2019 Apple iMac with Retina 4K/3.6 GHz Intel Core i3 Quad-Core (21.5-Inch, 8GB RAM, 1TB) – Silver (Renewed)
- Enjoy crisp Retina 4K visuals on the 21.5″ iMac with a 3.6GHz Intel Core i3 quad-core, 8GB RAM and 1TB HDD—powering your creativity and productivity.
- Rest easy with Amazon Renewed: this Silver iMac is professionally inspected, tested and backed by the Renewed Guarantee, giving you like-new performance and peace of mind.
- Renewed 2019 iMac offers substantial savings with performance close to new when properly updated or upgraded.
- Common complaints center on slow hard drives, generic accessories, and initial OS/software setup work.
- No major safety or legal rumors detected—most issues stem from typical refurbished variability.
- Ideal for budget-conscious users comfortable with minor DIY upgrades or legacy Mac requirements.
- Refurbished under Amazon’s Renewed program.
- Key specs include 21.5″ Retina 4K, 3.6 GHz Intel i3, 8 GB RAM, 1 TB HDD.
Product Overview
The 2019 Apple iMac listed here is a 21.5-inch model featuring a Retina 4K display with 3840×2160 resolution, powered by a 3.6 GHz Intel Core i3 quad-core processor. It ships with 8 GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1 TB hard disk drive, relying on Integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics for visuals. Connectivity options include two USB 3.0 ports, Thunderbolt 3, HDMI 2.0, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. This unit is sold as an Amazon Renewed product, meaning it has been professionally inspected and tested by qualified suppliers to look and work like new. Buyers receive the Renewed Guarantee, allowing replacement or refund if expectations are not met. As a 2019 refurbished model, it may require manual OS updates or software installations to bring it up to the latest macOS release.
- Users consistently report “like‐new” functionality out of the box.
- Expect to perform initial OS upgrades and additional software installs.
2019 Apple iMac 21.5-Inch Retina 4K (Renewed) Review: Honest Findings
Across dozens of reviews, a common refrain emerges: “It works as if it was brand new.” Many owners found the iMac arriving in excellent cosmetic condition, free of scratches on the screen and minimal signs of wear. However, because the pre-installed operating system is often several versions behind, you should budget time for downloading major updates. Developers and power users noted they had to install Xcode, Python toolkits, or other utilities—an additional step but not a malfunction. In almost every case, with a bit of setup work to update macOS and install preferred apps, the renewed iMac delivered reliable performance for general office tasks, web browsing, and even moderate multimedia editing.
- High satisfaction with condition and value.
- Additional work required for OS and accessory setup.
Positive Feedback & Highlights
Value Proposition and Condition
Many buyers praised the exceptional value of the renewed iMac. One reviewer noted saving two-thirds of the cost versus a brand-new model while still enjoying a pristine Retina display and responsive hardware. The professional refurbishing process meant that most units arrived “in excellent condition,” often with packaging designed to eliminate movement and damage during transit. Multiple users commented that they could not spot any blemishes on the aluminum chassis or screen, and some even suspected the unit was pulled straight from a factory box.
Performance Gains with Upgrades
While the base configuration runs acceptably for everyday tasks, enthusiasts recommend upgrading the storage. Swapping the 1 TB HDD for an SSD (often for around $200–$300 locally) transforms boot times from nearly 10 minutes to seconds and accelerates app loading dramatically. After such an upgrade, buyers reported that the iMac “runs like a racecar” and handles modern macOS versions smoothly. Even without an SSD, simply downgrading or customizing the OS build offered noticeable improvements, especially for those who retained macOS Mojave for legacy 32-bit apps.
User Experience and Longevity
Users transitioning from older Macs—ranging from models as early as 2010—found the Retina display and updated USB/Thunderbolt ports a welcome leap forward. Many intend to keep this 2019 iMac for at least 4–6 years, citing the robust aluminum frame and Apple’s long support cycles. For light gaming, office productivity, and creative work, this machine met expectations once the initial software setup was complete. Overall, the positive feedback emphasizes a “worth every penny” sentiment when the price-to-condition ratio is properly leveraged.
