I'm ready to upgrade to an iMac. need advice, please.

i'm a designer/photographer.
i always have 3+ CS6 apps open, as well as lightroom, acrobat, and the web. i don't do video but am thinking more about it.
i store and manipulate a lot of RAW photos.
i am going to get an imac, but unsure how much to upgrade it. right now i have an early mac pro tower w/ 1tb drive that is almost full. i think that in the next 4+ years i'll need at *least* another tb.
Two questions:
1. i really only want a 21.5" imac but i'm not sure i can get enough storage without going for the 27".
can i?
2. if i *have* to go for the 27", which sounds better for my needs... the 3tb fusion or 512 flash?
thank you.

If you are a serious designer and photographer and want to get into video in the future, then your only REAL option is to go for a higher end, 27 inch screen iMac.
Get a 27 inch screen model with the fastest i7 CPU, either the 2 or 4 GB VRAM GPU will be more than enough for graphics, photos and video work.
I am on the fence on the fusion drives at this time as there have been postings about slowdowns when using for either video work and/or 3D animation work.
IF you can afford either the 512 GB or 1 TB Flash drive, go for one of those options.
Get a 27 inch screen iMac with the base 8 GBs of RAM and install cheaper, Mac compatible third party RAM.
The 27 inch iMac models are the only ones that still have user installable RAM and the 27 inch screen models can take a max. of 32 GBs of RAM.
IF you need an optical drive, you need to budget for one of these as the new iMacs no longer have bulit-in optical drives.
Make sure to budget for 3-year extended AppleCare.
Also, budget for two external drives. One either a large storage (2-4 TB ) fast data connected (USB 3.0 or THunderbolt) standard hard. drive OR another SSD in an external enclosure for normal everyday working storage.
The other external drive needs to be used exclusively for a data backup drive.
Good Luck!

