Which iMac should I purchase?

[solidsnake222]

Hi everybody,

I'm looking to purchase an iMac, I'm in my second year of college and I much prefer writing papers, taking tests, and do research on a desktop. Scratch that, I prefer doing just about everything on a desktop over a laptop.

Anyway, I would love to buy a iMac for under $1000 if possible, but I don't want to cheap out now and regret it. I found two computers that I'm seriously considering.

One is the Late 2013 iMac with a quad core processor for $999. Link for reference: http://www.amazon.com/Apple-iMac-...B004YLCIC4

The second is the late 2015 model so it's newer, but its only a duo core and it's slightly more money: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/pro..._2015.html

Of those two choices, I think I like the 2015 model more just because it's newer. However, it may be slower and more expensive. Any thoughts?

There's also a third one I'm considering, it seems to be the best of both worlds as it's quad core, retina screen, and from 2015 although it is a couple hundred more: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/pro..._2015.html

Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[maflynn]

I'd say go with the third one, its a hair over 1,000. As for option #1. Your link is bad, so I have no idea what it is. Something bothers me about getting what will turn out to be a 3 year old computer for 1,000 bucks so I personally wouldn't get that one.

 

[MadDane]

If you can afford the $160 more for #3 that is also the one I would go for.

You mention that the 3rd option has a retina screen. Maybe it is a mistake, but the one you linked to does not have a retina display. If you want the 21" iMac with a retina display, the cheapest option is this one at $1399: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1190358-REG/apple_mk452ll_a_21_5_imac_with_retina.html

 

[Max(IT)]

How could you accept a non retina display in 2015 ?
I would wait a few more months to save the money needed to buy a retina iMac.