nateco said:
But iw as almost thinking...is the imac gonna get a makeover soon....like from g4 to g5.......I'm looking at the start of a cycle for my usage, just as mac is ending one....or so it seems.
i've been watching and considering purchasing an imac for over a year now.(i currently have 5 computers, one of which is an imac from last fall, with the built in isight)
there are 2 changes that i can see happening that would affect my decision making process:
1) High Definition screens. I have no idea if/when this will ever happen.
I have upgraded my television and video camera to HD since february and to me, buying a non HD imac would be like not getting the intel processor.( i might be in for a long wait)
2) Integration into the home entertainment system. I've only used front row a handful of times, but so far I like it. For those who haven't used it, you could essentially replace your TV with an iMac and use frontrow to navigate and play your library of music and tv shows(a la apple store purchases) as if you had your own digital media server.
Apple could extend their reach even further in this area in a way akin to a page 2 rumor.
As a side note, as is strongly rumored, screen size could be growing. In this case it could mean that there are 3 sizes of imacs available for purchase. Or, the 17" iMac could go the way of the 17" apple monitor and be discontinued, presumably selling the 20" for the same price as the 17"...3 free inches.
With the rumors of the 23" iMac, this could perhaps coincide with the HD scenario as apple has been selling a 23" HD monitor for quite some time.
in my opinion, and i've worked on both 17" and 20" imacs, 17" is very sufficient even for prosumers. Power and extreme users, of course, want more more more. But if you are just getting started, 5 years down the road you won't regret 17".
But as I've said before, a) buy immediately after a model update and b) get yourself ready to buy a computer in 3 years or less from the date of your next purchase.
by following recommendations 'a' and 'b' you will be less likely to 'overcommit' to your pending purchase and you will be more likely to be less burdened by the agony of upgraded technology. spend light now, spend light again in 2.5 years.
but if you don't have an apple computer as of right now, get an imac. it's the complete package and you are good to go 15 minutes after the machine arrives.