iMac buying advice

[DD88988]

To get this out of the way, I am an avowed hater of all things Mac, but this advice is not for me. My wife is starting a business and she is most comfortable with the Mac environment, so it makes the most sense for her to remain in the environment she is comfortable. She is currently working off of a Macbook Pro from 2010 that is beyond dead, so you can see that she (1) needs an upgrade, and (2) is someone that will ride technology until the wheels fall off.

The business she is starting is a floral and event design business, meaning that there will be a good number of photos, some photo editing, quote building for clients (generally from software), word processing, social media work and other advertising. For this job, I think she is going to need a desktop (for the heavy lifting) and a tablet (for client meetings/ showing portfolio). We were originally thinking about the iMac 21.5, but we were going to wait to see if Mac released a new iMac in 2018 to determine whether to get it or the discounted 2017 model. To let her get started, we invested more in an iPad Pro 10.5 to act as a basic level computer until we could buy the iMac (fyi, my fault on that plan because I am a Surface Pro user). Unfortunately, we are potentially moving up the launch date, and she has quickly hit the limitations of the tablet.

We are going to exchange the iPad Pro for the cheaper iPad 9.7 and go ahead and buy the iMac to keep moving. The IT person at my work recommended going with the iMac 27 over the 21.5 because at least I can add RAM and it is more future proof (slightly better processing speed/ better screen/ etc.). We are unfortunately limited in our budget for a computer by moving to the iMac 27, so we are looking at the 3.4 GHz i5, 8GB Ram, with 256 GB SSD. My questions are

1. Does it make sense to still wait for the potential iMac refresh or, alternatively, should we attempt to game the return system to keep the option of getting the new iMac if one comes out? I am a Best Buy Elite Plus Member, so I get a 45 day return period. If I buy something now and Apple comes out with a better version in September or early October, I would still have the ability to exchange a Best Buy iMac. Unfortunately, there is just not much information about what the new iMac might be and if it would justify the wait/ decision to buy from Best Buy.
2. If the answer to #1 is "Yes," I think I am limited to getting the 1 TB Fusion drive from Best Buy, since it does not appear to offer the 256 GB SSD for the 27 inch iMac. Does anyone know how to get the SSD from Best Buy? If it is not possible, does the fusion drive make sense? I think it is going to end up being a no go based on what I have read about the fusion technology, since I won't be able to replace it in the future (remember, my wife will plan on using this forever). If I can't get the SSD from Best Buy, this plan would seem to be setting up a guaranteed return regardless of whether we like the new system.
3. If the answer to #1 is "No," does the 256 GB make sense for what I have described? We have 1 TB of cloud storage, where most everything will be stored, and I can always get an external SSD if we need additional space. I can get the 256 GB from B&H from $1,799 (plus no sales tax).

Thanks for the help!

EDIT: One additional question, if I need more space, what is the recommended setup for an external SSD? The $200 upcharge for the additional 256 GB might be worth it if the external setup costs too much.

 

[theluggage]

Does it make sense to still wait for the potential iMac refresh or, alternatively, should we attempt to game the return system to keep the option of getting the new iMac if one comes out?

Nobody knows (or if they do know, its more than their job is worth to tell). All you'll find here is rumours from analysts and journalists citing unnamed sources, which is great entertainment but no basis for major financial decisions.

It does sound like a distinct and plausible possibility that the iMacs will be updated in October, but that's about it. Nobody knows if the next update will just be minor spec updates or a complete overhaul of the range. Prices could go up or down. Features like upgradeable memory could disappear (which could indirectly drive the price up if it means you have to pay for 16GB jfor future-proofing). Sometimes, products launched in October don't actually start shipping in quantity until early the next year.

The most likely change, if there is one, is that some or all of the quad-core machines will get the new 6-core processors - people doing serious video editing or audio work will celebrate, but that might not be such a big deal for "some photo editing", and if any model doesn't get the 6-core treatment its likely to be the cheapest model.

Generally, waiting is sensible if you have no urgency, but not if it means serious inconvenience. I certainly wouldn't lumber myself with a machine that wasn't quite the model I wanted on the off-chance that something better would be available within 45 days.

