verified Amazon Purchase
What I like: The screen is fantastic The CPU runs Photoshop really well for my uses Runs well 4 years after it's released Runs programs very well What I disliked: The 1tb hard drive is slow... very slow Lack of expandability in the future Let's get the elephant out of the room, Apple puts slower 5400 rpm drives in their iMacs. If you have the option to get it with an SSD it's worth the investment. Though it may take a bit to load programs like Photoshop, once it does it runs very well and quite smoothly. You can upgrade this later down the line to an SSD, but you must detach the front glass and screen to do so, so find a place that has professionals to do so for you. Reality is though, I knew what I was getting into with the drive, and it just means it may take a few moments to launch Photoshop or Premier Pro. Once it's loaded it doesn't need the drive anymore and I have to say I have been very pleased. I've edited a couple videos on it with effects and transitions that didn't give me any issues, and I edit from attached storage which also helped with the slow drive issues I would have had otherwise. The screen is phenomenal, and the extra resolution is a godsend when editing videos or working on high resolution files. It simply is a great device and I couldn't recommend it enough.
I upgraded by 2009 iMac
By Karl F. Kuhn Sr. - Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2019
Verified Amazon Purchase
My early 2009 iMac was still working well, but it was limited in ability to run the newest software. It had a 24 inch screen, so it was a large one. I upgraded to this late 2015 iMac with a 21.5 inch screen. The better resolution on the new Mac makes the smaller size be no problem. It came with El Capitan operating system, the same as on my previous iMac, and I was afraid that I would again be unable to upgrade. However, after transferring all of my files to the new computer, I downloaded and installed Mojave. Man, it works well! Faster than my 2009 iMac and with new abilities. I don't know why the refurbisher did not install the newer operating system (2 steps up); it is free. One thing I had to adjust to: I used Excel on my old Mac. It was an early version of the spreadsheet, bought when I did not have to have a subscription to use it. I was happy with it. However, with the new iMac I am unable to use the Excel spreadsheet except for read-only. The same is undoubtedly true for Word, although I haven't tried it. (Somehow Microsoft knows when you change machines and try to transfer Excel to the new one. I use a spreadsheet for only 1-2 hours per week, and I refuse to pay Microsoft $60 a year to use it. So I opened the 8-10 Excel spreadsheets into Numbers (Apple's answer to Excel). Some things are different, especially graphs (which Numbers calls "charts"), but I have been able to to everything with Numbers that I did with Excel--and Numbers comes free with Mac. I can even export a Numbers 'sheet as an Excel spreadsheet for my few Windows friends. I have used Apple's Pages rather than Word for some time, so that is no problem. The computer came with the small Apple keyboard and mouse. I had a large keyboard with a number pad, and I will continue to use it. I do like the Apple mouse, however, and am using it. Needless to say, I am extremely happy with my iMac, as I have been with all things Apple.
5400 Speed Spinning Hard Drive
By Quoc Khanh Ngo - Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2020
Verified Amazon Purchase
Nice for the money, purchased for my Kid's Covid-19 stay at home learning. Great having a workstation vs. laptop for them. A few things on this specific model, the HD is extremely slow as compared to today's SSD's. Longer Loading times, and seek times are to be expected vs. Near instant loading on newer computers. I ended up purchasing a USB External SSD drive and booting/loading from that vs. the internal hard drive. I stuck it on with a command strip. It now runs great. Bootup time went from 2-3 minutes to less than a minute. Application loading is improved as well. Good buy.
DO NOT BUY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Alex - Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2019
Verified Amazon Purchase
Says in description that it may not come with original keyboards and mouse, which is fine but I was expecting at least comparable ones. Came with cheap wired keyboard and mouse which is really disappointing. Computer responds slowly to keyboard and mouse that it came with. Until I can dish out more money for a better keyboard and mouse I cant necessarily be sure that it isn't the computer that is overall slow. Will update review when I get a a keyboard and mouse that isn't garbage. UPDATE: don't waste your money. This is absolute garbage. I've gone through 3 different mouse and keyboard combinations and all of them have the same issue: the computer doesn't respond to them properly. It will add extra letters and ignore others randomly. Trying to sign in is a nightmare when your keyboard doesn't work. The computer is slower than molasses in winter. I wish I used it enough during the return period to be able to send it back, but I'm stuck with it. Wasted money, steer clear.
