Regrets....

[neoelectronaut]

Every now and then I regret having purchased an eMac instead of an iMac 15". I thought that the eMac was better since I could get a Superdrive and a bigger screen for less money than the 15".....but, I dunno, sometimes I wish I had the 15" iMac here instead.

But you know, I was in CompUSA today, and just for the heck of it, I tried to play THPS4 on the 20" they had set up there. I felt I much better when it ran absolutely no smoother than it does on my eMac here.

Ever have a regret about buying a piece of harware or software?

[latergator116]

The eMac is a sturdier machine than the iMac yet it costs much less. ( assembled in USA as opposed to Taiwan, respectively) The only thing that bothers me about the eMac is that it is a bit loud, but there is not performance advantage with the iMac

[neoelectronaut]

No? I've been reading that a couple places, but I've been kinda iffy on it...

Hmm. Anywho, my old PC was MUCH louder than the fan on this thing is, so it doesn't bother me at all. I have adapted my brain or something to automatically tune it out...besides, if I'm playing music I can't hear it at ALL.

And I happen to like CRT better than LCD for some reason. *shrug*

[latergator116]

I remember when macaddict put an eMac against an iMac and the eMac actually edged it out a little.

[Rezet]

Originally posted by latergator116
I remember when macaddict put an eMac against an iMac and the eMac actually edged it out a little.

LoL, what is it emac owners gathering here?
Let me recap what we got here so far:
CRT is better than LCD.
iMac is slower than eMac.
eMac is the best value.
eMac is the king????

Anyone wants to take an initiative and say it's actually better than G5?(yep non ddr sdram rules) :rolleyes:

[latergator116]

Im not saying that the CRT is better than the LCD. Im just trying to make the poster not regret his purchase. Also, for the price, the eMac is a better value. :rolleyes:

[jamdr]

I wouldn't regret that decision at all. The eMac is an exceptional value compared to the iMac. I've had both machines and I don't prefer one over the other, except the price of the eMac. The only complaint I have about it is the noise--it is extremely loud, while the iMac is virtually silent. As for performance, I think you are right. I can't discern any significant speed advantage with the iMac. I think the iMac's primary lure is the flat panel, and that is mostly what you are paying for. If you are willing to spend more on a flat panel, get the iMac; otherwise get the eMac.

[neoelectronaut]

Originally posted by jamdr
I wouldn't regret that decision at all. The eMac is an exceptional value compared to the iMac. I've had both machines and I don't prefer one over the other, except the price of the eMac. The only complaint I have about it is the noise--it is extremely loud, while the iMac is virtually silent. As for performance, I think you are right. I can't discern any significant speed advantage with the iMac. I think the iMac's primary lure is the flat panel, and that is mostly what you are paying for. If you are willing to spend more on a flat panel, get the iMac; otherwise get the eMac.

Your post makes me feel really good. The noise isn't a factor at all, as for it doesn't bother me in the slightest. Besides, I'd rather have a little noise than a fried mac.

[Rezet]

Originally posted by latergator116
Also, for the price, the eMac is a better value. :rolleyes:

You mean comparing to G5? WRONG.
You have to calculate Value vs Price vs Need.
If I need to render 3d objects, emac has 0 "need" for me, that makes value also pretty much zero and price is not a factor at all then.
For emails and web surfing, sure eMac isn't bad for the money but for digital imaging/animation (what i need comp for) it's pretty much useless.
I'd never buy emac, personally. If you look at the stuff they put in it like small slow hdds, slow non ddr ram etc, you realize they sold PCs with better specs for 600 bucks 2 years ago.
But then again, if you are not using it for anything heavy, then you shouldn't worry about speed at all.

[neoelectronaut]

I use Photoshop on this sucker quite a bit and I see absolutely no problems with it so far.

[Rezet]

Originally posted by neoelectronaut
Every now and then I regret having purchased an eMac instead of an iMac 15". I thought that the eMac was better since I could get a Superdrive and a bigger screen for less money than the 15".....but, I dunno, sometimes I wish I had the 15" iMac here instead.

