I have eagerly awaited the iMac refresh and now that it has happened I am about to buy my first Mac. I've been using a 17" DTR-laptop for years now and need something more powerful and stable. I think iMac is the perfect computer for me. I do have experience with Macs as I got my mom a Mac Mini with a 21.5" display (which I'm using now).
But what size should I get? I have seen both sizes live and my impressions were that the iMac 27" looks very cool but takes a lot of space (especially width) while the 21.5" model looks okey but for some reason smaller than this 21.5" display I'm using now. However, standing in front of these iMacs isn't the same thing as using them at home and so I would like user feedback from you.
My desk
It's a bulky wooden four-seater that acts as my livingroom table as well (I live in a studio apartment). One fourth of it is currently occupied by my laptop and active speakers. An iMac 21.5" would fit nicely on it while the 27" model, because of its width, would take up almost half of the width of the table.
Viewing distance
I prefer to watch monitors from fairly close. I'd say my optimal viewing distance is an arm's length. Because of my desk acting as a livingroom table as well, I have no option to place the iMac further away from me.
Usage of screen space
I do get that a bigger screen is better when you edit video or audio, or if you have to do some professional work. However, I'm a university student that only 'professionally' writes with Word. I usually have Spotify, 1-3 Firefox windows and maybe MSN Messenger/Thunderbird on at the same time. Sometimes I do have situations where I need to see 2 windows at the same time. I don't do gaming at all and as I have a 40" display in the same room (with a BD player) I'm not going to watch movies with the iMac. I'd say I usually do light multitasking but not a lot.
Overall
I'm going to buy the iMac with a student discount. Right now, I have two options: 1) the new 21.5" iMac with the i5 (dual core) option or 2) the new 27" iMac with the i5 (dual core) option. I'm not going to buy another computer for at least five years so that's why I'm going with the better cpu -- I know you guys are quad core -fans but as I'm not using any pro programs, I doubt I have use for it.
My gut feeling is that while the 27" iMac would be nice for my light multitasking, the physical space it takes would be a nuisance. Furthermore, it would probably feel like I chose it because everyone thinks it's so cool. Of course the fact that 27" models have had more widespread problems with the yellow tint and the noise (maybe due to using so powerful components in a thin and small chassis) makes the 21.5" model seem like a safer choice. Being ecofriendly and strict about power consumption, the smaller iMac feels a better bet.
So what I'm basically asking here is for the owners of both sizes come clean about what it's like to use them in their basic use (not photo editing or such). One thing to think about is how 27" resolution makes everything very small -- or so I've heard. I know I'm going to get some 'the bigger, the better' comments, but I beg to remember that not everyone thinks that way. I know you get used to displays that seem big at first. On the other hand, some of you seem to be of the opinion that a 50" display placed on the desk wouldn't be an overkill. At that point it is clear that we are not living on the same planet.
