27" Imac Good Buying Advice Needed PLEASE

[solman]

:confused::confused:

Trying to decide between the Core2Duo and i5.

Will NEVER play games, 3D rendering etc.

Will:

Upgrade RAM to 8GB
Surf internet
Watch movies either itunes downloads or DVD
Edit photos in Photoshop elements
Possibly edit movie clips from my digital still camera

Yes the i5 is faster on paper and has the 512 video card but can I see or feel the diff in all of the above (based on an immediate RAM upgrade that I will do for both the base 27 inch c2duo and i5)?

I don't want to just have an i5 for the sake of having it if it's never used, you know what I mean. Not concerned too much about future proofing since I tend to be a tech buff that flips my equipment every 2-3 yrs to have the latest toy:) and even the i5 will look old by the time the next iMac redesign comes in Fall 2011 with maybe Quad Core 3.8Ghz or USB 3.0 or OLED screens or who knows what.


Advice most appreciated.

Thanks everyone.

[robotkiller]

:confused::confused:

Trying to decide between the Core2Duo and i5.

Will NEVER play games, 3D rendering etc.

Will:

Upgrade RAM to 8MB
Surf internet
Watch movies either itunes downloads or DVD
Edit photos in Photoshop elements
Possibly edit movie clips from my digital still camera

Yes the i5 is faster on paper and has the 512 video card but can I see or feel the diff in all of the above (based on an immediate RAM upgrade that I will do for both the base 27 inch c2duo and i5)?

I don't want to just have an i5 for the sake of having it if it's never used, you know what I mean. Not concerned too much about future proofing since I tend to be a tech buff that flips my equipment every 2-3 yrs to have the latest toy:) and even the i5 will look old by the time the next iMac redesign comes in Fall 2011 with maybe Quad Core 3.8Ghz or USB 3.0 or OLED screens or who knows what.


Advice most appreciated.

Thanks everyone.

I had a Core2Duo 27" and switched to the i7 - Rendering RAW files is faster. Boot up of programs is faster. Using my Citrix Remote client is faster and far smoother. iMovie is faster. Unarchiving files is much faster. Editing large photos is faster and smoother.

There is no question in my mind that the Quad core was worth it to me. If you are truly a tech buff, why even question this?

[Ice-Cube]

The c2d will be more than enough for your needs. You probably won't even utilize the full performance of that machine based on what you just described.

[kfscoll]

Based on what you're describing, why are you even considering upgrading to 8GB of RAM? 4GB should be more than enough for your intended use.

[Kuski]

:confused::confused:

Trying to decide between the Core2Duo and i5.

Will NEVER play games, 3D rendering etc.

Will:

Upgrade RAM to 8MB
Surf internet
Watch movies either itunes downloads or DVD
Edit photos in Photoshop elements
Possibly edit movie clips from my digital still camera

Yes the i5 is faster on paper and has the 512 video card but can I see or feel the diff in all of the above (based on an immediate RAM upgrade that I will do for both the base 27 inch c2duo and i5)?

I don't want to just have an i5 for the sake of having it if it's never used, you know what I mean. Not concerned too much about future proofing since I tend to be a tech buff that flips my equipment every 2-3 yrs to have the latest toy:) and even the i5 will look old by the time the next iMac redesign comes in Fall 2011 with maybe Quad Core 3.8Ghz or USB 3.0 or OLED screens or who knows what.


Advice most appreciated.

Thanks everyone.

8MB would be a downgrade. :p

[solman]

Are you suggesting not doubling to 8 Gigs of RAM and staying to the base core2Duo 3.06 GHz?

[solman]

sounds like your vote is undoubtedly the i5.:confused:

[robotkiller]

sounds like your vote is undoubtedly the i5.:confused:

When I had the c2d (returned b/c it was defective) I was immediately second guessing my impulse purchase. I haven't done that once with the i7 - for my uses I've been completely satisfied with the performance.

IMO, this is an easy call (as opposed to i5 vs i7). Also, though possibly not enough to offset the initial cost difference, there is no doubt that the resale value of the c2d 27" will suffer greatly in comparison to QC 27" resale.

[solman]

now you've got my attention. I'm a sucker for the latest and no matter which 27" I buy now, I will want the next gen release in 2011, which definitely means the one i buy now will be on eBay in 2011.

