What are the "pros and cons" of the "Tapered Edge" Aluminum iMac? Is one right for me?

Please note that the "Tapered Edge" Aluminum iMac models have been discontinued. However, this Q&A has been updated subsequently and can be quite helpful to anyone considering one of these systems on the used market.

Like every other purchase, only you can decide whether or not a used "Tapered Edge" Aluminum iMac model is the right computer for you, but you can evaluate the pros and cons to see if your needs are met.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (21.5" & 27" Tapered Edge iMac, Left & Right, Respectively)

EveryMac.com also provides detailed comparisons for the "Late 2012", "Late 2013", and "Late 2014", "Late 2015" and "Mid-2017" iMac models; the "2019" iMac models; and the final "2020" 27" models that can be useful for those interested in more in-depth evaluation.

However, for those simply interested in the "highlights" shared by the line rather than a detailed comparison, this summary can be helpful to make a decision:

Pros:

• Razor thin, sleek, and stylish industrial design.
• The 27-Inch models all are quite fast overall for the year each was introduced and many have fast graphics performance. Many 21.5-Inch models also have respectable performance, but entry-level models from each series are much slower.
• Beautiful 16:9 LED-backlit displays with a helpful anti-glare coating. The discontinued 27-Inch "Late 2014," "Mid-2015," "Late 2015,""Mid-2017" and "2019" iMac models as well as the current "2020" iMac models have a stunning "5K" 5120x2880 display (the "2020" models add "True Tone" technology). The discontinued "Late 2015" and "Mid-2017" 21.5-Inch "4K" models as well as the current "2019" 4K models also have a lovely "4K" 4096x2304 display.
• In all 27-Inch models, RAM is very easy to upgrade and the processor can be upgraded, too.
• Except for most "2020" models, which have an SSD onboard, 27-Inch models have a hard drive or SSD that can be upgraded.
• Dual "Thunderbolt," "Thunderbolt 2" or "Thunderbolt 3" ports, four USB 3.0 ports, and SXDC card reader on all models, 21.5-Inch and 27-Inch alike.
• At least dual display support as well as built-in FaceTime HD webcam for easy video conferencing. Some models support two external displays in addition to the internal one, even.
• These iMac models provide at least a reasonable value. As the display alone tends to be worth about the same amount as the entire cost of the computer when it first was released, the high-end "Retina 5K" iMac models provided an exceptional value when new (an equivalent display without a computer from Dell was advertised at the same price at the time the first iMac 5K was introduced).

Cons:

• All-in-one design limits internal expansion. Apple provides no support for end-user upgrades beyond RAM on the 27-Inch models.
• Apple does not support end-user RAM upgrades on the 21.5-Inch models at all. It is nevertheless possible on the "Late 2012," "Early 2013," "Late 2013," "Mid-2017" and "2019" models, it is just needlessly difficult. The RAM is soldered on the "Mid-2014" and "Late 2015" 21.5-Inch models and cannot be upgraded at all.
• The hard drive and/or SSD is difficult to upgrade on all models (and impossible on most "2020" 27-Inch models). Furthermore, the 21.5-Inch "Late 2012," "Mid-2014," "Late 2015," "Mid-2017" and "2019" models cannot have a PCIe-based "blade" SSD added later if one is not installed originally at the time of purchase.
• The processor is soldered in place on all 21.5-Inch "Late 2013," "Mid-2014" and "Late 2015" models and cannot be upgraded. The processor on the 21.5-Inch "Late 2012," "Mid-2017" and "2019" models as well as all 27-Inch models can be upgraded.
• Fully laminated display means that the glass cover cannot be replaced separately from the LCD, adding both cost and complexity to repairs.
• No internal optical drive (an external one can be added at additional cost).
• SXDC card reader is awkwardly located and inconvenient to use.
• VESA wall mount option only was available at the time of initial purchase, and if configured with a VESA mount, there is no way to later use the system with a traditional iMac "stand" on a desk.
• Typically more expensive than earlier Aluminum iMac models. Depending on the desired configuration, it may be less expensive to purchase a Mac mini.
• Premium compared to generic "white box" PCs.

So, is one right for me?

Essentially, if you are looking for a relatively high performance Mac at the time each was released and appreciate an all-in-one design, but internal upgrades are either unimportant or not a high priority, a used "Tapered Edge" Aluminum iMac model could be ideal for you. Of course, a later "Colors" Aluminum iMac model is well worth considering, too.

If upgrades are somewhat important to you, EveryMac.com would recommend a 27-Inch model rather than a 21.5-Inch model as the ability to easily upgrade the RAM later likely will mean that the system will have a longer usable life.

If value is more important to you than upfront price, the iMac 5K models, although expensive, are an excellent value.

If "legacy" connectivity, PowerPC software support, easy RAM upgrades in a 21.5-Inch model, VESA flexibility, or an optical drive are important to you, and you still want an all-in-one Mac, a used "Mid-2011" Aluminum iMac could be a better choice for you, although they are quite vintage at this point.

New & Used iMac Purchase Options

There are no shortage of places to purchase a new or used iMac. However, purchasing from a quality vendor with an excellent track record in the Mac market -- and after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.

In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iMac models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb iMac models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iMac, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac will buy your older iMac with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used iMac models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.