Is 2009 quad core i7 worth it at this point in time?

[imaginex20]

Hi all,

I am considering buying a 27" iMac quad core i7 refurbished 2009 model. It is pretty reasonably priced at $1369. I basically want it for the times where I feel my 13" MBP doesnt have enough screen real estate so I can just plug in my MBP and for running virtual machines for my computer development.

I don't really care for the TB ports on the new models and don't need the graphics processing power. If I ever need to use anything for the Thunderbolt I would use the MBP.

What do you guys think?

 

[NewbieNerd]

No interest in just getting an external display for your MBP, such as the Apple 27" monitor?

 

[imaginex20]

No interest in just getting an external display for your MBP, such as the Apple 27" monitor?

I have interest in the monitor but I feel like if I can pay the difference between the 27" display and the iMac, its worth it because not only do I get a monitor but I get a pretty powerful computer.

I also need the computer when I do need the extra processing power with multiple virtual machines running at the same time.

 

[Rhullman]

i love mine, I can play just about any game with no issue.. love it

 

[InuNacho]

Wait until the Lion release. If you're lucky the price of the 2009 and 2010 models should drop even further.

 

[alust2013]

I have interest in the monitor but I feel like if I can pay the difference between the 27" display and the iMac, its worth it because not only do I get a monitor but I get a pretty powerful computer.

I also need the computer when I do need the extra processing power with multiple virtual machines running at the same time.

I'd make the iMac your primary for heavy lifting then, it's a good bit more powerful than your MBP.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

You don't mention which MBP model you have. A 2009 model is 2 years old at this point, it's possible that a 2011 model MBP will beat it, speed wise, and you would be essentially buying a $1400 monitor.

 

[imaginex20]

You don't mention which MBP model you have. A 2009 model is 2 years old at this point, it's possible that a 2011 model MBP will beat it, speed wise, and you would be essentially buying a $1400 monitor.

I have a 2011 13" MBP core i5 2.3 GHz (only dual core). The 2009 model i7 looks like it is on par compared to the 2011 base model i5.

 

[tallchris]

If you only want it for the bigger screen just buy a tv/monitor lg,sony,samsung etc, then get the appropriate wires to connect them.

then get a mouse and keyboard off etc. I got a wired 'unibody' keyboard and mighty mouse for £20 off ebay.

Total spend about £200 (around $300 i think).

 

[PeckhamBog]

Wait until the Lion release. If you're lucky the price of the 2009 and 2010 models should drop even further.

By the time Lion is released there may not be any 2009 bargain priced iMacs readily available on the refurb store. Any other reseller would not bundle the current OS.