Similar Messages

I have an early 2009 iMac need advice

I am new to this forum. As I mentioned in subject I have an early 2009 iMac with 4 GB of Ram. I am up to date with my operating system, running Yosemite 10.10.1.
My problem is that my computer is slow - very slow. It takes forever for the computer to start up and once it up forever for programs to load. Mail is the best example taking it a minimum of 5 minutes to load and in the mean time nothing else will load. RecentlyI started running the disk utility and repairing permissions. That helps a tiny bit. I also got CleanMyMac 2 and use it as well. In reading some of the forum I noticed someone suggested to run an EtreCheck report and post its report which I have done. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Problem description:
Very slow starting up, many programs like Mail take forever to load
EtreCheck version: 2.1.8 (121)
Report generated March 26, 2015 at 11:31:44 AM EDT
Download EtreCheck from http://etresoft.com/etrecheck
Click the [Click for support] links for help with non-Apple products.
Click the [Click for details] links for more information about that line.
Hardware Information: ℹ️
    iMac (20-inch, Early 2009) (Verified)
    iMac - model: iMac9,1
    1 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU: 2-core
    4 GB RAM Upgradeable
        BANK 0/DIMM0
            2 GB DDR3 1067 MHz ok
        BANK 1/DIMM0
            2 GB DDR3 1067 MHz ok
    Bluetooth: Old - Handoff/Airdrop2 not supported
    Wireless: en1: 802.11 a/b/g/n
Video Information: ℹ️
    NVIDIA GeForce 9400 - VRAM: 256 MB
        iMac 1680 x 1050
System Software: ℹ️
    OS X 10.10.1 (14B25) - Time since boot: 3 days 18:48:22
Disk Information: ℹ️
    WDC WD3200AAJS-40H3A0 disk0 : (320.07 GB)
        EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB
        Macintosh HD (disk0s2) / : 319.21 GB (63.38 GB free)
        Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted> [Recovery]: 650 MB
    HL-DT-ST DVDRW GA11N
USB Information: ℹ️
    HP Photosmart 7520 series
    Apple Inc. Built-in iSight
    Seagate Backup+ Desk Mac 2 TB
        EFI (disk1s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB
        Seagate Backup Plus Drive (disk1s2) /Volumes/Seagate Backup Plus Drive : 2.00 TB (1.39 TB free)
    Western Digital My Book 1 TB
        EFI (disk2s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB
        TIME MACHINE (disk2s2) /Volumes/TIME MACHINE : 999.86 GB (584.21 GB free)
    ALCOR Generic USB Hub
        Macally Peripherals Macally iKeySlim
    Apple Inc. BRCM2046 Hub
        Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller
    Apple Computer, Inc. IR Receiver
Gatekeeper: ℹ️
    Mac App Store and identified developers
Kernel Extensions: ℹ️
        /System/Library/Extensions
    [not loaded]    com.microsoft.driver.MicrosoftMouse (5.0) [Click for support]
    [not loaded]    com.motorola-mobility.driver.MotMobileUSB (1.2.2 - SDK 10.5) [Click for support]
    [not loaded]    com.seagate.driver.PowSecDriverCore (5.2.4 - SDK 10.4) [Click for support]
        /System/Library/Extensions/MotMobileUSB.kext/Contents/PlugIns
    [not loaded]    com.motorola-mobility.driver.MotMobileMS (1.0.0 - SDK 10.5) [Click for support]
    [not loaded]    com.motorola-mobility.driver.MotMobileMTP (1.2.2 - SDK 10.5) [Click for support]
    [not loaded]    com.motorola-mobility.driver.MotMobileUSBLAN (1.2.2 - SDK 10.5) [Click for support]
    [not loaded]    com.motorola-mobility.driver.MotMobileUSBLANMerge (1.2.2 - SDK 10.5) [Click for support]
    [not loaded]    com.motorola-mobility.driver.MotMobileUSBSwch (1.2.2 - SDK 10.5) [Click for support]
        /System/Library/Extensions/Seagate Storage Driver.kext/Contents/PlugIns
    [not loaded]    com.seagate.driver.PowSecLeafDriver_10_4 (5.2.4 - SDK 10.4) [Click for support]
    [not loaded]    com.seagate.driver.PowSecLeafDriver_10_5 (5.2.4 - SDK 10.5) [Click for support]
    [not loaded]    com.seagate.driver.SeagateDriveIcons (5.2.4 - SDK 10.4) [Click for support]
Startup Items: ℹ️
    MxBtDaemon: Path: /Library/StartupItems/MxBtDaemon
    RetroRun: Path: /Library/StartupItems/RetroRun
    Startup items are obsolete in OS X Yosemite
Problem System Launch Daemons: ℹ️
    [killed]    com.apple.ctkd.plist
    [killed]    com.apple.ifdreader.plist
    [killed]    com.apple.nehelper.plist
    [killed]    com.apple.periodic-weekly.plist
    [killed]    com.apple.wdhelper.plist
    [killed]    com.apple.xpc.smd.plist
    6 processes killed due to memory pressure
Launch Agents: ℹ️
    [running]    com.hp.productresearch.plist [Click for support]
    [loaded]    com.motorola.MDMUpdater.plist [Click for support]
    [running]    com.motorola.motohelper.plist [Click for support]
    [loaded]    com.motorola.motohelperUpdater.plist [Click for support]
    [running]    com.oracle.java.Java-Updater.plist [Click for support]
Launch Daemons: ℹ️