But you know, I was in CompUSA today, and just for the heck of it, I tried to play THPS4 on the 20" they had set up there. I felt I much better when it ran absolutely no smoother than it does on my eMac here.

Ever have a regret about buying a piece of harware or software?

But don't feel too bad though....
I screwed up too i think. Bought 1.8 G5 and in less then 2 months they released dual 1.8 for the same price. Rumors are G5's will be 2.6 Ghz in january. I sold my G5, and now waiting for new updates... I need a dual processor and don't know why settled for single initially. So i lost like 300 bucks on nothing... :(

[latergator116]

Originally posted by Rezet
You mean comparing to G5? WRONG.


No, I mean eMac vs. iMac

[fartheststar]

Originally posted by Rezet
But don't feel too bad though....
I screwed up too i think. Bought 1.8 G5 and in less then 2 months they released dual 1.8 for the same price. Rumors are G5's will be 2.6 Ghz in january. I sold my G5, and now waiting for new updates... I need a dual processor and don't know why settled for single initially. So i lost like 300 bucks on nothing... :(


I bought a G4 Dual 1.25 (my first mac) with a Gig of Ram, Superdrive and an extra 120 Gig Hard Drive at about the time the G5 came out in September.

I don't regret it at all... The price difference was about $100 CDN between the Dual 1.25 and the single 1.6.

I still feel better about buying the duallie. I realize that the G5 is a better line of computers in general but I'd rather not have the bottom of the line one.

I had to scrape to get the G4. I bought a really good CRT for it though, and saved the money of a flat panel. I would still make the same decision today. If, however I had an extra bit of cash, I'd go for the dual 1.8.

MY ONE REGRET: I got delivery of my G4 at the start of september. Had I bought the G5, Panther would have been a free upgrade. Because I bought before Oct 8th and it was a G4, I didn't. Still happily using 10.2.8 though with no broken programs.

[Dont Hurt Me]

Originally posted by latergator116
I remember when macaddict put an eMac against an iMac and the eMac actually edged it out a little. True and this why Apple held back emac to 1 gig and allowed imac to go all the way up to 1.25:rolleyes: They had to do something since 1 gig emac was as fast or faster then 1 giger imac. I to enjoy Macaddict though they play a lot of games with their benches.

[latergator116]

Originally posted by Dont Hurt Me
True and this why Apple held back emac to 1 gig and allowed imac to go all the way up to 1.25:rolleyes: They had to do something since 1 gig emac was as fast or faster then 1 giger imac. I to enjoy Macaddict though they play a lot of games with their benches.

Im also sometimes skeptical of their tests. They had one where a 1.42ghz G4 beat a 1.8ghz G5 in one test.:confused:

[neoelectronaut]

You know, I honestly do regret getting this eMac. I would have liked to get the 17" iMac, but it was at least $700 over my computer budget. So, I had to settle for this.

But you know, when I think about it, I guess it's good that I have a Mac at all. I don't think I could have put up with Windows anymore.

And hell, in 1, 2, or 3 years I'll save some cash, give this one to my parents, and go out and buy the computer that I REALLY want.

[sabroson]

Well.. so much for sturdier...

My daughter has an eMac and the CRT came with a bad Flyback transformer. Nevertheless, Apple took care of the problem right away.

Still, I think the eMac is a better value. Therefore you did the right decision. The iMac is just a little nicer looking (and perhaps uses less power).

BTW, the coolest Mac I have ever had is the Mac Cube. I still have the one I bought so many years ago (450Mhz) and it works GREAT!. With 1.5Gig of RAM the little machine is actually very usable. And looks great! It is not my main machine (actually, I have it in the Kitchen) but it is the one everybody in the house use the most.


I am considering upgrading it with the PowerLogix 1.4Ghz upgrade.

[manitoubalck]

Originally posted by latergator116
Im not saying that the CRT is better than the LCD.

Then your a fool:D, CRT's are better than LCD's for almost everything except saving a small amout of power and space.

[manitoubalck]

On topic, Computer hardware/software regrets?:confused: hmm

I only ever bought 1 computer, (my home brew K7 Athlon system which is about to have it's 3rd birthday,) Still works like a dream.

