Going from a MBP to a iMac

[bl11]

I currently have the 15" 2014 MBP which i've been happy with, but right now i'm looking to upgrade.

I'm mainly interested in the 2017 version of the 27" iMac. I do intend to upgrade the ram myself in the future, so just need to figure out what i want out of the box.
1. I intend to upgrade the HD to a 256 SSD.
2. The most expensive version is out of the picture. Is there any consensus between the cheapest and middle version that is the "best" buy?

I use my computer for "general" stuff; watching streams, youtube, general browsing, so not anything that should be much taxing. I never play games.

Is the entry level a fine choice or is the middle version offering much more for a small price bump?

Second question is if much have happened, so a an upgrade will be noticeable (which i assume?). I must say i was surprised to see that only 8gb ram as standard.

Thanks!

 

[Mikael H]

I'd say based on your description, you'd likely be more than fine with a base version - especially if you order one with SSD storage. For your stated use I don't see how 8 GB of RAM wouldn't suffice. If, for any reason, it would turn out to be insufficient, memory in the 2017 27" iMac can be user upgraded down the line.

 

[maflynn]

I use my computer for "general" stuff; watching streams, youtube, general browsing, so not anything that should be much taxing. I never play games.

The base 27" model should be more then enough power for your stated needs, though I agree with your earlier comment, configure the machine with a SSD and skip the Fusion drive.

I'm on 8GB of ram for my 2015 iMac and its been more then enough. I'd hold off upgrading the ram until you see that you actually need it.

 

[bl11]

Thanks for all the response.

Ok, let me reprase the question about entry level vs mid level. What is the general consensus?
I've seen the 21" version where the entry level is pretty bad compared to the mid range.

Is entry 27" considered "good value" or what's the general though on this?

 

[teohyc]

Based on what you say you are currently doing with your MBP, I don't see how the iMac can help you do them better or save you more time. Unless you enjoy a larger screen, and if so, why not just get an external monitor and save a lot of money?

 

[bl11]

Based on what you say you are currently doing with your MBP, I don't see how the iMac can help you do them better or save you more time. Unless you enjoy a larger screen, and if so, why not just get an external monitor and save a lot of money?

99% of the time i use my MBP in closed mode with a 1440p monitor.
So there is 2 main reasons i want to upgrade.
#1: i can still get decent money for the MBP
#2: More importantly, if i want to watch streams / youtube in 1440p while doing other stuff at the same time it's going slow, its chugging, very annoying. I basically find myself needing to close other programs if i want to watch anything 1440p being smooth.

 

[Mikael H]

The entry level 21" iMac is built for schools and the like, just to get a foot in the door; I'd say that no-one really buys that one if they have an alternative.
I'd say the 27" base model is a good machine at a good price, and if you don't intend to do stuff that's a lot more intensive than what you described, there's no point in overspending; especially since the one component that could possibly turn out to be a bottle neck for you in the next few years is user upgradable.

 

[alien3dx]

99% of the time i use my MBP in closed mode with a 1440p monitor.
So there is 2 main reasons i want to upgrade.
#1: i can still get decent money for the MBP
#2: More importantly, if i want to watch streams / youtube in 1440p while doing other stuff at the same time it's going slow, its chugging, very annoying. I basically find myself needing to close other programs if i want to watch anything 1440p being smooth.

How much your old ram ? if 4GB ram.. upgrade to 16 GB should be enough..

But it really depend on how much work load..

I'm using 2 monitor imac base line 8 GB RAM 1TB 256 external usb 3.1 gen 2 startup boot. By da way , i still got acer laptop for travel purpose..

Mine work flow more on programming..
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The entry level 21" iMac is built for schools and the like, just to get a foot in the door; I'd say that no-one really buys that one if they have an alternative.
I'd say the 27" base model is a good machine at a good price, and if you don't intend to do stuff that's a lot more intensive than what you described, there's no point in overspending; especially since the one component that could possibly turn out to be a bottle neck for you in the next few years is user upgradable.

21 inchi quite good for my work.. i open a lot of xcode, android studio...... browser same time.

 

[Mikael H]

21 inchi quite good for my work.. i open a lot of xcode, android studio...... browser same time.

Well, perhaps I should take that back. They sell the same kind of setup as the base level MacBook Pro 13", so it can't be utterly useless.
But in this case the OP is struggling with performance in their current MBP use case. Based on the earlier post, I suspect they are using a 2014 MBP 15" with integrated graphics. Moving up to a 27" iMac would likely give a serious performance boost (even though the GPU needs to drive a bunch more pixels on that beautiful screen).