|
|
Post by anneinwa on May 9, 2016 2:07:49 GMT
Ok, so I will be buying an iMac in the very near future. I am switching from a PC so I am not sure which upgrades are needed.
At this time I am looking at a 21.5 inch with retina 4k for two reasons, cost and the fact my desk is only 24 inches deep. I do have a second monitor that I bought for editing photos that I can use. If I should be seriously considering the 27 inch, why?
Primary use will be for photography, Photoshop...
Upgrades...
Is the jump from i5 to i7 worth it?
Upgrade to 16 gig memory? Are the current models able to have memory easily upgraded at home?
Which hard drive? the different types are confusing me, but the research I have done says to go for the flash drive.
Thank you for any feedback/advice!
|
|
CeeScraps
Pearl Clutcher
~~occupied entertaining my brain~~
Posts: 3,826 
|
Post by CeeScraps on May 9, 2016 10:30:01 GMT
Get the most you can afford! I would think the 21.5" is good. Make sure to go to the store to actually see the models available.
You want the most recent OS. Why? Because then your computer will function longer. We have a couple of 2010 iMac's. There is nothing wrong with them and they are still what we use here at home.
Memory: From what I understand you can't upgrade memory anymore. Check with Apple for that.
Have you looked at Apple.com? They give you the choices there. Again, get the most you can afford. You will not regret it!
|
|
michellegb
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,915
Location: New England and loving it!
Jun 26, 2014 0:04:59 GMT
|
Post by michellegb on May 9, 2016 10:51:56 GMT
Ok, so I will be buying an iMac in the very near future. I am switching from a PC so I am not sure which upgrades are needed. At this time I am looking at a 21.5 inch with retina 4k for two reasons, cost and the fact my desk is only 24 inches deep. I do have a second monitor that I bought for editing photos that I can use. If I should be seriously considering the 27 inch, why? Primary use will be for photography, Photoshop... Upgrades... Is the jump from i5 to i7 worth it? Upgrade to 16 gig memory? Are the current models able to have memory easily upgraded at home? Which hard drive? the different types are confusing me, but the research I have done says to go for the flash drive. Thank you for any feedback/advice! Welcome to the dark side! Here's what I found out from the research I did for the laptop I bought last month. The 21.5 will be fine. If you're unsure, go to the store and see them side by side. The 27" is really large. The jump from i5 to i7 is only worth it if you're doing heavy duty photo editing (think professional level) or using programs like CAD. I found some good information about this on Mac Rumors. I didn't make the jump and I'm good with it. Definitely upgrade to 16gb memory. This is the big one that will "future proof" your computer and extend it's life. I expect that mine will last about 5-6 years easily. I don't believe there are any macs that can be upgraded at home, but I could be wrong. I love my flash drive and I got a 512gb. Again, this will give me plenty of room for larger programs and lots of photos. I wouldn't go less than that unless you store your photos on an external drive. I would also recommend buying a refurbished one from the Apple site if you are looking to saving a little bit of money (15%). If you stalk the site, you'll find what you're looking for and you can have it shipped to your home or to the store. I would also strongly recommend Apple Care. I have had to use it 2-3 times in the past with my older macs (each of which lasted about 6 years) and it has paid for itself each time. HTH.  |
|
|
|
Post by anneinwa on May 9, 2016 13:54:34 GMT
Thank you! Taking notes!
So much to think about. I am doing a lot of reading/research too but like to have first hand responses from those who have bought and used iMacs. I need to read more but I think I read on the 27 inch, you can upgrade the ram at home.
Closest Apple Store is 45 mins away with no traffic and Best Buy is 30 mins no traffic. Not sure where else I can look.
