Core2duo refurb iMac

zagubov

I run an old mac laptop of similar specs to the desktop you're considering. Got a 1Tb HDD though (i'd prefer a hybrid or SDD but didn't have the choice at the time). Runs 10.11, which I think is their best since their glory days o 10.4 and 10,6.

I'm a mac fan and also a bit of a luddite (as I hate obsolescence and fake updates/upgrades).

The were the best computers about a decade ago and haven't really improved since in my opinion, so in your shoes I'd buy that machine in a shot. Do look into a SSD or hybrid drive.

Dandytf

zagubov wrote: »

I run an old mac laptop of similar specs to the desktop you're considering. Got a 1Tb HDD though (i'd prefer a hybrid or SDD but didn't have the choice at the time). Runs 10.11, which I think is their best since their glory days o 10.4 and 10,6.

I'm a mac fan and also a bit of a luddite (as I hate obsolescence and fake updates/upgrades).

The were the best computers about a decade ago and haven't really improved since in my opinion, so in your shoes I'd buy that machine in a shot. Do look into a SSD or hybrid drive.

Thanks

My initial thoughts were as I have space next to Printer in Living room.
I'de prefer to avoid increasing spending if possible, though I appreciate +300 pounds doe s offer iMacs that run mountain lion or heighten which would be fantastic.

I'm certain I could at least accept El Capitan -that was an OS version that went passed me without any real amazing features unless I've forgotten,
I do often use handoff/continuity. -maybe I could run Yosemite -was El Capitan before or after.
Those features are my personal Mac OS features used every day more recently via iPad and iPhone.
I appreciate all comments and taking my time before purchase

Almost forgot to ask -Which IMac;s offered full HD 1080 screen as I've only come across one or two -would prefer full HD if possible.

EveryWhere

Dandytf wrote: »

Thanks

My initial thoughts were as I have space next to Printer in Living room.
I'de prefer to avoid increasing spending if possible, though I appreciate +300 pounds doe s offer iMacs that run mountain lion or heighten which would be fantastic.

I'm certain I could at least accept El Capitan -that was an OS version that went passed me without any real amazing features unless I've forgotten,
I do often use handoff/continuity. -maybe I could run Yosemite -was El Capitan before or after.
Those features are my personal Mac OS features used every day more recently via iPad and iPhone.
I appreciate all comments and taking my time before purchase

Almost forgot to ask -Which IMac;s offered full HD 1080 screen as I've only come across one or two -would prefer full HD if possible.

That was already covered in post #3

Another example of you appearing to ignore what has been posted.

EveryWhere

A random example of the type in post #3; https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Apple-iMac-Late-2009-A1311-3-06Ghz-8GB-RAM-500GB-Hard-Drive-21-5-inch/223666263447

If a local shop will fit the SSD for a reasonable price, you are still close to your original budget, but you'll have a far more responsive device.

You can see an example of this model(though with a 27" screen) firstly with the original HDD and then at around 2:12 with an SSD fitted;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1uI9ppu_1w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1uI9ppu_1w

In that example, the OS on the original HDD takes 1:05 (mins:secs) and 0:55 (mins:secs) for Safari to open the pages.
SSD takes 0:12 (mins:secs) to load and 0:06 (mins:sec) for Safari to open the pages.

So get someone else to fit the SSD for you or if you choose to buy from a business, check if they will fit one for you for an extra charge.
Using it with an old HDD will make it feel like a ten year old device. An SSD will make it feel up to date in use.

EveryWhere

Alternatively, you can go for a 21.5" screen with a 2nd gen i5 processor within your budget; https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Apple-MC813B-A-A1312-Mid-2011-iMac-27-Core-i5-2500S-4GB-RAM-1TB-HDD-Desktop-PC/108937362?iid=163870871334 Description is wrong. Actual specs are here;


Full specs; https://everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/specs/imac-core-i5-2.7-21-inch-aluminum-mid-2011-thunderbolt-specs.html

This is probably your best option, since RAM is a user up-gradable option.No need to take anything apart to fit more RAM. Plus you'll have a far more powerful processor. So better all round.

No need to go for an old C2D when you can get i3 & i5 processors within your budget.

Search eBay for A1311 for the 21.5" and A1312 for 27".

The only reason for buying an older C2D is because there is no impediment to fitting an SSD. If you don't intend to fit an SSD, there really is not a point for buying one.

The other thing about which to think, is that is you did purchase a 2009 model, the HDD within will be ten years old. So there is a possibility that it might fail in any case.

So getting the storage drive changed should be part of your forward thinking.

Dandytf

One with drawn ebayer bid could make iMac tempting.
1 day to go...

Since removed my bid....re considered that I won't be using iMac anymore often that iPad.

Thanks mser's
Almost went for the suggested 21" i5xxx

Dandytf

boyse7en wrote: »

I'm running a couple of older Macs - a 2009 Mac Pro and a 2013 iMac

The Pro is on El Capitan and works fine. I use it with Adobe Creative Suite and it is fast enough for Indesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. Don't do anything with video so i can't say how fast that would process.
Biggest problem is that some software is being deprecated on El Capitan - I can't install the latest Excel and Word updates for example.

That is one of the most useful and positive comments.

Thanks, I'm going to watch eBay and if not tonight maybe after Mot next weekend.

prowla

I'd say that there is good advice in this thread, even if it is not affirmative regarding buying the machine in question.


In the end, though, if it's for surfing the web and watching some movies, then it'll do the job.


Newer versions of applications and the OS won't run, of course, but if it's acceptable to run on unsupported software then that's OK.


The comments about adding RAM and an SSD are good - they are ways of speeding up an older system (and newer ones too!).


I personally wouldn't buy a C2D based system, but I do have one under my TV as the DVD player (the last Mac mini with integral drive); however it's only for that.

Dandytf

@prowla

What I don't like specifying that some of my concerns are with physical restrictions.
I'ts been a few years since late 2011 13" MacBook upgrades inc' +4gb ram and swapping hdd for samsung evo -I only failed when I swapped dvd super drive with hdd slot and bracket didn't allow super drive to work as planned.

When I viewed one of the suggested iMac upgrade vids I almost stopped when I seen the screen has to be lifted which I'de rather avoid.

I'll keep an eye on tonight's i5 iMac though I suspect it will reach a decent cost.

prowla

I take your point about not wanting to open up the machine; some folks are quite blase about it, but Apple tend to try and make their kit less easy to fiddle with than other manufacturers.


You also have to consider the potential reliability of the machine.


I (also) have a mid-2011 Mac mini which developed a fault and Apple didn't want to know. Given that the newer versions weren't memory upgradable, I decided not to get another.