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Best Time to buy an iMac?

Toddgabweg

Toddgabweg

macrumors member
Original poster
Jan 17, 2007
91
0
PA
Hi, I am new here (first post), but I need help. I am a mac convert since my school gave us teachers the choice between a mac laptop (ibook G4) or a gateway PC... I went with the laptop several years ago, but I hear we soon will have to turn our laptops in for new ones (this time there will be no choice- just pc laptops with vista)... Anyway I now want to stay with a mac so I will need to buy an imac for home use- so I can transfer all my iphotos, itunes and imovies to my own new system...

I need to know when the best time to buy an imac... I am really interested in the 24in imac, but since I started looking since Dec. I am not sure when I should get one... I now know that a new OS is due soon as well as an update to ilife... I understand that really anytime you purchase a computer a few weeks later something is released that will be better- new and improved... I just want to make sure I get a good deal at the time of purchase...

I didn't do my research when I purchased an ipod several years ago when I paid $299 for an ipod that viewed photos- shortly after I purchased this then I hear about the new video ipod for the same price... I want to make sure I don't make the same mistake with an imac..

What about Vista??? will it work on an imac??? Is Vista going to be worth it? or will Leopard be better?

If and when I get a 24in imac- what options should I go with? Is $1999 a good deal? Where is the best place to purchase an imac? Apple store?

Sorry for so many questions, but I would appreciate any help.. thanks
 
You may have to go thru the Apple Store or Apple.com to get your Education discount - don't forget about that! If you click on the education section from the home page and you can find out how to go about that.

Enjoy it!!
 
Greetings! :)

As to your main question, when is 'best' time to buy,,, altho' I hate it when I hear people reply with "whenever you NEED the computer, buy ut" :mad: :p, that does hold water. However, make sure that, like you pointed about regarding your iPod purchase, that you check to see if the rumours are flapping about 'claiming' that such-and-such model MAY be coming out soon. Also, check the https://buyersguide.macrumors.com// for that advice.

Vista is 'supposed' to be "supported" on Intel Macs. But, I recommend checking out the following, for example, for more news:
http://www.macwindows.com/
http://www.macnn.com/articles/06/09/19/parallels.desktop.for.mac/

As to where to buy: I highly recommend looking at refurbs ['double-checked' and save ~$300, plus 'extras' on occasion]. Mine is a refurb, and there are no regrets at all. Just looked, and there is a 24" for $1700. I'd buy that, get 2GB RAM, and IF needed someday, up the video card too.


PS: sorry to hear about the forced trade-in. BTW, my hat off to ya teachers ;)
 
I personally would wait until Leopard is released... it's coming so soon, and who knows what kind of speed bump is to come...

I won't pretend I do, because I don't. But like I said, Leopard soon, and maybe improvements to Vista virtualization!
 
lamina said:
I personally would wait until Leopard is released... it's coming so soon, and who knows what kind of speed bump is to come...

I won't pretend I do, because I don't. But like I said, Leopard soon, and maybe improvements to Vista virtualization!
Click to expand...

is there a set date for leopard? cuz im on the same boat as this guy..thanx
 
Thanks all for your input... I believe my wife and I will wait til around Easter to buy a 24" imac (unless I hear something big is coming in the summer)... That way we should receive our tax refund, plus we live in PA, but I found an apple store in Delaware near my wife's aunts house (90 minutes away to save close to $200)... saving 6% PA sale tax and plus apple stores will honor my teacher discount...
 
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