    [loaded]    com.adobe.fpsaud.plist [Click for support]
    [loaded]    com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2.Agent.plist [Click for support]
    [running]    com.memeo.WDMemeod.plist [Click for support]
    [loaded]    com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist [Click for support]
    [loaded]    com.oracle.java.Helper-Tool.plist [Click for support]
    [loaded]    com.oracle.java.JavaUpdateHelper.plist [Click for support]
    [loaded]    com.sonos.smbbump.plist [Click for support]
    [loaded]    com.torch.update.agent.plist [Click for support]
User Launch Agents: ℹ️
    [loaded]    com.adobe.ARM.[...].plist [Click for support]
    [failed]    com.facebook.videochat.[redacted].plist [Click for support] [Click for details]
    [loaded]    com.google.keystone.agent.plist [Click for support]
    [failed]    com.Hyperlync.HubManager.plist [Click for support] [Click for details]
    [loaded]    com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2Helper.diskSpaceWatcher.plist [Click for support]
    [loaded]    com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2Helper.scheduledScan.plist [Click for support]
    [loaded]    com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2Helper.trashWatcher.plist [Click for support]
User Login Items: ℹ️
    iTunesHelper    Application (/Applications/iTunes.app/Contents/MacOS/iTunesHelper.app)
    System Events    Application Hidden (/System/Library/CoreServices/System Events.app)
    WDMemeoAgent    Application (/Library/Application Support/Memeo/WD Anywhere Backup/Agents/WDMemeoAgent.app)
    WDDriveManagerStatusMenu    Application (/Incompatible Software/WDDriveManagerStatusMenu.app)
Internet Plug-ins: ℹ️
    NPVirtools: Version: 4.0 [Click for support]
    Default Browser: Version: 600 - SDK 10.10
    Flip4Mac WMV Plugin: Version: 2.4.2.4 [Click for support]
    AdobePDFViewerNPAPI: Version: 10.1.13 [Click for support]
    FlashPlayer-10.6: Version: 17.0.0.134 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]
    Silverlight: Version: 4.0.50917.0 [Click for support]
    Flash Player: Version: 17.0.0.134 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]
    QuickTime Plugin: Version: 7.7.3
    iPhotoPhotocast: Version: 7.0 - SDK 10.8
    SharePointBrowserPlugin: Version: 14.4.8 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]
    AdobePDFViewer: Version: 10.1.13 [Click for support]
    GarminGpsControl: Version: 4.0.1.0 Release - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]
    JavaAppletPlugin: Version: Java 8 Update 25 Check version
User internet Plug-ins: ℹ️
    CitrixOnlineWebDeploymentPlugin: Version: 1.0.105 [Click for support]
    RealPlayer Plugin: Version: Unknown [Click for support]
Safari Extensions: ℹ️
    Look Up in SpanishDict
    Facebook Cleaner
    Ghostery
    Facebook Photo Rotator
    Facebook Photo Zoom
    My eBay Manager
    Facebook Ads Blocker
    eBaySpy
    Franker
    Awesome Screenshot
3rd Party Preference Panes: ℹ️
    Flash Player [Click for support]
    Flip4Mac WMV [Click for support]
    Java [Click for support]
    Microsoft Mouse
    NetUpdate [Click for support]
    Perian [Click for support]
Time Machine: ℹ️
    Skip System Files: NO
    Mobile backups: OFF
    Auto backup: YES
    Volumes being backed up:
        Macintosh HD: Disk size: 319.21 GB Disk used: 255.83 GB
    Destinations:
        TIME MACHINE [Local]
        Total size: 999.86 GB
        Total number of backups: 111
        Oldest backup: 2013-05-29 02:29:24 +0000
        Last backup: 2015-03-26 15:06:29 +0000
        Size of backup disk: Excellent
            Backup size 999.86 GB > (Disk size 319.21 GB X 3)
Top Processes by CPU: ℹ️
        12%    WindowServer
         5%    com.apple.WebKit.Networking
         4%    Safari
         2%    Google Chrome
         1%    coreaudiod
Top Processes by Memory: ℹ️
    284 MB    mds_stores
    116 MB    Google Chrome
    112 MB    Mail
    90 MB    Safari
    73 MB    WindowServer
Virtual Memory Information: ℹ️
    69 MB    Free RAM
    1.20 GB    Active RAM
    1.14 GB    Inactive RAM
    816 MB    Wired RAM
    171.19 GB    Page-ins
    1.30 GB    Page-outs
Diagnostics Information: ℹ️
    Mar 26, 2015, 07:14:59 AM    /Users/[redacted]/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/Verizon Cloud Service_2015-03-26-071459_[redacted].crash
    Mar 26, 2015, 07:09:52 AM    /Users/[redacted]/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/WDDriveManagerStatusMenu_2015- 03-26-070952_[redacted].crash
    Mar 25, 2015, 10:27:42 AM    /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/discoveryd_2015-03-25-102742_[redacted].crash
    Mar 25, 2015, 07:27:20 AM    /Users/[redacted]/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/Verizon Cloud Service_2015-03-25-072720_[redacted].crash
    Mar 24, 2015, 09:42:27 PM    /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/discoveryd_2015-03-24-214227_[redacted].crash

