17" iMac versus 20" iMac

[ozone]

Once again, the wife and I were looking at the 20" iMac at our local BestBuy. When we went to another store, however, we saw a 17" iMac (both are the Intel models). We originally were considering the 20" model only, but strangely enough, the 17" model seemed more "vision friendly". To us, it almost seemed as if the smaller 17" screen fit nicely in our range of vision, especially if it's going to be only about 18" in front of us on a desk. The 17" always looks small compared to the 20" in the store, but on a desk in your home away from any other model, maybe it's more than enough.

Does anybody else find this to be the case as well, or are we just weird? I know a lot of review sites emphasize going for the 20" iMac if you can afford it.

 

[pknz]

It takes a while to get used to. When I first got my 20" iMac I had to actually force my eyes around the screen to take everything in. Now its just natural. Once you go 20" you'll never go back.

 

[rjgonzales]

Just because you have a 20 inch doesn't mean you have to fill the whole screen with what ever window you're working on. Very seldom do I expand my browser to fill up the whole screen. but when working on certain projects it's nice to be able to utilize my whole screen or look at several windows at one time if i need to.

 

[FF_productions]

The advantage of having a 20 inch iMac is the amount of screen real estate you can get. Also, you get a faster processor and some better specs. With this 17 incher I have, I wish I had a 20 inch so I can have more windows visible at the same time.

 

[williamw]

It takes a while to get used to. When I first got my 20" iMac I had to actually force my eyes around the screen to take everything in. Now its just natural. Once you go 20" you'll never go back.

I totally agree, i have a Rev. C, and i am so glad that they didn't have a 17" in the store when my dad bought ours. You get used to it quick

 

[Artful Dodger]

Just because you have a 20 inch doesn't mean you have to fill the whole screen with what ever window you're working on. Very seldom do I expand my browser to fill up the whole screen. but when working on certain projects it's nice to be able to utilize my whole screen or look at several windows at one time if i need to.

Same here, I never fill my screen all up unless I'm working in Flash or on a photo in iPhoto.
I "had" a 17" G5 iMac and wished that I went with the 20" instead. Now I have the 20" Intel iMac and I'm happy with what I can do on the screen. Safari on one side and Word or something else on the other side is nice. I also have a small work area but if it's still in your budget get the 20" (it is nicer on the eyes when having to edit photos).
If not then get the 17" and load up on extras (that feels just as good to do) and don't skimp on the Ram...1GB to start just to be on the safe side of a smile --->

 

[nosser]

the 17" definitely looks smaller in the store but since I brought it home it seems perfect for my desk. As far as real estate goes I have been fine since the res is better than my 12" pb and since I have a 20" monitor next to my 17" imac... If you have the money, get the 20" if not you won't regret the 17" I don't.

 

[eXan]

I agree with everyone else, get 20.

But this depends on what you're doing with your computer, eg if you're using Pro apps, like Motion, Photoshop, Final Cut, etc I'd suggest getting lager screen.

For basic stuff and light work in most apps 17 is enough (I know that on my own experience)

 

[Macky-Mac]

I've seen plenty of posts from people who bought the 17" and later wished they had bought the 20", but I've not seen posts from people who bought the 20" and wished they had the 17" instead

 

[devilot]

I've seen plenty of posts from people who bought the 17" and later wished they had bought the 20", but I've not seen posts from people who bought the 20" and wished they had the 17" instead

Haha. So true.

I was also debating between the two sizes last May... I opted for the 20" even though I was fairly certain I would hate having such a huge monstrosity on my desk.

Less than a week later I couldn't imagine using a smaller display for a desktop.

 

[ozone]

Okay! Well thanks to all... I guess that settles that debate... bigger is better, ahem.