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

21.5 or 27 inch iMac... tough decision

T

TeddyLeroux

macrumors member
Original poster
Sep 28, 2009
89
0
Im set on getting a new iMac but im wondering what model to get... i can only afford the dual core 27 inch model and im planning on using it for watching tv with the eyetv, video editing and then browsing the internet.... what size should I go with??:apple:
 
All comes down to your preference. I have the 21.5 and am completely happy with it. I spent a long time debating the screen size and when I saw it for the last time at Best Buy, I realized that the 27" was simply too large for my tastes.
 
TeddyLeroux said:
Im set on getting a new iMac but im wondering what model to get... i can only afford the dual core 27 inch model and im planning on using it for watching tv with the eyetv, video editing and then browsing the internet.... what size should I go with??:apple:
Click to expand...

The Core Duo2 27-incher is still a great model.

I think the 21.5s are great, BUT you want to watch TV on yours. A bigger screen for computer applications simply gives you more screen real estate. However, when it comes to watching movies, TV shows, etc. a bigger screen gives you a bigger image. For me, I'd prefer a larger size, if watching TV on it.

You might shop around at the various sites Amazon, Mac Connection, Apple, etc. to get the best deal for the model you want. You might also keep an eye out for a refurb 27-inch becoming available.
 
Ya Ive been to Best Buy two times and I really liked the 27 inch model but I want to save money for the Apple Tablet for moblie computing also... but I think that the 27 inch iMac is too good to pass up. :apple::apple:
 
TeddyLeroux said:
Im set on getting a new iMac but im wondering what model to get... i can only afford the dual core 27 inch model and im planning on using it for watching tv with the eyetv, video editing and then browsing the internet.... what size should I go with??:apple:
Click to expand...

Here are some of the highlights of the 27" model...

1. Higher Resolution
2. Better Screen Quality
3. Thinner "chin"


If you chose the i5 model you would get a better graphics card and a big bump in processor speed which is a big plus.

I just bought the 27" model and I am in love with it. It is very big BUT it is worth it, trust me you can't go wrong.

If you can afford it, get the 27", if you are gonna get in debt or go over your budget for it, I would tell you not to...
 
For me the 27" is the one to go for. I'll be buying that one when I move to London next year as it will be my computer and TV for my apartment. In saying that the 21" is still a big enough screen and it's also a very good quality screen too!
 
I originally bought the 21'' thinking the 27'' was overkill and I didn't really want to spend too much... but after having it for a week I exchanged it for the 27''. It was just too good a screen to pass up and I knew I was going to regret not getting it so I did the swap while I still could. Now I'm debating over keeping the base 27'' or getting the i5.. lol
 
NYY FaN said:
I originally bought the 21'' thinking the 27'' was overkill and I didn't really want to spend too much... but after having it for a week I exchanged it for the 27''. It was just too good a screen to pass up and I knew I was going to regret not getting it so I did the swap while I still could. Now I'm debating over keeping the base 27'' or getting the i5.. lol
Click to expand...

You sound just like me man lol, I always have to get the top of the line, if I don't, I don't settle...
 
The 21.5" wasn't even an option for me. Ever since the first G5 iMac I have always gone with the bigger screen option. Back then it was 20" over 17". I knew I'd spend my time regretting it otherwise.

Either go the whole hog or don't bother, that's what I've always done :D
 
thiagos said:
You sound just like me man lol, I always have to get the top of the line, if I don't, I don't settle...
Click to expand...

yeah its pretty bad, I regret only getting a 13'' macbook last year and now I'm looking to get a 17'' when/if the new ones are announced in January. I think I'm going to stick with the base model but who knows I have a few days left to decide. I would definitely get the 27'' though if it doesn't overwhelm your setup, $200 is not that much more for the difference in screen. In my old setup the 21'' was perfect but with my new desk I got recently it just wasn't cutting it.
 
NYY FaN said:
yeah its pretty bad, I regret only getting a 13'' macbook last year and now I'm looking to get a 17'' when/if the new ones are announced in January. I think I'm going to stick with the base model but who knows I have a few days left to decide. I would definitely get the 27'' though if it doesn't overwhelm your setup, $200 is not that much more for the difference in screen. In my old setup the 21'' was perfect but with my new desk I got recently it just wasn't cutting it.
Click to expand...

Not trying to make you spend more money than what you should but I think you should get the i5, it will benefit you in the long run from processor speed to resale value in case you want to sell it in the near future. I got the quad-core for that main reason :)
 
TeddyLeroux said:
Im set on getting a new iMac but im wondering what model to get... i can only afford the dual core 27 inch model and im planning on using it for watching tv with the eyetv, video editing and then browsing the internet.... what size should I go with??:apple:
Click to expand...

Based on those uses, 27"!
 
What's great with the Imac 27inch is once it becomes obsolete, it'll still be an awesome monitor.
 
Ya... Im pretty sure you guys sold me on the 27 inch iMac... we actually just got a 32" HDTV so I wont be using it for TV anymore
 
thiagos said:
Here are some of the highlights of the 27" model...

1. Higher Resolution
2. Better Screen Quality
3. Thinner "chin"


If you chose the i5 model you would get a better graphics card and a big bump in processor speed which is a big plus.

I just bought the 27" model and I am in love with it. It is very big BUT it is worth it, trust me you can't go wrong.

If you can afford it, get the 27", if you are gonna get in debt or go over your budget for it, I would tell you not to...
Click to expand...

Higher Resolution yes, better options for processor, graphics card also yes.

But the screen quality is the same. Same type of screen both 16:9 LED back light displays.

Both have the same size "chin' as you put it.

http://www.apple.com/imac/

Basically it's a bigger screen so therefore you will have a higher resolution just because it's a bigger screen. Thats it. Not because it's of a higher quality. The chin is the same on both models.

Between the low end 27' and the high end end 21.5 the only difference is the screen size and the benefits that some with it. Such as a higher resolution screen.
But both screens are of the same quality.

Where do you guy's come up with this stuff? :confused:
 
ScottFitz said:
WTF is a chin in this respect?
Click to expand...

The chin is the aluminum piece with the Apple cutout that is at the bottom of the display. The older iMacs had larger chins and people would hang false beards on them. More useful to use that area to stick post-it notes.
 
thiagos said:
Not trying to make you spend more money than what you should but I think you should get the i5, it will benefit you in the long run from processor speed to resale value in case you want to sell it in the near future. I got the quad-core for that main reason :)
Click to expand...

:rolleyes: I got the i5 today.. I couldn't resist lol
 
There were 27 inch refurbs on the apple store today but they sold out really quick... think they will have 27 inch refurbs still around in february... hope so ...that is when i want to buy my new imac:apple::apple:
 
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