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20'' or 24'' imac?

S

stevoeddz

macrumors member
Original poster
Feb 18, 2008
60
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ill be buying an imac later this month. im having a hard time deciding between the 20'' 2.66ghz and 24'' 2.8ghz. Money is tight for me. so id like to know if the extra 4'' and the faster processor are worth the extra $300.
 
stevoeddz said:
ill be buying an imac later this month. im having a hard time deciding between the 20'' 2.66ghz and 24'' 2.8ghz. Money is tight for me. so id like to know if the extra 4'' and the faster processor are worth the extra $300.
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In my opinion, it comes down to whther or not you really need the 4" like you said. Casual users probably don't, in my experience, however those who use their computers for a specific task might benefit from the larger screen.

Also, most real world test show there is not a large gain by a marginally faster clocked machine. In that case, it's likely that the 20" us more cost effective for most people. You have to decide for yourself.

I was in a similar situation, but because I use my machine for photo apps like Aperture, although casually, it might have better for me to have gone with the 24" and larger HD. Maybe next time.
 
Trust me, the 4" makes a HUGE difference, at least for me. I'd go for the 24" unless you are working on a budget, which isn't exactly the best way to shop for an Apple product. :p

Hope this helps with ur decision!!
 
It took me over a year to get my 24" and I'm glad I did! I made a lot of trips to the store looking at both. The 20 is not the same quality as the 24 and it also distorts when looking at a side view. If money is a huge issue buy a refurb and get the 24. You won't be sorry!:D:D
 
the bigger screen makes a world of difference. once you have used the 24" it is hard to go back smaller. the extra processing speed is just a bonus.
 
descartes said:
the bigger screen makes a world of difference. once you have used the 24" it is hard to go back smaller. the extra processing speed is just a bonus.
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QFT. The 24" display is just staggeringly good. I've got a 22" monitor at home, and every time I come home to it after using a 24" iMac it just seems tiny and dull. :(

Were it me, I would shell out the extra for the 24" display.
 
thanks for the help guys!!

i found a Refurbished iMac 24-inch 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo on apples site for 1300$$$. i think im gonna go with that and upgrade it to 4gb of ram.

do the refurb imacs appear brand new like the replacement refurb iphones or do they have any marks from the previous owner?

also is 2.4ghz vs 2.8ghz gonna make a lotta difference?
im gonna be doing some work on FCE and playing some WoW.
 
congrats on the purchase. the processor speed between the 2.4 you got and the 2.8 is noticeable, but the 2.4 is still a very capable machine. I think you'll be very happy with it.
 
Congrats! You'll be happy you sprang for the 24 when using FCE... I do some editing on a 24er, and it's better than the dual-monitor setups I used to use. IMO there's no better platform for casual/intermediate editing.
 
I think the 24" refurb is a great buy; it is the same machine that I use everyday at work and I love it. Personally I would much rather have the wonderful 24" with the IPS display than have a faster 20" with the TN display. You will really notice the difference and it will be worth it if you work with it a lot. I have a TN display at home that works fine for me, but I wouldn't want it for all day use.
 
I think the 24" looks incredible. So much more space to have multiple windows open.

Have you thought about saving for another month or two until you have the extra $300?
 
do the refurb imacs appear brand new like the replacement refurb iphones or do they have any marks from the previous owner?

all my refurbs have looked just like new save for the brown box.
 
danny_w said:
I think the 24" refurb is a great buy; it is the same machine that I use everyday at work and I love it. Personally I would much rather have the wonderful 24" with the IPS display than have a faster 20" with the TN display. You will really notice the difference and it will be worth it if you work with it a lot. I have a TN display at home that works fine for me, but I wouldn't want it for all day use.
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great point on diff in quality of screens in addition to extra real estate. 24" all the way.
 
descartes said:
do the refurb imacs appear brand new like the replacement refurb iphones or do they have any marks from the previous owner?

all my refurbs have looked just like new save for the brown box.
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I have only bought one refurb iMac (17" G5) but it was perfect in every way. If it weren't for the brown box and the refurb serial number I would never know that it was not new.
 
It really depends how tight your money is. The 24" will be a better investment in the long run I think. As programs get more advanced the higher resolution will be nice. The screen is also far superior. I think in most cases I would get the 24" but go see both, because some people don't like the 24" screen and think it's too big.
 
Techguy172 said:
It really depends how tight your money is. The 24" will be a better investment in the long run I think. As programs get more advanced the higher resolution will be nice. The screen is also far superior. I think in most cases I would get the 24" but go see both, because some people don't like the 24" screen and think it's too big.
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That's a good suggestion. A few years ago I offered to get my wife the 20" or 24" iMac (the 24" had just come out) but she preferred the 17" so that is what I got her.
 
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