iMac Early 2013 (Edu)

Quietly released and initially exclusive to educational institutions, the iMac "Core i3" 3.3 21.5-Inch (Early 2013/Education Only) is powered by a Dual Core 3.3 GHz Intel "Core i3" I3-3225 (Ivy Bridge) processor. This CPU has a dedicated 256k L2 cache per core and a 3 MB shared L3 cache. It uses an "integrated" Intel HD Graphics 4000 processor that shares system memory.

The default configuration includes 4 GB of 1600 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (which is not designed for user upgrades, though it is physically possible) and a 500 GB (5400 RPM) hard drive. It also features a built-in "FaceTime HD" webcam and stereo speakers but omits an optical drive.

This model has a 21.5-inch 1920x1080 LED-backlit 16:9 widescreen IPS display with "cover glass fully laminated to the LCD and anti-reflective coating." Connectivity is provided by four USB 3.0 ports, dual Thunderbolt ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.0.

Externally, this education-only model uses the same sleek aluminum design as the "Late 2012" iMacs, featuring a thicker center that tapers to a mere 5 mm at the edges. Internally, however, it is a step down, with a slower processor, much less powerful integrated graphics, less RAM, and a smaller hard drive. It also ships with a wired Apple Keyboard with a numeric keypad and a traditional Apple Mouse, instead of the Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.

This education-exclusive model was characterized by its cost-cutting configuration within the slim aluminum design. The Ivy Bridge Core i3 processor was adequate for basic educational tasks, but the Intel HD Graphics 4000 was deemed unsuitable for graphical work. The non-upgradable RAM and the inclusion of a 5400 RPM hard drive were criticized by performance-conscious users. The bundled wired keyboard and mouse were also part of the cost-saving measures. It was ultimately seen as a model with a compromised specification, tailored strictly to the budgets of the education market.