Classic Question: i7 or i5?

[yankintx]

You'll be fine with the i5. Depends how long you want to future-proof your computer. i7 may add a couple years to its lifespan.

I guess a point to consider is whether most people use the same computer until it no longer works for them, or do they upgrade because they are tired of the same ole same ole after a couple years.

I would bet that most who buy a new computer do so because of the new features offerred on the new computer, and bnot because the computer they currently own no longer suite their needs.

Just my opinion, and I already know it's worthless!

 

[scottdot]

Save yourself the headache and get a refurb i7. Costs less than a new i5 and still has the full manufacturer's warranty *plus* all the performance boosts and everything other people have so nicely linked in previous posts. There's no difference between my refurb and a new i7 coming out of the apple store today, other than the fact it can be called a refurb. And like I said, it still comes with the same exact warranty you'll find with a brand new comp and you're still able to buy the apple care package also.
I've personally had mine for 3 months and has worked like a charm; I absolutely recommend you look into this route.

Dumb question here, what is the packaging like on Apple's refurbished models? Do they come in generic boxes, or the regular packaging?

 

[Hellhammer]

Dumb question here, what is the packaging like on Apple's refurbished models? Do they come in generic boxes, or the regular packaging?

Usually refurbs come in a brown cardboard box instead of the shiny white retail box (though the retail boxes have the brown shipping box on top of them). I have heard few cases where a refurb came in a retail box but those are rather rare

 

[yankintx]

Usually refurbs come in a brown cardboard box instead of the shiny white retail box (though the retail boxes have the brown shipping box on top of them). I have heard few cases where a refurb came in a retail box but those are rather rare

I guess some people think about reselling the iMac in the future and aRe concerned with the packaging. That does not matter to me. I purchased 2 iMac refurbs for my sons for Christmas and both came in a plain White box which was made for shipping. No pretty pictures on the box, but I saved them both.
Bottom line is that they are perfect, and carry the same warranty as new, and I saved a bundle buying refurbs.
I am having a refurb i5 delivered tomorrow for myself! Got 3 free printers with the 3 iMacs, and saved about a grand buying refurbs. As I get toward the 12 month period, I will most likely purchase apple care for each machine. I have always used pc's in the past, and had no problems replacing DVD drives or video cards when they go bad, but I wouldn't want to try to oPen up the IMac to replace parts. I know for certain that over the next 3 years that something will break on 1 out of the 3 iMacs in my home, and the cost of repair will most likely exceed the price of the 3 apple care warranty programs I will purchase.

 

[Hellhammer]

I guess some people think about reselling the iMac in the future and aRe concerned with the packaging. That does not matter to me. I purchased 2 iMac refurbs for my sons for Christmas and both came in a plain White box which was made for shipping. No pretty pictures on the box, but I saved them both.
Bottom line is that they are perfect, and carry the same warranty as new, and I saved a bundle buying refurbs.
I am having a refurb i5 delivered tomorrow for myself! Got 3 free printers with the 3 iMacs, and saved about a grand buying refurbs. As I get toward the 12 month period, I will most likely purchase apple care for each machine. I have always used pc's in the past, and had no problems replacing DVD drives or video cards when they go bad, but I wouldn't want to try to oPen up the IMac to replace parts. I know for certain that over the next 3 years that something will break on 1 out of the 3 iMacs in my home, and the cost of repair will most likely exceed the price of the 3 apple care warranty programs I will purchase.

If you want to save some $, get the AppleCares from Amazon instead. You save over 80$ with current pricing when bought from Amazon instead of Apple.

 

[dantra]

I'm a firm believer of, "Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it". The difference of the two systems are a few hundred dollars. If it won't break you and you can comfortably afford the i7, i suggest you purchase it.
It's just a way of future proofing yourself at the moment. I intend to purchase a SSD and upgrade the ram to 16 GB soon but for right now my system just flies. I have the 2.93GHz i7, 8 GB memory, 1TB HD and I have zero complaints and issues.

Here is a recent benchmark of my iMac: