My wife has iMac 27' (2009) with Snow Leopard and I want to use it as an external monitor for development on Mac mini with the latest Xcode/Lion (I don't want to upgrade the iMac to Lion to get the latest Xcode because I don't want to mess with her computer). I just purchased a 27 inch iMac (first time mac user). I understand that there is certain monitors that won't work as a secondary monitor. I was wondering if anyone has recommendations for a secondary monitor that is ideally height adjustable?

The iMac remains a popular choice for students, home users, and many businesses. Since iMacs last a long time, it's essential to take the time to purchase the model that matches your budget and requirements. After all, you're going to have this computer for a while! Here's a look at the current iMac lineup and the many choices available to you.

The iMac lineup

Index of microsoft office 2019. The Apple iMac lineup was last updated in March 2019 and includes models with a 21.5-inch and 27-inch display. The least expensive iMac begins at $1,099, with the most costly model starting at $2,299. Price is largely affected by differences in display quality and size, processor speed, RAM, and the type of hard drive and graphics card.

The display size

The 21.5-inch (diagonal) iMac is available in two display flavors. The least expensive features an LED-backlit display with 1920‑by‑1080 (HD) resolution. All other available 21.5-inch models include a Retina 4K display with 4096-by-2304 resolution, 500 nits brightness, and Wide color (P3).

All 27-inch models come standard with a Retina 5K display, 5120‑by‑2880 resolution, 500 nits brightness, and Wide color (P3).

i5 vs. i7 processor

The current iMacs come with a choice of processors, each better than the next, of course. When looking at processors, keep in mind its number of cores, which are the brain of the CPU. These cores receive instructions and perform calculations: the more cores, the better the performance.

The entry-level 21.5-inch comes with a 2.3GHz dual‑core Intel Core i5 with a Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz. The least expensive 21.5-inch 4K version comes with 3.6GHz quad‑core Intel Core i3 that's configurable up to 3.2GHz 6-core Intel Core i7 (Turbo Boost up to 4.6GHz). There's also the most expensive 21.5-inch model that includes a 3.0GHz 6-core Intel Core i5 processor with a Turbo Boost up to 4.1GHz that's configurable up to 3.2GHz 6-core Intel Core i7 (Turbo Boost up to 4.6GHz).

The 27-inch iMac offers three processor varieties:

• 3.0GHz 6‑core Intel Core i5 (Turbo Boost up to 4.1GHz)
• 3.1GHz 6‑core Intel Core i5 (Turbo Boost up to 4.3GHz), configurable to 3.6GHz 8-core Intel Core i9 (Turbo Boost up to 5.0GHz)
• 3.7GHz 6‑core Intel Core i5 (Turbo Boost up to 4.6GHz), configurable to 3.6GHz 8-core Intel Core i9 (Turbo Boost up to 5.0GHz)

Upgradable RAM vs. non-upgradable RAM

In recent years, Apple has made it nearly impossible to update its computers after purchase. One of the few exceptions is the 27-inch iMac, which still offers users the ability to replace and upgrade RAM. The 27-inch model comes with at least 8GB of RAM, which you can expand to 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of RAM.

The 21.5-inch iMac, regardless of model, comes with non-upgradable RAM. It ships with at least 8GB of RAM, which you can increase at the time of purchase to 16GB or 32GB.

Hard drive vs. Fusion Drive vs. SSD

When it comes to purchasing storage for your iMac, the choice comes down to Fusion Drive vs. SSD, although you can still buy a traditional hard drive on the least expensive model.

As Apple explains, SSD storage delivers improved performance compared to a traditional hard drive, the speed you'll notice when you start up your iMac, launch an app, or browse your photo library. Because SSD storage uses no moving parts, there's no noise.

By contrast, a Fusion Drive combines the speed of SSD storage with a high-capacity hard drive. By doing so, the Mac intelligently manages what goes where using the SSD storage for files you access frequently and keeping the rest of your digital life on the roomier hard drive.

Price-wise, SSD costs much more than Fusion, but many argue that it's well worth the price difference.

Radeon vs. Iris

With iMac graphics cards, Apple offers solutions from AMD and Intel. However, you can only make changes in the most expensive models.

On the 21.5-inch model, when possible, you can select from the AMD Radeon Pro 560X graphics processor with 4GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory (default on most models) and the Radeon Pro Vega 20 with 4GB of HBM2 memory. The latter promises faster performance and accelerated video editing, and more.

Over on the 27-inch iMac, you receive the Radeon Pro 570X with 4GB of GDDR5 memory, Radeon Pro 575X with 4GB of GDDR5 memory, or Radeon Pro 580X with 8GB of GDDR5 memory by default. The best graphics card available on the 27-inch iMac is the Radeon Pro Vega 48 with 8GB of HBM2 memory.

Who should buy the 21.5-inch iMac

If you're looking for a secondary computer for your home or on a tight budget, consider the entry-level 21.5-inch iMac. It features an HD display and comes with macOS Catalina, just like other Macs.

21.5-inch iMac

Get ready to experience iMac with this entry-level model that comes standard with Apple's latest Mac software.

Who should buy the 21.5-inch iMac with Retina 4K display

Not everyone wants or needs a 27-inch iMac. For those folks, most will want to select this mode, which features an excellent 4K display. Buy the internals that you need at a price you can afford and enjoy your iMac.

21.5-inch iMac with Retina 4K

You're going to love the 21.5-inch iMac with a 4K display, which includes all the bells and whistles most people need.

Who should buy the 27-inch iMac with 5K Retina display

Here's the best non-iMac Pro you can buy. Featuring a 5K Retina display, this model offers the best internals you can buy on an iMac. When deciding on this model, take the time to determine which internals match your needs and get to have years of productivity and fun, not necessarily in that order.

27-inch iMac with 5K

Just look at that display! When you need the biggest screen possible on an iMac, here's where you start.

Still undecided?

If you still have questions or concerns about iMac, let us know in the comments below. In the meantime, happy shopping!

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