Photo editing now can be working through up to 250-350 photos 1-2x a week and lightly editing 50 of each of those times (softball games - not making anything). Right now I sit working at with a PC where bridge is so slow to load or PS has to sit and spin when I ask it to do something. It is older and not top of line but so tired of it.
|
|
iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,125
|
Post by iowgirl on May 9, 2016 13:58:27 GMT
I expect that mine will last about 5-6 years easily. Is this time span a hardware related one? As in, is that how long you expect the components to last? Or is it an update/OS issue rendering it obsolete? I am a PC gal all the way, but I do have some apple products that I love. I have the early iPad that is in perfect condition with not much use. It is basically a brick, since I can't get any new apps or update any of the current ones. I can access Facebook on it and use Safari, but it frequently shuts down using that. I also have an iTouch that can't be updated any more either. It's frustrating to have expensive units that are basically worthless because I can't update. And what the hell is wrong with the quality of their charging cords! Gaaa!!! LOL I am so soured by this, that I don't look too favorably at getting any Apple computers. I know PC's can certainly go obsolete too... But I just retired an old Windows 95 desktop a year ago! LOL DH still would fire it up to use an old program on it once in a while. He also has a XP lap top that he bought in 2005 that he uses all the time. It terrifies me, so I back up his data on an external a lot, awaiting the eventual death of that machine. My current PC desktop is smoking fast. I can use Photoshop and have no lag time. It also runs Silhouette Studio flawlessly. |
|
|
|
Post by anneinwa on May 9, 2016 13:59:08 GMT
Have you looked at Apple.com? They give you the choices there. Again, get the most you can afford. You will not regret it! I have been and building lots of options lol. Been looking at refurbished too, but need a better idea of what I need and what I want since what they list is what you get. |
|
michellegb
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,915
Location: New England and loving it!
Jun 26, 2014 0:04:59 GMT
|
Post by michellegb on May 10, 2016 9:12:16 GMT
I expect that mine will last about 5-6 years easily. Is this time span a hardware related one? As in, is that how long you expect the components to last? Or is it an update/OS issue rendering it obsolete? I am a PC gal all the way, but I do have some apple products that I love. I have the early iPad that is in perfect condition with not much use. It is basically a brick, since I can't get any new apps or update any of the current ones. I can access Facebook on it and use Safari, but it frequently shuts down using that. I also have an iTouch that can't be updated any more either. It's frustrating to have expensive units that are basically worthless because I can't update. And what the hell is wrong with the quality of their charging cords! Gaaa!!! LOL I am so soured by this, that I don't look too favorably at getting any Apple computers. I know PC's can certainly go obsolete too... But I just retired an old Windows 95 desktop a year ago! LOL DH still would fire it up to use an old program on it once in a while. He also has a XP lap top that he bought in 2005 that he uses all the time. It terrifies me, so I back up his data on an external a lot, awaiting the eventual death of that machine. My current PC desktop is smoking fast. I can use Photoshop and have no lag time. It also runs Silhouette Studio flawlessly. The 5-6 year span is more of an update/OS issue (and maybe the processor) - and I could absolutely use the computers longer than that, but I'm kind of a pill about "slow" computers that others think are fine  . My iMac is a late 2009 and it functions perfectly fine, it's just a little slow and it doesn't like having multiple browser tabs open or more than a couple programs open at the same time. It's running the last OS update, but not the most recent one because of a compatibility issue with a program I have on it. And the Mac Book I had before that was the same thing - it just really slowed down (and that computer still works too - it's a 2004). I wouldn't let the fact that you're iPad and iPod touch can't be updated anymore sour you on Apple - all manufacturers of this type of technology eventually stop supporting them. I get that it's frustrating though. Honestly, I have never had an issue with any of their power cords - and I've had 3 different types of iPods and an iPad (and the same for DH). The only one I've ever replaced is the one the pup got to one day. I think you've been super lucky with your PCs and gotten far more life out of them than anyone I know! I'm very impressed! DH has gone through 3 laptops during the 6 years I had my iMac. He uses them for work (works from home) and he has learned to expect an approx. 2 year lifespan for them - although the Lenovo he got 2 years ago is still going strong. What I think you won't miss is the constant vigilance about virus/trojan horses/trackers that you get in PCs. But that's just my opinion. |
|
michellegb
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,915
Location: New England and loving it!