This is nice for the money but slow
By Ella Sharpless - Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2022
Verified Amazon Purchase
I don’t know how to return it or I would. It is very slow. Even using gmail. Only good for a dual screen
For a refurb 2015 Machine; it works better than advertised
By Nicholas J. Metrowsky - Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2018
Verified Amazon Purchase
After using an IMac, since 2007, it was time for an upgrade; thanks mainly to third party vendors. My old iMac could not be upgraded to Sierra. So, I found this deal. It is a very nice machine, for under $1000. It came well packed; double boxed, so it will survive UPS. The machine looks brand new. It came with everything you need Super Keyboard, Super Mouse 2, charging cord for the keyboard and mouse. The keyboard and mouse were already paired. Turning it on, I immediately could tell is was a much faster machine. I used the Apple Migration Tool, and had everything on my old machine, moved over to the new one. Also, I upgraded it through Sierra to High Sierra, to be current. So far, everything I use, software wise, is working fine. Internal speakers are really good. Also, the 4k screen is a real plus and looks great. I did purchase a two year warranty, just in case. But, based upon my experience, so far, I think I will get a few years out of this.
Bought this to get away from Windows10 & its update problems...
By Amazon Customer - Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2020
Verified Amazon Purchase
and very happy now. No more frustration. Very solid computer. Takes a bit to get used to how Mac does things but not hard at all. Downloaded a few programs & installed easily. Had a secondary unwanted program sneak in undetected which fowled things up but was easily removed & back to rock solid condition. Big issue was transferring window based Quickbooks & wireless Canon all-in-one to Mac. Downloaded couple drivers & both started working even thought I didn't know what I was doing. Gotta love that. To hell with windows. Update 3/12/20- IMac still working perfectly. Bought new IPhone to go with it as I'm tired of Android communication issues with my vehicle infotainment system. Communication was hit-&-miss. Plugged in my new IPhone...everything works as expected & without complicated issues as windows gave me. I've had a windows PC since they were sold to private people back in the 90's. Mac is the way to go now. Little bit different, but same. Wish I had done this years ago. Fed up with windows 10 upgrades. Not going to take it any more! (Twisted Sister pun)
Apple is Negligent
By Echosyn - Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2022
Verified Amazon Purchase
This 21.5 inch model is probably designed to manipulate people into buying the 24 inch model because when you login the cursor is too tiny and size at login cannot be changed. Default text font size is too tiny and a grump to read and that cannot be changed. Apple's dictionary is an embarrassment. OS Monterey shows the dumbing down syndrome in the new Maps app which is visually useless for educated people. Spellcheck is also an embarrassment of ignorance. Safari is programmed to be asinine by erroneously changing my text to nonsensical words. When I compose text and need to make a correction the app places a highlight at the error rather than a bar so I have to click several times to get the bar, otherwise the app will delete all typed text to the right of the marked spot. Safari is not welcome at some sites.
Worth what I paid for it
By Meredith P. Everett - Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2021
Verified Amazon Purchase
I wasn't sure what I was getting buying a refurbished Mac. So far it's been fine. Takes a little while longer to boot up than I expected, but I can overlook that considering I got a "new to me" Mac for $500. Wish it had Microsoft Office for Mac...have to use my MacBook Pro for that. No big deal. They sent a standard wired keyboard and mouse with it which was nice of them to do, but I went ahead and order the wireless Apple keyboard and already had the Apple wireless mouse. The 21" screen is really big, glad I didn't go for the larger screen, it wasn't needed. Only reason I rated Tech Support so low as you don't get Tech Support with a used Mac, obviously. I have, however, found Apple Tech Support to be very helpful when I have called them for other computers I've had. The webcam works well for meetings on Zoom and the sound isn't half bad when listening to music or podcasts. Overall this was a great purchase and I'm happy with it.
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