24" vs 20" iMac

C

cmm

macrumors 6502a
I am looking for an iMac mainly to watch DVDs, TV, and do general home apps. Which would you recommend? The 24" is much more expensive, is the screen real estate worth it? I have a 20" ppc iMac and loved it; but this was many moons ago.

Also, how can I have easy integration between the iMac and my powerbook (it has bluetooth and airport)? I will use the powerbook to bring to class (it's a 12" ultra portable).

Thanks!
 
How close are you to the nearest Apple Store? I'd go check it out...

The 24" is gigantic. I use a 19" widescreen currently and think its perfect.
 
For your uses it will only have the extra screen space. It has a better graphics card for games and video editing etc. It also has FW 800 for a faster connection of external drives used for professionals
 
I don't live anywhere close to an Apple store. I really want a 30" but my 12" pb won't accept that. :(

I think I'd be happier with the 24, but I am not sure how much nicer TV and DVDs will look, if any.
 
tough call. From what you describe a 20" would do, but the bigger screen is awesome and there a few other differences. The 24" has better graphics card options and it has better speaker volume levels (24w amp vs 12w amp in the 20") which might matter to you for DVDs and TV. A friend of mine got a 20"iMac (his first Mac and thought the same as you about the extra cost for the 24"). Now that he has the iMac and does DVDs and EyeTV he wishes he got the 24".

re: santa rosa, etc. There is always something better coming. 6 months or so is a long time to wait if you need a computer now.
 
Question: If you're just going to use it for watching dvd's and tv, why not just add a 23" Cinema Display to your powerbook? Cheaper than buying an iMac...
 
Definitely the 24".

Someone mentioned that the 24" is gigantic. Go to a store, you'll think the same. You'll say to yourself "Holy ****, I don't think I can fit this beast anywhere". And then after you think about it, you'll just notice that it would be soooo much better than the 20", ESPECIALLY for watching movies on, and you'll FIND somewhere to fit it. :p
 
In my opinion, the 24" iMac should be purchased with the GeForce 7600GT. for a measly $125 extra you get a very credible gaming card and the extra screen to make use of it.

Either way, the iMacs represent pretty good value, when you factor in the cost of a PC desktop with equivalent specs and and LCD.

My rule: always by the MOST computer you can afford. If you can afford the 24", get it.
 
In my opinion for the stuff you want to do - yes the 24" is the better choice. Definitely. More a question if you can afford it.
 
cmm said:
I am looking for an iMac mainly to watch DVDs, TV, and do general home apps. Which would you recommend? The 24" is much more expensive, is the screen real estate worth it? I have a 20" ppc iMac and loved it; but this was many moons ago.
Click to expand...

If you get a 24" iMac, there are two possibilities: Either you say it's huge and you love it, or you say it's huge and you hate it. Find a place where you can look at a 20 inch and a 24 inch. If you can't, make a cardboard cutout; you should find all the size information somewhere on Apple's website. If you end up loving it, and you can afford it, it is worth the money.
 
Highly recommend a refurb 24" iMac, esp. for watching movies, etc.. Have mine now for ~2 months, and the screen is absolutely beautiful, and large, but in a :cool: way.
 
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