Buying my first iMac

[Blujelly]

Hey all,

I will be purchasing my first iMac soon after many years I'm changing from PC's and Microsoft and headin over to iMacs.

I am looking in to buying the 2.7Ghz Intel Core i5 I would be using
Mostly for music and gaming.

I was wondering would I need to increase the ram from 4 to 8GB or would this not be necessary? Also is there any others changes that you think I should make or a better time to buy one? I want to make sure it is the right choice before info ahead and purchase it.

Any advice would be really handy!

Cheers and thanks

 

[Spink10]

Most people expect a 2012 model of the imac by the end of October. Also I suggest purchasing RAM from a retailer and not directly from Apple. You can save up to 50% this way. Also where to you plan to purchase from?

 

[Blujelly]

Most likely Fromm apple store although I may have a look round before i do… how come?

 

[Spink10]

You can get it cheaper from an Authorized Seller - tax free in most states (if you dont claim it on your taxes - not saying right or wrong).

You wanting the 21.5 or 27 inch iMac?

 

[Blujelly]

Well it depends on what would be cheaper of I could get it cheaper elsewhere, if I should increase the RAM from 4 to 8GB. Would you reccomended upgrading the RAM or keeping it at the 4GB?

And as for the screen size immstill debating but I think it will be 21" as much as I'd like 27" realistically I think 21" will be enough to a degree lol

 

[Spink10]

iMac has 4 RAM slots - I recommend buying the minium and purchasing more - either 2 x 2GB or 2 x 4GB to give you 8 or 12 total RAM (original 4 + 4 or 8). Get RAM from Amazon / OWC / or similar retailer.

http://www.appleinsider.com/mac_price_guide/

I recommend purchasing from either Amazon / MacMall / B&H Video

Note: If you purchase from B&H Video you can purchase Apple Care for 50% discount - if you buy at the same time - this will save you $50 + (didnt do the exact math)

If you purchase from these Authorized Dealers - you get everything you would get from Apple including warranty.

If you cant wait for the 2012 iMac then go for it - obviously the 2012 will be better than the 2011 - most suspect it will only be a spec bump rather than a complete redesign.

 

[Blujelly]

Excellent thanks for the advice! I'll see what I can get the price down to on some UK sites

 

[allaboutmac]

Just bought my first Imac

I'm kinda kicking myself. I kept following different websites hoping for concrete information about updated IMAcs. I am still within the return period for my 21" Imac so I think its going back.

This is my first Mac. The 21" screen seems huge. I'm glad I choose it over the 27". I easily upgraded to ML. I'm not a techie type person and I managed it. The UI is not that difficult to get used to and the speed of the computer is great. I did notice the glare on the screen, though.

I'm using Mail right now. It's easy enough to set rules.

I haven't loaded any of my PC files onto the IMAC yet. Glad I waited. I didn't purchase any software yet either. (I need Office for Mac)

I really like this computer but I came from having a personal laptop PC and I miss the mobility, (I like to surf in bed) so I'm debating whether i should invest in a MBP. But cost is a factor.

Overall I like my new Imac. And if the upgrade is coming I will return it. I can't see paying the same price for a unit that has Sandy Bridge processors when they are updating to Ivy Bridge. (Geez, I hope I got that right)

If you can wait it out till mid September, I would. It seems like that is when Apple will launch their new products.

Good luck to you. I hope you like your new Mac. I have to say I don't regret switching platforms.

 

[Spink10]

Excellent thanks for the advice! I'll see what I can get the price down to on some UK sites

UK - dont have suggestions for you there

In US - Apple RAM 4GB to 8GB - $100
In US - Amazon RAM 8GB (+your original 4GB RAM)- $35
In US Amazon RAM 16GB (+your original 4GB RAM) - $60

Never buy RAM from Apple - unless its for the Air or Retina MBP

Maybe some UK forum members can help with possible Authorized Dealers with a lower price than Apple.

 

[J3ayy]

Well it depends on what would be cheaper of I could get it cheaper elsewhere, if I should increase the RAM from 4 to 8GB. Would you reccomended upgrading the RAM or keeping it at the 4GB?

And as for the screen size immstill debating but I think it will be 21" as much as I'd like 27" realistically I think 21" will be enough to a degree lol

Go for the 27" you wont regret it & you do get used to the extra size.

Enjoy