Which new iMac to buy?

[Lycanthrope]

Hi Folks

A friend of mine is about to switch to Mac, he has a few basic questions and as I'm not that familiar with the new iMac range I thought someone here might quickly supply some answers.

I know of course that all iMac's a re wireless, and I assume that the memory is user-changeable like on our G5 iMac. The video card discussion I'm not sure about at all.

I don't personally think it's worth upgrading the CPU just for basic home use either.

"OK, I am seriously looking at the new iMac. Just the base model, this
already has a bigger screen than my TV so I do not really need the big
screen, but I have a couple of questions you may be able to answer.
Are the desktop versions wireless, not just the laptops?
Is there any real advantage in moving up one model to change from
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics to ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics with
256MB as I have no computer games, but would like to watch DVDs
If I did an up grade on the base model, is it better to upgrade the
processor from 3 to 3.33 GHz, or just upgrade the memory?
Can I upgrade the memory myself?"

 

[mreg376]

Hi Folks

A friend of mine is about to switch to Mac, he has a few basic questions and as I'm not that familiar with the new iMac range I thought someone here might quickly supply some answers.

I know of course that all iMac's a re wireless, and I assume that the memory is user-changeable like on our G5 iMac. The video card discussion I'm not sure about at all.

I don't personally think it's worth upgrading the CPU just for basic home use either.

"OK, I am seriously looking at the new iMac. Just the base model, this
already has a bigger screen than my TV so I do not really need the big
screen, but I have a couple of questions you may be able to answer.
Are the desktop versions wireless, not just the laptops?
Is there any real advantage in moving up one model to change from
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics to ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics with
256MB as I have no computer games, but would like to watch DVDs
If I did an up grade on the base model, is it better to upgrade the
processor from 3 to 3.33 GHz, or just upgrade the memory?
Can I upgrade the memory myself?"

--the iMacs have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
--for his purposes don't worry about the graphics card
--the base 21.5" model will be great for him
--the RAM is self-upgradable

 

[neiltc13]

The computer you mention will handle all of the tasks he mentions with ease. I'm skeptical if it will fit his needs though - it's massively expensive for something just for watching DVDs and browsing the web.

Has he considered replacing whatever machine he has now with a new Windows 7 computer? He could perform all of the tasks mentioned just as well as on the iMac but for a fraction of the price.

 

[mr_matalino]

Has he considered replacing whatever machine he has now with a new Windows 7 computer? He could perform all of the tasks mentioned just as well as on the iMac but for a fraction of the price.

Let the guy (or gal) get a Mac and leave the headaches of Windows behind!!

 

[Lycanthrope]

Cheers folks

Indeed let's keep that nasty Windows thing outta here

 

[neiltc13]

Cheers folks

Indeed let's keep that nasty Windows thing outta here

Can I ask how much time you and he have spent with Snow Leopard and Windows 7?

I've been using both for many weeks now, and to me Windows 7 is easily the more stable and reliable OS. Of course, both have their advantages and disadvantages, but it seems silly to be spending a huge amount extra on a computer to get a different OS if all he is going to do is watch DVDs.

 

[MacKiddyWiddy]

windows will be fine
ram is upgradeable (not that he'll need to )
graphics are amazing as it is
the 21.5 has more then enough screen space
hope this helps

 

[MrSEC]

Can I ask how much time you and he have spent with Snow Leopard and Windows 7?

You're dealing with either a kid,or a fanboi...don't waste your time.

 

[aaquib]

Can I ask how much time you and he have spent with Snow Leopard and Windows 7?

I've been using both for many weeks now, and to me Windows 7 is easily the more stable and reliable OS. Of course, both have their advantages and disadvantages, but it seems silly to be spending a huge amount extra on a computer to get a different OS if all he is going to do is watch DVDs.

What?!?! You're not allowed saying that here. This is a Mac forum!

 

[InvalidBassist]

Can I ask how much time you and he have spent with Snow Leopard and Windows 7?

I have been using both for weeks as well and haven't had many problems with either.
Windows 7 is a good direction for Microsoft and Windows as a unit (it runs especially well on a Mac) but for someone who likes OS X/Apple then the iMac would be a good choice... for someone wanting to save some money I might recommend a Mac mini and a cheap external monitor rather than an iMac.. but the iMac has such strong visual appeal its almost worth the extra couple of hundred.

 

[skye12]

iMac's all the way. The new 27" dual core for $1699 is an excellent choice.
And what a screen!

Forget the Windows crap. Nothing but a hassle.

 

[menzic]

Very useful

This post has been really useful as I am looking at the 21" Model and was wondering if the upgrade to the graphics card would be worth the extra £250 (I appreciate you get 500GB more disk space as well). The main things I'll be using it for will be photo-editing and HD-Video Editing.

Thanks Chaps.