20" iMac

[Sean7512]

Well, the iMacs were updated, and my mom said it is time to buy....We are thinking of this configuration (Through the EDU store, love this college discount, haha)

20" iMac - 2.16 ghz
2GB Ram
500GB Internal HDD
X1600 with 256MB vRam

Subtotal: $1805

What do you guys think? My mom only uses the computer for a little iPhoto, email, word, and web browsing. I on the other hand will be using CS, Dreamweaver MX 2004, iMovie/FCE, and then the normal apps that everyone would use. I also am a VERY SMALL gamer, but I would probably install windows at SOME point to play the new NHL games that come out. My dad gave my mom and I a base price to be at $1800, so this pretty much nails it on the dot. Any suggestions that may be better than that? (Like the 2.33 ghz vs 500GB HDD)

 

[spencecb]

Well, the iMacs were updated, and my mom said it is time to buy....We are thinking of this configuration (Through the EDU store, love this college discount, haha)

20" iMac - 2.16 ghz
2GB Ram
500GB Internal HDD
X1600 with 256MB vRam

Subtotal: $1805

What do you guys think? My mom only uses the computer for a little iPhoto, email, word, and web browsing. I on the other hand will be using CS, Dreamweaver MX 2004, iMovie/FCE, and then the normal apps that everyone would use. I also am a VERY SMALL gamer, but I would probably install windows at SOME point to play the new NHL games that come out. My dad gave my mom and I a base price to be at $1800, so this pretty much nails it on the dot. Any suggestions that may be better than that? (Like the 2.33 ghz vs 500GB HDD)

I would definitely go with the larger HDD, not the 2.33 GHz chip. You will not notice a difference in speed, and you will appreciate having more storage down the line, especially if you plan on upgrading to Leopard when it comes out to make use of Time Machine.

Sounds like a nice computer!

 

[slackersonly]

i would do it with 1x1gb ram and get the extra 1x1gb stick aftermarket.
i would get the smaller 250gb hard drive and get a 300-500gb external drive.
those could give you combined saving to get the faster processor or if that is not desired you could use that money for more RAM or 2 external drives.

 

[DavidLeblond]

I would definitely go with the larger HDD, not the 2.33 GHz chip. You will not notice a difference in speed, and you will appreciate having more storage down the line, especially if you plan on upgrading to Leopard when it comes out to make use of Time Machine.

Sounds like a nice computer!

Doesn't Time Machine make use of an external drive and/or a server? Why back up onto the same drive? Thats like keeping copies of important documents in your closet in case of fire.

 

[FFTT]

Go to Datamem.com and price out a pair of matched 2 X 1GB DIMMS for your machine.

Just remember that Apple is quoting you their price for a total of 2 GB installed.
They are not selling you an additional 2 GB for the price quoted.

 

[spencecb]

Doesn't Time Machine make use of an external drive and/or a server? Why back up onto the same drive? Thats like keeping copies of important documents in your closet in case of fire.

Very true, I didn't even think of this. But, fact is, no one is 100% of all of the functions of Time Machine. I have read where some people speculate that it will indeed backup to your internal HDD when not connected to the external HDD just to document changes on the disk. Only time will tell in how this new technology actually works.