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I just ordered my iMac and you should too...

F

-FlyAuburn-

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jun 2, 2010
117
0
I just ordered my very first iMac after an exhaustive wait and research period of about 6 months. 27" i7, 8 GB RAM, 2TB HD. I am really excited.

After reading for months about the good and the bad experiences that people have had with the iMac 27", and waiting for any sort of announcement at WWDC, I finally decided my wait was over and I would just have to be ok with the fact that it could be updated in just a few months.

The way I see it, by buying the top of the line specs now it will last longer and fair better when the update does happen. Also, Apple is not likely to redesign the form factor of the computer, and the GPU doesn't bother me because I have a 360, PS3, and Wii; and that is where I do 99.9% of my gaming.

For me a Desktop computer is really about the things that Apple has decided to focus on, i.e. creation of Video/Music/Publishing content and using the internet and everything it has to offer.

Anyway, my situation was probably a bit unique in that I haven't bought a new computer since 1999 (no I'm not kidding), so ANY new computer was going to be a HUGE upgrade. Also, I have an HD camcorder with a 60 GB HD which has been full for 6 months, and multiple memory cards for my Nikon DSLR that are full, and two 60 GB HDs on my old crappy PC that are also full, so I had reached my storage limit. And I had a computer that could barely do anything with said content without potentially catching on fire. To me it just didn't make any sense to possibly wait months for a slight bump in specs for something I desperately need now.

My suggestion is that if you have an old POS computer like I do and are waiting, don't. If your computer is just a couple of years old and you are just making the switch from PC to Mac, then wait if you can. For me, I was done waiting. My iMac should be here by next Tuesday and I'm glad I finally did it.
 
Since you don't sound like you're going to be using it for gaming, sounds like you made a good call. Enjoy it! Man, 120 GB of storage would make me cry. I think World of Warcraft takes up like 60 GB by itself on my computer at this point!
 
Yes, exactly - there aren't any big upgrades that can be applied to the top-end iMac. They might increase the clock speed, but not by a lot. On the low end iMac, an upgrade to an i3 or i5 mobile chip would be a pretty substantial upgrade.
 
About the BIGGEST gpu upgrade Apple could do with the mobility 4850 would up it to an underclocked desktop 5750 or mobility 5870-- which to be completely honest aren't dramatic upgrades. In best case scenario, apple's just providing a slightly more efficient architecture, 15gb/s memory bandwidth and extra memory buffer--dx11 too of course. Mobility 5850 won't even be an upgrade at all.

On the plus side, for not waiting, the guy gets to use his i7 iMac 3-4 months earlier than the possible upgrade.
 
-FlyAuburn- said:
I just ordered my very first iMac after an exhaustive wait and research period of about 6 months. 27" i7, 8 GB RAM, 2TB HD. I am really excited.

After reading for months about the good and the bad experiences that people have had with the iMac 27", and waiting for any sort of announcement at WWDC, I finally decided my wait was over and I would just have to be ok with the fact that it could be updated in just a few months.

The way I see it, by buying the top of the line specs now it will last longer and fair better when the update does happen. Also, Apple is not likely to redesign the form factor of the computer, and the GPU doesn't bother me because I have a 360, PS3, and Wii; and that is where I do 99.9% of my gaming.

For me a Desktop computer is really about the things that Apple has decided to focus on, i.e. creation of Video/Music/Publishing content and using the internet and everything it has to offer.

Anyway, my situation was probably a bit unique in that I haven't bought a new computer since 1999 (no I'm not kidding), so ANY new computer was going to be a HUGE upgrade. Also, I have an HD camcorder with a 60 GB HD which has been full for 6 months, and multiple memory cards for my Nikon DSLR that are full, and two 60 GB HDs on my old crappy PC that are also full, so I had reached my storage limit. And I had a computer that could barely do anything with said content without potentially catching on fire. To me it just didn't make any sense to possibly wait months for a slight bump in specs for something I desperately need now.

My suggestion is that if you have an old POS computer like I do and are waiting, don't. If your computer is just a couple of years old and you are just making the switch from PC to Mac, then wait if you can. For me, I was done waiting. My iMac should be here by next Tuesday and I'm glad I finally did it.
Click to expand...