I have a late 2007 Macbook 2.16 Core2Duo which is nothing compared to the new Macbook Oct '09 with LED screen, 1066 mhz DDR2 Ram, Nividia g Force video with double the vram, double system RAM, unibody...

So I've learned that 2 years in computer generations is like a decade in real everyday life.

If i take your advice of the i5, it's not that I can futureproof, because even the i5 will look old, but because it will fetch more $ on the used market. "At least it's a Quadcore" mentality.

[Fozzybadfeet]

I bought the 27" core 2 duo and it fits perfectly for the things I do. I would think the only strenuous work I plan on doing with my iMac is photo editing with lightroom and photoshop, minor video work, and some music.

I say, if you need the Quad-core now, then go for it. I know you'll hear comments about reselling in the future, but if the c2d fits your budget, who is to say you are wrong about your purchase?

[solman]

I bought the 27" core 2 duo and it fits perfectly for the things I do. I would think the only strenuous work I plan on doing with my iMac is photo editing with lightroom and photoshop, minor video work, and some music.

I say, if you need the Quad-core now, then go for it. I know you'll hear comments about reselling in the future, but if the c2d fits your budget, who is to say you are wrong about your purchase?

I was at Best Buy today and they had the last gen 24 inch right beside the new 27 inch for $1,350, $450 less than the new one. Both myself and another customer had absolutely no interest in the older one even with the money savings. So the future re-sale argument is also tricky because Apple really has a way of completely taking the lustre off the "older one". So imagine how much harder it is to sell the "older" last gen later down the road...if you paid the premium for the likes of i5, i7 Quads. This is also taking into account that you don't necessarily need Quad Core power today as the above quote said.

[robotkiller]

now you've got my attention. I'm a sucker for the latest and no matter which 27" I buy now, I will want the next gen release in 2011, which definitely means the one i buy now will be on eBay in 2011.

I have a late 2007 Macbook 2.16 Core2Duo which is nothing compared to the new Macbook Oct '09 with LED screen, 1066 mhz DDR2 Ram, Nividia g Force video with double the vram, double system RAM, unibody...

So I've learned that 2 years in computer generations is like a decade in real everyday life.

If i take your advice of the i5, it's not that I can futureproof, because even the i5 will look old, but because it will fetch more $ on the used market. "At least it's a Quadcore" mentality.

My prediction: At least $150 better resale value with the QC vs c2d in 2011 - by that time, c2d will be relegated to low end computers and I suspect the used market for c2d desktops will be soft. Current i7 processors will probably be considered middle tier. i5 is probably the sweet spot, in terms of current price and future resale.

Again - all speculation. But then that's what ebay is all about anyway...

[solman]

My prediction: At least $150 better resale value with the QC vs c2d in 2011 - by that time, c2d will be relegated to low end computers and I suspect the used market for c2d desktops will be soft. Current i7 processors will probably be considered middle tier. i5 is probably the sweet spot, in terms of current price and future resale.

Again - all speculation. But then that's what ebay is all about anyway...

Saw the Macrumors Page 1 news that Nehalem mobile i5/7 quadcore processors are shipping in Jan and so will surely be in the next Macbook Pro updates. So now only the bottom end Macbook will have Core2Duo. Hence those new "i" processors will hold their value much better in future.

[hkdylan1]

You would probably just need the core 2 duo for that stuff. but be careful about what RAM you put on that mac because photoshop is a very power-consuming application. In short, just get core 2 with upgraded ram.:apple:

[solman]

My prediction: At least $150 better resale value with the QC vs c2d in 2011 - by that time, c2d will be relegated to low end computers and I suspect the used market for c2d desktops will be soft. Current i7 processors will probably be considered middle tier. i5 is probably the sweet spot, in terms of current price and future resale.

Again - all speculation. But then that's what ebay is all about anyway...

When I bought my Macbook on eBay, I remember searching for a 13 inch and a list of them came up and I just automatically eliminated any of the "Core Solo" Macbooks 13". Now those were possibly only the previous six months refresh before the first Core2Duo but the Intel mind bend made me think that Core2Duo must be waaaaaay better than Core Duo/Solo. And that's why I went to the Core2Duo Macbook. Really psychological isn't it?

