Windows user wondering which mac to buy.

[miles01110]

FFTT,

How noticeable is the difference when not dealing with graphical applications? I won't be using any adobe products, but I will be doing a fair amount of scientific plotting (matlab/mathematica) in 2d and 3d.

Compared to photoshop, the graphics in MATLAB and Mathematica are a joke. Processor power and RAM are what those 2 applications feed on, not VRAM.

Trust me...calculating multiplicities of N-body systems will not go any faster with lots of VRAM

 

[FFTT]

Hey, FFTT and dmw007 thanks for all your advice in my thread. I decided to get the 20" Core 2 Duo. Knowing that I plan on selling it next spring, do you think it is worth it to get the 2GB RAM as far as resale goes. It's an extra $158. Normally I go for more RAM, just thought I might stick with the stock 1GB since I plan on selling it. Just didn't know if it will be more or less attractive on eBay with the extra RAM and will I get a good portion of that $$ back.

If you are using any Adobe Pro Apps, the extra RAM is well worth it.
Apple is actually surprising many of us that this particular RAM upgrade
is so reasonable. Going rates for Apple guaranteed 3rd party DIMMS are
running $125.00- $160.00 per GB most places because of a supply shortage.

If you equip this iMac properly, I have a feeling you'll be keeping it for a while.

By the time you outgrow it, they'll be shipping Rev "B" Octa Cores.