Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

2009 iMac.

steelhauler34

steelhauler34

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jul 23, 2019
345
251
I am in the process of reinstalling an iMac purchased in 2009 to originality. Just curious approx what it would be worth as far as to sell. It is a 17” version. Once the installment is done I can look for further specs to help you guys answer my question. What exact specs should I look for?

I should mention that I do not have the original apple keyboard but only a generic usb one. I do believe I have the apple wireless mouse though. I don’t suspect it is worth that much. Would it still be able to be used to backup newer iPhones and transfer data from one phone to another or is it too old?
 
I'd assume you mean 27"? There isn't a 17" version of any iMac past 2006.

Look for the following:
CPU speed and processor name
RAM
GPU info
Hard drive space
Check to see if bluetooth and Wifi still function properly, same with speaker.
 
Assuming it'st he 27" iMac, Late 2009, I don't think you'd get too much out of it. It's a Core 2 Duo. I'd say about $100 or thereabouts.
 
Lol actually using the original disk did nothing. Holding command r like YouTube says doesn’t get me to the disk utility to erase HD. I am basically done with this POS. I think it is going to meet mr sledge hammer and then rot at the local electronics turn in this spring. Thank you all.

Actually I have a much better idea of mr iMac meeting mr glock 19. Sounds like a lot more fun
 
The "R" puts the computer in recovery mode. iMac 2009 doesn't have that. You'll have to press C to boot.
 
That's Command-R, but as said in the post above, that won't work on a 2009 iMac. That function did not appear until 2011 (and most 2010's had a firmware update that included that function. Never supported on 2009 models )
Or, hold Option at boot to get the boot-picker screen. If the installer DVD is inserted at that time, you choose the icon for that disk, then press enter.
Generic USB keyboard? Does it have a Windows key?
Try to boot holding the Alt key. If you don't see the boot-picker screen, try again holding the Windows key. One of those will work.
 
Why would you put ANY time or $ into a 2009 iMac? Even if you were able to open it up, switch the HDD to an SSD, fill it with memory, and upgrade the OS, you would still have huge problems with a slow processor, slow SATA2, slow USB2, and no Thunderbolt. ????
 
naerct said:
Why would you put ANY time or $ into a 2009 iMac? Even if you were able to open it up, switch the HDD to an SSD, fill it with memory, and upgrade the OS, you would still have huge problems with a slow processor, slow SATA2, slow USB2, and no Thunderbolt. ????
Click to expand...
I'd recommend reading the whole post over before replying. He's already stated he plans to sell it.
 
I did read all the posts, and finding a buyer for a virtually useless computer is ludicrous. He might do better at a scrap metal outlet... As I said, not worth time or money. All you need to do is compare your 2010 and 2019 iMacs. With all your out dated Apple equipment, maybe you'd be interested in buying it... (I'm kidding to make a point)
 
naerct said:
I did read all the posts, and finding a buyer for a virtually useless computer is ludicrous. He might do better at a scrap metal outlet... As I said, not worth time or money. All you need to do is compare your 2010 and 2019 iMacs. With all your out dated Apple equipment, maybe you'd be interested in buying it... (I'm kidding to make a point)
Click to expand...
Virtually useless is a very sweeping statement. It really depends on what one does with it. The 2010 iMac with SSD and RAM maxed out works very well for basic uses, in web browsing it's nearly as fast as my 2019 is. Surely there is going to be some difference in speeds of USB and Thunderbolt, but not everyone needs those (see the 2015-19 MacBook) so it's really not a problem for everyone.

If someone wants a cheap iMac to use as a jukebox or basic web browser (parts reference with screen bigger than a laptop or old junker windows box) then they might be interested in this. What's the point in buying a brand new one if you will never utilize that power?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bobbesteijn
After all the posts, I am still unclear what model this iMac actually is. It sounds like the OP might not know as well.

As for if it is worth anything, I would offer it free, as there are people out there that would take it. I am not sure I would invest money in it to sell, as you may not get a ROI on it. Maybe a small internal SSD might be okay, but I wouldn't do RAM if I was going to sell it.

If I already owned it, I could find many uses for it. You could use it for a media server, web browsing, iTunes, emulators, back up machine, old games, etc.

I am using a 2006 Mac as a media server, and it gets well used.

I definitely wouldn't trash it.

steelhauler34 said:
Would it still be able to be used to backup newer iPhones and transfer data from one phone to another or is it too old?
Click to expand...
Yes, I don't know why it wouldn't be good for this.
 
What I love about the internet, is other people deciding when a machine is no longer suitable for any use-case.
I could probably get by with an '09 iMac if I put a minimal amount of money into upgrades.
I still have an ancient 2008 MBP that I use for recipes, and some basic file tasks.

Hope OP manages to get it put back to base, and get some money for it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back