2013 vs 2015 iMac?

[lumencreative]

I was going to buy a new Macbook Pro when they were announced but with the eye-watering prices, common sense has kicked in and I'm now opting for an iMac instead.

I have been offered a 2013 27" for £850 from a private seller, or a 2015 27" Retina from a business seller for £1300 with warranty (I can reclaim the vat, making this one £1083). I am just wondering whether the 2015 model is worth the extra £233 (I'm thinking it is, simply for the warranty if nothing else).

Haven't seen the difference between the Retina screen and the non-retina on an iMac so curious to know any opinions.

 

[redheeler]

The difference is noticeable going to the 5K screen. I'd say it's worth the extra.

 

[lumencreative]

The difference is noticeable going to the 5K screen. I'd say it's worth the extra.

I think the 2015 one I'm looking at is the one before the 5k version

 

[redheeler]

I think the 2015 one I'm looking at is the one before the 5k version

All 27" models released in 2015 have a Retina 5K display. 21.5" models can either have a Retina 4K or 1080p display.
[doublepost=1478342091][/doublepost]Are you looking at a mid 2015 or late 2015? There is a difference, but both do have a 5K display.

 

[lumencreative]

All 27" models released in 2015 have a Retina 5K display. 21.5" models can either have a Retina 4K or 1080p display.
[doublepost=1478342091][/doublepost]Are you looking at a mid 2015 or late 2015? There is a difference, but both do have a 5K display.

Thanks - Just checked the specs and it is 5k (5120 x 2880). It's the May(I think) 2015 model I'm looking at, with the 3.3GHz i5 CPU. The 2013 model is the one with the 3.2GHz i5.

 

[maflynn]

The difference is noticeable going to the 5K screen. I'd say it's worth the extra.

Agreed, the 5k screen is gorgeous, and I'd opt for the 2015 model, over the 2013, any day.

 

[lumencreative]

Agreed, the 5k screen is gorgeous, and I'd opt for the 2015 model, over the 2013, any day.

Thanks....any more thoughts anyone?

 

[redheeler]

Thanks....any more thoughts anyone?

Assuming you're looking at the model without an SSD, I suggest adding one externally. An SSD is a must if you want your new Mac to actually feel like a new Mac. It's very sad that Apple even still sells Macs without one.

 

[lumencreative]

thanks, yeah, I have SSD's in my MBP's so couldnt go back to not having them

 

[juanesco]

No doub't, 5K display

 

[Sirmausalot]

Thanks....any more thoughts anyone?

No question. The 5K screen and newer model in general is the better choice -- for longevity, power, and day to pleasure because of the screen. What is the hard drive situation on the 2015?

 

[juanesco]

The better choice is a SDD. Fast and quiet.

 

[lumencreative]

No question. The 5K screen and newer model in general is the better choice -- for longevity, power, and day to pleasure because of the screen. What is the hard drive situation on the 2015?

Just the standard 1TB Hdd I believe, but I can easily upgrade that to an SSD (even if I need to do it externally)

 

[NY Guitarist]

As already stated get the 2015 due to the 5k display.

 

[tromboneaholic]

If the 2013 model has the 4gb NVIDIA video card, that would be a better machine for video editing.

 

[Taz Mangus]

Just the standard 1TB Hdd I believe, but I can easily upgrade that to an SSD (even if I need to do it externally)

For the extra £233 for are getting the 5K screen. If you can, I would suggest you try to get an iMac with the internal SSD, it is crazy fast. External SSD will be fine as well but no where near the speeds of the internal SSD, external ~500MB/s vs. internal ~1500MB/s.