a few questions from a complete noob...

[sleepyfloyd]

PC crashed and died a few months ago and I just can't wait any longer for the expected upgrade/price drop, so I'm going to take the plunge. A few questions that I'm sure have been explained to death (though I did search and didn't have too much luck):

-I'm looking to primarily use this computer for home photo and video editing. We have a nice digital slr, and an hdd camcorder. Besides that it will primarily be iTunes and websurfing. Q: is it worthwhile to get the 3.06 with the upgraded video card vs. 2.66? I'd rather pay up front and get the upgrade, especially considering that we'll have this at least 5 years...but the premium is pretty steep ($700!)

-any feedback on ordering from Mac Connection? I have an apple store less than a mile from my house, but the thought of saving $180 and avoiding another couple hundred bucks for taxes (CA), would make it a whole lot easier to go for the 3.06. Normally, I'd rather pay the premium for having a live place right down the street to deal with issues, but i've been in our apple store 3 times in recent weeks, and it's been so crowded each time, that i've never been to get any help from a salesperson anyway (though I admittedly have not made an appointment).

-laslty, stupid question i'm sure, but is the iMac HD? i know there's rumors of Blue-ray...i have 0 interest in watching movies or playing games on my computer, but I would like to have the highest quality video. will my new hdd camcorder look good?

I know I have other questions, but that's all I can think of right now. Appreciate the help!

 

[sushi]

Some quick answers.

You pay a premium for speed. I would suggest that you consider getting the slower version iMac. Then in 3 years, upgrade to the same level iMac and then sell your current iMac.

I've had good luck with MacConnection and shipping to Japan via APO addresses. So they should be okay for you.

Is the iMac HD capable. Yes. But currently doesn't have Bu-Ray.

 

[charlesbronsen]

Yes- it's capable of full HD. If you are going to have it for 5 years you might not need the top of the line today, but in 3 years you might be kicking yourself for not splurging in the first place. Either way Good Luck!

 

[mscriv]

Macs retain their value very well and lots of people do the upgrade thing after a few years by selling their old machines. This way you can stay at a high or premium level without taking the initial high cost hit. For example in the past month I've upgraded from an 2 Ghz Core Duo 20" iMac and a G4 1.2 Ghz iBook to a 2.8 Ghz Core2Duo 24" iMac and a 2.5 Ghz Core2Duo 17" MBPro. I did all of this for less than the price of new 2.93 iMac at refurb prices. Oh and I maxed the ram out in both of my new machines as well. You just have to look around and be patient while you find a good deal on Craigslist, Ebay, or here in our own MR Marketplace. Now if your the type who has to have the newest latest and greatest then this probably won't appeal to you. But, I'm okay with being about a year out or a generation behind while saving a lot of money in the process.

Look at the refurb store and compare those prices to your savings through MacConnection. I think the 2.66 or 2.93 would do the basic video stuff you want without any problem. The top of line video cards seem to be more for gamers or people doing professional video work as a business. Photoshop, Aperture, iMovie, Adobe Premier, and Final Cut Express will all do what you want to do with pictures and HD video very well at the 2.66 or 2.93 level.

Most importantly, have fun with the switch and enjoy your new purchase whatever it ends up being. And welcome to the forums here. You can find a lot of great information and meet some cool people.

 

[zedsdead]

(1) the ATI the card is completely worth it especially if you plan to keep the machine a while.

(2) If you are doing video editing all the speed helps especially when transcoding the video. Go for the 3.06. Buy the ATI card, but if you want 8 gigs of ram get it from someone other than apple, like OWC.