I'm really, really interested in getting an iMac. Should I get the iMac G5 17" or the 20"?? I just don't know that 3 inches + 100MHz is worth all that money. What do you think? Shall I go with the 17"?
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17" or 20" iMac?
- Thread starter FocusAndEarnIt
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If you have the money, then a 20'' would of course be great. However, if you are like me and wanted to keep costs down, then rest assured the 17'' screen will not disappoint! I run programs side by side all the time, no problem, and never suffer from lack of "real estate" - maybe I have to put forth more effort than the 20'' iMac owners to get the most out of it, maybe not.
You get a couple of other things too. A larger standard hard drive, better graphics card, and the screen resolution is quite a bit different (remember HD isn't too far away) and it's 200MHz more with the 20" plus a little bit faster bus all for less than $400 CND, just look at the price difference for a 17" vs 20" LCD screen. I think it's a no brainer, 20" all the waylilstewart92 said:
I would definitely say the 20". I mean, sure, maybe its more expensive, but say you keep the machine for 2 years (which is very conservative). The price difference works out to something like fifty cents a day! And you get a nicer screen, more hard drive space, a slightly better graphics card. Whats not to love?
I've got an iMac G5 20" that I bought earlier this year in March, and I absolutely love it! Though, now with the release of these new iMacs, I think I will be picking up a 17" to use as my media center as I've been considering a Mac mini with 20" Apple display for a few months, but the new 17" iMac is perfect. Third Mac here I come! 
But none the less, $1699 for a 20" is incredible. When I bought my 20" in March I paid $2100 and it's not as good as the 20" today.
But none the less, $1699 for a 20" is incredible. When I bought my 20" in March I paid $2100 and it's not as good as the 20" today.
neocell said:
If by the time I have the money and there is one in the refurb section, I'll buy. If not, I'm getting the 17". I just don't know that 3 inches will really do that much
lilstewart92 said:If by the time I have the money and there is one in the refurb section, I'll buy. If not, I'm getting the 17". I just don't know that 3 inches will really do that much
3'' makes a big difference, and it's not just 3'' between the two models, it's also an extra 200mhz and an extra 90gb
Try and max out a 17".. I am working on a PM G5 with a 17" and it's fine... I could live with 15" if I had to. 20" is beautiful though.
If you have used a 20" display, or are used to one, you will have to get 20"
As your iBook is 14", I think 17" will be fine
If you have used a 20" display, or are used to one, you will have to get 20"
As your iBook is 14", I think 17" will be fine
My money will be going to a 20" iMac when they arrive in NZ at the end of the month. In addition to the already mentioned factors, there is the contrast of 500:1 (17") compared to 800:1 (20") and the respective viewing angles of 140 horizontal by 120 vertical. The 20" has 170 each way. Definately a plus if more than you are watching a DVD. And the big mother is ideal for watching DVDs.
Grey Beard
Grey Beard
I placed an order for the 20" iMac today I remember being in the Apple Store in Indianapolis when the iMac G5s were new and the 20" stood out over the 17" as the better looking machine in my opinion. Plus, you get a lot more than just the larger screen with the 20" as well. If you have the money, go for the 20" screen as it is something you can't upgrade to down the road unless you buy an entirely new system.
The funny part was I was going into today waiting for a PowerBook update haha. However, once I saw just how much power you got for the price with the new iMacs I decided to forget about portability for awhile. Really, either way you go you can't go wrong! But, if you can, go for the 20"
I remember being in the Apple Store in Indianapolis when the iMac G5s were new and the 20" stood out over the 17" as the better looking machine in my opinion. Plus, you get a lot more than just the larger screen with the 20" as well. If you have the money, go for the 20" screen as it is something you can't upgrade to down the road unless you buy an entirely new system.The funny part was I was going into today waiting for a PowerBook update haha. However, once I saw just how much power you got for the price with the new iMacs I decided to forget about portability for awhile. Really, either way you go you can't go wrong! But, if you can, go for the 20"
I'm in the same boat - I'm about to buy a new iMac, and have been trying to determine the best bang for my buck, considering the work I tend to do. I ended up deciding on going with the 20", for a couple of reasons: first, and most obviously, it's 36% larger in area (or thereabouts). I know that this isn't a huge deal for everyone, but as someone who has been working with 15" laptop screens for years, often at a squinty 1600x1200 resolution, I am looking forward to the extra physical size in the display.
I'm also a stickler for display quality - and while I haven't had the privilige of spending much time in person with the iMacs, the greater viewing angle and better contrast ratio suggest a reasonable difference between the two displays, besides the difference in size.
I have a question, though, regarding my new purchase. I haven't used Macs in a few years (had to switch to PC Laptops for work) and I'm out of touch with the ram requirements of modern applications. For a general 'home use' computer (some photo manipulation, a little video work, web design, media centre, etc.) how much RAM is enough to get started? My instinct is that I'd be fine with 1.5Gb, but what is your experience?
I'm also a stickler for display quality - and while I haven't had the privilige of spending much time in person with the iMacs, the greater viewing angle and better contrast ratio suggest a reasonable difference between the two displays, besides the difference in size.
I have a question, though, regarding my new purchase. I haven't used Macs in a few years (had to switch to PC Laptops for work) and I'm out of touch with the ram requirements of modern applications. For a general 'home use' computer (some photo manipulation, a little video work, web design, media centre, etc.) how much RAM is enough to get started? My instinct is that I'd be fine with 1.5Gb, but what is your experience?
With the new multimedia functions, better graphics support, larger HD and 36% more screen real estate and remote control, I'd have to say go for the 20" if you can swing it.
Please just keep you know who away from it!
Please just keep you know who away from it!
I have a rev B 20" and love it, well, a little less now that these new ones are out. That extra 3" makes a huge difference if you are going to watch DVD's.
Along that line, my wife and I were seriously considering selling our barely 5 month old rev B but ultimately decided to wait until we see a similar configuration but with an intel processor. It just didn't make sense to buy now when the intel switch is so imminent. I mostly just wanted Front Row but they will probably make that standard with iLife 06.
That extra 3" makes a huge difference if you are going to watch DVD's.Along that line, my wife and I were seriously considering selling our barely 5 month old rev B but ultimately decided to wait until we see a similar configuration but with an intel processor. It just didn't make sense to buy now when the intel switch is so imminent. I mostly just wanted Front Row but they will probably make that standard with iLife 06.