New iMac, to wait or not?

[tears2040]

Since when are IB processors delayed? MR just had a story how they have gone into mass production on schedule for a Q2 release.

I say wait if you can. It wouldn't be surprising if the next iMacs feature a new design (certainly not guaranteed but possible). Even if they don't, they should include USB 3.0 (and if you want your iMac to be compatible with devices in 4-5 years time, this may be important), SATA 3 SSDs, and of course newer GPUs. On top of that, maybe we will see the return of the 24" so if you are interested in that size over the 27" it might be best to wait.

When it comes to buying a computer today, I think it is foolish not to have USB 3.0 and an SSD. Right now, iMacs lack the first and are using 2-year-old technology when it comes to the second. March-June is not that far away.

5-8 months is not that far way

People honestly have a different perception on life, to me anything more than a month or two is to long. It's not about buying a computer just to get one, I only buy one when I need it.

Usb 3.0 is NOT going to do anything that I can't do with usb 2.0, firewire 800 or even eSata.

I will be buying a new 2011 base iMac upgrading from my 2010 base model. The biggest thing being that new I will have a true quad core cpu which will help me tremendously with converting and exporting hd files.

This 2011 base model iMac will easily last me 2 years before I even need to think about upgrading again.

 

[Techguy172]

First of all thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate it.

The verdict, I pulled the trigger on new 27" i7 iMac I have been waiting for a while for a new machine and don't want to wait another 5-8 months.

 

[D-Love]

I am also in the market somewhat for a new iMac. My current computer is an 11 inch MacBook Air with 128GB hard drive, and I've been swapping files off my 1TB external HD.

The reason I'm waiting, for now, is this - the SSD. I've been spoiled by this MBA and its SSD and want to have a SSD in the iMac as well. I've heard horror stories about how hard it is to put a SSD in the new 2011 iMacs and would like to wait until the option becomes more affordable. Not sure if I will though, I really need more HD space and a bigger screen. The 11 inch MBA is a gorgeous machine, but when thats the only screen you are looking at it gets kind of annoying at times.

Do Apple stores do post purchase SSD installs? If so, what do they charge for the install?

 

[Logos327]

/Only reason to wait would be IB lower energy consumption, as energy prices rise year by year. Thats my opinion.
Cannot agree with that. Thunderbolt>USB 3. In big way.. Also, SSD is in option, so choosing it isn't limited. And not to be mentioned that, most PCs still use HDD, some do use HDD + SSD combo, but the SSD in that is usually small one, for instance, 64GB, 128GB.

Of course thunderbolt is better than USB 3.0 but that means nothing if it is not adopted to the same level. Think FireWire.

I actually think Apple makes a mistake in their SSD offerings. 256gb is this awful size, too big for apps alone and too small for using it as the sole hard drive (for the vast majority of people). I think they would make a lot more money offering a 128gb drive at half the price because more people would upgrade.

5-8 months is not that far way

People honestly have a different perception on life, to me anything more than a month or two is to long. It's not about buying a computer just to get one, I only buy one when I need it.

Usb 3.0 is NOT going to do anything that I can't do with usb 2.0, firewire 800 or even eSata.

I will be buying a new 2011 base iMac upgrading from my 2010 base model. The biggest thing being that new I will have a true quad core cpu which will help me tremendously with converting and exporting hd files.

This 2011 base model iMac will easily last me 2 years before I even need to think about upgrading again.

USB will be as ubiquitous as it has alway been and for those of us who want to have our computer for 4-5 years, it think it is kind of dumb to buy a computer with outdated technology.

Perspective is everything I suppose, though it would certainly be nice to be able to afford a computer every 1-2 years. I will be approaching 4 years and still feel kind of guilty about upgrading at that point.

 

[Lara F]

USB 3 is my main concern over getting anything now too. I remember having what was probably one of the last Toshiba laptops sold with USB 1, and it did suck when USB 2 became mainstream. I don't want that mistake to be repeated. Yes, there's Thunderbolt but even if the peripherals start coming it's going to be a more limited/pricier selection. I've had my Macbook since 2007 as well so would definitely want a long term replacement.

It'd be annoying to wait only to find out Apple didn't include it though.

 

[lali]

With 128GB SSDs going for around $200 aftermarket, I think a 1TB HDD is good enough for now. I'll wait for SSDs to have a better price per gigabyte ratio and believe me, I'll be one of the first in line when 128GB SSDs are going for $50.

That is one thing that is great about your purchase. You maxed out on the fixed components. And can upgrade to an ssd later. Congrats on a great purchase

 

[lali]

First of all thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate it.

The verdict, I pulled the trigger on new 27" i7 iMac I have been waiting for a while for a new machine and don't want to wait another 5-8 months.

Hi
Good job on that purchase
Make sure you have ample ram to suit your usage pattern

 

[leman]

That is what Q2 means. Q2 = April-June 2012.

https://www.macrumors.com/2011/10/2...turing-ahead-of-spring-2012-product-launches/

Oh, my bad. I though you were referring to 2011

 

[leinad1980]

I'm also in the same boat - would like to buy an IMac 27", but am not sure whether there will be something I will miss out on when the refresh comes in a few months.