Imac Advice Please

[Boca]

Hi, want to convert my 10 yr. old son to mac. He has PC now and plays Wizards 101. What desk top would you suggest we get? Screen size, etc.

I have a macbook and love it but he wants a bigger set up.

Thanks all.

 

[Hellhammer]

27" might be too big and expensive for 10 year-old so I would recommend the 21.5". The high-end 21.5" might be better investment when considering the future as it has better GPU

 

[R94N]

External monitor?

If the MacBook runs the game OK, then maybe you should get an external monitor rather than a whole new iMac. That way you'd get the space and keep the power, but if the game is running slow on the MacBook then consider an iMac.

 

[Boca]

Thanks, games are not the primary reason at all. Want him to get the experience and learn about macs and what they have to offer.

It will be a "family" set up but he will be the primary "learner" and user. He wants to attend the Apple store school to learn.

Thanks.

 

[R94N]

Oh, sorry. Ignore that then

 

[3lionsbecks]

I would think that the 27in i3 iMac would be perfect. If you don't want to buy the 27" or if it is too big then the 21.5" i3 iMac will be great as well.

When he is around 15 or 16 you can upgrade to a newer computer with a larger CPU/GPU if he needs it for better gaming and more current video/picture/music editing software applications.

You should also take a look at the refurbished iMacs at the on-line apple store. You can get some sweet deals on there right now as Apple look to move their older stock. BUT if you buy a new iMac now you could also get yourself (or your son/family) a new iPod Touch for free and a $100 credit towards a new printer.

 

[Boca]

Thanks 3 Lions...great info. Will check this out. Just came back from the local Apple Store....WOW !! Still buzzing from the excitement of it all (i know I need to get a life )

Mall overall had light traffic AStore was packed and most were walking out with purchases.

 

[Spike88]

Hi Boca.

If wondering, I'm in the same boat as you. re: I too want to expose my kids to enjoy both Windows 7 and new IMac platforms and when they get older, they can decide what their next better "technology" platform will be (without bias). So far, I got my eyes set on a new 21.5" iMac i3 model. If wondering, we already have a Windows 7 - HP 17.3" AMD Laptop (for portability as well).

For iMac screen sizing selection.... As a suggestion, look at the detailed measurements of the 21.5" and 27" screen size. Look at more then just their diangle 21.5 / 27" screen image measurements. Take total "physical" screen size and using a large chunk of paper (or garbage card board - like i did), "cut out" that specific outer larger size. Place that size on your main office desk and ask your family members to site infront of it. If 27" feels to big, then its too big. For my family, the 21.5" is the most optiminal size - for our limited desk space. And, for their initial eye comfort - since they already use a 19" LCD today.

If wondering, I hear the 21.5" with larger size i3 CPU is the best bang for the purchase dollar. The optional i5 CHIP for $200+ for home computer isn't worth it.

re: For screen specs, surf: http://www.apple.com/ca/imac/specs.html

Good luck...

.

 

[sheareb]

lol, this threads great... full of blokes trying to justify to their missus why they need a mac... lol..

get a mini for the kids otherwide fess up to 'er indoors and buy a 27 i7

letas face it... when ur 10 year old is older tech will have change anyways

 

[Spike88]

lol, this threads great... full of blokes trying to justify to their missus why they need a mac... lol..

get a mini for the kids otherwide fess up to 'er indoors and buy a 27 i7

letas face it... when ur 10 year old is older tech will have change anyways

If wondering, I initially looked at the mini.
+ keyboard
+ mouse
+ monitor (not as good resolution)
+ smaller Hard Disk Space
+ web cam
+ SD reader
+ different company parts that "could fail".

When I added it all up, the All-in-One iMac box is better....

For my family, I never size for "today's usage". I size for usage in 3 years. Thus, machine can easily last 4 to 6 (average 5) years. To me, the mini doesn't cut it. Long post short... I did look at the mini - as short term product.

 

[sheareb]

If wondering, I initially looked at the mini.
+ keyboard
+ mouse
+ monitor (not as good resolution)
+ smaller Hard Disk Space
+ web cam
+ SD reader
+ different company parts that "could fail".

When I added it all up, the All-in-One iMac box is better....

For my family, I never size for "today's usage". I size for usage in 3 years. Thus, machine can easily last 4 to 6 (average 5) years. To me, the mini doesn't cut it. Long post short... I did look at the mini - as short term product.

of course.. I was just joking.
I have a mac mini which is just about to go on ebay to help pay for an imac... i know where your coming from although I would say the mini is an excellent machine if your running 2-3 mid apps at a time.

I've been quite pleased with it and it has shown me the good and not so good side of osx as an intro to macs. I need the extra screen and power for web development etc

 

[Dwhite78]

I would say the mini is an excellent machine if your running 2-3 mid apps at a time.

Or a media server. I've got a late 2009 version hooked to my 42inch LCD We love it.