Buying advice, please!

[meggie t]

Hello all,

With the new 27" release, the time has finally come to upgrade from my mid-2010 iMac 21". The time came a few years ago but that is neither here nor there. My current machine has 500gb storage and 4 GB memory. I did have to delete a bunch of stuff last year to upgrade to Sierra and am running somewhat close to the storage max now.

I am a light-medium user - email, web browsing, some photo editing, etc. I love a desktop. I know that coming from my current model that pretty much any new machine will be a significant upgrade. While I always said I don't want a 27", the specs and new tech that comes with it have me intrigued.

With that said, what do you suggest? I am a researcher by nature and profession, but generally get analysis paralysis at some point. My gut tells me to go with the mid-tier 27" since it has the 512GB SSD. But, is that too much computer for what I do? Should I just go with the 21" and save some money? I don't want to regret not getting some cool new technology, especially since I intend to keep the computer for a long time, but I also don't want to get something I don't really need.

Thank you in advance for any advice you care to share!

 

[kohlson]

Processing - wise, any new iMac you get will be fine. The only decision is do you want a larger screen.
I'm not a fan of fusion drive, but in an environment without heavy workloads, it can be good.

 

[meggie t]

Thank you! Def getting SSD. But you’re right- I’m sure I’ll love either.

 

[CheesePuff]

You're only saving ~$300 going with a 21.5" over the new 27", but with that few hundred you get the T2 chip, much better CPU, GPU performance, faster storage, much improved web cam, microphones and speakers, and user upgradable RAM.

 

[meggie t]

See, that's what I'm thinking. Since I don't plan to ever upgrade a computer myself, I should just get the best now.

 

[Rick_2020]

I wish one of the three models of the new 27" came with 16 GB of RAM like the MacBook Pro 13" and 16". I know I can do it myself, but I should not have to as 8 GB is really low these days. So, I would have to pay extra and then that also delays the ship date.