I am deciding between the following two new (not refurb) iMac stock options:
a) 2011 iMac 27" 2.7 GHz i5 2500S processor. ~$1649.
b) 2010 iMac 27" 3.2 GHz i3 550 processor. ~$1396.
If I've compared correctly, main differences in the upgrade are a newer series (Sandy Bridge) and better version of the processor, improved graphics (AMD), and Thunderbolt. A full spec comparison can be found here:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4504-5_7-0.html?tag=mncol;comp&id=34662592&id=34139835
No matter what, I'm going to upgrade w/ 2 x 4gb third-party RAM (for a total of 12gb) initially, then if i need to upgrade further later I'll swap out the 2 x 2gb.
Besides year model recommendation, I am also contemplating adding on an SSD to complement the 1 TB HDD it comes with to use as a boot-up/app drive.
Some things I'm considering (besides cost of the hardware and install - since I wouldn't do it myself - and time/effort vs. benefit):
a) brand? Intel, OWC, Vertex, Crucial, Corsair (in my consideration order)... the only reason I listed Intel first was I hear it's easier to upgrade the firmware w/out having to go through a Windows conduit. OWC may also have something coming soon. And they seem to be most aware of the aftermarket Mac business.
b) generation? If I get the newest iMac, should I also get the newest SSD? SATA III (i.e. Intel 510), or Intel 320 no matter what for reliability and the fact that I probably won't notice a difference. Does any other computer spec matter when deciding?
c) size? Could I really max out 120 (or even 60?) gb on the OS and apps?
d) when? I know this is a new medium and cost is still expected to drop further, but I'm thinking out of the box before I start downloading apps and installing whatever is the best time to format, clean install, etc.
Of course, I know to ME, my uses (web, mail, photo, music, Office, basic stuff), and relative to what we have now (two PowerPC G4s), I'm already going to be blown away. I don't want to overkill, but also would like at least a few generations of use before going obsolete (my Quicksilver is only recently un-updatable, and it gave me 10 YEARS!).
Any opinions, recommendations, etc. would greatly be appreciated.
a) 2011 iMac 27" 2.7 GHz i5 2500S processor. ~$1649.
b) 2010 iMac 27" 3.2 GHz i3 550 processor. ~$1396.
If I've compared correctly, main differences in the upgrade are a newer series (Sandy Bridge) and better version of the processor, improved graphics (AMD), and Thunderbolt. A full spec comparison can be found here:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4504-5_7-0.html?tag=mncol;comp&id=34662592&id=34139835
No matter what, I'm going to upgrade w/ 2 x 4gb third-party RAM (for a total of 12gb) initially, then if i need to upgrade further later I'll swap out the 2 x 2gb.
Besides year model recommendation, I am also contemplating adding on an SSD to complement the 1 TB HDD it comes with to use as a boot-up/app drive.
Some things I'm considering (besides cost of the hardware and install - since I wouldn't do it myself - and time/effort vs. benefit):
a) brand? Intel, OWC, Vertex, Crucial, Corsair (in my consideration order)... the only reason I listed Intel first was I hear it's easier to upgrade the firmware w/out having to go through a Windows conduit. OWC may also have something coming soon. And they seem to be most aware of the aftermarket Mac business.
b) generation? If I get the newest iMac, should I also get the newest SSD? SATA III (i.e. Intel 510), or Intel 320 no matter what for reliability and the fact that I probably won't notice a difference. Does any other computer spec matter when deciding?
c) size? Could I really max out 120 (or even 60?) gb on the OS and apps?
d) when? I know this is a new medium and cost is still expected to drop further, but I'm thinking out of the box before I start downloading apps and installing whatever is the best time to format, clean install, etc.
Of course, I know to ME, my uses (web, mail, photo, music, Office, basic stuff), and relative to what we have now (two PowerPC G4s), I'm already going to be blown away. I don't want to overkill, but also would like at least a few generations of use before going obsolete (my Quicksilver is only recently un-updatable, and it gave me 10 YEARS!).
Any opinions, recommendations, etc. would greatly be appreciated.
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