Opinions please!

[Macaroooon]

My mother is looking to replace her 2008 iMac with a newer second hand one.

She uses it for general browsing, iPhoto and streaming things. Nothing particularly draining but she'd like a Mac that would ideally last her another 5+ years.

We are wandering which iMac's from 2011 onwards are the best to look at? Or, are there any particular models to avoid?

All opinions appreciated!

 

[anonymous161]

I have a 2012 21", 2.7ghz with 8GB, which I've had for 4 years and love. If you don't need an internal Superdrive, I would recommend it because the screen is quite a bit nicer than the previous model. Prices seem pretty good and you might be able to score one with a Fusion drive.

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

Agree with above but do not get the slow old standard internal hard drive as Apple hobbled this 21.5" model by installing a laptop 2.5" 5400rpm drive. You will find models with SSDs installed, or maybe even flash storage. If you are in the U.S. keep in mind OWC Mac specialists who sell pre-checked iMacs wih free mainland shipping.

 

[Macaroooon]

Thanks guys.

Just to be clear, does the 2012 one not have a optical drive? What is a super drive?

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

A superdrive is the optical drive by a flasher name and Apple decided 2012 was the end of the optical drive error. You can always hook up an cheap exterior. I use a Samsung that cost less than $30, but have not had it out of the box for a couple of years as everything now is USB thumb drive optioned it seems.

The day of th DVD has long gone.

 

[Macaroooon]

Ah okay awesome, thank you

 

[jerwin]

USB 3.0 was introduced with the Late 2012 iMacs... Useful for back ing up, if nothing else-- and a lot cheaper than thunderbolt.

Is she interested in Retina? 21 inch or 27 inch?

Retina's great for web browsing.

 

[redheeler]

The prior-generation late 2014 27" Retina, either with an internal SSD or one attached externally, should last 5+ years. The reason I recommend this over the late 2013 is because the screen quality is quite an upgrade, and it's a good idea to get at a time when everything is slowly shifting to Retina/4K/5K (more future-proof). I also find the crisper text / graphics to be a bit easier on the eyes, and much better for working in iPhoto/Photos.

 

[Macaroooon]

Retina an 27" would be great but it really depends on price. Anything from 2007/8 is an uprgrade!

Thank you all so far.

Feel free to link me to anything you might be selling as well, we want to find a good deal but also a reputable seller.

My mum isn't fussed on having the newest technology and because our 2007/8 iMac has lasted so long we are happy to buy second hand provided we go through eBay or PayPal sellers as it protects buyer and seller!

 

[jerwin]

Is there a particular reason why you need to replace your 2008 iMac? A newer iMac is likely to be an across the board (and long overdue) upgrade, but it might give us some idea on what your Mom expects.

And what are the specs on this old iMac?

 

[Macaroooon]

Yes of course,

This old iMac is running El Capitan, it is an early 2008 2.7GHZ with 3GB of ram.

She's looking for something faster mainly, for watching youtube/ player and general browsing. Also to store her photographs on.

 

[jerwin]

4k imac, then? Perhaps with a USB DVD drive?

It's not underpowered for web browsing. Photos look great on it. The screen size isn't diminished from what she has now.

If she is isn't attached to the larger screen, there are also macbooks.

 

[Macaroooon]

She definitely wants an iMac rather than a laptop. 4K iMac could be great, which models from which years should I look at?

 

[jerwin]

4k imac is a current model (it's the top configuration). Not inexpensive.

3.1GHz Processor
1TB Storage

• 3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor
• Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz
• 8GB of onboard memory, configurable up to 16GB
• 1TB hard drive1
• Intel Iris Pro Graphics 6200
• Retina 4K 4096-by-2304 P3 display

• 
  Order today, delivers:
  • Tue Mar 14 – Fastest
  • Wed Mar 15 – Free
• Pickup:

$1,499.00

by default it comes with a conventional hard drive.



On the lower end of the spectrum, among 21.5 inch imacs, the 1.6 GHz machines are "half the speed for 90 percent of the price"

 

[TC_GoldRush]

My mother is looking to replace her 2008 iMac with a newer second hand one.

She uses it for general browsing, iPhoto and streaming things. Nothing particularly draining but she'd like a Mac that would ideally last her another 5+ years.

We are wandering which iMac's from 2011 onwards are the best to look at? Or, are there any particular models to avoid?

All opinions appreciated!

I could imagine support for the 2011 iMac won't last much longer...

 

[DeltaMac]

That's actually not hard to imagine, as it is a reality. The 2001 iMacs are already on Apple's list of obsolete devices.

Oops! Hit a wrong key.
I did intend to type 2011 - so that part of the post should not say 2001, but 2011

The 2011 iMacs are already on Apple's list of obsolete devices.

So, as of the date of that article, the 2011 iMacs would be obsolete, not supported in most countries.

 

[jerwin]

That's actually not hard to imagine, as it is a reality. The 2001 iMacs are already on Apple's list of obsolete devices.

as for the much more recent imacs...
late 2009 is obsolete
mid 2010 is vintage
mid 2011 is still supported.

 

[burgman]

I could imagine support for the 2011 iMac won't last much longer...

That's actually not hard to imagine, as it is a reality. The 2001 iMacs are already on Apple's list of obsolete devices.

Since this thread is over a year old if they haven't bought one they never will.

 

[TC_GoldRush]

Since this thread is over a year old if they haven't bought one they never will.

LOL didn't look at the start date! Sorry! xD