Also, its not the 00s any more - the next model isn't going to be twice as powerful and half the price the way it was in the good old days, and it doesn't sound as if your wife is desperate to be at the bleeding edge of technology. The 2017 iMacs seem like solid machines.

This is a fairly minor example of life's uncertainties

If it is not possible, does the fusion drive make sense?

No. If you're considering a fusion drive at all the 2GB one is better as it has a far larger SSD component, but really, if possible, keep the spinning rust outside.

If the answer to #1 is "No," does the 256 GB make sense for what I have described?

Yes (of course,. 512GB would be better if you can stretch) - 256GB will go quite a long way for wordprocessing and spreadsheets. Also, unless you're working with huge documents (e.g. video), the big speed-up with a SSD in general use comes from having the OS, applications, temporary files, virtual memory etc. on the SSD, since huge numbers of such files are being continually accessed while you work. Loading/saving documents from external HD or the cloud isn't necessarily such a big deal.

 

[maflynn]

Does it make sense to still wait for the potential iMac refresh or, alternatively, should we attempt to game the return system to keep the option of getting the new iMac if one comes out? I am a Best Buy Elite Plus Member, so I get a 45 day return period. If I buy something now and Apple comes out with a better version in September or early October, I would still have the ability to exchange a Best Buy iMac. Unfortunately, there is just not much information about what the new iMac might be and if it would justify the wait/ decision to buy from Best Buy.

I wouldn't try to game the system, its silly to buy it just to return the machine. Wait if you can, if not the current 27" iMacs are fantastic machines.

If the answer to #1 is "Yes," I think I am limited to getting the 1 TB Fusion drive from Best Buy,

I would avoid the 1TB fusion drives like the plague. They have a very small ssd and the performance is horrid. I'd definitely stick with a 256GB SSD.

 

[DD88988]

Thanks for the replies. The freaking uncertainty is one of the reasons I have generally hated Apple.

I'm 75% on board with buying now. What are the chances that the redesign, if it comes out, is going to be something that I am kicking myself about failing to get (i.e., a revolutionary design v. an evolutionary design)?

 

[maflynn]

What are the chances that the redesign,

I think the odds are rather low, if they didn't really redesign the case of their iMac Pro, I don't think the 2018 model will see any changes.

 

[Richdmoore]

I just wanted to add you may be able to save a small amount of money with buying from the Apple refurbished store. They are like new, with a full warranty. AppleCare can be added to official Apple refurbished store models.

You can get an external ssd drive or hdd for more storage, but be aware that the internal ssd is much, much faster than the normal Sata based ssd drive. I opted for the 512 internal drive due to this, but to be fair it may or may not be relevant to your use.

Always buy AppleCare. Always buy AppleCare. Finally, always buy AppleCare. The AppleCare purchase rules changed (for US) and you only have a limited time to purchase it (45 or 60 days I think) and any repairs are crazy expensive if needed without it. It bumps the warranty to three years, and includes accident coverage (in US).

You can add your own ram afterward if needed. The iMac has 4 ram slots, and ships with 2 empty normally. You can mix in a 32 gb set with the default ram without problems.

 

[SigEp265]

Just my 2 cents ... is the iMac crucial ? I personally like my old mac mini with a nice monitor ... i got it used on eBay and it's amazing.

 

[theluggage]

What are the chances that the redesign, if it comes out, is going to be something that I am kicking myself about failing to get (i.e., a revolutionary design v. an evolutionary design)?

Roughly equal to that chances that the new design will include "'worse' is the new 'better'" developments like removal of upgradeable RAM, removal of USB-A/Ethernet/SD ports, or higher prices. (replacing the higher-end models with new, more expensive machines and leaving the old entry-level model unchanged as the economy option would be fairly typical Apple behaviour these days).

As I said, the most likely, significant, improvement is that some or all of the models will get hex core processors and/or i9 options, which might not be that big deal for people not doing video/audio production or development who only want the bigger screen.