However I got this blastard Epson Printer given to me last year that just eats up ink, really fast. If I knew this was the case I would have put in a little to get a better printer.

I don't hold regrets, for there is nothing to be gained buy having any. I just cut my losses, and learn from my mistakes.

[Awimoway]

Originally posted by manitoubalck
Then your a fool:D, CRT's are better than LCD's for almost everything except saving a small amout of power and space.

Hmmm. I don't know. I just like prefer the way LCD's look. Can't put my finger on it. No glare? Sharper image?

That being said, when I get my wife a consumer desktop machine, I will probably get her an eMac. She's very cost-conscious, and there's no real loss in not getting an iMac. Maybe even if a little gain, if you folks are to be trusted. :)

[the future]

Hello?? Of course LCDs show a *much* sharper image (well, quality LCDs do) than CRTs! That's one of their main advantages! (Not to spoil your little eMac party here, you know. It's a nice machine. And most important: it's a freakin' Mac, so I'll take it over *any* Wintel machine, anytime.)

[lbodnar]

I have 15" 800MHz iMac and 800MHz eMac in front of me on the desk.

iMac's LCD is absolute looser compared to eMac's CRT. It can run only 1024x768, it has visually recogniseable pattern flowing across the screen, it wants to tilt counter-clockwise on its own. When even slightly tilted, it changes colours, saturation and brightness so any accurate colour work is a NO. It failed calibration test with X-Rite screen calibrator. It cannot use extended desktop via http://macparts.de/ibook/. The only benefit is clarity of individual pixels but this is not important to me.

Also this iMac got its 120GB HDD but only 768MB of memory because the second slot is notebook's SO-DIMM which is only available in the nearest PC shop at 256MB. To replace original 128MB DIMM with 512MB you have to take the whole thing apart.

eMac? It became 1.33GHz/1GB/160GB (http://www.lbodnar.dsl.pipex.com/eMac/eMac-upgrade.html) . It awaits delivery of its external VGA connector to get its desktop extended onto 1600x1200 19" Samsung TFT screen. I bet it would rival many DP G4s.

Judge for yourself, but this eMac was the best fun I bought for money!

[neoelectronaut]

Originally posted by lbodnar
I have 15" 800MHz iMac and 800MHz eMac in front of me on the desk.

iMac's LCD is absolute looser compared to eMac's CRT. It can run only 1024x768, it has visually recogniseable pattern flowing across the screen, it wants to tilt counter-clockwise on its own. When even slightly tilted, it changes colours, saturation and brightness so any accurate colour work is a NO. It failed calibration test with X-Rite screen calibrator. It cannot use extended desktop via http://macparts.de/ibook/. The only benefit is clarity of individual pixels but this is not important to me.

Also this iMac got its 120GB HDD but only 768MB of memory because the second slot is notebook's SO-DIMM which is only available in the nearest PC shop at 256MB. To replace original 128MB DIMM with 512MB you have to take the whole thing apart.

eMac? It became 1.33GHz/1GB/160GB (http://www.lbodnar.dsl.pipex.com/eMac/eMac-upgrade.html) . It awaits delivery of its external VGA connector to get its desktop extended onto 1600x1200 19" Samsung TFT screen. I bet it would rival many DP G4s.

Judge for yourself, but this eMac was the best fun I bought for money!

That "semi-upgrading" process...is it relatively fool-proof? Cause I may get around to it one day in a few years when my warranty runs out and I have some piece of mind before cracking open the case on this thing.

In other words, is it easy?

[7on]

I regret many things...

Neo 10GB MP3 Player
HP Printer (1210 and 2110)
AxisPad Gamepad
USB Overdrive
10GB iPod 1 week before the 3G came out
A couple of harddrives
A PC :D

[lbodnar]

Originally posted by neoelectronaut
That "semi-upgrading" process...is it relatively fool-proof? Cause I may get around to it one day in a few years when my warranty runs out and I have some piece of mind before cracking open the case on this thing.

In other words, is it easy?

Both eMac and iMac HDD, CD/DVD and RAM upgrades are well documented (e.g. http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/ and relatively easy for anybody with average PC hardware experience. There are a lot of people around who are comfortable with PC parts so get someone to help you and you are going to be OK. They will be greatful to see Mac inside!

