Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
I'm ready for the switch, but...
- Thread starter Masters
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
No, the iMac is due for an update not in serious need of one. It's 8 months old and hardly contains outdated hardware. When the pending update does come it will likely be nothing more than a speed bump with a Penryn processor, maybe different HD configuration and perhaps 2GB RAM by default. There won't be any major redesign in this next revision.
I love my 24" alumiMac and recommend it highly.
Thank you for adding that... I forgot to.
Also, don't shut down my iMac, I have a script on my decktop that I simply click on to put it to sleep... and it took getting some getting used to as well.
Face it, we're sluts.Come on! I can't believe no one at least mentioned this opening to a thread... what are you trying to say about Mac users?!
The 24 inch screen is ridiculous - sitting in front of that for 15 mins made my eyes go funny - totally unnecessary. The 20 inch is a dream AND it fits on a table.... and don't EVER buy RAM from Apple - there should be a boycott against what almost constitutes criminal behaviour - the more people avoid paying 500% mark up at Apple, the sooner they stop their usurious practices.
That's what swayed me from getting the 24". I sat down, and moved it the same distance it would be on our desk at home, and it was nuts. The 20" seemed just right, at least for our use [Web, email, some photos, and games].
LOL! Yes, that's what I meant. I didn't think it would be interpreted otherwise.
Hmm, someone mentioned the 20" Alumi iMac having an inferior graphics card than the 24". Thought they both carried the same one. Anyway, sounds like the 24" iMac is the way to go as far as desktops. The price difference is $250 between the two in the refurb store.
Thanks for everyone's input. I think I might go with the Macbook after all with 4GB of ram. I love the white as it always made me think Apple when I see white. In fact, I really loved the look of the iMac before it went Aluminum, but now there's no point in getting it since the new ones are out and cost the same for more.
Well, I'll decide soon enough, but I am putting in an order today. I'm so excited!!!!!!
I made a different thread for my router questions, please help a "Mac Virgin" out in that department if you can. Thanks!
Yup..
I have recorded gameplay from my XBOX, using a Formac DV converter, directly into iMovie. The Formac is a product similar to EyeTV. Works like a charm!
Thanks for the link. Very nice, may be so bold as to ask if one is able to record your gameplay this way?
I have recorded gameplay from my XBOX, using a Formac DV converter, directly into iMovie. The Formac is a product similar to EyeTV. Works like a charm!
Don't bother with the imac if you are getting a laptop as well. A macbook or macbook pro will be on a pretty similar level as far as performance is concerned with an imac. The only reason I can see anyone wanting a laptop and a desktop is if they need massive amounts of power and portability in which case you should be looking at nothing less than a mac pro.
Just get an external screen, a keyboard and a mouse and maybe an external hard drive with a macbook (pro). This will still be cheaper than 2 computers and you won't have the pain in the arse of synching the 2 all the time.
Just get an external screen, a keyboard and a mouse and maybe an external hard drive with a macbook (pro). This will still be cheaper than 2 computers and you won't have the pain in the arse of synching the 2 all the time.
There is no single right answer to this question. It depends completely on how you will use the computer and your expectations and priorities.
I think 4GB RAM is overrated for "normal" users. If it were my money, I'd buy the 24" iMac since 4GB RAM wouldn't speed up the computer over 2GB for my uses. And I have a 2GB MBP that runs very well and shows no sign of needing more memory. My wife has a 2GB dual G5 system on which she runs Adobe CS3 with no problems.
Also, if it were my money, I'd buy a new model. The few times I've looked, I was unimpressed with the pricing on refurbs.
Another option -- to manage the finances -- would be to buy a mini for the short term and get your MacBook for college this summer.
Well, my experiences must've been the opposite of his, because when I lost my virginity, I woke up the next morning and went, "Christ, I need a Mac!" so...yeah.
LOL! Yes, that's what I meant. I didn't think it would be interpreted otherwise.
It was. I understand, though; I stick...it in my Mac all the time
Edit: ^^^^^I don't use my firewire port, so...
My 24" fits fine on the same table that my prior 20" Core Duo did. It has a remarkably small footprint for it's screen size. At first, coming from 20" this screen looked huge but now it just seems "regular".
Also keep in mind that in the current aluminum iMac line the 24" have higher quality 8-bit H-IPS LCD panels as opposed to 6-bit TN panels they switched to for the 20". This was not the case in the white iMacs.
Nice. I didn't know that. I'll keep this in mind, thanks.
Someone suggested getting a Macbook or MBP and just getting an external screen for when I'm at home. This seems like a good idea. However, let me mention that one of the things I like doing is downloading music, movies, and applications. Ideally, I'd like to have the option of being able to take my Macbook to work and school and leave a computer at home to download what I want while I'm at work. So when I come home, BAM!, it's done.
