iMac 24" or iMac 21.5"? Please help me choose

[phatlipboardz]

Just picked up the iMac (see signature). These are great prices on the refurbs, and of course I understand the dramatic price drop with the new iMacs having been released.

To me, the 24" screen pops, but I'm not a pro photo or video guy. I can multi-task on the 24" screen with two windows open side by side, which I tried this on the 21.5" and it was obviously just a little shy of being ideal. Granted I don't have that "extra real estate" with two windows open like on the 27", but it doesn't matter to me.

This is a very early review of my experience on this iMac, but I believe it will meet my needs and that's what counts. So, I hope you find the same in the machine you end up purchasing.

 

[mrsir2009]

What are you planning to use the computer for?

 

[macgrant]

24" v 21.5" iMAC

Hi All, am going through the same dilemma as the original poster EliteF50 of this thread. First mac jitters and have very limited computer lingo!

Am wanting to buy an imac for my daughter for both of us to use (no doubt it will be 99% to 1% share ratio), however, I have still a couple of questions before making a decision. My daughter already makes her own clips with friends and is into creating her own music on a mac at school (why didn't we have technology like this when I was at school!)

For example the one's Ive come across are still new with either the 9400 or 9600 GeForce NVIDIA. Having done some reading on this forum in other threads, apparently the major differences are video capapility or image processing speed and that the 9600 uses more energy but is better for gaming. I have a question regarding this, can you select when to use the card so you minimalise energy consumption so the imac doesn't get so hot, is this really a concern anyway?

Also I have a preference for numeric keypad: thanks Badger^2 and according to the article you posted there is only just over a minute difference in overall performance with the 24" 2.93 GHz to the latest 21.5"

So next question is if I bought the 9600 or even the 9400 can either of these be upgraded with better performing chips? (if that even makes sense!)

Lastly do I sacrifice size over speed for virtually the same money and go new or go large with the 24"?

In a nutshell, if your 12 year old daughter was going to use the iMAC which would you go for?

Appreciate any response and thank you if you have even bothered to read all of this!