One thing to remember is don't rush, get instructions ready before you go, then move slowly, use proper tools to unscrew "funny" shaped or tight screws and better stop and pop into nearest hardware store for a new screwdriver or TORX bit then try to use scissors and punch a hole in the motherboard. Keep things organised to avoid "bonus" parts in the end. Maybe make notes? If you are not sure if you can do it, put it all back and let things cook in your head for awhile then come back to it.

Changing CPU clock requires some fine soldering tools and proper experience. Again get someone with soldering skills to help you. Take it apart, have a look inside and put it back if you are not sure. Have a beer and think it over. Most probably next time you'll do it. If you have specific question, ask on the Net - people are very helpful here!

Good luck!

[Rezet]

Originally posted by manitoubalck
Then your a fool:D, CRT's are better than LCD's for almost everything except saving a small amout of power and space.

You should probably stop smoking that stuff dude.
Take a regular CRT and Dell Ultra Sharp and see the difference.

[lbodnar]

TFT screens have colour/saturation shifts if you are not looking at them straight at 90 degrees. By the way the early flat panel iMac is the worst I have seen. Add to that that it is SO easy to adjust...

I found that when doing critical colour work I tend to unconciuosly adjust my viewing position to compensate for subtle image quality problems. This is quite frustrating because nobody sits in front of the monitor as a statue. This negates the whole system calibration troubles. CRTs do not have this problem at all.

We have 20" Apples, 21" Viewsonics and Philips' CRTs. I use Mitsubishi 22" CRT for general programming work but have 19" Samsung 191T at home. That was the best 19" TFT I could find. It is actually quite easy - in any local shop where they have dosens of them turned on sitting next to each other on one shelf just stand back, watch carefully and duck - you will notice the change in image quality. At the time this Samsung was the best in that respect.

I have to admit though that TFT is probably the best overall choice for typical user but the margin is not big at all especially if you compare within the same price range.

[edesignuk]

I regret the 2 Epson printers I have owned, Stylus colour 540, & 740, complete p.o.s! My HP 970Cxi has been a million time better.

[Squire]

Originally posted by Rezet
You should probably stop smoking that stuff dude.
Take a regular CRT and Dell Ultra Sharp and see the difference.

Most experts disagree. Check out this article:

http://forbes.com/newswire/2003/11/18/rtr1152084.html

Here's the intro.

Squire

-------------------------
By Lucas van Grinsven

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (Reuters) - They are flat, thin, light and the envy of the neighbors. Why then do TV buffs still prefer bulky tube televisions over those fancy flat models?

The main reason is that the picture quality of an old-fashioned cathode ray tube (CRT) television is still unbeatable...

[AppleMatt]

Originally posted by the future
Hello?? Of course LCDs show a *much* sharper image (well, quality LCDs do) than CRTs!

No....
Imagine investing the money spend on that "quality" LCD on a quality CRT.

Also, for gaming, they're rubbish, even the good ones. Smmmmmmmear anyone?

AppleMatt

[evil]

yeah. i have to say one of the main reasons i bought an emac over the imac is that i wanted a crt rather than an lcd.

[fartheststar]

I bought a great Diamondtron 930SB for $430 CDN 19". It's not a shadowmask (the cheaper CRT's are), built with the diamondtron (trinitron equivalent) technology.

If I were to get a good LCD at the same size, I'd be in the $1500 - 2000 range.

I've got the extra foot of space to save myself over $1000. This monitor rocks.

[Dont Hurt Me]

Emac is such a better machine then imac in so many ways, its even made in America still. Ibodnars mod really shows how apple has dumb down the emac> its pretty sad when you have to take things into your own hands because Apple is so stingy on giving us good hardware( cpu's ) i did the same thing to my quicksilver though my bumping it up wasnt as drastic as what ibodnar did to his Emac. Just goes to show how Apple really does cripple lines and holds things back rather then giving the consumer the best machine they could. They just keep scratching their heads wondering why they dont sell more computers. Emac is a good machine and Crt's are still better then Lcds and you dont have to bother with that dead pixel crap.