This is my first ever post on this forum.
Respect to all the regulars here who have provided us with so much knowledge and insight.

I have been patiently waiting over 18 months for my iMac.
My delay in buying one has been because of forums such as this one.
I am really glad I didn't buy one based on the info here.
I was finally about to bite the bullet last year when the 27" iMacs were released. After the reports of Yellowing Screens ETC I have decided to hold off until the next revision. My PC is about 7 years old and was a pretty cheap PC and is in desperate need of replacement. I can still do most of what I want on it though, just that it takes a looong time. I have waited so long now that another few weeks wait won't kill me. I personally think that the 27" iMac is 8 months old now so it would be worth waiting for the latest spec model when it's released, which may be at most 6-8 weeks away and you won't have any regrets about spending so much money on the iMac as you'll have the most up to date spec.

As has been said there's always something better around the corner but if you have already been waiting it wouldn't be wise to go out and purchase an expensive iMac knowing the revision is only a few weeks away

Rav
 
To the TC:

Rock on! I've been thinking about buying a 27" as well, but I'm torn on this upgrade issue. You are braver than me, but I do agree with your logic.

Enjoy it!!!
 
whokilledkaji said:
To the TC:

Rock on! I've been thinking about buying a 27" as well, but I'm torn on this upgrade issue. You are braver than me, but I do agree with your logic.

Enjoy it!!!
Click to expand...

Thanks man. It wasn't all that brave. I just had to really ask myself if I was going to be all that upset by a slight spec bump and decided the answer was no. Now I am just chomping at the bit for this thing to get here and crossing my fingers that I get a "good" display. We shall see.

Seriously though, wait until you guys see the before and after photos. I also had a desk and chair from 1999, and a fliling cabinet from about 1977 (it was my dad's) that I replaced the day I ordered the computer. It was truly a sad sight to behold.

My monitor was a beastly 19" CRT that weighed about 50 lbs. I've already put the new desk (with built in filing cabinet) and chair together, and all of the old stuff went to the local thrift store.

Just waiting on the iMac and I'll take an after photo and post them here. Should be pretty dramatic considering it's like an 11 year time warp. :D
 
I've had my i5 27" since early November, and it's the best computer I've had =) The screen real estate (and quality...no problem on my end, thankfully!) alone makes it worth it.

Most people I hear on here either 1) don't buy a new release because they're worried about problems, or 2) are waiting for a next generation. Which results in a whole lot of people just becoming extremely bitter.

However, as noted on the Buyer's Guide, a potential upgrade could be soon....but then again, people who followed the guide for the Mac Pro are now 200+ days overdue.

i7 quad (8hyper), with 8gb of ram and 2 TB of storage will only go obsolete if you're a hardcore gamer (don't buy a Mac IMO...only if you're casual) or if you need to stay on the bleeding edge of technology because of video/audio/3d...which I take it you're not.

So, all of this being said : Enjoy your new set up :D
 
-FlyAuburn- said:
Jealous?
Click to expand...

What an insightful reply, and no i am not jealous.

When the new imac spec bump is released it will be better than the one you have, maybe not massively better, but it will be better in some respect. So you cannot possibly say that the old one will last you longer in comparison to an imac with better specs.
 
3rd Doctor said:
What an insightful reply, and no i am not jealous.

When the new imac spec bump is released it will be better than the one you have, maybe not massively better, but it will be better in some respect. So you cannot possibly say that the old one will last you longer in comparison to an imac with better specs.
Click to expand...

If I misinterpreted your post then I apologize, but the reason I said that was because it sounded like you were trying to be a smart a$$.

And I didn't say that it would last me longer. Read the post again. I said that going with a high end iMac now meant that when there is an update, i.e. a spec bump, it won't be as significant a comparison as if I had gone with a lower end iMac because there isn't a whole lot they can do to update the high end i7 iMac at this point. I probably could have worded it a little better though, as you obviously misinterpreted.
 
