"Configure Your iMac" Help please

[ZzKingz]

My laptop is breaking, and I'm thinking about a new computer.
I know enough to say that I want an iMac to fit my needs, but the configuration is where I need help.

Usage
Games: I pretty much use my computer for low action games like Civilization IV, or at most The Sims 3.
Work: I expect to be using my computer for school projects occasionally. (iWork and Office)
Media: I'm not a big movie person, but music will be a frequent activity.
Other: I might use this computer for photoshop and logic studio.
Other: Hacking and modding

Size
27" or 20"? what are your thoughts?
I like the size and space on a 27", but I hate how everything's so far apart (dock WAYY at the bottom, close button WAYY at the top)

Processor
The minimum speed is 3.06 GHZ, which is faster than any computer in my house. My question is, should I settle for this already good processor or add $200 and get a better one? Will there be a *noticable* difference?

Memory
My laptop has 2GB of ram and works fine as far as daily activities go. What's the difference between 2GB and 8GB? how's 4GB?

Hard Drive
I have 100 GB on my mbp, and I constantly have to delete files. I'm not sure if 500 GB will comfortably fit everything, but 2 TB is out of the question. 500GB or 1TB?

Video Card
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M, ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics with 256MB, ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics with 512MB? What does this mean? I just play the Sims and occasionally watch a movie, what's necessary? What's the difference between NVIDIA and ATI?

Price
I'm trying to keep it under $2000.

Thanks for any help!

 

[miles01110]

Usage
Games: I pretty much use my computer for low action games like Civilization IV, or at most The Sims 3.
Work: I expect to be using my computer for school projects occasionally. (iWork and Office)
Media: I'm not a big movie person, but music will be a frequent activity.
Other: I might use this computer for photoshop and logic studio.
Other: Hacking and modding

1, 2, 3 can be done on any iMac (and any Mac for that matter).
#4 you could think about getting a faster processor, but if it's just occasional usage you might not bother.
#5 isn't really Apple's thing.

Size
27" or 20"? what are your thoughts?
I like the size and space on a 27", but I hate how everything's so far apart (dock WAYY at the bottom, close button WAYY at the top)

Use keyboard shortcuts to close windows This is up to you.

Processor
The minimum speed is 3.06 GHZ, which is faster than any computer in my house. My question is, should I settle for this already good processor or add $200 and get a better one? Will there be a *noticable* difference?

Depends on how much time you spend in Logic, really.

Memory
My laptop has 2GB of ram and works fine as far as daily activities go. What's the difference between 2GB and 8GB? how's 4GB?

You will definitely notice 2 -> 8 GB, and will also notice 2 -> 4 GB. 4 is a good starting point, imo.

Hard Drive
I have 100 GB on my mbp, and I constantly have to delete files. I'm not sure if 500 GB will comfortably fit everything, but 2 TB is out of the question. 500GB or 1TB?

500. Don't put much stock in hard drives of any kind.

 

[Hellhammer]

http://store.apple.com/us/product/G0GF0LL/A?cid=AOS-US-AFF-FEED

The 27" is absolutely enormous and you really have to pay the extra to get the faster CPU as it's almost as twice as fast. 4GB is sufficient and you can add more later on