I've been reading these forums for the past few days now and I'd love to get some insight from the more experienced.
My PC's motherboard died the other day, and as I was pricing out getting a new motherboard and updating the processor, RAM, and graphics card, I came to the realization that it's finally time for me to go Mac. There's really no reason for me not to, with Bootcamp and all. I've worked with Macs quite a bit on yearbook in high school and several projects in college. I do a fair amount of audio and video production and I would love to use it for all that.
Anyway, I've got friend at a retail store that can hook me up with a 15% Friends and Family discount, so now is the time. Cost is a very large factor for me.
Now that the background is out of the way, on to the questions...
First of all, I'm torn between getting a 2.4 20" or a 2.4 24". I already have a 19" widescreen Acer monitor that I will run alongside whichever one I get. Will it look particularly awkward being next to the 24"? Or will the spanning be more natural with a 20"? I love screen real estate, but I don't want it to be awkward.
And next, if I do get the 24", is it worth the extra $250 for the 2.8 processor?
I'll be upgrading RAM on my own. I can add a 1 gig stick for a total of 2 for $30 from Crucial. Or, I can add a 2 gig stick for $100 for a total of 3. I probably wouldn't go for 4 ($200). Does anyone think I will see a large benefit from 3 gigs over 2? I'll be coming from a setup with 512 so I'm sure either one will be heaven.
Thanks for indulging my lengthy question. I'm about to be a proud new Mac owner...I just want to make sure I'm not kicking myself over features later. Thanks!
My PC's motherboard died the other day, and as I was pricing out getting a new motherboard and updating the processor, RAM, and graphics card, I came to the realization that it's finally time for me to go Mac. There's really no reason for me not to, with Bootcamp and all. I've worked with Macs quite a bit on yearbook in high school and several projects in college. I do a fair amount of audio and video production and I would love to use it for all that.
Anyway, I've got friend at a retail store that can hook me up with a 15% Friends and Family discount, so now is the time. Cost is a very large factor for me.
Now that the background is out of the way, on to the questions...
First of all, I'm torn between getting a 2.4 20" or a 2.4 24". I already have a 19" widescreen Acer monitor that I will run alongside whichever one I get. Will it look particularly awkward being next to the 24"? Or will the spanning be more natural with a 20"? I love screen real estate, but I don't want it to be awkward.
And next, if I do get the 24", is it worth the extra $250 for the 2.8 processor?
I'll be upgrading RAM on my own. I can add a 1 gig stick for a total of 2 for $30 from Crucial. Or, I can add a 2 gig stick for $100 for a total of 3. I probably wouldn't go for 4 ($200). Does anyone think I will see a large benefit from 3 gigs over 2? I'll be coming from a setup with 512 so I'm sure either one will be heaven.
Thanks for indulging my lengthy question. I'm about to be a proud new Mac owner...I just want to make sure I'm not kicking myself over features later. Thanks!
