"long distance iMac"

[macj3]

I think it is time for a new iMac. Right now using a late 2009 model. Just replaced a relatives 2005 model iMac, so you see, they have gone a long way. Torn between buying the stock high end 21.5 iMac, or a BTO 16gig 1TB SSD 21.5" iMac. The lower priced iMac leaves funds behind of ra future upgrade while the BTO would behave better for a longer time.....I would be interested in your thoughts on the two choices.
Light Photoshop/photography use ( the photo Library is over 500gb), personal music, and of course a lot of internet stuff. No movies beyond occational iMovie.
Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[Fishrrman]

You asked for replies, here's mine:

I'd suggest an Apple-refurbished 2017 design 27".
(Unless you feel like splurging and buying a new 2019)

You can get the minimum configuration of 8gb RAM, and add more yourself (easy with the 27", NOT easy with the 21").

DON'T pay Apple's exorbitant price for a 1tb SSD.
Get a 512gb (the "sweet spot"), and if you need more storage, add it via USB3 (can be SSD or HDD).

You will NEVER regret getting the 27" display!

 

[macj3]

I get the "wanting" to add additional memory and bump up the HD to an SSD...but in "home use".....so many people walk out of the Apple Store with the stock configurations and don't see many bringing them back. The new stock machines must be designed to last beyond the 3yr AppleCare period. My old machine lasted 10 years, relatives 14yrs, nothing added to either....What should be expected for a off the shelf 2019?....Just thinking out load.....

 

[mikehalloran]

Apple's 1TB SSD upgrade is not that much more than the 512 but, if your OP is to be believed "Light Photoshop/photography use ( the photo Library is over 500gb), personal music," you don't really need it —but you do need an external for the files you aren't working on and you need to consider it now.

Or...

There's nothing in what you list that tells me you need a 2019. This 2017 in the Refurb Store has 32G RAM, 1T SSD and a 580 GPU. Now... It's going to last you a very long time and do what you want in pretty short order.
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/...c25ced2479ecbeea857d699040b574b0e3665e86a812c

 

[Glockworkorange]

You asked for replies, here's mine:

I'd suggest an Apple-refurbished 2017 design 27".
(Unless you feel like splurging and buying a new 2019)

You can get the minimum configuration of 8gb RAM, and add more yourself (easy with the 27", NOT easy with the 21").

DON'T pay Apple's exorbitant price for a 1tb SSD.
Get a 512gb (the "sweet spot"), and if you need more storage, add it via USB3 (can be SSD or HDD).

You will NEVER regret getting the 27" display!

YES. I mean, assuming this isn't a space issue for you.

Once you see that 27 inch screen....and you can add RAM later.
[doublepost=1560218877][/doublepost]

Apple's 1TB SSD upgrade is not that much more than the 512 but, if your OP is to be believed "Light Photoshop/photography use ( the photo Library is over 500gb), personal music," you don't really need it —but you do need an external for the files you aren't working on and you need to consider it now.

Or...

There's nothing in what you list that tells me you need a 2019. This 2017 in the Refurb Store has 32G RAM, 1T SSD and a 580 GPU. Now... It's going to last you a very long time and do what you want in pretty short order.
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/...c25ced2479ecbeea857d699040b574b0e3665e86a812c

He's getting gouged on that RAM, tho
[doublepost=1560219079][/doublepost]

I get the "wanting" to add additional memory and bump up the HD to an SSD...but in "home use".....so many people walk out of the Apple Store with the stock configurations and don't see many bringing them back. The new stock machines must be designed to last beyond the 3yr AppleCare period. My old machine lasted 10 years, relatives 14yrs, nothing added to either....What should be expected for a off the shelf 2019?....Just thinking out load.....

Real quick---I'm using a 2017. At this time next year, it will be the 1st machine I've owed past AppleCare. It's just as fast and glorious as the day I bought it. This machine will last until the OS stops being supported and I cannot imagine a reason to upgrade it, except maybe RAM down the line. I maxed the machine out at purchase EXCEPT the RAM and currently have 24 GB. It will take 64 (maybe more).

