21.5 or 27 inch iMac?

boombox15 · Sep 27, 2013

So Apple just released awesome new iMacs on Tuesday. I am looking for something to replace my late 2012 base $1299 21.5 inch iMac. I am selling it and I want to know if I should get the 21.5 or 27 inch model.

I see that the base $1299 model has the same processor speed and that makes me think that it won't be any faster. I don't know if the graphics are any faster than the GT 640M in my curent iMac. New one has Iris Pro.

But, I also would like to know if I should go bigger with the 27 inch iMac. It seems big, and I think I would like it, but would like to get some feedback before I shell out $2000.

I am thinking of

21.5 inch iMac 2.7 or 2.9GHz, 8GB RAM, 256GB Flash or 1TB Fusion Drive
27 inch iMac 3.2GHz 8GB RAM 256GB flash or 1TB Fusion Drive

I need a lot of space to store my photos that I take, along with documents. Used 135GB in the 9 months since I have had my current iMac. I use all of the pre-loaded apps and Aperture.

I plan to buy sometime in the next 2 weeks.

Thank you!!

Serban · Sep 28, 2013

if you are coming from a base 21.5" imac 2012 model i think there is no reason to upgrade to the new 21.5 base model...perhaps a speed bump in dGPU with 750M 1G vRam but still...if you want to upgrade go with the base 27" model at least. With yours 2000$ i go for the base high end 27" iMac where the cpu is about 10-15% faster, dGPU is propably 50% faster than 640M

ioannis2005gr · Sep 28, 2013

Serban said:
if you are coming from a base 21.5" imac 2012 model i think there is no reason to upgrade to the new 21.5 base model...perhaps a speed bump in dGPU with 750M 1G vRam but still...if you want to upgrade go with the base 27" model at least. With yours 2000$ i go for the base high end 27" iMac where the cpu is about 10-15% faster, dGPU is propably 50% faster than 640M

I'm only worrying about the bad quality control in China. Many 27'' iMacs were found to have defective LG monitor. Many customers in this site have complained and reported similar issues. I won't buy 27'' iMac because of those issues. I don't want to be another one "number" in their "statistics".....

what about you?

Serban · Sep 28, 2013

i dont think with this refresh there will be so many issues with the 27". Like you last year i bought 21.5"just because of that. 2 days ago i ordered a 27"imac

in4fun · Sep 28, 2013

ioannis2005gr said:
Many 27'' iMacs were found to have defective LG monitor... I won't buy 27'' iMac because of those issues. I don't want to be another one "number" in their "statistics".....

Easy solution here:
- get the 27" mac
- check for screen issues
- if faulty exchange (no extra cost)
- be happy (or keep exchanging until you are)

ioannis2005gr · Sep 28, 2013

in4fun said:
- if faulty exchange (no extra cost)
- be happy (or keep exchanging until you are)

This is not the solution!
You become QC (quality Control) instead of a "happy" customer....

APPLE has to do the proper QC...to "exchange faulty iMacs" is not a "happy" task....unless you "enjoy" it!

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Serban said:
...last year i bought 21.5"just because of that. 2 days ago i ordered a 27"imac

and suddenly, you started replacing 27'' iMacs because of several issues with the monitor...unless you didn't care and you "swallowed" the problems...

maflynn · Sep 28, 2013

I love the size of the 27" iMac, I'd recommend that because you'll quickly fall in love the increased screen real estate.

in4fun · Sep 28, 2013

ioannis2005gr said:
This is not the solution!
You become QC (quality Control) instead of a "happy" customer....

I agree that QC is Apples job.

But does it justify switching to the 21" model just for convenience depriving yourself working with a gorgeous 27" screen?

I'd also be angry as hell if I should get a faulty screen but what can you do? Does Apple really care if I buy a 21" instead of a 27". Will it change their QC?

Me, I just want to get the best user experience currently available (plus doing graphic design on a 21" is out of the question) hence the 27" is a no-brainer (for me).

ioannis2005gr · Sep 28, 2013

maflynn said:
I love the size of the 27" iMac, I'd recommend that because you'll quickly fall in love the increased screen real estate.

There is another (maybe cheaper) solution....buy a new (2013?) Mini Mac with a more reliable 27'' monitor and "walk" ahead without fear...

maflynn · Sep 28, 2013

ioannis2005gr said:
There is another (maybe cheaper) solution....buy a new (2013?) Mini Mac with a more reliable 27'' monitor and "walk" ahead without fear...

You could, though I think the GPU in the iMac is superior, and the fact that the iMac has now been refreshed with the Haswell chipset is another advantage. I see the logic though behind this option and I too am considering this.

I currently have an Mini and its a great computer but there's something to be said about getting the iMac

ioannis2005gr · Sep 28, 2013

in4fun said:
I agree that QC is Apples job.

I'd also be angry as hell if I should get a faulty screen but what can you do? Does Apple really care if I buy a 21" instead of a 27". Will it change their QC?

...the 27" is a no-brainer (for me).

Do whatever is necessary to report problems at APPLE's higher chairs!

We have to "ring" the bells...

APPLE doesn't care if most of the customers "accept" several issues with their expensive LG IPS monitors...better and cheaper 27'' IPS monitors, you can find easily!

If you want 27'' monitor (instead of the 21.5'' iMac), I suggest:
Buy a "new" (2013?) Mini Mac after 2-3 months with a better 27'' IPS monitor and that's all!!!

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maflynn said:
You could, though I think the GPU in the iMac is superior, and the fact that the iMac has now been refreshed with the Haswell chipset is another advantage. I see the logic though behind this option and I too am considering this.

I currently have an Mini and its a great computer but there's something to be said about getting the iMac

Personally, I intend to buy the new "full BTO" 21.5'' iMac but first, I will wait to see the specs of the new Mac Mini. I hope new Mac Mini will appear in late Oct.2013! otherwise...

