iMac 20" Options

[besler3035]

I'm looking into purchasing a 20" iMac, and need to decide a few things before I buy it. First off, is it better to self-install RAM? I'm looking at installing up to 1 GB extra (so total 1 GB or 1.5 GB). How much different is installing RAM on a Mac than it is on a PC?

Secondly, I get a rebate with a purchase of a printer. I'm looking into either a Canon or Epson. Which is better? We'd be using it to print documents and photos mostly. Any specific recommendations are welcomed as well.

Finally, is AppleCare worth it, especially if the main users for the computer are people that have never used Macs before?

Thanks!

 

[Josh396]

AppleCare is a good precaution but you have up until a year to buy it so you can wait and decide later if you want.

As for the RAM, I would install it myself. I've never done it on an iMac but I hear it's pretty easy and you can save some money buy doing it yourself.

I'm not sure about either printers. I've had Epsons in the past and I always liked them but I can't comment on the Canon. I just got an HP 1610 when I bought my iMac with a Rebate for $30.

 

[Dreadnought]

I would go with the Epson, they are better and clearer with printing, it's the different technique they use. Canon lays a dot of inkt on the paper, Epson inserts it into the paper, give much better results. Also with photo's, Epson is better/clearer.

 

[~Shard~]

NEVER buy RAM directly from Apple, they charge a premium for it. Just buy third party RAM from a reputable dealer who a) has a lifetime guarantee and b) specfically guarantees Mac-compatibility. I recommend DMS, Crucial or CanadaRAM.

As for printers, I personally prefer Epson printers, as I have used both Epson and Canon previously, but I am by no means an expert on the subject.

 

[Danksi]

Memory upgrade is very easy on the new iMac.

Applecare would be useful, particularly as the latest iMac's are non-User Servicable (other than the small memory access panel at the base of the monitor) - although I guess once it's over the initial warranty period you're free to crack that baby open.

 

[Macky-Mac]

NEVER buy RAM directly from Apple, they charge a premium for it. Just buy third party RAM from a reputable dealer who a) has a lifetime guarantee and b) specfically guarantees Mac-compatibility. I recommend DMS, Crucial or CanadaRAM. ...

never say "NEVER" I guess.....having just checked prices today, here's an example to consider;

right now Apple will upgrade a Mini to 1GB for $100.....if you want to upgrade it yourself you could buy a 1GB from crucial for $150, pry the case open, remove the 512MB chip, install your new RAM yourself, reassemble the case and hope to sell the 512 chip for more than $50 in which case you would match Apple's price.............for a lot of people buying it from Apple would be a whole lot simpler and a lot more convenient.....even when there is a price difference

Shop around and compare prices before you decide......sometimes the routine recommendations don't hold true even though Apple's RAM prices usually are higher

 

[Josh396]

right now Apple will upgrade a Mini to 1GB for $100.....if you want to upgrade it yourself you could buy a 1GB from crucial for $150, pry the case open, remove the 512MB chip, install your new RAM yourself, reassemble the case and hope to sell the 512 chip for more than $50 in which case you would match Apple's price.............for a lot of people buying it from Apple would be a whole lot simpler and a lot more convenient.....even when there is a price difference

Or you could just buy a 1 GB stick for roughly the same price and have 1.5 GB instead.

 

[Danksi]

Or you could just buy a 1 GB stick for roughly the same price and have 1.5 GB instead.

One slot for the Mini.

 

[Uma888]

Get RAM from Crucial, I got mine and installed it in less that 3 mins of recieving the package.

And yes, You will notice the difference straight away (Boot times, (Considerably) Less BeachBall ect)

 

[rdowns]

Neither printer is anything to write home about. Check the price for ink cartridges and choose the one with cheaper refills.

DO NOT buy RAM from Apple, as others have said.

I bought AppleCare for my 20" iMac (only time I've ever purchased it, have owned 6 or 7 Macs). You can pick it up for about $139, not from Apple though. I bought mine on Amazon from Small Dog.

 

[~Shard~]

One slot for the Mini.

Thanks, beat me to it...

 

[Macky-Mac]

....Finally, is AppleCare worth it, especially if the main users for the computer are people that have never used Macs before?

Thanks!

one thing to remember about applecare is that you can buy it anytime during the first year you own the computer, so you don't have to spend the money right away

most discussions about applecare focus on hardware repairs but people who haven't used Macs before may find that the extra telephone support is of value....and newbie questions are certainly allowed. 90 days of free telphone support comes standard with your computer but some people are going to need beginner level help for longer than that

 

[besler3035]

one thing to remember about applecare is that you can buy it anytime during the first year you own the computer, so you don't have to spend the money right away

most discussions about applecare focus on hardware repairs but people who haven't used Macs before may find that the extra telephone support is of value....and newbie questions are certainly allowed. 90 days of free telphone support comes standard with your computer but some people are going to need beginner level help for longer than that

Well, my dad's pretty efficient with computers and has used my iBook before, but not a whole lot. He'll definitely need some training, but should pick it up quickly. So should my sister. My mom, on the other hand, is a totally different story...

 

[Bibulous]

I added 512mb to a rev b iMac G5 and it could not have been easier. I would check out the usual memory sites before buying. If you can hook up a stereo, adding RAM to a mac is easy

 

[puckhead193]

I would go with the Epson, they are better and clearer with printing, it's the different technique they use. Canon lays a dot of inkt on the paper, Epson inserts it into the paper, give much better results. Also with photo's, Epson is better/clearer.

which do u think is better HP or epson... i want new photo printer, pref in all in one.....

