Need help picking an iMac

[tl01]

I need to pick an iMac for someone at my office. Is it better to get a cheaper latest gen model or a discounted faster previous gen model? Would there be something about the previous gen that would make it obsolete sooner if it still had a faster processor than the current one? Also, if I will be getting a second monitor..would the 21 inch then be acceptable for typical office manager work etc?

 

[kohlson]

You've touched on several points. Regarding the processing capabilities, this will depend on the work this person will be doing. Regarding how long it should last, you may want to get input from your finance guy (how fast does this get amortized, or does that even apply?) Many people with a 27-in iMac find that more than adequate, discounting the need for a second monitor. If lots of screen space is needed, that might be the ticket. Also, is there room for 2 screens? But generally speaking, getting a 21-in model and connecting a 24- or 27-inch external monitor right next to it seems a little hard to understand, when a 27-in iMac is available. But there may be a need...

 

[tl01]

You've touched on several points. Regarding the processing capabilities, this will depend on the work this person will be doing. Regarding how long it should last, you may want to get input from your finance guy (how fast does this get amortized, or does that even apply?) Many people with a 27-in iMac find that more than adequate, discounting the need for a second monitor. If lots of screen space is needed, that might be the ticket. Also, is there room for 2 screens? But generally speaking, getting a 21-in model and connecting a 24- or 27-inch external monitor right next to it seems a little hard to understand, when a 27-in iMac is available. But there may be a need...

Good questions. I am not too worried about amortization right now. There is plenty of space on the desk. I am thinking 21 inch with a separate monitor bc on the external monitor I want to run our scheduling software. Basically the office person would have a constant window into whether or not the right people are clocking in and clocking out. It is going to be fairly static and just refreshing every so often. But I have seen it be very helpful so one isn't moving windows around and covering it when the info is on a separate monitor. Just wondering how the internals of the computer will fare. The work will all be cloud based and fairly simply like word, excel, scheduling etc.

 

[willmtaylor]

Good questions. I am not too worried about amortization right now. There is plenty of space on the desk. I am thinking 21 inch with a separate monitor bc on the external monitor I want to run our scheduling software. Basically the office person would have a constant window into whether or not the right people are clocking in and clocking out. It is going to be fairly static and just refreshing every so often. But I have seen it be very helpful so one isn't moving windows around and covering it when the info is on a separate monitor. Just wondering how the internals of the computer will fare. The work will all be cloud based and fairly simply like word, excel, scheduling etc.

Just remember, additional RAM cannot be added after the fact in the 21”, but is replaceable/upgradable in the 27”.

 

[iGeek2014]

Just remember, additional RAM cannot be added after the fact in the 21”, but is replaceable/upgradable in the 27”.

The 2017 21.5" iMac RAM is upgradable-but only by Apple or an Apple Authorised Retailer at a later date.

 

[czacha]

You can replace RAM in 21'' 4K 2017 model but you will loose warranty 'cause you need to tear down iMac.

 

[willmtaylor]

The 2017 21.5" iMac RAM is upgradable-but only by Apple or an Apple Authorised Retailer at a later date.

You can replace RAM in 21'' 4K 2017 model but you will loose warranty 'cause you need to tear down iMac.

I assumed everyone knew I meant user upgradable.