24" iMac 2.66 vs. 2.93

[Hellhammer]

I hate to beat a dead horse, but would I need the ATI 4850 if I don't do any gaming or don't plan to in the future? Yes, I want to future proof if possible, but I don't need to spend another $200 if I won't actually utilize the power.

Thanks, I'm still learning and am VERY close to making my decision. (Still considering refurbished if I don't upgrade the video card).

Just get the 9400M or refurb iMac. Macs are quite easy to sell and don't lose their resale value as fast as PCs does. If you sell it within a year, you might get 100$ less than you paid. That's very cheap usage in hours. Of course better Mac will have better resale value and won't lose it so fast

 

[photomel]

Thanks for all of the great feedback/information. I have decided to go for the 24" iMac 2.93mhz without the upgraded video card. I am going to get the new one and plan to sell the free iTouch to help fun my purchase. I am also selling my older iMac to help fund my upgrade.

I am probably going to order it tomorrow and then wait impatiently to see the impressiveness of the 24" screen!!

 

[ElPinko]

I was also facing this dilema until about 2 weeks ago when I decided on the 2.93 - but then I caught a whiff of a rumour that there would be a fall refresh to the imac line seeing a reduction in price combined with marginal improvements to hardware (plus Snow Leopard pre installed)

Peoples thoughts on this?

 

[Hellhammer]

I was also facing this dilema until about 2 weeks ago when I decided on the 2.93 - but then I caught a whiff of a rumour that there would be a fall refresh to the imac line seeing a reduction in price combined with marginal improvements to hardware (plus Snow Leopard pre installed)

Peoples thoughts on this?

Do you believe all rumors? Rumors were saying that last update should've been 6 month earlier but it wasn't. We have only one rumor now so possibility that it's right is tiny.

No significant updates before Q1 '10

 

[ElPinko]

Granted its just one rumour, and I dont want to turn this thread into a rumour thread, but I think it would make sense with the refresh in the macbook line we just saw and the new Snow Leopard OS due in sept, but I also recognise it was only refreshed recently. But when you part with that much money you want to be certain...

 

[Hellhammer]

Granted its just one rumour, and I dont want to turn this thread into a rumour thread, but I think it would make sense with the refresh in the macbook line we just saw and the new Snow Leopard OS due in sept, but I also recognise it was only refreshed recently. But when you part with that much money you want to be certain...

Can't be in September because, simply, no new hardware exists. Mobile Nehalems will be available on Q4 but Apple will likely use Arrandales which will be available on Q1 '10 or late Q4.

 

[ElPinko]

I'm not expecting anything major, perhaps a slight speed increase, more HDD capacity, and ofcourse Snow Leopard pre installed (I live in the UK and as yet we dont have an "upgrade" price from Leopard)

 

[photomel]

It is a done deal. I put my order in yesterday.

The upgrade to a dedicated graphics card is worth it for iMovie and iPhoto. At that point, the ATI card isn't a huge price difference. I think it is worth it to further proof the machine in case you do more video editing in the coming years. If you don't the GT 120/130 will be fine. Also, consider that Apple doesn't really put great video cards into their machines really, so I would get the best available.

Oh, just noticed you were an educational qualified person...at that point, even though the Apple Refurbs are great, I say just go with a new model and get the Touch and Printer.

I am a big fan of buying the best hardware you can afford, so that is my bias. Having the extra speed and power is always useful, especially if you want the machine to last. But I also do a lot of Video work and encoding, so don't go by me.

Here's what I ended up getting:

24" iMac with......

* 2.93GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
* 4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB
* 1.0TB Serial ATA Drive
* ATI Radeon HD 4850 512MB
* Apple Wireless Mighty Mouse
* Apple Wireless Keyboard (English) and User's Guide
* iTouch and printer will (almost) be free after rebate.

I will probably try to sell the iTouch and I needed a printer for my office.

 

[mscriv]

Congrats. I'm sure you will be very pleased. Please explain what you mean by the rebate will almost cover the cost of the iPod and Printer. Does Apple have a cap on how much they will reimburse on the iPod? I know the printer deal is only good for $100, but what about the iPod rebate?

 

[photomel]

Congrats. I'm sure you will be very pleased. Please explain what you mean by the rebate will almost cover the cost of the iPod and Printer. Does Apple have a cap on how much they will reimburse on the iPod? I know the printer deal is only good for $100, but what about the iPod rebate?

The rebate is for educators/students and is worth $229....the cost of the 8gb iTouch. I figure I could get some money for it and help cover the cost of of my computer purchase.

 

[shadow1]

I would upgrade the 2.93 imac to 3.06 Ghz and put in the ATI graphics in. Your save $100 by getting the 640GB hard drive. How could anyone fill 1 TB harddrive?

 

[Hellhammer]

I would upgrade the 2.93 imac to 3.06 Ghz and put in the ATI graphics in. Your save $100 by getting the 640GB hard drive. How could anyone fill 1 TB harddrive?

There is absolutely no reason to get 3.06 over 2.93. 150$ for 130MHz is poor value, ~1.2$ per MHz. You'll notice no difference. Filling 1Tb is not hard, I currently use over 2Tb.

 

[photomel]

I would upgrade the 2.93 imac to 3.06 Ghz and put in the ATI graphics in. Your save $100 by getting the 640GB hard drive. How could anyone fill 1 TB harddrive?

I already ordered it. Too late to change now, but I am happy with what I selected. No doubt it will be a great machine!!