Base iMac enough?

[DynamicNotch]

Under what conditions would the 21 base model not handle tasks and software fast enough such as windows 8.1 , boot camp, etc?

 

[Bear]

Under what conditions would the 21 base model not handle tasks and software fast enough such as windows 8.1 , boot camp, etc?

It all depends on what software you're running. And also what you consider "fast enough".

What are your planned uses for the iMac?

 

[DynamicNotch]

Prallels
What is it that really slows down a computer?
Lack of enough Processor or memory or drive?

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

All three, depending on the conditions and software.

You really should tell us what you want to use it for.

 

[DynamicNotch]

No games, but windows Xp or 8.1, quickbooks, spreadsheets, browsing email, officemac.

 

[peglegjack]

Yeah the base model should be fine since it comes standard with 8GB of Ram.

 

[silvetti]

For that usage, I would go with base model or a refurb last years base model even

 

[peglegjack]

If you want to save a little money:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD093LL/A/refurbished-imac-27ghz-quad-core-intel-core-i5

Maybe better yet, get one on Black Friday for $1099

http://blackfriday.bestbuy.com/#!/apple

 

[yjchua95]

No games, but windows Xp or 8.1, quickbooks, spreadsheets, browsing email, officemac.

With 8GB of RAM and a 5400rpm drive, good luck trying to run VMs.

A VM is slow as hell unless you assign at least 4GB of RAM to it, along with 2 cores.

In your case, if you assign 4GB of RAM to it, the rest of your Mac is going to be slow, and this is further exacerbated by the fact that your Mac doesn't have an SSD.