Jun 26, 2014 0:04:59 GMT
|
Post by michellegb on May 10, 2016 9:13:55 GMT
Have you looked at Apple.com? They give you the choices there. Again, get the most you can afford. You will not regret it! I have been and building lots of options lol. Been looking at refurbished too, but need a better idea of what I need and what I want since what they list is what you get. Just an FYI - They update the refurbished list on Monday or Tuesday (dang it, I forgot which) and Friday. Those are the days to stalk the site. I found that what I wanted lasted about 20 minutes once they put it up and it took me a couple weeks to snag it, but I saved 15% which just about paid for the Apple Care. Good luck with your search! |
|
|
|
Post by anneinwa on May 10, 2016 16:28:12 GMT
I have been and building lots of options lol. Been looking at refurbished too, but need a better idea of what I need and what I want since what they list is what you get. Just an FYI - They update the refurbished list on Monday or Tuesday (dang it, I forgot which) and Friday. Those are the days to stalk the site. I found that what I wanted lasted about 20 minutes once they put it up and it took me a couple weeks to snag it, but I saved 15% which just about paid for the Apple Care. Good luck with your search! That helps knowing what days to stalk! Most are listed with 8 gig. Time to price out anxoup options and have them printed so I can jump. Killing me seeing I could have it tomorrow if I knew what exactly I wanted! |
|
seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,411
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
|
Post by seaexplore on May 10, 2016 16:44:31 GMT
I have had multiple Apple computers. Buy the most you can afford. I always max out processor, ram, HD. My laptops (I will never own a desktop again, too restrictive) last me 10 years on average since I get the most upgraded options when I purchase.
|
|
|
|
Post by anniefb on May 10, 2016 18:46:21 GMT
Get the most you can afford! I agree with CeeScraps. Your Mac will last for years and you want the max specs possible now - particularly as I think the RAM can't be upgraded in a lot of models anymore. |
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on May 10, 2016 19:35:50 GMT
I would ditch the second monitor and get the larger screen. I have a 27" and love it for editing photos. It's nice to see what a photo will look like big, vs a 4x6. And it's great for editing teen spots or other small details. I especially like the larger screen for work projects--I can have 2-3 programs running at once and have them all up on the screen to refer back and forth from. So much better than printing something off or flipping between programs. Especially since so much of Mac use is drag and drop. It's nice to see what you are dragging over and where you are dropping it.
My motto is go big or go home. Get the best computer that you can afford--you will have it for a long time. Technology only requires more memory and faster processors as time goes on.
|
|
|
|
Post by anneinwa on May 11, 2016 4:39:30 GMT
I would ditch the second monitor and get the larger screen. I have a 27" and love it for editing photos. It's nice to see what a photo will look like big, vs a 4x6. And it's great for editing teen spots or other small details. I especially like the larger screen for work projects--I can have 2-3 programs running at once and have them all up on the screen to refer back and forth from. So much better than printing something off or flipping between programs. Especially since so much of Mac use is drag and drop. It's nice to see what you are dragging over and where you are dropping it. My motto is go big or go home. Get the best computer that you can afford--you will have it for a long time. Technology only requires more memory and faster processors as time goes on. When did you get the 27 and are able to upgrade the memory yourself? That's one thing that might sell me on the 27 if I can find it refurbished (to off set the difference in price of 21.5 new... The processor just jumping to the 27 is better if the research I am doing is correct). |
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on May 11, 2016 7:14:36 GMT