Pay attention to what rkaufmann87 is saying, because I agree.
Chrome is very resource intensive.
It is possible you are running other memory intensive apps.
You have a lot of 3rd party additions loaded at boot time. Do you really need all of them? Even after you get rid of MacCleaner (as suggested by rkaufmann87).
Do you really need the seagate and WD drive software? The Mac is fairly good at accessing disks without 3rd party intervention.
Any of the 3rd party additions listed by EtreCheck that you do not need, you should consider uninstalling.
That fact that you have
    171.19 GB    Page-ins
in just about 4 days, says you have about 0.5megabytes per second. That is a huge load on your disk drive.
Either cut back on the RAM intensive apps, or get more RAM. At least 8GB, but if your Mac supports it, 16GB. Crucial.com and MacSales.com (OWC) are well respected by the long term forum contributes.

Need to upgrade my hardward...advice please?

BeeJay just answered a similar question, but this is slightly different. Help is appreciated...
The new Mac Pros are up, which I'm sure we've all seen, and I have been holding out.
I'm running currently, Logic 7, on dual 2.3G processors, on a G5, 10.4.11
I'm budgeting around $2500, and I'm going to upgrade to Logic 8.
Should I go with the the brand new Quad-Core
Mac Pro Quad Core
One 2.66GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon "Nehalem" processor
3GB (three 1GB) memory 640GB hard drive 1 18x double-layer SuperDrive
or macmall.com is selling the (now older)
Mac Pro 8-Core Workstation - 2 Quad-Core 2.8GHz Intel Xeon Processors, 2GB RAM, 320GB HD, 16x SuperDrive, OS X 10.5 Leopard
You know what I mean? I could go with the quad core brand spanking new with more memory but one less processor, or go with the older dual quad core for the same price. Will I be frustrated with the older one because it becomes obsolete now, or will I be frustrated with the single quad core?
Any advice???Please?

Sorry pmelley if I sounded rough about it. I said you cant go wrong with either choice. My point was that any new Mac Pro you buy will not be obsolete for a long time. You used the word FRUSTATED and I was trying to CALM your CONCERN. I also get STRESSED when I buy electronics because I also do alot of research. I spent alot for my 8 core and my extra RAM so I know how you feel. Just remember these new Macs are way ahead of any software currently available. Once again I apologize.
Paco The Dancer

Looking to upgrade from my T400, need advice.

I've had my T400 for 4+ years. Rock solid. I like both the T440p and T540p.
What I'm primarly looking for is more screen space. 1440x900 on a 14.1" is too cluttered.
Advice?
Also will either the T440p and T540p.have the new haswell chip?

Well...
You could order the machine and return it if you end up hating the clickpad.
Consequently, you can still buy a refurbished or even new T520/530 units that have the conventional touchpad. A T520 would even have the same keyboard layout as your current T400 if that means anything to you.
Good luck.
Cheers,
George
In daily use: R60F, R500F, T61, T410
Collecting dust: T60
Enjoying retirement: A31p, T42p,
Non-ThinkPads: Panasonic CF-31 & CF-52, HP 8760W
Starting Thursday, 08/14/2014 I'll be away from the forums until further notice. Please do NOT send private messages since I won't be able to read them. Thank you.

Problems upgrading to 2014.3 - any advice please?

ERROR: DF024: Unable to preserve original file at "/Applications/Adobe Muse CC 2014/Adobe Muse CC 2014.app/Contents/Frameworks/adbeape.framework/adbeape" (Seq 10
Getting this message after 69% complete.

