Looking to buy an iMac. First time mac user.

[NobuoSakagouchi]

Currently I own a quad core PC I built back in 2007. I'm thinking about buying a Mac for school since I'm an art student and everyone recommends I get one. I have also had issues with my tablet working on windows 7. I've gone into the registry and tried to remove all the stupid windows tablet drivers but I can't get it to function 100% and it can be very frustrating when I'm trying to work.

So... enter iMac. I've been looking at the 27-inch model on the apple store. I feel that buying a core 2 duo at this point would be a bad idea. I've also had a quad core for the past 2+ years. That being said... I'm a student and don't have money to burn. I'm looking at the 27-inch i5 since the large screen would be a dream to work on. I plan on using the mac mainly for Adobe Photoshop/Painter/Premier and Autodesk Maya.

Is it worth it for me to upgrade to an i7? I don't think any of those programs currently use hyperthreading, but I could be wrong.

Also, right now I use my monitor to play my Playstation 3. Since I'll be reformatting my PC and giving it to my father (since his is really old) along with the monitor I won't be able to use my Playstation. I hear you can't connect HDMI to iMacs. Is there a way around this?

I'm not in an immediate rush to buy one but I need it before September. Is this a good time to buy one or should I wait for a possible price drop/revision? Buyer's guide says "Buy only if you need it - Approaching the end of a cycle". Should I wait a few months or what?

Any info/suggestions are most appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[MrCheeto]

The driver frustrations you were having is something you WON'T miss after switching, I sure don't :P

Since you're coming over from a Quad-Core, you would notice a big of "stick" in the interface and performance if you went with the Core 2 Duo. With the i5, it will simply FLY! Even coming from whatever you're used to, MacOS X is far more resource-efficient. OS X will perform better on any hardware than Windows, as it's a UNIX system.

Go with the i5. It's good for your wallet and will last..and last...and last.

Also, yes, you can use the iMac 27" as a monitor. I'd never have a TV again if I had one of those babies, the display is mesmerizing.

Adapter (http://www.tuaw.com/2010/02/11/kanex-shows-hdmi-to-mini-displayport-for-imac-input-at-macworld/)

[NobuoSakagouchi]

Oh, I need an adapter? Thanks a lot for the info I will probably adopt an iMac sometime soon.

[MrCheeto]

Yes, the only video-input method with the iMacs (only the 27 inch models) is the Mini-DisplayPort. So you would need the appropriate HDMI-to-MDP adapter. Not all adapters will work, so PLEASE check for compatibility.

Also, the iMac is wall-mountable. Again, check to make sure your model is supported and what it's capable of.

[NobuoSakagouchi]

I'm actually looking at the refurbished Apple store and i7 iMacs are slightly less than brand new i5's.

Is there a downside to buying one refurbished? I'm not one of those people who HAS to have something brand new. If it works i'm happy and it says 1-year warranty like the new ones.

[MrCheeto]

It carries the same warranty as Apple's new products, so no, they are good as new.

Good deal.

[NobuoSakagouchi]

Sweet, thanks again man.

[cryer]

Sweet, thanks again man.


Just so you know, I bought a refurb iMac and am now having problems:

- slight yellow tinge problems
- two dead pixels
- dented stand
- no detection of airport card

27" i7

[Warbitrary]

Just so you know, I bought a refurb iMac and am now having problems:

- slight yellow tinge problems
- two dead pixels
- dented stand
- no detection of airport card

27" i7

Bring it back. It's obviously defective.

Just FYI, I bought my refurbished iMac 4 years ago, and it's been running 24/7 since then, no problems yet!