Just upgraded to 32gb and I have to say these are brilliant computers the 2011 model. Throw in an SSD and it goes like a rocket. This model is the pinnacle of the iMac series, IMHO.
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Sandybridge 21.5" iMacs
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Didn't you hear some of the people on this forum said that users of 21" iMac don't really want upgradeable memory?
You, my friend, are not suppose to exist according to them.
You, my friend, are not suppose to exist according to them.
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Well, he's specifically talking about the 21" model.I much prefer the current model 27" 5K.
I don't see 21.5" mentioned anywhere in that quote. But it's silly of me to think that anyone would like a 21.5" more than a 27", no one like that exists...
Of cause someone could like the 21" more than the 27". It's not always about having the biggest screen.
Unfortunately, Apple has crippled the newer 21" iMac.
I mention 21.5" in the title. 27" is too big if you're just web browsing. Better to have an external display that's larger for that.
Regardless, this iMac is ace in my book and I reckon it'll do me another 10 years.
True, but the 2011 is also crippled compared to the latest 21.5" 4K. Unfortunately there is no such thing as a perfect iMac for everyone, each has pros and cons.
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Another 10 years may be a bit extreme, but it's always good to see someone getting longevity out of their Mac regardless of the model.
No 4K display, weaker CPU, weaker GPU, no PCIe SSD, no Thunderbolt 2. It's 5 years later now, of course a 2011 iMac is going to be crippled compared to the latest one. The RAM upgradability, easier servicing, and optical drive are the only advantages it has, one of those is easily fixed with an external.
Of cause it's going to have a better display, better CPU, better GPU, etc. because it's newer,
That has nothing to do with the regression that has happened since then like soldered RAM, poor serviceability, etc.
None of these really matter to most users. 4k on a 21.5" is pretty meh IMO. You get the biggest most dramatic speed increase going from spinner to SSD, so no faster SSD is gonna be that much of a gain for typical users. The rest of the stuff is irrelevant. Who cares? A 2011 iMac machine is as functional nowadays as a 2016 version. Sure, you'll have one or two apps where you can notice it but those are special cases.
Compromises in Apple products has become an all-too-common occurrence in recent years sadly. That being said, at this point the pros of the current model quite clearly outweigh those of the 2011, unless there is some critical task which requires 32 GB RAM and then you're better off going with a 27" or Mac Pro.
I'm confused, you said the 2011 model is "the pinnacle of the iMac series" and now you're saying it's no different from the current ones except in special usage cases when it's worse? Typical users don't care about upgradable RAM or easy servicing either, by this logic both the 2011's advantages are also irrelevant.
Also, while there is truth to what you said, I will disagree when it comes to the 4K display. It makes a noticeable difference even in basic web browsing or word processing tasks. Not just the higher pixel density, but better colors and contrast ratio.
I'd love a current model 27" 5k iMac, but that's not going to happen. The 21.5" 2011 model I picked up off a mate recently should do well for a few years yet, hopefully.
I put 16Gb RAM in it, a Samsung 850 EVO SSD and also did the Bluetooth/wireless upgrade to give it BT 4.0 and wireless AC. So far it's running great, and as long as nothing packs it in that's not worth spending money on to replace, then it should be good for another 5 years at least.
I also picked up a Kanex thunderbolt adapter to give me a USB 3.0 port. It has an eSATA port as well so I'm looking for a case for the old HD so I can use it for backups. Currently using a WD MyBook which is only USB 2.0, so a little slow. I've also got a USB 3.0 external BD drive if I ever need it.
Maybe not the pinnacle in my view, but one of the last of the good iMacs where doing your own tinkering isn't too hard to do, and you aren't limited on what you can do (RAM).
I put 16Gb RAM in it, a Samsung 850 EVO SSD and also did the Bluetooth/wireless upgrade to give it BT 4.0 and wireless AC. So far it's running great, and as long as nothing packs it in that's not worth spending money on to replace, then it should be good for another 5 years at least.
I also picked up a Kanex thunderbolt adapter to give me a USB 3.0 port. It has an eSATA port as well so I'm looking for a case for the old HD so I can use it for backups. Currently using a WD MyBook which is only USB 2.0, so a little slow. I've also got a USB 3.0 external BD drive if I ever need it.
Maybe not the pinnacle in my view, but one of the last of the good iMacs where doing your own tinkering isn't too hard to do, and you aren't limited on what you can do (RAM).
I got the iMac 5K (Late 2014 model) because why not? If I want to tinker with computer hardware I have PCs for that.
This 5K, even a year later, is pleasantly surprising me with what it can do. It out-shines my high-end PC for certain tasks even now. I'll only replace it when it fails catastrophically.
This 5K, even a year later, is pleasantly surprising me with what it can do. It out-shines my high-end PC for certain tasks even now. I'll only replace it when it fails catastrophically.
I got the iMac 5K (Late 2014 model) because why not? If I want to tinker with computer hardware I have PCs for that.
This 5K, even a year later, is pleasantly surprising me with what it can do. It out-shines my high-end PC for certain tasks even now. I'll only replace it when it fails catastrophically.
If you think than an iMac is not a PC, you've been stuck in the reality distortion field for too long.
The Late 2014 27" iMac 5K is definitely upgradable, but not as much as the Mid 2011 27".
On the Late 2014 27" the hard drive can be replaced with a SSD (in addition to one blade SSD)
On the Mid 2011 27", the dual hard drive can be installed, allowing two SSDs. The optical drive can be remove making room for a 3rd SSD.
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That said, specifically talking about 21.5" iMac, Apple has definitely crippled it with soldered-RAM in the Mid 2014 and above.
I didn't say "don't" or "can't" - they're just not suited to "tinkering".
I agree that making it so parts can't be changed is not in the best interests of the consumer. I look at it from a reliability stand-point - if you can't swap components when they failed, and are instead forced to replace pretty much the whole thing, then that is not exactly the best use of resources.
Considering how much people claim to care about the environment, it never ceases to amaze me how regressive repairability of modern <anything> is, and getting worse over time.
A new controller board for my washing machine costs $300 - I can buy a whole new machine with warranty for that! Madness.