I'm getting the same error message and tried your advice, Colby, but when I try to uninstall 2014.2, I get the following message:
The operation can’t be completed because the original item for “Uninstall Adobe Muse CC 2014” can’t be found.
Any help would be appreciated!
- Bob

HT4436 I have now downloaded all of my CD's to my itunes library and have since only purchased new music using itunes Store. This itunes library is stored on an old Dell Desktop that I am getting ready to replace with an iMac; how can I move the music? 8

I have now downloaded all of my CD's to my itunes library and have since only purchased new music using itunes Store. This itunes library is stored on an old Dell Desktop that I am getting ready to replace with an iMac; how can I move the music? 86GB
Is the music I downloaded from my CD's already in the iCloud or only the music I purchased on itunes?

This might help: http://www.macworld.com/article/1146958/move_itunes_windows_mac.html.

Is it time to upgrade to an imac

Hi..
I currently work on Logic 9 and kontakt 8 library and some other au instruments.. All of this is connected to a 2009 MacBook with 2gb ram.
My only question to the experts is whether a ram upgrade would let me work full fledgedly or is it time for me to upgrade to an iMac ??
I haven't received any replies when I posted the same on the logic forum, would appreciate if you could take some time and post ur suggestions..
Cheers,
Gaggy

Adding more RAM to your computer probably wouldn't hurt. Upgrading to an iMac would be a step in the right direction unless portability is essential. But new iMacs come with Lion or Mountain Lion, so you should first determine if your essential software is compatible.
See App Compatibility Table - RoaringApps - App compatibility and feature support for OS X & iOS.

What hard drive can I upgrade with on iMac intel early 2010

what hard drive can I upgrade with on iMac intel 27 inches early 2010

You can install any 3'5" SATA hard drive on a Late 2009 iMac. Have a look at OWC > http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/internal_storage/hard_drives_and_SSD
Note that Late 2009 and later iMacs have got the temperature sensor inside the hard drive. If you install a hard drive without a sensor, fans won't work correctly. Read > http://blog.macsales.com/2751-proprietary-cable-can-put-the-brakes-on-upgrading- late-09-imacs

What steps to upgrade panther on imac

I want to upgrade an old imac 350mhz (Indigo, slot loader with 192 mb ram) with Panther retail disks. It's only for internet use by my infant children to access their school website etc.
I've carried out quite an exhaustive search over this forum to find an overview of the steps i need to action. So far i've added the latest firmware update, upgraded the hard drive to a 20gb drive, changed the pram battery and ordered another 512mb memory stick from Crucial.
Usually i'd zero write the hard drive and install panther on the clean disk. I'm worried that this will erase the firmware update. Is this right or need i not be worried?
If anybody can provide a link that easily identifies each step i would be very grateful.
I do not intend to leave OS 9.2.2 on the computer - Can this cause any issues further down the line such as if i need to boot from disk etc?

firmware dones't reside on the hard drive, its loaded to the motherboard, so it doens't matter what you do to the drive, the firmware update is there an nothing can change that.
getting rid of OS 9 shouldn't cause any problem, other than you won't be able to use classic in OS X.

How do you upgrade OS X 10.4.11 tiger to a higher version of operating system such as OS x 10.5.6 as have tried running the upgrade disc on imac 5,1 with intel processor but only get message saying this cannot be installed with no further explanation ?

how do you upgrade OS X 10.4.11 tiger to a higher version of operating system such as OS X 10.5.6 as have tried running the upgrade disc on imac 5,1 with intel processor but only get message saying this cannot be installed with no further explanation ?

Retail Leopard disc looks like this;
(The disc itself has the same logo). If the one you've got is grey it simply won't work.
Given the retail and second hand prices of Leopard (usually some on Amazon MP), you'll probably find it cheaper to go directly to Snow Leopard, although there could be software updates and printer driver problems that could nullify the difference.

