Q: Buying a new 21.5 iMAC -1 or 2 tb fusion drive - Retina vs Non Retina
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Oct 22, 2015 4:58 AMby poikkeus1,I believe you're going to want to get a bigger HD to store your documents, so 1 - 2 TB will suffice for most. I believe this configuration will be most satisfactory, given your needs.
A fusion drive will be almost as fast as an SSD; booting up from scratch will take about twenty seconds on a fusion, and about ten seconds on an SSD. The main difference will be when you're web browsing, where you probably won't notice much difference between the two drives. I think you should view a fusion drive as a traditional HD, with a little extra oomph. The fusion drive is a good compromise, giving you speed and economy.
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Oct 22, 2015 5:25 AMby Conor Mc Closkey,Hi Poikkeus1,
Thanks for the reply, i agree with you that a fusion drive is better option for me than either a traditional HDD or an all out SSD. Have you any thoughts on the difference in "extra oomph" delivered by the 1TB fusion drive (which only contains 24GB of flash storage) compared to the 2TB fusion drive (Which still contains 128GB of flash storage)?
Apple states that the new cheaper fusion drive is enough to hold the OS and a few apps, does that mean unless i plan on running many apps at the same time i wouldn't feel any benefit from a 2TB dive with its 128gb flash built in?
At the minute I'm leaning towards the 2TB option but i am very tempted to save on this and go for a retina 21.5 model with just he 1TB fusion drive.
Choices Choices
Conor
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Oct 22, 2015 9:25 AMby poikkeus1,Speed is a relative thing when it comes to computers, as you probably know. Then, value plays a big role.
The speed bump of hybrid vs flash drive is slight minor for most users. With a flash drive, you'll get somewhat more reliability (because it's an established technology), and opening applications is uniformly fast. With a hybrid drive, the speed is up to this standard with applications you open a lot, but your browser probably won't show much difference. The difference in speed? With most users - just a few seconds, since most applications open pretty much instantaneously anyway.
But a hybrid drive has a massive amount of storage, which is ideal when it comes to storing video or projects.
In the Apple community, many feel that a first-generation product like the 21.5" Retina is a little more risky, and I'd wait until next year for that to come out. The Retina has a few advantages you might (or might not) be interested in. Much brighter screen, notably sharper screen image, upgraded graphics chip. But if those aren't important to you, it's best to go for the regular 21.5" iMac. Remember that the RAM is soldered in for both models.
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Oct 14, 2016 10:26 PMby LoriBeth27,Hi,
I'm new to the community and would like to tag on to the conversation with you two since I'm in the market looking to leap from my 2010 MBP to a 21.5" iMac. Like you Conor, I want to set up my system for optimal performance and longevity. Here are my questions:
1. Conor, what did you get and how do you like it?
2. Poikkeus1, you said the first generation retina is risky… do you still feel it's best to wait on this. I'm in love with the retina… thinking it's ease my eyes because text is so crystal clear.
3. About the drives… In 6 years I've only used 210 gb of the 500 on my MBP, so I'm thinking maybe I'd be okay with the 512 Flash. Although, I plan to add a few new programs to the new computer, like Adobe Photo Shop and maybe a music editing program, so maybe I'll use more space in the next 6 years. I don't know of course. It's my preference to have a Flash drive, mostly because it seem a stronger base overall. I do wonder if it's possible to get a 1TB Flash on the iMac, they have it for the new MBPs. Your thoughts?
4. As for the fusion drive… what happens if I add the Adobe and music programs after a year… do they go on the hard drive? My understanding is things get set up on the flash portion early on, and then it stays that way. Is that correct?
Thanks for posting, hope to hear from you!
LB
