The Apple iMac M4 is a beautiful piece of technology, with its sleek design and vibrant colors making it a stunning addition to any office or home. However, in a world where laptops and desktops have become increasingly versatile and affordable, the iMac's all-in-one concept feels outdated and limited.

The iMac M4 starts at $1,299, with the base model featuring an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU M4 chip, 16GB of memory, and a 256 GB SSD. While these specs are certainly impressive, the starting configuration seems designed to encourage users to spend more money to get the most out of the machine. The real starting point is the $1,499 model, which bumps up the CPU to 10 cores and adds more features.

In terms of performance, the iMac M4 is plenty fast, with the 10-core processor and 24GB of RAM making it suitable for most users. The speakers, webcam, and mic are also top-notch, making it a great option for video conferencing. However, the display, while lovely, is stuck at 60Hz and only gets up to 500 nits of brightness, with no HDR support.

The real issue with the iMac M4 is its limited functionality. The display is inextricably linked to the computer, making it difficult to upgrade or replace. The four USB-C ports are also limited, with only two being Thunderbolt 4 ports on the base model. This means users will have to rely on adapters and dongles to connect their peripherals, which can be frustrating.

In contrast, the Mac Mini and MacBook Pro offer more flexibility and customization options, making them more appealing to users who need a computer that can adapt to their specific needs. The Mac Mini, in particular, offers a more affordable option, with the same specs as the iMac M4 available for $599.

Ultimately, the iMac M4 is a niche product, best suited for those who value aesthetics and are willing to pay a premium for it. For everyone else, there are more practical and affordable options available. As the reviewer notes, "The problem with the iMac is that it's just not built for this world."

In a world where technology is increasingly about flexibility and customization, the iMac M4's all-in-one concept feels like a relic of the past. While it's certainly a beautiful machine, its limited functionality and high price tag make it a hard sell for most users.