Which iMac, large or medium?

[NZDavid]

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I am looking to replace my five-year old Mac Mini. I am veering towards an iMac with Fusion Drive and at least 16GM of RAM but am undecided about screen size, 21.5" vs. 27". As I work with text and pictures, sometimes both at the same time, the bigger screen may be useful, but often I'm just writing so perhaps the 21.5" is fine and I have heard some people find the 27" too large. Present screen is 19" ViewSonic which is still going strong. Thoughts?

[nggalai]

I use a 2011 21.5" iMac and am quite happy with it – 27" would have been too large for my desk with additional screen. Nevertheless …

 

All 21.5" iMacs ship with 512 MiB of video memory. This also means that, depending on the applications you use or will use, the small iMac might be much slower than the largest one.

 

Point in case – CaptureOne 7 can use the graphics unit for both preview renders (what you see while working on an image) and final JPEG/TIFF conversions. Processing is sped up a lot; depending on the graphics unit, we’re talking up to 5x faster (potentially much faster with future VGA). You have similar bumps when using DxO, and Lightroom 5 will probably also use VGA for processing (Photoshop already does in part).

 

But: Processing in Capture One 7 only works properly with a minimum of 1 GiB of VRAM, in many cases. PhaseOne support told me not to bother trying with 512 MiB VRAM unless my RAW files are smaller than about 12 MP or I enjoy restarting CaptureOne after 5-10 exported images. Viewport rendering, and thus handling of CaptureOne, works fine with 512 MiB VRAM, though.

 

Well, the largest iMac 27" can be BTO with 2 GiB of VRAM and a much faster graphics unit to boot. This might not be important to you now, but if you plan to keep your Mac for three to five years, it may become relevant.

 

Personally, this situation makes me reconsider a Mac Pro or (future) Mac Mini for my next upgrade cycle in 2014. I neither want nor need a 27" screen on my desk; current iMac 21.5" are too crippled for my liking, though. You can’t even easily upgrade system memory, or remove the glass cover for less glare; and it’s probably very difficult to swap mass storage if needed, too. Should this trend continue, I’ll have to choose differently next year.

 

Cheers,

-Sascha

[honcho]

You can never have enough real estate if you are working with page layouts, images, text and associated toolboxes and desktops. Better still, use two monitors. The last time I saw a 19" monitor was when I chucked a LaCie Electron Blue CRT into a skip 8 or 9 years ago and the only argument I can see against a 27" monitor is if it won't physically fit within your workspace.

 

My feeling is if you've been using a Mac Mini and 19" monitor for the past 5 years, you'll soon be kicking yourself for not going bigger, faster and better at least 4 years and 11 months ago. Even a 21.5 iMac is 'better' by comparison.

 

The above is all just my opinion, so why not go to a retailer or Apple Store if you can and try the different sizes for yourself, it's the only sensible way to make a decision.

[wattsy]

Agree with Honcho. The only reasons I can think of for not going for the larger screen is if the cost difference is significant to you or your office is in a phonebox.

[stunsworth]

If it's in your budget go for the larger screen. Don't buy your RAM from Apple. The latest iMacs will take upto 32 gig of memory. That'll probably cost less from a 3rd party than 16 gig from Apple.

[robert blu]

Similar situation here, no doubt go to the larger screen, I'm planning an i.mac 27 with fusion drive, increased RAM, external hd for backups.

Only doubts is the glossy screen (reflections are reduced but still there) unless you work in a shadowed place. If any new about the "new" Mac Pro available I would make a better choice, but I cannot wait too long...

robert

[kdriceman]

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I would encourage you think more about going the iMac route. I have had 2 iMacs over the last 5 years and each has developed a monitor issue. The problem with iMacs and monitors, is that: a) they have a bad track record and they are integrated so you can't isolate a cure and you can't attach a replacement monitor (this may not be the case now with a Thunderbolt port, but even if you can attach a replacement monitor, you now have 2 monitors - one good and one bad - taking up space on your desk). Of course, if on warranty you can get Apple to replace it, but you have to lug it in to Apple and do without the whole computer while it gets repaired... If off warranty, it's $800+ to fix. Also, there are better monitors for photo editing (IMO) than the iMac monitors - Eizo, NEC come to mind.

 

The Mac Mini or Mac Mini server are great options with one of those monitors. Very powerful and flexible, especially with the Thunderbolt port and reasonably priced. My current IMac is relegated to serving my wife's shopping, surfing and emailing ... With a bright green stripe running down the right side.

[sheikhrafiq79]

i love 27 inch iMac.

[NZDavid]

Thanks for answers so far. I looked at both iMacs and the 27" doesn't look too big in the store -- but, like TVs, once at home it could be a different story. I'm getting a new desk made for my home office and while it's not huge, I'm lucky to have a good space. I hate clutter and cables so the sleek look of the iMac appeals. But reliability and performance are paramount. This present Mac Mini has been excellent. I mainly use Graphic Converter for resizing and tweaking (quick and simple) and LR for fine tuning. Uploading and copying and just waiting for programs to open can take a while so any late-model Mac will be faster, but then Mountain Lion uses more memory so more RAM and faster chips -- and also the Fusion Drive -- will help. I'm expecting Fusion Drive (or SSD) will become standard on future models.

 

I know Apple's RAM is a lot pricier and they say third-party RAM is perfectly OK, so I asked Apple direct why buy Apple RAM? They said if anything went wrong with third-party RAM they wouldn't cover it. Years ago I bought extra RAM for a G3 tower from a US outlet and it turned out to be non-compatible. A real hassle.

