Why purchase an imac?

[kingmohd84]

All my life I was a dedicated desktop user.
I hate laptops, the mini display, the heat, the dead battery, the stupid way of controlling the mouse.

Desktop is big, more HD space, more ram, more screen space, work horse.

But things have changed. I don't use my computer much, I used to work it as much as I can. Today I find browsing and using simple software is the way I go.
I was going to buy a 24 imac , but then I thought the mobility of the laptop is worth more.

Today , external hard discs can be bought cheap for extra space, ram is enough, your macbook can be hooked to an external monitor(Cheap nowdays).

My question is, other than buying mac pro for top users, who would want to buy the imac?
Can some one tell me if I will be making a mistake by going the laptop way?
Is the laptop not as reliable? anything I am missing? is there an advantage to the imac other than more disc space?
even the macmini can do so much nowdays, is there something i am missing from the imac?

I appreciate the input

[alexbates]

Someone that wants a mac not as expensive as the Mac pro but a little more powerful than the Mac Mini.

Many people want to have bigger screens than 13-in ones so they decide to buy a desktop. But I wouldn't buy one :)

[angemon89]

More power for less money than a laptop
Less clutter
Nice big screen
Don't need the portability
It's perty

[Mike in Kansas]

My question is, other than buying mac pro for top users, who would want to buy the imac?

The iMac slots in between the Macbook Pros and the Mac Pros. I wanted more processor speed and a better graphics card than the entry level MBP, but didn't want to spend another $700 to get the MBP with the faster processor and better graphics card. Plus, I wanted a 24" display for video and photo editing. For me, the iMac was a cost-effective solution to get the display I wanted, the processor I wanted and the graphics card I wanted.

Also, as I already have a company-provided laptop (a Dell Latitude D600 *shudder*), I didn't need my desktop to also be portable.

If I wanted portability, I'd probably go for the 15"/2.66 GHz MBP and a 24" display with keyboard and mouse.

[Pika]

who would want to buy the imac?For people who don't need expandability, upgradability & portability.

Simply an all-in-one machine without the future-proofing power of the Mac Pro & MacBook Pro.

New iMac design?... New processors?... New graphic card?... Just "throw the old and get the new" lifestyle.

[Sambo110]

I'm play a lot of games, some on the Mac, and the odd Windows game, so the iMac is perfect for me.

[PurpleCliff]

I'm play a lot of games, some on the Mac, and the odd Windows game, so the iMac is perfect for me.

Same here.
If I'm going to play some games - and don't need the portability - the iMac is for me.

[VoodooDaddy]

, who would want to buy the imac?


About a zillion people. That is kind of a dumb question. Your logic if aimed at yourself, but that doesnt apply to the rest of us. It would be like me saying "who would want to buy a car? A moped has many more advantages."

[Hellhammer]

I chose iMac because I want a big, nice screen. If 17" MBP would be cheaper, I'd go for that, but I'm not paying 2500€ for a laptop. I discovered that my PC laptop was always on the desk, so I don't need portability.

If you want to sit on the couch and browse internet and move it around go for laptop, but otherwise iMac is the way

[kingmohd84]

Thanks for everyone's input.
The question: Who would want to buy an imac?
is more like, what are the reasons to buy an imac
its not "Are there actually people who buy the imac?"

I think i am going to get a laptop, and I was wondering if I am going to make a mistake, because I always went the desktop way.

[Hellhammer]

Thanks for everyone's input.
The question: Who would want to buy an imac?
is more like, what are the reasons to buy an imac
its not "Are there actually people who buy the imac?"

I think i am going to get a laptop, and I was wondering if I am going to make a mistake, because I always went the desktop way.

You can always buy a monitor and hook it up to your laptop to make it a desktop.

[czachorski]

I believe that the answer to "who would want to buy an iMac" of "someone who is not worried about future proofing" is an obsolete answer nowadays. At least for non-pros. Computers have gotten faster at a greater clip than new applications have driven the need for speed. A new iMac today is going to be a lot more "future proof" than an iMac 5 years ago.

[Hellhammer]

I believe that the answer to "who would want to buy an iMac" of "someone who is not worried about future proofing" is an obsolete answer nowadays. At least for non-pros. Computers have gotten faster at a greater clip than new applications have driven the need for speed. A new iMac today is going to be a lot more "future proof" than an iMac 5 years ago.