[jecapaga]

:confused::confused:

Trying to decide between the Core2Duo and i5.

Will NEVER play games, 3D rendering etc.

Will:

Upgrade RAM to 8GB
Surf internet
Watch movies either itunes downloads or DVD
Edit photos in Photoshop elements
Possibly edit movie clips from my digital still camera

Yes the i5 is faster on paper and has the 512 video card but can I see or feel the diff in all of the above (based on an immediate RAM upgrade that I will do for both the base 27 inch c2duo and i5)?

I don't want to just have an i5 for the sake of having it if it's never used, you know what I mean. Not concerned too much about future proofing since I tend to be a tech buff that flips my equipment every 2-3 yrs to have the latest toy:) and even the i5 will look old by the time the next iMac redesign comes in Fall 2011 with maybe Quad Core 3.8Ghz or USB 3.0 or OLED screens or who knows what.


Advice most appreciated.

Thanks everyone.


You're wasting your money throwing 8GB of ram in there based on what you'll be using the machine for.

[solman]

You're wasting your money throwing 8GB of ram in there based on what you'll be using the machine for.

so is the i5 also a waste?

[Carressa]

:confused::confused:

Trying to decide between the Core2Duo and i5.

I don't want to just have an i5 for the sake of having it if it's never used, you know what I mean. Not concerned too much about future proofing since I tend to be a tech buff that flips my equipment every 2-3 yrs to have the latest toy:) and even the i5 will look old by the time the next iMac redesign comes in Fall 2011 with maybe Quad Core 3.8Ghz or USB 3.0 or OLED screens or who knows what.


Advice most appreciated.

Thanks everyone.


Well as a fellow "tech buff" I would recommend the i5. I am very very pleased with mine!

[solman]

Well as a fellow "tech buff" I would recommend the i5. I am very very pleased with mine!

Seems like a lot of votes for the i5?

[lasuther]

Seems like a lot of votes for the i5?

Get the i5. It isn't much more money, it will make a huge deal in resale, and in a couple of years as more programs are developed with QC in mind you could see significant performance gains.

I got an i5 and I've been tracking the CPU load. Most of the time I'm just using one core which will boost up to 3.2GHz. The only application I use which is pushing all 4 cores is Hulu desktop.

[solman]

Get the i5. It isn't much more money, it will make a huge deal in resale, and in a couple of years as more programs are developed with QC in mind you could see significant performance gains.

I got an i5 and I've been tracking the CPU load. Most of the time I'm just using one core which will boost up to 3.2GHz. The only application I use which is pushing all 4 cores is Hulu desktop.

I'm starting to agree about the re-sale. Makes sense.

[panzer06]

I'm starting to agree about the re-sale. Makes sense.

I went for the 24" 3.06 8800GS refurb ($1149) because it was replacing the slower mini and for what I will use it for this was more than enough. I will use it for Internet, MS Office for Mac, and 10-15% of the time Windows RTS games under bootcamp. After 2 weeks it's been an outstanding upgrade from the mini.

Besides, in two years the 27" refurbs will be very reasonable.

Cheers,

[solman]

Actually with all the 27 inch screen returns, the 27 inch refurbs will be here very shortly.

[panzer06]

Actually with all the 27 inch screen returns, the 27 inch refurbs will be here very shortly.

Most likely we'll see them in a few months, however, none of those early ATI4850 24" models ever made to the refurb store so one never knows.

Also, I doubt they'll be $1149 just yet. :) But after 2 or three more revs they'll be at the right price for me to swoop in and pick one up!

Cheers,

[JSmoove05]

Ordered on Nov 12th got a prepared for shipment update today now the waiting begins for a tracking number.

[solman]

Ordered on Nov 12th got a prepared for shipment update today now the waiting begins for a tracking number.

May I ask which 27 inch you ordered?

[Batmac]

I'm having the same problem as solman: trying to figure out how much power I need in a new iMac.

