is it worth the savings to buy the old imac when new one is launched

mollywix · Apr 30, 2012, 12:28 PM

I am on a tight budget and have saved money in the past by buying last year's model. I really need a new computer now but have decided to wait cause a new one is around the corner. So my question for the tech folks is: Is the incarnation of the Imac now in stores just fine and ok for me to buy when it gets cheaper or, are there some problems that would make it worth it for me to spend the extra $ and get the latest and greatest. I have always bought the bottom of the line and found it more than adequate. I also tend to keep them 4ever. I do not do graphic design but I do use the mac for all my media (i.e. I have no TV). Thanks.

Apple fanboy · Apr 30, 2012, 01:49 PM

Have you looked into an apple refurbished model? When the new iMac is released they will clear out the 2011 units this way. You still can get apple care and a full warranty.

Logos327 · Apr 30, 2012, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mollywix

I am on a tight budget and have saved money in the past by buying last year's model. I really need a new computer now but have decided to wait cause a new one is around the corner. So my question for the tech folks is: Is the incarnation of the Imac now in stores just fine and ok for me to buy when it gets cheaper or, are there some problems that would make it worth it for me to spend the extra $ and get the latest and greatest. I have always bought the bottom of the line and found it more than adequate. I also tend to keep them 4ever. I do not do graphic design but I do use the mac for all my media (i.e. I have no TV). Thanks.

If you are not able to buy the top-end new iMacs you can often get more for your money buying a model older. That is, you may be able to get a 2011 base 27" for a similar price than a top-end 2012 21.5". It is then up to you to weigh the pros and cons. For example, is USB 3 (2012 iMac) worth to getting 27" of screen real estate? That is a subjective question that you would answer different than other users.

The 2011 iMacs are great computers!

winnen03 · Apr 30, 2012, 05:37 PM

Never owned an imac before, so I have no specific needs, just want a solid, reliable computer! Waiting for the 2012 version to be released.

InlawBiker · Apr 30, 2012, 07:00 PM

If the older model suits your needs and will continue to do so for as long as you need it to - why buy the latest model? This is exactly what I'm doing. Saving $500-800 is more important to me right now. I want the new one to come out so I can buy a 2011 at a discount.

On the other hand if I needed the most powerful iMac for work or a specific job I wouldn't hesitate to get what I need.

G.

Medic278 · May 1, 2012, 12:34 AM

If you like the current gen machines than you should be able to save a decent amount when the new machines are released. I would also keep my eye on the refurb store as you see some great deals that pop up on there.

talmy · May 1, 2012, 04:06 PM

I've gotten 1/3 off original price buying refurbs of discontinued models. The more radical the new model is the greater the discount for the old.

Apr 30, 2012, 12:28 PM	#1
mollywix macrumors newbie Join Date: Apr 2012	is it worth the savings to buy the old imac when new one is launched I am on a tight budget and have saved money in the past by buying last year's model. I really need a new computer now but have decided to wait cause a new one is around the corner. So my question for the tech folks is: Is the incarnation of the Imac now in stores just fine and ok for me to buy when it gets cheaper or, are there some problems that would make it worth it for me to spend the extra $ and get the latest and greatest. I have always bought the bottom of the line and found it more than adequate. I also tend to keep them 4ever. I do not do graphic design but I do use the mac for all my media (i.e. I have no TV). Thanks.
	0

Apr 30, 2012, 01:49 PM	#2
Apple fanboy macrumors 65816 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: United Kingdom	Have you looked into an apple refurbished model? When the new iMac is released they will clear out the 2011 units this way. You still can get apple care and a full warranty. __________________ Late 2012 21" iMac 2.9GHz i5, ITB Fusion drive, 16GB RAM, 2 TB TimeCapsule, iPhone 5 32GB, iPad 4 32GB, iPad 2 16GB, apple TV 2, iPod touch 4th gen 8GB, Xbox 360 120GB. Macrumors Scavenger Hunt IV 2
	2

Apr 30, 2012, 05:37 PM	#4
winnen03 macrumors newbie Join Date: Apr 2012	Soon To Be An Imac Owner Never owned an imac before, so I have no specific needs, just want a solid, reliable computer! Waiting for the 2012 version to be released.
	0

Apr 30, 2012, 07:00 PM	#5
InlawBiker macrumors regular Join Date: Apr 2007	Yes of course it is If the older model suits your needs and will continue to do so for as long as you need it to - why buy the latest model? This is exactly what I'm doing. Saving $500-800 is more important to me right now. I want the new one to come out so I can buy a 2011 at a discount. On the other hand if I needed the most powerful iMac for work or a specific job I wouldn't hesitate to get what I need. G.
	0

May 1, 2012, 12:34 AM	#6
Medic278 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: New York	If you like the current gen machines than you should be able to save a decent amount when the new machines are released. I would also keep my eye on the refurb store as you see some great deals that pop up on there. __________________ 2011 13" MacBook Pro 240GB Intel 520 SSD \| 2011 11" MacBook Air 128SSD \| 2011 27"iMac \| 64gb+3g iPad1 \| 16gb iPhone 4 \| TV 2 \|
	0

May 1, 2012, 04:06 PM	#7
talmy macrumors 68030 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Oregon	I've gotten 1/3 off original price buying refurbs of discontinued models. The more radical the new model is the greater the discount for the old. __________________ 27" i7 iMac, 15" MacBook Pro, Mac mini with SL Server, 4 other Macs and an Apple TV.
	0

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