24" early 2009 or 21.5" late 2009 -- best screen for designers

[CoryBoyUSA]

After lots of debating between models that fit within our budget and reading up on the multitude of yellow screens in the new iMacs, I'm deciding between an early 2009 24" and the late 2009 21.5" with quite similar specs (3.06, 1TB, 4GB). Either one can meet my needs quite well, and I can get a new 24" for about the same as the refurbed 21.5", so now I just have this simple question:

Out of the box, which of those two models has the best, most accurate screen for print and web design as well as occasional photography? The boss needs me to buy an iMac ASAP, so help me decide which of those two we should choose, based on that criteria alone.

Thanks!

 

[Hellhammer]

I couldn't be more pleased with my 24" iMac's screen and I think it suits perfectly for designing as well

 

[excommie]

Both are IPS panels, so in theory both should be very good. Some people complain about the 21.5 screen. The 24 inch iMac was a mature product, with great screen so I would take that over 21.5. You can get a nice refurb for around $1200.00

 

[WilliamG]

The 24" is noticeably larger than the 21.5". The 21.5" is newer, has an LED-lit panel which is just stunning, and much brighter than the 24". The 21.5" is easily upgraded to 8GB or 16GB DDR. The 24" is not.

Personally, I'd go for the 21.5". It will resell for more than the 24", and the screen I find is just much better (higher number of pixels per inch). Heck, if you could swing it, get a refurb 27". They were $1449 the last few days. So if they still have any, I'd do that. The 27" is omg.

It really depends on what you want. If screen size is NOT an issue, then it's the 21.5" all the way (if the 27" is out of your consideration).

 

[pcypert]

I'd go with 21 inch... at the end of the day you probably will resale and this one will probably end up going for more in the long run. Plus I've seen Dell and others carrying the same 21 inch panel in stores for sale immediately. Can match up and run a nice dual monitor set up...

Paul