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First iMac for parents

J

Jffras33

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Dec 3, 2012
2
0
Hi,

My parents have been bitten by the apple bug and have been talking about finally making the switch from Dell. I have decided this will make an excellent Xmas gift and need a little help. They do basic computing tasks (Internet, spreadsheets, and casino type games) so I think the 21.5 inch is enough for them. I'd like them to be able to keep it for five years or so, so do you think it makes sense to upgrade RAM or to fusion? Base or higher end 21.5? It may be more than they need but want to make sure it works for a while.

Thanks for any input
 
Base model perfect solution. They're actually the very type its aimed at. And with 8gb ram in it, it'll be future proof for 3-4 OS updates at least.

I did this with my 56yo brother and 60yo sister, 5 and 2 years ago respectively....they friggin love it.
 
Add the fusion drive, the speed increase from a 5400 rpm drive is very noticeable. They will be extra thankful :)
 
I am wondering about the same.
Played with the new iMac today and really like. But are my more or less basic computing needs - similar to those of OP's parents - really worth 450 extra Euros to get the Fusion drive? Fusion only speeds up booting, right?
 
If money is a factor, then I would say no upgrades are needed and given their use it will last over 5 years easy, maybe just give it a fresh install in a few years time..If anything the machine is way overpowered and overpriced for their needs, but if you can afford it and they like the look then why not.
 
comatose81 said:
True, some have foreclosed on their houses, some have been laid off, some have had their house taken into the ocean, some beg for change on the streets...
Click to expand...

And others didn't have any of those things happen.

Edit: Honestly you asked what jobs people had, so this whole comment by you is irrelevant. You are now bringing in a whole group of circumstances.
 
Jffras33 said:
Hi,

My parents have been bitten by the apple bug and have been talking about finally making the switch from Dell. I have decided this will make an excellent Xmas gift and need a little help. They do basic computing tasks (Internet, spreadsheets, and casino type games) so I think the 21.5 inch is enough for them. I'd like them to be able to keep it for five years or so, so do you think it makes sense to upgrade RAM or to fusion? Base or higher end 21.5? It may be more than they need but want to make sure it works for a while.

Thanks for any input
Click to expand...

If you can find one of the Apple website, buy them a refurbed 2011 21.5" base for $979. You need to keep checking - they do show up regularly. Add an additional 4 GBs for $20 to bring it up to 8GBs. This is most likely way more computer than they need and makes the most sense economically. There is no point in buying more computer than you need and the 2012 iMacs are substantially higher cost and there is no reasonable expectation that they will have a longer useful life.
 
Jffras33 said:
...making the switch from Dell.
Click to expand...

Since everything is relative, it will help to know - from WHAT Dell exactly?
If, for example, they use 24" monitor, this will be a step down, even though it might be a better quality.
 
tuccillo said:
If you can find one of the Apple website, buy them a refurbed 2011 21.5" base for $979. You need to keep checking - they do show up regularly. Add an additional 4 GBs for $20 to bring it up to 8GBs. This is most likely way more computer than they need and makes the most sense economically. There is no point in buying more computer than you need and the 2012 iMacs are substantially higher cost and there is no reasonable expectation that they will have a longer useful life.
Click to expand...

The Apple website has $979 refurbed 2011 21.5" today.
 
bigcat318 said:
And others didn't have any of those things happen.

Edit: Honestly you asked what jobs people had, so this whole comment by you is irrelevant. You are now bringing in a whole group of circumstances.
Click to expand...

Which was followed by someone insinuating that I'm a "teenager".
 
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