i(ntel)Mac Questions

[galstaph]

Hi everyone,
My mother wants me to buy her a computer, she is totally up for a mac(didn't even have to convince her).
My thoughts are to get her a new intel iMac.
she wants it to last her about 5 years (or more who knows), and she wants it to be able to run word processing, internet, etc. so nothing too demanding software wise.
My question is: Is the new iMac solid enough (in your first impressions) to fullfill these roles into the future (meaning staying current).
I know I could just save 300$ by getting her a mini but I'm leaning toward the iMac (plus it has front row, isight, larger hd, etc. and i could play with it for a while before giving it to her, you know to "set it up" ).
What are your thoughts? Also what is the average display life of an iMac?
Thanks for your insight
Dan
edit: thinking 17" model

 

[BakedBeans]

Its as stable as anything I've ever used, thats no problem. Some things still dont work and some apps still dont work.

Im not 100% sure if now would be the best time for a switcher to try an intel - in 6 months when nearly everything is native then yes. for once im advising a G5.

Its slower - it will last a shorter period of time but it is good to go for right now. If she is into computers and knows all about them then the intel will be no problem because she can download the new versions of apps etc but im guessing (like most parents) she wont be.

 

[MRU]

17" sounds perfect for her needs. Get extra memory though. It will see you through the next 5 years more than anything else.

 

[galstaph]

yeah i was thinking it'd need more memory. I did play with a 17 at the local store, i didn't even realize the machine wasintel until i checked . But I use a g4 so it would be quicker to me either way. I just think I'll have trouble finding a stick of ram locally. 512 or 1gb, probably want to add a gig i'd wager, but do you think adding 512 (placing it to 1gb total) would be sufficient for most everything?

 

[cnakeitaro]

i have no doubt in my mind the new iMacs work perfectly, plus the ship date on the apple website went from 1-2 days to within 24 hours

 

[AJ Muni]

If shes only going to use it for email, word processing, and the ilife suite...ITS A NO BRAINER....my sister just bought the new intel imac 17", and its working flawlessly...my niece which is 6 even knows how to use it already, thats how great macs are...as for waiting for things to work natively...i doubt your mom will be using final cut pro, or photoshop

P.S. my freind about 4 years ago was in the same shoes your in, and got his mom one of those imacs that look like a lamp (in my mind, still GREAT LOOKING)...and its still working perfect. Yes its low in Ghz, and ram, but mom wont need those kinda things...

 

[MRU]

yeah i was thinking it'd need more memory. I did play with a 17 at the local store, i didn't even realize the machine wasintel until i checked . But I use a g4 so it would be quicker to me either way. I just think I'll have trouble finding a stick of ram locally. 512 or 1gb, probably want to add a gig i'd wager, but do you think adding 512 (placing it to 1gb total) would be sufficient for most everything?

Yeah, you can always swap the memory out in a couple of years time - maxing it out to 2gb for a further boost making her then 2 year old mac seem brand new again

 

[galstaph]

Thanks for the replys,
anyone know about the display life though? are these displays long-lasting? I ask because it is an all-in-one (well I guess my laptop is as well but I never thought too much about display life for it).

 

[TBi]

Thanks for the replys,
anyone know about the display life though? are these displays long-lasting? I ask because it is an all-in-one (well I guess my laptop is as well but I never thought too much about display life for it).

A good LCD display will last over 10 years or so or standard use. I don't think your mother would be a heavy user so it will probably last longer.

I'd recommend getting a Intel 17" iMac with 1GB Ram. You get the mouse/ keyboard/camera/built in mic in the iMac. Plus it's an all in one computer so it will take up less space. It's also a damn sight more powerful than the mini. I wouldn't get a G5 personally because Intel is the way of the future and everything she'd want to use will run.