I would ditch the second monitor and get the larger screen. I have a 27" and love it for editing photos. It's nice to see what a photo will look like big, vs a 4x6. And it's great for editing teen spots or other small details. I especially like the larger screen for work projects--I can have 2-3 programs running at once and have them all up on the screen to refer back and forth from. So much better than printing something off or flipping between programs. Especially since so much of Mac use is drag and drop. It's nice to see what you are dragging over and where you are dropping it. My motto is go big or go home. Get the best computer that you can afford--you will have it for a long time. Technology only requires more memory and faster processors as time goes on. When did you get the 27 and are able to upgrade the memory yourself? That's one thing that might sell me on the 27 if I can find it refurbished (to off set the difference in price of 21.5 new... The processor just jumping to the 27 is better if the research I am doing is correct). Mama Mac is 2 years old now and still running like a champ. The only problem I've ever had is when I was when I had 9 applications open, Mail, Pages, Numbers, and was running iPhoto, Photos, Lightroom and a graphics program. The poor thing was just overwhelmed. Otherwise I've never had a single issue. I have not not upgraded the memory or needed to. And I don't believe you can there isn't anything to open, although I'm sure you can if a tech did need to work on it. And yes, the processor is much better for the 27 inch. That's really why I choose it to begin with, although I find that I really love the bigger screen. I have over 50,000 photos in Photos and it's not a problem other than its just a ton of photos. I really need to pull some albums off, as they are from past football games or plays where I'd take 2,000 photos at a time and most are not of my kid. I just have them on a separate hard drive if I ever need them. Another plus for the big screen is video watching. It's great for movies (I've been scanning all my old photos from the pre-digital days and I'll run a movie while scanning. And I did a slide show for DS's graduation and just played it on the Mac. I just moved the computer into the party area, which is easier to do because the whole computer is contained within the monitor. Be sure to get Apple Care. It's so nice when I have a question not easily answered with a Google. I just have them call me (usually within a minute) and someone can walk me through my question. So easy! |
|
|
|
Post by anneinwa on May 11, 2016 14:18:01 GMT
When did you get the 27 and are able to upgrade the memory yourself? That's one thing that might sell me on the 27 if I can find it refurbished (to off set the difference in price of 21.5 new... The processor just jumping to the 27 is better if the research I am doing is correct). Mama Mac is 2 years old now and still running like a champ. The only problem I've ever had is when I was when I had 9 applications open, Mail, Pages, Numbers, and was running iPhoto, Photos, Lightroom and a graphics program. The poor thing was just overwhelmed. Otherwise I've never had a single issue. I have not not upgraded the memory or needed to. And I don't believe you can there isn't anything to open, although I'm sure you can if a tech did need to work on it. And yes, the processor is much better for the 27 inch. That's really why I choose it to begin with, although I find that I really love the bigger screen. I have over 50,000 photos in Photos and it's not a problem other than its just a ton of photos. I really need to pull some albums off, as they are from past football games or plays where I'd take 2,000 photos at a time and most are not of my kid. I just have them on a separate hard drive if I ever need them. Another plus for the big screen is video watching. It's great for movies (I've been scanning all my old photos from the pre-digital days and I'll run a movie while scanning. And I did a slide show for DS's graduation and just played it on the Mac. I just moved the computer into the party area, which is easier to do because the whole computer is contained within the monitor. Be sure to get Apple Care. It's so nice when I have a question not easily answered with a Google. I just have them call me (usually within a minute) and someone can walk me through my question. So easy! Apple care will be bought. A couple more questions for you! How much memory do you have in your 27" and what is the depth of your desk you have it on? I'll probably do an online chat with apple today about the upgradable memory. I am not which model of the iMac was upgradable and need to confirm. Probably years past with my luck. |
|
|
|
Post by anneinwa on May 11, 2016 14:48:56 GMT
Ok found where I saw about user access for memory. On the refurbished page, it says this for the 27" retina (have not looked at non retina because I will be buying retina). It says under tech specs:
Memory
8GB (two 4GB) of 1867MHz DDR3 memory; four SO-DIMM slots, user accessible
If true, and I will confirm with Apple, I could start with 8 gig, and probably find what I need refurbished.
