Buying new iMac

[Ozone]

Hello everyone,

Just signed up, because I'm about to buy a new iMac, and need some advice. My current iMac is a 2008 21.5", 2.8GHz, 4GB 800 MHz SDRAM...she's getting tired and it's time for a new one.

I want to purchase a 27" IMac, 4.2 GHz, 1TB SSD, (i'll buy the memory separate from Apple and install it myself).

My questions are..How much memory should I buy? I think I read on Apple's website that they recommend 32gb of memory for 1TB SSD?? Will this machine give me another 10 years of trouble free service?

I am a self employed Plumbing & Heating contractor, so I only use my computer for business, e-mails, web browsing, and saving photo's of the kids.

I'm open to suggestions, criticisms, and I apologize in advanced if this post is in the wrong spot.

 

[chscag]

Welcome to our forums.

I own that same machine. My advice: Don't overspend by buying more iMac than you really need. The 1TB SSD is a good purchase, however, make sure you really need the 4.2 GHz model and 32GB of memory, especially since it's only going to be for your business and some personal use. Also, getting 10 years from any computer nowadays is just not realistic; 5 years yes.

If we can be of further assistance, let us know.

 

[Ozone]

Thank you for responding chscag,

What would you suggest that I order?

I've also read around the internet, the macs of today have a life span of 5-6 years...which doesn't make sense to me at all. Yes my machine is pushing 11 years, and some websites won't work on my machine, but other then that...the darn thing won't die. Are Macs not like they use to be? Cheaper parts?

 

[chscag]

I would start out by looking at the basic entry 27" 5K iMac. As stated above, the 1TB SSD is a good addition even though it adds considerably to the initial price. The machine comes standard with 8GB of memory which is probably plenty for your usage. I added another 8GB to mine bringing the total to 16GB. Don't be misled by the CPU speed or whether you need an i7 rather than the standard i5.

As far as are Macs built as good as they used to be.... Macs are still the best machines you can buy but technology has grown by leaps and bounds in the last 11 years. New iMacs are thinner and very difficult to get inside to do any work. The machine you're interested in has its display glued to the glass front for example. I can't say whether the inner parts are cheaper quality, but when they fail it can be costly. Be sure to purchase Apple Care Plus when you buy.

 

[Slydude]

Have to echo Charlie's sentiment here. Especiallly as it applies to memory. I don't buy memory from Apple if I am planning to do an upgrade. My current iMac was purchased with 8 GB of memory from Apple and the memory is user upgradeable. I could hhave happily worked for some time with just the * GB but I found an additional 8 GB for much less than Apple's price about a year later. If you're buying a model with user upgradeable memory get a decent amount of base memory from Apple then take your time finding the upgrade.

As long as you use a reputable supplier with a good return policy you'll probably save a few bucks.