27" 2009 iMac Vs. new 21.5" iMac

[BokChoiTV]

So here's the situation.
I have approx. 1000-1200$ spending money for a new iMac.
I'm into video editing and picture editing, mainly video however.
CD drives are useless to me.

I have the option of a late 2009 27" iMac, the ones that don't include a Thunderbolt port.
8GB ram with 2.66 i5 processor.
Vs....
The new late 2012 iMacs, but in 21.5".
So far, I see the pros of the new iMac as:
USB 3.0
Better screen (in terms of viewing angle and slightly less glare.)
Faster (How fast is a question I have still)
And I believe they don't get as hot.

What do you guys think I should do?
Is a 4 year old processor too obsolete? It's a 2009 model afterall.

 

[Hungry&Foolish]

Refurbished store is bang for your buck.

 

[Brian Y]

IMO the best compromise, if you can put the extra, is a 2011 model.

 

[lixuelai]

I would go with the 27" 2009. There are a number of things going in its favor. The base 21" 2012 is faster. Around 15% or so CPU-wise going by the IPC improvement from Nehalem to Ivy Bridge. In reality it can be a bit more or less than that. I doubt the LCD viewing angle will be much different but the glare will be better on the 21".

Now the 2009 iMac you are looking at is pretty desirable for a couple reasons. 1) It is expandable. You can stick in 32GB of RAM and 2 drives in there. CPU upgrade may also be possible. 2) It is the last non-TB iMac 27. Obviously you lose out on the TB expansion. However on the plus side this iMac can be used as a monitor for any computer with a DisplayPort output.