|
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on May 11, 2016 17:16:14 GMT
Mama Mac is 2 years old now and still running like a champ. The only problem I've ever had is when I was when I had 9 applications open, Mail, Pages, Numbers, and was running iPhoto, Photos, Lightroom and a graphics program. The poor thing was just overwhelmed. Otherwise I've never had a single issue. I have not not upgraded the memory or needed to. And I don't believe you can there isn't anything to open, although I'm sure you can if a tech did need to work on it. And yes, the processor is much better for the 27 inch. That's really why I choose it to begin with, although I find that I really love the bigger screen. I have over 50,000 photos in Photos and it's not a problem other than its just a ton of photos. I really need to pull some albums off, as they are from past football games or plays where I'd take 2,000 photos at a time and most are not of my kid. I just have them on a separate hard drive if I ever need them. Another plus for the big screen is video watching. It's great for movies (I've been scanning all my old photos from the pre-digital days and I'll run a movie while scanning. And I did a slide show for DS's graduation and just played it on the Mac. I just moved the computer into the party area, which is easier to do because the whole computer is contained within the monitor. Be sure to get Apple Care. It's so nice when I have a question not easily answered with a Google. I just have them call me (usually within a minute) and someone can walk me through my question. So easy! Apple care will be bought. A couple more questions for you! How much memory do you have in your 27" and what is the depth of your desk you have it on? I'll probably do an online chat with apple today about the upgradable memory. I am not which model of the iMac was upgradable and need to confirm. Probably years past with my luck. I'll have to check the memory when we get home. I know there was one upgrade from what I bought. I do have a big desk--about 4.5' x 2.5'. But my screen isn't at the back of the desk--probably about 2/3 of the way back. So I'd say it's comparable to having it at the back of your desk. I still put my fingers on the screen to keep track of something, especially if I'm comparing spread sheets. |
|
|
|
Post by anneinwa on May 11, 2016 18:33:12 GMT
Apple care will be bought. A couple more questions for you! How much memory do you have in your 27" and what is the depth of your desk you have it on? I'll probably do an online chat with apple today about the upgradable memory. I am not which model of the iMac was upgradable and need to confirm. Probably years past with my luck. I'll have to check the memory when we get home. I know there was one upgrade from what I bought. I do have a big desk--about 4.5' x 2.5'. But my screen isn't at the back of the desk--probably about 2/3 of the way back. So I'd say it's comparable to having it at the back of your desk. I still put my fingers on the screen to keep track of something, especially if I'm comparing spread sheets. Thank you. I am looking at my set up and I currently have a 24" screen and still about 10" behind it to edge of desk (desk has a hutch that the screen won't fit under but I will be removing it if I need to). So still won't be what I am reading as 'ideal' distance for a 27" but I think it could work til I find a replacement option for desk space. I'm really thinking 27 may be the way to go refurbished because of the processor and I can save money and upgrade memory later for a lot less. Not sure I can swing the i7 though. |
|
|
|
Post by anneinwa on May 11, 2016 18:42:27 GMT
Apple care will be bought. A couple more questions for you! How much memory do you have in your 27" and what is the depth of your desk you have it on? I'll probably do an online chat with apple today about the upgradable memory. I am not which model of the iMac was upgradable and need to confirm. Probably years past with my luck. I'll have to check the memory when we get home. I know there was one upgrade from what I bought. I do have a big desk--about 4.5' x 2.5'. But my screen isn't at the back of the desk--probably about 2/3 of the way back. So I'd say it's comparable to having it at the back of your desk. I still put my fingers on the screen to keep track of something, especially if I'm comparing spread sheets. So still pricing out new so I know what to look for with refurbished. If you had the choice of upgrading the processor or the storage to flash storage which would you do? I already work with external hard drives. |
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on May 11, 2016 19:25:31 GMT
