27 vs 21: Anyone have regrets about the size they purchased?

[dogslobber]

Well late in the game here, I am now regretting the purchase of the 21.5" only because I cannot use this machine as a display in target mode. Now that I have this knowledge, it may definitely shape which iMac I possibly buy to replace this 2010 21.5". It would be nice to get another couple of years out of this as a display, but, hey, hindsight right?

I've managed with the screen real estate just fine.

I think I'm realizing that 27" iMacs are perhaps for advanced users and 21.5" are for average users who want to Facebook. I could be wrong.

 

[dogslobber]

It's 2015-- you really think the beginner or casual user exists in any significant quantity?

I'd say beginner or causal in 2015 means normal user. If you're a new Mac user then chances are you're coming with iPad experience so want a Mac to behave like iOS.

 

[kazmac]

I think I'm realizing that 27" iMacs are perhaps for advanced users and 21.5" are for average users who want to Facebook. I could be wrong.

It depends on the user and their needs. I've managed on the 21.5" for school, light image work, several applications open etc. for many years now. As I may move into an area which demands more screen real estate and power under the hood, I'd also like the ability to use my next machine as a display when it becomes too slow. Get more bang for the buck.

 

[kevo0822]

I chose a high-end 21.5" because I just don't have space on my desk for such a large desktop and schoolwork/textbooks etc... I don't necessarily regret the screen size, but I DO regret not having a Retina display. I know the 21.5" doesn't (yet) come in Retina, so I would've had to go with the 27"... but now with El Capitan installed, I feel like it's clearer than ever that Apple is focusing on Retina design, with non-retina as an afterthought. Fonts look "fuzzier" to me throughout the OS. I don't know if it's the new system font itself or if there were changes to how OS X handles font smoothing... but it's definitely noticeable to me.

 

[ryannel2003]

I think I'm realizing that 27" iMacs are perhaps for advanced users and 21.5" are for average users who want to Facebook. I could be wrong.

I just bought a 27" and I'm definitely a light user. The hardest work this machine will see is running HaloMD and some light photo editing. I've always wanted a large screen and this one is amazing. I will say though a 21.5" would have been more than adequate for me.

I chose a high-end 21.5" because I just don't have space on my desk for such a large desktop and schoolwork/textbooks etc... I don't necessarily regret the screen size, but I DO regret not having a Retina display. I know the 21.5" doesn't (yet) come in Retina, so I would've had to go with the 27"... but now with El Capitan installed, I feel like it's clearer than ever that Apple is focusing on Retina design, with non-retina as an afterthought. Fonts look "fuzzier" to me throughout the OS. I don't know if it's the new system font itself or if there were changes to how OS X handles font smoothing... but it's definitely noticeable to me.

I'm running El Capitan GM on my iMac and the font is fuzzier than my rMBP for sure. I wouldn't say it's bad but it's noticeable.

 

[Jennism]

I think as iOS 9 propagates then normal users will get familiarity with the concept of split view on the iPad and transfer that philosophy to El Cap. Today's typical users are not really window savvy in my experience. They most certainly wouldn't cope with complex software like BTT. In fact, you generally find if it doesn't come installed with the OS install then the normal user doesn't install further software. Computers are complex which is why the iPad familiarity helps them.

I don't see how an iPad split view will even work the same. It's all touch. Sure the concept is the same. Sure it's somewhat easy after all but extremely clunky.

When I was brand new to the OSX from windows I discovered BTT pretty quickly and found it extremely easy to use. And even if setting up gestures is over someone's head, it askes you upon first startup if you want window snapping. Easier than finding certain Mac preferences.

So people don't install other software? Maybe older generations such as my in laws I can see that as true. But all others I know of all ages have all kinds of software on their system beyond what it comes with. Even my mother loves having added apps than what the OS starts you off with. BTT may be complex in what it does but not in the ease of use.

In addition, those on this forum are likely after having more control over their system and having more than just the pre installed. And if someone was contemplating on a screen size it would depend on how much real estate they are after. BTT isn't for everyone, but the window snapping is far easier than El Capitan.

It's 2015-- you really think the beginner or casual user exists in any significant quantity?

Yes I do. Their are many beginners to Mac's as many are still making the switch or adding OS X an additional option from Windows. And casual doesn't necessarily mean infrequent. Those are the ones who just surf the internet, social network and other basic things like maybe using some sort of office program. Those are the ones who will be unlikely to use split view or additional desktops in mission control for that matter. I added BTT to my in-laws computer and set up a basic gesture to access Launchpad easier. And they love the window snapping. When they upgrade they will likely be ignorant to the new split view. Nor do they ever use more than one desktop. But they love snapping one or two windows onto the screen and they have the smaller 21.5". 27" would be overkill to them. So it's all about what people are after.