[justjash]

Yeah, I bought my wife an iMac 4-5 years ago with the standard HD config and it feels almost useless being so slow. My even older MBA with half the RAM and an SSD is much more usable.

[Angostura]

Worth popping an aftermarker SSD (or Fusion Drive) in there.

[systemtest]

I did it once and removing the big glass plate assembly with magnets is nerve-wracking.

[sudhirj]

And no longer possible, think the newer models have fused glass.

[rudiv]

Replacement is still possible (I used to work in a shop that did the same) but definitely way out of the reach of users. If I recall correctly, you have to order replacement adhesive from Apple, and when I was working there third-parties hasn't come out with their own replacement adhesive yet (Apple will not sell any sort of parts to users).

[tonyedgecombe]

You can buy self adhesive strips on eBay, I upgraded a 21.5" machine last year.

[scarface74]

Or just buy an external drive....

[blueberry_47]

My similar aged, non-HD iMac became unusable until I wiped and reinstalled the OS. (I had been upgrading it in place for years).

The process was surprisingly fun, too.