21.5 Inch iMac (2011 Model) vs Refurbished 27 Inch iMac (2010 Model)

[sstryker]

I am looking to get my first apple computer. I am a proud owner of the iphone 4 and iPad2. I decided on an iMac because it would be more suitable for my needs since portability is not that big of an issue for me since I now I have an iPad. I am now in a dilemma on which iMac to get. Its between the new 2011 entry level 21.5 inch iMac and a refurbished 2010 model 27 inch iMac thru Apple's website.

Here are the specs:

2011 Model

$1,149 with Student Discount
21.5-inch: 2.5GHz
2.5GHz Intel Quad-Core i5
1920 x 1080 resolution
4GB (two 2GB) memory
500GB hard drive
ATI Radeon HD 6750M with 512MB

Refurbished iMac


$1,269 online refurbished
27 Inch: 3.2 GHZ Intel Core i3 Processor
Originally released July 2010
27-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen display
4GB memory
1TB hard drive
8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
ATI Radeon HD 5670 graphics with 512MB memory
Built-in iSight camera


What is everyone's thoughts? It would be nice to have a 27 inch screen to watch movies on, but the new model is dual core and has a faster processor. However I really am not doing any intensive video editing or anything, will just be using for school, web browsing, watch videos, run windows 7 simultaneously, play some games (i.e. call of duty, left 4 dead, etc...).

 

[talmy]

From your described usage, you will be better off with the newer 21.5" iMac.

 

[thebarber]

I am looking to get my first apple computer. I am a proud owner of the iphone 4 and iPad2. I decided on an iMac because it would be more suitable for my needs since portability is not that big of an issue for me since I now I have an iPad. I am now in a dilemma on which iMac to get. Its between the new 2011 entry level 21.5 inch iMac and a refurbished 2010 model 27 inch iMac thru Apple's website.

Here are the specs:

2011 Model

$1,149 with Student Discount
21.5-inch: 2.5GHz
2.5GHz Intel Quad-Core i5
1920 x 1080 resolution
4GB (two 2GB) memory
500GB hard drive
ATI Radeon HD 6750M with 512MB

Refurbished iMac


$1,269 online refurbished
27 Inch: 3.2 GHZ Intel Core i3 Processor
Originally released July 2010
27-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen display
4GB memory
1TB hard drive
8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
ATI Radeon HD 5670 graphics with 512MB memory
Built-in iSight camera


What is everyone's thoughts? It would be nice to have a 27 inch screen to watch movies on, but the new model is dual core and has a faster processor. However I really am not doing any intensive video editing or anything, will just be using for school, web browsing, watch videos, run windows 7 simultaneously, play some games (i.e. call of duty, left 4 dead, etc...).

Doesn’t the new iMac have the thunderbolt port in it? I think it’s best to put your money into the new technology. Like you I would prefer a 27'' inch screen but the fact of the matter is that you’ll be sitting right in front of the display most of the time. Right? Unless you will be using the wireless keyboard and sitting quite a distance away from the display, I don’t see a good enough reason to get the 27’’. I wish I had your dilemma. I have an iPhone and a white MacBook & would rather have an iPad and an iMac. Either way i’m sure you’ll be happy. Good luck,

Peter

 

[sstryker]

I ended up going with the new 21.5 inch iMac 2011 model. Went to the store after reading your guy's comments and deliberating for a bit about it. I am actually typing from it right now. Love it. Your right, the 27 inch screen would be way too big considering I would only be a foot from the screen.