I'm Back... Help!

[gamerz]

Sorry for making another post, but I am back in shambles's after reading some of the recent threads. Here is my problem. I have a limited amount of money, lets just say enough to buy the higher end 20inch. Here is why:

1. I don't want to get one then find out it has all of these problems like people are saying they are having, only to return it.

2. It is expensive (for me with little income)

Now, I also don't want to buy a refurbished one because:

1. They will become outdated faster.

2. Apparently, refurbished ones might still have defects.



Now... Like I said, I have only enough money to buy the high 20 inch. I could buy a refurbished one, and buy a whole bunch of other shee-bang, which I was quite happy to do until I heard that they might still have defects. I am also quite liking the idea of getting the high end 20 inch model, but my parents who are funding taxes and peripherals dont.

The only things that I really want it to do, is word process, play WoW, and Age of Empires 3 great, and work properly.

So... Any ideas what the **** I should do?

 

[imac/cheese]

For those needs, I think a low end 20" iMac will do.

 

[jimsoff]

If it's all you can afford than it's all you can afford. Simple as that. I'd always go with best thing I could afford when getting a computer. Especially an imac that isn't upgradeable like a mac pro.

So yes, go for the high end 20".

 

[IBitePrettyHard]

I really wouldn't worry about the defects issue. Apple has had the best reliability of any computer manufacturer according to Consumer Reports for several years in a row. They also have the highest customer satisfaction of any computer company as well. (I was reading a Consumer Reports buyer's guide while in line at Walmart the other day, lol)

I can personally vouch for their reliability. I've owned iMacs since 1999, and the only problem I had was when the hard drive on my 2001 iMac went bad. Apple uses the same brands of hard drives as all the PC companies do, so it's not a big deal.

 

[gamerz]

First of all, thank you for helping me, I was expecting everybody to say, "get a dell".

Few quick questions and things:

1. Can the low end imac with the 2400Xt run WoW well, for example in high intensity battlegrounds, etc?

2. Can you get an education discount on the refurbished imacs?

3. I will be ordering this online, not buying from a store, so I really dont want to have to send it back to apple, then having to wait another long time.

 

[IBitePrettyHard]

First of all, thank you for helping me, I was expecting everybody to say, "get a dell".

I'm not sure whether to laugh or be insulted.

 

[IBitePrettyHard]

For reference, I get really good performance in WOW on my 24". Most of the graphics settings are maxed out, including full terrain distance, and 1,920x1,200 resolution. Only "Enable All Shaders Effects" and "Vertical Sync" is unchecked.

With those settings I average around 30 fps in Shattrath and Stormwind during busy times with a lot of players on screen.

Outdoors I typically get between 35-50 fps, but it peaks at 60-70 fps.

Indoors (in 5-mans) my framerate might dip to 48 fps...but it usually hovers between 80 and 108 fps.

 

[gamerz]

For reference, I get really good performance in WOW on my 24". Most of the graphics settings are maxed out, including full terrain distance, and 1,920x1,200 resolution. Only "Enable All Shaders Effects" and "Vertical Sync" is unchecked.

With those settings I average around 30 fps in Shattrath and Stormwind during busy times with a lot of players on screen.

Outdoors I typically get between 35-50 fps, but it peaks at 60-70 fps.

Indoors (in 5-mans) my framerate might dip to 48 fps...but it usually hovers between 80 and 108 fps.

Whats are the specs of your system?

 

[BennyK]

Very few people are having problems. People dont usually say anything if it works as good or better than their expectations, however if there is an issue, people want everyone to know. It is just human nature. There are great odds that you wont have anything at all wrong with it.

 

[kixsand]

I concur with the above poster. Apple is the best in the business at building reliable computers but you wouldn't ever guess that by taking a look a the thread listings here.

One look at the iMac threads and you quickly notice at least half a dozen good intentioned iMac owners lamenting their iMac issues and wondering how things have gone so far downhill at Apple. We all know that it simply is not true.

There was a survey that came out just recently about customer satisfaction and Apple was once again #1. Sure, they slipped a bit but when you think of the increases that they have seen in their business I think it is natural for them to slide a bit until their quality control and customer service are able to catch up to the volume.

Buy it and relax. It's highly unlikely that you will have a problem. And if you do have a problem they will fix it.

Cheers,

darren

 

[gamerz]

Alright, thanks everyone, I am just a little cautious because this is my first mac...

Also, is pages alright for doing basic word processing (homework)?

And I think I am almost set.

 

[FatSweatyBlldog]

Refurbs ok now

Aside from a few random comments here (and who knows their true validity), everything I've heard about Apple refurbished products is good. You get a discount, yet you get the same warranty (same ability to upgrade with apple care). If the refurb process is as described, the machines are thoroughly inspected etc., and for all intents and purposes "as new."

Now, if you want an ALU 20'' iMac 2.4GH from the refurb store, it will probably be a couple months, but you'll save 10-20%, or something.

Good luck!

 

[BennyK]

Alright, thanks everyone, I am just a little cautious because this is my first mac...

Also, is pages alright for doing basic word processing (homework)?

And I think I am almost set.

Pages is great for word processing. I like it better than MS Office.

The only bad think that I can tell you as I would be cautious too if it was my first mac, because you know what they say....Once you go Mac you never go Back.

 

[gamerz]

Pages is great for word processing. I like it better than MS Office.

Thanks.

The only bad think that I can tell you as I would be cautious too if it was my first mac, because you know what they say....Once you go Mac you never go Back.

Who says thats a bad thing

 

[gamerz]

I just also realized that I qualify for the "buy a mac and get a free ipod" promo. Can anyone explain in details how to do this? I looked at apple.ca and it says that:

"1. buy a mac (I understand this)

2.Add a qualifying ipod (Do the new ipod nanos count?)

3.Submit your rebate, after you receive your mac and ipod, download, print, and mail the rebate form within 30 days.

Thats where I get lost. What form do you download after you ordering online?

Thanks for the help so far.

 

[gamerz]

I will be ordering within the next few days so I really need help now regarding the free ipods and printers. Thank you all for the help so far.