ADVICE: Looking to buy an older iMac but unsure which one.

[Donnie]

OK, have already got a macbook pro but now also looking for an older iMac for the spare room.
Usage will mainly be Photoshop / LR but only hobby use if that makes sense, also MS Office stuff etc but would like a bit of future proofing?

So Im not an imac expert at all and id like a 27 inch if possible and have heard that the 2012 onwards are better but that at some point maybe 2013 that even the CPU is upgradeable?

Im not after a gaming machine etc, not bothered about retina or any of that, i want function and practicality.

So, iMac aficionados who can give me some advice about which may be the best way to go?

PS, Im not interested in a mac mini, Ive ruled it out.

 

[twist]

You cant upgrade the CPU on imacs. Only the ram is serviceable and thats only on 27 imacs.

Think about your budget first.

 

[Stephen L]

As late a 27inch as you can afford, and fit extra memory yourself. If the HDD isn’t SD, consider booting from an external one.

 

[Donnie]

OK, so thinking about both replies I really only want to be spending about £500 tops?

 

[twist]

OK, so thinking about both replies I really only want to be spending about £500 tops?

Perhaps save a bit more, the £500 2012 will show its age.

 

[LongLensPhotography]

The main point of going for imacs as opposed to alternatives macs is the screen. Well it has to be the 2015+ model then.

Don't forget most will come with antiquated spinning HDD inside and these are hard to replace. Look for SSD one.

 

[Stephen L]

Perhaps save a bit more, the £500 2012 will show its age.

Plus, and I might be wrong, but the 2012 won’t take any newer versions of MacOS than the current.

 

[Donnie]

Perhaps save a bit more, the £500 2012 will show its age.

OK, but in what way? Im not bothered about speed or processing power particularly, so Im trying to see if there's something ive not thought of?

 

[Donnie]

The main point of going for imacs as opposed to alternatives macs is the screen. Well it has to be the 2015+ model then.

Not for me.

 

[twist]

Plus, and I might be wrong, but the 2012 won’t take any newer versions of MacOS than the current.

That's correct AFAIK.

 

[twist]

OK, but in what way? Im not bothered about speed or processing power particularly, so Im trying to see if there's something ive not thought of?

As Stephen said, OS updates, software compatibility, security. Speed should always be considered.