I just upgraded an old Imac from Leopard to Snow Leopard, now it won't work

I just upgraded my 2003 imac from leopard to snow leopard and after restart all I get is a blue screen. Nothing happens. How can I get back to the old leopard. I use this computer for research just because of the 23'' screen. Help

I'm sure that a 2003 machine is incapable of accepting Snow Leopard. Have you checked the specs to see if it is ...
Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard -Read the Technical Specifications
In particular, check the amount of RAM you have.
You could contact Apple through your National Apple store with the serial number of your machine to see if they can provide a replacement DVD ... but I doubt they can.
Contact Apple support

Where do I find upgrades for my imac G4, 800 mhz for OSX?

I have an IMAC G4 that is currently running OS X 10.2.8
I need to upgrade my safari since it mis-reads some pages when using this IMAC. But I can't upgrade safari unless I can upgrade the OS X.
I can find upgrades for 10.3.9 but can't install without upgrading to 10.3.
No where on the apple website is there an upgrade to bring my 10.2.8 into the 10.3. Was this a major upgrade that required a purchase?
My other mac is an ibook, running 10.3.9. Ideas on how I can find this other upgrade for my imac?

Hello Kathy:
OS X 10.2.8 is the last one in that release.
"No where on the apple website is there an upgrade to bring my 10.2.8 into the 10.3. Was this a major upgrade that required a purchase?"
The answer to this question is yes OS X 10.3 is a new release of OS X.
If you are considering upgrading, I would consider OS X 10.4 The new Safari (2.0.1) is faster and has an RSS reader. You can go directly from where you are (10.2.8) to Tiger (OS X 10.4). I would suggest an archive and install if you decide to proceed:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107120.
Your iBook no doubt came with 10.3 installed. In addition to being illegal (according to the license agreement) your iBook install software would probably not work on your iMac. If you wish to get OS X 10.4, purchase a 'family' license. In that way, you may legally install on up to five computers in your household.
Barry

Recent upgraded to CC2014 but now no version of InDesign will open on my iMac...please help

recent upgraded to CC2014 but now no version of InDesign will open on my iMac...please help

Hi mhand1,
Could you please provide the information about the OS version you are using so that we can help you appropriately?
Kindly check the system requirements for CC 2014 apps.
System requirements | Creative Cloud
Thanks,
Atul Saini

Getting Ready to upgrade from 1.6 to 3.2 - any pointers?

We are getting ready to upgrade our servers and all our applications from 1.6.1.00.02 to either 3.1 or 3.2. I'm being asked to estimate the amount of time it will take for the remediation effort for all of our apps to make sure they are working properly in the new environment. (we have about 30 separate apps total I believe)
Does anyone have any pointers for me or things they've encountered when upgrading?
Thanks for any information or pointers that can be offered.
Edited by: user10312135 on Aug 4, 2009 12:56 PM

Hello,
Please tell us your first name, and update your Forum handle to something friendlier than user123… It’s easier for us that way.
>> We are getting ready to upgrade our servers and all our applications from 1.6.1.00.02 to either 3.1 or 3.2.
I believe the following still apply:
Re: Can I upgrade directly to 3.0 from 1.6 ?
Re: HTML-DB 1.6 upgrade to APEX 2.X or to 3.x
>> I'm being asked to estimate the amount of time it will take for the remediation effort for all of our apps to make sure they are working properly in the new environment
If you perform all the pre/post installation tasks, no remediation will be necessary. All the application should work right from the start.
Of course, now that options like AJAX, Interactive Reports and all the other enhancements of the new version will be available to you, it’s possible that you will want to enhance the functionalities of the current applications, but it’s your own choice.
Regards,
Arie.
Please remember to mark appropriate posts as correct/helpful. For the long run, it will benefit us all.

We are getting ready to purchase the new iMac 27" and would like to know which is best for watching streaming video, the fusion drive or the more expensive flash drive only

We are getting ready to purchase the new imac 27" and would like to know which is the best configuration for watching streaming video, the fusion drive or the more expensive flash drive. We will have a fast fiberoptic internet connection.

the harddisk speed mean nothing when it comes to streaming video from the internet
even the fastests internet using fiberoptics is still much slower then the slowests harddisk you can buy

I'm ready to upgrade to an iMac. need advice, please.

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