Entry level Imac 27" and hd4670

[ogc]

Do you think the GPU for the entry 27" imac is sufficient for the high resolution of the display? Im trying to figure it out, is the c2d stock version enough for me or should I pay the bonus and go for the i5 with better GPU.

IMO the gpu update option for c2d 27" imac is quite dumb thing to do cause the price gap after gpu update compared to the i5 version is so small. But I have to draw a line somewhere, so I need to know will I encounter lag or unsmoothnes with the high resolution with only the hd4670 on basic use.

with basic use I mean music, browsing, hd-videos, some programming, iphoto etc. Not going to do any video editing. I know that atm I dont _need_ quad core, but maybe in the future that gives my imac a longer lifetime.

So after this messy post, what do you think? Is it worth going for the i5 or just be happy with the entry level stock 27" and save some money ?

 

[Nautilus007]

decision

In my opinion the i5 is overpowered for its time. I really dont see the point of having a quad processor unless your using intensive applications, even then more c2d chips are fine. I did hear somewhere the chips in these machines are mobile chips i went for the 21.5 high end model myself i havnt got to play with it yet.

 

[ogc]

In my opinion the i5 is overpowered for its time. I really dont see the point of having a quad processor unless your using intensive applications, even then more c2d chips are fine. I did hear somewhere the chips in these machines are mobile chips i went for the 21.5 high end model myself i havnt got to play with it yet.

Yup thats pretty much where Im leaning to also, just not sure about the hd 4670 performance that is enough with 21.5" resolution but 27" has so huge resolution and it wonders me...

 

[dwd3885]

Since Apple forced users who want the i5 to get a 27", I think that's the only way I'd go 27". The two great models are the high end 21.5 or the high end 27.

But I think the graphics will be more than enough for you, no need to upgrade. I got the 21.5 high end because I think that by the time I really NEED quad, I'll also need USB 3 or Lightpeak or bluray (which I all think will happen with 2 years), so to me, while it's a great new design and release, the real big internal upgrades will take place next year, so if you get a quad to 'future proof' what good is it if you still don't have usb 3/lightpeak/bluray? Because you know you'll want those.

 

[Leon575]

The Radeon HD 4670 will have no problems displaying 2560x1440 on the screen.

 

[ogc]

Since Apple forced users who want the i5 to get a 27", I think that's the only way I'd go 27". The two great models are the high end 21.5 or the high end 27.

But I think the graphics will be more than enough for you, no need to upgrade. I got the 21.5 high end because I think that by the time I really NEED quad, I'll also need USB 3 or Lightpeak or bluray (which I all think will happen with 2 years), so to me, while it's a great new design and release, the real big internal upgrades will take place next year, so if you get a quad to 'future proof' what good is it if you still don't have usb 3/lightpeak/bluray? Because you know you'll want those.

very good points there. Thanks for your opinion. I think I will end up with the budget 27". The 21,5" is just a little bit too small for me. I was going to buy 24" earlier but wanted to wait for update, so 27" it is for me

 

[dwd3885]

very good points there. Thanks for your opinion. I think I will end up with the budget 27". The 21,5" is just a little bit too small for me. I was going to buy 24" earlier but wanted to wait for update, so 27" it is for me

nice. I was just a little scared to go 27" as our computer is in the living room of our apartment and would be just too big When we get a house with a dedicated computer room, I'll get a 27"

 

[GadgetAddicted]

very good points there. Thanks for your opinion. I think I will end up with the budget 27". The 21,5" is just a little bit too small for me. I was going to buy 24" earlier but wanted to wait for update, so 27" it is for me

I am also leaning towards the budget iMac but I dont know about its resale value a year down the road. I hope it is still good. I do not know whether it is worth upgrading to the core i5 or not. ugh.