My 2010 Mac Book Pro is dying on me (constant kernel panic? It reboots constantly and I’ve had it looked at by a Mac expert friend in my IT department who was not able to fix) and I need to replace it with iMac as soon as possible. Choosing iMac over another MBP because I also need new larger monitor.
I am a graphic designer (print) working primarily on my computer at my corporate office, but do a fair bit of work remotely from home. Am no longer doing much freelance work though that may change with time. I often work via GoToMyPC, but because of lagging issues (and because key commands often don’t work via GoToMyPC), I will likely need to work locally on my new Mac and install necessary software. I use Creative Suite—primarily Indesign and Photoshop and Illustrator + font management program + MS Office. I don’t do any motion work or video editing. Do want to link to new iPad Pro in next 6 months. My work files can be stored in the cloud (I use DropBox and iCloud) or on my work computer if they are strictly work (as opposed to freelance) related.
I was hoping for iMac update at Oct 30th event and because I am forced to buy something now, am trying to decide whether to max out the top tiered 2017 machine (more on that below) or go with a straight mid-range model (no special configuration) and possibly trade it in when the newer iMac lines come in. Basically hesitating about spending 3K+ when newer model might appear in 6 months. Unfortunately I can’t wait that long to purchase. Another financial factor is plan to buy new iPad Pro—for personal use + Procreate for illustration and lettering.
So I am considering the top tier iMac with following configuration and looking for ways to trim the costs:
4.2 GHz i7 + 8GB (or 16?) + either 512 GB SSD or the 1Tb SSD.
Since I’d be able to add cheaper 3rd party memory later on if need be, I was leaning towards the 8GB.
Hesitating between 512 GB SSD or the 1 TB. I’ve seen others say “max out where you can” but am not expert enough on the tech side of all this to know what the real pros/cons of this choice is.
Alternatively: is all this overkill if I am only working in Indesign/Photoshop a few times a week and the rest via GoToMyPC (with work computer doing the heavy lifting)? I could go straight mid-range (no extra configuration), spend less, and then upgrade in a few years when a new iMac comes into play.
But given what I use the Mac for, will the newsest and greatest really make that big a difference? Would a maxed out 2017 be just as strong a choice to carry me another 5-8 years?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
I am a graphic designer (print) working primarily on my computer at my corporate office, but do a fair bit of work remotely from home. Am no longer doing much freelance work though that may change with time. I often work via GoToMyPC, but because of lagging issues (and because key commands often don’t work via GoToMyPC), I will likely need to work locally on my new Mac and install necessary software. I use Creative Suite—primarily Indesign and Photoshop and Illustrator + font management program + MS Office. I don’t do any motion work or video editing. Do want to link to new iPad Pro in next 6 months. My work files can be stored in the cloud (I use DropBox and iCloud) or on my work computer if they are strictly work (as opposed to freelance) related.
I was hoping for iMac update at Oct 30th event and because I am forced to buy something now, am trying to decide whether to max out the top tiered 2017 machine (more on that below) or go with a straight mid-range model (no special configuration) and possibly trade it in when the newer iMac lines come in. Basically hesitating about spending 3K+ when newer model might appear in 6 months. Unfortunately I can’t wait that long to purchase. Another financial factor is plan to buy new iPad Pro—for personal use + Procreate for illustration and lettering.
So I am considering the top tier iMac with following configuration and looking for ways to trim the costs:
4.2 GHz i7 + 8GB (or 16?) + either 512 GB SSD or the 1Tb SSD.
Since I’d be able to add cheaper 3rd party memory later on if need be, I was leaning towards the 8GB.
Hesitating between 512 GB SSD or the 1 TB. I’ve seen others say “max out where you can” but am not expert enough on the tech side of all this to know what the real pros/cons of this choice is.
Alternatively: is all this overkill if I am only working in Indesign/Photoshop a few times a week and the rest via GoToMyPC (with work computer doing the heavy lifting)? I could go straight mid-range (no extra configuration), spend less, and then upgrade in a few years when a new iMac comes into play.
But given what I use the Mac for, will the newsest and greatest really make that big a difference? Would a maxed out 2017 be just as strong a choice to carry me another 5-8 years?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
