Need help deciding between iMac models please!

[DustyJoe]

I've always had a PC and am making the switch to apple, I've been sucked in and i'm ready to pull the trigger..

My current pc setup is a AMD Phenom 3.0GHZ, 8GB DDR3 with a 512MB Raedon video card..

$2349 + tax - New from apple whenever they are available.
Newest Late 2012
27" iMac - 3.4GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7 (I7-3770)
8GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680MX 2GB GDDR5

$2300 + no tax - used from someone who bought it last month.. (I talked him down from $2500, may be able to go a little more)
Previous 2012 Model
27" iMac - 3.4GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7 (I7-2600)
12GB 1333MHZ DDR3 SDRAM
Radeon HD 6970M 2GB GDDR5

Or I found
$1400 + tax - used from local electronics store
Mid 2010 Model
27" iMac - 2.93GH Quad-core Intel i7 (I7-870)
4GB 1333MHZ DDR3 SDRAM
Radeon HD 5750 1GB GDDR5


I like the fact that the older two models still have an optical drive but I have a few questions please!

1. Will I really notice a different between the i7 processor models? (3770,2600 and 870)

2. I love the idea of a 2GB video card because I've never had anything that big, will the 2010 model I found locally with the 1GB video card still be pretty good? (I plan on upgrading the ram as well)

Any other comments?


I do alot of web design and work in adobe fireworks and illustrator..
Occasionally I will play a graphics intensive game like world of warcraft but mostly web design and graphic design is what I do on the side.. I also occasionally dabble in video editing..


Which one of these 3 would you chose?

 

[Zorch]

I have had the 27 in iMac for about a week. I would go for the newest model because of a couple of things:

1. Mountain Lion - nice upgrade for Snow Leopard for me.
2. Onboard RAM. I have 16GB because I will be using Fusion to run some Windows apps because I do DB work. I am not sure what the max is for the earlier models but this baby will go to 32GB.
3. Fusion Drive: I like it. I have 3 TB fusion drive and it is fast.
4. The screen resolution is higher than earlier models and it is nice!

Hope this help!

 

[DustyJoe]

Thanks for the reply!

Is there a big difference in screen between the new late 2012 model and previous model? I remember reading that the new models had a matte finish and not as glossy..

Was the display improved?

 

[sounddesigner]

I would always go new because you get the warranty and it will last longer than the old one only suggest used if u cant afford new expesially since u can just get an optical drive from amazon or someplace