Depending on you current desktop computer model, the latest iMac with its 40 percent brighter screen, the DDR4 memory, and the Intel Kaby Lake processor, could be the computer for you. But given that technology changes quickly and that Apple is releasing the iMac Pro later this year, let’s explore the Mac desktop options.
Upgrading from an iMac
If your iMac is a model from 2013-2016 it’s probably looking a little aged now and, in some cases, working a bit slower. The design will be chubbier, and the hardware might not be keeping up with processing power needed by the latest apps. While the latest iMacs have slimmer displays with 4k 21.5-inch or 5k 27-inch Retina displays, the latest processors, and extremely fast storage, it may not be necessary to update just yet. If you can still run the programs you want with very little lag, or at least not enough to bother you, then there’s no need to upgrade to the latest iMac.
But a 2012 iMac or older more than likely needs an upgrade. The older iMacs will have more lag as the processors are even slower, but it is still a decent workhorse if you’re not asking too much of it. If you are regularly experiencing slow downs when you increase the processing or graphics load, then you can supercharge the speed of your workday by upgrading to a 2017 iMac.
Upgrading from a Mac Pro
Although it isn’t a one-to-one comparison, a 2017 iMac could be a good choice for a current Mac Pro owner. The Mac Pro hasn’t seen much change since 2013, even though it was slightly reworked this year. On the other hand, come December, Apple is releasing the iMac Pro. The iMac Pro will be Apple’s most powerful computer to date with the capability to support an 18-core XEON processor, your choice of up to 128GB ECC memory, AMD Vega graphics, and a 5K Retina display.
For most music, movie, or tech professionals the iMac 2017 will not have the power you need but, if you can wait a few more months, the iMac Pro could be the all-in-one power computer you’re looking for. On the other hand, if you’re not looking to change models completely, and don’t mind waiting until next year, the Mac Pro will have even newer upgrades and is due out sometime in 2018.
Upgrading from a MacBook Pro
While the 2017 iMac is the most powerful in desktop computing from the Apple line-up, the 2017 MacBook Pro is their most powerful laptop. Both the 13-inch MacBook Pro and the 27-inch iMac have Retina 5K displays with an impressive 500 units as well as matching initial memory sizes. Even an early 2016 MacBook Pro is competitively powerful so that an iMac purchase is redundant.
Therefore, if you just laid out a big chunk of money for the latest laptop or even last years model, you don’t need the 2017 iMac as well. Instead, consider a decent quality 5k display to pair with your MacBook Pro. A separate display creates an instant desktop experience, and the laptop is powerful enough to function as your main workstation. You lose nothing in terms of power or display comparative to the iMac at a fraction of the price an iMac purchase would bring.
For Virtual Reality
Getting ready for the future, Apple recently announced that VR capabilities would be coming sometime in the future. But there aren’t many current Macs that can support virtual reality gear without requiring extra support in terms of an external GPU.
Having said that, the 2017 21.5 inch iMac equipped with the Radeon Pro 500 graphics processor or the 27-inch iMac with Retina 5k display can handle VR without any extra equipment. But so can the current Mac Pro.
Additionally, the iMac Pro, which will be released later this year, will natively support VR and so will next year’s new Mac Pro. But if you can’t wait for these models to launch, then the aforementioned 27-inch iMac or the 21.5-inch iMac with an upgraded graphics card will be the current models you want to meet your virtual reality needs.
Summary
Of course, the cost will be the main factor in determining whether or not you will be getting a 2017 iMac but if you’ve got the budget and you’re considering an Apple computer, then it could be the computer for you.
If your current iMac model is earlier than 2012, then the 2017 iMac is definitely worth the upgrade. The display is better, and the processing power is significantly stronger.
However, if you’re looking for the most powerful computer, then hold out a little longer and get the iMac Pro in December. The iMac Pro promises to be the most powerful computer Apple has ever offered, but it is sure to be outdone by the 2018 Mac Pro. Therefore, if you need the top of the line, most powerful desktop computing possible, wait until next year for next year’s Mac Pro.
If you have a 2016 or 2017 MacBook Pro, then buying the 2017 iMac is a bit superfluous as they are a match in display and power. However, if you need a desktop workstation, consider buying a separate monitor instead of the iMac as the MacBook Pro can handle all of your workflows.
And if you must have VR capability today, then the 27-inch iMac is your machine. A 21.5-inch could work too only if you upgrade the graphics card to the Radeon Pro 560. However, the iMac Pro will be more powerful and better suited to VR, if you can wait until December. But, if you can wait a bit longer than that, 2018’s Mac Pro would truly be the best option for those who want the virtual reality experience to be the best.
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