PS: I know that problems exist with 21.5'' LG monitors, as well....but very rarely reported....that means to me: "acceptable risk".

in4fun · Sep 28, 2013

ioannis2005gr said:
...better and cheaper 27'' IPS monitors, you can find easily!

OK, now I'm listening...

I was under the impression that the quality of the iMac 27" screen was one of the major advantages of buying an iMac (in the same price segment & disregarding faulty units).

Whenever I pass these 27" iMac screens at my local electronic outlets my pants get tighter

ioannis2005gr · Sep 28, 2013

in4fun said:
Whenever I pass these 27" iMac screens at my local electronic outlets my pants get tighter

I have the same feelings....APPLE should be more careful with the disappointed customers because of the poor QC in China (instead of replacing monitors or even iMacs).

However, IPS monitors res. 2560x1440 at 5 or 6 ms, some with USB 3.0 and Display ports, are cheaper - less reported issues...which ones? ASUS, EIZO, IIYAMA, DELL (although, personally, I don't have good experience with DELL monitors...) etc....

Serban · Sep 28, 2013

ioannis2005gr said:
This is not the solution!

A
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and suddenly, you started replacing 27'' iMacs because of several issues with the monitor...unless you didn't care and you "swallowed" the problems...

no, i just ask some people who already get their 27"2013 imacs and no problems found on any of the 8 pieces

boombox15 · Sep 28, 2013

My 21.5 inch iMac sold for $860 with shipping. Does anybody think I could have gotten more than that? It's too late because the buyer already paid. The 27 inch is in my budget, but it's a tight fit and I would have to go with the standard $1799 model if I did that, no customizing. I would like to add flash or fusion, but with my budget, it is not possible with the 27 inch, but it is on the 21.5 inch model.

APhillyApple · Sep 28, 2013

Go with the 27 inch, I cant imagine a desktop with anything less than that. As I type this from my 13 inch 2008 MacBook, lol!!

Serban · Sep 28, 2013

so now after you sold your iMac what is your budget? in first post you said 2000$..now you say 1799$? so 1799 is the last call?

boombox15 · Sep 28, 2013

Serban said:
so now after you sold your iMac what is your budget? in first post you said 2000$..now you say 1799$? so 1799 is the last call?

My budget is $2000, but with sales tax in the 27 inch model, that brings it up close to that, flash is $200 extra and I can't afford that with tax. I could customize the 21.5 inch model with 256GB Flash or 1TB Fusion Drive

Serban · Sep 28, 2013

go with the high end 27" model without fusion drive etc Trust me you can live for the next years without fusion...or if you dont use OpenGL so much go with the base model 27"+fusion drive

boombox15 · Sep 28, 2013

I have heard some say that the 27 inch screen is"too big". Because you have to move your head a lot to see things. I don't know if that's true. I want to set my budget a little higher than $2000 with tax, but I also need to save up for a 13 inch Haswell Retina MacBook Pro.

Serban · Sep 28, 2013

boombox15 said:
I have heard some say that the 27 inch screen is"too big". Because you have to move your head a lot to see things. I don't know if that's true. I want to set my budget a little higher than $2000 with tax, but I also need to save up for a 13 inch Haswell Retina MacBook Pro.

oh yea baby i think like me...i just ordered a 27" 3.4Ghz i5 with 1T Fusion Drive and 780M and i am waiting like you for rMBP 15" haswell and i hope 15 October to be announced.

boombox15 · Sep 28, 2013

Does the screen look any better on the 27 inch than on the 21.5 inch? Like in brightness, color, etc. I know that the 27 inch is pretty high res with 2560X1440. I still am at a dead end for picking the 21.5 inch or 27 inch.

Configurations I am thinking about

21.5 inch $1299 model, 8GB RAM, 256GB Flash or 1TB Hard Drive
27 inch Standard $1799 model

Lankyman · Sep 29, 2013

boombox15 said:
Does the screen look any better on the 27 inch than on the 21.5 inch? Like in brightness, color, etc. I know that the 27 inch is pretty high res with 2560X1440. I still am at a dead end for picking the 21.5 inch or 27 inch.

Configurations I am thinking about

21.5 inch $1299 model, 8GB RAM, 256GB Flash or 1TB Hard Drive
27 inch Standard $1799 model

I originally purchased a 27" iMac but returned it within days. I found it to be to big for its situation and to big for me viewing wise. I got the 21.5" instead and both the wife and I agree, it was definitely the right decision.

I've often thought 24" would be the ideal size.

Serban · Sep 29, 2013

boombox15 said:
Does the screen look any better on the 27 inch than on the 21.5 inch? Like in brightness, color, etc. I know that the 27 inch is pretty high res with 2560X1440. I still am at a dead end for picking the 21.5 inch or 27 inch.

Configurations I am thinking about

21.5 inch $1299 model, 8GB RAM, 256GB Flash or 1TB Hard Drive
27 inch Standard $1799 model

The 27" is a better and more future proof computer.

the cpu is better (2.7 vs 3.2) the ram is better because you can add more when you have money/or you need to, the dGPU is better Iris Pro vs 755M, and the HDD is better 5400rpm vs 7200rpm, and more space on your desktop. Yes it is big for the first day or week but after that you will think that you made the right call.

MrGimper · Sep 29, 2013

Serban said:
The 27" is a better and more future proof computer.

the cpu is better (2.7 vs 3.2) the ram is better because you can add more when you have money/or you need to, the dGPU is better Iris Pro vs 755M, and the HDD is better 5400rpm vs 7200rpm, and more space on your desktop. Yes it is big for the first day or week but after that you will think that you made the right call.

^ TruFact.

21.5 or 27 inch iMac?

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