Another "Which iMac" Thread

[pjfla]

Continuing to feed my sickness. About to place an order for a 27" iMac, but not sure what specs I really need (vs (want).

The iMac is essentially replacing my mid 2009 Mini (we also have another mini in the bedroom, 2 MBPs and an MBA). This iMac is going to serve as THE computer of the household (just y wife and I). We will use it for:

-Home iTunes library (shared to the other machines mentioned above) - connected to a few external HDs (WD MyBook = (1) 2 TB Drive, and (2) 1 TB Drives)
-about 5k songs
-250 movies
-3k photos
-iMovie (wife works a lot on iMovie)
-iPhoto
-Heavy Internet Surfing (ethernet connected)
-2 ATVs connected
-All of our contacts, email, and personal info (Bento)

No gaming, no DVD watching, no heavy duty video editing except in iMovie.

So here is where I need recommendations. I definitely want a 27" with 2 TB HD, and a lot of ram (prob 8gb). What processor and should I upgrade the video card?

Last point... not really a question of money, cause I a mok with buying with all options, but do I really need to??

Thks!

 

[thegoldenmackid]

Given your history of buying new machines and the lack of real need for the processor upgrade, I'd get the stock processor, but I would upgrade the video card as it will help to some extent. Ram and hard drive are your choice.

 

[robotkiller]

Continuing to feed my sickness. About to place an order for a 27" iMac, but not sure what specs I really need (vs (want).

The iMac is essentially replacing my mid 2009 Mini (we also have another mini in the bedroom, 2 MBPs and an MBA). This iMac is going to serve as THE computer of the household (just y wife and I). We will use it for:

-Home iTunes library (shared to the other machines mentioned above) - connected to a few external HDs (WD MyBook = (1) 2 TB Drive, and (2) 1 TB Drives)
-about 5k songs
-250 movies
-3k photos
-iMovie (wife works a lot on iMovie)
-iPhoto
-Heavy Internet Surfing (ethernet connected)
-2 ATVs connected
-All of our contacts, email, and personal info (Bento)

No gaming, no DVD watching, no heavy duty video editing except in iMovie.

So here is where I need recommendations. I definitely want a 27" with 2 TB HD, and a lot of ram (prob 8gb). What processor and should I upgrade the video card?

Last point... not really a question of money, cause I a mok with buying with all options, but do I really need to??

Thks!

I think the consensus would be the i5 is sufficient for your needs.

That said, I think you should get the i7

 

[pinksatin]

drobo

It sounds like you should get a base model imac and then spend a little on a drobo...

 

[QuarterSwede]

If I've got the money, my philosophy is always "buy expensive, cry once," so I'd go with the i7. Then again, I buy a computer once in at least 3 years but if you're going to buy a new computer yearly then the i7 doesn't make too much sense.

 

[Shake 'n' Bake]

If you can live with a 21.5'' screen, the best of that variant should be plenty for you. If you've got the extra cash, then go for the 27''.