Going to buy a 24" iMac, first time iMac buyer - need help!

[erasr]

Hi,

These are basic questions really. But at least I can settle my mind on these forums and get some newbie help

I want a 24" iMac, I have the cash but won't be going for the top model, just the next one down. So I think that's the 2.8ghz or 2.6 can't remember without looking.

• Anyway, does it come with a wireless adaptor built in? So basically I want to take it out the box and have it detect my wireless router straight away, will that happen!?

• Secondly, which is better overall, wireless keyboard and mouse or wired? My bro said the wireless arent as good, but I never asked why, however he works for a computer mag and seems to know his stuff, can anyone tell me??

• Lastly, is the wireless keyboard a lot bigger?

Thanks.

 

[bbbensen]

Yes, it comes with a wireless card.

It depends on what you want. The wireless is actually smaller, and doesnt have the numerical pad. Its like a keyboard on a laptop. The wired has the number pad.

Have fun with your new iMac.

 

[iSpoody 1243]

Hi,

These are basic questions really. But at least I can settle my mind on these forums and get some newbie help

I want a 24" iMac, I have the cash but won't be going for the top model, just the next one down. So I think that's the 2.8ghz or 2.6 can't remember without looking.

• Anyway, does it come with a wireless adaptor built in? So basically I want to take it out the box and have it detect my wireless router straight away, will that happen!?

• Secondly, which is better overall, wireless keyboard and mouse or wired? My bro said the wireless arent as good, but I never asked why, however he works for a computer mag and seems to know his stuff, can anyone tell me??

• Lastly, is the wireless keyboard a lot bigger?

Thanks.

yes its the 2.8 model

yes it has bluetooth 2.1 and 802.11n wifi built in

they are the same build quality, i just prefer the wireless mouse and keyboard cause they are wireless, no cables on my table

its not bigger, they cut off the number pad on the side to make it more compact, apart from that it is a bit taller cause the batteries go in the top

 

[atthecross]

I have the 24" iMac and I go wired keyboard and wireless mighty mouse. I did not like the short cabled mighty mouse that came with the aluminum iMacs

 

[gehrbox]

Hi,

These are basic questions really. But at least I can settle my mind on these forums and get some newbie help

I want a 24" iMac, I have the cash but won't be going for the top model, just the next one down. So I think that's the 2.8ghz or 2.6 can't remember without looking.

• Anyway, does it come with a wireless adaptor built in? So basically I want to take it out the box and have it detect my wireless router straight away, will that happen!?

• Secondly, which is better overall, wireless keyboard and mouse or wired? My bro said the wireless arent as good, but I never asked why, however he works for a computer mag and seems to know his stuff, can anyone tell me??

• Lastly, is the wireless keyboard a lot bigger?

As others have said all recent iMac's have built in WIFI and Bluetooth.

The keyboard and mice are the same quality whether wired or bluetooth. I own both and use the wireless. First set of batteries in the mouse lasted a month with the mouse turned on 24/7. The keyboard batteries are still showing 58% remaining over the same time period and usage.

The keys are the same size on both keyboards except for the arrow keys. They are half height on the wireless. Unless you have a need for the numeric keypad, F13-F19 function keys, home, end, page up and page down keys I would opt for the wireless keyboard. I find it handy to be unwired for my use.

 

[FlintAlt2]

Isn't the wireless mouse more accurate as it has Laser sensor instead of Optical one which the cabled one has ?

 

[gehrbox]

Isn't the wireless mouse more accurate as it has Laser sensor instead of Optical one which the cabled one has ?

I've never been able to tell any difference. Might depend on the surface you use it on though.

 

[teflon]

I would suggest to go with the wireless keyboard unless you use the number pad often, but don't get the wireless mouse. There are many mice out there that are far better than the mighty mouse. I would just toss the one that the iMac comes with or store it somewhere just in case your other mouse breaks, and get a new one from logitech. Their wireless laser mice are much better than Apple's.

 

[gehrbox]

I would suggest to go with the wireless keyboard unless you use the number pad often, but don't get the wireless mouse. There are many mice out there that are far better than the mighty mouse. I would just toss the one that the iMac comes with or store it somewhere just in case your other mouse breaks, and get a new one from logitech. Their wireless laser mice are much better than Apple's.

The Mighty Mouse has 2 issues - The ball gets dirt in it which causes it to not scroll sometimes and the right click is undependable do to the touch sensing nature of a no button mouse.

The ball problem has not been a big deal. If it sticks I turn it over and roll it on a clean towel.

The right click issue is a problem. I work around it by getting my flesh away from the left side of the mouse when I need to right click. It's worth it to me because I love using the ball.