Ok, well I'm not really that new to macrumors, but I am new to mac computers. The only Apple product I've really owned had been an ipod or two. Anyways I will be getting the 3g iPhone on July 11 and want to accompany it with a new mac in the future. I am really considering an iMac versus the Macbook because I don't need that much portability even though it would be nice. I have a 5 year old Dell and usually just do the basics such as internet, mail, type papers for school, iTunes, and encode dvd's for me new iPhone. My question is: what type of processor do I need? I know 2gb of RAM is almost a must but I am not sure about the processor. Thanks!
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Getting My First Mac.... But Need Some Help!
- Thread starter ipodtouchy333
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I think any of the current processors in the new iMac's are more than sufficient. I think I would go for the 2.66 20 inch personally just because I don't have the need for a 24 inch screen and you get a gb more of ram and a bigger hard drive for the price difference. The 2.66 will be a bit more future-ready as well and will last you a bit longer 
hope that helped!
hope that helped!For your needs, just "internet, mail, type papers for school and iTunes" anything Apple makes will do fine. A Mini would be good enough. I have an older G4 Mini. Even that works well enough to run a web browser and Microsoft Word 2004 both at once and plenty fast. All of the new Apple computers are much better then the old G4 Mini. I also have a 24" white 2.16Ghz iMac. That is way more then you'd need.
The inexpensive route would be a Mac Mini using your existing monitor, keyboard and mouse. It would have plenty of power to do what you want and then some.
If you are set on an iMac and cost is still an issue you could opt for ANY Apple store refurb iMac.
If cost really does not matter, pick any new iMac. They all have way more power then you would need for the tasks you mentioned.
Sounds like your still in high school? In that case if you plan to goto college or university, it's nice to think ahead and maybe you should pickup a MacBook.
Good luck!
Good luck!
I just made the switch from hand me down PCs to my first Mac which is brand new. I bought the Mini Superdrive and got the 2GB Ram. I do the same things as you with a good deal of video editing and converting. This thing is a great little workhorse and it takes up very little space on the desk. Can't beat the price either about 400 less than the 20" iMac with the 2GB ram.
true, mac mini does provide you with enough power for what looks like, your needs.
good luck with the search
has a product for everyone.
good luck with the search
has a product for everyone.