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21.5 imac
- Thread starter Hing
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I'm guessing with the next imac refresh i5 will probably be standard on the 21.5" and i7 standard on the highend 27" and they'll do away with C2D altogether.
I'm thinking that the C2D will be replaced by Arrandale, so the lower spec machines will have dual core with hyperthreading, followed by a midrange like the i5 (4 actual cores), and then the high end being like the i7 we see today (4 cores with hyperthreading).
I am hoping that the lower spec machines get quad cores - but I think we are going to see newer dual cores in there. I do believe, however, that there will be a quad core option for the 21.5" - because it is just silly to demand everyone who wants more processing power to get a 27".
I really hope so... I've told myself I will buy a new iMac once the base models have quads even though I will probably opt for the higher end model
I'm guessing that the next refresh expected next spring we might see Arrandale replace the C2D in the base models. While not a true quad core, it has 2 physical cores along with 2 virtual cores. And C2D will sail off into the sunset.
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=3648&p=1
I'm now debating whether to buy the 21.5 inch now or wait Arrandale. Who knows, Apple might stick a new GPU in there as well.
Im in this same boat. Ive been lurking around here soaking in all the information. the 27" is just too big for me. the 21.5" is perfect, but right now I have a dell quad-core and I cant see myself "downgrading" for the iMac...unless someone can give me a compelling reason!
edit: YAY!! first post!!
I had a quad core dell, but due to a driver conflict I had to re-install my OS. In the process I got totally turned off by dell "tech support" because they were totally inept and I could barely understand a word they said. I sold it for a $1000 and I took the plunge and bought a baseline iMac. So far I've had no problems and I'm quite satisfied. The dell box was way more machine then I needed anyway since I don't game on a PC. I do that on the 360 and PS3. So for my needs, which is surfing, music, and some office work, the baseline iMac is very satisfactory. Again it all depends on what your needs are.
Did you get the baseline 21.5" or 27"?
My 8-year old Dell died 2 weeks ago and I need a pc, so I'll be buying real soon. Will be getting the iMac, likely the high end 21.5" with the ati 4670. I'm just waiting to see if the issues with the lcd panels and sluggishness of the new systems get ironed out before jumping in. If my pc hadn't crapped out, I'd probably wait for Arrandale.
Then again, I do my gaming on my ps3 as well so from a gaming standpoint the imac would just be used for WOW, Counter Strike Source...etc, which the existing high end 21.5 incher with the 4670 should have no problems with. Otherwise, my usage would be the same as yours, so no real reason to wait.
I got the baseline 21.5. It's my first ever mac and I didn't want to go all out for a machine/OS that I'm not too familiar with and with specs (ATI HD dedicated card) for which I have no use for. Also, I think the display issues people are having might be related to the ATI graphics card. Everyone who's mentioned having a problem has the ATI card. At least that's what I think. So I'm glad I went entry level because the reason I went with apple was to avoid those exact kinds of issues. Hopefully they fix the problem. Funny, but I tried to change my order before they shipped to the higher end 21.5, but it had already shipped. Funny how things work out.
Congrats on the new imac. This will be my first mac ever as well. I'm just tired of the windows experience.
As for the display/system issues, thesamurai has posted on other threads and on youtube his experience with the base 21.5". I'm not sure he had any display issues, but he did have the sluggishness problems many are mentioning.
How are you liking the size of the 21.5"? It looks so small sitting next to the 27" monster at the Apple store, but I think when it's standing alone and at normal viewing distance, it's pretty big.
The size is more then enough for me for a PC display. Again I'm not gaming on it. I was actually surprised how big it is. I have 52 inch HD 1080p 120hrz display for the ultimate gaming and viewing experience. If you're planning on gaming then I'd suggest the higher end 21.5 for the better graphics option. You also have to consider how close to the monitor you're planning on sitting. If you're too close then you'll be moving you're neck left and right to follow the action(for gaming). The 27 is a lot of real estate to cover from up close. So far I'm loving my baseline 21.1 inch as an everyday family PC.
Good to hear you find the 21.5" surprisingly large. That was my thought as well when standing right in front of it at the Apple store. Sounds like you're not experiencing any of issues that others are. Thanks for the feedback.