Thinking of buying an iMac. But with what specs?

[trevor4ever]

Hi all, new member here though I’ve been lurking around for years . Sorry if I get a little long winded...

I’m thinking of buying a new Mac. For daily use I just surf the internet, QuickBooks, and just general stuff with iPhoto’s etc. so basically anything would work.

BUT I’ve recently purchased a a 4K tv. So I’ve been filming a lot of stuff with my kids in 4K (gopro) and am really enjoying it. So I may be doing more and more 4K editing. I’m also thinking of getting the new gopro fusion which is 360 video and VR I believe.

Also, I tried out my brother in laws samsung phone VR glasses and really enjoyed it. So I got to thinking how awesome VR would be with an actual nice VR headset.

I’d like portability, but in actuality most everything I need to do on the go can be done on my iPad.

The other thing is I have about $450 Best Buy certificates saved up. Only problem is I think you can only get standard options at Best Buy so no custom specs. Depending on any suggestions, would I be better off ordering something custom from Apple and using the Best Buy credits on accessories?

Thank you so much for any suggestions!! Happy to finally be a member here!

Summary:
Current uses: simple everyday computing.
Likely future uses: 4K video editing, VR gaming and video editing. Large photo library but with light editing.

What Mac and specs would suit me?

Mods: if needed please move to appropriate forum I’m still figuring out the forums here

 

[redfirebird08]

Custom with internal SSD. Best Buy doesn’t offer this. Use the Best Buy certificates on other stuff.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Hi all, new member here though I’ve been lurking around for years . Sorry if I get a little long winded...

I’m thinking of buying a new Mac. For daily use I just surf the internet, QuickBooks, and just general stuff with iPhoto’s etc. so basically anything would work.

BUT I’ve recently purchased a a 4K tv. So I’ve been filming a lot of stuff with my kids in 4K (gopro) and am really enjoying it. So I may be doing more and more 4K editing. I’m also thinking of getting the new gopro fusion which is 360 video and VR I believe.

Also, I tried out my brother in laws samsung phone VR glasses and really enjoyed it. So I got to thinking how awesome VR would be with an actual nice VR headset.

I’d like portability, but in actuality most everything I need to do on the go can be done on my iPad.

The other thing is I have about $450 Best Buy certificates saved up. Only problem is I think you can only get standard options at Best Buy so no custom specs. Depending on any suggestions, would I be better off ordering something custom from Apple and using the Best Buy credits on accessories?

Thank you so much for any suggestions!! Happy to finally be a member here!

Summary:
Current uses: simple everyday computing.
Likely future uses: 4K video editing, VR gaming and video editing. Large photo library but with light editing.

What Mac and specs would suit me?

Mods: if needed please move to appropriate forum I’m still figuring out the forums here

If you want to run VR you'll need the 580 graphics card its that simple really, and pure ssd over fusion will be a big help for 4k video editing and VR as well.

 

[Fishrrman]

As others have mentioned, you want an internal SSD -- which can only be bought new from Apple's "build-to-order" or from a few other select resellers that offer build-to-order as well (such as portableone.com where I've bought from).

For 4k, you'll almost certainly want the i7 CPU.

Storage?
For me, the 1tb SSD is just too much money (not that I can't afford it, I just don't see it as a "wise use" of that $$$).
The 512gb SSD is much more reasonable, and should do "well enough" for your editing projects...

 

[trevor4ever]

Thank you guys!

 

[Smellmet]

For me the mid tier 4.2GHz i7 with 4GB video card, 512GB SSD and another 16GB+ RAM ordered from crucial represents the best value for money fast iMac spec in my view. Unless you're doing some pretty heavy stuff the hundreds of pounds needed for the top tier model plus 1TB SSD just isn't worth it.