2010 27" vs 2011 21.5"

[kwit2330]

I am in desperate need of a new desktop. I have a strict budget of $1500.

To save some green, I was looking at the refurbs on Apple's website.

With my budget I could get a 2011 21.5" iMac with:

2.7GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5
4GB memory
1TB hard drive
AMD Radeon HD 6770M graphics with 512MB memory


It would also allow me to come very much under budget at $1269.

Or, I could go with a 2010 27" iMac with:

2.8GHz Intel Quad-Core i5 processor
4GB memory
1TB hard drive
ATI Radeon HD 5750 graphics with 1GB memory

This would put me right at budget at $1449.

The reason I was considering the 2010 27" with the larger GPU card is because I do tend to game (though it's more like Civilization IV and V) and other strategy games as opposed to Crysis, Olbivion, etc (I use my 360 for those). I also will use bootcamp, edit photos and videos of my daughter, as well as create DVDs with iMovie. I thought the real estate of the 27" would be cool to help with all that multi-tasking, but would feel fine going with the 21.5" 2011 model if it offers improved performance.

I tried looking through some threads, but it was hard to find these two compared. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[SawceBaws]

Sounds like it would be better for you to get the 27incher.

Be careful with Refurbs from 2010 though. I know a lot of people are fans of refurbs on here, but I've read that it's not particularly practical to get a refurb iMac from 2010, maybe you could do some research on that.

Other than that, enjoy your iMac, regardless of which one you choose!

 

[kwit2330]

Be careful with Refurbs from 2010 though. I know a lot of people are fans of refurbs on here, but I've read that it's not particularly practical to get a refurb iMac from 2010, maybe you could do some research on that.

Don't like the sound of that. I currently have two refurbished Apple products including a 2008 MBP and a 1st gen iPad. Both have been outstanding, especially the MBP seeing it's now 3 years old. Doing much better than my 3-year old NEW PC.

Anyway, I'll look into it. Thank you for the info. Hopefully others can chime in as well.

 

[kwit2330]

Hoping a small bump will get me a few more replies by someone who might have experience with both 2010 and 2011 models.

 

[Lankyman]

For my money the 27" is just to big and looks really OTT on your average desk. I tried one and immediately returned it. Even if it was cheaper than a 21.5" I still wouldn't give it house room.