Choosing Between the 27 inch 3.06 Core 2 Duo Model VS. The 27 Inch 3.2 Ghz I3 Model

[beeinformed]

Hi!

I am trying to decide which of these two 27 inch imacs I should buy:

27 inch 3.06 core 2 duo model

27 inch 3.2 I3 model

Is the 27 inch 3.2 ghz I3 model a better value in terms of increased computer and graphics performance and is it better to get the 2nd generation model because of prior issues (i.e. yellow tinge)?

I have never owned an imac computer and have had horrible experiences with pc desktop computers and would appreciate any feedback/comments on which 27 inch imac model I should purchase.

Thanks in advance. :)

[skcrane]

you might want to look at macworld new review on the 27 inch i3 3.2 to decide just posted. I would go for the 27 inch 3.2 i3 based on that review if you can afford it.

[dwd3885]

you might want to look at macworld new review on the 27 inch i3 3.2 to decide just posted. I would go for the 27 inch 3.2 i3 based on that review if you can afford it.

right. don't by core 2 anymore. that tech was great but it's well past it's days.

[dexthageek]

I don't mean to confuse you even more. But Apple has dropped the price of the refurb C2D 27'' $1,269.00US

27'' C2D
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB952?mco=MTM3NDgzMzI

If you are not a big gamer you can get a 27'' i7 (2009) refurb for the same price ($1699) as 2010 27'' i3.

27'' i7 (2009)
http://store.apple.com/us/product/G0GF0LL/A?mco=MTU0MzQ1NjE

[zedsdead]

I don't mean to confuse you even more. But Apple has dropped the price of the refurb C2D 27'' $1,269.00US

27'' C2D
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB952?mco=MTM3NDgzMzI

If you are not a big gamer you can get a 27'' i7 (2009) refurb for the same price ($1699) as 2010 27'' i3.

27'' i7 (2009)
http://store.apple.com/us/product/G0GF0LL/A?mco=MTU0MzQ1NjE

Based on this, I would go with the refurb i7. Either way, stay away from the Core2Duo if possible.

[dexthageek]

Based on this, I would go with the refurb i7. Either way, stay away from the Core2Duo if possible.

I agree!

I think with the 27'' i3 (2010) and 27'' i7 (2009) being the same price ($1699), I would go with the 2009 i7.

[nhr215]

why is the i3 so much better than the Core 2 duo? I'm very tempted to get the $1,269 refurbished 27" Core 2. I bought a refurbished iMac years ago and it has been very good to me....

I get that it is an old architecture but on a practical level why would that matter to me? I have been running audio editing applications on a 2ghz intel core duo with only 2gb of ram and no major hiccups....

Does it really make that big a difference? If so how? Just trying to assess why I should spend $400 more for the newer model when the refurbished one appears to be a steal.... thanks,
nan

[SinisterJoe]

In a blind taste test with these machines side by side few people could tell the difference without checking System Profiler or Activity Monitor. Unless you're doing something where an extra 10-15% computational performance increase is really important it really doesn't matter. I say save the $400 and go with the CD2.

[nineohtoo]

I just saw these in the refurb store and wanted to get more opinions on them. Considering the 27" monitor is going to cost a grand, and this will include a dated computer, and a $100 wireless keyboard/mouse combo, this deal sounds to good to be true.

For someone looking at the the new 27" monitor wouldn't this be a better than buying just the regular monitor, especially if you don't have a mouse/keyboard already? You could always use it as a monitor with a more powerful MacBook Pro right?