iMac Buying Question

[sonofmof]

Are there any major internal differences between the entry level 20"iMac and the 24" ?

I know the 20" has only 2GB ram, which I can upgrade for about £40, and less HDD but thats not significant to me as I have NAS storage.

The reason for asking is that i am trying to work out weather its worth the extra 20% for the 24"

Are there max ram differences or a better chipset in the 24" ?


Thanks,

[Hellhammer]

Only difference is the screen size. Both can take up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM. Personally, I would get 24" because it's amazing. Oh, 20" uses TN panel while 24" uses IPS, there's a huge difference.

[sonofmof]

thanks for the quick reply,


Whats the difference between a TN panel and an IPS ?

[Hellhammer]

Whats the difference between a TN panel and an IPS ?

IPS has much better colors and is used in high-end displays. Here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TFT_LCD) is Wikipedia article about them

[MacFanUK]

I think there is still a valid difference between TN and IPS panels, however, I think TN panels are getting far better. I have a Samsung 23" TN Monitor and it's amazing. It looks every bit as good as the 23" ACD at work.

[sonofmof]

i wasn't aware of this difference.

I've used the new 24" at my dads's place, but just assumed that the 20" would be as vivid and gorgeous, just smaller.

if thats not going to be the case, the extra £150 is becoming more and more worth it.


any other internal differences ?

Cheers !

[Hellhammer]

I think there is still a valid difference between TN and IPS panels, however, I think TN panels are getting far better. I have a Samsung 23" TN Monitor and it's amazing. It looks every bit as good as the 23" ACD at work.

Yea, but there's still noticeable difference. TN panels are great for normal use but if you like to work with photos, IPS is almost a must.

[MacFanUK]

Yea, but there's still noticeable difference. TN panels are great for normal use but if you like to work with photos, IPS is almost a must.

Yes, I do agree with that. OP, what will you be using the iMac for?

[sonofmof]

my main home desktop, so all in the household will also get a minor upgrade :-)

the 17" iMac will go to the missus to replace the mini, and the mini will go to 11 year old daughter :-)

my main uses are

iphoto, imovie, web browsing, world of warcraft, and as a hub for streamed apple tv content


Seems like the 24" is the better option.

[MacFanUK]

my main home desktop, so all in the household will also get a minor upgrade :-)

the 17" iMac will go to the missus to replace the mini, and the mini will go to 11 year old daughter :-)

my main uses are

iphoto, imovie, web browsing, world of warcraft, and as a hub for streamed apple tv content


Seems like the 24" is the better option.

I don't think the difference between TN and IPS will make all that much difference for you. I would save the cash and buy the 20".

[Rich1803]

The 24" resolution is fantastic. Go for it!:)

[NYR99]

The 24" resolution is fantastic. Go for it!:)

Think about this:

In 6 months down the road, you'll probably regret not getting the 24".

I just purchased the 24" a week ago. You will not regret it. It's probably the best purchase I've ever made (along with my MacBook, iPhone, and LCD TV).

[MacFanUK]

Think about this:

In 6 months down the road, you'll probably regret not getting the 24".


Yeah you do have a point there.

[Buzz Bumble]

If you wait and see if the rumoured September price-drop iMac update actually happens, then you might be able to get the 24" iMac for closer to the 20" price anyway ... or get the 20" and use the price drop savings to pay for the extra RAM. Plus, either way you'll get Mac OS 10.6 pre-installed as well. :)

[sonofmof]

I know we don't know, and this is a rumor site but.....

How much confidence do people here have in the thoughts of a september update for the iMac, even if it is only a price drop.

And when in September is it likely to be ? at the iTunes / iPod meet ?

[Hellhammer]

How much confidence do people here have in the thoughts of a september update for the iMac, even if it is only a price drop.

And when in September is it likely to be ? at the iTunes / iPod meet ?

Price drop is possible but update is unlikely because new hardware don't exist yet. Early 2010 when Arrandale comes we may/will see an update.

[DrummerBASS]

I've recently purchased a 24" iMac (base level entry model) and it's great. Super quick, even when running multiple applications. The screen is superb and is great for photography.