Question about refurbished iMacs

[mastermullen]

Hi all!

Got a quick question regarding difference in specs between newer iMacs and refurbished models from around 2010-2013. I'm not overly computer literate so I thought I'd come here to get an informed opinion if thats okay..

I'm looking to get a 21.5 iMac, to use for music production - I'd ideally be running the latest version of Ableton Live or Logic, maybe editing some pictures, all the normal stuff.

I'm looking at the new models and they're a little out of my range, but I'm seeing refurbished ones like this >>

https://www.macupgrades.co.uk/store...E-QdHiMpGITr2kLWSPBF35RqGsbpw6rRoC2twQAvD_BwE

for less than half the price. Can anyone who knows their stuff tell me if there would be a tangible difference between this model and a newer model? Is it worth me dropping the extra hundreds to get a newer version with a faster processor and better graphics card? I definitely don't want an older one if it's going to be lagging on me in a big way, but I also don't want to fork out 1000+ for the newest version..

Any thoughts?

 

[casperes1996]

The honest answer is that there's a massive difference between this iMac and the latest models. In fact, the iMac you linked to won't run the latest operating system coming this fall, macOS Mojave. Only the RAM is still good; All the other components are massively much slower than what you'd get in a newer iMac; The screen is a lot worse and the ports for peripheral devices are all behind, so you won't even have the same options for expandability for new audio gear and whatnot. If you're going for a refurb I would go no further back than 2015 if possible. And I would highly recommend a Retina model, since it's just that much nicer to look at

 

[mastermullen]

The honest answer is that there's a massive difference between this iMac and the latest models. In fact, the iMac you linked to won't run the latest operating system coming this fall, macOS Mojave. Only the RAM is still good; All the other components are massively much slower than what you'd get in a newer iMac; The screen is a lot worse and the ports for peripheral devices are all behind, so you won't even have the same options for expandability for new audio gear and whatnot. If you're going for a refurb I would go no further back than 2015 if possible. And I would highly recommend a Retina model, since it's just that much nicer to look at

Okay thanks for your input. What about this one https://microdream.co.uk/apple-imac...PkQXJashoCMGsQAvD_BwE#PhotoSwipe1528407207818


Is this closer to what you’re describing? Does this model have a retina screen?

 

[JohnnyW2K1]

Btw, I'd recommend buying a refurbished Mac directly from Apple if you can. My MacBook Pro has been great, and I'd trust their support and refurbishment over a third party.

 

[casperes1996]

Okay thanks for your input. What about this one https://microdream.co.uk/apple-imac...PkQXJashoCMGsQAvD_BwE#PhotoSwipe1528407207818


Is this closer to what you’re describing? Does this model have a retina screen?

I had actually already replied to this once - I have no idea how, but my reply landed in a completely different conversation on a completely different thread. So sorry for the delay. I replied pretty much right after you asked and it just landed somewhere else. Here's my reply


A lot better, but still not quite a Retina generation iMac. - That one will at least run the latest operating system bound to be released this fall, but is also the earliest model that will get official support. It's also not a Retina model. The retinas are the one with 4k or 5k screens (4k for 21" and 5K for 27")
Like this one
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Apple-Reti...2034&sr=8-3&keywords=refurbished+5k+2015+iMac

PS. Haven't checked for better value deals at all.

 

[dumastudetto]

One issue with buying in the 2010-2013 range is your machine will already or soon be no longer eligible to receive new versions of macOS. Most of the 2013 models will probably be getting cut off next year. You'll still get about 2 years of security updates for your current version of macOS once you're no longer able to install new versions, but after that it's no longer advisable to keep your Mac connected to the internet.

Another issue is I've seen a quite large number of iMacs fail 5-8 years after they were manufactured, and they cost an absolute fortune to repair - if you can still get parts. Our experience has been iMacs fail more often than the laptops, but that could just be bad luck on our part. We've had one MBP die on us and about 12 iMacs through the years.

I would do what others suggest and buy only refurbs from Apple. They get a new warranty and are eligible for AppleCare which is well worth purchasing to give you three years of coverage.

 

[BrianBaughn]

SSD. Please.

I think a problem with a lot of these refurbs is they're laden with an old spinner hard drive to keep the price down. I can't imagine going back to a spinner.

 

[Guy Clark]

The mid 2010 21.5" iMac is a very capable machine. However if you want to cut the cost even further it is well worth considering the late 2009 model
https://everymac.com/systems/apple/...uo-3.06-21-inch-aluminum-late-2009-specs.html

 

[mreg376]

Or you can get an iMac G3 for about $100...

 

[dogslobber]

A lot of 2012 iMacs are crippled with spinners or Micky Mouse Fusion drives. If you go 2012+ then make sure it has real SSD storage or you’ll regret the purchase. SSD installs to 2011 and before are much easier.

 

[Guy Clark]

A lot of 2012 iMacs are crippled with spinners or Micky Mouse Fusion drives. If you go 2012+ then make sure it has real SSD storage or you’ll regret the purchase. SSD installs to 2011 and before are much easier.

Indeed I upgraded to Seagate Hybrid Drives on both my mid 2011 21.5" iMac and late 2015 21.5" 4k iMac and the 2011 upgrade was far easier
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2428+Hard+Drive+Replacement/110000
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+Retina+4K+Display+Hard+Drive+Replacement/64107

 

[tubeexperience]

SSD. Please.

I think a problem with a lot of these refurbs is they're laden with an old spinner hard drive to keep the price down. I can't imagine going back to a spinner.

A lot of 2012 iMacs are crippled with spinners or Micky Mouse Fusion drives. If you go 2012+ then make sure it has real SSD storage or you’ll regret the purchase. SSD installs to 2011 and before are much easier.

No big deal.

Grab a 500GB SSD from Newegg or Amazon for ~$100 to upgrade the iMac