Really need some opinions on what to buy

[TorontoJen]

Hi everyone!
I’ll make a long story as short as I can, which might not be that short-sorry!
For the past two weeks I have been struggling with my vision. I am an author and spend countless hours staring at a screen.
I have a Mac 12” and a 13” MacBook Pro (retina) which I also attach to a 27” monitor about 60% of the time.
I have *no* vision changes, so I suspect it is what my eye doctor says, computer vision syndrome. I have computer specific glasses, have been limiting my time onscreen as much as I can (tough to do on deadline), I take breaks every 20 mins. Using eye drops and a humidifier to help with dryness.
Nothing is really helping. The past two days I have been working in my living room on my couch using my 43” tv as a monitor, just to get distance, but this is not an ideal setup.
The monitor I was using is a 1080p HD LED, but it is about 7 yrs old.
Everything just feels fuzzy
I went to Best Buy to shop for a new one, and stopped to check out the 27” iMac.
First thing I couldn’t get over was how crisp the text is. Totally insane. I usually work with stuff zoomed in and I was pretty impressed.
It also seemed to help my whole fuzzy text / straining issue.
But my question is this-can I achieve something like this with a 4K monitor hooked up to my laptop? I am not the most tech savvy when it comes to monitors.
I don’t really pay attention to resolution because I zoom my doc, enlarge my text, and zoom my docs. I’m always trying to eliminate strain that way.
I know the iMac hasn’t been updated but the most important thing for me is a screen that’s clear with razor sharp text.
Any suggestions on how to help my issue?
Thanks!

 

[mikehalloran]

27" iMac. Since 2014, they all come with Retina displays although the 2017 screen is not the same as the 2014.

A 2017 27" i5 with a Fusion drive should be fine for you unless you are using something like Adobe InDesign, then you'll want something beefier under the hood.

If you need a second monitor for layout etc., a USB-C 4K 27" LG or similar monitor can be had under $500.

 

[Fishrrman]

The 27" 5k iMac really looks great, doesn't it?
IF you can afford it, that's probably "the answer" you're looking for.
What did your eyes tell you, looking at that beautiful retina display?

One other thing (and it's important):
If you decide to get a 5k iMac, spend just a little more and get one with an SSD inside (NOT the "fusion drive"). It will run better and faster for longer.
BE AWARE that you CANNOT buy iMacs with factory-installed SSD's from most dealers (and that includes the Apple Store).
You MUST "order them" through Apple's "build-to-order" pages online.

It will be WORTH THE WAIT.
You'll just have to trust me on this one.
I'd recommend the 512gb SSD, the 1tb drive is too expensive to be worth it.
Even a 256gb SSD can "do the job" (add external USB3 storage if needed).

There are a VERY FEW resellers (such as B&H in New York) that order and keep in stock iMacs that have been pre-configured with SSDs. But they are few.

 

[mikehalloran]

The Apple Refurb Store has some iMacs with SSD only. The savings are pretty good and AppleCare+ can be added to extend the warranty to 3 years.

I don't know if you have access to those in Canada, however. Like the BTO (build to order), those are available online only.