iMac 27 Core 2 Duo Refurb ($1269) or iMac 27 i3 ($1439)

I am trying to figure out which iMac would be most practical for my needs.

Outside of the usual word processing and the web i plan to use this machine for the following:

Occasional iMovie
Frequent iPhoto
Occasional Illustrator alternative drawings
Netflix viewing
Possible HDTV watching (eyeTV)

would the Core2D be adequate? or i3? for basically $170 difference... it gets complicated when $260 is the difference between a 3.06 GHz CD2 and a 2.66 GHz i5 non-turbo( and non-hyperthreading?)

It has also been brought to my attention that a new 27" display is $999, which means if i buy the $1270 CD2... i can just use it as a monitor with a future Mac with more power.

Any thoughts out there?

Thanks everyone for your input

Well, i guess i am getting the C2D 27" imac... my reasoning is that there really is no such thing as future-proofing if i am thinking >3 years.

i am more concerned with future proofing the monitor... i should be able to add a mini to this monitor in time that will overtake the current i3.

The extra $ will go to buying a iPod that my wife's been asking for... now those refurbs are A LOT easier to figure out what to buy

words such as: "unnoticeable" "adequate" "satisfactory" from this and other threads have been helpful...