24" used or 21.5" new?

[ratman2356]

Decided to take the plunge and switch to mac from pc. I love the 27" but it is too big for my desk area. The 21.5 seems a bit too small though so I was considering picking up a preowned 24".

I plan to keep it till dies, got 8 years out of my PC and its still running strong, just want something different. I am concerned about 3 things tho,

1. Buying preowned instead of new, I can not get apple care. I am fairly tech savvy and have always worked on my own pc's but I have never cracked open a mac. On the plus side, I would save about 400-500 bucks up front and maybe get some extra software.

2. Outdated technology. Which 24" model would most closely compare with the performance of the new base 21.5"? And how would they compare to each other? I really don't do a lot with my pc, nothing majorly intensive right now. So I think I would be fine, but do kind of tend to obsess a little bit about getting the absolute most bang for my buck.

3. Identifying the age and performance of the 24". I have tried to look up info on it but what I find is outdated, I know they made this size for what? 3-5 years? While I think saving 400 bucks and getting the larger screen is worth going with a 2 yr old model, it isnt worth going with a 4 or 5 year old one.

I guess last questions are, how hard are they work on yourself? How are they performance wise compared to the new base 21.5?

Thanks a lot folks.

 

[jayo1971]

Go for the new 21" iMac as it's quicker and will last you longer.

 

[TMRaven]

Might want to wait until they update the iMacs in the spring/summer if you're looking at keeping an iMac for 8 years.

 

[skiltrip]

I agree, if you want a computer to keeping going strong for 8 years, get a new 21.5" with AppleCare. I think you get used to whatever monitor you have. The only true limited is resolution and the 21.5" is HD res. so that should be no problem. I used to work on a 17" 4:3 monitor and was fine with it. Then I got a 23" and I got used to that. Now I have the 27" iMac and I'm used to that after only a few days.

The 21.5's are a nice size for a low key desk.

 

[ratman2356]

Thanks for the replies. I just made a cardboard cutout with the dimensions of both and I think the 21.5 will be plenty big enough after all. I like the idea of newer as well. Thanks again

 

[JRoDDz]

Why don't you get a Mac Mini and then put your own monitor on it.

 

[excommie]

Also, another option to get 24" with apple care in like new condition - check the refurb store. Once in a while they still have couple of the 24 inch iMacs. I saw them within last 2 weeks, when I was hunting for a refurb mini for my daughter. They were gone within 30 minutes. Sign up on www.refurb.me to get email alerts when the machine is in stock.

 

[.Max.]

24"'s don't have the 16:9 aspect ratio (I don't think) So aren't widescreen, if that makes any difference?

 

[excommie]

24"'s don't have the 16:9 aspect ratio (I don't think) So aren't widescreen, if that makes any difference?

24" iMac is widescreen (16x10 aspect, not 4x3)

It's easily capable to display 1920x1080 (1080p),
It's resolution is 1920x1200.

So as far as resolution goes, 24" has higher res screen vs 21.5.

Both are IPS panels, 21.5 is LED backlight, 24 is CCFL, but in general both are very nice displays.

 

[iStudentUK]

My vote is current 21.5". It is beautiful, and not exactly a small screen!

If you want it for a few years consider getting the better one.

 

[.Max.]

24" iMac is widescreen (16x10 aspect, not 4x3)

It's easily capable to display 1920x1080 (1080p),
It's resolution is 1920x1200.

So as far as resolution goes, 24" has higher res screen vs 21.5.

Both are IPS panels, 21.5 is LED backlight, 24 is CCFL, but in general both are very nice displays.

oops My Bad I take it their PPI is pretty similar then, and probably not noticable

 

[excommie]

oops My Bad I take it their PPI is pretty similar then, and probably not noticable

Probably, but back to original question - at this point I'd take 21.5 over 24, graphic cards are better these days, core i3 is faster than c2d and they're newer technology. I still have my 24 iMac and love it after 2 years, I'm sure OP will be just as happy with 21.5. I do hope apple brings back 23~24" iMac soon, as it is perfect size for my bedroom.