Is it worth to buy 2020 iMac 27 base model for $600

[chongsen]

Hi Everyone

My friend plans to list his 2020 iMac 27 base model for $600. It is light use and in mint condition.

Should I get it from him ? Is it worth to buy intel iMac nowadays ? Will 256GB be enough for OS alone in upcoming years ?

M1 24 inch iMac is only around $800 in second hand market though.

 

[wilberforce]

Only get it because you actually want a 27" iMac, not because it is a "good deal." I've wasted a lot of money on "good deals."
The 27" screen is excellent, IMO, if this is what you want.
256GB should be enough for OS and apps and system data, but not much more.
I suggest think of it lasting about 3 years (not physically lasting, but being reasonably well supported).
Easy and cheap to put in 32GB RAM (for example).
If you don't need or want the 27" screen, you would be better off with the 24" M1 iMac (23.5" screen), which will be somewhat faster than the base 27" iMac and likely supported for longer. In that case, however, I would suggest get a 24" with 16GB RAM, unless your usage is light.

For reference, I have both a mid-spec 2020 27" iMac and and an M1 Pro machine (MBP). They are roughly similar speed

 

[JustAnExpat]

>Will 256GB be enough for OS alone in upcoming years ?

I would expect one more OS Update for the 2020 iMac, and then it'll be security updates.

Advantages of the 27" Base model:
1. Easy to upgrade RAM
2. Bigger display

Advantages of a 24" base M1 Mac:
1. Faster, about 20%
2. Runs much cooler, so uses less electricity
3. Will be supported much longer.

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

Hi Everyone

My friend plans to list his 2020 iMac 27 base model for $600. It is light use and in mint condition.

Should I get it from him ? Is it worth to buy intel iMac nowadays ? Will 256GB be enough for OS alone in upcoming years ?

M1 24 inch iMac is only around $800 in second hand market though.

Buy his and re-list it for 800$, if you don't want to use it.
Easy making 200$.
Here in VN, the cheapest listing of iMac 2020 is 1000$.

 

[Fishrrman]

You'd be better off either...
- waiting until new m3 iMacs are announced, perhaps before end of this year
or
- buying a Mac Mini (either m2 or m2pro) and a good 27" 4k display.

 

[chongsen]

Thanks everyone. I got it from my friend. Most likely I will boot camp Windows 11 on it and my wife will use it as WFH station. The same specs PC costs around 400 + tax. It is nice to have the screen, speaker and camera for $200.

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

Thanks everyone. I got it from my friend. Most likely I will boot camp Windows 11 on it and my wife will use it as WFH station. The same specs PC costs around 400 + tax. It is nice to have the screen, speaker and camera for $200.

How much does it cost you to buy a 27" 5k screen? Even a secondhand one?
A 27" 4k monitor (new LG brand) where I live cost 600$ at least.
Thinking about buying a monitor and got its accessory (the computer part) for free....
I would travel 200km to pick-up if I can get that 600$ price tag.