I'm not a power user, but I really want the applications I do use to be slick. I also want to be able to have them all open at once if need be. Like solman I won't be gaming, and I'm primarily thinking of browsing (let's call it power browsing - lots of pages open at once; lots of images and videos on those pages), iTunes, Open Office, HD video, and a bit of video and photo editing. The one processor intensive thing I would like to do is real-time transcoding of video while it streams to my TV. No idea how much power I'd need for that. I know I can probably get by with 4GB of RAM and a 3.06 GHz processor, but I'm sick of watching Safari choke on GIF animations, shutting down applications or closing windows because I'm doing too much multitasking, and dealing with stuttery HD videos on my current machine. With a new iMac, I'd like to spring for the best I can get in terms of performance. If I'll notice 8GB of RAM or a faster processor it's probably worth getting - but if I truly won't notice the upgrades I'll be glad to save the cash.

So would I need an immediate 8GB Ram upgrade, or would it be totally superfluous? And how much CPU power do I really need? I'd assumed an i5 or i7 would be excessive, but having read a few threads in here I'm not so sure.

Apologies if this is considered thread hijacking! I figured it was on topic, but if I should have started a new thread please let me know.

[robotkiller]

I'm having the same problem as solman: trying to figure out how much power I need in a new iMac.

I'm not a power user, but I really want the applications I do use to be slick. I also want to be able to have them all open at once if need be. Like solman I won't be gaming, and I'm primarily thinking of browsing (let's call it power browsing - lots of pages open at once; lots of images and videos on those pages), iTunes, Open Office, HD video, and a bit of video and photo editing. The one processor intensive thing I would like to do is real-time transcoding of video while it streams to my TV. No idea how much power I'd need for that. I know I can probably get by with 4GB of RAM and a 3.06 GHz processor, but I'm sick of watching Safari choke on GIF animations, shutting down applications or closing windows because I'm doing too much multitasking, and dealing with stuttery HD videos on my current machine. With a new iMac, I'd like to spring for the best I can get in terms of performance. If I'll notice 8GB of RAM or a faster processor it's probably worth getting - but if I truly won't notice the upgrades I'll be glad to save the cash.

So would I need an immediate 8GB Ram upgrade, or would it be totally superfluous? And how much CPU power do I really need? I'd assumed an i5 or i7 would be excessive, but having read a few threads in here I'm not so sure.

Apologies if this is considered thread hijacking! I figured it was on topic, but if I should have started a new thread please let me know.

8gigs

Zero swap file, always with reserve memory. That with the iCore processor and you're good to go. You will not choke this machine up.

[Batmac]

8gigs

Zero swap file, always with reserve memory. That with the iCore processor and you're good to go. You will not choke this machine up.

Thanks for the advice - 8GB it is. And iCore is quad core, right? The standard i5 should do it? It's weird to imagine that I'd need that much CPU beef. I know real time transcoding requires a more powerful CPU than average, but I've read of people doing it successfully on older Macs. The extra RAM should prevent choking, so would I really need the quad core?

[Gen]

Go for the i5. It's todays technology, why pay for c2d when better technology is available?

[53x12]

Go for the i5. It's todays technology, why pay for c2d when better technology is available?

Exactly, this is the homerun decision.

[Batmac]

Go for the i5. It's todays technology, why pay for c2d when better technology is available?

This is true, but if I have a fair idea about how much power I definitely need, I can decide how much I'm willing to pay for upgrades I might merely want.

I've also been keeping an open mind about which size to go for. Settling on the i5 also means definitely going with the 27" screen. I could deal with a 21.5" screen, but I plan to get a system with at least a 1TB hard drive (ideally 2TB), so the base model 21.5" is out. For me there would be no point in upgrading a 2TB 21.5" iMac's CPU to 3.33 GHz when I could get a 27" i5 for just a little more money. I'm not really considering the 27" C2D - it's such a small jump for the quad core upgrade, and while I'd like the superior display, I couldn't justify dropping the extra cash for the screen alone. But the price difference between a 21.5" 3.06 GHz 2TB config and a 27" i5 2TB config is substantial. If I can be fairly sure I'll get the performance I need from a 3.06 GHz processor, I can weigh my options with regard to extra CPU power, screen size, hard drive size, and how much cash I really want to spend above and beyond what's necessary. Hope that makes some sense. Glad I can buy the RAM from Crucial.com - that keeps the numbers down on the Apple Store config page!