2010 iMac Base model had more storage than 2021

[mectojic]

Base model iMac in 2010 had a 500GB drive. Yes, it was a 7200RPM HDD, not SSD, but for the vast majority of "consumers" who don't even know what a HD or SSD is, the 2010 is still better value.
Oh and yes, this old iMac can actually be patched to run Monterey, and can be upgraded with SSD and 16GB Ram. This is a base model, remember. There were larger models with i7s too.

One step forward, one step back.

 

[GMShadow]

People use desktops differently now than they did back then. Few are maintaining large on-desktop photo or music libraries, for one.

Desktop hard drives were also progressing more quickly then - come 2011, things slowed due to the tsunami in Japan. Solid state has moved more slowly, in part due to price-fixing by NAND and DRAM manufacturers, but also complexity of the tech.

256GB is honestly fine for most users - and someone who needs more will buy more.

 

[EugW]

I installed a 250 GB SSD in my 2010 iMac, to replace its 2 TB hard drive. I am MUCH, MUCH happier.

If I need more storage, I can use FireWire 800, or even USB 2 if speed doesn't matter. (Actually I ran the iMac for a year back in 2016 booting off a FireWire 800 SSD. Worked reasonably well actually, and much, much better than the internal 2 TB hard drive.)

I have High Sierra on it, mainly because Chrome still supports High Sierra. Maybe I'll upgrade to Monterey or something later when Chrome terminates support for High Sierra, but many people don't really recommend it because of the various glitches. I haven't tried it myself though since I already have 5 Monterey machines in the house. Or actually 4, since one of them is on Ventura now.

 

[chabig]

...for the vast majority of "consumers" who don't even know what a HD or SSD is, the 2010 is still better value.

Of course the 2010 machine is a better value. On eBay, one can be purchased for $100-$130! And it will have commensurate performance for the price.