I've decided to move from my trusty 2007 BlackBook to an iMac. Since I use my iPad more than MacBook for use on the go. I understand that the buyers guide says "do not buy" however I'm in a bit of a conundrum, and would like some seasoned advice.
First of all this is what I am intending to purchase:
27" iMac (I prefer size of the 27 over 21.5)
3.1 GHz i5 (OR 3.4GHz i7)
4 GB RAM (buying kit from OWC to upgrade to 16GB)
AMD Radeon HD 6970M 2GB GDDR5
Usual additions at the end of the online ordering page
My problem is that I will be ineligible for the education discount come mid April thus I cannot wait for the Ivy Bridge 2012 iMac that is rumoured to be released in April-May. Also I don't like buying early of any upgrade or generation of any tech. Run into First-Of-A-Kind (FOAK) issues.
I intend to use the iMac for general use internet, word processing, movie watching, possibly iMovie editing, and bootcamping Battlefield 3 (played on xbox but I want the bigger 64 player matches).
So I have a limit of around $2500-2600 for the iMac because I need to purchase a few other tid-bits such as the RAM and a new battery for the BlackBook (handing it down). Plus GST (like a VAT tax) in Australia adds another 10% on.
My questions are:
1) Should I upgrade to the i7 so it'll be a 3.4GHz 16GB DDR3 AMD 6970 2GB?
2) Is the above (i5 and i7 options) a decent system for a long term 5-6 years option?
3) This system will cope with playing BF3? Even over wireless N spec? (issues with phone line location and router placement vs study location and rental property limitations)
4) Do I even need the 2GB AMD 6970? Is it any better than the 1GB?
5) The "Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter" is the correct adapter to attach an external monitor with the iMac's ThunderBolt? (wasn't too clear on the Apple site)
6) Any other upgrades/options I should be looking at?
Cheers
First of all this is what I am intending to purchase:
27" iMac (I prefer size of the 27 over 21.5)
3.1 GHz i5 (OR 3.4GHz i7)
4 GB RAM (buying kit from OWC to upgrade to 16GB)
AMD Radeon HD 6970M 2GB GDDR5
Usual additions at the end of the online ordering page
My problem is that I will be ineligible for the education discount come mid April thus I cannot wait for the Ivy Bridge 2012 iMac that is rumoured to be released in April-May. Also I don't like buying early of any upgrade or generation of any tech. Run into First-Of-A-Kind (FOAK) issues.
I intend to use the iMac for general use internet, word processing, movie watching, possibly iMovie editing, and bootcamping Battlefield 3 (played on xbox but I want the bigger 64 player matches).
So I have a limit of around $2500-2600 for the iMac because I need to purchase a few other tid-bits such as the RAM and a new battery for the BlackBook (handing it down). Plus GST (like a VAT tax) in Australia adds another 10% on.
My questions are:
1) Should I upgrade to the i7 so it'll be a 3.4GHz 16GB DDR3 AMD 6970 2GB?
2) Is the above (i5 and i7 options) a decent system for a long term 5-6 years option?
3) This system will cope with playing BF3? Even over wireless N spec? (issues with phone line location and router placement vs study location and rental property limitations)
4) Do I even need the 2GB AMD 6970? Is it any better than the 1GB?
5) The "Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter" is the correct adapter to attach an external monitor with the iMac's ThunderBolt? (wasn't too clear on the Apple site)
6) Any other upgrades/options I should be looking at?
Cheers
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