Want to buy new mac

[Mncknuts]

I have 5 Apple devices, 3 kids under 12 (1 gamer) and a photo crazy wife. I am looking for suggestions on a iMac for the family. Never had a Mac before.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Any of them, buy whatever you like. You have given us no indication of what you will be using it for so any specific advice is out, but any of them will be fine for all general computing (except the entry level cheap 21.5 inch one it is not worth the money).

My only 2 comments are buy refurbished if it's available where you are, great savings for the same computer, and try to get one with a fusion drive as this will give you a lovely speedy feeling PC.

 

[cincygolfgrrl]

It sounds like the 5K Retina iMac isn't necessarily what you need. If that's the case you can probably find a refurbished slightly older non-5K 27" iMac with better specs (i7 processor, upgraded graphics) for about the same money as a lesser equipped 5K.

For all its good looks, a 5K is just a monitor. It's what's inside that really defines your computing experience.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

It sounds like the 5K Retina iMac isn't necessarily what you need. If that's the case you can probably find a refurbished slightly older non-5K 27" iMac with better specs (i7 processor, upgraded graphics) for about the same money as a lesser equipped 5K.

For all its good looks, a 5K is just a monitor. It's what's inside that really defines your computing experience.

I have to disagree with this, all of your interaction is through a computer screen and the better it is the better the experience, my 13 inch rMBP is great but my favourite thing is how good text looks on a retina screen it's like reading top quality print. Most people don't need massive CPU power, huge amounts of RAM, or top level graphics but they all benefit from a great screen. They also seem to be much easier on the eyes when using a screen for any length of time.

 

[cincygolfgrrl]

I have to disagree with this, all of your interaction is through a computer screen and the better it is the better the experience…

Yep, right up until the point where the computer stops functioning. But hey, it's a really nice looking crash.

 

[Liffey]

I have to disagree with this, all of your interaction is through a computer screen and the better it is the better the experience, my 13 inch rMBP is great but my favourite thing is how good text looks on a retina screen it's like reading top quality print. Most people don't need massive CPU power, huge amounts of RAM, or top level graphics but they all benefit from a great screen. They also seem to be much easier on the eyes when using a screen for any length of time.

5k is definitely nicer but it's also definitely not needed. I still have a 2009 iMac and the screen looks great. Not everyone needs the absolute top of the line machine.

 

[Razzerman]

Hello OP, if you're absolutely set on an imac and are considering getting a used one, definitely avoid the 2011 27" imacs.

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT203787

It also depends what kind of gaming your kid is used to as to whether an imac will be up to his expectations. My advice would be to do some more research and check out the buyers guide.

Cheers,

Razzerman

 

[maflynn]

Hello OP, if you're absolutely set on an imac and are considering getting a used one, definitely avoid the 2011 27" imacs.

Given that the OP started this thread last year, the odds are high he's already made his decision and purchased an iMac.

He never wrote that he wanted a used one, so while the advice on the 2011 model is fine, it might be misplaced as the his post implies picking a model of the then 2015 iMac line up