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Hm... Computer for parents?

S

SMarioApple

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 26, 2007
4
0
Hey, well I was wondering if I should get my parents an iMac or should I wait on something "new?"

My mom uses the computer for accounting but uses very few programs that would have to be installed and my dad only uses the computer to browse the internet. Though, is the iMac about to get an update or no? I have just got to get rid of their Sony Vaio which they've had since 2001 and continues to freeze.

Thanks. :apple:
 
If they had the current computer for over six years, it might be worth for them to wait for another couple of weeks until the Macworld and buy an iMac regardless of whether they are updated.
 
There's always an update around the corner, but the iMac is fairly recent, so it might be a while yet. Basically, if they need it now, buy it now - it's a great little machine and we're not going to see much other than minor speed bumps for some time yet...
 
the new iMacs won't likely be significantly updated for another 6 months or so.

for their purposes, I would suggest trying to find one of the last models though, the white ones, in a 20 inch or 17 inch with a gig or RAM. should be pretty cheap and plenty fast.
 
if they are happy with their current monitor, keyboard etc then a mac mini with an external drive for time machine may be worth looking into.

i'd wait for macworld since its not that far away.
 
If that's all they use it for, you could find a nice, cheap iMac G5 on eBay. It would serve them wonderfully.
 
I say the iMac is a much cleaner solution than a Mac Mini and the price difference after you factor in a display, keyboard, and mouse is minimal. Look so much better too, unless you got all Apple stuff, to go with it.

The iMac came out in mid-August, so an update at MacWorld is not something I'm expecting. I suspect it will be sometime in the Spring, but you never know with Apple. Even when it comes, it will be a minimal update. The August update was a redesign physically and everything.

The base system would suit them beautifully as would a refurbished model at apple.com/store under the refurb section.
 
powerbook911 said:
I say the iMac is a much cleaner solution than a Mac Mini and the price difference after you factor in a display, keyboard, and mouse is minimal. Look so much better too, unless you got all Apple stuff, to go with it.
Click to expand...

But if there are no problems with their current display and keyboard/mouse the Mac Mini is a good deal.
 
Not to discourage you, but I've heard that quicken for mac is way inferior to quicken for pc. This is one thing (probably the only thing) some mac owners complain about with the systems. You thus have to find out whether your mom uses quicken and if so either get parallels or vmware or just get a pc *gasp.* However, as I have never used quicken in my life you should take this advice with that in mind.
 
The refurb 17" white iMac was 800, but that is sold out right now. The old 20 isn't much less than a new one, but it costs 50 bucks more than the refurb cheaper aluminum 20". I would say drop quicken and use iWork.
 
Brianstorm91 said:
Get them a Mac Mini.
Click to expand...

the specs of a mini should be sufficient for your parents but still the mini is kind of expensive when u compare it to the imac...
if your parents don't have a super monitor they want to keep using I'd rather suggest to go with the imac.
 
iMac...i seriously doubt there will be an update at Macworld...but it is always safer to wait until after Apple holds their big events.
 
Get them an imac. All in one just makes sense unless they just dropped big dollars for a new display for their old Vaio.

But the best part of getting them any Mac with Leopard is the great parental care program called "screen sharing". I couldn't wait for Leopard to arrive to use it, and I can now show them anything they need without actually being there. No more "describe to me what you see", what are the options, etc - just take it over and show them remotely. yes, there were other similar solutions before, but none so foolproof and easy as screen sharing.
 
rallycars said:
The refurb 17" white iMac was 800, but that is sold out right now. The old 20 isn't much less than a new one, but it costs 50 bucks more than the refurb cheaper aluminum 20". I would say drop quicken and use iWork.
Click to expand...

I'm going with this solution. My parents purchased a refurb 17" iMac for Christmas, and it's been great. More than powerful enough for my needs, so your parents would be extremely pleased with it. I added another 2GB RAM for a total of 3, and it flies! Plus the best part, it is only $850. They also have a lower end 17" with shared graphics and combo drive for $700, but it sells out very often.
 
Mac Mini= wires
iMac= no wires

(ok... not close to as many wires- power, keyboard-opt, mouse-opt, cat-5 opt)
 
Cassie said:
The mini works great for me on only 512 MB of RAM, and I probably do more then your parents, so the mini with it's standard 1 GB would be more then enough.
Click to expand...

Cassie, when you get a little spare cash, drop in another 512 and it will really smooth out the mini. Awesome little machines!
 
powerbook911 said:
I say the iMac is a much cleaner solution than a Mac Mini and the price difference after you factor in a display, keyboard, and mouse is minimal.
Click to expand...

Yeah, but if they aren't really concerned about looks, they can visit the local Craigslist or the dump and find a nice, dependable monitor. All of my 5 CRT's are dump finds, and they work great. That said, there was a 15" LCD on Craigslist for $25 this morning, so peripherals aren't too wildly expensive. Just ask the neighbors or something.
 
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