My old 27" Quad-Core i7 iMac from 2009 is slowing down big time. I am beginning the process to look for a new computer. I currently leave my computer on all of the time to act as a media server for my Apple TVs. In addition to being a media server I like to play some various computer games through Steam like X-Com and the Civilization series. I also manage my photos through this computer as well. In addition to this computer I have an iPad Air 2, iPhone 5S, and my wife has a MacBook Air from 2012.
At this point I am considering many different options as I know each one has plusses and minuses.
iMac i7 27: Newest version of what I have. I love the screen of what I have and the design of the computer. Available as Refurbished. Hasn't been updated in over a year as I don't need the retina option.
Mac Mini: Less powerful that the iMac and onle 2 cores. Might not be much faster than my current computer. Would also need to purchase keyboard, mouse, and monitor. I like the Thunderbolt monitor, but it is really pricey and also hasn't been updated in a while. I haven't found any other monitor that has a nice look to it like the Thunderbolt one.
MacBook Pro 15: I am looking at the top of the line quad core MacBook Pro, but I am concerned about leaving it on all of the time. I would also probably want to get a larger external monitor for when I play games. That makes this the most expensive option, but I would be able to take my computer mobile if I wish.
The final option would be to replace my hard drive in case that is the reason for slowing it down.
Any ideas as to what you guys think would be the best for my situation? Any experience with any of the options I listed? Any options I haven't thought of yet?
Thanks for your input!
Macaddict16
At this point I am considering many different options as I know each one has plusses and minuses.
iMac i7 27: Newest version of what I have. I love the screen of what I have and the design of the computer. Available as Refurbished. Hasn't been updated in over a year as I don't need the retina option.
Mac Mini: Less powerful that the iMac and onle 2 cores. Might not be much faster than my current computer. Would also need to purchase keyboard, mouse, and monitor. I like the Thunderbolt monitor, but it is really pricey and also hasn't been updated in a while. I haven't found any other monitor that has a nice look to it like the Thunderbolt one.
MacBook Pro 15: I am looking at the top of the line quad core MacBook Pro, but I am concerned about leaving it on all of the time. I would also probably want to get a larger external monitor for when I play games. That makes this the most expensive option, but I would be able to take my computer mobile if I wish.
The final option would be to replace my hard drive in case that is the reason for slowing it down.
Any ideas as to what you guys think would be the best for my situation? Any experience with any of the options I listed? Any options I haven't thought of yet?
Thanks for your input!
Macaddict16
Last edited: