2014 iMac 5K instead of LG Ultrafine 4K?

[James.K.Polk]

My current only computer is a 2017 12" MacBook. For what I do (patent law work), it's more than sufficient... except in screen real estate. Went to the Apple Store and really liked the LG Ultrafine 4K, and think it would work well. But, on my local Craigslist, I've seen a 2014 5K iMac for $1100... 16 GB RAM, 1 TB Fusion, etc. After tax, that's only about a $300-400 difference....

Besides the raw cost, is there any downside to picking up one of these machines? Never owned an iMac before!

 

[deeddawg]

Couple thoughts...

I personally wouldn't buy an out of warranty all-in-one computer from Craigslist. If it has some sort of intermittent fault you could be stuck with a repair bill that makes it a poor deal. So definitely check if it has AppleCare coverage.

If you're considering a used machine I'd suggest shopping Apple's refurb store (check refurb-tracker.com for configs that may not be currently in stock so you can see your options) or dealers of used macs such as OWC (macsales.com) or macofalltrades.com Yes, you'll pay more but you also get at least some amount of warranty coverage.

The other factor is to think about how your workflow will change with two computers. How will you keep your working files in sync? How will you ensure two computers are properly backed up (including offsite backup)? There's a certain simplicity to keeping a single computer and having an at-home docking solution.

As for an "add a monitor" solution, look also at alternate monitors and using a dock such as this one: https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/docks/owc-thunderbolt-3-dock

 

[James.K.Polk]

Couple thoughts...

I personally wouldn't buy an out of warranty all-in-one computer from Craigslist. If it has some sort of intermittent fault you could be stuck with a repair bill that makes it a poor deal. So definitely check if it has AppleCare coverage.

If you're considering a used machine I'd suggest shopping Apple's refurb store (check refurb-tracker.com for configs that may not be currently in stock so you can see your options) or dealers of used macs such as OWC (macsales.com) or macofalltrades.com Yes, you'll pay more but you also get at least some amount of warranty coverage.

The other factor is to think about how your workflow will change with two computers. How will you keep your working files in sync? How will you ensure two computers are properly backed up (including offsite backup)? There's a certain simplicity to keeping a single computer and having an at-home docking solution.

As for an "add a monitor" solution, look also at alternate monitors and using a dock such as this one: https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/docks/owc-thunderbolt-3-dock

This is awesome - much appreciated.

It's not in warranty, which is how I got him to drop from $1200 to $1000. He's a comp sci student at a local university and I take his word that the machine is in good condition... but I understand what you're saying, and I'll look more into warranty.

As for workflow - everything I do is kept in iCloud (though I seem to be a rare person who does this) so I don't think that will be a problem at all!