Possible to put SSD in entry level iMac?
 

I see there's an option for an SSD in the 21.5" iMac, however only for the one that goes for $1499.

Is there a physical difference inside that would prevent the ability to install an SSD in the $1199 model?

I have tentatively sold my MacBook Pro, but with the 750GB hdd, so I was thinking I could use my 128GB SSD in a refurb'd entry level iMac, but looking at the tech specs for the new ones, it doesn't seem like it's an option.

Officially, no. You can, however, but it is not easy or pleasant. You can rig it underneath the optical drive with double-sided tape or instead of the optical drive with the proper mounting hardware. The $1499 model with the factory-installed SSD actually has an entirely different rear housing that properly accompanies the SSD (which is installed in addition to the 1TB 3.5" drive), which cannot be replicated in the $1199 entry-level model.

Ok, that's what I was afraid of.. thanks Lars.

I found it a lot easier to just replace the optical drive with an adapter that holds the SSD drive!
Not quite as hard as trying to get it to fit behind the motherboard!

I think it should be possible, just need the adapter.

Do both of these options still mean removing the screen/glass to get at the parts? because to me thats the biggest problem

Yes, you have to remove the glass and LCD in both scenarios.

Are you looking at the mid 2011 or late 2011 refurb iMac?

Removing the glass and the LCD screen underneath is really not as difficult or daunting as it might seem. I did it recently with my iMac to replace a dying HDD. For suction cups, I just used suction cups from a couple of car accessories I had (GPS windshield mounts). Really, not difficult at all. There are plenty of Youtube videos which shows how this is done.

The entry-level mid 2011 21.5-inch has the proper mounting hardware under the optical drive...

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