Which imac to buy?

[gadgetgirl85]

I am wanting to buy a 24" imac (one snow leopard is standard) but I am unsure which one to get. I mainly would use it for word processing, watching movies, itunes, surfing the net etc. I was thinking of getting the 2.9 to "future proof" myself, but knowing me I would want a newer model down the track. Would the 2.66 suit my needs? I really want it to be zippy

 

[MacAndy74]

I am wanting to buy a 24" imac (one snow leopard is standard) but I am unsure which one to get. I mainly would use it for word processing, watching movies, itunes, surfing the net etc. I was thinking of getting the 2.9 to "future proof" myself, but knowing me I would want a newer model down the track. Would the 2.66 suit my needs? I really want it to be zippy

I would recommend the 2.93GHz, just so you're happy for longer and at least the GT130 video processor.

 

[J&JPolangin]

I am wanting to buy a 24" imac (one snow leopard is standard) but I am unsure which one to get. I mainly would use it for word processing, watching movies, itunes, surfing the net etc. I was thinking of getting the 2.9 to "future proof" myself, but knowing me I would want a newer model down the track. Would the 2.66 suit my needs? I really want it to be zippy

...wait for SL to come out first to decide what's best for you (an actually being produced at the time)...

 

[MacAndy74]

...wait for SL to come out first to decide what's best for you (an actually being produced at the time)...

Could be 3 months or longer before SL is released. Just depends how long viccles wants to wait.

 

[Tomorrow]

I've said it countless times, and it holds true here:

Once you've decided to go iMac, always get the most you can afford, even if you don't know that you'll use it right now. Very few people regret buying too much; many end up regretting buying too little.

 

[gadgetgirl85]

Could be 3 months or longer before SL is released. Just depends how long viccles wants to wait.

I am happy to wait about 3 months for Snow Leopard. Tomorrow, you do make a lot of sense in regards to buying what I should afford. I COULD afford the 2.9 but I'm just not sure whether I"d use it. Is there a huge difference between the 2.66 and 2.9?

 

[Tomorrow]

I am happy to wait about 3 months for Snow Leopard. Tomorrow, you do make a lot of sense in regards to buying what I should afford. I COULD afford the 2.9 but I'm just not sure whether I"d use it. Is there a huge difference between the 2.66 and 2.9?

Huge? No, with most tasks it won't be all that noticeable; you'll notice the most difference on processor-intensive tasks like ripping or encoding music and video, etc. Watching movies, surfing - these are not processor-intensive. But you did mention "future proof" as one of your goals in your purchase.

I bought my iMac a year ago and maxed it out - no regrets. I plan on getting at least another 2-3 years out of it as my main machine.

 

[Bye Bye Baby]

I can't see there being to much difference. As for future proofing the computer that depends on how long you want to keep it.

Not much future proofing going on with the 2.6 and 2.93.

If you want to future proof then wait for Nahelem to move into the iMac. That way you will find a better garantee for the future.

 

[J&JPolangin]

I am wanting to buy a 24" imac (one snow leopard is standard) but I am unsure which one to get. I mainly would use it for word processing, watching movies, itunes, surfing the net etc. I was thinking of getting the 2.9 to "future proof" myself, but knowing me I would want a newer model down the track. Would the 2.66 suit my needs? I really want it to be zippy

...you're 20" iMac will also run SL just fine you know... I'd wait as long as you can stand it before buying a new machine...

 

[ditzy]

I see in your signature that you have an aluminium macbook. If at times you feel that you want more power from it, you should go for the 2.9, other wise the 2.66 should be fine.