I'll have to check the memory when we get home. I know there was one upgrade from what I bought. I do have a big desk--about 4.5' x 2.5'. But my screen isn't at the back of the desk--probably about 2/3 of the way back. So I'd say it's comparable to having it at the back of your desk. I still put my fingers on the screen to keep track of something, especially if I'm comparing spread sheets. So still pricing out new so I know what to look for with refurbished. If you had the choice of upgrading the processor or the storage to flash storage which would you do? I already work with external hard drives. I thought this was a really great article on all the choices. This will probably help you more than me telling you what I use--it's good info that can help you decide what you need, based on how you use the computer. Explanation and comparisonsBut remember my motto--go big or go home. What I upgraded 2 years ago is already standard for some components. How long do you want your computer to last? Are you the type to want the latest and greatest, even if it's not top of the line? Or are you slow to upgrade and want to keep the computer running as long as possible? Is there someone that you could pass down the computer to if you decide you want more? Gotta run now, but will come back with what I currently have. |
|
|
|
Post by anneinwa on May 11, 2016 20:34:06 GMT
So still pricing out new so I know what to look for with refurbished. If you had the choice of upgrading the processor or the storage to flash storage which would you do? I already work with external hard drives. I thought this was a really great article on all the choices. This will probably help you more than me telling you what I use--it's good info that can help you decide what you need, based on how you use the computer. Explanation and comparisonsBut remember my motto--go big or go home. What I upgraded 2 years ago is already standard for some components. How long do you want your computer to last? Are you the type to want the latest and greatest, even if it's not top of the line? Or are you slow to upgrade and want to keep the computer running as long as possible? Is there someone that you could pass down the computer to if you decide you want more? Gotta run now, but will come back with what I currently have. I want something reliable more than anything. I don't want crashes and PS to just sit there and spin when I am trying to crop a photo... I don't want bridge to be 'not responding' when I am trying to edit photos. I don't need top of the line, I don't need lightning fast but I also don't want to be sitting there twindling my thumbs when I start charging for sessions (heck I don't want to be now either but it is what it is). My husband says to get what I need and he would be thrilled if it lasts me 5 years. From what I am hearing, that shouldn't be an issue. Going to look at that article when I am back at my computer. |
|
CeeScraps
Pearl Clutcher
~~occupied entertaining my brain~~
Posts: 3,826
|
Post by CeeScraps on May 12, 2016 1:27:31 GMT
Memory is what is sticking out to me the most when you're talking about this...please, please check with Apple PRIOR to making a purchase. I just don't think memory can be upgraded anymore,
Apple is making the sleekest machines. By doing that they have eliminated various things we can do with the machines....no cd drive within the machine for example.
I have always been Apple since the 80's so that hasn't changed my mind a bit about them. They last so very long you will not regret it!
Someone above me mentioned they did a slideshow and moved their desktop computer. Don't do that! Get Apple TV and you can stream from your computer to your already in place tv your slideshow. It's simple and works beautifully!
|
|
|
|
Post by anneinwa on May 12, 2016 1:38:22 GMT
Memory is what is sticking out to me the most when you're talking about this...please, please check with Apple PRIOR to making a purchase. I just don't think memory can be upgraded anymore, Apple is making the sleekest machines. By doing that they have eliminated various things we can do with the machines....no cd drive within the machine for example. I have always been Apple since the 80's so that hasn't changed my mind a bit about them. They last so very long you will not regret it! Someone above me mentioned they did a slideshow and moved their desktop computer. Don't do that! Get Apple TV and you can stream from your computer to your already in place tv your slideshow. It's simple and works beautifully! From everything I am reading on Apple's website the 27" iMacs are still upgradable. And looks straight forward. I will talk to some one first to make sure. I did see there is an external cd/DVD reader (and burner I believe) that is under $100. I'm cool with that if I need it. It's funny cause I grew up in a PC family. My first experience with Apple was in college and I didn't like them. Now after a couple iPhones and an iPad, as well and playing with an iMac, I'm ready to switch. |
|
|
|
Post by Delta Dawn on May 12, 2016 1:46:22 GMT
Here is some advice from a very happy Mac family. If you are buying a Mac either order it directly from Apple or get it from an Apple Store. I bought my Mac Book Pro a year ago from a small, independent Apple retailer in town because there is no Apple Store here. BIG MISTAKE! I had trouble with my cord. It shorted and it burned out. I talked to Apple Care and they said "just take it to wherever you bought it and they will give you a new one, no questions asked". They would NOT. She said "they may replace it at an Apple Store, but there is nothing wrong with the cord SEE???" and I left with my cord in my hand. I contacted Apple Care and they were appauled and sent me a new cord. I would NEVER and I mean never EVER deal with a NON-APPLE store. That means if it ain't got the Apple Name on the door, I won't even walk in.