-FlyAuburn- said:
I said that going with a high end iMac now meant that when there is an update, i.e. a spec bump, it won't be as significant a comparison as if I had gone with a lower end iMac....
Click to expand...

So it's like the difference between getting stabbed or shot.:D
 
Lets all go buy 2010 model cars before the 2011 models are released so we can pay full price!
 
300D said:
Lets all go buy 2010 model cars before the 2011 models are released so we can pay full price!
Click to expand...

Yep, I think it'll be a $300 loss minimum since the current top end machine will likely be a $1699 machine or a small upgrade above that when the new machine comes out.

Not to mention, a better video card showing next along with more memory and HD space.
 
Sun Baked said:
Yep, I think it'll be a $300 loss minimum since the current top end machine will likely be a $1699 machine or a small upgrade above that when the new machine comes out.

Not to mention, a better video card showing next along with more memory and HD space.
Click to expand...

I doubt 1699$ version will include video card which is as good as ATI 4850, more likely "Redwood" based chip which is nowhere near as good as ATI 4850 is. i5 750 in low-end is possible but doubtful as then high-end wouldn't have option for better CPU (unless Apple uses 550$ i7 880). People who get low-end 27" gets it mostly just because of the screen thus using cheaper CPU e.g. i3 530 and dropping the price by a hundred or two would be much wiser thing for Apple to do.

More memory, nah. 4x2GB is too expensive as default and all models already have 4GB. Same applies to HDs, all but low-end already have 1TB and 2TB as default would be too expensive and not many need 2TB anyway.

27" i5 for 1699$ from refurb store is absolutely great deal! If I was on market for a new iMac, I wouldn't wait till the update to get a new GPU with barely better performance. Of course surprises may happen but seeing how major the last update was, there is nothing but more or less minor speed bump that can happen. Again, just my opinion but there isn't much better parts available than the parts which are currently used in high-end 27"
 
-FlyAuburn- said:
I just ordered my very first iMac after an exhaustive wait and research period of about 6 months. 27" i7, 8 GB RAM, 2TB HD. I am really excited.

After reading for months about the good and the bad experiences that people have had with the iMac 27", and waiting for any sort of announcement at WWDC, I finally decided my wait was over and I would just have to be ok with the fact that it could be updated in just a few months.

The way I see it, by buying the top of the line specs now it will last longer and fair better when the update does happen. Also, Apple is not likely to redesign the form factor of the computer, and the GPU doesn't bother me because I have a 360, PS3, and Wii; and that is where I do 99.9% of my gaming.

For me a Desktop computer is really about the things that Apple has decided to focus on, i.e. creation of Video/Music/Publishing content and using the internet and everything it has to offer.

Anyway, my situation was probably a bit unique in that I haven't bought a new computer since 1999 (no I'm not kidding), so ANY new computer was going to be a HUGE upgrade. Also, I have an HD camcorder with a 60 GB HD which has been full for 6 months, and multiple memory cards for my Nikon DSLR that are full, and two 60 GB HDs on my old crappy PC that are also full, so I had reached my storage limit. And I had a computer that could barely do anything with said content without potentially catching on fire. To me it just didn't make any sense to possibly wait months for a slight bump in specs for something I desperately need now.

My suggestion is that if you have an old POS computer like I do and are waiting, don't. If your computer is just a couple of years old and you are just making the switch from PC to Mac, then wait if you can. For me, I was done waiting. My iMac should be here by next Tuesday and I'm glad I finally did it.
Click to expand...



Good for you, man! :D
 
I also bought a 27" iMac just a few days ago.

I wondered about the lack of an upgrade path for a little while. But in the end I went with the 1 TB standard 7200 drive. SSD are very nice (I have a 240 GB Vertex 2 in my MBP), but they're too small and too expensive for what I'd be doing on the iMac. I'll need about a 200 GB Windows partition on the iMac, so the OEM drive was the way to go.

As far as other upgrades go, I've noticed that I can usually hang onto a desktop for two years. By that time, the whole architecture will have probably changed, so your "upgrade" path is at a dead end, anyway.

:)

Remember the old, simple days when your "upgrade" path was different kinds of 386's and 486's that would all just plug into the same mainboard?
 
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