I'll be honest, I want both. I want an iMac and a Macbook. But realistically, I don't think I can afford both. That's why I can only pick one or the other and have to save up again and wait to buy the other.
I agree completely above. I have a MacBook with an external 23" Cinema Display. It is a great screen because it is rated HD and the colors are very accurate for photography. Also, downloading the HD movies trailers look beautiful with the sharpness and detail, even better than a regular DVD disk. I use it 90% of the time when I am at home. With Spaces in Leopard, I can easily switch back and forth between applications because they are always open. So, getting the laptop now or later is the important one, whether or not there is an update for school. When there are updates they may have features that are great, but will you really need them. The recent updates to the MacBook work very well for me. I even edit some Quicktime video with it. It doesn't have a dedicated video card the the MB Pro, but does the job.
The only change I would make now is to get the superdrive where I can burn a DVD. The extra room is very handy from 700MB to 4.2GB with the DVD. I also recently upgraded to the 200GB, 7200rpm drive. This does help when transfering large files to some degree and also when editing in Quicktime.
My last point is that getting the RAM from a 3rd party is so much better. I use OWC(Other World Computing) and never have had a problem with the RAM with 4 Macs that I have. They match the RAM and test the RAM to make sure it comes up to specs to the computer you have. You can even send in the stock modules which are removed for max capacity for a rebate. And they have some easy to watch videos on how to do the job yourself.
You also mentioned downloading while you are away so it's there when you get home...you could download at night and have it ready for anytime the next day. No need to transfer any files to the laptop when you are taking it with you.
Ok, there's my opinion. I hope this gets to you before you put in your order.
Good Luck and have a lot of fun.
Have to agree with other posters who suggested a laptop and external display combo. There's not much that you can do with the iMac that you can't do with a laptop/external monitor combo.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions. Perhaps a laptop/external monitor is the way to go. Although, last time I checked, those big displays are as expensive as an iMac?
If that's the case, I'd rather get the iMac. So if I do go with the laptop/display combo, that would pretty much replace any desktop I had in mind. That being said, would the Macbook Pro be a better option? The refurbs are going for 1499 or something like that. Not bad.
If that's the case, I'd rather get the iMac. So if I do go with the laptop/display combo, that would pretty much replace any desktop I had in mind. That being said, would the Macbook Pro be a better option? The refurbs are going for 1499 or something like that. Not bad.
Laptop and non apple display
Yep, get the laptop (either MacBook or Pro) and an external display, but I'm not sure if I'd get an Apple display. The prices are crazy!
You can get a 20" widescreen dell monitor for under $400. I'm sure you can find even better deals from other places, and they're still good LCDs. I'm sure many people will tell you the Apple monitors are way better, but I read some where that the actual Apple LCDs are the exact same as some of the LGs. And the LGs are a lot cheaper! (no, they don't look as nice, but come on, save some cash!)
Plus, with an LCD like this, you could hook your Xbox up directly to it and play in all the HD glory you'd like!
That's just my opinion though.
Yep, get the laptop (either MacBook or Pro) and an external display, but I'm not sure if I'd get an Apple display. The prices are crazy!
You can get a 20" widescreen dell monitor for under $400. I'm sure you can find even better deals from other places, and they're still good LCDs. I'm sure many people will tell you the Apple monitors are way better, but I read some where that the actual Apple LCDs are the exact same as some of the LGs. And the LGs are a lot cheaper! (no, they don't look as nice, but come on, save some cash!)
Plus, with an LCD like this, you could hook your Xbox up directly to it and play in all the HD glory you'd like!
That's just my opinion though.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions. Perhaps a laptop/external monitor is the way to go. Although, last time I checked, those big displays are as expensive as an iMac?
I bought the Refurb 23" display, now at $749. If you are really into movies and quality, my choice as I said is the Apple Cinema Display. The only way for you to really make a decision if still unsure on this would be to see a Dell or other brand in person to be satisfied.
Then there is the Refurb MacBook or MBP if you know you don't need the processing crunching power of the newest. The $$ you save there will pay for the Cinema Display. I would also eventually get the 3 year AppleCare. You don't have to get it at the time of purchase. Wait a few months when your budget is better.
Then last but not least - get an external backup drive(25% bigger as your internal drive) for your data. Time Machine works so well that this will keep you feeling very safe. There are many discussions on drives and how eventually a drive will fail. It did happen to my G4 after 5 years. I had a cloned drive and bigger than my original(not using TM) set to go for a swap out. The only negative is that some software doesn't recognize the new drive even if it is a clone. So, have your serial #s in a safe place to use, again.
Ok. Now I am up to 4 cents worth of info.
Come on! I can't believe no one at least mentioned this opening to a thread... what are you trying to say about Mac users?!
Shut up.
err... what?
Ugh. Give me a break, I was tired, and researching HDTV's at the same time. What I meant is that the 24" has higher native resolution.