 

Mac Mini is still an option but there are only a handful of displays available here, mostly from Samsung. I also read the latest Mac Mini had an issue connecting with displays, although that may now have been resolved. Issues are also reported with migrating from older OS to the latest Macs.

 

Anyway, too much on right now to do a lot of research. Which is why I appreciate others' experience and thoughts. Plug and play and just having it work would be nice.

[nikau]

I recently bought the latest 27-inch iMac, replacing a five or six year old model. It's maxed out with 32 gigs of RAM, the overpriced solid state drive, the fastest processor, etc and it's amazingly quick. It laughs in the face of huge Photoshop or Lightroom files. Screen has room for a DPS A4 layout, or whatever. I've never before taken the "tick every box" route with a computer purchase but in this case it's been well worth it.

[almoore]

Echoing others, you'll never regret having more screen real estate. Before making a decision it would be worth thinking about what's most important to you - speed or monitor quality? A highly specced iMac comes out at about the same price as a Mini with a beautiful Eizo monitor. The iMac will definitely have a speed advantage but, depending on your priorities, this might be more than balanced by the subtlety of an Eizo monitor teamed with a Mini (which will still feel fast compared to what you've been using). I'd certainly check on Eizo availability before making your order.

[gshay]

Try company `Other World Computing', just months ago, updated with both the 21.5 and the 27, memory and SSD. The memory would have cost double from Apple.

For 32GB RAM, $319.00. ( is Samsung, which is identical to Apple).

Have trusted them for several years, they have tech support that cannot be beat also. Best of luck.

 

George

[honcho]

.... I'd certainly check on Eizo availability before making your order.

 

Agreed. No internal optical drive with the Mini, so a MBP + Eizo or Apple display could be another idea for the OP to consider. iMac is probably the most convenient and tidy option for the budget vs needs consideration.

[kdriceman]

Apparently, RAM is not user upgrade-able on the 21.5". http://www.macrumors.com/2012/10/23/21-5-imac-has-no-user-upgradable-ram-27-has-four-accessible-ram-slots/

 

And I know at the HD on these new iMacs cannot be upgraded by the user. This does not need to be a big issue if you don't mind upgrading by using external Thunderbolt drives which are extremely fast.

[tobey bilek]

I have been disappointed with the screen on a 21 as color is uneven center to corner. It is a year old now. The 27 has a beautiful screen, i7 processor and 16 GB ram. 36 MB files fly on it. HD is one terabite and I only use it for photo work . The glossy is no issue in the semi dark room I use.

 

Consider a mini and a nice quality screen with its own calibration controls. Good photo work

is impossible with a screen that can not be properly calibrated. The 27" can not be calibrated for contrast although I have been working successfully with it. It has only a backlight control. At least this can be properly dimmed to 90 candles. My previous 24 would not dim far enough.

 

To do again is a Mac Pro and Eizo would be my choice.

 

If you can afford a digi Leica, buy the rest of what is required..

[earleygallery]

I am looking to replace my five-year old Mac Mini. I am veering towards an iMac with Fusion Drive and at least 16GM of RAM but am undecided about screen size, 21.5" vs. 27". As I work with text and pictures, sometimes both at the same time, the bigger screen may be useful, but often I'm just writing so perhaps the 21.5" is fine and I have heard some people find the 27" too large. Present screen is 19" ViewSonic which is still going strong. Thoughts?

 

If the Mac Mini still serves your purposes why not just buy a new larger screen?

[NZDavid]

How is your Mac Mini going, James? Mine has done really well over the last five years. I think I had to reset the PRAM a couple of times and took it to the dealer once, but they couldn't find anything wrong. (Mac Mini is easy to take anywhere.) Best way to fix any problems is to turn the power off, unplug everything, wait, then replug and switch on again.

 

LCD display is still fine. I think they last something like 50,000 hours (LED will last longer than LCD). That's about five years but only if you have it on 24/7, so more like 10 years in real life.

 

Software and specs are getting out of date, though. I think five-six years may be the best time to change.

 

Eizo display looks very pricey -- twice as much as an Apple Thunderbird 27".

 

I was a little concerned about not being able to scale back the contrast on the iMac, otherwise either model would be good. I have just go my nice new solid rimu and leatherette desk so I'll have to have one that is aesthetically pleasing, naturally.

[earleygallery]

Hi David,

 

Mine is working well for me although due to loss of my study as a 'store room' for the time being I've not been using it so much - the nice thing is that I have been able to plug it into the TV in the living room to use.

 

My plan was to have it as a 'media hub' but again that's not worked out yet due to time mostly!

 

I also added a s/h Macbook which has been seeing more use lately, mostly internet stuff, but I have a ton of processing to do which I need to use the Mini for.

[almoore]

David, the higher grade Eizo monitors are expensive but they really are way better than those from Apple. My own experience is that it's only in the last few years that the best flat monitors have caught up with the last generation of CRTs like Sony Artisans for editing. Apple displays have a beautifully elegant form factor but at the expense of functionality. Having said that, there's no shortage of professional photographers happily using iMacs, but I suspect they'd be surprised at how much easier things can be with a good monitor.

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[earleygallery]

Just to add, I was torn between choosing the Mini, a Macbook Pro or an iMac as my first mac.

 

The iMac represents great value (for Apple) for a desktop and it's a very neat solution, but of course if some component breaks, the whole lot has to go back for repair (or eventually will be trashed). That's ultimately what swayed me towards the Mini and the idea of the media hub.