I'd second the suggestion to look at the Apple refurb store - they have a reputation for being good-as-new and, if shiny new models do appear later this year, then you'll have the consolation of not having paid full whack for the "old" model.

 

[DD88988]

Just my 2 cents ... is the iMac crucial ? I personally like my old mac mini with a nice monitor ... i got it used on eBay and it's amazing.

I looked at the Mac Mini. I think it is under powered and not as likely to have staying power at the base model while a better spec'd model, including monitor and everything, is getting close to the price of a iMac. I'd rather spend more to buy for the next 5 years (probably more with how my wife operates) v. spend less and need to upgrade at a later date. I know there are rumors of a Mac Mini update too, but that has me facing the same issues as the iMac update.

I'd second the suggestion to look at the Apple refurb store - they have a reputation for being good-as-new and, if shiny new models do appear later this year, then you'll have the consolation of not having paid full whack for the "old" model.

I did look and was hoping to get refurbished, but they don't have any reasonably priced SSDs. They do have one that is a 2 TB fusion, but I want to stay away from the fusion drive.

If I can stretch to get the 512 GB HD, would that be worth the extra $200? It seems like it is a bit of overkill considering how cheap external SSDs are, but I am curious.
[doublepost=1535123517][/doublepost]

Always buy AppleCare. Always buy AppleCare. Finally, always buy AppleCare. The AppleCare purchase rules changed (for US) and you only have a limited time to purchase it (45 or 60 days I think) and any repairs are crazy expensive if needed without it. It bumps the warranty to three years, and includes accident coverage (in US).

I've never really been a "warranty" type of guy. Is this really worth it, especially since I get additional warranty from my credit card?

 

[DD88988]

Ok, so I have found a couple of refurbished deals. For the same price, I can either get (1) 3.5 GHz, Radeon 575, 8 GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD or (2) 3.4 GHz, Radeon 570, 16 GB RAM, 256 SSD. Both of these are about $20 cheaper than the base model, so I think I am pulling the trigger on one of them. I know I will eventually upgrade the RAM, but it seems like the upgraded GPU is a better deal. Any other thoughts?

Also, still curious about whether AppleCare is worth it or not.

Thanks!

 

[SigEp265]

I would go for upgraded GPU and upgrade the RAM yourself at a later date.

 

[DD88988]

I would go for upgraded GPU and upgrade the RAM yourself at a later date.

And this is what I have done. Probably going to get the Applecare as well.

Thanks for the advice all!

 

[bent00]

Also, still curious about whether AppleCare is worth it or not.

you have 90 days to purchase applecare. I'd stick $20 in a jar every week for 10 weeks, then buy yourself some applecare for $169 & a nice bottle of red with the rest.

 

[R1PPER]

look the only good setup is a 500gb SSD. I wouldn't compromise on that. Seriously from someone that uses iMacs day in day out. Without an internal SSD of 512 or more I wouldn't get it. Doesn't matter what anyone else says your crippling your iMac if you don't do this.

you can get away with a 256 SSD but your always worried about running out of space and it nags at you.

 

[kschendel]

look the only good setup is a 500gb SSD. I wouldn't compromise on that. Seriously from someone that uses iMacs day in day out. Without an internal SSD of 512 or more I wouldn't get it. Doesn't matter what anyone else says your crippling your iMac if you don't do this.

I think that is overstating the case. If you read the original post, a lot of stuff will go into cloud storage, and with USB3 you can always hook up a decent outboard SSD or even hard drive if you like. If I were buying I'd definitely prefer the larger internal drive, but it's not a showstopper.

 

[R1PPER]

I think that is overstating the case. If you read the original post, a lot of stuff will go into cloud storage, and with USB3 you can always hook up a decent outboard SSD or even hard drive if you like. If I were buying I'd definitely prefer the larger internal drive, but it's not a showstopper.

Im saying what I would do and what I would recommend. And then use an external for all other media (iTunes. iPhoto ect.). I will never have a mechanical drive running my Mac ever again. Lag, spinning rainbows, intermittent freezing. NEVER AGAIN for me. feel free to spec your own Imac anyway you want but it isn't the pro choice.