Thinking of switching to iMac

It'll easily cover your needs, I'm using one right now and can tell you they're pretty fast machines IMO.

Go for 1.5GB of RAM if possible. Unlike Windows, OSX will be able to use this much with good results.

Welcome to the community, you'll love your purchase.

 

Go for it and don't look back. Macs can handle all that and more. Much much more.

 

I'm using a Rev B 1.8ghz iMac right now, and I can tell you you'll need more than 512mb RAM to use Fireworks without some lag.

 

Now that Apple are supplying the iMacs with a single 512 stick of ram, you have the option to wait and see how it runs without spending extra when you spec the purchase. I have the stock 20" and am doing the exact things you want to; it runs great in general, but I reckon I'll upgrade the ram soon to avoid some lag when working with video and large photoshop files. Ram is so cheap for these things that ordering another 512 from www.crucial.com is a no-brainer.
BTW - that 20" widescreen is just unbelievable when you're working in photoshop; I'll never go back to a 4:3 format screen.

 

I was in the exact same situation as you until last Friday when finally switched to a 20inch iMac G5. I got it with iSight, EyeTV 200 tuner, and 1GB of RAM. Let me say so far, I have StudioMX, Office, FinalCut HD, and a few other apps installed and is having no problems.

 

Just to confirm what everyone's said, I use a G4 iMac 800MHz 512MB RAM to do exactly what you just listed and it handles it well.

So, with over twice the power, you'll be flying through it!

Enjoy the switch!

 

While it probably goes without saying to a PC user, don't buy your RAM from Apple. As mentioned above, the stock 512MB will be more than enough to learn the OS while you wait for your RAM to arrive from Kingston, Crucial, Other World Computing,1-800-4-memory, etc.

Just be sure to get RAM certified to run on the iMac.

 

RAM matters

512 is moderate, and it functions, but OS X LOVES its RAM. I'd advise 1.5 GB for Dreamweaver, Flash, and Photoshop. I'm working in Photoshop only, basically, though I'd like to learn Flash. Also, I use the Office apps you do, Microsoft Office, I assume. I'm not too into Movie editing (no camera), but this machine is fast enough for you. I have an iMac G5 1.8 ghz, rev. B, so if that works fast at 1 GB, a 2.0 ghz Rev. B with 1.5 GB of RAM would positively scream.

Calih

 

I can run iTunes, Safari, and my messenging programs with some RAM left over at 512 MB. I'm planning on getting another 512 MB though.