so whats better to get, 2012 new imac 21.5 or 2011 27 inch refurb?

disneyfun1 · Oct 28, 2012

So since im thinking of switching over to a mac, i like the pics of the brand new ones and they have usb 3.0 for later use. but i was wondering now, which is better, the new one that comes out next month for 1299 in 21.5 size, or get a refurb 27 inch last years model(2011) for 1359? will i be missing out not getting the brand spanking new one with usb 3.0 and whatever else it will come with?

harryb2448 · Oct 28, 2012

Purchased mine in June. Do not see any great shakes for the new model apart from USB3 but then again personally use FW800. Downside would be the no adding extra memory stuck at 8GB, then again that may be sufficient for most folk. Lack of optical drive is not a hastle as I use a Samsung external optical drive to save wear and tear on the internal. Also 7200rpm hdd in the 2001 model.

Processor and memory the same, so unless the new iMac comes under the 'must have new model' category would plump for the 2.7GHz 21.5" model, and a refurbed at that and save several big ones.

BrianLachoreVPI · Oct 28, 2012

I think I'd be leaning towards the 2011 iMac.

CrimsonRequiem · Oct 28, 2012

harryb2448 said:
Purchased mine in June. Do not see any great shakes for the new model apart from USB3 but then again personally use FW800. Downside would be the no adding extra memory stuck at 8GB, then again that may be sufficient for most folk. Lack of optical drive is not a hastle as I use a Samsung external optical drive to save wear and tear on the internal. Also 7200rpm hdd in the 2001 model.

Processor and memory the same, so unless the new iMac comes under the 'must have new model' category would plump for the 2.7GHz 21.5" model, and a refurbed at that and save several big ones.

4GB of Ram is pretty much the norm now a days. The only people that use 8GB or more are professionals or gamers.

RavingMac · Oct 29, 2012

Honestly, the whole 5mm edge thing came across to me as smoke and snake-oil, meant to disctract from the removal of the Optical Drive.
If all else were equal I would go for the 2012 model, but since you lose the Optical Drive and you can always use a Thunderbolt adapter for external drive expansion, I would definitely go for the refurb 2011 model.
IMO a far better value.

so whats better to get, 2012 new imac 21.5 or 2011 27 inch refurb?

disneyfun1

harryb2448

BrianLachoreVPI

CrimsonRequiem

RavingMac

Well-known member

Shop Amazon