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Which iMac? 21.5" 2017 vs. 27" 2015

C

courboy

macrumors regular
Original poster
Mar 27, 2009
141
38
Hi

So i've decided to change my SP4 and go back to apple again through an ipad 10.5" and an imac. I'm undecided however, on which iMac to go for between the 21.5" retina based (with the fusion drive), or the 2015 27" refurbished 3.2ghz.

With the exception of photo editing as a hobby, I don't use any high requiring programmes, so do you think it's worth getting the older larger screen, or the new model with better i/o and screen improvements?

Space isn't an issue, both will fit.

thanks
 
courboy said:
Hi

So i've decided to change my SP4 and go back to apple again through an ipad 10.5" and an imac. I'm undecided however, on which iMac to go for between the 21.5" retina based (with the fusion drive), or the 2015 27" refurbished 3.2ghz.

With the exception of photo editing as a hobby, I don't use any high requiring programmes, so do you think it's worth getting the older larger screen, or the new model with better i/o and screen improvements?

Space isn't an issue, both will fit.

thanks
Click to expand...

I decided to go for the 21.5" 4K model with SSD. I thought about what I'd use the larger screen space for and decided I wouldn't make use of it. I use virtual windows and have my email client in one window, browser in another and so on. I don't need multiple windows on one desktop. The 27" display wouldn't offer me any advantages for the way I work.
 
OP, as someone who owns a 2013 27" built in 2015 and am already looking at a replacement in the near future, depending on the HD inside that refurbished and the price, I would consider buying the 2017 21.5" if it's the high end model ($1499).

I am also circling the 10.5" iPP and a new iMac. Screen resolution will determine which size I go with this time, though SSD and maximum are a must if I go with the 2017 21.5".

Good luck.
 
My vote would be for the 2015 27" model. The retina screen is plenty bright and you can always add a Thunderbolt 2 SSD if you end up needing faster drive.
 
courboy said:
Hi

So i've decided to change my SP4 and go back to apple again through an ipad 10.5" and an imac. I'm undecided however, on which iMac to go for between the 21.5" retina based (with the fusion drive), or the 2015 27" refurbished 3.2ghz.

With the exception of photo editing as a hobby, I don't use any high requiring programmes, so do you think it's worth getting the older larger screen, or the new model with better i/o and screen improvements?

Space isn't an issue, both will fit.

thanks
Click to expand...



You need to post the full specs of both computers. What graphics cards, RAM...etc?
 
These are the specs

retina 21.5 2017 imac

  • 3.0GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor
  • Turbo Boost up to 3.5GHz
  • 8GB 2400MHz memory, configurable to 16GB
  • 1TB fusion drive
  • Radeon Pro 555 with 2GB video memory
  • Two Thunderbolt 3 ports
  • Retina 4K 4096x2304 P3 display
retina 27 2015 imac:

3.2GHz quad‑core Intel Core i5 (Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz)
8GB (two 4GB) of 1867MHz DDR3 memory; four SO-DIMM slots, user accessible
1TB Fusion Drive
AMD Radeon R9 M380 graphics processor with 2GB of GDDR5 memory
 
I would do the 27 incher, hands down. Easier to upgrade RAM, overall better machine. Eventually you’ll want to upgrade to an NVME ssd, all possible with the 27 inch.
 
Yes, a 27 inch 2017 or 2019 is an even better choice, if in your budget. Thunderbolt 3 ports so you stay compatible with modern peripherals.
 
Fishrrman said:
Neither of the above.

Get a 27", 2017 or 2019.
Click to expand...
Well, where I live, a used 27 2015 is around $1500, and a used 21.5 2017 is around $1350. Is really not a option buying a big "newer" (2017 or later) one, cause is just $2200 at minimum.
 
I've got a 2015 w/ 1tb SSD , after 2 failed fusion drives on mac mini's i'd never use anything but ssd's in the future

Go SSD , avoid FD
 
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