That's true. Reading e-mail's won't be any faster in future, so new technology is mainly for professional users and gamers

[rness024]

Can some one tell me if I will be making a mistake by going the laptop way?

You need to ask yourself if you are going to want mobility? I was going to buy a laptop to replace my desktop, but then decided hell, i want a desktop w/ a big nice screen, and not a laptop w/ a little screen, if it's mainly going to be used on a desk in one spot.

if you are the mobile type who likes to tap on the computer at the coffee shop down the street, then get a laptop. If you are not going mobile w/ your computer i'd suggest getting a desktop, be it iMac or other version. Personally I'm going for the mac mini setup.

I just ordered a mac mini!!! hopefully going to get an ACD also, but not until I sell my other monitors from my PC days. anyone want to buy a HP1955 or a Samsung Syncmaster 172x (narrow and slim) on the cheap?

[dwl017]

If all you are doing with your laptop is checking email etc. then why even bother? since I can check email etc. on my mobile phone I saw no reason to buy a laptop. I honestly feel that with all the trouble and turmoil in the world today its good to be unconnected for a few hours, leave the laptop at home and enjoy a night out with some good old fashion talking and laughing with friends not texting from the cafe.

[Perfectionist]

I honestly feel that with all the trouble and turmoil in the world today its good to be unconnected for a few hours, leave the laptop at home and enjoy a night out with some good old fashion talking and laughing with friends not texting from the cafe.Kickass advice Dude !! People are becoming way too Nerdy and need to "unplug" once in a while !!

[grooveattack]

The iMac slots in between the Macbook Pros and the Mac Pros. I wanted more processor speed and a better graphics card than the entry level MBP, but didn't want to spend another $700 to get the MBP with the faster processor and better graphics card. Plus, I wanted a 24" display for video and photo editing. For me, the iMac was a cost-effective solution to get the display I wanted, the processor I wanted and the graphics card I wanted.

+1

[Shivetya]

I bought an iMac (used thank you) because I wanted something with a discreet video card and that is not an option without buying a Mac Pro.

If you buy one, get the 3 year extended warranty and be prepared to ALWAYS take it in when it fails. Mine has failed twice within 3 years and I am soon out of warranty which means I will probably upgrade to last years 3.06 8800gts version unless the 4850 model pans out.

[ditzy]

For people who don't need expandability, upgradability & portability.

Simply an all-in-one machine without the future-proofing power of the Mac Pro & MacBook Pro.

New iMac design?... New processors?... New graphic card?... Just "throw the old and get the new" lifestyle.

Surely the MBP is no more future proof than the iMac.

[EmperorDarius]

1.More power and more storage for less cost than a Laptop.
2.Semi portability (you can carry it easily between rooms after all, and with something like an iLugger you can even travel with it)
3.Gorgeous 24" screen
4.It offers good performance and will continue to do so for the next 4-5 years (considering the optimizations that the next OS-es like Snow Leopard will bring).

[DarkRyan323i]

I just bought the 24" 2.66 iMac. For me, it's cheaper than a Macbook, has a huge screen, more hard drive space, and is perfect for what I use it for (music, movies, dvd). I have an iPod touch too and that pretty much does everything I did on my old Dell laptop anyway (music, AIM, games). I guess I feel like I have both: a desktop to store and watch movies and an iPod touch for laptop uses! :)

[Lexlee]

The monitor on my new 24' iMac blows any thing else I have ever owned away. The monitor is gorgeous. That in itself was my deciding factor over the Macbook Pro. Both are nice but I can watch my iMac sitting on my bed from the desk because the screen is so big. I wouldn't do this with my laptop because I was scared I would fall asleep and knock the laptop on the floor.

I also had a laptop before but 99% of the time it was on my desk. So now I have the iMac on the desk and the laptop if I ever want a computer somewhere else.

Every person who has come over to my house falls in love with the power of the machine and the beauty of the screen.

[Mike in Kansas]

For people who don't need expandability, upgradability & portability.

Simply an all-in-one machine without the future-proofing power of the Mac Pro & MacBook Pro.

New iMac design?... New processors?... New graphic card?... Just "throw the old and get the new" lifestyle.

What is so "future proof" about the MBP? Most of the iMacs have better specs than a MBP, and I seriously doubt that you'll go swapping a CPU in a MBP..

