More Ram vs. AppleCare for a Year

[anfield007]

Currently looking at iMacs in ebay. I have narrowed it down to 2 iMacs: one of which has 12GB of RAM (no apple warranty, only seller warranty for 30days). The other has 4GB of RAM and AppleCare until June of next year.

I won't do video/photo editing or gaming, so I guess the iMac with the AppleCare is the way to go? Would 12GB of RAM provide a huge improvement when performing not too demanding tasks?

 

[boomdog]

Are they otherwise identical iMacs?

 

[firedept]

I think your looking in the right direction. The biggest thing to remember is if the iMacs you are looking at are the late 2012 or current 21", the RAM is not upgradable at a later time. If they are the 27", the RAM is easily upgradable.

I personally would like the Applecare, especially if it is a used iMac. Then if an issue should come up, it can at least be taken to Apple for repairs under warranty.

12GB would show very little improvement with small task.

From what you say that you will be using it for, then 4GB RAM should be fine. I have a 2007 iMac with 4GB RAM and use it for web browsing, MS Office and little things and it still works well.

 

[themumu]

12GB of RAM is very impressive, but you need to be doing something very dramatic to notice the difference between 12 GB and for example, 8 GB. As for 4GB - that depends.

You say you won't do any video/photo editing or gaming, it's not just the specific tasks, but how many of them are you loading up at once. A friend of mine is a compulsive multi-tasker - he often has over 50 tabs open in several browser windows, spread across both Safari and Firefox. That, plus a few open apps (none are photo/video/gaming) and his 8GB of RAM does not seem too generous. It occasionally gets to the point where he has to stop and go cull those open webpages - and it's a painful process, because apparently all of them are required reading/viewing.

That's an extreme case of course, but the fact is, just because you don't do photo/video/gaming, does not mean you won't appreciate some extra RAM.

Personally, I think it might be a better idea to get the one with Apple Care and upgrade RAM in the future if the need arises.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

12GB of RAM is very impressive, but you need to be doing something very dramatic to notice the difference between 12 GB and for example, 8 GB. As for 4GB - that depends.

You say you won't do any video/photo editing or gaming, it's not just the specific tasks, but how many of them are you loading up at once. A friend of mine is a compulsive multi-tasker - he often has over 50 tabs open in several browser windows, spread across both Safari and Firefox. That, plus a few open apps (none are photo/video/gaming) and his 8GB of RAM does not seem too generous. It occasionally gets to the point where he has to stop and go cull those open webpages - and it's a painful process, because apparently all of them are required reading/viewing.

That's an extreme case of course, but the fact is, just because you don't do photo/video/gaming, does not mean you won't appreciate some extra RAM.

Personally, I think it might be a better idea to get the one with Apple Care and upgrade RAM in the future if the need arises.

This is good advice, and advice which I echo; get the one with Applecare (which will give you peace of mind) and you should be able to upgrade the RAM next year should the need arise.

 

[RCAFBrat]

I would choose the one with AppleCare.

The 2012 shipped with 8GB that is not (easily) upgradeable wheras the 2011, which has 4GB base is user upgradeable. Therefore, I am assuming you are looking at two 2011 models. If you need more RAM you can buy anytime; if you need more warranty you are out of luck with the 12GB iMac.

 

[oldareyour]

good, If you need more RAM you can buy anytime; if you need more warranty you are out of luck with the 12GB iMac.

 

[anfield007]

Thanks guys. Yeah it's a 2011 iMac. Looked to be in excellent condition (9/10 as seller indicated). It comes with the wireless keyboard, magic mouse, original manuals and box, and I am not sure if it comes with the OS disc.

I do like to have multiple chrome tabs and windows open, along with some word and powerpoint documents. I think 4GB will be enough, if not then I will later think about upgrading the RAM.

 

[velocityg4]

If it's already been running for two years odds are very low that it will need repairs by next June. I'd go with more RAM.

 

[anfield007]

damn, I already bought the one with Applecare

The more RAM was really intriguing, but I haven't purchased anything that costs as much as this iMac over ebay so I thought I would play it safe.

 

[Black.Infinity]

damn, I already bought the one with Applecare

Good decision my friend

 

[phoenixsan]

I would go with......

the Mac with AppleCare, mostly based in the machine being an used machine. You can go a functioning lemon there.....( I mean, can work for a month or so and later "some issue" can develop...............)

 

[Consultant]

damn, I already bought the one with Applecare

The more RAM was really intriguing, but I haven't purchased anything that costs as much as this iMac over ebay so I thought I would play it safe.

You can always upgrade to more ram easily on the iMac if you find you need more in the future.