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62tele

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Apr 11, 2010
739
674
Please, only actual Mac users who own an iMac should respond.
I currently have a mid-2010 27" iMac which still is functional but showing it's age. The 27" was necessary when I was working but I've retired. I don't need big spreadsheets open while I am working on database builds. So I'm going to opt for the 21.5 "
My needs are simple... Small Excel or Numbers worksheets; email, light web browsing (3 or 4 tabs); iTunes etc. However I am a Logic Pro X user recording mostly guitar projects. Very few 3rd party plug-ins but using Logic's software instruments, and EQ, compression and effects. Probably a maximum of 16 tracks.
I've basically decided to buy an iMac from the current offerings.
Does this configuration make sense in terms of getting 5 to 6 years out of the new purchase.
16 gb RAM
256 or 512 gb SSD
FHD (non-Retina) 2.8 GHz quad core
or
Retina 3.1 GHz quad core

I can't decide whether retina is worth it since I only use iMovie and do very minimum work with photos.
Opinions, suggestions?
 
Please, only actual Mac users who own an iMac should respond.
I currently have a mid-2010 27" iMac which still is functional but showing it's age. The 27" was necessary when I was working but I've retired. I don't need big spreadsheets open while I am working on database builds. So I'm going to opt for the 21.5 "
My needs are simple... Small Excel or Numbers worksheets; email, light web browsing (3 or 4 tabs); iTunes etc. However I am a Logic Pro X user recording mostly guitar projects. Very few 3rd party plug-ins but using Logic's software instruments, and EQ, compression and effects. Probably a maximum of 16 tracks.
I've basically decided to buy an iMac from the current offerings.
Does this configuration make sense in terms of getting 5 to 6 years out of the new purchase.
16 gb RAM
256 or 512 gb SSD
FHD (non-Retina) 2.8 GHz quad core
or
Retina 3.1 GHz quad core

I can't decide whether retina is worth it since I only use iMovie and do very minimum work with photos.
Opinions, suggestions?
If you really must have 21.5", just get the upgraded non-Retina.

Really, if it were me I'd just get a base 27" retina with a 256GB SSD and upgrade the RAM later, since its user upgradeable. The RAM in the 21.5" is not.

Would only be $100 more than a 16GB 256 SSD 21.5" Retina, or $300 over a similarly configured non-retina 21.5". I could save up that difference in a paycheck or two.
 
If you really must have 21.5", just get the upgraded non-Retina.

Really, if it were me I'd just get a base 27" retina with a 256GB SSD and upgrade the RAM later, since its user upgradeable. The RAM in the 21.5" is not.

Would only be $100 more than a 16GB 256 SSD 21.5" Retina, or $300 over a similarly configured non-retina 21.5". I could save up that difference in a paycheck or two.

Thanks. I understand the logic completely but I just don't really want or need a 27". It's not about the coin. I almost pulled the trigger on a 15" MBP but the screen isn't really optimal for Logic. I love the design of the new MBP but it's not really a great value.
 
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