[synagence]

I want the power of at least a macbook pro and a large monitor ... not willing to pay that much for the 2 so i bought a new top-end iMac

[trip1ex]

Just look at the specs:

$1299 buys you a 13" screen with 2.0ghz C2D cpu, 2gigs RAM, 160gb hd 5400rpm, 9400M graphics, 2 usb ports,

A $100 less buys you an iMac with a 20" screen, 2.66ghz C2D cpu, 2 gigs RAM, 320gb 720rpm hd, 9400M graphics, 5 USB ports, FW800 port, better speakers, mouse, keyboard, ....

But a laptop buys you portability.

Desktops are also more reliable and the AppleCAre is $100 less.

[kingmohd84]

I am taking everyone's input into consideration,

in fact I am buying 24 inch display + the laptop, this way i can have desktop too(in a way)

I understand more now about the higher spec, but these higher specs are only used in two areas(games and professional) and I am just a regular photoshop user, cd burning, i am no longer making the machine works to its highest potential. Although I am looking forward to run windows.

I get the price difference now and the luxury of portability, it makes sense that the imac is more durable, high specs, and costs less. I love the imac don't get me wrong, I just do not see a reason for top of the line machine any more(As I always used to buy)

BTW, do I have to worry about this 5400rpm , 7200 rpm hard drive thing?
I do not understand these numbers

[Hellhammer]

BTW, do I have to worry about this 5400rpm , 7200 rpm hard drive thing?
I do not understand these numbers

Those are hard drive speeds. That tells you how many rounds the hard drive can spin in in minute (rpm=rounds per minute).

If you can go for 7200 rpm it's faster.

I know your second question will be what you gain with faster HD. Answer is: Everything loads faster, boot time is shorter, apps loads faster etc.

[DarkRyan323i]

BTW, do I have to worry about this 5400rpm , 7200 rpm hard drive thing?
I do not understand these numbers

That's just the speed of the drive. 5400 is standard for laptops and 7200 is standard for desktops. I'm no expert when it comes to the specs but I would think that faster speeds would lead to better performance.

[FoxHoundADAM]

I choose an iMac because I already have an old Mac Book I use for just lounging around and suring teh web. I want a machine that I can do some photo/video editing as well as manage my media files (music/photos/movies). Being that I will be looking at the screen a lot I wanted a large screen. a 17" Mac Book Pro is way out of my price range not to mention I really dislike laptop keyboards and the trackpads. I don't need the portability anyway so an iMac is perfect.

[sapota]

That's just the speed of the drive. 5400 is standard for laptops and 7200 is standard for desktops. I'm no expert when it comes to the specs but I would think that faster speeds would lead to better performance.

google a little more. 7200rpm is peak burst rpm. It helps yes. But for sustained reads...i.e like accessing video data; rpm is not the bottleneck.

[Shivetya]

Before going the laptop + monitor route really look into how many times you have felt the need for the laptop while your out and about. I know many people who sold themselves on this idea and after a few months if that long the laptop becomes a permanent fixture on the desk.

[panzer06]

Just look at the specs:

snip

A $100 less buys you an iMac with a 20" screen, 2.66ghz C2D cpu, 2 gigs RAM, 320gb 720rpm hd, 9400M graphics, 5 USB ports, FW800 port, better speakers, mouse, keyboard, ....

snip.

Or for the same price get the refurb 24" 2.8 for $1199 with the much better ATI 2600 GPU.

Cheers,

[Shuttleworth]

I am taking everyone's input into consideration,

in fact I am buying 24 inch display + the laptop, this way i can have desktop too(in a way)


Perhaps part of the answer to "Who would buy an iMac?" would be "Someone with less money than you". Not tying to be rude, but that is an expensive set up you are talking of buying.

We got a 24" iMac last November, also got a couple of iPod touch's which, as has been mentioned elsewhere in the thread, cover a lot of the mobile usage if you are just thinking of surfing and checking emails in a cafe. Not perfect, but very good none the less.

Laptops have a hard life and they do seem to suffer from it, I imagine MB/MBP's are just as vulnerable as other makes. The iMac fits on the dressing table in our bedroom perfectly, like a mirror, and we ditched our old computer desk, freeing up a lot of space, so to us it takes up no more space than a laptop would.

[trip1ex]

You should have got an iMac and then saved your dough for the upcoming Apple Netbook. :D

[DarkRyan323i]

google a little more. 7200rpm is peak burst rpm. It helps yes. But for sustained reads...i.e like accessing video data; rpm is not the bottleneck.

