For your needs, the difference would not be noticed by you. It would be a waste of your money to go top end. The fusion drive would be the only upgrade for you to add to base model.
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1) go for the best CPU you can get
2) consider adding third party RAM
3) consider external drives as well (USB3 or Thunderbolt)
The "FUSION" set up has speed under many circumstances but also increases chance of drive failure over a typical electro-mechanical drive or a high quality SSD. If you look around at what fails most on the newer Macs, it is the fusion drive set up.
Correct. Base model 27" with fusion drive. Upgrade RAM later. Cheaper to buy aftermarket RAM.
That is not possible. Upgraded model will be faster than base, but you might not notice it if all you are doing is basic use.
Just go base with fusion drive.
Ok I heard that base model 27 with fushion drive is better for the money and out performs by alittle then the upgraded model with fushion drive.
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Yeah I am. Not much difference in the base mode i5l and upgraded i5 plus save 200 bucks and also use my student discount that will help also.
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Yeah I am. Not much difference in the base mode i5l and upgraded i5 plus save 200 bucks and also use my student discount that will help also.
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No. Upgraded model has a better CPU and GPU. So it is actually more powerful and "faster". But depending on how you use it, you might not notice it.
Go base with fusion drive.
Fusion is faster because it includes the SSD (128 GB). It is worth it if you like apps loading super fast and it starting in 12 seconds. You can always install an aftermarket SSD drive though, to make it even faster than the fuSion drive (512 GB goes for around 350-400 USD).
Funny how everyone on this forum always advocates - spend more, buy new - as if money is no concern. Guess it is - when its someone else's - I suppose.
The 2009 27 imac 3.06 core 2, if without defect, is a fabulous price at 900 (let alone an i5). I'd buy that all day long. They retain their price because - with the target display feature you get a Cinema Display and a computer. That's why they retain their value. In fact, I have looked and I have had no luck to get the 3.06 for any less than 1000 bucks - and when I do - I usually buy them. It's a pretty good machine and works great on mountain lion and all.
The 2009 27 imac 3.06 core 2, if without defect, is a fabulous price at 900 (let alone an i5). I'd buy that all day long. They retain their price because - with the target display feature you get a Cinema Display and a computer. That's why they retain their value. In fact, I have looked and I have had no luck to get the 3.06 for any less than 1000 bucks - and when I do - I usually buy them. It's a pretty good machine and works great on mountain lion and all.
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I have one and wouldn't recommend it they are too HOT, sure it works great, I have to use smc fan control which helps, you can have mine for $999 plus shipping.
Idk figured I post it and see what everyone thought I just found a 2010 imac OS X 27" 2010 2.8 GHz Intel Core i5 4 GB Memory 1 TB Hard driveRunning current Mac OS X Lion 10.7.5SuperDrive asking 1000 has box and everything idk if has applecare tho
I am pretty sure they are built to order. Apple's website states they are shipping within 24 hours. So the wait would only be a couple of days.