Recent PC Convert -- need dual monitor suggestions

[kingofsting]

I recently became very impressed with MacOS with the purchase of the new MacBook Pro after being a 100% PC user since 1993.

I'm now thinking of getting an iMac for my desktop, but I definitely need dual monitors since I'm an engineer.

The 27" iMac seems overkill for size for one monitor, as my current setup are 2 x 21" monitors.

If I do go with the 21.5" iMac, what is a good second monitor? I want them to be very close to the same size and resolution.

Is there any real advantage to going to a 27" iMac? Again, the size just seems a bit overwhelming.

Thanks

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

This spec sheet should help you if you scan down to second display section.

I would strongly suggest if you go with the 21.5" iMac, ensure you get one with a 2TB Fusion drive which has 128GB Flash Storage. The stock standard drive is a s-l-o-w 2.5" 5400rpm drive which throttles the machine.

For what it is worth, the 27" iMac is the way to go and you can upgrade memory after purchase. Not possible with the 21.5" model. After one week's use of the Retina 5k, you will wonder how you managed with a smaller screen believe me.

http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...-i5-2.8-21-inch-aluminum-late-2015-specs.html

 

[MadDane]

From one engineer to another. At work I am using 2x 24" (1920x1200) displays. I started out with one but it was simply too limiting for me to work efficiently so I requested another. However, I have been using a single 27" display (2560x1440) since 2011 at home for the same kind of work and I have newer felt like I needed a second display. So my point is that maybe the 27" would be sufficient in itself?

If you decide on a display, how about the LG Ultrafine 4k/5k? They are probably the closest thing to the built in screen of the iMac.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

I recently became very impressed with MacOS with the purchase of the new MacBook Pro after being a 100% PC user since 1993.

I'm now thinking of getting an iMac for my desktop, but I definitely need dual monitors since I'm an engineer.

The 27" iMac seems overkill for size for one monitor, as my current setup are 2 x 21" monitors.

If I do go with the 21.5" iMac, what is a good second monitor? I want them to be very close to the same size and resolution.

Is there any real advantage to going to a 27" iMac? Again, the size just seems a bit overwhelming.

Thanks

Many advantages to the 27 inch, 5k is pretty amazing firstly, user upgradeable ram (to 64gb), dedicated graphics cards. To be honest it's much better bang for your buck and you may find one 27 inch screen is fine for your workflow. As mentioned above nothing less than a 2TB fusion drive is a must for speed. The HDD and 1TB fusion drives just don't cut it these days, if you can go pure SSD and store your files on external hard drives.

 

[joema2]

...The 27" iMac seems overkill for size for one monitor, as my current setup are 2 x 21" monitors....Is there any real advantage to going to a 27" iMac? Again, the size just seems a bit overwhelming....

From the standpoint of desk real estate and aesthetics, the 27" is a lot smaller than the number indicates. When my wife ordered a iMac 27 I feared it would be an oversized monstrosity on her small desk, which was only 39" wide and 24" deep.

The iMac 27 fit just fine, both physically and from a decor standpoint. She also has plenty of space for Harman Kardon Soundsticks external speakers.

The iMac 27 can be configured with a more powerful CPU and GPU, so if you're doing engineering work consider that.

 

[kingofsting]

Thanks for all the great feedback and advice you guys. Definitely some good stuff to consider. Obviously, I'm gonna wait to see what happens with a potential "2017 iMac" before I do anything. However, it sounds like the iMac 27 is the way to go.

 

[Kcetech1]

Thanks for all the great feedback and advice you guys. Definitely some good stuff to consider. Obviously, I'm gonna wait to see what happens with a potential "2017 iMac" before I do anything. However, it sounds like the iMac 27 is the way to go.

I will offer one minor warning, I play in Revit and a few other CAD programs and many forget the iMac uses a GPU from a laptop and can make one hell of difference if you need CUDA or do GPU assisted 3D renderings. so keep your workflow in mind as well. and CERTAINLY wait for some sort of update to the 27"