Oh okay. I had no idea. I just looked at the guides on this site.

[jclardy]

I have a Macbook (1st gen) and wanted something with more power (including graphics) I looked at the new macbooks which are really nice, but they wouldn't be all that different. I also looked at macbook pro's, but I don't like their extra size and weight. I decided on an iMac since most of the time I use my macbook on my desk anyways. I love this computer, the screen is brilliant and it runs everything I need.

I say if you don't need portability go with the iMac for its extra performance for a lower price.

[Manwithnoname]

Hmmm, I recently got the MBP 15" and trust me all I have done since is wonder if I'd made the right decision!

I initially wanted an iMac, but then I had to take a step back and think back to how I used to be with a desktop...(this is going to sound odd)...but I used to be stuck in my spare room or bedroom all night on it totally unsociable and getting addicted to RTS games!!!

While as much as I enjoy doing that it completely takes up too much time and I don't like the thought of being tied to a desk. I don't even really need the portability for outside the house but the benefits of a MBP is that I CAN still game, but also move around the house, sitting at the dining room table in the lounge/kitchen.

I love iMacs and definitely recommend them. However, I just feel they are for certain people who don't mind being tied to the desk. I don't want all that comfort, lol, I know I'd be completely addicted to games again in front of a massive screen - not healthy.

Get a MBP :-) I don't regret it now, as I think about the future and possibility of needing it for work, holiday, or even the summer months that I can take it downstairs and sit with the door open or outside!

At xmas I will get a big monitor, so that would then mean I have best of both worlds.

[itommyboy]

Reason I bought my iMac? Quite simply, chicks dig it. :eek:

[Sebby]

But you've got to get them back to your house. Surely a MacBook would make it easier! :p

[trip1ex]

I move my iMac around the house often. Not sure that will happen when I get my 24" iMac refurb this week though.

[Consultant]

Desktop harddrives are faster than laptop harddrives.
Some people don't need portability, although iMac can be portable/setup in 3 minutes, just no battery.

Display at head height instead of looking down. (can be solved with external display on laptop)
Keyboard (can be solved with external keyboard)

Some people own both desktop and laptop.

I got intel iMac, MBP 17", and more.

[kingmohd84]

Thanks a lot for everyone, I really got the idea now.

As I mentioned earlier, I am really an imac fan, and I want an imac more than anything. I hate laptops and their tiny keyboards and stupid trackpad that I wonder how people use them.

Truth is my computer use has come down a lot. I no longer run top programs. I think on any recent computer photoshop or flash would work fine. I do this out of fun, I don't really work on the desktop any more.

So portability I guess is the way to go. I would really like to access the internet while I am in the cafe or on the go.

It is a tough choice I know. But I think I just have to step on what I want and take what is more of use to me, even if it costs more for the luxury of portability. Its hard not choosing this beautiful imac with the big screen amazing price, and beautiful glossy black frame.

Hope a year from now I do not find the need for a desktop computer.

[Hellhammer]

Thanks a lot for everyone, I really got the idea now.

As I mentioned earlier, I am really an imac fan, and I want an imac more than anything. I hate laptops and their tiny keyboards and stupid trackpad that I wonder how people use them.

Truth is my computer use has come down a lot. I no longer run top programs. I think on any recent computer photoshop or flash would work fine. I do this out of fun, I don't really work on the desktop any more.

So portability I guess is the way to go. I would really like to access the internet while I am in the cafe or on the go.

It is a tough choice I know. But I think I just have to step on what I want and take what is more of use to me, even if it costs more for the luxury of portability. Its hard not choosing this beautiful imac with the big screen amazing price, and beautiful glossy black frame.

Hope a year from now I do not find the need for a desktop computer.

Good decision. It's always hard to choose between desktop and laptop, but when you go inside yourself and think, which one do I need more? Laptop or desktop? Usually you get the answer that way.

Which one you are going to?

[singhy44]

The answer to your question is simple. The iMac is for those who want more power than the (still underpowered, in my opinion) Mac Mini, but don't want to spend ridiculous amounts of money on a Mac Pro, and don't need the portability/already have a laptop. Like me, for example. Also, the iMac is BY FAR the most stylish Apple product.

[RedRaven571]

Reading e-mail's won't be any faster in future,

Are you sure? Perhaps there will be intra-cranial implants to allow instantaneous 10G network integration of your email with your cerebral cortex.....:eek:

.....Or not.:D