Which options matter for streaming hi-def media over the web?

Any model will do.

Your TiBook is probably too slow for decoding HD video in realtime (even my old Core2Duo MBP had problems with that, depending on the bitrate).

bennettave said:

Is the base 27" more than enough to stream any HD content I'd want?

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Is this a serious question? Let me understand what you're trying to do. You're asking if a Sandy Bridge CPU is good enough to be able to play 720p HD content (most likely to not be 1080p) streaming from a website? Is that really the question? You're wondering if the computer is good to enough to consume and play back 720p videos from the internet?

if you're wanting an imac, buy a refurb from the previous line. the displays are exactly the same.

Your internet connection and download speed will be the greatest limiting factor in what you are looking to do, not the speed of any of the iMac machines.

CubeHacker said:

Your internet connection and download speed will be the greatest limiting factor in what you are looking to do, not the speed of any of the iMac machines.

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Exactly!

spend more money on a faster connection.

Any iMac made in the last several years can do what you want.