Looking to buy an need help

almillar

iMacs are expensive.

Only when you buy your first one. Subsequent ones end up being cheaper than a Windows PC due to the fact Macs retain their value far better.

I actually ride this wave a bit with my recent MacBook Pros, but I don't think you should be saying they're not expensive. They simpy are.
OP's budget is £500, get them an iMac for that. You'll find that a better specced PC can be found for the same price. Yes, it may be bigger and it may not look as nice, but if OP is OK with the choice, Mac isn't a good budget choice, precisely because of your point - holding thier value well, means a second hand one is more expensive than its PC counterpart.

Advice to OP - on an iMac you really really pay a premium for the slim, one piece design. You're paying a lot of money to not have a box uner your desk!

datostar

macman wrote: »

About the only thing you can easily upgrade on an iMac is the RAM, that's a simple slot-in job. It's a sealed unit otherwise and it doesn't sound like you would have the skills to DIY.
Have you tried the Apple Outlet store for a refurb?

Only a simple slot-in job on the 27 inch version. The 21.5 inch has to be opened - big job.

20aday

The last iMac 21.5!!!8221; model that allowed the user to upgrade their own RAM was the 2011 version; after that it became soldered to the motherboard and to the best of my knowledge it!!!8217;s only last years models that can have the RAM upgraded again but you have to get Apple or an Apple Specialist to do it for you!