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Definately buying an iMac, just cant choose which one!

E

Entourage12

macrumors member
Original poster
Feb 21, 2008
70
0
Hello all,

I'm looking for some advice since I will be buying a refurbed iMac to compliment a Macbook for my first semester starting in September.

I'm all about value for money so I decided to look at the refurb, whichever one I decide on I will definately be upgrading to 4GB of RAM. I like the idea of the 24" screen but will give it up it came down to it. The computer will be used mainly for a giant media center (and probably the "TV" in my room) and I currently have about 2TB of external storage so I dont need to juice up the HD on the computer much. I will also use it for some basic gaming (right now just World of Warcraft probably nothing else much more than that).

There are 4 basic models on the refurb page that pop up from time to time (Canadian prices):

20" 2.66 for $1399
24" 2.4 for $1349
24" 2.8 for $1649
24" 3.06 for $1999

Each of them obviously have their pro's and con's.. the 20" top end will be faster than the 24" low end.. and cheaper than the 2.8 24".. I just cant find the one with the right balance for me. I almost decided on the 2.8 but then seeing that you can get the awesome graphics card for just another $300 just makes me get buyers remorse before even buying anything..

Anyway what do you guys think? What would be best for someone in my situation?

Thanks
 
Forget the 20". I have one, and although it's really nice, the 24" is just way better. And for the same price? Done.

Everyone on the forums says the 24" LCD is MUCH better than the LCD on the 20".
 
I know nothing on gaming so I can't help you there. I agree that the 20" should be out. go for the 24" screen. In another thread it was noted that the 2.4 24" dropped another $50 to $1299. A great deal. I would say for most uses there's no need to spend the extra $300 for the 2.8 machine and you should be happy with the 2.4. I'm sure a little google fu will bring up discussions of WoW on that machine.

Good luck and enjoy!
 
Indeed. Bigger display is way more important than couple more Mhz.
Besides the size, the 24" panel is more quality one compared to the 20".
 
So its almost certain I'll get the last revision 2.4 24" iMac. My budget is the 1649 one but it was deemed not worth the upgrade. So now the question is what to do with the extra $300? I have a ps3 and iPhone. Any suggestions?
 
Entourage12 said:
So its almost certain I'll get the last revision 2.4 24" iMac. My budget is the 1649 one but it was deemed not worth the upgrade. So now the question is what to do with the extra $300? I have a ps3 and iPhone. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

Apple TV, although wait until the iPod Keynote that is sure to be coming first to see if it gets updated.
 
Entourage12 said:
Hello all,

I'm looking for some advice since I will be buying a refurbed iMac to compliment a Macbook for my first semester starting in September.

I'm all about value for money so I decided to look at the refurb, whichever one I decide on I will definately be upgrading to 4GB of RAM. I like the idea of the 24" screen but will give it up it came down to it. The

Thanks
Click to expand...

you don't plan on upgrading your RAM through Apple though right?!

either get the refurb 24" 3.06 or a new 24" 2.8 and upgrade to the nvidia graphics card
 
It's out of your budget but you should really consider waiting for a 3.06 with an 8800 to pop up if you're gonna be gaming for long periods of time and want it to look good.

That said, I've never seen that configuration come up on the UK Refurb Store, dunno how it is in America/Canada.
 
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