First time poster. Thanks for all the valuable info here!
I'm buying a new iMac, that is for sure. Like many people here, I'm deciding between the 21.5" and the 27" models. I'll outline my specific use cases, then my thought process that has me leaning slightly toward the 21.5", and then ask a question about graphics cards.
Use cases (in order of importance):
1. Writing - I like to have no other windows open when I'm writing. I use Writeroom, a program that darkens the entire screen. So a smaller screen is actually quite a bit better here
2. Internet/iTunes/Movies - 27" obviously better for this stuff, but 21.5" is plenty
3. Mockups - I use "Balsamiq" a lot to make mockups. Often I'll need to have a balsamiq window open as well as a Google Doc with notes or specs. It's a little bit of a squeeze on the 21.5" working with both open (see image). 27" wins pretty big here
4. Light video editing - I have a Flip HD and will be doing editing in iMovie or maybe Final Cut Express
5. Podcasting with garage band
My current thoughts on 21.5" vs 27":
The 27" is obviously a more baller workstation but I'm leaning toward the 21.5" mainly because I'm putting the computer in a smallish "work section" of my living room and don't want to overpower the room.
But! Will the Nvidia GeForce be powerful enough for video editing? If not, then I'll have to upgrade to the ATI Radeon, and that takes the price up within $200 of the 27" (which comes with the ATI graphics card at the lower price point), and basically makes my decision for me...
Any comments appreciated
I'm buying a new iMac, that is for sure. Like many people here, I'm deciding between the 21.5" and the 27" models. I'll outline my specific use cases, then my thought process that has me leaning slightly toward the 21.5", and then ask a question about graphics cards.
Use cases (in order of importance):
1. Writing - I like to have no other windows open when I'm writing. I use Writeroom, a program that darkens the entire screen. So a smaller screen is actually quite a bit better here
2. Internet/iTunes/Movies - 27" obviously better for this stuff, but 21.5" is plenty
3. Mockups - I use "Balsamiq" a lot to make mockups. Often I'll need to have a balsamiq window open as well as a Google Doc with notes or specs. It's a little bit of a squeeze on the 21.5" working with both open (see image). 27" wins pretty big here
4. Light video editing - I have a Flip HD and will be doing editing in iMovie or maybe Final Cut Express
5. Podcasting with garage band
My current thoughts on 21.5" vs 27":
The 27" is obviously a more baller workstation but I'm leaning toward the 21.5" mainly because I'm putting the computer in a smallish "work section" of my living room and don't want to overpower the room.
But! Will the Nvidia GeForce be powerful enough for video editing? If not, then I'll have to upgrade to the ATI Radeon, and that takes the price up within $200 of the 27" (which comes with the ATI graphics card at the lower price point), and basically makes my decision for me...
Any comments appreciated