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Making the switch today!

S

staka69

macrumors member
Original poster
May 21, 2005
49
0
OK so I think I'm taking the plunge today.

My initial plan was to get a PB but I think an iMac is a better fit (mainly cuz of the G5) since its semi-portable as well.

My big question is, if I get it at comp usa, can I also buy applecare at compusa or is that an online thing only. I was at compusa looking at them the other day and asked the dude about applecare, he was like 'what', 'we can sell you a compusa warranty' & I was like NO.

Anyway, I'm looking at the 17" base model, I don't need a superdrive cuz I have an external dvd burner. I will buy a gig of ram myself & stick it in, should be painfree right?

I have read a lot of bad things about the iMac's failing & stuff so I'm a little afraid.

At least with a windows based system if something fails I can just replace it, but things are different with a mac, its not like I can just go out and buy a new mobo.

Thanks,


MIke
 
okay wow: heres some food for thought

1.) welcome to the community!

2.) Yes the rev A imacs have had issues but Apple has been really good about replacing defective parts. You can pick up apple care at compusa. I have a rev A and I have had no problems with it. Replacing the Ram is a non-event. Three screws later and its in. I have also replaced the HD in mine with a 300gb one, which also was very easy to do.

3.) Here is what I would recommend as well: The iMacs are great but I would also consider a powerbook with an external screen. Consider this: a 15 inch PB is 2299 but a 12 inch powerbook (1499) and a 20 inch screen w/ wireless keyboard and mouse is 899, roughly the same price as the 15 inch. That way you have a really portable machine on the go and a sweet setup at home.
 
too much work, I'll stick to the iMac then maybe get an ibook or PB down the road when they get a speed bump or when the new intel chips debut.

Oh, I have a wireless DLS router so I should be all set right, I don't need to buy an airport extreme or whatever that little white square thing is called right. I should be able to turn on the iMac & will automatically detect my wireless router like any windows xp computer would?
 
Welcome to the community!!

To answer your questions
The imac g5 is suprisingly updgradable for ram etc - although you wouldn't think so looking at it's sleek exterior.
In fact you shouldn't even invalidate your warranty is you follow the apple instructions found here:
http://www.apple.com/support/imac/

As regards the wireless router, no problem again. Just make your router discoverable (ie switch on the SID broadcasting) - then find your airport icon in the top bar (on control panel), connect, save your WEP key in the keychain (looks after all your passwords), and then switch your router to turn SID broadcasting off (now that your mac has the SID number).
And that's it! :)
 
icarusflies said:
Welcome to the community!!

To answer your questions
The imac g5 is suprisingly updgradable for ram etc - although you wouldn't think so looking at it's sleek exterior.
In fact you shouldn't even invalidate your warranty is you follow the apple instructions found here:
http://www.apple.com/support/imac/

As regards the wireless router, no problem again. Just make your router discoverable (ie switch on the SID broadcasting) - then find your airport icon in the top bar (on control panel), connect, save your WEP key in the keychain (looks after all your passwords), and then switch your router to turn SID broadcasting off (now that your mac has the SID number).
And that's it! :)
Click to expand...

That's it? It sounds so easy!
 
ComUSA trys to clear their old stock at full price.

GO TO APPLE STORE AND MAKE SURE YOU GET A NEW "REV B" IMAC!

If you're a student, only Apple will give you the education discount.
 
Oh I'll make sure I get a rev b. iMac.

They had a 'manager special' for $1499, it was a rev A. 20" iMac, no thanks.
 
staka69 said:
OK so I think I'm taking the plunge today.

My initial plan was to get a PB but I think an iMac is a better fit (mainly cuz of the G5) since its semi-portable as well.

My big question is, if I get it at comp usa, can I also buy applecare at compusa or is that an online thing only. I was at compusa looking at them the other day and asked the dude about applecare, he was like 'what', 'we can sell you a compusa warranty' & I was like NO.

Anyway, I'm looking at the 17" base model, I don't need a superdrive cuz I have an external dvd burner. I will buy a gig of ram myself & stick it in, should be painfree right?

I have read a lot of bad things about the iMac's failing & stuff so I'm a little afraid.

At least with a windows based system if something fails I can just replace it, but things are different with a mac, its not like I can just go out and buy a new mobo.

Thanks,


MIke
Click to expand...
Congratulations, and welcome!
 
The MAJOR improvement in the Rev B is that you can get the 128MB graphics card. The iMac's graphics card is soldered into place so if you want the best performance , you have to buy the upgrade at purchase.

Installing extra RAM is easy , so wait and get any extra RAM at OWC or Crucial and put your main money into getting the best base machine you can afford.
 
Once you've had Mac, you'll never go back... ;)

I've been in your position. I went from dabbling my toes in the water (pricing up a standard-spec 12" iBook) to jumping in at the deepend with a maxed iMac G5 as my desktop. Six months later I've ordered a maxed 12" PowerBook, which arrives tomorrow. :D

You won't regret the switch.

EDIT: Oh, and I did a complete switch. I gave my PC away!!!
 
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