- Persistent reports of slow hard drive performance out of the box.
- Accessory quality and cosmetic grading sometimes misaligned with expectations.
Negative Reviews & Rumor Analysis
Performance Bottlenecks
The most frequent negative comment concerns the 1 TB HDD being painfully slow. Multiple users experienced 10-minute boot times, unresponsive apps, and constant beach-ball delays when launching simple utilities like Safari or PDF readers. Even after applying all updates, some found the machine sluggish enough to be “barely usable” without an SSD upgrade. While the hardware is functional, the HDD’s mechanical nature conflicts with modern performance standards, prompting some buyers to return the unit or invest in costly storage replacements.
Accessory and Setup Frustrations
Several reviewers were surprised to find generic, non-Apple keyboards and mice in the box, despite marketing materials suggesting Apple-certified accessories. Issues ranged from Windows-centric key layouts that misaddress Mac volume controls to unpairable wireless mice requiring hours of troubleshooting. Though Amazon’s Renewed Guarantee allows returns for accessory mismatches, the extra hassle created a negative first impression. In rare cases, sellers initially resisted refunding or only offered partial credits, forcing buyers to escalate through Amazon support.
Condition Discrepancies and Shipping Delays
While most units arrived blemish-free, a subset of customers reported dents or paint chips—mostly on the rear side—calling into question the “excellent” cosmetic grade. Additionally, FedEx shipping delays exacerbated buyer dissatisfaction. Several packages sat in warehouses for multiple days due to weather or logistical issues, delaying setup and prompting buyer frustration. No evidence surfaced of serious safety or legal rumors—these complaints largely reflect typical variability in refurb quality and third-party logistics challenges.
- Great for budget-conscious, tech-savvy individuals.
- Strong choice for those needing legacy Mac support.
Who Should Consider 2019 Apple iMac 21.5-Inch Retina 4K (Renewed)?
If you’re a user comfortable with a little extra setup—upgrading to an SSD, installing legacy applications, or wrestling with initial OS updates—this renewed iMac can be a cost-effective gateway into the Apple ecosystem. Students, home office users, and small business owners who prioritize screen quality and basic productivity will appreciate the Retina display and reliable Intel i3 performance. Photographers or publishers requiring macOS Mojave for 32-bit apps like iTunes Producer or iBooks Author will find this model particularly valuable, as it is the last iMac able to run Mojave officially. However, anyone expecting plug-and-play, high-end video editing, or heavy multitasking without storage upgrades may find the experience lacking.
- Renewed model delivers solid value with caveats.
- Most issues revolve around typical refurb variability, not serious defects.
Conclusion: Final Verdict
The 2019 Apple iMac 21.5-Inch Retina 4K (Renewed) emerges as a strong contender for buyers seeking Apple hardware at a fraction of new-model prices. There are no widespread rumors of safety hazards or systemic fraud—complaints focus on the mechanical HDD’s sluggish performance, accessory mismatches, and occasional cosmetic grade inconsistencies. With minimal effort—upgrading storage, applying OS updates, or securing genuine Apple peripherals—this iMac can deliver years of reliable service. If you’re prepared for a little DIY and want a sharp Retina display, this renewed iMac represents a smart, budget-friendly choice rather than a risky gamble.
2019 Apple iMac with Retina 4K/3.6 GHz Intel Core i3 Quad-Core (21.5-Inch, 8GB RAM, 1TB) – Silver (Renewed)
- Enjoy crisp Retina 4K visuals on the 21.5″ iMac with a 3.6GHz Intel Core i3 quad-core, 8GB RAM and 1TB HDD—powering your creativity and productivity.
- Rest easy with Amazon Renewed: this Silver iMac is professionally inspected, tested and backed by the Renewed Guarantee, giving you like-new performance and peace of mind.
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