 

[CanadaRAM]

never say "NEVER" I guess.....having just checked prices today, here's an example to consider;
right now Apple will upgrade a Mini to 1GB for $100.....if you want to upgrade it yourself you could buy a 1GB from crucial for $150, pry the case open, remove the 512MB chip, install your new RAM yourself, reassemble the case and hope to sell the 512 chip for more than $50 in which case you would match Apple's price.............for a lot of people buying it from Apple would be a whole lot simpler and a lot more convenient.....even when there is a price difference
Shop around and compare prices before you decide......sometimes the routine recommendations don't hold true even though Apple's RAM prices usually are higher

The Crucial 1 Gb for the Mini isn't the lowest price at $131.81, I haven't done an extensive search of the Mac-compatible vendors but Data Memory Systems has the 1 Gb for $96, so you're $4 plus taxes on $100 (apple charges your local sales tax) plus a 512 Mb module ahead for your trouble.

The new iMac G5 is duck soup to put RAM in - there's a hatch on the lower edge of the machine, two screws to open it, and the socket is... right there. Go with the 1 Gb module, as there is only one socket in the new iMac, if you decide to upgrade later then you would have to dispose of the 512 you installed. Nobody is predicting that future OS's and applications will use less RAM...

Thanks
Trevor
CanadaRAM.com

 

[Bibulous]

note, duck soup = easy

 

[CanadaRAM]

note, duck soup = easy

Sorry, I ment to say "It's a doddle to put RAM in an iMac G5"

 

[SharksFan22]

Just picked up a 20" iMac a week ago from an Apple retail store. While it probably wasn't the cheapest RAM in the world, I did buy a 512MB stick for $100 and spent all of five minutes installing it myself. Other than that, setting up the PC was the usual very simple Mac experience -- it copied everything from my PowerBook in about an hour and it's worked perfectly ever since.

Dang, sometimes this Macintosh stuff is just too easy.

 

[Macky-Mac]

The Crucial 1 Gb for the Mini isn't the lowest price at $131.81, I haven't done an extensive search of the Mac-compatible vendors but Data Memory Systems has the 1 Gb for $96, so you're $4 plus taxes on $100 (apple charges your local sales tax) plus a 512 Mb module ahead for your trouble.....

well, yes....somebody mentioned Crucial before me so I used them.....and yes you end up with a 512MB module......and of course then you have to find a use for it, spend time selling it perhaps, or just toss it a drawer, so I'm not sure it's much of an advantage for most people.....and yes, one can spend lots of time looking for the cheapest ram module......and people who like doing that should do it

part of my point is that the convenience of a pre-installed part which is covered by apple's warranty has plenty of value to lots of people

it's sort of like changing the oil in your car. Some people are HORRIFIED that anybody would ever pay somebody else to change it.....and others are totally thrilled that they can pay somebody to take care of it for them, even if it costs a little more in the end

the same is true with ram...........and the fact is that apple's ram prices have been a whole lot more competative recently

 

[CanadaRAM]

part of my point is that the convenience of a pre-installed part which is covered by apple's warranty has plenty of value to lots of people

Preinstalled, yes I agree with you on the Mini for some customers.
1 year Apple warranty vs. lifetime third party however...

 

[EricNau]

You just have to get AppleCare, it could save you a lot of time and money. Your taking a chance by buying it, but your taking an even bigger chance by not buying it... besides, it is very cheap as extended warranties go.

GET APPLECARE!

I would also just save my time and brain cells and just get the RAM BTO by Apple, it's just easier, and then it will be covered by AppleCare (which you must buy)

BTW: Most RAM makers have hidden catches in their "lifetime warranty," just stick with Apple. And you won't have to deal with the hassle of sending it in, waiting a month then getting the wrong model back, etc.

 

[CmdrLaForge]

I'm looking into purchasing a 20" iMac, and need to decide a few things before I buy it. First off, is it better to self-install RAM? I'm looking at installing up to 1 GB extra (so total 1 GB or 1.5 GB). How much different is installing RAM on a Mac than it is on a PC?

Secondly, I get a rebate with a purchase of a printer. I'm looking into either a Canon or Epson. Which is better? We'd be using it to print documents and photos mostly. Any specific recommendations are welcomed as well.

Finally, is AppleCare worth it, especially if the main users for the computer are people that have never used Macs before?

Thanks!

First: installing the RAM on the iMac is pretty easy. It is described in the manual.

Second: I have no idea. I got the cheapest printer and that was an HP. Its still in the box

Third: I think AppleCare for the iMac is worth it.

 

[budugu]

I'm looking into purchasing a 20" iMac, and need to decide a few things before I buy it. First off, is it better to self-install RAM? I'm looking at installing up to 1 GB extra (so total 1 GB or 1.5 GB). How much different is installing RAM on a Mac than it is on a PC?

Secondly, I get a rebate with a purchase of a printer. I'm looking into either a Canon or Epson. Which is better? We'd be using it to print documents and photos mostly. Any specific recommendations are welcomed as well.

Finally, is AppleCare worth it, especially if the main users for the computer are people that have never used Macs before?

Thanks!

It might not be that hard. Just check RAM for compatibility.

I say HP. i have yet to find a better quality Laser/Inkjet printers. Most of their (even the cheapest printer never feels cheap). Main thing is to decide if you want a multifunction, photo or just good plain inkjet / laserjet

Apple Care is worth the peace of mind, esp for something like imacs. You have time and you can sort it out later.

 

[Macky-Mac]

Preinstalled, yes I agree with you on the Mini for some customers.
1 year Apple warranty vs. lifetime third party however...

just out of curiosity, do many RAM sticks actually get sent back on warranty later than a year?