iMac 20" or 24"?

[iKitten]

Hey guys - I need advice on whether to buy a 20" or 24" iMac, which I plan to buy right after MWSF07.

I'm in agony over the 24" screen. I know 24 inches would be awesome in every way possible (I watch lots of video, and do a fair amount Photoshopping and Dreamweaver-ing) and well worth the money, however I've read way too many reports on this forum about 24" iMacs humming badly when the brightness is turned down, general unreliability and the screen just being too dang bright to handle.

So, are all 24" iMacs technically defective right out of the box? Can anyone shed any light on this and share your stories on how good/bad your 24" iMac is?

 

[reflex]

I don't know about the quality of the screen, but after seeing one in the store again last Saturday, I can only say it's huge. I think it would be too big for me.

 

[dmw007]

For the most part, I think that the 24" iMacs are great, reliable computers. Keep in mind that people often come here when they have problems/need help- so that is going to skew the numbers a bit.



For your needs, I think that you would be extremely happy with the 24" iMac iKitten.

 

[skunk]

For what it's worth, my 24" iMac is dead quiet. No humming, whining, whistling or anything else. Just 24" of iMaculate goodness.

 

[Nym]

My iMac 24" is also absolute quiet, the screen is great and you get used to the size in about 2 hours, I have it for a month and now I actually think it's a perfectly "normal" size, it's a matter of habit.
As for the brightness, it's veryyy bright, during the day I use it at max brightness, but at night I turn it all the way down, it kinda "burns your eyes", just like before, it's a matter of habit/preference

All I can say is that it never gave me problems, seriously, an excelent machine, don't think twice Hope it helps.

 

[iKitten]

Thanks a lot guys - this helps a lot.

By the way, since I'm on the subject: any chances of updated/speedbumped iMacs at MWSF07? This is why I'm waiting 'till then, but still I'd like to have a new computer for the holidays.

 

[damien341]

Thanks a lot guys - this helps a lot.

...any chances of updated/speedbumped iMacs at MWSF07? ...

i think there is a good chance for a complete new imac-design. the design of the imac is quite old... remember on 31st of august 2004 they introduced the imac G5.
in any case there's a good chance for a black imac.

 

[Kiscokid]

I have a 24" and was a bit worried about the size - but I have to say it is beautiful - I am so glad I went for it.....multi-tasking is fantastic - I often have a number of windows open and it is great to be able to see them all clearly with a simple bit of re-arranging. The brightness and quality of screen is also something to behold. If money is no object then go for it - you won't regret.

 

[bluewire]

Hey guys - I need advice on whether to buy a 20" or 24" iMac, which I plan to buy right after MWSF07.

I'm in agony over the 24" screen. I know 24 inches would be awesome in every way possible (I watch lots of video, and do a fair amount Photoshopping and Dreamweaver-ing) and well worth the money, however I've read way too many reports on this forum about 24" iMacs humming badly when the brightness is turned down, general unreliability and the screen just being too dang bright to handle.

So, are all 24" iMacs technically defective right out of the box? Can anyone shed any light on this and share your stories on how good/bad your 24" iMac is?

I've got a 2' iMac. I do not have any humming on the screen or have any problems with the screen being too bright. I don't do much heavy duty photoshopping...I have no complaints about this beauty so far.

 

[yoak]

I´ve had both the 20 and the 24. I had the first intel 20" and I thought it was a nice machine. It did however make weird noises when sleeping. Like a "ping" sound as if the HD was about to wake up. No problem though.

Then they released the 24" and it was the Mac of my dreams. I sold my 20" quickly and didn´t loose too much money as people couldn´t get their hands on 20" iMacs in Norway at the time (long waiting list)

I use my 24" to watch DVDs and TV (with the Hybrid) and of course computing (editing & photos etc).
My wife plays Sims 2 on it with the highest settings and it works perfectly (I have the 7600 though)

I have no issues what so ever, it´s very quiet. The screen is great, maybe a bit uneven towards the corners. Only noticable if the screen is totaly black.
I recommend the 24" over the 20" without a doubt.
It looks huge at first, but one quickly gets used to the screen size

So if you have the budget for a 24", go for that. You won´t regret it, I certainly didn´t.

 

[henk12321]

Got a perfect 24incher here too. I only have 1! lazy pixel.

I only hear the fan when i insert a dvd or cd.

 

[QCassidy352]

the 24" imac is one of the most drool-worthy macs released in a long time. I really don't think the problems are that prevalent, or that severe. Certainly as far as the screen brightness goes, that won't be a problem if you turn it down (and probably not even if you crank it up, unless your eyes are sensititve). The 24" is definintely what I'd get if I could afford it. stupid being a student!

 

[Xirtic88]

I just bought a 24". The screen is very large. If you have limited desk space or do not have a pull-out keyboard to distance yourself from the screen then you may have issues. The 24" comes with a better Video Card option with the 7600GT.
So far I have been impressed with my MAC product would recommend it to anyone.

 

[cwedl]

I have a 24" iMac, You will get used to the size, the size I had before this was 12 inches. I saw a 20" in the shop and it felt so small, I say the 4 inches will make a difference. because I upgrade my mac every 3 years I go for exactly what I want. there are no substitutions for the best!

20" - if you really can't spend the money for the 24".

24" - Definitely.

p.s. I have had no problems to date with my 24" iMac.