Considering the iMac 27" top model, but need help with the drives...

[ojaysimsanson]

I'm an engineering student. I really want my OS to run off a SSD, and all my most used applications. Therefore I will have a faster machine, no trouble there. What is a trouble though, is Apple's stubborn way of purchasing a SSD for your iMac. You can only do this through them without voiding your warranty, and with all the problems out there, the last thing I want to do is void my warranty.

Would an external SSD do the job?
I found this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/642721-REG/G_Technology_GDM4_128_128GB_G_DRIVE_mini_SSD.html

Could you give me any reviews or thoughts on this set up.
Of course, if I got this external SSD. I would run my OS off this, and keep 1 TB hard drive for not as important files, designs, and drawings.

 

[snsr]

I'd be skeptical about buying no-name brand SSD. Also, your iMac would be faster just using the internal 1TB 7200rpm drive as opposed to an external drive - Firewire interface is a bottleneck.

If you only want one drive in your iMac, and are trying to maximize performance, I'd go with Apple's 265GB SSD, and put a 1tb or 2tb 7200rpm drive in an external Firewire 800 enclosure.

I
Could you give me any reviews or thoughts on this set up.
Of course, if I got this external SSD. I would run my OS off this, and keep 1 TB hard drive for not as important files, designs, and drawings.

 

[leman]

I'm an engineering student. I really want my OS to run off a SSD, and all my most used applications. Therefore I will have a faster machine, no trouble there. What is a trouble though, is Apple's stubborn way of purchasing a SSD for your iMac. You can only do this through them without voiding your warranty, and with all the problems out there, the last thing I want to do is void my warranty.

Would an external SSD do the job?
I found this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/642721-REG/G_Technology_GDM4_128_128GB_G_DRIVE_mini_SSD.html

Could you give me any reviews or thoughts on this set up.
Of course, if I got this external SSD. I would run my OS off this, and keep 1 TB hard drive for not as important files, designs, and drawings.

This is totally useless! Not only will the slow interface kill any speed benefits of the ssd (leaving you with ridiculously expensive external drive), but also you get a twice as large built-in ssd for the same price at the apple store.

 

[talmy]

It's more cost effective to load up on RAM, use sleep rather than shutting off the computer (no time spent booting), and leave the apps running (no launch times). Skip the SSDs until they are cost effective.

 

[ojaysimsanson]

I'd be skeptical about buying no-name brand SSD. Also, your iMac would be faster just using the internal 1TB 7200rpm drive as opposed to an external drive - Firewire interface is a bottleneck.

If you only want one drive in your iMac, and are trying to maximize performance, I'd go with Apple's 265GB SSD, and put a 1tb or 2tb 7200rpm drive in an external Firewire 800 enclosure.

Thanks for the help. I think I'll suck it up and ditch the cash...
3600 for a computer..... after buying the iPhone 4 yesterday.. Apple better not disappoint.

 

[TheBritishBloke]

People keep saying apples SSDs suck compared to others. And for the price they do. Apple are thieving gits.

 

[macpro2000]

People keep saying apples SSDs suck compared to others. And for the price they do. Apple are thieving gits.

They are still ridiculously fast vs HDDs.

 

[Dwhite78]

They are still ridiculously fast vs HDDs.

+1

Indeed.

 

[jetjaguar]

im looking into picking up a 2.93 i7 imac and i really want a SSD in it but for ssd and the 2tb its 800 more which would put me with my edu discount around 3k shipped .. just a ton of money for an imac .. i might just get a 2tb and no ssd ..

 

[glxyjones]

im looking into picking up a 2.93 i7 imac and i really want a SSD in it but for ssd and the 2tb its 800 more which would put me with my edu discount around 3k shipped .. just a ton of money for an imac .. i might just get a 2tb and no ssd ..

I went with the 2TB + SSD, I couldn't help myself

I know it's really expensive but how often can you upgrade a computer to the point where it's signficantly different? The last "upgrade" I can remember which had such an impact was DSL/Cable vs dial up.