|
|
|
|
Post by anneinwa on May 12, 2016 2:45:39 GMT
Here is some advice from a very happy Mac family. If you are buying a Mac either order it directly from Apple or get it from an Apple Store. I bought my Mac Book Pro a year ago from a small, independent Apple retailer in town because there is no Apple Store here. BIG MISTAKE! I had trouble with my cord. It shorted and it burned out. I talked to Apple Care and they said "just take it to wherever you bought it and they will give you a new one, no questions asked". They would NOT. She said "they may replace it at an Apple Store, but there is nothing wrong with the cord SEE???" and I left with my cord in my hand. I contacted Apple Care and they were appauled and sent me a new cord. I would NEVER and I mean never EVER deal with a NON-APPLE store. That means if it ain't got the Apple Name on the door, I won't even walk in. Thank you. Will buy online so I can get refurbished or customize it to my liking. Nearest store is 45 mins (no traffic) so chances of going in there are slim. |
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on May 12, 2016 2:53:00 GMT
Memory is what is sticking out to me the most when you're talking about this...please, please check with Apple PRIOR to making a purchase. I just don't think memory can be upgraded anymore, Apple is making the sleekest machines. By doing that they have eliminated various things we can do with the machines....no cd drive within the machine for example. I have always been Apple since the 80's so that hasn't changed my mind a bit about them. They last so very long you will not regret it! Someone above me mentioned they did a slideshow and moved their desktop computer. Don't do that! Get Apple TV and you can stream from your computer to your already in place tv your slideshow. It's simple and works beautifully! I'm the one who moved my computer for the slide show. Sooooo much easier than moving the TV and cables to the party space! And yes, I do use Apple TV for showing photos and such. So easy to use! |
|
|
|
Post by Delta Dawn on May 12, 2016 3:01:56 GMT
Here is some advice from a very happy Mac family. If you are buying a Mac either order it directly from Apple or get it from an Apple Store. I bought my Mac Book Pro a year ago from a small, independent Apple retailer in town because there is no Apple Store here. BIG MISTAKE! I had trouble with my cord. It shorted and it burned out. I talked to Apple Care and they said "just take it to wherever you bought it and they will give you a new one, no questions asked". They would NOT. She said "they may replace it at an Apple Store, but there is nothing wrong with the cord SEE???" and I left with my cord in my hand. I contacted Apple Care and they were appauled and sent me a new cord. I would NEVER and I mean never EVER deal with a NON-APPLE store. That means if it ain't got the Apple Name on the door, I won't even walk in. Thank you. Will buy online so I can get refurbished or customize it to my liking. Nearest store is 45 mins (no traffic) so chances of going in there are slim. That's awesome! Get as much as you can afford. Really, you'll be happy you did! I love my Mac and we all love our Macs except the offspring. He is venturing into PC land again for gaming but he still has an old Mac Book he can fire up if need be. We are a dedicated Mac family and have been for about 5 years now. You'll love it! |
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on May 12, 2016 3:52:49 GMT
I thought this was a really great article on all the choices. This will probably help you more than me telling you what I use--it's good info that can help you decide what you need, based on how you use the computer. Explanation and comparisonsBut remember my motto--go big or go home. What I upgraded 2 years ago is already standard for some components. How long do you want your computer to last? Are you the type to want the latest and greatest, even if it's not top of the line? Or are you slow to upgrade and want to keep the computer running as long as possible? Is there someone that you could pass down the computer to if you decide you want more? Gotta run now, but will come back with what I currently have. I want something reliable more than anything. I don't want crashes and PS to just sit there and spin when I am trying to crop a photo... I don't want bridge to be 'not responding' when I am trying to edit photos. I don't need top of the line, I don't need lightning fast but I also don't want to be sitting there twindling my thumbs when I start charging for sessions (heck I don't want to be now either but it is what it is). My husband says to get what I need and he would be thrilled if it lasts me 5 years. From what I am hearing, that shouldn't be an issue. Going to