what are the disadvantages of buying an i mac

As compared to what? A PC? A MacBook Pro? A Mac Pro? A MacBook Air? The iMac is a powerful all in one desktop computing system elegantly designed with few wires or cables tethering it to your desk. It comes in two sizes and multiple configurations with powerful processors. The downside is it isn't very easy to change any components other than RAM as a consumer.

I have found the iMac an excellent machine. If there is one problem at all, the screen can be trying to your eyes in terms of reflection in some circumstances. There are conflicting reports of a Retina display coming with the next iMac (heaven knows when, or if, for that matter) but it's something to read up about. To my mind that is the only fault.

RRFS has kinda summed this up for you.

Some other disadvantages are that Apple keeps closing and tightening their grip in their universe.

Meaning that they tend to now want to keep their loyal users buying every 3-4 years as Apple significantly upgrades technology. As a long-time Mac User, I have been noticing that Apple obsoletes perfectly good Macs (especially iMacs and lower wnd Mac Minis) every 3-4 years, or so. Mac users are not getting the same longevity out of the Macs as they once did. The excption is the Mac Pro Line. But other than serious professionals, who can afford one of these new. The Mac Pro line of towers seems to stay in the game, at least for another 2-3 years past that of the iMac line, IMHO.

Other reported issues here in these forums (but still only reflect a fraction of user issues with the current iMacs) is the greater heat issues they produce. The air ventilation on thses iMacs isn't the greatest. Even my 2009, 27 inch screen iMac runs hot enough where I decided to run an additional, small fan behind it to further cool the iMac's aluminum case. Apple packs so much into an iMac case that nothing really ever gets the needed proper ventilation. Again, IMHO. Users of the current lineup of iMacs have also reported premature or early HD failures as well as problems with the iMac's LCD screen.

I bought my iMac used with the original 1 TB drive, (knock on wood) the drive is still woking fine and the screen on my iMac hasn't any issues after 3 years.

They are great and powerful Macs, but I will say your mileage before a major repair may vary.

I love my iMac. It's wonderful and a BIG upgrade for me. It's very fast with a full compliment of RAM

If you buy one, also buy Apple Care with the extended 3 year plan.

I bought used through a reseller that has an initialy 6 month warranty that I can only pay/extend out for a year after the initial period.

Seventy one,

Here's something you might consider doing to your iMac which will help you with the glare from the overly glossy screen of the iMac.

I did this, almost immediately, on the two iMacs's I purchased.

Cuts the glare way down while keeping your iMac looking Apple OEM.

http://www.macframes.com/

Ironically, this is exactly what Apple is doing with the new retina display MacBook Pros.

The integrated the screen into the unibody manufacturing and construction. The were able to do this by elimination and extra layer of glass panel.

The effect of this is that it reduces the glare from the still glossy LCD screen significantly enough that you can work at your MacBook for longer periods with less eye fatigue.

Big thank you MichelPM,

My Mac is now 5 years old and has given otherwise excellent service. As I will be replacing it once the next iMac arrives I probably won't need the Macframes item.

But your advice will be helpful to anyone who has bought over the past two years or so.

Thank you again.

The iMac isn't portable. That's really the only disadvantage as compared with a MacBook.

Well it does have a smaller screen but the Macbook Pro allows more user upgrades than the iMac.