A 2019 or 2017 will last you many, many years. You will be very, very happy with the screen. I've never used the 21.5 incher, but I do have the 21 inch LG 4K and I understand it is the same panel as the 21 inch iMac. The 27 inch 5K blows it away.

 

[mikehalloran]

He's getting gouged on that RAM, tho

Says you... but for the moment you are right, careful looking does show an 8G version
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/...0107ecec4b3384f993c475e16e12517af87eef2a2b549

Add a pair of 16GB sticks from OWC for $197 (Photoshop or any graphics editor likes more RAM) for a total of 40GB
https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/imac-2017-27-inch

And the savings is $313 over the one I linked to first.

 

[Glockworkorange]

Says you... but for the moment you are right, careful looking does show an 8G version
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/...0107ecec4b3384f993c475e16e12517af87eef2a2b549

Add a pair of 16GB sticks from OWC for $197 (Photoshop or any graphics editor likes more RAM) for a total of 40GB
https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/imac-2017-27-inch

And the savings is $313 over the one I linked to first.

I guess the options are somewhat limited on refurb, but paying for anything more than 8 GB in a 27 inch iMac HURTS.

 

[macj3]

Some times I wonder...Just get the 21.5, 8g, 1TB fusion. Not BTO. would be a savings of at least $900. which could be used for a fast USB-C SSD External (To use for the Photo library) or put towards a new machine down the road....maybe not expect a 10 year life/use but 4-5 years instead? .......and Yes the Photo Library is 506GB, 64,324 photos since 2004.
Wouldn't a new 2019 21.5" machine with a 1TB 5400rpm fusion drive be significantly faster than the 2009 running OS X Sierra?

 

[Glockworkorange]

Some times I wonder...Just get the 21.5, 8g, 1TB fusion. Not BTO. would be a savings of at least $900. which could be used for a fast USB-C SSD External (To use for the Photo library) or put towards a new machine down the road....maybe not expect a 10 year life/use but 4-5 years instead? .......and Yes the Photo Library is 506GB, 64,324 photos since 2004.
Wouldn't a new 2019 21.5" machine with a 1TB 5400rpm fusion drive be significantly faster than the 2009 running OS X Sierra?

I would never buy a fusion drive unless it was 128 gb SSD married to a faster spinner, like 7200. Even then It would have to be a sort of last resort. If you can’t afford it now, I’d wait a bit longer until you can afford 16GB and 512 GB SSD.

I’m not sure of your pain point—money or size?

 

[macj3]

I would never buy a fusion drive unless it was 128 gb SSD married to a faster spinner, like 7200. Even then It would have to be a sort of last resort. If you can’t afford it now, I’d wait a bit longer until you can afford 16GB and 512 GB SSD.

I’m not sure of your pain point—money or size?

There are a few things that are the "pain point". First the price...of course you always like to spend as little as possible. Then the size of the storage...I have 1TB drive now that has 101 GB free space. So moving to a 512SSD and an external for the 500GB photos still leaves me short on storage in the machine. I realize I could get a second (or third counting time machine) but that seems to be complicating things....Just me. Then there is the size...The 21.5 seems to fit our "space" ....When I use a friend's 27"...I feel like I need to step back...again it's just me. Then Lastly ...all this needs to pass the wife!
[doublepost=1560283632][/doublepost]First I do want to thank everyone for their replies.....
For some the decision is easy, but for myself...I hate to make a poor choice and regret it, when spending so much money. I could put in a SSD in the present 2009 machine but...it's still 10yrs old graphics card, display, sound card etc....I will still use the old iMac because it is able to run Photoshop CS5 in Sierra. Can't justify buying a subscription for the little amount I use PS for....I Did get Photoshop Elements for very cheap ....that would go on the new machine......alot to think about.
Again Thanks for all the ideas and responses...!!

 

[JustUs35]

Well after some searching and reading as many posts that I could...I guess it's up to two choices. A BTO 12.5 i5 iMac with 16g ram and a 1TB SSD or for slightly less a "stock" 27" 3.7 i5 iMac with 2TB fusion (put additional Ram later when/if needed) Just need to visualize a 27" screen in the same place as the old 2009 21.5" has been for 10 years and see if it would be an issue.......