look at that article when I am back at my computer. I can't tell you how happy I am with the reliability. Everything just works. Email is on my iPhone, iPad, Mac, Notes, Contacts, Calendar, Photos, etc. All on every device. It's so easy. And I can have Pages documents on the cloud and pull them up on my phone (need Pages there, though.) It all just works. And if I get a little click happy and stuff stops working, I just have Apple call me and it's all just fixed--with as much time as it takes. I know a little about computers, but really don't have a lot of interest to learn more. I'm happy to pay Apple $100 a year to fix all of my issues. I did a little digging around and it sounds like you want the quad four processor for sure. Not sure about the flash storage--what I read didn't have a direct comparison and I was busy tonight with family stuff. My specs are: 3.2 GHz, Intel Core i5, 8 GB, 1600MHz, DDR 3. Like I said, I think I went the second one down on the 27". I almost want to say there was a bigger screen available at the time? I can't remember exactly. I paid about $1800 for it. Another thing to ask about--there is a small discount for teachers, students, military and government employees. I want to say it was about $200. It's worth looking into if you qualify. |
|
|
|
Post by anneinwa on May 17, 2016 16:58:42 GMT
I want something reliable more than anything. I don't want crashes and PS to just sit there and spin when I am trying to crop a photo... I don't want bridge to be 'not responding' when I am trying to edit photos. I don't need top of the line, I don't need lightning fast but I also don't want to be sitting there twindling my thumbs when I start charging for sessions (heck I don't want to be now either but it is what it is). My husband says to get what I need and he would be thrilled if it lasts me 5 years. From what I am hearing, that shouldn't be an issue. Going to look at that article when I am back at my computer. I can't tell you how happy I am with the reliability. Everything just works. Email is on my iPhone, iPad, Mac, Notes, Contacts, Calendar, Photos, etc. All on every device. It's so easy. And I can have Pages documents on the cloud and pull them up on my phone (need Pages there, though.) It all just works. And if I get a little click happy and stuff stops working, I just have Apple call me and it's all just fixed--with as much time as it takes. I know a little about computers, but really don't have a lot of interest to learn more. I'm happy to pay Apple $100 a year to fix all of my issues. I did a little digging around and it sounds like you want the quad four processor for sure. Not sure about the flash storage--what I read didn't have a direct comparison and I was busy tonight with family stuff. My specs are: 3.2 GHz, Intel Core i5, 8 GB, 1600MHz, DDR 3. Like I said, I think I went the second one down on the 27". I almost want to say there was a bigger screen available at the time? I can't remember exactly. I paid about $1800 for it. Another thing to ask about--there is a small discount for teachers, students, military and government employees. I want to say it was about $200. It's worth looking into if you qualify. Thank you for all your help. Sorry I have not been back, life has been busy! I just hit buy on a refurbished 27"! For others who may be reading looking at option now or in the future... I decided on the 27" for a couple reasons, even though I was sure I was getting getting the 21.5 After measuring my current screen, which is larger than 21.5, I realized I could manage 27" on this desk. The desk might not be the recommended size, but I still have 10" behind my current screen for a larger one, once I remove the hutch. I also like the fact I could save money upfront on RAM and update it later. I also like the fact I have a 14 day window to decide whether it is too big. Rather try it out and learn, than always wonder. The refurbished model was the highest i5 in the 27" with 2tb of fusion storage. I debated about doing the flash storage, but I would rather have the extra storage space than 256g of flash storage. I think it was a 15% savings, so by the time I added apple care and taxes, it was a wash.. I am happy with that. Now I twiddle my thumbs and try to figure out how to remove the top of this desk before it arrives! |
|
. My iMac is a late 2009 and it functions perfectly fine, it's just a little slow and it doesn't like having multiple browser tabs open or more than a couple programs open at the same time. It's running the last OS update, but not the most recent one because of a compatibility issue with a program I have on it. And the Mac Book I had before that was the same thing - it just really slowed down (and that computer still works too - it's a 2004).
