21.5" iMac can't decide

[ravinder08]

My sister in law is looking at buying her first mac computer
she has seen these 2 in the refurb store, she has a limited budget and wants the best value is there much difference between these 2 and is the 2013 model worth the extra £60?

1) Refurbished 21.5-inch iMac 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5
Originally released October 2012
21.5-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen display
8GB memory
1TB hard drive
NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M with 512MB
Built-in FaceTime HD camera
£919.00
Save £180.00
16% off


2) Refurbished 21.5-inch iMac 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5
Originally released September 2013
21.5-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 1920x1080
8GB memory
1TB hard drive
Intel Iris Pro graphics
Built-in FaceTime HD camera
£979.00
Save £170.00
14% off

 

[macs4nw]

My sister in law is looking at buying her first mac computer
she has seen these 2 in the refurb store, she has a limited budget and wants the best value is there much difference between these 2 and is the 2013 model worth the extra £60?

1) Refurbished 21.5-inch iMac 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5
Originally released October 2012
21.5-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen display
8GB memory
1TB hard drive
NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M with 512MB
Built-in FaceTime HD camera
£919.00
Save £180.00
16% off


2) Refurbished 21.5-inch iMac 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5
Originally released September 2013
21.5-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 1920x1080
8GB memory
1TB hard drive
Intel Iris Pro graphics
Built-in FaceTime HD camera
£979.00
Save £170.00
14% off

Other than the discrete graphics in the 2012 model vs the Iris Pro integrated graphics in the 2013 model, the machines are very similar, with a slight overall edge going to the 2013 model, even though I suspect that graphics-wise, the NVIDIA GT 640M of the 2012 model might have a tad better performance (but probably hardly noticeable short of bench marks), however for your real difference of £50 (if not for the higher disc on the 2012 model), with the 2013 unit you'd be getting 802.11ac wireless, as well as a one-year newer machine, which would be my choice.

Check out these links for a more detailed analysis:
http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...imac-aluminum-late-2012-late-2013-models.html
http://arstechnica.com/apple/2013/09/new-cpus-faster-wi-fi-same-flaws-apples-2013-imac-reviewed/
http://www.anandtech.com/show/7399/...3-review-iris-pro-driving-an-accurate-display

 

[Apple fanboy]

I doubt the average user would know which one they were using between the two. The refurbs on the apple store move pretty quick in the UK, so don't take too long making up your mind.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Apart from heavy gaming or video editing, either model will be fine for anything. I'd probably get the newer model, to ensure longer support and potential resale value.

 

[ravinder08]

Many thanks to everyone for the advice, following the recommendations my sister in law has placed an order for the 2013 model.