[SOLVED] Should I have a bigger screen or more power with an iMac

[kevinakerberg]

Hi everyone,
I'm looking to buy an iMac on eBay, and I'm at a crossroads. I'm looking at a late 2009 27 inch model with either an i5 or i7, or a mid 2011 21.5 inch model with a 2.8ghz i7. The mid 2011 model is much more powerful with its i7-2600s. But, the 27 inch 1440p display is hard to resist. So, what machine do you guys reccomend? I would use this for 1080p video editing, some light gaming, and basic tasks. Also, please don't tell me to buy a brand new one as I am 14 and have no viable income to accomplish this. Thanks.

 

[Knifeawatermelon]

processing on video editing may take a little longer on the weaker system, but not that much longer, I'd go for it bro, 1440p is amazing

 

[kevinakerberg]

Thanks for your feedback. I agree, I think the 1440p display is more valuable than the slight performance increase.

 

[grimakis]

Keep in mind that both computers only have USB 2.0 Ports, while the 2011 has a Thunderbolt 1 port. With a $70 adapter, you can convert that Thunderbolt port to a USB 3.0 port.

I'm telling you this as an owner of a 2011 MacBook Pro without USB 3.0, it sucks to have to use 2.0

Especially with video editing where you'll probably be transferring large files back and forth to an external.

 

[kevinakerberg]

Keep in mind that both computers only have USB 2.0 Ports, while the 2011 has a Thunderbolt 1 port. With a $70 adapter, you can convert that Thunderbolt port to a USB 3.0 port.
I'm telling you this as an owner of a 2011 MacBook Pro without USB 3.0, it sucks to have to use 2.0

Especially with video editing where you'll probably be transferring large files back and forth to an external.

Also have a 2011 MacBook pro, and to be honest don't really mind the speed difference between the USB 2 vs the USB 3 on my PC. Thank you though for your reply.