Making the switch today!

Discussion in 'Buying Tips, Advice and Discussion (archive)' started by staka69, Jun 16, 2005.

Most Liked Posts
  1. staka69, Jun 16, 2005

    staka69 macrumors member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2005
    #1
    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
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  2. OKComputer, Jun 16, 2005

    OKComputer macrumors 6502

    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2002
    Location:
    Seattle, WA
    #2
    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.
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  3. staka69, Jun 16, 2005

    staka69 thread starter macrumors member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2005
    #3
    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?
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  4. icarusflies, Jun 16, 2005

    icarusflies macrumors member

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2005
    #4
    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! :)
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  5. wheezy, Jun 16, 2005

    wheezy macrumors 65816

    wheezy

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2005
    Location:
    Alpine, UT
    #5
    That's it? It sounds so easy!
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  6. FFTT, Jun 16, 2005

    FFTT macrumors 68030

    FFTT

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2004
    Location:
    A Stoned Throw From Ground Zero
    #6
    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.
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  7. staka69, Jun 16, 2005

    staka69 thread starter macrumors member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2005
    #7
    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.
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  8. dsharits, Jun 16, 2005

    dsharits macrumors 68000

    dsharits

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2004
    Location:
    The People's Republic of America
    #8
    Congratulations, and welcome!
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  9. FFTT, Jun 16, 2005

    FFTT macrumors 68030

    FFTT

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2004
    Location:
    A Stoned Throw From Ground Zero
    #9
    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.
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  10. yellow, Jun 16, 2005

    yellow Moderator emeritus

    yellow

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2003
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    #10
    Welcome and enjoy!
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  11. amac4me, Jun 16, 2005

    amac4me macrumors 65816

    amac4me

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2005
    #11
    Congrats :D
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  12. 3lions, Jun 16, 2005

    3lions macrumors member

    Joined:
    May 9, 2005
    Location:
    Iowa
    #12
    Enjoy your new mac, whatever you get! :D
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  13. AlasdairM, Jun 16, 2005

    AlasdairM macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2005
    #13
    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!!!
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)

Share This Page